Number 10

Video: State Superintendent Mo Green Recognizes School Board Members for School Board Appreciation Month

As School Board Appreciation Month comes to a close, State Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green expresses his gratitude to all school board members and the North Carolina School Board Association for their commitment to uplifting NC Public Schools across our state. The time, attention and dedication you pour into your roles does not go unnoticed.

Watch the video here.

Number 9

Quarterly PIO Call February 12

Public Information Officers and Charter School Communications Leaders are invited to join the quarterly PIO call on Wednesday, February 12.

Please reach out to communications@dpi.nc.gov if you did not receive the meeting information and Zoom link that were shared this week. 

Number 8

NC Healthful Living Hub

Check out the NC Healthful Living Hub, a repository where educators, families and community members can explore resources that will assist with planning, instruction and professional learning opportunities for the new 2024 K-12 Healthful Living Standards.

Click here to get started.

Number 7

21st Community Learning Centers Cohort 18 Grant Competition

NCDPI's Office of Federal Programs announces the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 18 Grant Competition. This opportunity provides federal funding to establish or expand community learning centers. These centers operate during out-of-school hours and offer three key services:

1. Provide opportunities during non-school hours for academic enrichment, including providing tutorial services to help students (particularly students in high poverty areas and those who attend low-performing schools) meet state and local student performance standards in core academic subjects such as reading and math.
2. Offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities, that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students.
3. Offer families of students served by 21st CCLCs opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education, including opportunities for literacy and related educational development.

For additional information, interested applicants can view the RFP, Webinars, PowerPoints and a FAQ document on the NCDPI 21st CCLC website.

Number 6

Two High School Students Announced as NC Delegates for 2025 US Senate Youth Program

We’re excited to announce the two North Carolina high school students who have been selected as delegates for the 2025 United States Senate Youth Program! Congratulations to Fatou Bintou Lo, Mount Tabor High (Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools) and Sriya Vangala, Weddington High (Union County Public Schools).

Lo and Vangala will both receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.

Learn more about our 2025 United States Senate Youth delegates, and alternate delegates here.

Number 5

NCVPS Spring 2025 Registration is Still Open!

There’s still time to register for Spring 2025 courses with North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS)! With over 130 options—including Advanced Placement, CTE, world languages, arts, health and physical education, middle school, OCS, core courses and more—students can find the perfect courses to match their academic goals and needs. The program also provides access to classes that may not be available locally, making it easier for every student to succeed.

Key Dates:

• Open Enrollment: Early Start and Standard Start classes are open for enrollment through February 3, 2025.
• Options After February 3: We’ve got you covered even after the open enrollment window closes!

After Open Enrollment Options:

• Transfers: Schools can transfer individual students or entire classes after open enrollment ends. To begin the transfer process, simply open a ticket with our Virtual Support Center.
• Emergency Requests: We know the recent hurricane disrupted operations for many schools. If your school has unique circumstances, contact our Virtual Support Center—we’re here to help.
• Co-Teaching: Schools can continue adding students to existing co-teaching OCS and intervention courses throughout the semester. However, please note that new sections cannot be opened at this time.

NCVPS is committed to breaking down barriers and offering flexible, high-quality learning opportunities to help students achieve their goals and prepare for the future. Have questions? Reach out anytime for more information!

Number 4

National School Counseling Week is February 3-7

Join us as we celebrate National School Counseling Week and the work of school counselors in NC February 3-7, 2025. The theme is "School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive."

See below for daily focus to highlight the work of school counselors:

• Monday, Feb. 3: School Counselors Help Students Thrive by...
• Tuesday, Feb. 4: I Know Students are Thriving When...
• Wednesday, Feb. 5: I Thrive as a School Counselor When...
• Thursday, Feb. 6: I'm a School Counselor Because...
• Friday, Feb. 7: Every Student Needs a School Counselor Who...

Number 3

Public School Matters Podcast: A Conversation With
New State Superintendent Mo Green

Last week, North Carolina Association of School Administrator (NCASA) spoke with the new State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Maurice "Mo" Green. He talks about his first month in office and his vision and goals for K-12 education in North Carolina.

Listen to the podcast here. 

Number 2

NC Students Score at or Above Average on National Assessment, but Pandemic Gaps Persist

"Data released today by the U.S. Department of Education shows that North Carolina students are ahead of the nation in eighth grade math and tracking with their peers in other tested subjects.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, is administered to fourth and eighth graders every two years in the subjects of reading and math. Known as the Nation’s Report Card, NAEP provides a common measure of student achievement across the nation using a representative sample of schools and students.

The 2024 data shows that there has been no significant change in North Carolina students’ scale scores in any area since 2022 and three of the four tested areas remain below pre-pandemic levels."

Read the full press release here.

Number 1

Green Names Chief Academic Officer

"North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice 'Mo' Green announced the final hire to his executive leadership team today. Dr. Stacey Wilson-Norman will serve as the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) Chief Academic Officer.

'Stacey Wilson-Norman has a well-earned reputation for her leadership of instructional practices in North Carolina’s public schools,' Green said. 'Her work has contributed to higher graduation rates, fewer low-performing schools and increased access to mental health services in the districts she’s served. I’m confident she will continue to make a significant impact as we work together to improve outcomes for all students across the state.'”

Read the full press release here.