Number 10

Mo Wants to Know - Superintendent Green's Listening and Learning Tour

State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green’s “Mo Wants to Know” tour is coming to all eight regions of North Carolina this March and April.

The superintendent is hosting listening and learning sessions with community stakeholders statewide, including the eight public events. All parents, students, educators, school and district staff, public officials and other community members are invited to attend.

Find additional details on the Mo Wants to Know sessions or submit your input online here.

Number 9

Digital Learning Initiative (DLI) Impact Grant Request for Proposals

The Digital Learning Initiative (DLI) Impact Grant offers an inclusive, supportive and sustainable opportunity for Public School Units (PSUs) to prioritize North Carolina Digital Learning Competencies and Digital Learning Standards for Students. This grant cycle supports a range of innovative and impactful practices, including:

• Blended Learning
• Innovative Digital Teaching and Learning Practices
• Coaching
• Data-Informed Instructional Practices
• Emerging Technologies
• Personalized Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Library Renovation, Programming, Collection Development and Community Support for areas affected by Hurricane Helene

To support applicants throughout the process, office hours will be offered through April 11. There will also be a webinar March 11 that will offer an overview of the Digital Learning Initiative Emerging Technologies Grant. Learn more here.

Grant submissions will close on April 11. For additional information or questions, contact Lindsey Sipe, Digital Teaching and Learning Consultant.

Learn more here.

Number 8

Governor's Page Program Accepting Applications

North Carolina high school students interested in learning about public and community service are encouraged to apply for the week-long Governor’s Page Program.

Established in 1973, the program works to inspire a new generation of leaders by giving students the opportunity to come to Raleigh for hands-on participation in their state government.

Learn more about the program and find the application here.

Number 7

The Daily Tar Heel: "'Great Starting Point': North Carolina Sees Increase in Dual Enrollment"

"On Feb. 21, the Career and College Promise program reported an increase in North Carolina high school students taking dual enrollment courses compared to the previous school year.

The report stated that in the 2023-24 school year, 85,982 high school students enrolled in at least one college level program, ranging from general education credits to career certifications. There were 78,811 public school students enrolled in at least one CCP course, which marks a 9 percent increase from the 2022-23 school year.

86 percent of students taking CCP classes completed their credit-level courses with a C or better, according to the report."

Read the full story here. 

Number 6

21st Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 18 Grant

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 (CCLC) 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 5

EdNC: "Why the Relationships Between Superintendents and Community College Presidents Matter"

"When MC Belk Pilon and her team at the John M. Belk Endowment began visiting the 58 community colleges, she said she realized that in the communities that were the most innovative, there was a common denominator.

In those communities, the relationships between the superintendents and community college presidents were the tightest, leading to the strongest initiatives and collective leadership.

Last week, superintendents and presidents of community colleges met for their fifth annual convening, and it focused on strengthening those relationships.

David Heatherly, the president of the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents, said leaders continue to focus on creating opportunities for our students even given all of the challenges they are facing.

Don Phipps, the president of the NC School Superintendents’ Association, outlined those opportunities, noting strong partnerships between K-12 and community colleges strengthens Career and College Promise (CCP), apprenticeships, and seamless pathways for students through college readiness, academic support, and strategic planning."

Read the full story here. 

Number 4

Office of Digital Teaching and Learning's AI in Education Webinar Series

This webinar series is designed to help guide the responsible implementation of AI and AI literacy into North Carolina's public schools. All NC educators and education leaders are welcome to attend.

This month's webinars are: 

• March 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Amazing AI Updates: January 2025 to Now
• March 19, 3:30-4:30 p.m., AI for All: Enhancing Lessons with UDL Principles

All webinars will be recorded and posted on NCDPI's website for on-demand viewing. Those who participate live will receive a certificate of attendance from NCDPI. While NCDPI won't be able to award certificates for on-demand viewing, you may request credit through your PSU.

Find more details on the webinar series and additional AI resources here.

Number 3

Office of Federal Program’s 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) 2025 Annual Program Foundation’s Conference Call for Presenters

NCDPI’s 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) division is seeking dynamic and engaging presenters for the fourth annual Program Foundation’s Conference, July 29-31, at the Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock. This year’s theme is “Rising Above: Guiding Students Toward Success.”

Conference coordinators are interested session proposals that focus on program management and compliance, and academic and enrichment programming. 

The deadline to submit a proposal is March 28. Learn more and submit a proposal here. 

Number 2

Center for Safer Schools (CFSS) Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) Trainings

The Center for Safer Schools (CFSS) will be hosting Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) virtual trainings, in-person trainings and BTAM office hours from March-June. 

Find the full calendar of events and registration links here. 

Questions about BTAM training and office hours: Contact Dr. Stephanie Ellis, Assistant Director-Behavioral Health, sellis@ncsbi.gov.

Questions about registration: Contact Charles Kinnin, Legislative and Communication Specialist, ckinnin@ncsbi.gov.

Number 1

Superintendent Green's Statement on the Introduction of HB 192

"I'm encouraged by the introduction of House Bill 192 in the North Carolina General Assembly, which represents a major step toward fulfilling our commitment to transformative investments in NC's educators. This bipartisan bill would not only raise teacher salaries significantly but also reinstate education-based salary supplements that recognize advanced degrees and professional growth. 

When we invest in our teachers, we invest in our 1.5 million students. The proposed $1.6 billion commitment demonstrates that our legislators understand what we've known all along - educator compensation must match the importance of their work. I'm particularly pleased to see the bill includes supplements for school psychologists, speech pathologists, audiologists, school nurses and counselors - all vital members of our education team. 

This proposal aligns perfectly with my commitment to uplift public education by revering the professionals who serve our students every day. I look forward to working alongside legislators to advance this important priority and call on all champions of NC public education to do the same."