Number 10

EdNC Perspective Piece from Durham Charter Student: "Finding My Fit: The School that Didn’t Let Me Stay Small"

"As a senior getting ready to graduate from Durham Charter, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I got here. Not just the classes I took or the activities I joined, but the environment that shaped me. Looking back, I realize something I didn’t fully understand when I was younger: the school you’re in can change everything. It can shape your confidence, your opportunities, and even what you believe is possible for yourself.

I know that because I used to be the kind of student who stayed quiet.

Even when I didn’t understand something, I wouldn’t raise my hand. I would just sit there and think, I’ll figure it out later. Sometimes I didn’t think I was 'that smart,' especially when I started being placed in honors classes.

What I didn’t realize at the time is that it’s not just about how capable you are, it’s whether you’re in an environment that brings that out of you.

I found that kind of environment in a school I’ve been part of since first grade — one that didn’t let me stay small. Being in a public charter school, I was challenged more, supported more, and given opportunities that helped me grow."

Read the full piece from Katori Reaves, a graduating senior at Durham Charter, here Katori Reaves, a graduating senior at Durham Charter, here. 

Number 9

2026-27 NC Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) AI Fellows Applications Due Tomorrow, May 15

Middle and High School are invited to apply for the 2026-27 cohort of NCBCE AI Fellows! Twenty outstanding middle and high school educators will be selected to serve as AI leaders and mentors in their school communities.

Selected Fellows will receive AI-related virtual and in-person trainings throughout the academic year, ongoing leadership support, a technology mini-grant and be among a strong community of like-minded educators.

Applicants may teach in any subject area. Learn more and apply here. The application closes Friday, May 15.

Number 8

Next NC Scholarship Resources: Toolkit, User Guide and Eligibility Tool

The Next NC Scholarship is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education. Students attending a community college will receive at least $3,000 per year, and those attending a public university in North Carolina will get a minimum of $5,000 per year.

College for North Carolina (CFNC) has prepared the following resources for the Next NC Scholarship: 

• Next NC Scholarship Toolkit - Includes all the resources and materials you need to share about the Next NC Scholarship with your network — around campus or in your community, on social media, during info sessions and more!
• Next NC Scholarship User Guide - Looking for tips on how to best use the toolkit resources? This guide is filled with suggested Next NC Scholarship language and best practices that will help you make the most of the toolkit!
• Next NC Scholarship Eligibility Tool - The Next NC Scholarship combines the Federal Pell Grant with state aid into one easy to understand award. Use this tool to check eligibility for your students.

Access the above resources and learn more about the Next NC Scholarship here. 

Number 7

English Language Development (ELD) Recognition Award Nominations Due Sunday, May 17

The NCDPI ML/Title III Team invites districts and charter schools to nominate an outstanding ESL/ELD teacher for the 2025-2026 English Language Development (ELD) Recognition Award (ERA). Now in its third year, the ERA honors NC public school ESL/ELD teachers who have demonstrated excellence in their practice.

Each district or charter school uses an internal selection process to identify one nominee and complete a portfolio packet, which must be submitted via the nomination form on or before May 17, 2026. Portfolio Guidelines and a Rubric are available to guide the process.

The ERA winner will be announced by Chief Academic Officer Dr. Stacey Wilson-Norman at the NCDPI Growing Success for MLs Summer Conference in Johnston County, June 23-25, 2026.

Learn more about the ELD Recognition Award and access key nomination materials here.

Number 6

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations Podcast featuring NCDPI's Rachel Wright-Junio: Reimagining Rural Education through Golden LEAF Schools

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton explores how North Carolina rural middle schools participating in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative are rethinking education to better prepare students for high school, careers, and the workforce of the future.

In this episode:

• Rachel Wright-Junio, Director of the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, explains how the initiative is helping schools implement innovative teaching models, strengthen leadership, and create career-connected learning environments that support long-term student success.
• Dusty Martin, Principal of Northern Middle School in Person County, shares how the Transformative Schools cohort is reshaping school culture, improving instructional practices, and helping educators build stronger systems that support both students and the broader community.
• Heather Herron, Instructional Technology Facilitator at Swain Middle School in Swain County, offers insight into how proficiency scales and competency-based learning are helping students better understand their progress, build confidence, and take ownership of their education.

Learn more and find links to listen to the podcast on your preferred platform here.

Number 5

Registration Open for NCBOLD 2026

NCDPI's Digital Learning and School Connectivity Team is excited to announce an all-day digital teaching and learning conference this summer in six of the educational regions throughout our state - NCBOLD. The focus will be NCSIS, AI in Education, NCED Connect Products (NCEES, Schoolnet, Canvas, EBSCO/Britannica), EdTech Tools and more! 

The intended audience includes: SIS personnel, principals, CO staff, instructional coaches, teachers and SLMCs. Attendees can earn up to 0.7 CEUs for each day’s attendance. A complimentary lunch and light morning snack will be provided each day.

West Week (July 21–23): Marion | Concord | Winston-Salem
East Week (July 28–30): Newport | Rocky Mount | Fayetteville

Learn more and register here. 

Number 4

SUN Bucks for Summer 2026

SUN Bucks is back this summer! Most eligible students will be automatically enrolled and notified by email, text or phone starting in late spring, while some families may need to apply. Be sure to check your email (including spam/junk folders) and keep your contact information up to date.

Benefits begin at the start of summer break and new SUN Bucks cards will be mailed to the address on file.

Learn more about SUN Bucks and if your child qualifies here. 

Number 3

District Highlight: Polk County Schools - Polk County High Senior Earns Nation’s Highest Youth Honor

"Lucas Johnson didn’t set out to make history. He just wanted to make the most of his time.

But after two years of volunteering, personal growth, athletic achievement and cultural exploration, the Polk County High School senior has earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal – the United States Congress’ highest honor for young Americans – becoming the first student in Polk County history to do so.

'I think that’s definitely near the top of the list,' Johnson said of the accomplishment. 'I would say that’s probably my greatest achievement, because it took about as much effort and time as my entire high school career.'

Johnson received his medal Monday evening during the Polk County Board of Education meeting, a fitting venue to honor a milestone achievement for the school system.

Established by Congress in 1979 as a bipartisan effort, the Congressional Award recognizes initiative, service, and achievement in young people ages 14 to 24. The program is non-partisan, voluntary and non-competitive, and is open to all youth in the United States regardless of ability, circumstance or socioeconomic status. Only around 700 high schoolers earn the Gold Medal each year out of millions eligible nationwide."

Read the full story here. Congratulations, Lucas! 

Number 2

"Vance County Schools Teacher Selected as 2026 National STEM Scholar; Ten Middle School Teachers Nationwide Selected for Prestigious Program"

"Milton Lima, a teacher from STEM Early High School (Vance County Schools) in Henderson, N.C., is among ten middle school teachers from eight states who have been selected to participate in the prestigious National STEM Scholar Program, a unique professional development program providing advanced STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) training, national network building and project support for middle school science teachers nationwide.

Created in partnership between the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University (WKU), the National STEM Scholar Program selects ten teachers each year from a national pool of applicants based solely on the description of a 'big idea' Challenge Project the applicant would implement in their classroom if funds were available. Selected projects are chosen for maximum impact in middle school classrooms where research shows lifelong STEM career decisions are being made. STEM Scholars convene on WKU’s campus for a week of advanced STEM training and finalize their projects with input from their STEM Scholar class colleagues."

Read the full press release and learn more about the National STEM Scholar Program here. Congratulations, Milton, on this prestigious honor! 

Number 1

2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year to be Announced Tomorrow, Friday May 15

We’re ONE day away from the big announcement for the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year!

Tune in tomorrow, May 15, for the livestreamed ceremony on the NCDPI YouTube Channel. The pre-show begins at 12 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Watch online and cheer for your favorite principal!