Welcome Back, GLSI Educators and Leaders!
Welcome to the official 26-27 school year! As we kick off Year 2 of the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative (GLSI), we want to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all of our returning teachers, principals, and coordinators, as well as a special welcome to our four newest GLSI schools!
Our summer was filled with incredible energy, from our collaborative Roots & Routes Leadership Pre-Convening to the 2nd Annual Summer Convening and the hands-on July Teacher Convening. It was inspiring to see 144 GLSI educators from across North Carolina come together to plan, network, and align our collective work.
Whole-school transformation is a marathon, not a miracle, and we are so proud to be running this race alongside all of our incredible school and district partners. This year we are shifting our focus from laying the groundwork to deepening our instructional and leadership impact. Thank you for your continued dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to rural student success!
From the Field Highlight
25-26 Bright Spots and Highlights
 Before we dive into the new school year, let’s take a moment to celebrate some of the amazing milestones, leadership, and positive shifts achieved across our cohorts during Year 1:
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Transformational Climate and Culture Wins (STO 6): School climate emerged as the clearest, best-evidenced victory of our first year, holding the highest average self-rating across the initiative. Several schools saw dramatic reductions in disciplinary incidents, including Bertie Middle School (a 44% decrease in office referrals), West Lee Middle School (a 66% decrease in fighting incidents), and Dunn Middle School (a 15% overall decrease in discipline incidents).
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Celebrating Our "Of the Year" Winners: At the Summer Convening, we recognized our inaugural initiative-wide award recipients who went above and beyond to drive whole-school success. Congratulations to Mr. Dusty Martin (Northern Middle School) for being named the 2026 GLSI Leader of the Year, and to Ms. Heather Herron (Swain County Middle School) for being honored as our 2026 Educator of the Year!
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High-Profile Superintendent and Foundation Visits: Over the spring, we successfully hosted 12 on-site school visits featuring State Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green and executives from the Golden LEAF Foundation. These visits showcased your hard work, generated outstanding community pride, and sparked major social media engagement.
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Pioneering Teacher Leadership: Our newly established Teacher Leadership Team (TLT), facilitated by our Assessment Coach, Betsy Hicks, and consisting of 12 dedicated GLSI educators, worked tirelessly to review Year 1 feedback and directly shape the curriculum pacing and assessments you will use this school year.
Golden LEAF Schools News
Your New School Year Toolbox!
To set your classrooms and leadership teams up for a highly successful year of implementation, please make sure you are actively leveraging these core resources:
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GLSI Communications Toolkit and Plan: As discussed in the Summer Convening, it is important to proactively communicate and message participation in the GLSI whether you are a new school or an existing school. Utilize the GLSI Communications Plan Template and the GLSI Communications Toolkit to proactively plan for and share information about your school and district’s participation in the GLSI this year!
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The GLSI Canvas Hub (Launched July 2026): This is your brand-new, "one-stop shop" for cohort communication, collaboration, and resource sharing. Head over to the hub to find coaching cycle deliverables, templates, and implementation tools designed to streamline your planning. Join Today!
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Participating Schools Handbook: This handbook is the one-stop shop for all GLSI information. The handbook includes up-to-date program FAQs, cohort-specific support pathways, and information on finance, budget, and reporting requirements. If you can’t locate a link or resource, it is likely included in this handbook. Make sure to bookmark or favorite it in your Google Drive!
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NC K-12 Math Standards Resource Hub: The NCDPI K-12 Mathematics team created this hub, which includes a variety of resources for supporting school leaders, administrators, educators, and parents/caregivers. The hub houses the standards, communications, and recommended resources related to the implementation of the North Carolina K-12 Math Standard Course of Study (SCOS).
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NC CTE Career Development (CD) and Work-Based Learning (WBL) Weekly Digest: The weekly digest from the NCDPI CD/WBL team will be updated each week by Wednesday at noon. It serves as a centralized resource for important career development and WBL communication, including upcoming deadlines, announcements, upcoming events, and resources to help stakeholders stay connected and informed.
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NC K-12 Science Standards Resource Hub: The NCDPI K-12 Science team created this hub, which includes a variety of resources for supporting school leaders, administrators, educators, and parents/caregivers. The updated hub includes K-12 science standards and support documents, previous professional development presentations and recordings, at-home resource guides for parents and guardians, and STEM content integration.
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NC K-12 Social Studies Hub: The NCDPI K-12 Social Studies team created this hub, which includes a variety of resources for supporting school leaders, administrators, educators, and parents/caregivers. The updated hub includes NC K-12 Social Studies standards and support documents, official communications and updates, parent guides, character education, holocaust education, and curated instructional and professional learning resources to support teaching and learning.
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NC Careers Platform Integration: Each district has selected a Career Development Lead who received training on the NC Careers Platform this summer. We will be launching the customized GLSI NC Careers Platform soon. In the meantime, feel free to begin engaging with the platform. Any information students complete will be automatically transferred to the GLSI customized platform. Review the NC Careers Training Here.
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DPI Specific Listservs: To receive the latest updates from our colleagues in the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL), please make sure that you are signed up for the following listservs by selecting them on the NCDPI Subscriptions webpage:
- Mathematics: Middle School
- English Language Arts/Literacy Educators
- K-12 Social Studies Education
- K-12 Science
- Weekly Top Ten Newsletter
Educator Shoutouts
Ashley Bradley, Bertie Middle School — Selected for the NC Education Policy Fellowship & Bertie County Schools 2026 Principal of the Year
Congratulations to Ashley Bradley, principal of Bertie Middle School, on being selected for the North Carolina Education Policy Fellowship Program through the Public School Forum of North Carolina! The EPFP is a nationally recognized program — and the only statewide fellowship of its kind focused on leadership and professional development in the context of education policy. Over the coming year, she will join a diverse cohort of education leaders from across the state to dig into the policy issues shaping public schools at both the state and federal levels. We're excited to see her bring that sharpened perspective and stronger advocacy voice back to Bertie and to the GLSI community.
Lee Swanson, East Alexander Middle School — Alexander County Schools 2026 Principal of the Year
Congratulations to Lee Swanson, principal of East Alexander Middle School, named Alexander County Schools' 2026 Principal of the Year! Lee received the honor at a district ceremony this spring, an award that recognizes leaders who demonstrate genuine leadership, a commitment to excellence, and a deep dedication to student success. It's exactly the kind of steady, student-centered leadership his staff and students see every day — and we're proud to have Lee among the principals leading our GLSI schools.
Opportunities and Resources
Golden LEAF Schools Initiative - First Semester Professional Development and Meeting Dates!
Please mark your calendars for the following GLSI-specific, cohort and initiative-wide events during the first semester of the 26-27 school year. A full list of initiative-wide and cohort-wide events is available on the 26-27 Initiative-Wide Events Calendar. Please refer to your individual school’s aggregate calendar for 26-27 on your school data dashboard for school-specific coaching and professional development events. If you need assistance locating this, please contact the GLSI Research Analyst, Cole Smith, at cole.smith@dpi.nc.gov.
Cohort PD & Meeting Dates
Transformative Schools (TS) Cohort
The following dates are specific to the TS Cohort Schools. Participants for each event are included. For more information on TS Cohort-specific events, please reach out to the GLSI Coaching Team Lead, Toni Witherow, at toni.witherow@dpi.nc.gov.
October 26, 2026 · Quarter 1 Virtual Teacher Convening
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Format: Virtual
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Participants: All TS School Math Teachers
October 30, 2026 · Quarter 1 Virtual Principal Learning Series
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Format: Virtual
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Participants: All TS School Principals
December 14, 2026 · Quarter 2 Virtual Teacher Convening
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Format: Virtual
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Participants: All TS School Math Teachers
Personalized, Competency-Based Education (PCBE) Cohort
The following dates are specific to the PCBE Cohort Schools. Participants for each event are included. For more information on PCBE Cohort-specific events, please reach out to the GLSI Program Manager, Jay Johnson, at jay.johnson@dpi.nc.gov.
September 9, 2026 · 1:30–2:00 · Monthly PCBE Calls Resume
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Format: Virtual — recurring on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at this same time
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Participants: All PCBE Principals and/or District Implementation Coordinators (DICs) — required; other implementation team members — optional
September 10–11, 2026 · PCBE Cohort 1 Virtual MMA Session 1
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Format: Virtual
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Details: First required Marzano Mastery Approaches (MMA) session for Year 2 PCBE schools
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Participants: Full PCBE implementation teams, including the DIC and Principal
September 23–24, 2026 · PCBE Cohort 2 In-Person MMA Session 1
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Format: In-person — Davie County Schools Central Office
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Details: First required MMA session for Year 1 PCBE schools
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Participants: Full PCBE implementation teams, including the DIC and Principal
November 5–6, 2026 · PCBE Cohort 1 Virtual MMA Session 2
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Format: Virtual
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Details: Second required MMA session for Year 2 PCBE schools
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Participants: Full PCBE implementation teams, including the DIC and Principal
December 1–2, 2026 · PCBE Cohort 2 Virtual MMA Session 2
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Format: Virtual
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Details: Second required MMA session for Year 1 PCBE schools
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Participants: Full PCBE implementation teams, including the DIC and Principal
All Schools (TS + PCBE Cohorts)
January 14, 2027 · Virtual Winter Convening
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Format: Virtual — half-day session (2nd Annual); more information to follow
Participants: Principals, DICs, and 2nd-in-command — required; additional implementation team members — optional
Announcements & Opportunities
Career Development Plan (CDP) Pilot Program — Interest Form Available
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What: State-required program (2026 Appropriations Act, Sec. 7.29) creating an Annual Career Development Plan Pilot for students entering 7th grade at select schools in 26-27 and 27-28, continuing through high school graduation. It evaluates whether annual CDP reviews improve on-time graduation and college/career readiness. If your PSU plans to participate, complete the interest form.
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Why it matters for GLSI: An opportunity for districts with GLSI schools to receive additional support with the CDP component of the GLSI grant.
- Learn more
- Interest Form
NC CTE Career Development (CD) & Work-Based Learning (WBL) Support Services Calendar
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What: A centralized 26-27 calendar of CD/WBL professional development, technical assistance, compliance support, networking events, and key implementation dates. Register via the links in the Support Services Calendar as availability allows.
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Why it matters for GLSI: GLSI Career Development Leads should strongly consider registering for the CD/WBL Lunch & Learns and Career Development Planning Support Office Hours.
- Learn more
Nominations Open — NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year
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What: Nominations are open for the NCCAT 2027 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year.
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Action: Submit your district's or charter school's nominee via the link.
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Deadline: Friday, October 2
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Learn more: www.nccat.org/btoy (eligibility and awards)
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Contact: emily.langdon@nccat.org
Holocaust Education Program & Field Trip Opportunity
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What: On September 30th, the Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center will be hosting Merril Eisenhower at the Knight Theatre for an educational program from 12-1:30 pm. Drawing upon his family's stewardship of President Eisenhower's legacy and his extraordinary access to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Merrill Eisenhower will offer unique insights into the moment General Eisenhower witnessed the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps—and why he believed preserving evidence of the Holocaust was a moral imperative for future generations.
Though this may be too short notice to organize a field trip and to secure bus funding, the Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center hopes at least some of you can make it. If you are interested, please respond and inform them of the approximate number of students/chaperones you'd like to bring. The program will take place in a similar capacity, with a focus on introducing the museum concept that evening as well, and you are all invited!
More information will be posted soon. Tickets for this historic event will go on sale August 18 at Blumenthal Arts. A variety of ticket options will be available, including a VIP experience featuring an exclusive pre-event reception with the speaker, light hors d'oeuvres, and the opportunity to meet Merrill Eisenhower personally.
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Deadline: Event September 30; tickets on sale August 18 at Blumenthal Arts (options include a VIP pre-event reception with the speaker).
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Learn more— additional details to be posted soon
NC Mathematics Coaching Network (NCMCN)
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What: The NCDPI K-12 Mathematics Team is excited to announce it will continue its statewide professional learning for coaches who support math teachers in grades K-12. Interested coaches/leaders are not required to have experience as a math teacher.
Research has shown that effective mathematics coaching supports the continuous development of mathematics teachers and impacts student learning. This coaching professional learning opportunity focuses on improving mathematics instruction through targeted teacher support.
Participants will receive intensive, highly interactive professional development focused on completing a research-based coaching cycle. This group is limited in size to allow for the intensive exploration of a coaching cycle. The group will meet six times throughout the school year and be asked to participate in activities between sessions. It requires an application and supervisor approval, as all sessions must be attended. Sessions will be offered beginning October 2026 through April 2027.
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Action: Complete the application and obtain supervisor approval (both required).
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Deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
- Learn more
Registration Open — 2026 NCED Connect Symposium
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What: Registration is now open for the 2026 NCED Connect Symposium, Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.
Educators, technology leaders, school library media coordinators, student information systems professionals, and education partners from across North Carolina will explore digital learning, artificial intelligence, instructional technology, leadership, and more. Attendees will discover new ideas, connect with colleagues, and expand their professional networks.
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Deadline: Event September 29–October 1
- Learn more
New Guidance for Purposeful Screen Use in Schools
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What: The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's Office of Digital Learning & School Connectivity has released new 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 to support educators, school leaders, and families in fostering healthy digital habits among students.
As technology continues to play an important role in teaching and learning, this guidance encourages schools to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to screen time and focus instead on intentional, developmentally appropriate, and purpose-driven use of digital tools. The resource provides research-informed considerations and practical strategies that support learning, student well-being, and self-regulation.
The goal is not to eliminate screens, but to help students use technology in meaningful ways that enhance learning and prepare them for a digitally connected world
- Learn more
26-27 Science PD Series — K-12 Science Book Study: Ambitious Science Teaching
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What: The K-12 Science Team at NCDPI is offering a professional development book study based on Ambitious Science Teaching by Mark Windschitl, Jessica Thompson, and Melissa Braaten. Participants will collaborate with fellow educators to:
- Explore effective instructional strategies.
- Share instructional practices and best practices.
- Learn about tools and resources from Ambitious Science Teaching.
- Increase student engagement and sensemaking.
- Reflect on and refine K-12 science instruction.
- Participants are encouraged to purchase or borrow a copy of the book to support their learning.
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Online Session Dates: Sept 29, Oct 27, Dec 1, 2026; Jan 26, Feb 23, Mar 9, Apr 20, 2027
- Learn more
ML/Title III Webinar Series — Unpacking Language Demands in Content Standards
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What: The ML/Title III team is offering a PD series, Unpacking Language Demands in Content Standards, to deepen understanding of language development and its role in content-area instruction for multilingual learners (MLs). Participants will explore connections between language and academic standards, analyze language demands in classroom tasks, and develop collaborative planning and instructional strategies. This series supports Principle #2: Strengthen Core Instruction, Priority 1 Key Action for the Classroom in the ML/Title III Strategic Framework. The first webinar in the series, Understanding Second Language Acquisition, will take place on September 2 from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. Build your foundational knowledge of second language acquisition and examine how multilingual learners develop language across listening, speaking, reading, and writing domains. The session will explore factors that influence language development and implications for classroom instruction. Participants will engage in learning that advances Principle 2: Strengthen Core Instruction Priority 1 - Key Action for the Classroom identified in the ML/Title III Framework.
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Details (all sessions 3:30–5:00 pm): Sept 2 — Understanding Second Language Acquisition; Dec 2 — How Language Functions within the Content-Area Classroom; Feb 10 — Unpacking Language in Content-Area Standards; Apr 14 — Co-planning & Co-teaching Aligned Instruction for ML Success
- Learn more
2026-2027 ELA SCOS Webinar Series
26-27 DTL Signature Events Calendar
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What: The Digital Teaching & Learning (DTL) Signature Events Calendar lists upcoming in-person and virtual regional meetings and training sessions.
- Learn more
NCBOLD Recap & Resources
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What: Resources from this summer's NCBOLD professional development series are available, including slide decks from all sessions and the opening slides. Access the digital backpack; reach out if you'd like these sessions brought to your district.
- Learn more
Opportunity to Connect! Social Media Submission Form
The best GLSI stories come straight from your schools. Use this linkto nominate a teacher or school leader for a spotlight, share a promising practice other schools could try, or send us news worth celebrating. It takes just a couple of minutes — and it helps the whole GLSI community learn from what's working in your building.
Follow GLSI on Facebook
Stay connected with the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative between newsletters — follow our official Facebook page for updates on initiative spotlights, educator and leader recognitions, and for sharing news from across the GLSI network. It's also a great place to share and celebrate the great work happening in your school with the wider GLSI community.
Have a Question?
Contact a Member of Our Team
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