Podcasts Archives

New State Graduation Requirements and WCPSS Goal

The State Board of Education has new graduation requirements they're calling the Future Ready Core. The new requirements were approved in 2007 and high school juniors who will be in the Class of 2010 will be the first required to meet the standards.

Ruth Steidinger, WCPSS Senior Director for High School Curriculum and Instruction, talked with the Wake County Board of Education recently about the Future Ready Core requirements impact on WCPSS students and connection to the WCPSS Goal.

Click here to listen to New State Graduation Requirements and WCPSS Goal

This is a 12 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the WCPSS Goal and Future Ready Core here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:49 PM on January 05, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Earning Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Nearly 200 Wake County Public School System educators earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards this year, making WCPSS one of the nation's leaders in the certification program.

Millbrook Elementary was one of two WCPSS schools that had eight teachers earn certification, the most of any school in our district. Three of the teachers - Mason McDaniel, Donna Liefer, Sandy Depolo - talked about the year of hard work they dedicated to earning certification and the impact it's had on their teaching.

Click here to listen to Earning Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

This is a 21 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:38 PM on December 18, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Assistant Superintendent Boswell Retires

During the Dec. 16 meeting of the Board of Education, Board Chair Rosa Gill and Superintendent Del Burns congratulated Maurice Boswell who is retiring from his job leading Human Resources for the Wake County Public School System.

Click here to listen to Assistant Superintendent Boswell Retires

This is a 4 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:38 AM on December 17, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Helping Teachers to Challenge Gifted Students

Donna Lubus is an academically gifted resource teacher that works at three different schools: Wake Early College of Health and Science, Apex High and Ligon Middle.

Lubus describes the role of AG teachers at the secondary level, where she's more likely to design lessons and provide advice to teachers, than to lead a class discussion.

Click here to listen to Helping Teachers to Challenge Gifted Students

This is a 12.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:29 PM on December 15, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Leader of the Band

At Garner High School, Jonathan Patrick Caldwell is the leader of the band.

Caldwell talks about the love of music he shares with his students. He discusses developing the talents of individual students to strengthen his ensemble of musicians preparing them as 21st century learners.

Click here to listen to Leader of the Band

This is a 17 minute mp3 file.

The Garner High Band has its winter performance tonight.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:07 PM on December 08, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Choice Bus Visits Reedy Creek

Eighth grade students from Reedy Creek Middle School had a chance to visit the Choice Bus Dec. 4 when the bus stopped by their school.

The students were among the first in North Carolina to tour the bus equipped with a special message to encourage students to stay in school. Earlier in the day, the bus was parked outside the meeting of the State Board of Education where there were reports the bus and a companion video will be made available to schools across the state.

Lawrence Jackson, principal of Reedy Creek Middle, says the bus had an important message for students.

Click here to listen to Choice Bus Visits Reedy Creek

This is a 4.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:01 PM on December 05, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Board Approves New Academic Goal

At its Dec. 2 meeting, the Board of Education approved a new academic goal for the Wake County Public School System. The goal states:

WCPSS students will demonstrate high academic growth; by 2014, all students will graduate on-time prepared to compete globally.

High growth will be calculated at the system-level for the following WCPSS subgroups: Level I/II, Level III, Level IV, Level IV-Not AG, AG (Academically Gifted), African American, Asian American, Hispanic, Multi Racial, Native American, White, FRL (Free and Reduced Lunch), LEP (Limited English Proficient), SWD (Students with Disabilities).

The goal for graduation is 100 percent of students on-time and will be achieved by 2014. Students will meet the requirements for graduation as outlined by the NC State Board of Education in the Future Ready Core Course of Study.

Donna Hargens, WCPSS Chief Academic Officer, discusses the new academic goal and what it means for students, educators and the community.

Click here to listen to Board Approves New Academic Goal

This is a 9.45 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the new academic goal here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:50 PM on December 03, 2008 | Leave Feedback

New Behind-the-Wheel Training Manual for Parents

When your student completes the driver's education courses offered through the Wake County Public School System, you will be meeting with your students' drivers ed instructor to receive some helpful information. Contractor Jordan Driving School and WCPSS have developed a new booklet and DVD: Parent and Teen Behind-the-Wheel Training Manual.

Reggie Flythe, WCPSS driver's ed teacher, discusses the new booklet and the help it will provide parents.

Click here to listen to New Behind-the-Wheel Training Manual for Parents

This is a 14 minute mp3 file.

You can find more information about driver's ed here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 09:30 AM on November 25, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Wake County Schools Work to Welcome Families into Schools

For students to succeed, it's important for families and schools to build a partnership that supports the child.

To try and further foster those partnerships, the Wake County School Board is embracing standards of the National PTA. The PTA's six standards for judging effective family-school partnerships are now included in Board Policy 2541.

Sarah Martin, the Wake County PTA Council President, is visiting schools to talk with principals about the standards. Martin visited with Nolan Bryant, principal of Jeffreys Grove Elementary, to talk about Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school community - Families are active participants in the life of the school, and feel welcomed, valued, and connected to each other, to school staff, and to what students are learning and doing in class.

Click here to listen to Wake County Schools Work to Welcome Families into Schools

This is an 18 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the National PTA Family and Parent Involvement Standards here.

We would like to hear how your Wake County Public School is welcoming families into the school community. Please share your best practices identifying the school and the steps taken to welcome families.

Posted by Bill Poston at 08:15 AM on November 20, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Learning Teams are a High Five Legacy

The way we teach in the Wake County Public School System is undergoing a cultural change as educators work in learning teams to meet the needs of each student. A driving force behind learning teams, or professional learning communities, has been the work of High Five.

The Wake County Public School System is one of five school systems partnering with High Five which is funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield, Capitol Broadcasting, Progress Energy, The News and Observer, and SAS.

Talking to the Board of Education at its Nov. 18 meeting, News and Observer Publisher Orage Quarles talked about the partners' commitment to the goal of high school graduation for all students. High Five Executive Director Vann Langston talked about the work that has been accomplished and plans for the future.

Click here to listen to Learning Teams are a High Five Legacy

This is a 6.5 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about High Five here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:43 AM on November 19, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Peace College Prepares New Generation of Teachers

Peace College and the Wake County Public School System have worked together since the fall of 2004 to design a program to recruit and develop prospective teachers who will be equipped to become effective career teachers and teacher leaders.

WCPSS Assistant Superintendent Maurice Boswell says this program offers both degree-seeking and licensure-only options for those who want to become teachers, preparing teacher candidates for licensure in both Elementary Education K-6 and Special Education: General Curriculum K-12.

Peace College President Laura Bingham says the partnership between the college and the school system offers a high quality teacher education program that is meeting needs in critical areas.

WCPSS administrator Carolann Wade, who is on-loan to Peace College as liaison between the school system and college, teaches methods courses and supervises teacher candidates during field experiences.

Click here to listen to Peace College Prepares New Generation of Teachers

This is a 5.5 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about Peace College here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:05 AM on November 19, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Enloe Students Talk to Astronaut in Space

Enloe students talked with Astronaut Mike Fincke who is onboard the International Space Station in a project arranged by NASA and Enloe High teacher Sam Wheeler. The Enloe students were able to ask questions about the space station, the space program, and science issues.

Wheeler worked with NASA and the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society to organize the event for nearly 400 Enloe students. The Raleigh Amateur Radio Society arranged the local end of the contact, and set up an interface so that the audience in the Enloe High auditorium will be able to hear all the conversations.

Click here to listen to Enloe Students Talk to Astronaut in Space

This is an 4.5 minute mp3 file.

Enloe teacher Sam Wheeler worked with NASA to arrange the ham radio conversation between students and an astronaut on the space station.

Ham radio operators from the the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society helped students connect with the space station and students in Ecuador.

More than 400 students watched a screen projection of the space station's flight path across earth and students on stage talking with astronaut Mike Fincke.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:59 PM on November 14, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Pierrie Seeks National Board Certification

Ballentine Elementary teacher Bob Pierrie has begun the year of hard work that will result in his earning certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Pierrie has begun downloading information from the NBPTS website and has begun to sign up to work with other WCPSS teachers seeking certification this year.

Click here to listen to Pierrie Seeks National Board Certification

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:20 PM on November 14, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Orsett Leads Wakefield Theatre

Paul Orsett, Wakefield High's theatre teacher, challenges his students to be successful on stage and in all their classes. Orsett teaches students to investigate plays digging into history and literature to learn more about characters and their stories.

Click here to listen to Orsett Leads Wakefield Theatre

This is a 16.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:05 PM on November 14, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Certification Develops Teacher Leaders

Knightdale High School teacher Glennda McKeithan is one of the many Wake County Public School System teachers to earn certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. McKeithan says the process of earning certification helps to develop teacher leaders.

Click here to listen to Certification Develops Teacher Leaders

This is a 7.5 minute mp3 file.

You can read more the article Measuring What Matters: The Effects of National Board Certification on Advancing 21st Century Teaching and Learning here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:37 PM on November 12, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Ten Years of Building Schools

In the last ten years, 26 elementary, nine middle, and six high schools were built in response to the tremendous increase of students in Wake County.

WCPSS Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Mike Burriss helped lead the school system in meeting the needs of a growing student population.

Click here to listen to Ten Years of Building Schools

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

You can watch a School Connection TV segment with Burriss here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:03 PM on November 12, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Knightdale High Works to Boost Student Achievement

Student success, classroom instruction and learning teams are the talk of faculty meetings at Knightdale High School.

Principal Carla Jernigan says first-of-the-year discussions with students that had revolved around policies and discipline in the past have turned to discussions about academics and student success this year.

Click here to listen to Knightdale High Works to Boost Student Achievement

This is a 10 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:31 AM on November 05, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Learning Teams Changing Culture in Schools

There is a changing culture in our schools. Teachers and administrators are examining data, student needs and ways to improve results as they meet in learning teams. Administrators talked at the Nov. 3 meeting of the Board of Education about learning teams changing the culture in our schools and school system.

Ruth Steidinger, a WCPSS administrator for high schools, and Karen Hamilton, a WCPSS administrator who works with social workers, talked about the use of learning teams focused on teaching the NC Standard Course of Study and improving attendance.

Click here to listen to Learning Teams Changing Culture in Schools

This is a 12 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:16 PM on November 04, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Higher State Reading Standards Mean Fewer Students Proficient

The State Board of Education has set new reading expectations. Results of state testing will reflect these reset standards with fewer students across the state and in our schools at proficiency. The state plans to release the results Thursday.

Dr. Donna Hargens, WCPSS Chief Academic Officer, says WCPSS students and families will be affected by these reset standards.

Click here to listen to Higher State Standards Mean Fewer Students Proficient

This is a 5.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 02:21 PM on November 04, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Computers being donated to students

When Enloe High math teacher Alan Letarte responded as a reference for a student who was working with a Durham non-profit to receive a computer, Letarte was contacted by the group to see if other students at his school may need computers. He's been working to make that happen.

Click here to listen to Computers being donated to students

This is a 4.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 01:46 PM on October 28, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Increased Physical Activity Recommended

Increased physical activity for students, avoiding the use of unhealthy foods for rewards in school and plans for nutrition labeling in some school cafeterias were a few of the topics the Board of Education heard from an advisory panel.

Carol Mitchell, chair of the Student Health Advisory Council, provided the council's annual report to the school board at the board's Oct. 21 committee of the whole meeting

Click here to listen to Increased Student Physical Activity Recommended

This is a 7.5 minute mp3 file.

In its committee of the whole meeting Oct. 21, the Board of Education heard from Carol Mitchell of the Student Health Advisory Council who made her annual report to the board. Mitchell chairs the 21 member advisory panel that advises the school system on health issues.

Highpoints of the recommendations include:

More physical activity for students - More physical education and more physical activity is recommended. Currently, high school student are required to have one healthful living credit in four years of school. The council asked the board to increase that to four credits in high school.

Mitchell said, "Most every health organization is interested in having all of us, including our youth, increase the amount of physical activity we get each day. Most surveys that we look at, the youth and adolescence are getting less activity than ever before and if a student doesn't get it in school, some students are not able to get it outside of school. So we are interested in helping students form healthy habits through moving their body so when they are adult, they are able to have a more healthy life."

The council is interested in increased physical activity at school for elementary and middle school students, as well.

Avoid using unhealthy foods or beverages as rewards - The Council noted the school system wellness policy asks that unhealthy foods and beverages not be used as rewards at school.

Mitchell said, "We do want to reward our students for good academics and for good behavior. That's not the point. We want to do this in a way that helps them learn healthy habits and have good nutrition. So if we want to have celebrations, let's look at some ways and there are ways listed on the Wake County website where parents can help the teacher or help the school define celebrations in a healthful way. We do not encourage home baked foods brought into the classroom. A couple of issues there are food safety and health issues. Remember, that for a student struggling with weight issues, that becomes a temptation for them if there's a cupcake and other unhealthy items brought into the classroom. So let's find a way that all the students can enjoy and learn healthy habits, even as we celebrating in the school."

Nutrition labeling pilot project in school cafeterias - The council is working with WCPSS Child Nutrition Services to provide simple labels with calorie count and fat content of foods on the cafeteria line. This will begin in January 2009 at several elementary, middle and high schools.

Mitchell said, "We are interested in having point of purchase labeling on the cafeteria line. Our label would indicate to the student in a quick glance, the number of calories and the number of fat grams per serving so that the student would be able to make an informed choice of exactly how many calories they would be in taking if they choose that item."

The Student Health Advisory Council has created a webpage that can be found here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:00 AM on October 28, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Curriculum Management Policies Approved

At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Board of Education gave final approval to two policies for curriculum management, the first policy changes to result from the curriculum management audit.

Donna Hargens, WCPSS Chief Academic Officer, talked with the board about the latest work by WCPSS administrators on audit recommendations and how its helping teachers.

Click here to listen to Curriculum Management Policies Approved

This is a 5:45 minute mp3 file.

You can find more information on the Currciulum Management Audit here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:11 PM on October 23, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Board discusses magnet schools

At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Board of Education heard the themes for two new magnet schools. Earlier the board discussed the school system's four magnet high schools during its committee of the whole meeting. David Ansbacher who directs the WCPSS magnet program, discusses magnet schools.

Click here to listen to Board discusses magnet schools

This is an 8:45 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 07:03 PM on October 21, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Learning art and exploring the world

At Broughton High, teacher Nancy Carty works with students in visual art classes.

Carty discusses the complexity of portrait painting. She says her art classes have put their portrait skills to work on an international service project. As part of its magnet theme as an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, the school has provided students the opportunity to make trips to Guatemala. Carty's art project tied into the school's service learning trip to Antigua.

Click here to listen to Learning art and exploring the world

This is a 14 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 02:48 PM on October 20, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Using Scrabble for Math Enrichment

At Aversboro Elementary, teacher Cynthia Martin works with students who are identified as academically gifted.

Martin says her fourth grade students have been working in class on graphing and in their AG sessions they are building on that instruction by creating graphs and analyzing data. She says they are looking at the letters in a game of Scrabble, comparing the number of tiles for each letter and how that relates to letter point values.

Click here to listen to Using Scrabble for Math Enrichment

This is an 8.5 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 02:20 PM on October 20, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Wight Named Principal of the Year

Apex High Principal Matt Wight has been named the 2008 Wake County Principal of the Year.

When Superintendent Del Burns named Wight Principal of the Year, the crowd of principals, assistant principals and supporters gathered at Marbles Kids Museum broke into applause.

Click here to listen to Wight Named Principal of the Year

This is a 3 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 02:17 PM on October 20, 2008 | Leave Feedback

After School Program Teaches Character Education

At Wake Forest-Rolesville Middle School, seventh grade counselor Mike Meyer has established the SOS afterschool program to engage students in a learning adventure to organize a school dance and learn character education along the way.

Click here to listen to After School Program Teaches Character Education

This is an 11 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:23 PM on October 16, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Character Education Strengthens Sportmanship

Coaches leading WCPSS athletic teams are teaching character education and sportsmanship to their student athletes.

WCPSS Athletic Director Bobby Guthrie said the school system's eight character traits of courage, self-discipline, perseverance, integrity, respect, responsibility, kindness and good judgment are important to athletics.

Click here to listen to Character Education Strengthens Sportmanship

This is a 12 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:32 PM on October 14, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Trip to India Inspires East Millbrook teachers

Two East Millbrook International Baccalaureate Middle School teachers are sharing their travels with students. Erin Gerrity and Mary Morgan spent a month in India over the summer and have been sharing stories about their travels with students at the magnet school.

Click here to listen to Trip to India Inspires East Millbrook teachers

This is a 22 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:14 PM on October 09, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Earns EPA Award

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Wake County Public School System the 2008 Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Leadership Award. Sneha Atwal of WCPSS Environmental Services says the award is based on the high quality of WCPSS' indoor air quality program.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Earns EPA Award

This is an 8 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:02 PM on October 08, 2008 | Leave Feedback

State Law and Kindergarten Registration

State law has changed the date that determines the age children may be enrolled in kindergarten.

Sharon Collins of WCPSS Curriculum and Instruction said the NC General Assembly passed General Statute 115C-364 changing the cutoff date so that a child would be age five on or before August 31 for entry into kindergarten starting with the 2009-10 school year.

Click here to listen to State Law and Kindergarten Registration

This is a 2.5 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:51 PM on October 08, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Update on Wake Early College of Health and Sciences

The Wake Early College of Health and Sciences has more than 200 students working during five years of school to earn both a high school diploma and an associate's degree. Wake Early College is a partnership between WakeMed, Wake Technical Community College and the Wake County Public School System. Teresa Pierrie is the new principal of the Wake Early College.

Click here to listen to Update on Wake Early College of Health and Sciences

This is a 10 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:44 PM on October 06, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Root Moves to Temporary North Hills Campus

Root Elementary School has moved into swing space in a temporary modular campus for the school year while the school's campus is renovated. Moving into the temporary campus just days before school started was hard work for the school's teachers and families.

Principal Chip Mack, teacher Kathy Johnson and Media Specialist Betty Sledge talked earlier this month about moving to the temporary North Hills campus

Click here to listen to Root Moves to Temporary North Hills Campus

This is a 12 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 02:20 PM on September 19, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Recognizing the School Cleaning Team

The Wake County Public School System set aside the week of Sept 15-19 to celebrate the hardworking team of custodians in the school system.

Aaron Springs, WCPSS Custodian Services director, says its important to recognize these school system professionals who are putting their knowledge and experience to work in maintaining the appearance of our schools, and creating a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment for everyone.

Click here to listen to Recognizing the School Cleaning Team

This is a 9.5 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 01:39 PM on September 19, 2008 | Leave Feedback

College Fair Set for Sept. 21

The College and Post Secondary Opportunities Fair will be held 2-4:30 p.m., September 21 at the McKimmon Center on the NC State University campus.

Eric Sparks of WCPSS Counseling Services says the event will feature representatives from more than 100 colleges, universities, community colleges and all military institutions.

The fair is sponsored by Counseling and Student Services of the Wake County Public School System, the Carolina Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and NC State University.

Click here to listen to College Fair Set for Sept. 21

This is a 7 minute mp3 file.

You can find more information in the WCPSS Post Secondary Planning Guide here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:55 PM on September 17, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Marks Audit Anniversary

Dr. Donna Hargens, WCPSS Chief Academic Officer, talked with the school board today about the one year anniversary of the presentation by Phi Delta Kappa of the recommendations of the curriculum management audit of the school system.

Dr. Hargens was helped by a videotaped appearance from UNC-Chapel Hill Education professor Fenwick English in explaining WCPSS efforts.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Marks Audit Anniversary

This is a 3:45 minute mp3 file

You can read more about the curriculum management audit here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 06:28 PM on September 02, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Principal McFarland on the SAT

Wake County Public School System seniors' SAT scores for 2007-08 increased. One of the schools that saw an increase in scores was Fuquay-Varina High.

Principal Edward McFarland talks about the college entrance exam and his school's efforts to help students succeed.

Click here to listen to Principal McFarland on the SAT

This is a 4 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 06:13 PM on September 02, 2008 | Leave Feedback

New teachers explain why they choose WCPSS

WCPSS holds job fairs and attends college career fairs across the country searching for the best teachers. More than half of the new teachers hired for this year came from outside of North Carolina.

Click here to listen to New teachers explain why they choose WCPSS

This is a 4.5 minute mp3 file

You can read more about this story here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:47 PM on August 26, 2008 | Leave Feedback

More than 950 new teachers hired

WCPSS has hired more than 950 new teachers for the 2008-09 school year.

Joan Kister, WCPSS Senior Director for recruitment and retention, said WCPSS has aggressively recruits high quality educators.

Click here to listen to More than 950 new teachers hired

This is a 3 minute mp3 file

You can read more about this story here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:45 PM on August 26, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Don Haydon Talks about School Bus Operations

Don Haydon, WCPSS Chief of Operations, says the opening of traditional calendar schools August 25 will mean more students at school bus stops and more buses on the roadways of Wake County.

Haydon said schools and bus drivers are working together to safely transport students between home and school.

Click here to listen to Don Haydon talks about school bus operations

This is a 5 minute mp3 file

You can read more about this story here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 08:49 AM on August 25, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Donna Hargens Talks about Learning Teams

Donna Hargens, WCPSS Chief Academic Officer, is encouraging WCPSS teachers to work in teams to strengthen instruction and meet student needs.

Hargens visited East Cary Middle School where math teachers were meeting to discuss the results of student assessments and work on ways to improve student learning.

Click here to listen to Donna Hargens Talk about Learning Teams

This is a 6 minute mp3 file

You can read more about this story here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 08:40 AM on August 25, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Schools Partnering with Faith-based Groups

Assistant Superintendent Marvin Connelly visited Brentwood Elementary School Wednesday where teachers and parents from the school were working alongside members of Crossroads Fellowship Church on landscaping school grounds.

Connelly said the partnership between the church and school is an example of the way schools and faith communities can work together. Connelly is leading an effort to partner WCPSS schools and faith groups.

Click here to listen to Schools Partnering with Faith-based Groups

This is a 3 minute mp3 file

You can read more about this story here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 01:18 PM on August 22, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Testing Results Show Success and Challenges

Assistant Superintendent David Holdzkom discussed student testing data with the Board of Education Tuesday.

Holdzkom described the testing results as reflecting the success students have enjoyed academically and the challenges ahead in helping all students become academically successful.

Click here to listen to Testing Results Show Success and Challenges

This is a 7.5 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 01:11 PM on August 22, 2008 | Leave Feedback

New School Facilities Open August 25

The faculty from Smith Elementary enjoyed sandwiches today provided by their PTA in the media center of the brand new Banks Road campus where Smith will spend the next year.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Burriss says Smith is one of the WCPSS schools that will be enjoying new facilities when traditional calendar schools hold their first classes August 25.

Click here to listen to New School Facilities Open August 25

This is a 4:00 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:44 PM on August 18, 2008 | Leave Feedback

The Power of Parent Involvement

Parents who attended a Wake County parent involvement event at the McKimmon Center had the chance to talk with Dr. Karen Mapp, a lecturer on education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her research and practice expertise is in the areas of educational leadership and educational partnerships among schools, families and community members.

Mapp co-authored the book "Beyond the Bake Sale: The Essential Guide to Family - School Partnerships" published by The New Press in 2007.

Click here to listen to The Power of Parent Involvement

This is an 8:45 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:45 PM on August 18, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Football Practice Gets Underway August 1

Across North Carolina, high school football practice is getting underway today. Student athletes are preparing for the 2008-09 season.

WCPSS Athletic Director Bobby Guthrie says he's working with high school athletic directors and coaches to follow state athletic association guidelines and increase awareness for safe practices during hot weather.

Click here to listen to Football Practice Gets Underway August 1

This is a 6 minute mp3 file

You can find more on high school athletics here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:04 PM on July 31, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Holds Title I Summer School

Students are celebrating the last day of class Thursday at the Wake County Public School System's Title I elementary summer school. Becky McGee of WCPSS Title I helped co-ordinate this year's classes.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Holds Title I Summer School

This is a 6 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:27 PM on July 30, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS earns national honors for learning communities

Wake educators congratulated the Board of Education for their support that helped to earn a national award recognizing the Wake County Public School System for establishing learning teams.

Click here for Bill Poston's report on WCPSS earns national honors for learning communities.

This is a 3.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 01:37 PM on July 16, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Buses Ready for School to Start July 7

School buses return to Wake County roadways with the start of the new school year July 7.

WCPSS Transportation Director Eddie Adams says bus drivers are prepared for the start of multi-track, year-round schools in Wake County and drivers should be aware and alert to students and buses.

Click here to listen to Buses Ready for School to Start July 7

This is an 11 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:00 PM on July 02, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Sycamore Creek Elementary Opens

Sycamore Creek Elementary School is one of three new schools opening for 2008-09 in the Wake County Public School System.

Principal Kristen Faircloth talks about opening a new school and the work of hiring new staff and building a corps of teachers to lead Sycamore Creek Elementary.

Click here to listen to Sycamore Creek Elementary Opens

This is a 10 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:53 PM on July 02, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Laurel Park Elementary Opens

Laurel Park Elementary School is one of three new schools opening for 2008-09 in the Wake County Public School System.

Principal Gail Turner talks about opening a new school and the work of bringing new families and teachers together to become Laurel Park Elementary.

Click here to listen to Laurel Park Elementary Opens

This is a 10 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 02:39 PM on July 02, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Mills Park Elementary Opens

Mills Park Elementary School is one of three new schools opening for 2008-09 in the Wake County Public School System.

Principal Michael Regan talks about opening a new school and the impact of having a brand new facility in establishing Mills Park Elementary.

Click here to listen to Mills Park Elementary Opens

This is an 8 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:23 AM on July 01, 2008 | Leave Feedback

New School Facilities Ready for 2008-09

The Wake County Public School System is opening three new elementary schools July 7

Assistant Superintendent Mike Burriss oversees the school construction process. Burriss talks about the many projects completed for this school year and the hard work of building on a school schedule

Click here to listen to New School Facilities Ready for 2008-09

This is a 14 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 09:41 AM on June 30, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Salem students create, communicate and collaborate

At Salem Middle School, students in Bill Ferriter's class have a digital presence that extends far beyond the classroom.

Ferriter and his students explain the use of digital tools in learning.

Click here to listen to Salem students create, communicate and collaborate

This is an 16 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:16 PM on June 24, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Millbrook Reports on IB Evaluation

Millbrook Elementary offers the International Baccalaureate Organization's Primary Years Programme.

Millbrook principal Paula Trantham talked with the Board of Education about the rigorous evaluation process the school had to complete to continue to be an IB school.

Click here to listen to Millbrook Reports on IB Evaluation

This is an 11.5 minute mp3 file

You can find more about the Primary Years Programme here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:13 PM on June 18, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Sanderson High ROTC Scholars

Sanderson High will graduate 356 students in ceremonies at the progress Eenergy Center on June 10.

We talked with three of those students Matthew Mrozek, Alex Sheen and Christopher Hudock, about the honors they earned, the memories they have of Sanderson and the plans they have for the future.

Click here to listen to Sanderson High ROTC Scholars

This is a 13 minute mp3 file

You can read more about the Sanderson High Air Force ROTC program here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:07 PM on June 09, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Wakefield High Scholars

Wakefield High will graduate 510 students in ceremonies at Reynolds Coliseum on June 13.

We talked with three of those students Erica Smith and Hee Jin Park who both earned Gates Millenium Scholarships and Garik Sudovy, a Park Scholar, about the honors they earned, the memories they have of Wakefield and the plans they have for the future.

Click here to listen to Wakefield High Scholars

This is a 13.5 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 08:53 AM on June 05, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Graduation rate as academic goal

Graduation rate was discussed by the Board of Education Tuesday as a potential measure for the school system's academic goal.

In the board's committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, Superintendent Del Burns recommended that the WCPSS board, staff, and community commit to raising graduation rates to 90 percent by 2013 and to 95 per cent by 2015.

Assistant Superintendent David Holdzkom talks about the graduation rate and using it as an academic goal.

Click here to listen to Graduation rate as academic goal

This is a 6 minute mp3 file

You can read a WCPSS Evaluation and Research Report on High School Graduation Rates for 2005-06 here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 08:16 AM on June 05, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Centennial Laptops

Teachers from Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School talked with the Board of Education during its meeting yesterday about the school's One-to-One laptop initiative.

Jessica Nelson and George Ward were two of the teachers that explained the benefits of equipping every eighth grade student with a classroom computer and how its changed learning and teaching at their school.

Click here to listen to Centennial Laptops

This is a 9.5 minute mp3 file

You can find more by visiting Jessica Nelson's webpage here and view George Ward's student math videos here. You can also find information on the Curriculum Pathways software these teachers are using in their classrooms here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:09 PM on June 04, 2008 | Leave Feedback

2008 Teaching Fellows

Eight Cary High students were named NC Teaching Fellows, the largest number for any high school in the Wake County Public School System.

Students named NC Teaching Fellows earn a four-year scholarship to a North Carolina college or university to earn an education degree and agree that after receiving their degree, they will teach in a North Carolina school for at least four years.

Cary High Principal Doug Thilman and three of the Teaching Fellows talk about the honor and what it means for them.

Click here to listen to 2008 Teaching Fellows

This is a 12 minute mp3 file

You can read more about NC Teaching Fellows in a WCPSS web article here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:52 PM on June 02, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Martin and Mt. Everest, Part 2

Students and faculty at Martin Middle School are excited about the return of their hero, Chip Popoviciu, to the school this month. Martin teamed up with Popoviciu's employer Cisco to use technology that allowed the students to closely follow Popoviciu's climb to the top of Mt. Everest.

Popoviciu completed his climb of Mt. Everest last month and will make his way back to Martin for a face-to-face discussion with students later this month. Given his exploits since his March 10 visit to the school, students are planning on giving him a hero's welcome.

Students and teachers at the school say Popoviciu's climb brought an energizing focus to instruction at the school.

Click here to listen to Martin and Mt. Everest, part 2

This is a 15 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about Martin Middle School and Mt. Everest from the school's website here, listen to a student produced podcast here, read a WCPSS web article here and listen to the earlier WCPSS podcast here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:09 AM on June 02, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Challenging Gifted Students

A group of East Millbrook Middle School students gathered in the school's media center this week to complete an afterschool project that seventh grade teacher Jon Roach and the school's Academically Gifted teacher April Grybosky designed to challenge seventh grade Academically Gifted students.

Jon Roach and some of his students explain the AG afterschool projects they have tackled.

Click here to listen to Challenging Gifted Students

This is a 12 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 02:48 PM on May 31, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Enloe Students Win National Rocket Challenge

A team of ten students from an Enloe High School Career Technical Education class is headed to England after winning the national Sixth Annual Team America Rocketry Challenge.

The Enloe team includes team captain Levon Keusseyan, Alexandra Vitek, Julianne Schmitz, Zachariah Smith, Timothy Kijewski, Christopher Cox, A.J. Grant, James Cuffney, Francisco Cobo and Justin Bost.

Bradley Bowen is an engineer who turned to teaching Enloe High's Career Technical Education class in technology. Bowen has made the TARC rocket challenge a part of his class.

Click here to listen to Enloe Students Win National Rocket Challenge

This is an 11 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 09:57 AM on May 29, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Ann Quarles: Teacher of the Year

Ann Quarles, the newly named Wake County Teacher of the Year, is a fourth grade teacher at Powell Elementary School. We talk with her about her career in education, her joy in story telling and the fun she has with other teachers at her school.

Click here to listen to Ann Quarles: Teacher of the Year

This is a 24 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:20 PM on May 27, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Cheering for the Teacher of the Year

When Ann Quarles was named the Wake County Teacher of the Year, one of the first persons to stand and cheer was her principal, Jimmy Sposato. He says Quarles is an example of why Powell Elementary is such a special place.

Click here to listen to Cheering for the Teacher of the Year

This is a 7.5 minute mp3 file.

You can see the News and Observer story and photo here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:38 PM on May 27, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Academy of Reading

The Academy of Reading is underway in 14 WCPSS high schools. Dr. Sherri Merritt, WCPSS Senior Administrator for Literacy, talked with the Board of Education at its meeting May 20 about helping students strengthen their reading skills.

Dr. Merritt says the program is currently in use and full implementation will take place this fall in the 14 schools.

Click here to listen to Academy of Reading

This is a 10 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 09:13 AM on May 23, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Teacher Advancement Program

At its May 20 meeting, the Board of Education agreed to provide the Teacher Advancement Program at Wilburn Elementary School.

Board member Eleanor Goettee says TAP will provide teachers a career ladder and will mean improved academic success for students.

Click here to listen to Teacher Advancement Program

This is a 4 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:53 PM on May 20, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Elementary EOG Prep

Underwood Elementary will have a special morning schedule for the school's third graders on the days they'll be taking state End-of-Grade testing.

Principal Jackie Jordan has arranged for Underwood third-graders to have a 25-minute structured cardio rotation on the playground. The school will have parent volunteers and staff members on hand to lead each student through a physical workout.

Click here to listen Elementary EOG Prep

This is a 6 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:09 PM on May 19, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Preparing for Social Studies EOCs

Between June 4-10, high school students will be taking End of Course (EOC) tests. Two of the five EOC tests students must pass to graduate from high school are Civics and Economics and U.S. History.

Green Hope High School Social Studies Department Chair and US History teacher Francis Bryant and WCPSS high school social studies administrator Melinda Stephani talk about steps students can take to prepare for End-of-Course social studies testing.

Click here to listen to Preparing for Social Studies EOCs

This is an 18 minute mp3 file.

You can find more information on preparing for End-of-Year testing here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:18 PM on May 16, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Eliminating Gaps

The curriculum management audit of the Wake County Public School System calls for the elimination of achievement gaps.

The Raising Achievement, Closing the Gap Committee of WCPSS educators and concerned citizens met last week and talked about what it may mean to eliminate achievement gaps. WCPSS Chief Academic Officer Donna Hargens and members of the committee talk about eliminating gaps.

Click here to listen to Eliminating Gaps

This is an 11.5 minute mp3 file.

You can find more information on the audit recommendation to eliminate achievement gaps here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:02 PM on May 14, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Eat Healthy

Healthy meals are provided for Wake County Public School System students that meet government nutrition standards, are student-tested and have been offered at the same price since 2002-03.

Marilyn Moody, the senior director for WCPSS Child Nutrition Services, talks about the breakfast and lunch available for students and the importance especially at testing time for students to be well-fed.

Click here to listen to Eat Healthy

This is a 9 minute mp3 file.

You can find more information on WCPSS Child Nutrition Services here.

You can find more information on preparing for End-of-Year testing here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:42 AM on May 14, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Preparing for EOGs

Between May 12-23, our 3-8 graders will be taking End-of-Grade (EOG) tests. The school system considers these tests in making decisions to promote students to the next grade.

Christina Zukowski, WCPSS administrator for middle school math, talks about steps parents can take to prepare students for End-of-Grade testing.

Click here to listen to Preparing for EOGs

This is a 4 minute mp3 file.

You can find more information on preparing for End-of-Year testing here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:33 AM on May 14, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Preparing for EOCs

Between June 4-10, high school students will be taking End of Course (EOC) tests. The state now requires that students must pass EOC tests in English I, Biology, Algebra I, Civics and Economics and United States History to graduate from high school.

Sonia Dupree, WCPSS administrator for high school math, talks about steps students can take to prepare for End-of-Course testing.

Click here to listen to Preparing for EOCs

This is a 7:15 minute mp3 file.

You can find more information on preparing for End-of-Year testing here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:26 AM on May 14, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Teacher Leader Retiring

Honors and recognitions were handed out to social studies leaders at a meeting of Wake County Public School System middle and high school teachers.

Melinda Stephani, the WCPSS Senior Administrator for Social Studies Instruction, presented a special recognition to Ruth Chell who is retiring after 36 years as a teacher. Chell talks about teaching social studies and teaching at Ligon Middle School.

Click here to listen to Teacher Leader Retiring

This is an 11 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:33 AM on May 09, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Preparing for AP Exams

Wake County high school students have begun taking Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams that could potentially provide them credit at the colleges and universities they choose to attend.

Teachers and students have been preparing for these exams all year and are hard at work reviewing in the final days before their exams. Here's a group of Cary High students talking about their preparations in class and at home.

Click here to listen to Preparing for AP Exams

This is a 7 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 06:42 PM on May 08, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Attendance : WCPSS PodCast

Wake County educators are working to boost academic success by focusing on attendance.
Donna Hargens, WCPSS Chief Academic Officer says being in school is important.

"Every time you are not in class, you have a gap in learning," said Hargens. "A gap in learning puts a student at a disadvantage to learn the next topic in class, especially in a sequential class."

Click here to listen to Attendance: WCPSS PodCast

This is a 7 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 09:40 AM on May 06, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Bus Roadeo: WCPSS PodCast

School bus drivers from across the state have taken part in their school district's bus roadeo and this week the local winners compete in regional competitions.

Three Wake County Public School System Transportation employees who are competing at the Winterville Regional Roadeo talk about the competition and how it focuses their attention on safe driving. Regional winners will move on to the state competition held in Raleigh.

Click here to listen to Bus Roadeo: WCPSS PodCast

This is a 10 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:16 PM on April 29, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Father of CMA: WCPSS PodCast

Superintendent Del Burns gathered the members of the eight teams reviewing the recommendations of the curriculum management audit to hear an update on their work.

Dr. Burns introduced the teams of school administrators and principals to University of North Carolina School of Education professor Fenwick English who helped to develop the curriculum management audit process in the 1970s.

Click here to listen to Curriculum Audit : WCPSS PodCast

This is a 7.5 minute mp3 file.

You can find out more about the curriculum management audit here and more about Dr. Fenwick English here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 01:47 PM on April 24, 2008 | Leave Feedback

PLCs : WCPSS PodCast

Professional Learning Communities are helping to change the way students are learning, as teachers work together to find the best way to teach students.

Rosemary Reichstetter works in the WCPSS Evaluation and Research Department. We talk with her about the development of professional learning communities in WCPSS schools.

Click here to listen to PLCs: WCPSS PodCast

This is a 15.5 minute mp3 file.

You can find out more about data walls here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 06:05 PM on April 03, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Job Fair: WCPSS PodCast

More than 2,000 teacher candidates are expected to take part in the 2008 Spring Job Fair to be held by the Wake County Public School System on April 19.

Joan Kister is the WCPSS Senior Director for Teacher Recruitment and Retention. We talked about finding the teachers our students need.

Click here to listen to Job Fair: WCPSS PodCast

This is a 15 minute mp3 file.

You can find more information on the job fair here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 02:04 PM on April 02, 2008 | Leave Feedback

Childhood Obesity: WCPSS PodCast

U.S. Surgeon General Steven Galson visited Wake County and Barwell Road Elementary School today to promote the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative, "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future."

Ann Dishong is the WCPSS administrator who oversees our Health Education instruction. We talked about childhood obesity and what students learn about nutrition and fitness.

Click here to listen to Childhood Obesity:WCPSS PodCast

This is a 10 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the Surgeon General's childhood obesity initiative here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:40 PM on March 28, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Art and Character

Character education and art have been important at Leesville Road Middle School. Susan Wasilewski is the school’s art teacher and leads character education efforts.

Wasilewski uses art and student research to create projects that stick with students and leave behind powerful memories.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Art and Character

This is a 14 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:09 PM on March 18, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: French Visitors

A group of 17 French students from Arbez Carme High School in the French town of Oyonnax, have been visiting Enloe High School since March 1.

The visiting students have been shadowing Enloe students at school during the day. Enloe families have opened their homes to the French students providing them a place to stay and learn more about life in Raleigh.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: French Visitors

This is a 7.5 minute mp3 file.

You can find more information about the Ain Department of eastern France here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:19 PM on March 13, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Building Character

Character education is important at Holly Ridge Middle School. Patrick McArdle is a seventh-grade social studies teacher and leads character education efforts at the school.

McArdle has found ways to subtly weave character education into life at the school. He says it makes a difference.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Building Character

This is a 15.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:43 AM on March 13, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Climbing Everest

Students at Martin Middle School met local Cisco engineer Chip Popoviciu who plans on providing them plenty to talk about at school as he climbs Mt. Everest.

Popoviciu plans to connect with the students by over the Internet to share information about his climb and teachers are finding ways to incorporate his climb into their instruction.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Climbing Everest

This is an 8.5 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the Mt. Everest Project on the Martin Middle School webpage and in this news release.

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:18 PM on March 11, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: AG Students

More than 23,000 students receive Academically Gifted services in the Wake County Public School System.

Joyce Gardner and Dan Turner of the WCPSS Academically Gifted Program talk about identifying and serving academically gifted students.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: AG Students

This is a 17 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the WCPSS Academically Gifted Program here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:17 PM on February 29, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Happy Seuss-day

Schools across the US are marking the birthday of Dr. Seuss with Read Across America events.

After visiting one of our schools to read to students, Dr. Sherry Merritt, WCPSS Director for Literacy Services, talked about the importance of reading.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Happy Seuss-day

This is a 6 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:16 PM on February 29, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: SPAN

WCPSS Counseling Services provided the Student/Parent Access Network as a communication tool that helps in registering for courses.

Eric Sparks, Director of Counseling and Student Services, says the system has expanded to provide high school students and parents even more information about the student's performance at school.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: SPAN

This is a 6.5 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the Student/Parent Access Network here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:21 PM on February 27, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Magnets Honored

Seven WCPSS magnet schools have been recognized by the Magnet Schools of America, the national organization of magnet schools. David Ansbacher, WCPSS Magnet Programs director, talks about the three Schools of Excellence and four Schools of Distinction in WCPSS.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Magnets Honored.

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:43 PM on February 23, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Data Teams

A key strategy being used in Wake County Public School System middle schools is data teams. School data teams are meeting with WCPSS middle school administrators for district wide data driven discussion and problem solving.

Crystal Reardon and Christina Zukowski talked to the Board of Education Tuesday about the impact data teams are having on middle school instruction.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Data Teams.

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:46 PM on February 20, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Class-size Issues

Every school year, Wake County Public School System principals work to match resources with students. The principals look at the number of teachers and the classroom spaces in assigning students to classes. As students arrive and depart during the school year, it has an impact on class size.

The Board of Education heard in its committee of the whole meeting today from Area Superintendent Danny Barnes and principals James Overman and Shane Barham about creating classes and managing class size.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Class-size Issues.

This is a 7 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:48 PM on February 19, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Investing in Futures

You can find some Wake Forest Rolesville Middle School students still in school on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. They are taking part in a new effort to help them become more successful academically and to see what lies ahead in high school and college.

Assistant Principal Ina Nyko and Assistant Principal Intern Andrea Greene say the school and students are investing in futures.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Investing in Futures.

This is a 10.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:27 PM on February 15, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: The Antigua Trip

Students from Broughton High School who spent their Thanksgiving vacation traveling to Antigua, Guatemala for a service learning project gathered today to talk about their trip.

Students remembered caring for young children and seeing a different culture. It was a memorable trip.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: The Antigua Trip.

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:30 PM on February 12, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Baileywick Honored

At a state conference in Greensboro today, Baileywick Elementary is being honored as one of the state's top schools in teaching students good character.

Principal Scott Scheuer and Counselor Dee Bostick say students learn the importance of character education and the school system's eight character traits: courage, good judgment, integrity, kindness, perseverance, respect, responsibility and self-discipline.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Baileywick Honored.

This is a 4 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:36 AM on February 07, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Dulaney on GMP

At its meeting Tuesday, the Board of Education approved the Growth Management Plan for 2008-09. The plan assigns students to fill the three new elementary schools opening in 2008-09.

Assistant Superintendent Chuck Dulaney describes the work Growth and Planning staff must complete before student assignment strips are sent home in May.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Dulaney on GMP.

This is a 5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:49 PM on February 06, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Enloe Sings in NY

At Enloe High more than 70 students in the Honors Chorus worked with the Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir today to prepare for their concert at Carnegie Hall in New York next month.

Enloe Chorus Director Ann Huff says students have worked hard and are excited about this opportunity.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Enloe Sings in NY.

This is a 5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:38 PM on February 04, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Changing Hearts

Changing Hearts will be the focus in February at the Wake County Public School System. WCPSS Health Officer Kelly Creech is encouraging active lifestyles and good nutrition as a way of developing new heart healthy habits.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Changing Hearts.

This is a 7 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:32 PM on January 31, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Learning with Legos

At Combs Elementary, teachers worked with a new tool for classroom instruction. Teachers say they learned to help their students use legos to better communicate ideas.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Learning with Legos.

This is a 6 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:49 PM on January 30, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Public Private Partnership

Public private partnership plans took another step forward today.

WCPSS Assistant Superintendent Mike Burriss told the Facility Committee of the Wake County Board of Education they would receive a recommendation at their meeting Tuesday of three companies moving to the next stage of discussion on public private partnership for the opening of E-25 elementary school near Wake Forest.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Public Private Partnership.

This is a 6.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:01 PM on January 29, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Martin Club

One way to spark student interest in learning is through club activities. Assistant Principal Kevin Rowsey explored China last summer and excitedly returned to share information about Asian culture with his Martin Middle School students. Rowsey says the new Martin Middle School International Club will have its first meeting at the school on Jan. 24.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Martin Club.

This is a 6.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:47 PM on January 23, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: Graduation Project

At its meeting yesterday, the Board of Education heard about the Graduation Project, a new requirement put in place by the State Board of Education that will be required for graduation beginning with students who entered high school in 2006-07.

Dr. Sherri Merritt, WCPSS Director of K-12 Literacy Programs; Sara Overby, Athens Drive High Graduation Project coordinator; and Abby Stotsenberg, WCPSS Middle Schools Social Studies coordinator and former Southeast Raleigh High teacher talked about the Graduation Project with the school board.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Graduation Project.

This is a 9.5 minute mp3 file.

You can find more information about Graduation Projects here.

You can find information about Athens Drive High and the Graduation Project here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 08:50 AM on January 23, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS PodCast: 2008 MWBE Expo

On January 16, minority and women-owned businesses learned more about opportunities available at the WCPSS during the 2008 MWBE Expo held at Southeast Raleigh High School. Hear from Minority Business and Project Permit Manager Tammie Hall and many others about this free event which is coordinated annually by the city of Raleigh.

Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: 2008 MWBE Expo.

This is a 4:26 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Ashley Smith at 12:27 PM on January 18, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Winter Weather

Weather forecasters are predicting winter weather for Thursday. WCPSS Communications Chief Michael Evans talks about the school system's winter weather plans.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Winter Weather.

This is a 4 minute mp3 file.

You can sign up for the E-mail notification service here.

You can check school calendars for make up days here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:22 AM on January 16, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Lateral Entry Fair

Persons who have signed up for the school system's 2008 Lateral Entry Fair will meet at Wake Technical Community College Thursday afternoon to investigate teaching opportunities.

School officials will be there to talk with interested candidates about their educational background to determine what steps they would have to take to earn a teaching license and prospects for employment as a teacher in the school system.

Joan Kister of WCPSS Human Resources explains the importance of the Lateral Entry Teacher Information Fair.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Lateral Entry Fair.

This is a 7 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:22 PM on January 15, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Learning and Teaching

Superintendent Del Burns called on educators and the community to focus on learning and teaching in his mid-term report presented to the school board Tuesday and to a meeting of principals and central services staff Wednesday.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Learning and Teaching

This is a 6 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about Superintendent Burns' speech here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 04:47 PM on January 09, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Cuda Honored

Frank Cuda, a Wakefield High School construction technologies teacher, has been named the National Trade and Industrial Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Cuda Honored

This is a 9 minute mp3 file.

You can read an accompanying article about Frank Cuda here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:18 PM on January 07, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Explore Magnets

WCPSS Magnet School Coordinators are preparing for the information sessions and school visits to be held this month that will help parents make choices about attending magnet schools.

David Ansbacher, the new magnet school director, says this is a time for parents to explore their options.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Explore Magnets

This is a 6 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:55 PM on January 04, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: New Honors for Elliott

Wake County Teacher of the Year Paige Elliott was honored at Fuquay-Varina High School this afternoon as the Regional Teacher of the Year, making her one of nine teachers in contention for North Carolina Teacher of the Year.

The recognition came with a check for $5,000 and the opportunity to participate in national education conferences representing the state. Students cheered when Elliott was surprised with the announcement in the school's auditorium. She was honored with a reception in the school media center.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: New Honors for Elliott

This is a 4.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 03:44 PM on January 03, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: PE and Character Ed

At Yates Mill Elementary, students learn about good character and exercise. PE teacher Teresa Kessler and school counselor Joe Caldwell have found ways to help their students learn good character and good health at the same time.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: PE and Character Ed

This is a 10 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:44 AM on January 03, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Fund Balance Policy

In December, the Board of Education approved a new policy that deals with the school system's fund balance. WCPSS Chief Business Officer David Neter explains the fund balance and the new policy governing its use.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Fund Balance Policy

This is a 10 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 05:13 PM on January 02, 2008 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Lessons of Vietnam

Students who enter Lindy Poling's Lessons of Vietnam class at Millbrook High School learn many lessons. Poling's students explain the class visitors, correspondence with experts and questions about family they investigate.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Lessons of Vietnam

This is a 9 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:00 AM on December 26, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Poe and Peace

If you walk the halls of Poe Elementary School, you will notice the Montessori-themed magnet school has signs of peace. The calm hallways are one result of the Montessori instruction on peace, a word common in the vocabulary of Poe students.

We talked with students, teachers and Principal Sally Reynolds about the Peace Rose, the Peace Pole and other signs of peace at Poe.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Poe and Peace

This is a 7.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:00 AM on December 24, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Graduation Project

The graduation project is one of the higher standards North Carolina high school students now face. Students who are in tenth grade this year are the first class required to complete this work to graduate.

At Wake Forest Rolesville High School, educators are meeting with students in advisory time known as Cougar Connections to help prepare tenth graders for the graduation project.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Graduation Project

This is a 6 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 09:42 AM on December 21, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Middle School Literacy Coaches

At the Dec. 18 meeting of the Board of Education, the school system's three middle school literacy coaches talked with the board about their newly created jobs introduced by the state for the first time in 2006.

Iris Sutton of North Garner Middle, Jo Poytress of East Wake Middle and Lynn Flood of East Garner Middle talk about their work as middle school literacy teachers.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Middle School Literacy Coaches

This is a 6 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 08:57 AM on December 19, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Counselors Earn RAMP