Podcasts Archives

Enloe High Graduates Class of 2009

Enloe High graduated 570 students in the Class of 2009 today at the Raleigh Convention Center. This was Enloe's 46th commencement ceremony.

Each high school organizes its graduation ceremony and has the opportunity to practice with graduates in the Raleigh Convention Center. Enloe students arrived at the Convention Center at 7:15 for their 8 a.m. ceremony. They gathered in an area just behind the stage. Senior Kim Lorella reflected on the excitement just before the ceremony began.

Click here to listen to Senior Kim Lorella just before the graduation ceremony.

One of the parents at the convention center was Rueben Young, NC Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety. He was proud to see his son, Brandon Young, graduate from Enloe.

Click to listen to Rueben Young on his son's graduation.

At 8 a.m., the graduation ceremony began with the Enloe High Wind Ensemble directed by Robert Hunter playing Pomp and Circumstance. Student leaders spoke. Then students marched across the stage to receive a diploma and handshake from Principal Beth Cochran. Once all students had received diplomas, Cochran announced them graduates with students and families excitedly celebrating.

Click to listen to Enloe High Wind Ensemble perform Pomp and Circumstance.

Click to listen to Enloe students receive their diplomas

Click to listen to Enloe Principal Beth Cochran announce students as graduates.

Once the graduation ceremony was completed, families and students went to Enloe High where parents of the junior class had prepared a celebration, the Enloe String Orchestra played and the newly graduated students artwork was displayed.

Parents of Enloe graduates Daniel Vitek, Amelia Lumpkin and Roxanne Thompson took a moment during the celebration to talk about the excitement of graduation day.

Click to listen to Enloe Parents Talk about Graduation

The graduating Enloe students agreed with what these parents had to say about the importance of the role that Enloe teachers played in their lives. In the commencement ceremony program, the students noted:

The Senior Class of 2009 would like to express their sincere appreciation for the encouragement, support and guidance they have recieved from the faculty and staff of Enloe Magnet High School.

Enloe High students speaking during the ceremony are on stage as the ceremony begins.

Enloe High Principal Beth Cochran announces Class of 2009 are now graduates.

Enloe High students move the tassel to show they are graduates.

Enloe High graduate Brandon Young with his parents at Enloe High graduation reception.

Enloe High graduate Roxanne Thompson with her parents and relatives.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:30 PM on June 13, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Graduation Celebrates Each Student's Story

Millbrook High Principal Dana King says the graduation ceremony for the school's Class of 2009 will be a celebration and recognition of each student's achievement.

King says Millbrook High has been working with students and the school community to mark this importance milestone in the students' education careers.

Click here to listen to Graduation Celebrates Each Student's Story

This is a 10:45 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:20 PM on June 10, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Board Reviews Plans for PLC Wednesdays

Dr. Donna Hargens, the WCPSS Chief Academic Officer, talked in the Board of Education's Student Achievement Committee meeting Tuesday about a draft policy on professional learning communities.

Dr. Hargens talked about the importance of providing this time to teachers to improve instruction for students. She said across the school district during the 2009-10 school year, teachers will be meeting on Wednesday afternoons in PLCs.

Click here to listen to Board Reviews Plans for PLC Wednesdays

This is a 6 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:11 PM on June 10, 2009 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Student Earns Honors at Geo-Bee

Shantan Krovvidi, 13, a seventh-grader at Ligon Middle School earned third place in the 2009 National Geographic Bee held in Washington, D.C., on May 20. He won a $10,000 college scholarship. Krovvidi was one of the top 10 contestants who met in the final round. He was North Carolina's representative among the 55 state and territory winners who competed in preliminary rounds on May 19. Nearly 5 million students take part in the National Geographic Bee each year.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Student Earns Honors at Geo Bee

This is an 11 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:37 PM on June 8, 2009 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Valedictorians Discuss Their Plans, Offer Advice

The Class of 2009 valedictorians were applauded by the Wake County Board of Education today.

The valedictorians were invited to attend the Board of Education meeting. Eric Sparks who directs Counseling and Student Services introduced the students and described some of their accomplishments to the board. Board chair Rosa Gill congratulated the students on their accomplishments and called on the board and crowd to applaud the students' success.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Valedictorians Discuss Their Plans, Offer Advice

This is a 6:45 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the Class of 2009 valedictorians here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:37 PM on June 2, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Sanderson High Senior Patrick Short

Patrick Short is in the graduating class at Sanderson High. Short earned a number of honors this year: Presidential Scholar, Parks Scholar and Morehead-Cain Scholar. The Presidential Scholar honor earns Short a trip to Washington, DC. The Parks Scholarship is full tuition to four years at NC State University. The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is full tuition to four years at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Click here to listen to Sanderson High Senior Patrick Short

This is a 5:45 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:32 AM on June 2, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Panther Creek High Senior Andrea McKerlie

Andrea McKerlie is in the first graduating class at Panther Creek High. McKerlie is a published author with her second due for release any day. McKerlie is heading to Meredith College to pursue her interests in writing and music.

Click here to listen to Panther Creek High Senior Andrea McKerlie

This is a 5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:16 AM on June 2, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Holly Springs High Senior Lindsay Cordero

Lindsay Cordero is in the first graduating class at Holly Springs High. Cordero earned admission to West Point, the US Navy Academy and the US Air Force Academy. She also earned recommendations from two US Senators and a Congressman to the military academies.

Click here to listen to Holly Springs High Senior Lindsay Cordero

This is a 5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:09 AM on June 2, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Enloe High IB Students Celebrate

Enloe High students in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, their parents and some of their teachers gathered at Pullen Park to celebrate completing the two year course of study.

The program includes a series of IB exams that many colleges and universities provide course credit for just like Advanced Placement testing, as well as extended research essays and group projects.

While the celebration was winding down, several students and teachers talked about their IB experience.

Click here to listen to Enloe High IB Students Celebrate

This is a 7.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:42 PM on May 29, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Social Studies Administrators Honor Millbrook Teacher

At a gathering of the teachers who lead social studies instruction at WCPSS high schools and middle schools, the WCPSS senior administrator for social studies instruction Melinda Stephani recognized Millbrook High teacher Lindy Poling.

Recently, Stephani and Poling met at Millbrook High to talk about Poling's social studies class, Lessons of Vietnam.

Click here to listen to Social Studies Administrators Honor Millbrook Teacher

This is a 21 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about Lindy Poling's class here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 1:57 PM on May 21, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Schools and Faith Communities Partner

Churches and other faith communities are establishing relationships with schools under an initiative begun this year by the Wake County Public School System.

Board of Education members received a briefing on the new initiative and heard about partnerships Dillard Drive Elementary and Millbrook High have established this year.

Click here to listen to Schools and Faith Communities Partner

This is a 10 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:09 PM on May 20, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Cary High ROTC Scholars

Colonel Thomas Finnerty leads the Navy Junior ROTC program at Cary High School. Finnerty says there are 18 seniors graduating from a JROTC program with 128 students. The program has been at Cary High for 13 years.

Finnerty says six of the students have earned scholarships. Several are headed to NC State University and one has been accepted on a ROTC scholarship to Duke University.

Click here to listen to Cary High ROTC Scholars

This is a 15 minute mp3 file.

Colonel Thomas Finnerty and Cary High Navy Junior ROTC Seniors.

Posted by Bill Poston at 3:21 PM on May 18, 2009 | Leave Feedback

René Herrick Named Teacher of the Year

Combs Elementary teacher René Herrick was named the 2009 Wake County Teacher of the Year last night.

Chip Sudderth talked with Herrick and Combs Elementary principal Muriel Summers at the Teacher of the Year celebration.

Click here to listen to René Herrick Named Teacher of the Year

This is a 5 minute mp3 file.

You can also hear Superintendent Del Burns introduce Herrick. Burns held the keys to the car Bill Shotwell of Saturn of Raleigh/Cary donated for Herrick's use during the next year.

Click here to listen to Superintendent Burns Introduces René Herrick

This is a 4 minute mp3 file

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:20 PM on May 15, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Ann Quarles On Representing Wake County Teachers

Powell Elementary teacher Ann Quarles has represented Wake County teachers for the past year as the 2008 Wake County Teacher of the Year.

Chip Sudderth talked with Quarles about her year and what the new Teacher of the Year will experience.

Click here to listen to Ann Quarles on Representing Wake County Teachers

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:15 PM on May 15, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Teaching Math With the Arts

Douglas Elementary is a Creative Arts and Science Magnet School, committed to using an interdisciplinary approach that allows every child to use their multiple intelligences or varied learning styles to become successful lifelong learners.

The A+ Schools Program is an integral part of the Creative Arts and Science Magnet Program. It is an approach to teaching and learning grounded in the belief that the arts can play a central role in how children learn. A+ schools combine interdisciplinary teaching and daily arts instruction, giving teachers multiple opportunities each day to recognize the special skills and learning styles of students.

Douglas magnet coordinator Michelle Burrows and music teacher Susan Zelasky discuss teaching math with the arts.

Click here to listen to Teaching Math With the Arts

This is a 7 minute mp3 file.

Douglas magnet coordinator Michelle Burrows and music teacher Susan Zelasky discuss teaching math with the arts.

Douglas Elementary School is one of 18 WCPSS schools honored among the top magnet schools in the nation by the Magnet Schools of America.

Douglas Elementary was one of eight WCPSS magnet schools and74 magnet schools in the nation that the Magnet Schools of America recognized as Schools of Distinction.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:03 PM on May 14, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Vernon Malone's Children Recognized

At the May 5 meeting of the Wake County Board of Education, Chair Rosa Gill invited Rod, Barry and Laverne for a reading of the board's resolution honoring their father, Vernon Malone.

Malone served as a state senator and was the first chair of the Wake County Board of Education. Gill presented each of Malone's children with a framed copy of the resolution.

Click here to listen to Vernon Malone's Children Recognized

This is a 10 minute mp3 file.

Laverne, Rod and Barry holding copies of the resolution honoring their father, Vernon Malone.

Posted by Bill Poston at 2:10 PM on May 6, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Davis Drive Middle Battle of the Books Team Heads to State Competition

A team of Davis Drive Middle School students won the Wake County Battle of the Books competition and now will go to the state book quiz.

The Davis Drive team included Madhu Vadlamani, Caroline Reilly, Jessica Wan, Jared Tippens, Rushi Marthala, Ria Ray, Malvika Pillai, Anita Simha, Chelsey Lin, Jaya Krishna Pokuri, Hilary Sun and Christine Wei. The team's advisor was Bridget Hayes.

Hayes says her team read and studied the 30 books on the competition's list so they can answer difficult questions about characters, setting and plot.

Click here to listen to Davis Drive Middle Battle of the Books Team Heads to State Competition

This is a 10 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the Battle of the Books here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 2:15 PM on May 4, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Enloe Student Wins Emmy Award

Enloe High senior Taylor Leslie won an Emmy Award in the writing category for a series of commercial spoofs called "Real Teachers of Genius."

Leslie is a student in the broadcasting class taught by Curry Leslie. He has broadcasting connections with both his father and mother. Taylor is the son of teacher Curry Leslie. Taylor's mom works at WRAL.

This is the 12th Student Emmy award in 13 years for Enloe Eagle Productions and Curry Leslie.

Click here to listen to Enloe Student Wins Emmy Award

This is a 12 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the Emmy Awards for WCPSS schools here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:12 AM on May 4, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Supreme Court Rules

In a majority ruling, the North Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that school districts have the authority to assign students to year round schools.

Wake County Board of Education Chair Rosa Gill says the board will get an update from staff at its next meeting and discuss the ruling.

Click here to listen to Supreme Court Rules

This is a 3 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:25 PM on May 1, 2009 | Leave Feedback

JROTC at WCPSS High Schools

There was an update on the JROTC programs in Wake County Public School System high schools in the Student Achievement Committee of the Board of Education Tuesday.

Colonel Robert Penny of the Air Force JROTC program at Sanderson High gave the board an overview of the program serving more than 160 students.

Penny told the committee that his JROTC students have earned $3.8 million in JROTC scholarships and Air Force Academy appointments over the last seven years, have completed 3,642 hours of school and community service this year, earned Air Force JROTC Distinguished Unit for seven years and cadets have been selected as Student Body President, National Honor Society Vice President and Homecoming Queen.

Click here to listen to JROTC at WCPSS High Schools

This is an 8.5 minute mp3 file.

WCPSS has JROTC program at Sanderson High, Broughton High, Cary High and Wake Forest-Rolesville High.

Air Force JROTC programs are at Sanderson and Broughton High. Sanderson has more than 160 students. Broughton has more than 100 students. Navy JROTC is at Cary High. Cary has more than 125 students. Army JROTC is at Wake Forest Rolesville High. Wake Forest Rolesville High has more than 85 students.

Each year, more than 95 percent of WCPSS JROTC cadets graduate from high school on time. The JROTC curriculum focus is one citizenship, leadership, team work, character education, physical fitness, history and specific instruction based on the military branch.

Millbrook High is working to establish an Army JROTC program at the school. It’s expected to begin in the 2010-11 school year. Garner High administrators have expressed an interest in establishing a JROTC program there.

The high schools provide part of the teacher pay and space for instruction. The military pays the other half of the teacher’s salary, funds the program in the school and provides for a number of after school programs for JROTC cadets.

Col. Penny from Sanderson said 12 of his cadets have attended Air Force JROTC Honors Camp, hundreds have taken part in summer leadership schools at Marine Air Station Cherry Point and Pfeiffer College and cadets get to go on field trips each year to such places as military bases, New York City, Washington D.C. Kennedy Space Center, and numerous museums and parks.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:24 AM on April 30, 2009 | Leave Feedback

PTA Honors School Volunteers

The Wake County PTA recently celebrated at the Night of Stars honoring people who have volunteered in WCPSS schools.

PTA Council President Sarah Martin says the PTA honored volunteers form across Wake County with school PTA Presidents selecting volunteers who had been particularly impactful at their school. Martin said they heard so many wonderful stories.

Click here to listen to PTA Honors School Volunteers

This is a 15 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 3:12 PM on April 28, 2009 | Leave Feedback

English Discusses Closing the Gap

Dr. Fenwick English of the University of NC School of Education talked with Wake County educators in a Raising Achievement, Closing the Gaps meeting held at WCPSS offices in Cary yesterday. Dr. English is known as the father of the curriculum management audit and is one of the authors of the book 50 Ways to Close the Achievement Gap.

A group of WPCSS school principals and Wake County Board of Education member discuss what Dr. English had to say.

Click here to listen to English Discusses Closing the Gap

This is an 8.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:58 AM on April 28, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Fresh NC Strawberries in the Lunchroom

Fresh, delicious strawberries are ripe and ready to eat at NC farms.

Marilyn Moody, the WCPSS Child Nutrition Services director, says that they've been able to bring fresh NC strawberries from the field to the table in school lunchrooms.

Click here to listen to Fresh NC Strawberries in the Lunchroom

This is a 7 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:38 PM on April 24, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Board Policies Improve Curriculum Management

At the April 21 meeting, the Board of Education heard from WCPSS Chief Academic Officer Donna Hargens about the latest accomplishments under the continuing review of the curriculum management audit.

Dr. Hargens says recent months have resulted in changes to board policies for improving curriculum management.

Click here to listen to Board Policies Improve Curriculum Management

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 2:48 PM on April 24, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Success Series Expands to Spanish and Language Arts

At the April 21 meeting, educators talked with the Board of Education about new online video instruction for Spanish I and English I, grammar and conventions.

Tom Huffstettler, WCPSS administrator for Second Language instruction, and Catherine Truedell, WCPSS administrator for Language Arts instruction, introduced the teachers who teach these online video lessons.

Click here to listen to Success Series Expands to Spanish and Language Arts

This is a 5.5 minute mp3 file.

You can find the entire Success Series lessons online here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:32 AM on April 24, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Board Delays Graduation Project

In the April 21 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Board of Education agreed to delay implementation of the graduation project for 2009-10.

This means current WCPSS Juniors will not be required to complete the graduation project, but will be recognized if they complete it.

The board action follows the decision of the NC Department of Public Instruction to delay implementation of the graduation project and the introduction of state legislation to change or eliminate the graduation project.

In Committee of the Whole discussions, board members agreed they want to move forward with establishing the graduation project as a WCPSS requirement in the future and asked staff to look at the best way to structure it for Wake County students.

Ruth Steidinger, WCPSS administrator for high school instruction, says the delay of implementation will result in a better process for students.

Click here to listen to Board Delays Graduation Project

This is a 5.5 minute mp3 file.

Three WCPSS high schools already required students to complete projects. Southeast Raleigh High has a graduation project and Broughton High and Garner High have International Baccalaureate personal projects. The board agreed those three schools should continue forward with the requirements they have in place.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:59 PM on April 23, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Board of Education Remembers Vernon Malone

State Senator Vernon Malone was a leader for education in Wake County. Friends of education were saddened when he died Saturday.

At today's Board of Education meeting, Board chair Rosa Gill honored Malone, the first chair of the Wake County Board of Education.

Click here to listen to Board of Education Remembers Vernon Malone

This is a 6.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 6:53 PM on April 21, 2009 | Leave Feedback

School Teams Work To Speak Up For Every Child

In schools across Wake County, teams of adults work behind the scenes speaking up for every child, working with families so that students achieve academic success.

Ann Rollins, who coordinates WCPSS Parent Liaisons and serves as Wake County PTA Council Family Involvement Chair, visited Green Elementary to talk with Principal Shelly Watson and the members of the school’s Partnership for Education Success (PES) team to talk about Standard 4: Speaking Up for Every Child.

The Green Elementary PES team includes Rollins, Janette Hodges, Catherine Cooper, Julie Doyle, Christine Meznarich and Principal Shelly Watson.

Click here to listen to School Teams Work To Speak Up For Every Child

This is a 31 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the Green Elementary Partnership for Education Success team here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:14 AM on April 21, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Schools Pilot Nutrition Labeling Project

Seven schools are piloting a nutrition labeling project proposed by the School Health Advisory Council.

Dr. Carol Mitchell, chair of the council, says 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.

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."

Schools have just begun the pilot. Cecilia Chapman, principal of Leesville Road Elementary and Dr. Pamela Kinsey-Barker of Brassfield Elementary talk about nutrition labeling at their schools.

Click here to listen to Schools Pilot Nutrition Labeling Project

This is a 9.5 minute mp3 file.

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

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:16 PM on April 20, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Legendary Leesville Leader Named to State Hall of Fame

His life was athletics and kids, said Ann Hamilton about her late husband Marshall Hamilton. She recently attended the ceremony where Hamilton was posthumously named to the NC Athletic Directors Association State Hall of Fame.

Ann who is a Leesville Road High teacher remembered her husband and reflected on the honor he recently received.

Click here to listen to Legendary Leesville Leader Named to State Hall of Fame

This is a 15.5 minute mp3 file.

Marshall Hamilton led the athletics program at Leesville Road High School for 14 years. Under his leadership, the athletics program thrived and became a competitive force in high school sports. Just three years after the school's opening, Leesville Road High school won the first of its three 4-A Wachovia Cups. During Hamilton's tenure, every sport contended for state titles. Before joining Leesville Road High school, Mr. Hamilton began his career at WCPSS as a teacher, athletic director, and the head boys varsity basketball coach at Broughton High School from the Fall of 1982 through the Spring of 1993. He served as an educator in the public schools of North Carolina for 40 years.

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:02 PM on April 17, 2009 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Prepares to Audit Individual Schools

The Wake County Public Schools System is looking to build on the success of the changes brought by the Curriculum Management Audit for the school district by auditing individual schools.

A team of external auditors examined WCPSS instructional practices in 2007 and provided the district with a 400-page report providing recommendations on steps the district could take to improve the support of learning and teaching.

WCPSS Chief Academic Officer Donna Hargens says the school district wants to use the same process to help schools improve learning and teaching.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Prepares to Audit Individual Schools

This is a 9 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 3:23 PM on April 9, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Salem Middle School's Dakota Lee Discusses Her Book

Seventh-grader Dakota Lee has been visiting schools to discuss her book Flash of Freedom with students. Last week, she was at Lufkin Road Middle School. She's also visited schools in Ohio and her mom was working on arrangements to visit a school in New York City.

At 13, Dakota is a published author with an online video blog where you will find her discussing horse care. She says her interest in horses and writing were both stimulated by reading.

Principal Allen Ellzey and Dakota Lee talk about reading and writing.

Click here to listen to Salem Middle School's Dakota Lee Discusses Her Book

This is a 22 minute mp3 file.

You can find Dakota's website here.

Principal Allen Ellzey with seven-grader Dakota Lee, author of Flash of Freedom.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:57 AM on April 6, 2009 | Leave Feedback

School Can Continue for Recovering Students

Students who suffer serious broken bones or require chemotherapy treatment for cancer and their medical conditions keep them at home for an extended stay can continue their studies.

Patrice Banks of WCPSS Counseling and Student Services directs homebound services which provide school services for students who doctors say need to be at home for a month or longer for their medical recovery.

Click here to listen to School Can Continue for Recovering Students

This is a 9 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:57 AM on March 31, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Helping Hands Helps with Instruction

Students served through the WCPSS Helping Hands mentors program are getting some additional instructional help.

Maurice Moore who directs Helping Hands says five teams are working with the students and their mentors after school on reading and math.

Click here to listen to Helping Hands Helps with Instruction

This is a 9 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 3:53 PM on March 27, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Time to Support Learning and Teaching

Board of Education members meeting in their Student Achievement Committee heard a presentation from representatives of a committee that have been studying ways for the school system to create time for teachers to work together to boost student achievement.

Time committee representatives James Overman, Jennifer Lanane and Sarah Martin discuss the importance of creating time for teachers to work in professional learning communities or learning teams to better serve students.

Click here to listen to Time to Support Learning and Teaching

This is a 13 minute mp3 file.

Here's more information on learning teams:

Teachers Surveyed on Learning Team Participation - February 5, 2009 audio podcast

Learning Teams Strengthen Instruction -January 8, 2009 article and audio podcast

Learning Teams are a High Five Legacy - Nov. 19, 2008 audio podcast

Learning Teams Changing Culture in Schools - Nov 4, 2008 audio podcast

Teachers Meet in Learning Teams to Boost Student Achievement - August 22, 2008 article and audio podcast

WCPSS Earns National Award for Learning Teams - July 9, 2008 article

What a PLC is like in the first year? - High Five Regional Partnership for High School Excellence

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:56 PM on March 25, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Web 2.0 Tools Link Wales and Turner Creek

Fourth graders at Turner Creek Elementary School teamed up with students in Wales to work on their writing.

Megan Poole, Turner Creek's Technology Coordinator, explains that it was easy to pair students separated by 3,700 miles and the Atlantic Ocean together in a classroom discussion on writing.

Click here to listen to Web 2.0 Tools Link Wales and Turner Creek

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

Poole says you can see examples of their work by visiting the fourth grade writing blog, the fifth grade social studies wiki or the Turner Creek science wiki.

Posted by Bill Poston at 1:03 PM on March 18, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Salem Middle School's Samantha McLeod Explains Normal

In the fourth grade at Olive Chapel Elementary, Samantha McLeod was writing in the Writers' Workshop curriculum WCPSS schools use to teach writing skills. One story she wrote impressed her principal so much that the principal encouraged her to publish it.

It's taken a few years, but Samantha is now getting attention for the publication of her children's book, Normal. She's now a student at Salem Middle and her principal Jan Hargrove is now principal of Turner Creek Elementary.

Click here to listen to Salem Middle School's Samantha McLeod Explains Normal

This is a 13.5 minute mp3 file.

Samantha read her book to members of the Wake County Board of Education at its March 16 meeting. You can listen here.

You can find Samantha's book online at lulu.com

Turner Creek Elementary Principal Jan Hargrove and former student Samantha McLeod talked about Samantha's book Normal.

Posted by Bill Poston at 6:38 PM on March 17, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Sanderson's Bob Catapano Named to Hall of Fame

Sanderson High Athletic Director Bob Catapano will be inducted into the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame later this month.

Catapano has served as Sanderson's athletic director, soccer coach and math teacher during a 36-year career with WCPSS. He's known for his team's six year span of 103 consecutive games without a loss.

Click here to listen to Sanderson's Bob Catapano Named to Hall of Fame

This is a 20.5 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about Catapano here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:16 PM on March 13, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Chief Business Officer Discusses Budget

David Neter, WCPSS Chief Business Officer, talks about the 2009-10 operating budget presented earlier this month to the Wake County Public School System to the Board of Education.

Neter addresses a series of questions in this series of audio podcasts interviews. Click the question below to listen to

• How do the economic problems we're experiencing as a nation impact our schools?
This is a 3 minute mp3 file.
• What steps has the school system taken in this fiscal year that will help us in 2009-10?
This is a 3 minute mp3 file.
• Has the school system actually reduced spending in its 2009-10 budget?
This is a 5.5 minute mp3 file.
• What mandatory additional spending is the school system required to include in the 2009-10 budget? This is a 5.45 minute mp3 file.
• How is the school system budget affected by growth in the 2009-10 budget?
This is a 5.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 3:33 PM on March 10, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Elementary Teachers Use New Technology

Elementary school teachers are learning to incorporate new technology into learning and teaching in the classrooms of our youngest students.

Nancy Mangum, a WCPSS Elementary Education administrator, says teachers are using Photostory and Voicethreads in their classroom instruction.

Click here to listen to Elementary Teachers Use New Technology

This is a 5 minute mp3 file.

By clicking on these links, you can see Photostory and Voicethread. If you click on "What's a Voicethread anyway?" you'll get an introduction to the technology.

Posted by Bill Poston at 3:08 PM on March 5, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Students Need To Be In School To Learn

At Wakefield North, the ninth-grade center for Wakefield High, social worker Steven Sapienza is leading a pilot project on attendance, described by Superintendent Burns as one of the vital behaviors for learning and teaching in WCPSS schools.

"You need to be at school to learn,"said Sapienza. "It's that simple."

While attendance seems straightforward and simple, absenteeism may be a difficult and complex problem for some students. Sapienza says there are a number of issues such as poverty, chronic illness, homelessness, emotional and mental health of the student and parents, and cultural and language barriers that contribute to absenteeism.

Click here to listen to Students Need To Be In School To Learn

This is a 21 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 2:27 PM on March 3, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Wake County Families and Schools Support Student Success

Families and schools are working in partnership to support success for students and for their schools.

To further foster this partnership, 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 Principal Matt Wight of Apex High, to talk about Standard 3: Supporting student success - Families and school staff continuously collaborate to support students' learning and healthy development both at home and at school, and have regular opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to do so effectively.

Principal Wight has a number of ways that parents, students and teachers work together to support student academic success.

Click here to listen to Wake County Families and Schools Support Student Success

This is a 35 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 communicating with families. Please share your best practices identifying the school and the steps taken to support student success.

Posted by Bill Poston at 3:04 PM on February 24, 2009 | Leave Feedback

2009 National Board Certified Teachers Honored

The nearly 200 Wake County Public School System educators who earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards this year were congratulated by Superintendent Del Burns in a reception Wednesday.

John and Sue Evans are two teachers who earned certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and were among the many teachers honored at the reception.

Click here to listen to 2009 National Board Certified Teachers Honored

This is a 7 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:46 PM on February 13, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Wake County Magnet Schools Earn National Honors

Eighteen magnet schools in the Wake County Public School System have been notified by the Magnet Schools of America of their selection from a pool of more than 2,000 magnet schools from across the nation as MSA Schools of Excellence or MSA Schools of Distinction.

Donna Hargens, WCPSS Chief Academic Officer and Cathy Williams, principal of East Garner Middle, talk about the national recognition the schools have earned.

Click here to listen to Wake County Magnet School Earn National Honors

This is a 4.5 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the awards here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:41 AM on February 11, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Application Period Opens for WCPSS Magnet School Program

Today marks the opening of the magnet school application period for the Wake County Public School System. Families in Wake County may apply for their children to attend one of the 33 magnet schools including 19 elementary, 8 middle, 5 high schools and 1 early college.

Dr. David Ansbacher who leads WCPSS Magnet Programs and Michele Weiland, a parent with students in magnet schools talk about choosing a magnet school.

Click here to listen to Application Period Opens for WCPSS Magnet School Program

This is a 10 minute mp3 file.

You can find more information about Brooks Elementary and Moore Square Middle.

Posted by Bill Poston at 2:57 PM on February 9, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Celebrating School Counseling

School Counselors in the Wake County Public School System marked the first week of February with a special conference marking National School Counselors Week.

Eric Sparks who leads WCPSS Counseling Services says counselors work to support students and their academic success.

Click here to listen to Celebrating School Counseling

This is a 12 minute mp3 file.

A number of WCPSS schools have earned the American School Counselors Association RAMP Award. In 2008, it was presented to Millbrook ES, E Millbrook M, E Wake MS, Reedy Creek MS, Leesville HS (Re-RAMP), and Wakefield HS (Re-RAMP). The RAMP is a 3 year designation, so Leesville HS and Wakefield HS have completed the process twice.

There were four schools that will receive the RAMP award in June. The schools are Hodge Rd ES, Holly Grove ES, Wildwood Forest ES and Wakefield MS.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:08 PM on February 6, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Teachers Surveyed on Learning Team Participation

At its Feb. 3 committee of the whole meeting, Assistant Superintendent David Holdzkom talked with the Board of Education about surveys teachers have completed on participation in learning teams.

Holdzkom says the surveys reflect greater enthusiasm by teachers about the impact of learning teams on student instruction.

Click here to listen to Teachers Surveyed on Learning Team Participation

This is a 10 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 9:59 AM on February 5, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Board Approves Multi-year Assignment Plan

At its Feb. 3 meeting, the Board of Education approved a multi-year assignment plan to fill 10 new schools opening in the next three years.

Assistant Superintendent Chuck Dulaney says the board and school system devoted months of work, hearings and, community meetings in working with families on assigning students for the next three years.

Click here to listen to Board Approves Multi-year Assignment Plan

This is a 14 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:28 PM on February 4, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Faith Communities and Schools Work Together

New connections are being made between faith communities and schools in Wake County this year. Faith communities are a good place to turn for volunteers to work with children.

Darryl Fisher, a WCPSS administrator, says the strong connections that already exist in communities between schools and houses of worship provide opportunities to help Wake County children.

Click here to listen to Faith Communities and Schools Work Together

This is a 9.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:45 PM on February 4, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Blues Guitarist Visits Powell Elementary

Guitarist Hurricane Wilson is visiting students at Powell Elementary this week to teach them about the blues.

Principal Jimmy Sposato says teachers are using the visiting artists to teach lessons in music, art, history and writing. Sposato says the discussion of blues music will lead into the school's reading project where all students will read a book about the blues.

Click here to listen to Blues Guitarist Visits Powell Elementary

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

You can read the full story here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:54 PM on January 28, 2009 | Leave Feedback

State Law Requires Rising 6th Graders to be Vaccinated

By state law, students who will be entering the sixth grade in 2009-10 are required to have the TDAP vaccination.

Michelle Nicely of Wake County Human Services explains the vaccination requirements and the free, no-appointment TDAP clinics Wake County Human Services will be offering.

Click here to listen to State Law Requires Rising 6th Graders to be Vaccinated

This is a 4 minute mp3 file.

More information is available on the clinics here.

More information on TDAP vaccination is available here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 1:15 PM on January 28, 2009 | Leave Feedback

New Writing Test Pilot Underway

At its Jan. 22 meeting, Dr. Sherri Merritt, WCPSS senior director for literacy instruction, talked with the Board of Education about changes to testing of student writing skills.

While the state has eliminated the writing prompt test used at grades four and seven, a new testing system is being piloted this school year.

Click here to listen to New Writing Test Pilot Underway

This is a 6.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:43 AM on January 26, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Helping Girls Navigate the Middle School Years

Apex Middle School Counselor Julia Taylor has just published a book for educators titled Girls in Real-Life Situations that provides ideas for talks with girls to help them feel empowered, gain self-awareness, develop coping strategies, improve problem-solving skills, understand that they are not alone, and learn to make healthy decisions.

Based on her experience, Taylor has been leading discussions with Wake County educators on working with middle school girls.

Click here to listen to Helping Girls Navigate the Middle School Years

This is a 14.5 minute mp3 file.

You can see Taylor's new book here.

You can visit a website she created here that includes information for parents.

Posted by Bill Poston at 1:32 PM on January 20, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Wake County Schools Communicate With Families

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 Jim Argent, principal of Swift Creek Elementary, to talk about Standard 2: Communicating Effectively: Families and school staff engage in regular, meaningful communication about student learning.

Principal Argent uses a number of tools to communicate with Swift Creek families. One new tool he is using is education summits for parents and students.

Click here to listen to Wake County Schools Communicate With Families

This is a 28 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 communicating with families. Please share your best practices identifying the school and the steps taken to welcome families.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:18 AM on January 20, 2009 | Leave Feedback

Learning Teams Strengthen Instruction

Teachers are talking excitedly about what's happening in their schools. There is a cultural shift underway transforming the way teachers teach and students learn. The change isn't the result of gimmicks or magic solutions.

Schools have borrowed a page from the world of business where teams work to solve problems. It's a new way of educational thinking. Teachers at Wake Forest Elementary School are meeting in learning teams. Principal Denise Tillery says its having an impact on student learning.

Click here to listen to Learning Teams Strengthen Instruction

This is a 13 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 9:39 AM on January 8, 2009 | Leave Feedback

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 3:49 PM on January 5, 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 4:38 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 5:29 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 5:07 PM on December 8, 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 5:01 PM on December 5, 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 5:50 PM on December 3, 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 9:30 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 8:15 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 3:59 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 3:20 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 3:05 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 4:37 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 3:03 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 5, 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 3:16 PM on November 4, 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 2:21 PM on November 4, 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 1:46 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 3:11 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 7:03 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 2:48 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 2:20 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 2:17 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 5:23 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 3:32 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 4:14 PM on October 9, 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 5:02 PM on October 8, 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 3:51 PM on October 8, 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 3:44 PM on October 6, 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 2:20 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 1:39 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 4:55 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 6:28 PM on September 2, 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 6:13 PM on September 2, 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 4:47 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 4:45 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 8:49 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 8:40 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 1:18 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 1:11 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 4:44 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 3:45 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 5:27 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 1:37 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 4:00 PM on July 2, 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 3:53 PM on July 2, 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 2:39 PM on July 2, 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 1, 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 9:41 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 5:16 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 5:13 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 5:07 PM on June 9, 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 8:53 AM on June 5, 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 8:16 AM on June 5, 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 4, 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 2, 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 2, 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 2:48 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 9:57 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 3:20 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 9:13 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 5:53 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 5:09 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 5:02 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 9, 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 6:42 PM on May 8, 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 9:40 AM on May 6, 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 5:16 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 1:47 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 6:05 PM on April 3, 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 2:04 PM on April 2, 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 4:40 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 5:09 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 4:19 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 4:17 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 3:16 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 4:21 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 5:46 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 5:48 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 3:27 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 5:30 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 7, 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 5:49 PM on February 6, 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 5:38 PM on February 4, 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 5:32 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 5:49 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 5:01 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 3:47 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 8:50 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 4:47 PM on January 9, 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 3:18 PM on January 7, 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 5:55 PM on January 4, 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 3:44 PM on January 3, 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 3, 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 5:13 PM on January 2, 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 9:42 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 8:57 AM on December 19, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Counselors Earn RAMP

East Millbrook Middle, East Wake Middle and Reedy Creek Middle have just received the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) Award!

The RAMP designation, awarded to schools that align with the criteria set in the American School Counselors Association National Model, recognizes schools that are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program and an exemplary educational environment.

Susan Sigmon, Vanta Cox and Misty Southern are the counselors at East Millbrook Middle. They talk about earning RAMP recognition.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Counselors Earn RAMP

This is a 10 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 9:15 AM on December 18, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Sanderson Teacher Training

With the goal of helping all students graduate on time, teachers at Sanderson High School have taken part in "Framework for Understanding Poverty" training.

Sanderson Assistant Principal Dale Warren leads the school's training and teachers Kimberly Rose, BG Dunaway and Cindy Crabtree have taken part.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Sanderson Teacher Training

This is a 25 minute mp3 file. It may take a moment for this file to download because of the large file size.

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:02 PM on December 14, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: National Board Certified Teachers

The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards has reported on the teachers across the nation who earned certification this year. WCPSS has the second largest number of teachers of any school system in the nation teaching in our schools.

With 169 teachers earning certification, the WCPSS Class of 2007 was the largest of any school district in the state.
Earning certification is a demanding process for teachers. Southeast Raleigh High teachers LaTonya Coley, Allison McMunn and Margaret Snellgroves earned certification this year and talk about the process.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: National Board Certified Teachers

This is a 12 minute mp3 file.

You can see the list of all WCPSS teachers to earn certification this year here.

You can visit the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 10:39 AM on December 10, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Assignment Policy

A revision of Policy 6200 for assigning students was approved by the Board of Education at its meeting Tuesday. The board's action followed months of study and discussion.

The revised policy now lists the board's goals for the student assignment process:
-Creating stable school environments (families, classmates and peers)
-Protecting the ability to offer quality programs in every school
-Collaborating with the community (all parties/stakeholders)
-Creating and maintaining a diverse student body
-Alleviating overcrowding
-Filling seats efficiently
-Achieving academic success for all children
-Providing a logical progression between elementary, middle and high school
-Creating good teaching conditions (the social, emotional and physical environment)
-Retaining good teachers
-Ensuring consistency across the system over time
-Building a sense of community and connection (i.e., neighborhoods, parent involvement)
-Fairness

The board also identified factors to be considered in assignment:
-Populations of students with higher needs
-Facility utilization
-Alignment with the magnet schools program
-Grade structure
-Stability of assignment
-Distance

Chuck Dulaney, Assistant Superintendent for Growth and Planning, discusses the revised policy for assigning students to schools.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Assignment Policy

This is an 8.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:11 PM on December 5, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Art at Phillips

An art teacher at Phillips High School has been working to tie African culture, art and character education together. You can see the effort imprinted on displays at the school, trash cans in downtown Raleigh and on the lives of his students.

Teacher Scott Renk and two of his students talk about a multi-cultural arts program that brings together drumming, dancing and art and helps relay the WCPSS character traits of courage, self-discipline, perseverance, integrity, respect, responsibility kindness and good judgment to the community.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Art at Phillips

This is an 10.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 6:23 PM on December 3, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: TAs at Peace

A group of Wake County Public School System teacher assistants are part of the first class at Peace College that enrolled this fall in a two-year teacher licensure program.

Jill Rohan who works at Olds Elementary and Eva Waithe who works at Weatherstone Elementary are working to move from teacher assistants to classroom teachers.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: TAs at Peace

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

You can find more on the Peace College adult education program here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 9:12 AM on November 29, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Broughton Visits Antigua

A group of 29 educators, students and adult volunteers from Broughton High School are traveling to Antigua, Guatemala over the Thanksgiving break. They will be taking part in Spanish-language immersion classes in the morning and working in volunteer jobs in the afternoon.

Students involved in preparing for the trip and traveling to Guatemala talk about the trip and the school’s participation in the Memory Project. Dr. Winn Cherry, Broughton’s coordinator for the school’s International Baccalaureate program, describes the importance of the schools travel plans.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Broughton Visits Antigua

This is an 11.5 minute mp3 file.

You can find more on the Memory Project here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:47 PM on November 16, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Enloe Wins Siemens Regional

A team of Enloe High School students including seniors Vivek Bhattacharya and Hao Lian and junior Daniel Vitek earned a silver medal and $6,000 team scholarship for winning at the regional Siemens Westinghouse Science and Technology Competition.

The three students worked with North Carolina State University professors Dr. Ann-Marie Stump, Associate Professor of Forestry and Dr. Donald Bitzer, Distinguished University Residence Professor.

Listen to the students talk about their work and participation in the competition.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Enloe Wins Siemens Regional

This is a 7.5 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the competition here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:22 PM on November 7, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Assignment Policy

At the Board of Education meeting tonight, the board gave first reading approval to a revision of the policy used to assign students to school.

Assistant Superintendent Chuck Dulaney talks about the months of study and discussion that led to the policy revision.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Assignment Policy
This is a 7.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 7:34 PM on November 6, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Principals on PLCs

At the Board of Education meeting this afternoon, principals from three schools talked with the board about the impact of professional learning communities at their schools.

Edward McFarland of Fuquay Varina High, Timothy Locklair of Apex Middle and Denise Tillery of Wake Forest Elementary talked about the changes at their schools resulting from teachers working in learning communities.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Principals on PLCs

This is a 9.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 6:26 PM on November 6, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Principal of the Year

Sanderson High School Principal Cathy Moore has been named Wake County's 2007 Principal of the Year. Moore talks about her life as a high school principal and her years leading Sanderson High.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Principal of the Year

This is a 30 minute mp3 file. Because of its length, it may take a moment to download.

Posted by Bill Poston at 2:36 PM on November 5, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Report Cards

For WCPSS traditional calendar schools, first quarter report cards are heading home in student backpacks. WCPSS students on other calendars have already delivered first quarter report cards home and are into their second quarter.

Cary Elementary is a traditional calendar school sending report cards home Nov. 2. Cary Elementary Principal Rodney Stanton, fourth-grade teacher Lori Shaw and Cary Elementary parent Sherri Phillips talk about report cards.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Report Cards

This is a 15 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:33 PM on November 1, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Violinist Honored

Enloe High School senior Lucas Wollenzien is one of 110 students from across the nation selected to be a member of the National High School Honors Orchestra.

Beth McCollum, Enloe orchestra director, has worked with Lucas for four years. They talk with us about this honor.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Violinist Honored

This is a 10:30 minute mp3 file.

You can find more about the National High School Honors Orchestra here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:32 PM on October 31, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Heroes at Northwoods

Character education is built into instruction in schools across Wake County. At Northwoods Elementary School, the students are learning about the character trait of courage by meeting people in uniform. On November 8, students will spend time with Heroes in uniform from the military, law enforcement and emergency services.

Northwoods Counselor Beverly Mitchell talks about Hero Day at Northwoods and students explain their understanding of courage.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Heroes at Northwoods

This is a 7 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 6:01 PM on October 30, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Community Engagement Meetings

Community engagement meetings will provide an opportunity for discussion on assigning students to fill three elementary schools that are due to open in 2008-09.

Assistant Superintendent Chuck Dulaney talks about what will happen in the four community engagement meetings.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Community Engagement Meetings

This is a 6 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about the community engagement meetings here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:58 PM on October 26, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Why take AP?

Molly Emmett is a senior at Millbrook High School. While it's unusual, Molly is actually taking six Advancement Placement classes.

Molly talks about her decision to take AP classes and we talk with her English teacher Allyson Young and Millbrook High Assistant Principal Tara Drouhard about AP classes at Millbrook.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Why take AP?

This is a 12 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about Advanced Placement testing in the Wake County Public School System here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:34 AM on October 26, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Broughton Students Serve

At the International Baccalaureate high schools in the Wake County Public School System, students are involved in community service. Community service has been a requirement for students at Broughton High for years.

Hillary Pollan is a Broughton High senior in the IB program who is very active in community service. Myra Smith, Broughton High's Middle Years Programme IB coordinator, explains the impact of community service involvement on students.

Susan Schmidt, the WCPSS Character Education coordinator, sees Hillary's work in the community as an important part of character building instruction.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Broughton Students Serve

This is a 15 minute mp3 file.

One of Hillary's volunteer efforts is the Global Village Festival that will be held at Broughton High 12 to 5 p.m., Oct. 27 at the football field. She would love to see you there.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:36 PM on October 24, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Teacher of the Year on PLCs

Across Wake County, teachers are meeting together using student testing data in professional learning communities to better plan instruction.

While teachers met in the past to talk about teaching, Paige Elliott, the Wake County Teacher of the Year, says this new tool of professional learning communities is having an impact on teaching and learning.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Teacher of the Year on PLCs

This is a 12 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about Elliott's views on professional learning communities in the Classroom Connection.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:24 PM on October 18, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Kenan Fellows

At its Oct 16 meeting, the Board of Education heard about the NC State University Kenan Fellows Program. Kenan Fellows are public school teachers selected to participate in a two-year fellowship with a university professor or corporate professional.

Dr. Valerie Brown Schild, director of the Kenan Fellows Program, and Tom Knott, a former WCPSS teacher now working with the Kenan Fellows Program, talk about the benefits of the program to teachers and to Wake County students.

The 2006 Kenan Fellows include WCPSS teachers Carrie Jones of Middle Creek High, Chad Ogren of Enloe High, Jodi Reidel of Wakefield High, Katherine Smyre of West Cary Middle and Susan Taylor of Panther Creek High.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Kenan Fellows

This is a 6.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:31 PM on October 17, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Public Private Partnership

At its Oct 16 meeting, the Board of Education approved a public private partnership pilot project to open an elementary school for 2010.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Burriss explains the school board's pioneering action.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Public Private Partnership

This is a 7 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 7:46 PM on October 16, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Mount Vernon Gets Boost

At its Oct 16 meeting, the Board of Education heard about the Boosters Program at Mount Vernon Middle School. Boosters is for students in the eighth grade who are 15 years or older.

Mount Vernon Middle School Principal James Hargett and one of his students talk about the Eighth grade Boosters.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Mount Vernon Gets Boost

This is a 4.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 7:19 PM on October 16, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Projecting Enrollment

Enrollment in the Wake County Public School System increased to 134,002 on the 20th day of the 2006-07 school year, 6,000 students more than last year. This increase in enrollment made WCPSS the largest school district in NC, passing Charlotte Mecklenburg schools which reported 20th day enrollment of 132,281.

Chuck Dulaney, Assistant Superintendent for Growth and Planning, discusses projecting the number of students entering schools in Wake County.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Projecting Enrollment

This is a 12.5 minute mp3 file.

Demographer Maja Vouk works in the WCPSS Growth and Planning Department and shares information in the wcpss.net Demographics Resource Center. Vouk has provided helpful information on enrollment projections.

Posted by Bill Poston at 11:12 AM on October 11, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Earning Honors for IPM

The Wake County Public School System was one of the top school districts recognized at the McKimmon Center today for an Integrated Pest Management program.

Ashley Smith talks with Dr. Dennis Osborne, the WCPSS IPM Program Coordinator, to better understand the benefits in our schools of this program.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Earning Honors for IPM

This is a 4.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 6:10 PM on October 10, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Eliminate the Gap

Eliminating the gaps in achievement of student groups on state testing results is a priority in the recent curriculum management audit report.

We talk with Assistant Superintendent David Holdzkom and several parents of elementary students to better understand the issue.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Eliminate the Gap

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

You can read more about testing outcomes for elementary students and middle school students, as well as newsletters for effective practices for elementary and middle school students with multiple needs.

A School Connection TV story on this topic is available here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 3:58 PM on October 8, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Building Bridges

East Garner Middle School assistant principal Carla Hoffman and eighth grade social studies teacher Andrea Plakmeyer are visiting a middle school in Puebla, Mexico to develop plans for joint instructional projects for students.

Hoffman says the conversations will help the two schools build bridges to provide students opportunities to learn together and from each other.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Building Bridges

This is a 4 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 3:11 PM on October 4, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Garner IB Students

At the celebration of authorization of the International Baccalaureate program in WCPSS schools in Garner today, three Garner High students in the IB Diploma Programme talked about IB.

After the ceremony, students Jack Thompson, Durga Sivamani and Kristen Bailey talked with us about the demands of the Diploma Programme.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Garner IB Students

This is a 6.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:50 PM on October 3, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: IB Authorized in Garner

After four years of hard work at East Garner Middle School and Garner High School, the two schools celebrated earning authorization from the International Baccalaureate Organization for the Middle Years IB Programme today with a reception attended by Garner community leaders and WCPSS educators.

Principals Michael Holton of Garner High and Cathy Williams of East Garner Middle School talk about earning authorization, the International Baccalaureate program and the impact of their schools receiving funds from the federal Magnet Assistance Grant.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: IB Authorized in Garner

This is an 11 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 3:14 PM on October 3, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Triangle Leadership Academy

At its Oct. 2 meeting, the Board of Education continued its participation in the Triangle Leadership Academy.

Dr. Joe Peel, director of the Leadership Academy, discusses its work with WCPSS administrators.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Triangle Leadership Academy

This is a 6.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 8:13 PM on October 2, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Interim Report Cards

Interim report cards have been sent home this week by Wake County Public School System teachers.

East Millbrook Middle School principal David Ansbacher and teachers Eric Burleson and Monica Franklin discuss the importance of interim report cards as communication between teachers and parents, and how parents can respond to these reports on classroom progress.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Interim Report Cards

This is a 7.5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 2:43 PM on September 28, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Multiple Academic Risks

The WCPSS Evaluation and Research Department has recently posted a study entitled WCPSS Students with Multiple Academic Risks: Achievement Patterns and School Experiences.

Nancy Baenen of WCPSS Evaluation and Research was one of the authors of this report and discusses what school system researchers found.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Multiple Academic Risks

This is a 9 minute mp3 file.

You can find a copy of this WCPSS Evaluation and Research report here.

You can find the WCPSS Evaluation and Research website here.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:44 PM on September 21, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Audit Action Plan

A six-month curriculum management audit that resulted in a 400-page audit report was presented this month to the Wake County Public School System.

Dr. Donna Hargens, WCPSS Chief Academic Officer, talked with the Board of Education today about the school system's audit action plan.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Audit Action Plan

This is a 5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 4:05 PM on September 18, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Planning for Safety

Safety is an expectation for students and employees in our schools. The WCPSS Security Department has been working with school administrators to prepare emergency plans for each school and department to keep students and staff safe.

Russ Smith, WCPSS Senior Director for Security, talked with Board of Education members in the committee of the whole meeting today about emergency planning.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Planning for Safety

This is a 5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 3:30 PM on September 18, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Driving Safety

With all schools in Wake County back in full operation, school and public safety officials are calling on all drivers to be aware of school zones and bus stops and to be more diligent when traveling in these areas.

Don Haydon, WCPSS Chief of Facilities and Operation, and Sgt. Jerry McCormick of the Town of Cary Police Department encourage drivers to be careful near schools and bus stops.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Driving Safety

This is a 4 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:27 PM on September 10, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Cooperation and Savings

Agreements that will provide an approximate sales tax refund of $12 million over the course of the next three years have been approved and executed by the Wake County Board of Education and the Wake County Board of Commissioners.

In legal agreements reached by the school board and county commissioners, purchases and contracts made as part of the $1 billion school construction program will result in a state sales tax refund.
WCPSS Chief Business Officer David Neter explains the agreement that provides this savings.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Cooperation and Savings

This is a 5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 6:01 PM on September 7, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Principals on Audit

A six-month curriculum management audit by Phi Delta Kappa International has resulted in a 400-page report presented to the Wake County Public School System. The report paints a picture of the changes WCPSS would need to make to meet the standards of the audit.

The report was presented to the Board of Education yesterday afternoon. This morning, WCPSS school principals and Central Service administrators heard from PDK lead auditor Rosanne Stripling.

Principals Luther Johnson of Holly Springs High School and Jamee Lynch of Sanford Creek Elementary School share their first impressions.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Principals on Audit

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 12:47 PM on September 5, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Curriculum Management Audit

A six-month curriculum management audit by Phi Delta Kappa International has resulted in a 400-page report presented to the Wake County Public School System. The report paints a picture of the changes WCPSS would need to make to meet the standards of the audit.

WCPSS Chief Academic Officer Donna Hargens and Dr. Rosanne Stripling, PDK team lead auditor, discuss the audit and its findings.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Curriculum Management Audit

This is a 17 minute mp3 file. It may take a moment to download.

Posted by Bill Poston at 3:45 PM on September 4, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: The SAT

SAT scores for 2006-07 Wake County Public School System seniors provide the second year of the new scores for a three-section SAT with math, critical reading and writing. This year, WCPSS seniors averaged 538 on math, 519 on critical reading and 505 on writing. The combined average score is 1562.

Andre Smith is principal of Wake Forest Roles High School. For the second year in a row, his students' performance on the SAT has improved. We talk with Smith on the steps they've taken to help students succeed on the SAT.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: The SAT

This is an 5 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 2:55 PM on August 28, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: First Day of School

For nearly 100,000 students, August 27 will be the first day of school for 2007-08 in Wake County.

Don Haydon, WCPSS Chief of Facilities and Operations, says school buildings are ready and WCPSS Transportation is prepared for the start of the school year.

Donna Hargens, WCPSS Chief Academic Officer, says the first day is a special day and teachers are excited for the year of teaching to begin.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: First Day of School

This is an 8 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 6:41 PM on August 25, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Parents and Teachers

Parents and teachers play a critical role in student success. It's important for them to work together to boost student academics.

When WCPSS Chief Academic Officer Donna Hargens heard Combs Elementary teachers Dyane Barnett and Kelley Schroeder talk to parents about ways to support their children, she was impressed.

We asked the two teachers to meet with Wake PTA Council President Cindy Smith and President-elect Sarah Martin to talk about the parent teacher relationship.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Parents and Teachers.

This is an 11 minute mp3 file.

Posted by Bill Poston at 6:19 PM on August 23, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Les Mis

More than 70 students from 22 WCPSS schools are busy preparing for the WCPSS/Broadway Series South student production of Les Mis September 28 and 29.

Broadway stars Terrence Mann and Lauren Kennedy have helped students prepare for the show. Mann, who earned a Tony nomination in the role of Javert in Les Mis, is directing this production.

Elizabeth Grimes-Droessler, WCPSS Senior Director for Arts Education, has coordinated the production.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Les Mis.

Posted by Bill Poston at 2:49 PM on August 22, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Improving Instruction

WCPSS Chief Academic Officer Donna Hargens says the way Wake County teachers teach is changing because of professional learning communities and formative assessments. Teachers work together in professional learning communities to discuss classroom instruction. They use formative assessments, or tests, to determine students who have mastered a subject and students who need additional instruction.

In WCPSS Podcast: Improving Instruction, Dr, Hargens discusses the use of testing data to improve instruction -- data driven decision making.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Improving Instruction.

Posted by Bill Poston at 2:09 PM on August 17, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Teacher Recruitment

Assistant Superintendent Maurice Boswell is responsible for retaining and recruiting teachers and employees for the Wake County Public School System.

In WCPSS Podcast: Teacher Recruitment, Boswell discusses the recruitment of teachers for the 2007-08 school year and we meet two of Wake County’s newest teachers.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: Teacher Recruitment.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:07 PM on August 13, 2007 | Leave Feedback

WCPSS Podcast: Writing Instruction

Welcome to the first podcast of the Wake County Public School System, a new method of bringing you information about teaching and learning in our schools.

In this first podcast, you'll meet Beth Ware. Beth is an experienced teacher and expert on writing instruction.

We discuss teaching elementary students to write, the subject of her recent presentation to the Board of Education.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Posted by Bill Poston at 5:36 PM on August 9, 2007 | Leave Feedback