Good News

Goal 2008: WCPSS is committed to academic excellence. By 2008, 95 percent of students in grades 3 through 12 will be at or above grade level as measured by the State of North Carolina End-of-Grade or Course tests, and all student groups will demonstrate high growth.

Feb.17, 2006

WCPSS ATHLETIC TEAMS ARE STATE CHAMPS
The Leesville Road High boys team won the state championship for gymnastics on Feb. 4. Enloe High won the state championship for boys swimming (8th straight year) on Feb. 11. Southeast Raleigh High won the state championship for indoor girls track on Feb. 11. Cary finished second in wrestling dual team state championships. WCPSS Athletics director Bobbie Guthrie offered his congratulations to the coaches and teams.

WCPSS HOLDS CHEERLEADING COMPETITION
The Wake County Cheerleading Competition was held Jan. 28. Below are the winners for all divisions:

Middle School
Small Division - Wakefield
Medium Division - West Millbrook
Large Division - Durant - Durant was also Grand Champion of the Middle Schools

High School - JV
Small Division - Apex
Large Division - Wake Forest-Rolesville

High School - Varsity
Small Division - Cary
Large Division - Middle Creek - Middle Creek was also Grand Champion of the High Schools

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION VISITS WCPSS SCHOOLS
Several WCPSS schools are taking part in the 2006 annual conference of the International Studies Schools Association, a national network of K-12 schools dedicated to improving students' understanding of the world. Educators attending the conference in Raleigh visited Enloe High and Wiley Elementary Feb. 15 to observer the international studies programs at the schools. In the field trips to the WCPSS schools, persons attending the conference met with school staff, learned about special electives and observed classes. It was an opportunity for visitors to look at well-known schools with a strong international studies program. Educators from schools and universities across the country are making presentations during the two-day conference, which is headquartered at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in RTP.

WCPSS TO HOST NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION VISIT
WCPSS has been selected to host a site visit of the Technology Leadership Network March 12-14. Each year the National School Boards Association's Education Technology Program sponsors site visits to school districts that have developed innovative solutions for their students, staff and community. Teams of school staff and school board members from across the nation will visit Wake County to see first-hand what a model technology urban district offers - from the use of data to drive decisions to innovative teaching strategies. Visitors will be able to see schools such as Timber Drive Elementary where students use wireless notebooks, desktops, GPS receivers, digital cameras, LCD projectors and interactive white boards in their class work as well as Sanderson High where teachers use electronic grade book and attendance recording and students register for classes using an online scheduling system.

SCHOOLS ENCOURAGED TO THINK OF HEART HEALTH DURING FEBRUARY
The WCPSS's Changing Hearts Program has been designed to help WCPSS schools take part in Cardiovascular Health Awareness Month during February with a menu of information and activities to help staff and students think heart healthy. The program encourages activities for children such as Jump Rope or Hoops for Heart, a community service project that incorporates jump rope or basketball into an activity that raises money for heart disease and stroke research. At the same time, children participate in an event that helps them understand the importance of heart health. The program suggests February is a good time for visits to the Poe Center for Health Education or heart healthy art and coloring projects. The Changing Hearts program offers an array of screenings, classes and courses and suggests a Move the School Day. On that day, everyone at the school would be encouraged to take part in structured physical activities, which are inclusive, educational and enjoyable. Schools can direct staff and parents to seminars and classes offered at WakeMed on heart health during February. School staff can take part in CPR, AED, First Aid Courses during the school year by contacting WCPSS Safety Officer Robin Pace. Creech and other school administrators have helped build partnerships with WakeMed, Wake County Human Services and the American Heart Association as part of the program. For more information on the WCPSS's Changing Hearts Program, contact Kelly Creech at 856-8145.

MILLBROOK CLASS PUBLISHES NEWSLETTER
Students in Millbrook High School's Lessons of Vietnam class with teacher Lindy Poling provide an insight into what they've been studying through a newsletter the class publishes. You can see the latest edition at http://mhs.wcpss.net/academics/poling/Bridges/2006/February.PDF

WEST LAKE HOLDS GANG AWARENESS DISCUSSION
There will be a discussion on gang awareness in our communities and schools at West Lake Middle School 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 9. Principal Greg Decker has invited Allan Jones of the Cary Police, Russ Smith of WCPSS Security, Johnny Hawkins of the State Gang Task Force, Tony Asion of El Pueblo, and Alan Muriera of KID Gloves, Inc. to speak on gang related issues. For more information, contact the school at 662-2900.

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WCPSS Good News is published electronically every other week for everyone interested in the Wake County Public School System. Is what you read in this edition helpful? What information would you like to see in future editions? Contact me by calling 850-1829 or e-mailing bposton@wcpss.net.

Bill Poston
Wake County Public School System
Communications Department
3600 Wake Forest Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611

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