NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN December
2017
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Seasons Greetings!
Volume 48, No. 5
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News Bulletin
December 2017
Rejuvenate Over the Holiday Season Ready to Return with a Renewed Sense of the Work We Have Before Us in 2018 I can’t believe we are about to close the chapter on another year. The 12 months that have made up 2017 have been filled with promise, challenges, excitement, and sadness, just like the years preceding it. We have gone from the glitz Mark Jewell and glamour of welcoming in President a new year to celebrating what we are most thankful for, and all of the holidays in between. We now find ourselves in the month of December, which represents many different things to many different people. Dubbed the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” these last 31 days highlight a season of continued giving, of spiritual awareness, of child-like wonder, and the goodness and richness that we share as mankind. It’s a time of shopping until you drop, of consuming way too many calories, and of spending time with friends and family. It’s a time of joy and laughter, a time to believe in magic and miracles, and a time
of reflection. Most importantly, it’s a time of respite, as we look forward to taking time for ourselves to rejuvenate our minds, bodies, and spirits. We begin preparing for what a new year will bring and what we will do to make it even better than the one we are leaving behind. Do we have questions? Yes we do. Probably a ton of them! Are we apprehensive? Yes we are! Will the resolutions we set for ourselves fail or will they flourish? More than likely, both! As we ponder on what hand we were dealt in 2017, whether good, bad, or indifferent, let’s remember the impact we made. Feel confident in knowing that your students are leaving for a few weeks with a little more knowledge than they started with in August. Keep in mind the difference we made as an organization to ensure our students receive the quality education they deserve. Stay focused on the work we have before us come January 1, and how together, we will continue to keep public education the number one priority! From all of us here at NCAE, we wish you and your family a safe and prosperous Holiday Season! See you next year!
Exceptional Children’s Caucus The EC (Exceptional Children’s) Caucus, formed in 2016, is the newest caucus to be approved by the NCAE Board of Directors. Its function is to advocate for EC teachers, students with disabilities, and their families. Since its inception, the Caucus has been discussing what it can do to help enhance the work of NCAE. At the 2017 Convention, the Caucus proposed a New Business Item focused on the inappropriateness of the current testing program for students with severe cognitive impairments. The NBI passed. The Caucus has also offered to attend regional and division conferences and present information on current issues in special education. Amy Harrison, who serves as the secretary, said for the 2017-18 school year, the Caucus would like to increase membership and become more visible within the NCAE family. “We also would like to work with locals, regions, and divisions to offer sessions at AR meetings, professional development opportunities, and conferences.” The Caucus will begin a membership drive at the 2018 Convention. Dues are: •
$35 for licensed educators, student services members, and principals
• • •
$20 for associate/ESP/retired members $10 for SNCAE members $5 for FTA members/high school students
In addition to Harrison, the other Caucus officers are Tony Veilleux, chair; Lashoundon Perkins, vice chair; and Emily Biggs, treasurer.
News Bulletin
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December 2017
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American Education Week 2017
President Jewell at Eastway Elem
Charlie Perusse, Governor Cooper’s budget director, at Havelock HS
Machelle Sanders, secretary of the N.C. Dept. of Administration at Beaufort Co. Southside HS
Gov. Cooper greets students at Washington Elementary
Vice President Kristy Moore at Eastway Elementary
Michael Regan, secretary of Environmental Quality, at Franklinton Elem
ED Rachelle Johnson at Eastway Elem Mandy Cohen, secretary of Health and Human Services, at Safe Place Child Care
Ron Penney, Dept. of Revenue secretary, at Harnett County Early College
Commerce Secretary Tony Copeland at Neal Middle Sch LaTanya Pattillo, Gov. Cooper’s teacher advisor, at Eastway Elem
President Jewell and Ashlie Bucy, deputy director of the N.C. Business for Education Committee, at the Boys and Girls Club/ Washington Elem
First Lady Kristin Cooper at Wiley Elementary School
Each year the Stokes Co. Association of Educators donates books in honor of AEW. Here, member Billie Perkins poses with two students who received books.
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News Bulletin
December 2017
Work of Specials Teachers Important to Student Achievement, Member Says The class size law that will be implemented by the General Assembly in 2018-19 eliminating a school district’s flexibility to fund specials teachers (unless promised changes are made) won’t directly affect Elizabeth Singley; however, this doesn’t mean she isn’t concerned about the issue. An art teacher at Carter High School in Winston-Salem, she knows the important role educators like her play in the lives of students and how detrimental it would be if their positions no longer existed. Teaching art at Carter High School is different than it is at traditional schools. Carter is a school for students with special needs, where class sizes are small – no more than eight to 10 students per class. But just like at traditional schools, classes such as art can play a significant part in student success. “Students benefit from art in numerous ways, especially for its therapeutic value,” said Singley. “Our students often win awards for their work and it is frequently displayed at different venues throughout the community, which gives them a sense of pride. It’s very important for students to feel proud of things they create and have something to show for it.” Students who attend Carter run the gamut of those who are wheelchair bound to those who are non-verbal. Lessons are adapted to fit their needs. For some students, such as those who score high on the autistic spectrum, they learn skills to help make them selfsufficient after graduation. Although art is the main focus of lessons taught in Singley’s classroom, she uses it to tie into other subjects such as math and reading. “What they learn in my class can be integrated into their other classes and helps them fine tune skills such as problem-solving, research, and typing.” Currently in her fourth year as a teacher and member of NCAE, Singley studied art in college. She wanted to
Art teacher Elizabeth Singley knows that art and other electives classes have a role in shaping a student’s future.
become a “starving artist,” which she successfully did for a while with her parent’s help (however, she didn’t actually starve). While working as a buyer for a textile company, she realized she wasn’t doing what her heart was calling her to do. “I wanted to teach children about art and the importance of exploring the world of art through their own eyes. So I pursued a master’s degree in education and worked three jobs while doing so – as a flower designer, as an art teacher at the YMCA, and as an ESL teacher.” After earning her degree, she interviewed at Carter, was hired, and moved from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. She hasn’t looked back since. She has found the special place where she was destined to be. “Carter High School is a place where you feel warm inside. Our children are happy, the loving qualities
of the staff can be seen throughout the school, and the administration is absolutely wonderful! We’re a family here.” As for her colleagues who are waiting to see what the General Assembly’s final decision on the law will be, Singley strongly agrees that lawmakers need to appropriate funding for all specials teachers (art, music, PE, and world languages). She also feels they [lawmakers] need to visit schools in their districts to see and experience what educators actually do. “I would like to see legislators try teaching a class and have educators observe to see how well they deliver lessons and adapt to students. It would be interesting to see their classroom management styles and how they would best deliver content to a class with 30+ students!”
Why wait in line to shop when you don’t have to? Purchase items at thousands of online stores via NEA Click & Save, your members-only virtual mall! Register at www.neambcom/clickandsave to browse Web sites of your favorite retailers. Earn WOWPoints to use toward future purchases. Get all of your shopping done in the comfort of your home!
News Bulletin
December 2017
NCAE
Looking to Give This Holiday Season? The Foundation Would Be a Great Choice!
This note penned in the child’s own handwriting speaks volumes. Without an educator reaching out to the N.C. Foundation for Public School Children for assistance, he probably would still be struggling to see the board in his classroom or read his lessons. Every day, Executive Director Marca Hamm says the Foundation receives calls and e-mails about students in need. Whether it’s for clothing, shoes, or medication, the Foundation is available to provide for a child what is requested in order for that child to remain in school and focused on receiving a quality education. “We know that some families are struggling and are doing all they can to ensure their children have what they need,” said Hamm. “However, sometimes it’s not enough. The Foundation is here to do whatever it can to help with those necessities as quickly as possible without the red tape. It’s because of you, the members of NCAE and your financial support, that we are able to continue to meet those needs.” Whether a one-time donation or a monthly contribution, all funds are used to make a difference in the lives of children, to grow our own educators through the Teacher Cadet Program, or strengthen children’s educational experience by providing grants to teachers and schools to fund professional development and endeavors that focus on parent engagement, literacy, and learning. “If you already support the Foundation, we appreciate your generosity!” added Hamm. “If you would like to make a donation this holiday season, or if you know of a child in need, please visit www.ncfpsc.org. We do our best to make sure every child receives assistance because we want ALL of our children to succeed!”
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6 PROUD MOMENTS
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Bethesda Elementary School Burton Elementary School Eastway Elementary School
Two other schools received Golden Key Achievement Awards from DPI for excellent nutrition, operations, administration, and communications and marketing: • •
Club Boulevard Elementary School W.G. Pearson Elementary
NBCT When: February 1-3, 2018 Where: NCAE Center Cost: $175 for members, $400 for non-members Click here to register. For more info, contact Angela.Farthing@ncae.org.
December 2017
Re-Engaging Students After Winter Break
Durham Schools Receive Awards for Healthy Menus Durham Public Schools is one of five North Carolina school districts to win a Bronze Award from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, which also recognizes the contributions of physical educators, classroom teachers, parents, and staff in prioritizing student health. The dedication of school nutrition employees, under the guidance of Executive Director Jim Keaten’s School Nutrition Service Program, landed them the award, which was recently presented by the Department of Public Instruction. In addition, three Durham Public Schools elementary schools were among 13 in North Carolina to receive America’s Healthiest Schools awards from Alliance:
News Bulletin
Many teachers feel the effect of the November slump when students are getting restless with the anticipation of winter break. While this may be a challenging time for many, don’t forget that it’s the return from winter break that needs to be addressed via teaching strategies. This is the time when students need to get prepared for state testing and mid-terms but are still on vacation mode. Unfortunately, there is no time to waste, and students need to quickly swing back into work mode. Here are a few teaching strategies to help re-engage your students after winter break. Set End-of-Year Goals – Start by having students set a few (realistic) goals by refining them into something that they can achieve by the end of the school year. Have students create a visual reminder of their educational goals by writing them out on a graphic organizer where they can see the steps it will take to achieve their goal. Embrace Technology – Simply put, if you want your students to remain focused on the task at hand, then you must give them the opportunity to indulge in their impulse to use technology. They will get it out of their system and be able to focus. Divert Students with a Brain Break – Help students
refocus by breaking up their day with a few quick brain breaks. A few yoga poses, a quick dance party, or even just a few minutes of getting their heart rate up can help students to regenerate and refocus their attention. Give Students Time to Share – After a long winter break, your students will have a lot to share with you. Allowing students to share their stories will help rid all of their holiday enthusiasm so they can refocus on what is important, like learning. For example, elementary school students can share their stories by creating a collage on a poster board or a digital scrapbook. Middle and high school students can utilize technology or create a journal chronicling all they did over break. Re-Establish Rules and Routines – Just as you had to establish rules and routines in the beginning of the year, now is a great time to go over them or even change them up a little bit. Use this time to reboot and check to see how much your students remember. It’s also a great time to take a student survey to see how students think things are going and what they would like to see different. Reprinted from TeachHub.com.
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December 2017
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DEALS
2017
for NEA Members Kids’ Magazines – Great for Holiday Gifts! Delight the kids, grandkids, or other special children in your life with an entertaining and educational holiday gift. Choose from dozens of titles suitable for all age groups, including preschoolers, children, teens, and ‘tweens at up to 85 percent off newsstand prices. To view the complete list of titles and to place your order, visit www.neamag.com. Send Holiday Wishes From the Heart NEA members save 20 percent on holiday flowers and gifts across the entire family of 1800FLOWERS.COM brands, including Cheryl’s Cookies, The Popcorn Factory, Fruit Bouquets.com, and Harry & David, among others. Call 1-800-FLOWERS and use promo code NEAMERRY, or visit www. 1800flowers.com/neamerry. Costco Offers Savings for All Your Holiday Needs Costco’s got everything you need to make the holiday season bright: home décor and furnishings, gifts like jewelry and electronics, a vast array of fresh and prepared foods, and more! When you join as a new Costco member, you will receive coupons for free products and other savings valued at $60. Become a member by visiting www.neamb.com/costco. Print the Costco membership invitation and special offers page, and present them at any U.S. Costco location – it’s that simple!
N C A E
N E W S
Dates to Remember December 5th 7th 10th 20th 21st 25th 31st
International Volunteer Day for Economic & Social Development National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Human Rights Day International Human Solidarity Day World Day of Prayer and Action for Children First Day of Winter NCAE Winter Break (Offices Closed through January 1) New Year’s Eve
Universal Human Rights Month
January 2018 1st 8th 15th 23rd 26th
New Year’s Day War on Poverty Day Martin Luther King Day National Day of Service National Handwriting Day Fun at Work Day National Pre-School Fitness Day
National Poverty in America Awareness Month
“Education comes from within; you get it by struggle and effort and thought.”-- Napoleon Hill
B U L L E T I N
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Positions stated in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official position of NCAE unless so identified. The NCAE News Bulletin, a journal of the Association, is published by the North Carolina Association of Educators, 700 S.Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601, 1-800-662-7924. www.ncae.org
Linda Powell-Jones, Editor/Designer
December 2017
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