INSIDE NHCS Oct. 7, 2022

They show up with questions that skillfully guide learners to figure things out on their own, instead of providing easy answers.

They show up for recess Red Rover and Homecoming face painting, and to watch their students perform in recitals or take the field or walk across the graduation stage — and all kinds of other things that aren't in the official job description.

They show up ready to tackle complex lessons at the whiteboard, and they show up to help kids make good choices, make new friends, and make it through tough times in their young lives.

They show up with professionalism, skill, and heart, and we're so proud to have them on our team.

Thank you, teachers, today and every day.

Introducing NHCS Insight

The Communication and Outreach Division recently launched a video series called NHCS Insight, which offers brief, impactful interviews with district staff to explain or introduce important issues. This week's guest was Community Relations Specialist Caleb Price, who shared about some recent significant donations and community partnerships.

Previous episodes featured interviews with Assistant Director of Transportation Deb Trafton and Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Malcolm Johnson.

Ms. Fitta is Beginning Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Hannah Fitta, 5th-grade teacher at College Park Elementary, this year's NHCS representative for the Beginning Teacher of the Year Award by the North Carolina Center for Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT).

Ms. Fitta has shown excellence in education and leadership within her classroom by establishing relationships with students and allowing them to bring their unique ideas and experiences to each lesson.

Nominate a Classified Employee for 'Excellence Exemplified'

New Hanover County Schools is proud of its employees and the work they do that contributes to the teaching and learning environment. Classified employees play an integral part in our instructional program and ensure the continuity of daily operations throughout the division.

We all know employees that go above and beyond and are examples of excellence on a daily basis and we would like to recognize them for their outstanding service to the organization. Do you know someone that is deserving of this recognition? If so, this is your opportunity to nominate them!

Who can nominate a classified employee for this recognition?

Anyone really! Teachers, administrators, and fellow classified employees.

Can a person nominate more than one employee?

Yes! Each nominee must have their own form (Please duplicate as needed).

Want to nominate someone?

Click here for more information and to access the nomination form.

Inspiring the Youngest Students to Dream Big

Ms. Wiggins

When Amanda Wiggins was choosing a college, she didn’t really understand the scope of her options.

She graduated from UNCW — where she had a great experience — but looking back, she says, “I knew there were other schools out there, but I didn’t think they were for me.”

Now a teacher assistant at Porters Neck Elementary School, she’s determined to show even the youngest students that when it comes to plans after high school, anything is possible.

On Wednesdays, NHCS teachers can wear jeans if they pair them with a shirt from a higher ed institution, part of the district’s mission to prepare and encourage students for college- and career readiness.

Representation matters, educators know, and visibility plants seeds of possibility.

Mrs. Wiggins had a few shirts from her local alma mater, but she wanted the kindergarteners and third and fourth graders she teaches to see the world of opportunity ahead of them.

This summer she started cold-calling admissions offices from around the country, asking if they’d be willing to send her a shirt and some information about their school so she could represent them on Wednesdays.

“The goal was to get land grant universities, historically Black colleges and universities, community colleges, trade schools, colleges from the north, from the south, from the east, the west, just trying to represent everywhere,” she said.

Every week she reps a new school and posts a photo of herself online in their shirt with a little bit of info, tagging the images with #wherewilltheygotoschool and #whoismrswwearingwednesdays.

She’s already received enough shirts in the mail to outfit her for the entire first semester.

While elementary students might not be thinking about college, she hopes that the fun and unpredictability of her challenge will make memories they can draw on later in their academic careers.

“Maybe it will spark them to think, ‘I can do something else, or maybe four-year college isn’t right for me but it’s okay to go to a community college or a trade school, or it’s okay to do what works best for me,’” she said. “I’m hoping that they understand it’s different for everybody, and there’s opportunity for everybody.”

Student Voice Policy Passes

This week at the Regular Board of Education meeting the Board approved the Student Voice Policy 4004.

This policy seeks to provide structures for students to work and collaborate with equal voice with adult decision-makers so there are options and opportunities for students to impact decisions that have a direct impact on them.

Special thanks to Dr. Kayce Smith and Schala Harper, who worked with students to advocate for this change that ensures that decisions made about students are made with students.

Alderman's Title I Family Photo Night

Families at Alderman Elementary got to sit for quick family portraits as part of their Title I Night event. It's the fourth year the school has offered this to families, and we love the idea of recognizing the love and partnership that families bring to a child's educational experience. Enjoy the cuteness, because we sure did.