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GCPS Book Bus returns with book and snack options

By Miles Bates
mbates@hendersondispatch.com; 252-436-2837
Jul 08, 2020 3:38 PM
OXFORD

Granville County Public Schools’ Book Bus has returned, and there are plenty of days still left where children can be provided books and snacks at the sites it visits.

“Along with bringing smiles and joy, which is so important right now, we are wanting to help build children’s home book collection and foster a love of reading,” said Lauren Piper, who is coordinating the district’s Book Bus efforts this summer. “We hope that these books give the students another opportunity to experience the world while staying at or close to home.”

Initial planning began in mid-May. Piper works alongside lead operator Dasie Roberts and their other operator and bus driver, Kathy Carroll, at each site.

The planning work has paid off with snacks as well as a variety of books people can acquire during visits.

Piper said books for all ages up through high school are available, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry and books related to science, technology, and mathematics.

As per usual in the pandemic, planning Book Bus site visits includes planning for safety.

“When children/families arrive on foot, they walk to the green cone with a sign that says ‘Temperature Check — Start Here.,” Piper said. “A volunteer is at this cone to check temperatures with an infrared thermometer. Once their temperature is taken and it’s within normal range, the volunteer directs the child/family to one of the two walk-up lines. If not within normal range, the volunteer checks again for certainty then asks the person to step to the side if temperature is above normal.

The volunteer will ask Piper for help in that situation.



Roberts and Carroll serve kids and families in the walk-up lines. Two tables are set up with book choices for the week and two tables are designated for snacks. Green cones spaces 6 feet apart mark off two lines, and stand at a cone 6 feet from the book table and talk with one of the “operators about the types of books they like,” Piper said.

Given the available choices, they make their selection then make their snack choice before returning to their vehicle, daycare or home.

Also, when kids and families arrive by vehicle, they have the option of parking and walking up or staying in their vehicle for “drive-up service” — there is a sign with this option and directions. If choosing the “drive-up option”, families stay in the vehicle and park in a numbered parking space, Piper said.

A volunteer will go to the parking space and serve the family, and volunteers serving the “drive-up lines” have a clipboard to gather information about kids such as their age and grade, preferred book category, and preferred snack option.

“Pictures of the snack options are on the clipboard for children to choose from,” Piper said. “Also, book categories lists are on the clipboard for volunteers to talk about types of books available. The volunteer then walks to the book tables to choose two-three books from that category and the children’s snack choice and take it back to the vehicle. The volunteer allows each child to choose one book out of the choices. All books will be kept by the children — no returns.”

Also, all workers and volunteers are district staff. A volunteer sheet was sent to all district staff explaining the effort and asking for their help in “making this a success,” Piper said.

To limit contact with multiple folks, they asked all volunteers to commit to the same site each week. Most have been able to agree to that except for a few that are on vacation certain weeks, Piper said.

All staff and volunteers wear masks and gloves throughout the visit and no staff or volunteers are allowed to participate if they have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

But due to COVID-19, staff and volunteers are only helping kids with selecting books and choosing a snack, and otherwise are practicing social distancing and utilizing personal protective equipment.

“The Book Bus serves multiple purposes with one of those being bringing joy to people,” Piper said. “Children are excited to get a new book and snack and it is exciting to the staff and volunteers to see the children. We have missed the kids.”



Parents don’t need to be present in order for kids to get a book and snack bag, Piper said in the document.

You can find out where the Book Bus is visiting and when, along with more information, at https://www.gcs.k12.nc.us/.

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Summer Resource Guide for Families (ENG and SPA)

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Summer Resource Guide for Families (ENG and SPA)

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WCPS created a Summer Resource Guide in hopes of providing some direction for our community when information may be harder to find. With schools out for summer, we know our families may need some additional help and we believe this guide could provide the answers to any questions they may have. A few of the things we've included are food assistance options, mental health hotlines, summer enrichment opportunities for children, and helpful government agencies to follow.

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Conference link coming soon.

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Conference link coming soon.

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July 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th

10-11AM AND 3-4PM

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July 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th
10-11am AND 3-4pm

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July 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th
10-11am Session

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July 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th
3-4pm session

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North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

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Lighting Our Way Forward - Instructional Planning and Scheduling Webinar

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North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

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Lighting Our Way Forward - Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health Webinar

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North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

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Lighting Our Way Forward - Student Health and Safety Webinar

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July 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th

10-11AM AND 3-4PM

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Simple, modern video meetings for the global workforce. Join from anywhere, including your desktop, browser, mobile device, or video room device.

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North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

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Lighting Our Way Forward - Employee Safety and Support Webinar

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North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

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Lighting Our Way Forward - School Operations: Transportation, Facilities, and Drivers Education

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Drive-In Graduation 2020

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Photos: Clover Garden School drive-in high school commencement

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Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.

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This link is located on the ECS website.  The results will help us make plans for re-opening school in the fall. The Department of Health and Human Services in collaboration with the NC Department of Public Instruction is requiring all school districts to develop three plans for re-opening school.  Plan A is that school will re-open with all staff and students in the building at the same time with minimal social distancing. Plan B is that school will open with moderate social distancing limiting the number of people in the building to no greater than 50% maximum capacity. Therefore, instruction will be blended. Some students will learn remotely while other students learn in-person and vice versa. Plan C is that school is closed and no students or staff will be in the building. All instruction will occur remotely under Plan C. Governor Cooper is expected to announce which plan we are to implement by July 1st. For now, we need your input. The re-opening school survey asks parents, faculty & staff and high school students to share their preferred learning & teaching environment. In addition to plans A, B, and C, Elkin City Schools is preparing to provide students and staff with an all-inclusive remote learning option regardless of which plan the Governor announces. This survey is very important to you and to us. You will receive additional calls and reminders. We are entering a time when it is crucial that we think about every option to keep our students and staff healthy and safe. Allison M. White 6/17/2020

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Copy of Elkin City Schools Re-Entry Survey

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A very basic survey that personalizes questions based on the stakeholder group selected- This is a force copy of a Google Form. Questions can be edited, deleted, or new questions added

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Links to Calendars. Submitted by J. Johnson, 6/8

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Submitted 6/8 to Padlet by J. Johnson, PCS PIO

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parents in Pitt County- Reach ALL effort

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Mount Airy City Schools' promise.

As a district family, our hearts hurt as we have learned about the senseless deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and most recently George Floyd. Our immediate thoughts and concerns go to the families of these victims and to our Black students, staff members, and community members.

Our country was founded on the beliefs that all people are created equal with the fundamental rights of liberty and freedom. However, we realize that these beliefs and rights are not equally shared for those living in America.

Mount Airy City Schools does not support the institutional racism that is found in this country. We will continue to listen and learn how to do better as a district. We promise to continue the work needed to educate our staff and students on how to recognize racism, confront it through difficult conversations, and how to make decisions and choices that grow us together to be better for our Black community members. We value inclusion and acceptance and work every day to improve on this belief.

This will not be quickly nor easily fixed. But we know that our children are the foundation of our future. We will prioritize our time with them to care for their social and emotional learning, address how these injustices have impacted them, and create opportunities for our children and teachers to grow together. This will take all of us. We invite anyone who wants to be part of this effort, to help with our mission of inclusion by assisting with our mentoring program. Please contact Polly Long to learn more about this work. plong@mtairy.k12.nc.us

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Mount Airy City Schools' promise. As a district family, our hearts hurt as we have learned about the senseless deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and most recently George Floyd. Our immediate thoughts and concerns go to the families of these victims and to our Black students, staff members, and community members.

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Asheville City Schools' Letter From the Superintendent's Desk

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Asheville City Schools' Letter From the Superintendent's Desk

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The current anger, fear, and racial divide in this country resulting from the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd is having a significant negative impact on many children, as well as adults, in Asheville City Schools and our community. We live in a nation that explicitly names freedom and liberty as key tenets for all people. However, we know that these are not shared experiences for everyone who lives here.

Asheville City Schools is actively working to eliminate bigotry and inequities caused by individual and institutional racism. As your Superintendent, my highest priority is to provide a safe, caring environment for all students, staff and faculty members. We recognize how painful this senseless tragedy is for many members of our community. Our children are watching and learning. Excellence with equity must be more than our motto; it must be in the DNA of how our district operates.

I am particularly concerned about what our Black and Brown children experience in our schools, neighborhoods and city. I am committed to listening and learning as we continue to break down systems of racial injustice and oppression. Your children may have heard about or even seen the appalling video of Mr. Floyd's murder. They may also have questions about the protests and riots that have followed. If you would like to talk with someone, please know that you are able to contact your child's teacher or any school administrator. Additionally, please reach out to our Student Services Department (ie. school counselors, school psychologists, school social worker) by calling (828) 350-6133 for additional support.

Trauma of this magnitude is a reminder that while our students and families may live next door to one another, they experience different worlds due to historic and present day racism. Our challenge as a school system is to end racism in our schools by centering the experience of our students of color. As I reflect on recent events and see the injustice, please understand that Asheville City Schools pledges to join leaders in our community and country in not only having courageous conversations but, more importantly, developing and carrying out actions that actually move the needle and have a positive impact on our students of color. Our actions must speak louder than our words.

In Collaboration,
Dr. Gene Freeman, Superintendent

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From the Superintendent's Desk: The Impact of the Death of George Floyd on our Community

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The current anger, fear, and racial divide in this country resulting from the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd is having a significant negative impact on many children, as well as adults, in Asheville City Schools and our community. We live in a nation that explicitly names freedom and liberty as key tenets for all people.

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Cabarrus County Schools statement from Superintendent

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Cabarrus County Schools statement from Superintendent

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Today, we begin a new month that follows days and nights of unrest in our communities and our nation. Cabarrus County Schools joins with others in our community in denouncing violence, inequality and injustice.

For far too long in our country, African-Americans have been denied the basic rights, freedoms and liberties granted to their fellow Americans. We have seen this play out over and over again throughout our history. We cannot continue to allow systems to thrive that support behaviors that are clearly wrong, unjust and inhumane.

Racism, prejudice, hatred, bigotry and bias have no place in our society, our community or our schools. In Cabarrus County Schools, we know there is much more work to be done, but we will continue to have the difficult but necessary conversations with school leaders and staff to identify, recognize and eliminate cultural biases in our organization. We will continue our work to create learning and working environments where all viewpoints are welcome and valued so that our students, especially, will feel seen and heard.

We offer our condolences to the families of the most recent victims of high-profile systemic racism and bias -- Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Their deaths were unnecessary and senseless.

It will take all of us working together throughout our community to dismantle these systems of oppression and bigotry, and it's imperative that we do. We owe it to our children and their children's children to create a society that has evolved beyond treating people differently simply because of the color of their skin to one that is enlightened and accepting of all citizens regardless of our differences.

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Superintendent's Message June 1, 2020

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Today, we begin a new month that follows days and nights of unrest in our communities and our nation. Cabarrus County Schools joins with others in our community in denouncing violence, inequality and injustice. For far too long in our country, African-Americans have been denied the basic rights, freedoms and liberties granted to their fellow Americans.

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From Granville County Public Schools

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KCS Superintendent Dr. Chip Buckwell made a surprise visit to announce the 2020 KCS Teacher of the Year. Using Facebook Live, Anna Hogan was announced live at her home! Excitement for everyone! #myKCS

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Kannapolis City Schools on Facebook Watch

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We created this infographic for employees to use as a reminder as we phase in employees returning to work in our buildings to help with end-of-year close out (drop-offs and pick-ups) and moving into the summer months for 11- and 12-month employees. We consulted with our local health department on these guidelines. 5/22

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Grade Selection Video for High School Students Grades 9-11 

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Grade Selection Video for High School Students Grades 9-11 

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Alamance-Burlington Schools created a video for students about selecting grades--this was created before the final option was provided but it has been very helpful. Shared via student emails, with parents via letter and on school and district websites:

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Be the Light: A Tribute to the Class of 2020

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Be the Light: A Tribute to the Class of 2020

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Our district leaders, principals and class sponsor shared message of hope and graduation plans on the football field, under the lights, between all the yard signs for our Class of 2020.

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Be the Light: A Tribute to the Class of 2020

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A video created to honor our teachers and the impact they make every single day! https://twitter.com/VanceCoSchools/status/1257317365903003659?s=20

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Our educators make an #IMPACT, whether in the classroom or through remote learning.  Today, we want to take a moment to thank our educators for making a difference in the lives of each and every one of our students. These are #OurNCSchoolHeroes!

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Our educators make an #IMPACT, whether in the classroom or through remote learning.  Today, we want to take a moment to thank our educators for making a difference in the lives of each and every one of our students. These are #OurNCSchoolHeroes! https://t.co/zBK1Ev6iYz

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Our educators make an #IMPACT, whether in the classroom or through remote learning. Today, we want to take a moment to thank our educators for making a difference in the lives of each and every one of our students. These are #OurNCSchoolHeroes! pic.twitter.com/zBK1Ev6iYz
— Vance County Schools (@VanceCoSchools) May 4, 2020

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Our educators make an #IMPACT, whether in the classroom or through remote learning.  Today, we want to take a moment to thank our educators for making a difference in the lives of each and every one of our students. These are #OurNCSchoolHeroes! https://t.co/zBK1Ev6iYz

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Our educators make an #IMPACT, whether in the classroom or through remote learning.  Today, we want to take a moment to thank our educators for making a difference in the lives of each and every one of our students. These are #OurNCSchoolHeroes! https://t.co/zBK1Ev6iYz

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Our educators make an #IMPACT, whether in the classroom or through remote learning.  Today, we want to take a moment to thank our educators for making a difference in the lives of each and every one of our students. These are #OurNCSchoolHeroes!

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We are still working through logistics, but this is a rough idea at what we are looking at.

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Just a message to our community that we love our seniors and that we are #VCStrong!

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We are working hard to continuing to honor the appreciation days virtually.

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Just a reminder for our community that Learning Never Stops and we are all in this together.

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Sharing why our school nutrition department are amazing with the COVID-19 meal distribution count.

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NCDPI COMMS PLAN FOR TEACHER AND STAFF APPRECIATION MAY 1-31

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NCDPI COMMS PLAN FOR TEACHER AND STAFF APPRECIATION MAY 1-31

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Please use this column to add your district's celebrations/ideas!

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FINAL-DPI Communications Plan: Teacher/Staff Appreciation, May, 2020

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There's no doubt about it; our Class of 2020 is something something! We're sure this isn't how you imagined your final few months of high school. But, know it's our absolute pleasure to honor your hard work, dedication and outstanding achievements! 🎓

Senior's Name, High

Favorite Memory:

Post Grad Plans:

#ACSClassOf2020Strong #OnceACougarAlwaysACougar #TheACSWay #CougarPride

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Asheville City Schools Delivering Class of 2020 Yard Signs

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Asheville City Schools Delivering Class of 2020 Yard Signs

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Asheville City Schools, Asheville, NC. 5,273 likes · 2,434 talking about this · 266 were here. Our 4500 students across the 10 educational sites in Asheville City Schools inspire excellence every...

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Churches band together to help Pitt County Schools and Community

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Churches band together to help Pitt County Schools and Community

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Submitted by Jennifer Johnson, PCS PIO on 4/29/20

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Resiliency training could have been a good thing to have had prior to a worldwide pandemic. But Parents for Public Schools' parent night workshop on resilience, scheduled for March, was one of the early event cancellations made to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Still, Executive Director Kylene Dibble has seen evidence that the lesson has not been lost. In the six weeks since Pitt County Schools, like systems across the state, closed their doors, she has seen the community respond in ways that have demonstrated a capacity to adapt to circumstances and recover.

"I'm not surprised," Dibble said. "Greenville is an incredible community."

Before the pandemic, Dibble had seen people come together in crisis following several hurricanes and had witnessed the community weather minor disruptions as well. She recalls how in 2018, when schools were closed due to an educators' rally in Raleigh, local residents rallied to send food home with children for the day the cafeterias would be closed.

"When this (pandemic) first happened, that was my first thought was 'I have watched this community come together in response to natural disaster and it's been an incredible response,'" Dibble said. "But what will crisis response look like when we can't be together and we can't touch each other?"

Pitt County Schools Director of Student Services Karen Harrington had similar questions. Harrington, whose work involves supervising the school system's 16 social workers, wondered how requirements for social distancing might affect people's ability to reach out in a time of crisis.

"Unfortunately, we know how to do hurricanes; we kind of have a protocol," she said. "You get together with your church and you clean up somebody's yard and you offer food. ... But this has just been very different."

Due to coronavirus, Oakmont Baptist Church has had to suspend its twice-weekly tutoring program for schoolchildren living in neighboring Oakmont Square and Carriage House apartments, and a weekly meal that includes the children and their families now has to be served "to go."

"(The virus) has changed a lot of it because you can't have your person-to-person contact," said Jimmie Hughes, the church's director of missions.

Though church members and groups of children no longer can meet face-to-face, Oakmont has found other ways to lend a hand, from delivering school learning packets to students who lack computer access to alerting families when the bus arrives in the church parking lot to deliver school breakfasts and lunches.

"We want to continue to show them that we love them and care about them, and God loves them and cares about them," Hughes said. "We are supposed to be good neighbors. They are our neighbors."

From the first day that schools were out, people have been looking for ways to serve their neighbors, offering to help distribute meals in school cafeterias or on bus routes. When school officials declined such offers in order to limit exposure, people began finding other ways they could contribute.

Harrington said in the earliest days that the area began to feel the effects of the pandemic, several businesses and a fraternity organized a food drive to help lower-income families in the northern part of the county.

"Maybe that's a Southern thing," she said. "When something happens, you bring food. Food is the first thought that people have had."

The school system, which on Monday served its 400,000th meal since the beginning of the pandemic, was providing weekday breakfast and lunch to ages 18 and younger. But other efforts were launched to bring food to families.

"I think part of it is just those initial days when people were going into grocery stores and finding the meat was all gone, empty shelves," Harrington said. "I would assume that then they started thinking about that they could drive to multiple stores. Others could not."

Community Feeding Our Children, which provides food during school closings for children who normally participate in the school free lunch program, began distributing supplies the first week. Coordinators Rodney Coles and James Hooker originally had intended for the food to be distributed in April when students were out for spring break but saw a more immediate need. The group made a second food distribution during the school system's spring break.

"This is actually the second time providing food for the children in the state of emergency," Coles said of the Community Feeding Our Children effort, launched in November 2017. "We did a large food distribution during (hurricane) Florence."

But COVID-19 presented different challenges than the hurricane. One was how to sustain the BackPack programs, which provide extra food for more than 1,000 students to take home on weekends.

"We had a number of churches, because these backpacks are put together by seniors (considered at high risk for contracting the virus), that didn't want to assemble and do that anymore," Hooker said.

To help, Koinonia Christian Center Church, which previously supported the BackPack program at one school, ordered 1,000 drawstring bags and began filling hundreds with food each week.

Executive Pastor Shondell Jones said feeding hungry people has long been considered the work of the church.

"One of the greatest miracles that even Jesus did was when he fed thousands," Jones said. "It's in all the Gospels, and evidently it made a huge impact. People had followed him all day and were super hungry. Instead of trying to make them go back and figure out a way to get something, he fed them right where they were."

Even with volunteers stepping up to supply the BackPack program, the school system had to figure out a way to get the food to the children. The packs generally went home on weekends with students participating in the program. Making them available at school cafeterias or on routes of buses delivering meals would not guarantee that they would end up going to families that needed them most.

While school social workers have taken on the responsibility of delivering some of the food donations, The Memorial Baptist Church, which historically has supplied weekend food for about 70 students at Eastern Elementary School, offered to make home deliveries during the school closures. Abbi Mullens, associate pastor of families, formation and community engagement, said volunteers now are delivering about three dozen boxes of food to families every two weeks.

"They don't really have the ability to come pick up this food," she said of the students' families. "They're the ones that the schools are concerned about anyway before this, so now they're struggling even more. We definitely don't want children going hungry."

Two weeks ago, the church had more volunteer drivers than boxes that needed to be delivered.

An increase in volunteers also has affected food distribution at Rose Hill Free Will Baptist Church. Prior to the pandemic, Rose Hill and two partnering churches had responsible for about 400 of the school system's 1,100 BackPack program bags each week. With several other churches joining the effort, those contributions have not been needed.

Pastor Roger Haithcock said Rose Hill, which continues to operate its other feeding programs during the pandemic, is happy to see additional churches taking part.

"For five years I've been speaking to groups, and I've spoken at our denominational annual meeting just driving the point home with the BackPack program," he said. "We're trying to get traction with our churches to kind of step up to that call, meeting the needs of our kids. I think COVID-19 has kind of put a magnifying glass on it."

Harrington, too, has seen the pandemic heighten awareness of hunger and food insecurity among their neighbors.

"People probably didn't realize that there are families that can't access a grocery store, particularly in our southern and northern ends of the county. Not all of us can call into Harris Teeter and go to the drive through and pick up our food," she said.

Harrington expects the demand for food to increase as more people are out of work due to coronavirus-related closures. But for now, she believes that schoolchildren and their families' nutritional needs are being met.

"In checking in with my social workers, they were worried that food might run out later and that we might need it later," Harrington said. "So we were trying to put people (donors) off until there was a need.

"It got to the point where we said, 'We appreciate it, but we're going to put you on a list, and as we have needs we hope that we could reach out as we find other needs.' We didn't feel like we had an additional need for food."

With many of Parents for Public Schools spring programming efforts rescheduled due to coronavirus, Dibble volunteered her time to help match donors and volunteers with needs that had gone unmet. For example, when ThermoFisher representatives contacted the school system to offer to provide food for schoolchildren and their families, Dibble asked if the company would be willing to supply those families with needed cleaning supplies and hygiene items instead.

Whether it was for families who lacked diapers or for school cafeteria workers who needed masks, Dibble was able to find donors to meet the needs.

"They didn't have to touch anybody for that," she said. "They provided this need and they stepped in.

"I really think it's about just changing mindset a little bit and really not saying no, just saying yes to something different," Dibble said. "I just think it's really amazing to know that our community responds to crisis, and they're capable of thinking outside the box."

Pitt County Schools and Parents for Public Schools will host a virtual resilience night event from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday. Links will be available on the school system's Facebook page.

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'They are our neighbors': Amid pandemic, community adapting, finding ways to help

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Resiliency training could have been a good thing to have had prior to a worldwide pandemic. But Parents for Public Schools' parent night workshop on resilience, scheduled for March, was one of the early event cancellations made to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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PCS TV Show- Addresses K-3 Programming and Literacy, Fully Sign-Interpreted by PCS Staff

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PCS TV Show- Addresses K-3 Programming and Literacy, Fully Sign-Interpreted by PCS Staff

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Eastern Carolina Education Connection, brought to you by Pitt County Schools, has a literacy focus, but will also feature a "Wiggle Break" with PE Teachers, Art Challenges, Counselor's Corner, Backyard "Friday Field trips," student submissions, and more. Airs M-F on WNCT's sister station, the CW, Channel 9.2 in Eastern NC. 12:00-12:30. Committed to 35 Episodes through the end of the school year. Publishing rights were specially approved. Any books that were considered banned from "broadcast" but allowed for one-time readings were deleted from the final YouTube posting with the title of the book and the encouragement to find it in a local library. Lessons and extra features remain. This is the first show, and the others have gotten progressively better as we figure out the accessible medium of TV.

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Parent Survey Released through East Carolina University

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Parent Survey Released through East Carolina University

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East Carolina University has access to Qualtrics and data analysis staff. They approached us about assisting us and hosting a survey for our system. (Pitt County Schools) We crafted an online survey.  Rigor, Instruction, Access, Communications, Teacher Feedback, AND Social/Emotional questions for how parents are "handling" everyday responsibilities with schooling their children were important for us to ask. Attached is the paper format to be sent with meals and collected. The paper version has a QR code and link (marked out here) as another option for parents to respond. ECU will analyze data and provide to us. Win-Win partnership that results in valuable data!
Jennifer Johnson, Pitt County Schools, 4/28/20

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During a stressful time, when resiliency is most needed, we are hosting a virtual event, with resiliency trainers- Resources for Resilience: https://resourcesforresilience.com/ Here is the teaser for parents: "Join Pitt County Schools and Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County in our first ever (virtual) Resilience Night.  Learn resilience building strategies. Discover the impacts of stress on the body and brain.  Develop an understanding of balance restoration and coping skills.  Promote well-being for you and your children."
Submitted by Jennifer Johnson, Pitt County Schools PIO, 4/28/20

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Wellness event in Greenville, NC by Pitt County Schools and Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County, Inc. on Thursday, April 30 2020

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This document summarizes the idea exchange from our statewide call on 4.24.20

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Class of 2020-COMMENCEMENT IDEAS FROM THE FIELD

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Union County Public Schools-Health Department trains school nurses to perform testing, contact tracing.

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Health department trains school nurses to perform testing, contact tracing

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One of the major things Gov. Roy Cooper said North Carolina needs to reopen is manpower in public health, including people who can trace and track new cases.

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#UShine Social Media Campaign to highlight 2020 graduates

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#UShine Social Media Campaign to highlight 2020 graduates

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GREENSBORO, N.C. - All across the Triad, principals and other school administrators are doing what they can to help with the distance learning.

Erik Naglee is the principal at Page High School. He knows just how many possible memories the coronavirus pandemic has taken away from high school seniors, so he is trying to help his students remember all of the good times they have had.

He is visiting them one by one, giving them T-shirts and the opportunity to remember their days at Page.

"We're also going to give themselves the opportunity to film themselves in a video that will be able to highlight what all they have been involved in here at Page High School in the past four years and also what they plan to do," said Naglee. "Their future career goals whether that may be going into the military, going straight to college or going straight into the workforce."

He is posting the videos one by one onto his twitter account using the hashtag #DREAMBIG.

Naglee says he's "trying to do something different, because obviously they have a lot of different memories whether it be with their peers, with their teachers or with the staff here that are being taken away. Or senior nights of Page Playmakers events. We are trying to replace some of that that is being taken away with a highlight, with a video such as this that is different and special for just this senior class."

Once he gets all of the videos shot, he says he plans to put them all together into a highlight reel for everyone to see.

He says he's hoping this will help them all get through this tough time together.

"It really sort of puts everything in perspective, why we do what we do as educators. I know our staff, our students and our community like seeing these videos as well," he said.

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Page High School principal highlights graduating class with video series, T-shirts

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GREENSBORO, N.C. - All across the Triad, principals and other school administrators are doing what they can to help with the distance learning. Erik Naglee is the principal at Page High School. He knows just how many possible memories the coronavirus pandemic has taken away from high school seniors, so he is trying to help [...]

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Davie County Schools COVID-19 Response Video

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Davie County Schools COVID-19 Response Video

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The goal was to create a video that provided a glimpse into all the wonderful ways that our entire DCS Team has responded to COVID-19. The audience was our DCS Family (students, parents and staff), but we also saw it as an opportunity to spread this message to the public. This allowed us to not only share our efforts, but to give kudos to every team within DCS, since they have made it all happen. This is a spin off from our Quick Kudos email that we frequently send out to celebrate the successes of our students and staff. Just another way to be positive story tellers during this challenging time.

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Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Hefner spent time on the Thursday before spring break helping distribute meals to children in Alexander County. #OurNCSchoolHeroes

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Alexander County Schools added a new photo.

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Robotics Club Making PPE for Local Hospitals

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Robotics Club Making PPE for Local Hospitals

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Our district's high school robotics team is partnering with the Boys & Girls Club (where their club is housed) to 3D print the frames for PPE face shields – which they're donating to AdventHealth and Pardee hospitals.

Molly McGowan Gorsuch, Henderson County Public Schools (4/21)

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Some local teens are stepping up their game to help fill the need for personal protective equipment.

The Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County is partnering with the Henderson County High Schools' robotics team. Together, they're printing 3D medical-grade masks for local healthcare leaders at Pardee and AdventHealth.

Up to 15 medical-grade compliant face shields are being made daily at the Club.

"Face shields are one of the most important pieces of PPE that our staff uses to care for COVID-19 patients and this donation will make a huge difference. This is an amazing chapter in the story of how the Boys and Girls Club helps our community." Sherri Holbert, Foundation Director for Advent Health, echoed those sentiments. "We absolutely welcome this donation. We are so grateful for this amazing support of our frontline caregivers," Holbert said.

"Pardee Health was grateful for our mask and so was advent and so they're being put to use to we're glad to see that," said Billy Freeman, a Club staff member, leads the Club's S.T.E.M. "After learning of the need at medical facilities, I decided to get to work. Our 3-D printers have been running full tilt ever since." Freeman added that he plans to continue production of face shields as long as the need is present and printers will print.

CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION CENTER: TRACK THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS, IMPACTS, AND HEADLINES ABOUT THE PANDEMIC HERE
As Henderson County's high school robotics team, the Gorillas' mission is to advance S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) education in the community, in addition to advancing through robotics competitions. The Club has hosted the team, providing classroom space and other supports, since 2018.

While the Club suspended traditional youth programs March 16th in keeping with the governor's executive order, several other collaborative initiatives have been set in motion to support youth and families during social distancing. These include providing limited child care for children of first responders in partnership with Henderson County Public Schools and serving as a Meals on the Bus meal distribution site. The Club also partners with the Backpack Program to distribute non-perishable groceries to families in need every Friday.

"I am grateful for the caring, innovative people of this Club and for our community partners who provide creative supports that are outside-of-the-box," remarked Club Executive Director Julia Hockenberry. "These are things we can do in this moment as we prepare for a future of meeting the new, intensified needs of families and children affected by COVID-19," she said.

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Show us something good! It's stressful out there right now. Show us something that makes you happy. Your kids, your pets, your best friend. Whatever puts a smile on your face.

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Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County works to make PPE for local healthcare workers

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Some local teens are stepping up their game to help fill the need for personal protective equipment. The Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County is partnering with the Henderson County High Schools’ robotics team. Together, they’re printing 3D medical-grade masks for local healthcare leaders at Pardee and AdventHealth.

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MCS Maintenance workers install Park and Learn Wi-Fi

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MCS Maintenance workers install Park and Learn Wi-Fi

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The art teacher at West Hoke Elementary School created this fun, engaging art project, Mimic a Masterpiece, for her students. Students were tasked with recreating a famous art piece using items from their home.  We showcased these creative kids by compiling their pictures using Adobe Spark and sharing them on social media and the Hoke County Schools website.

Jodie Bryant, Hoke County Schools

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Wilson County Schools - Shout Out! to The Wilson Times and Reporter Drew Wilson for helping us spread the word about our food sites! We appreciate their support and partnership as we all work together to navigate this situation. Mr. Wilson put together a video from the site at Wells ES that does a great job showing how easy it is to pick up meals for children. Please don’t hesitate to visit one of our sites - we are happy to serve all children ages 1-18, and they do not have to be present in order to receive a meal. Shout Out! as well to the stars of the video - Vick ES Teacher Assistant Amanda Jones and School Nutrition Director Mary-Catherine Talton! We love Ms. Talton’s words at the end - “It just brings so much joy to see this all come to fruition as we serve our students. We get to watch their needs being met with a whole host of people who came together to make this happen. It’s not just School Nutrition, it’s not just Central Office, it’s not just one school - we are Wilson County Schools. We are here for all children in Wilson County, and we are beyond proud and beyond blessed to be here.” #WCSistheBEST Amber Lynch 4.16.20

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EdNC Magazine Features School Nutrition Director

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EdNC Magazine Features School Nutrition Director

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Wilson County Schools - Shout Out! to WCS School Nutrition Director Mary-Catherine Talton! EdNC magazine ran a story on March 25 titled Inside one district’s efforts to feed all students during COVID-19 which featured Ms. Talton sharing what WCS has done to support students and families during this time. We are thankful for her leadership and the hard work of her staff as the number of meals served continues to increase each day! #WCSistheBEST #OurNCSchoolHeroes
Amber Lynch 4.16.20

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Wilson County Schools - On March 28, one of our high schools started featuring a senior each day on its Facebook and Instagram sites and soon other high schools followed suit. The Senior Shout Outs include a picture of the senior along with their plans after graduation and sometimes an inspirational quote. It has been wonderful to see the sweet faces of the seniors and to think about them each day with the future uncertain.  Amber Lynch 4.16.20

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BCPS adjusts to new normals in midst of COVID-19

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BCPS adjusts to new normals in midst of COVID-19

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We recorded one of our "Learn in Burke" podcasts on Zoom and included members from our BCPS Leadership Team to talk about how we have adjusted to many new normals in teaching, nutrition, etc.

Jonelle Bobak, Burke County Public Schools

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BCPS adjusts to new normals in midst of COVID-19

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At Burke County Public Schools all of our essential employees are now wearing masks while working. We have received two grants to help purchase masks for employees and did a short press release announcing the grants. We asked employees to take photos or selfies and send them to us. We created a fun Facebook post and let people guess who's behind the mask.

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Burke County Public Schools added a new photo.

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Burke County Public Schools posts the day's grab-and-go lunch menu item on Facebook most mornings. The days we don't, folks reach out to us and ask "What's for lunch?" We use canva to create the graphics and always include a link to locations and bus stops. It helps keep the program out front and we see an increase in numbers on the days we post.

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Go grab some chicken nuggets today at our grab-and-go lunch sites, plus pick up breakfast for tomorrow. The meals are available for children 18 and younger. For a complete list of school and bus stop...

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On Saturday, April 4, Mount Airy City Schools posted a video to Facebook. "Today, we celebrate our former students who are currently on the front lines of COVID-19. We are proud of the work you are doing as medical professionals.
#onceabearalwaysabear " The response was so great that we added even more graduates and reposted the video on April 11. Carrie Venable, Mount Airy City Schools - April 13, 2020

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Mount Airy City Schools on Facebook Watch

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Our leadership team sent in video clips and we put it together to make one video to send out to our community.

Jonelle Bobak, Burke County Public Schools, 04/10/20

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Vance County Schools Virtual Spirit Week

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Vance County Schools Virtual Spirit Week

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We decided to kick off Virtual Spirit Week next week, as we enter week 4. We are excited about getting our students and staff involved.

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Vance County Schools sends out a post on Friday's sharing updated data points - remote learning, laptops, etc.  Today, we shared our meals distributed. A great way to thank Our NC School Heroes.

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PCS Teams up with WNCT and local law firm to provide Educational TV to reach ALL

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PCS Teams up with WNCT and local law firm to provide Educational TV to reach ALL

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Here's a link to a news story featuring the show. K-3 audience. The show will have a literacy focus, but will also feature a "Wiggle Break" with PE Teachers, Art Challenges, Counselor's Corner, Backyard "Field trips," student submissions, and more. Airs M-F on WNCT's sister station, the CW, Channel 9.2 in Eastern NC. 12:00-12:30. Committed to 25 Episodes through May 15th. https://docs.google.com/document/d/13cgIOD6H0PslZLR2J8HLXJBoS4qeJiL_qLIWntXYye4/edit?usp=sharing

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"We can’t stop. There are a lot of needs out there right now. Even on a regular day, so many kids are hungry and don’t have food at home. It’s hard to imagine, but it’s true.
So no matter what, we’re going to be here for the kids.” Read more about Cindy Snyder, cafeteria manager at Northeast High
(posted by Nora Shoptaw, Guilford County Schools).

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UCPS provides cloth face masks and 3D-printed protective gear to local healthcare professionals

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UCPS provides cloth face masks and 3D-printed protective gear to local healthcare professionals

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UCPS provides cloth face masks and 3D-printed protective gear to local healthcare professionals

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In an effort to support healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, Union County Public Schools (UCPS) will provide much-needed protective gear to local medical workers. Starting this week, ten UCPS middle and high school teachers throughout the district will use their school's 3D printers to produce ear guards and headbands for face masks and shields.

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Onslow County Schools Celebrates Month of the Military Child with Virtual Spirit Week

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Onslow County Schools Celebrates Month of the Military Child with Virtual Spirit Week

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In celebration of Month of the Military Child, OCS held a virtual spirit week. We have been celebrating all week online and will wrap it up today by virtually "painting the town purple."
Brent Anderson, Onslow County Schools

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Copy of Spirit Week - Made with PosterMyWall

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Richmond Senior High School Toilet Paper Toss

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Richmond Senior High School Toilet Paper Toss

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Teachers from Richmond Senior High School (Richmond County Schools) create an engaging short video to let students know how much they miss them.
Elaine Darby, DPI 4/9/2020

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Thomasville High School teacher writes supportive messages for students 

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Thomasville High School teacher writes supportive messages for students 

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Lauren Collier, a teacher at Thomasville High School visits the homes of her students and leaves inspirational messages on their driveways so her students feel supported.
Elaine Darby, DPI 4/9/2020

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Media coordinator fills free little libraries 

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Media coordinator fills free little libraries 

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Tracy Mott, the media teacher at Shamrock Elementary (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools) is filling Free Little Libraries in the area with gently used books and inspirational bookmarks to promote literacy and social/emotional learning.
Elaine Darby, DPI 4/9/20

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Buncombe County Library donates books and activity kits to BCS Family Resource Center

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Buncombe County Library donates books and activity kits to BCS Family Resource Center

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Buncombe County Library staff delivered more than 500 new and used books and 250 activity kits to the Family Resource Center to provide families with hands-on learning opportunities and new materials to read together.
Elaine Darby, DPI 4/9/2020

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Pitt County Schools serves 200,000 meals since 3/16

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Pitt County Schools serves 200,000 meals since 3/16

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We prepared our 200,000 meal today and used it as a day to celebrate our #OurNCSchoolHeroes  A Sign company donated a sign reading, "PCS- 200,000 meals served" and "In this together." Post with sign: https://twitter.com/PCS_NC/status/1247153433020432384
J. Johnson, posted 4/6/20

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Day 1 of meal pickup for students before we began school bus delivery.  This was our most popular photo.  People loved the hands.

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Please notice we have changed our hashtag, please use #OurNCSchoolHeroes

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Use different resources to show social distancing

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Use different resources to show social distancing

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Pitt County Schools used the Remove.bg site (https://www.remove.bg/) to remove a background from a photo, replace with a fun background and remove others in the photo (used the ERASE function) to both highlight the one "celebrating" student and to convey social distancing online. Then, we hopped over to Adobe Spark to put in the title "Celebrating 200,000 Meals" and then over to Hootsuite to schedule the post across social media platforms. Many of these tricks were learned at NCSPRA conferences. THANK YOU! Jennifer Johnson, 4/6/2020

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One of our high schools (Draughn High School) has asked their students to submit photos via tagging the school's yearbook on social media during their virtual spirit week. They will be shared by the yearbook pages and possibly be added to the yearbook.

Jonelle Bobak, Burke County Public Schools, 04/06/20

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Putting the focus on drivers & cafeteria staff

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Putting the focus on drivers & cafeteria staff

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During the first few weeks of remote blended learning, our focus has been to keep families (well over 50% free-reduced lunch) healthy and ready to learn. Transportation Director Alan Justice makes heartfelt video clips, and this one was a perfect voiceover for photos we took that week! Kevin Smith, Transylvania County Schools 4/6

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Free Children’s Meals From The Bus & Schools—Transylvania County Schools

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Our cafeteria staff are notorious for hiding from the camera. But we made sure they were the focus of a transformation story (also social media and news article). Well-earned praise! Kevin Smith, Transylvania County Schools 4/6

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You know that dramatic moment when a coach tosses out the playbook and frantically draws up a new play. A drastic change in circumstances creates a whole new challenge, and a bold new tactic is just what the team needs to pull out a win.

That "big play" moment arrived recently when Governor Roy Cooper ordered North Carolina public schools to close, in order to help slow the spread of coronavirus infection across our state. What began as a two-week closure was later extended through May 15.

In this story, we celebrate the efforts of School Nutrition Services in Transylvania County Schools to refocus their enterprise and rewrite their playbook over a hectic three days, to meet an unprecedented need for the community's children.

Later articles will follow the district's transportation team, instructional staff, administration, and students and families, to explore how everyone has risen to meet this once-in-a lifetime challenge together.

The governor announced his order on a Saturday afternoon. Students, staff, and families were in the middle of their weekend, when everyone learned that schools would close for the next two weeks starting Monday, March 16.

Immediately, the school system family started working out ways to reconfigure time away from school into a mode of being "alone together," to ensure continuity of learning, and so much more.

Over 50 percent of the school system's children qualify for free-or-reduced lunch. This keeps the fight against food insecurity nestled among the top priorities at every school, especially for the youngest and most vulnerable.

By Wednesday, March 18, a fully-mobilized team uniting together cafeteria, transportation, and instructional staff was at the ready. The team produced and distributed 1,870 meals via delivery or pickup that morning, and has delivered over 10,000 meals so far.

Along with numerous TCS staff members, Barton said she is very pleased. She noted that families are also expressing sincere and heartfelt appreciation, as well as a genuine need for food services provided during an uncertain time.

"I am especially proud of our cafeteria staff," said Barton, "They have shifted all our resources and normal work routines to serve others in a whole new way, while also taking care of their own families' needs. Their devotion to the children of our community is commendable, and I admire what they've accomplished."

Based on area eligibility standards recognized by USDA Child Feeding Programs, Transylvania County Schools school nutrition staff have a long track record of providing summer meals for all children 18 years old and under.

As school days transition to summer, Barton and her staff shift from daily school lunch to serving meals from the bus and at venues around the community. Additionally, they facilitate supplemental food delivery from food banks to hundreds of homes each week.

This current effort eclipses anything schools have previously undertaken. On an average summer day, cafeteria staff serve 350 to 400 meals around the county.

"On a very busy day," Barton explained, "we might serve up to 500 meals, many from a hot bar. By contrast, we are currently serving over 1,000, up to 1,350 meals a day - individually packaged and distributed at 31 sites, including four curbside pick-up locations."

Lunch with breakfast for the next day is available 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each weekday (except Spring Break) at Brevard High, Brevard Middle, Rosman Middle, and T.C. Henderson.

The number of bus routes recently increased to seven, at the same time meal delivery to homes was discontinued. This shift in focus increased safety for staff and recipients, and has opened up service to all corners of the county during lunch hours.

Expanded pick-up and bus route schedules began on March 26. See the district website for details: www.tcsnc.org/meals.

According to Barton, continuous improvement is helping cafeteria staff provide the best service possible, as she and her managers make adjustments for potential staffing shortages while adhering to applicable local, state, and federal mandates.

"This coordinated effort goes above and beyond what we have ever done before. Our operating parameters are changing frequently, and we will continue to adapt as necessary. This is truly a labor of love from our devoted staff to meet the needs of our community."

Transforming from the usual pattern to a delivery system is an ongoing challenge, and staff constantly employ new techniques. The district's transportation team provides critical support to help school nutrition meet the needs of the community.

"Preparing, packaging, and transporting food in individual packages is a huge logistical challenge over serving the lunch line," Barton added. "My cafeteria staff and I are constantly working to keep pace with ever-changing supply chain issues and varying levels of need in the community. We have purchased a large number of rolling coolers, along with vast supplies of paper bags, masks, and gloves, as part of our transformation."

Staging quantities of food is another familiar process for School Nutrition. Tripling production while also changing delivery methods, however, brings a new level of challenge in a tight timeframe. For instance, lunch meats are bought in bulk and frozen, to be thawed later and cut in time for meal preparation.

"We work with thousands of pounds of meat at a time in storage," said Barton. "Two or three days of food preparation in the kitchen is actually the result of two to three weeks' lead time for planning and logistics. We've had to pivot within a very short time to an entirely different service model."

Like any area restaurant recently required to shift to curbside service, cafeteria staff are going through a process of retooling and retraining. With a couple weeks at this new level, Barton and team are looking ahead to more improvements coming.

"We were excited to offer free ice cream at drive-through sites last Friday," she said. "Hot lunches are coming as well. We began with hot dogs and pizza sticks, because everyone eventually gets tired of sandwiches and needs a change. We want to offer variety, and favorites coming out will include chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and pizza."

Barton asked residents to consider donating to Change The World Relief Org. to support and extend Backpack Buddies, which addresses unmet needs. "For example, we were recently able to add funds used to purchase food and special needs during this time, including over-the-counter medicines for students in need."

Fruits, vegetables, dry goods, and other foodstuffs are delivered weekly through the program, with multiple packs provided over breaks such as Easter, summer months, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Food packs from the Backpack Buddies Program serve approximately 200 to 300 students year round, including multiple packs over holiday periods.

Even with this surge in capacity and help from MANNA and other large food banks, some families still experience a gap in food security.

"Some donors have generously covered unmet needs, and listing them would risk leaving someone unmentioned," said Barton. "We don't know what the coming months may entail for families in our community, so support for our ongoing local Backpack Buddies program will be important. We also continue to seek additional coolers with wheels and long handles, to help meet the growing capacity of our children's meals program."

In under two weeks, delivery and pickup sites provided over 10,000 meals to Transylvania County children. Barton mentioned that along with the favorites ready to roll out, a donor might consider making ice cream available one Friday with their support.

"Smiles, hope, and moments of happiness are so important to children at a time like this. Children don't fully understand what is happening around them, and they are as anxious and unsettled as the adults.

"Food is a basic necessity, but we all know it can be a tremendous comfort," said Barton. "Offered under the right circumstances, it can be a wonderful expression of love and compassion from one person to another. If you are led to give for any of these programs, please give us a call."

Donations for Backpack Buddies can be made to Change The World Relief Organization, a non-profit 501(c)(3), and complete program details are online: www.tcsnc.org/backpack .

Contact School Nutrition Services at (828) 884-6173. and visit the new School Nutrition Services page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TCSSchoolNutrition .

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Cafeteria Staff Play Critical Role Fighting Hunger

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Our schools' "big play" moment arrived recently when Governor Roy Cooper ordered North Carolina public schools to close, in order to help slow the spread of coronavirus infection across our state. What began as a two-week closure was later extended through May 15.

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When contributing to the Padlet, please add your name and the date  to the end of your post.
Nicole Alfaro, 4/6/2020

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Photo shows social distancing but captures "You Matter" on this school hero's shirt with such a beautiful smile. Social distancing practiced.

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Postcard to be sent home to parents in Pitt County- Reach ALL effort

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Postcard to be sent home to parents in Pitt County- Reach ALL effort

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With concerns about equity and connection to educational resources, Pitt County Schools is sending postcards to all 24,000 students in order to connect, reach and give vital information. We have no assumptions that everyone is checking social media or websites or even hearing phone messages. Rural areas of Pitt County are without internet access. We continue to plan ways to resource all of our families. Postcards due to mail out on 4/7.

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Free STEAM Resources for Teachers and Parents

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Free STEAM Resources for Teachers and Parents

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North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching Senior STEM Innovator Darcy Grimes, a former North Carolina Teacher of the Year, with this STEAM Resources Video for teachers and parents during this time of Remote Learning. For more professional development visit www.nccat.org. Please share with teachers or parents.

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FREE STEAM Resources NCCAT Senior STEM Innovator Darcy Grimes

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Burke County Child Nutrition Team Receives Hand-Made Letters

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Burke County Child Nutrition Team Receives Hand-Made Letters

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Burke County 's nutrition team received handmade letters from children and their community to show their appreciation for their hard work and dedication to their school.

Nicole Alfaro, DPI 04/02/2020

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Burke County Public Schools on Instagram: "Our Child Nutrition staff were given thank you cards today made by children in our community. This made their day and brought many smiles to their faces. Thank you so much. We are grateful to have the support of so many in our community! #ignitelearningbcps #ncschoolheroes"

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76 likes, 0 comments - burkecoschools on April 1, 2020: "Our Child Nutrition staff were given thank you cards today made by children in our community. Thi..."

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Burke County Public Schools (@burkecoschools)

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#OurNCSchoolHeroes

Twitter:
@ncpublicschools
@MarkRJohnsonNC
@edstateboard_nc

Instagram:
@ncpublicschools
@markrjohnsonnc

Facebook:
@NCPublicSchools
@Markrjohnsonnc

Nicole Alfaro, DPI

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1. When shooting photos make sure your subjects are wearing the appropriate PPE gear, if necessary, and maintain at least six feet of distance between each other.
2. Be careful about taking pictures of students when delivering school meals. Be mindful that the students are part of the Free and Reduced Lunch Program and may not want to be identified as "poor" or "food insecure".
3. Try to limit the number of Zoom composite photos if you're highlighting professional development. There's lots of composite photos on social media right now.

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Lee County High School Engineering Academy Program Creates Masks for Healthcare Workers

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Lee County High School Engineering Academy Program Creates Masks for Healthcare Workers

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Lee County High School Engineering Academy Program work with Mertek Solutions to create masks for healthcare workers using 3-D printers, plastic sheets and rubber bands.
Elaine Darby 04/02/2020

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Interview with Eddie Anderson, New Hanover County Schools Assistant Superintendent for Operations

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Interview with Eddie Anderson, New Hanover County Schools Assistant Superintendent for Operations

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Photos shows interaction with local news crew, while maintaining appropriate social distance length.
Elaine Darby, DPI, 04/02/2020

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Cumberland County Schools Preparing for Digital Device Distribution 

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Cumberland County Schools Preparing for Digital Device Distribution 

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The photos tell the story of a school getting ready to distribute computers to students. Shows school community coming together, so students can continue their studies at home, but following safety procedures while working.
Elaine Darby 04/02/2020

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Hickory Public Schools Twitter Post Recognizing District's School Nutrition Efforts

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Hickory Public Schools Twitter Post Recognizing District's School Nutrition Efforts

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Elaine Darby, DPI 04/02/2020

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Created a series of 10 videos for parents with Dr. David Stegall, DPI's deputy superintendent of Innovation and Dr. Beverly Emory, deputy superintendent of District Support. Videos address top concerns and questions we received from parents. Videos scheduled to run on Facebook and Twitter through April 13.
Elaine Darby, DPI 04/02/2020

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North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

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Will My High School Senior Graduate This Spring? COVID-19 School-Related FAQ

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We want to recognize School Transportation staff across the state who are #NCSchoolHeroes for delivering meals and instructional resources to students. ❤️🚍🥰🙌
Elaine Darby 04/02/2020

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The North Carolina Virtual Public School has an amazing week of webinars for you! From teaching art, PE and World Languages online to maintaining positive relationships with students in a digital world. Follow the link to see all the classes and register -  https://ncvps.org/digital-transition/.
Elaine Darby 04/02/2020

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NC Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Website

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NC Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Website

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NC Department of Health and Human Services has collected information from a number of state agencies, including DPI, and placed it a in a one-stop location for stakeholders to view and share.
Elaine Darby, DPI 04/02/2020

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Response in North Carolina

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NC Department of Health and Human Services 2001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2000 Customer Service Center: 1-800-662-7030 For COVID-19 questions call 2-1-1

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NC Dept. of Information Technology's COVID-19 Internet Service Offerings webpage

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NC Dept. of Information Technology's COVID-19 Internet Service Offerings webpage

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NC Department of Information Technology compiled a list of existing free or affordable service offerings from Internet Service Providers, school-hosted and community-based free Wifi Access points across the state. The list is updated regularly.
Elaine Darby, DPI, 04/02/2020

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In response to COVID-19, more commonly known as the coronavirus, many North Carolina residents are being asked to work and learn remotely. To help ensure they can access high-speed internet, we have compiled a list of new and existing free or affordable service offerings from vendors across the state.

If you are a service provider that is offering free or affordable options for high-speed internet during this time, please contact us at COVID.vendor.ideas@nc.gov.

Use the map on this page to determine if your area is covered by these providers:

1. Enter your home street address in the address field and click the magnifying glass. (You can also use the location icon to the right of the magnifying glass to allow the browser to determine your location for you.)

2. Click on your location to see offers available to your address.

Public Wi- Fi Access Locations

In an effort to help serve their residents, many communities and vendors around North Carolina are offering Wi-Fi access locations for public use.

Executive Order 121 issues a statewide Stay at Home Order beginning Monday, March 30, 2020 at 5 p.m. until April 29, 2020, directing people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to help a family member. Specifically, the order bans gatherings of more than 10 people and directs everyone to physically stay at least six feet apart from others. Practice social distancing while using Wi-Fi access locations to the greatest extent possible. Click here for more information on COVID-19 Guidance.

Below is a list of public Wi-Fi access locations that have been reported to the Broadband Infrastructure Office. Use the map on this page to search for specific locations.

If you are a community, business or organization that is offering public Wi-Fi access locations, please send a message to COVID.vendor.ideas@nc.gov.

ATMC

Free drive up high speed hotspots that will allow Pender County families to access educational material for their school-aged children

Burgaw - Pender High School

Rocky Point - Heide Trask Senior High School

Hampstead - Topsail High School

Burgaw - Pender County Public Library

Free drive up high speed hotspots that will allow families

Fair Bluff - Columbus Career and College Academy

Reigelwood - Acme Delco Elementary School

Lake Waccamaw - East Columbus High School

Tabor City - Williams Township School

Cerro Gordo - West Columbus High School

ATMC/Four County Electric Membership Cooperative

Free drive up high speed hotspots that will allow Pender County families to access educational material for their school-aged children

Burgaw - Pender High School

Rocky Point - Heide Trask Senior High School

Hampstead - Topsail High School

Burgaw - Pender County Public Library

Balsam West

Franklin - Franklin Plaza parking lot

Robbinsville - Robbinsville Courthouse

Andrews - Food Lion Shopping Center

Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation

Murphy - Hiwassee Dam School (front parking lot at school's main entrance)

Murphy - Murphy First United Methodist Church

Murphy - Ranger Community Center (front of community center)

Hayesville - Downings Creek Baptist Church (parking lot)

Comcast

Free Xfinity Wifi Network access free and expanding services/support for existing and new customers:

Contact: 888-403-2667

Country Cablevision

Free Wi-Fi spots in Mitchell County at the following locations:

Bear Creek Baptist Church parking lot, Bakersville

Hidden Creek Campground, Glen Ayre

Pizza Hut parking lot, Spruce Pine

Main Street, Spruce Pine

Miller Insurance parking lot (U.S. Highway 19 East, Spruce Pine)

Riverside Park, Spruce Pine

Free Wi-Fi spot at Mountain River Campground in Avery County

InteliPort Wireless/Fiber

Free drive up Wireless Hotspots with open bandwidth and as always unlimited data usage:
Hertford, NC - Perquimans County

Free Drive up high speed Hotspots - Open bandwidth - No data limits

Downtown Hertford - 103 N Church St from 126 W Grubb St to 101 E Market St

Downtown Hertford - 101 E Market Street From Church Street to 101 E Market Street Chamber Building

Downtown Hertford - 126 W Grubb St from 203 N Church St to114 W Grubb St, Hertford Town Hall

Downtown Hertford - Punch Alley, Municipality Parking lot behind Hertford Town Hall

W Grubb Street, Parking lot at Missing Mill Park

Strick's Family Campground

NewHope - Longbeach Dr

NewHope - Winslow Road

103 Meads Cir, Meads Trailer Park

Park at King Street and Hyde Street across from First Baptist Church

King Street and South Church Street Hertford Housing Authority

310 Granby St, Hertford Boat Ramp Parking area

Open Broadband

Free Wi-Fi access points for local governments.

Open Broadband has free Wi-Fi access at the following locations:

Seven Springs - Downtown

Belmont- Downtown

Goldsboro - Bryan Multi-Sport Complex (501 S Oak Forest Road)

Cedar Grove Ruritan - 6116 Efland - (Cedar Grove Road)

Angier - Downtown

Oxford - Granville Expo Center (4185 U.S. 15)

Charlotte - Romare Bearden Park (300 S. Church St.)

Charlotte - Dillehay Courts Public Housing

Mount Holly - Downtown (106 S. Main St.)

Mount Olive - Downtown

Mount Olive - University of Mount Olive Agriculture campus

Mount Olive - Alphin Insurance

Faison - Recreation and Wellness Center

Calypso - Fire Department (103 SE Center St )

Sanford, NC - Downtown (100 N Steele St.)

Pangaea

Chimney Rock - Along Main Street from Medina's Village Bistro, 430 Main St., to The Carter Lodge, 273 Main St. (Pangaea)

Cliffside - Near Dutch Broad Café, 219 Main St., (Pangaea)

Columbus - Between the First Peak Visitor Center, 20 E. Mills St., and the U.S. Post Office, 126 Ward St. (Pangaea)

Columbus - Along East Mills Street from The Brick Pizzeria and the First Peak Visor Center, 20 E. Mills St. (Pangaea)

Lake Lure - Between Lake Lure Town Hall, 2948 Memorial Highway, and Lake Lure Welcome Center, 2932 Memorial Highway (Pangaea)

Lake Lure - Lake Lure Beach, 2724 Memorial Highway (Pangaea)

Rutherfordton - Townhall of Ruth, 119 Northview-Dorsey St. (Pangaea)

Saluda - Between Green River Adventures, 111 E. Main St., and Saluda Historic Depot and Museum, 32 W. Main St. (Pangaea)

Saluda - McCreery Park, Main Street/Greenville Street (Pangaea)

Tryon - Between PANGAEA Internet, 75 S. Trade St., and Tryon Town Hall, 301 N. Trade St. (Pangaea)

Tryon - Carolina Foothills Chamber, 2753 Lynn Road (Pangaea)

Tryon - Harmon Field, 117 Harmon Field Road (Pangaea)

Roanoke Electric Cooperative

Bertie County

Aulander - Roanoke Electric Cooperative headquarters office (518 N.C. Highway 561 West)

Eure - Cool Spring Baptist Church (1400 N.C. Highway 137)

Eure - Tarheel Bar-B-Q (9 U.S. Highway 13 South)

Murfreesboro - Mapleton Substation (307 Collin Road)

Rich Square - The Roanoke Center (409 N. Main St)

Jackson - Jackson Substation (540 Mount Carmel Road)

Roanoke Rapids - Roanoke Rapids Substation (1205 Three Bridges Road)

Service Offerings

Below is a list of new and existing free or reduced service offerings that have been reported to the Broadband Infrastructure Office. Use the map on this page to search for specific locations.

If you are a service provider that is offering free or affordable options for high-speed internet during this time, please contact us at COVID.vendor.ideas@nc.gov.

ATMC

Free high-speed internet service for 60 days, beginning March 16, to households that do not already have a broadband subscription and have children in grades K-12 or in college. Standard installation included.
Where: Brunswick and Columbus counties

AT&T

Low-cost wireline home Internet service to qualifying households:

With at least one resident who participates in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), National School Lunch Program or Head Start and

With an address in AT&T's 21-state service area, at which AT&T offer wireline home Internet service

Without outstanding debt for AT&T fixed Internet service within the last six months or outstanding debt incurred under this program.

Service availability and speed may vary by address. AT&T will assign you the fastest of these speed tiers available* where you live:

768 kilobits per second, for $5 per month

1.5 megabits per second, for $5 per month

3 megabits per second, for $5 per month

5 megabits per second, for $10 per month

10 megabits per second, for $10 per month**

CenturyLink

Suspending data usage limits

Offering K-12 schools, colleges, universities, libraries and state and local government agencies increased broadband speeds for free for 60 days at existing service locations with qualifying facilities

Automatically increasing broadband speeds where technically feasible for residential customers currently enrolled in plans offering 20 Mbps or less

Charter Spectrum

Free high-speed internet service up to 100 Mbps for 60 days, beginning March 16, to households that do not already have a broadband subscription and have children in grades K-12 or in college. Standard installation included.

For eligible low-income households without school-aged children, Charter continues to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, a low-cost broadband program delivering speeds of 30 Mbps.

Comcast

New low-income customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, normally $9.95/month (at speeds of 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream)

Other streaming/entertainment services

Cox Communications

Limited-time, first month free of Connect2Compete service, $9.95 per month thereafter .

Free ho m e and remote desktop support through Cox Complete Care .

D iscounted, refurbished equipment through its association with PCs for People .

A Learn from Home toolkit for schools, including instructions on how to fast-track eligible students without internet access .

MediaCom

Increasing the speed of the Mediacom Connect2Compete low-cost internet program to 25 megabits per second (Mbps) down by 3 Mbps up

Pausing monthly data allowances across all Mediacom broadband service tiers through May 15, 2020

Extending the pricing of Mediacom's Access Internet 60 broadband service to new customers at $19.99 per month for the next 12 month

Skyline

60 days of free Standard Broadband service and free installation to any home that is:

The primary home of a student in kindergarten through high school, in technical school, in college or in graduate school;

Currently without our internet service and that hasn't had internet service with SkyLine/SkyBest for the past 90 days; and

Located where SkyLine/SkyBest would normally provide internet service.

Waiving installation fees during this time

Surry Communications

Offering:

Free home internet for K-12 high school students, technical college or graduate students for 60 days
Offer expires April 3 2020

AT&T

Unlimited wireless data service for qualified schools (K-12, colleges and universities) on new lines for school-issued tablets, 4G LTE-enabled laptops and hotspot devices
Offer good through May 22nd

Free integrated phone, fax, messaging capabilities and HD video conferencing for up to 100 users for new education, healthcare and non-profit social services

Free access and unlimited usage of Caribu, a video-calling application that allows family members to read, draw, and play games with one another while at different locations

T-Mobile

Free increased 20GB data allowance per month for 60 days, beginning March 16, for schools and students using EmpowerED digital learning programs

Unlimited plan for $20/month a two-year contract on qualifying plans

Unlimited smartphone data for 60 days, beginning March 16, for all current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers with data plans

Additional 20GB of mobile hotspot/tethering service for 60 days, beginning March 16, for T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers.

Free international calling for all current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers to Level 3 impacted countries.

Participating schools can receive up to $200 per student to put toward mobile internet devices, including hotspots, laptops, and tablets

Verizon

Additional connectivity data plans from 10GB/month to 30GB/month for 60 days, beginning March 16, to all tablets and laptops within the Verizon Innovative Learning program

Will waive overage charges and late fees to support customers who may be financially affected by the COVID-19 crisis

Adds 15GB of high-speed data for wireless consumer and small business customers to be automatically applied with no customer action necessary

Provides first responders with priority and preemption abilities for voice and data

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In response to COVID-19, more commonly known as the coronavirus, many North Carolina residents are being asked to work and learn remotely. To help ensure they can access high-speed internet, we have compiled a list of new and existing free or affordable service offerings from vendors across the state.

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Partnership between UNC-TV and DPI with two blocks of curriculum-based content serving students in grades 4-8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and grades 9-12 from 1-6 p.m.
Elaine Darby, DPI 04/02/2020

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Classroom Connection will feature PBS KIDS favorites alongside North Carolina educators. This short-form learning series will deliver engaging math and literacy lessons developed by and featuring North Carolina teachers, aimed at Pre-K through third grade students to support their at-home learning. The Classroom Connection programming block will be available over the air on PBS North Carolina's main channel and livestreamed online here.

Classroom Connection airs literacy lessons Tuesdays and Fridays, 8-10 AM on PBS NC, and math lessons on Mondays and Thursdays, 8-10 AM on PBS NC. The Classroom Connection programming block is available over the air on PBS North Carolina's main channel and livestreamed online here.

Explore this week's schedule, find your local over-the-air channel with our Channel Guide, and discover past episodes online.

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At-Home Learning | PBS North Carolina (formerly UNC-TV)

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Classroom Connection will feature PBS KIDS favorites alongside North Carolina educators. This short-form learning series will deliver engaging math and literacy lessons developed by and featuring North Carolina teachers, aimed at Pre-K through third grade students to support their at-home learning.

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State Board Actions to Support School Communities During COVID-19.

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State Board Actions to Support School Communities During COVID-19.

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Todd Silberman, DPI 04/02/2020

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This parent letter explains how parents can access information about meal service and other resources.

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WLOS (Asheville) covers SBE guidance on senior graduation plan and local district's response.

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Some Buncombe County high school seniors relieved over new grading guidelines

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North Carolina's Department of Public Education has recently put out guidelines on how to grade students during virtual learning. The biggest change involves the senior class of 2020. The recommendation is students will be graded through how they were doing on March 13, the last day before public schools closed.

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Teachers at an Alexander County school put finishing touches on packets for students. Perspective of photo shows there's lot of packets. Also good photo because doesn't show a crowd of students and parents.
Elaine Darby, DPI 04/02/2020