Friday, March 31, 2017

Cook Literacy Model Teacher Brad Rhew Featured on Fox8


Brad Rhew has been featured on Fox8. To see the story, go to Fox8
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- There is no doubt that Brad Rhew, who teaches science at Cook Literacy Model School, Rhew loves his job.
"Science is fun. It's hands on. It's messy. It's involved."
From the moment students step into his classroom, they step into a world of science -- complete with their own lab coats.
Rhew hopes the coats will make them feel like real scientists and further immerse them in the subject.
Now, his program could become even more hands-on as he was just announced as a 2017 Burroughs Wellcome Center Award winner for math and science teachers. It comes with a 5-year grant of money for his classroom.

Rhew says he is just excited about the impact the money can have on his teaching.

Help Students Raise Money for Habitat by Eating at Your Favorite Restaurants


Since 2003, youth throughout Forsyth County have united for a common goal: helping a well deserving, low-income family build and purchase a safe, decent, and affordable home. Our Habitat Youth Ambassadors (HYA) also learn about the need for, and advocate for, the elimination of substandard housing.

HYA members raise $65,000 each year to fund a Habitat home for a local partner family in need of affordable housing. The students provide the volunteer labor to construct the house, and plan and lead the house dedication ceremony. HYA is sponsoring its 14th house this year alongside the Habitat Young Professionals.

From April 3 through April 8, you can help students raise money by eating at some of your favorite restaurants.




Art by WS/FC Students in Forsyth Family Magazine

In the April 2017 issue of Forsyth Family magazine, you will find art by four Winston-Salem/Forsyth County students.
By Joshua Silva

By Litzy Hernandez-Garcia

By MacKenzie Miller

By Ashley Horton
Litzy Hernandez-Garcia, first grade, Bolton Elementary. Heidi Wicker is Litzy’s art teacher.

Joshua Silva, second grade, Middle Fork Elementary. Megan Garner is his art teacher.

MacKenzie Miller, seventh grade, Northwest Middle. Natasha Young is MacKenzie’s art teacher

Ashley Horton, senior at Reynolds High. Emily Beach is her art teacher. 



Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Randy Moss Visits Philo-Hill Magnet School

Making good choices and positive decision making, those were the lessons shared by former NFL wide receiver Randy Moss at Philo-Hill Magnet School on Tuesday.  Moss played 14 seasons in the NFL and holds the NFL single-season touchdown reception record.

On Tuesday, he spoke to students about his life journey and the decisions that led to his future being a number one recruit.  He also talked candidly about his journey to jail, making bad decisions, using drugs, his scholarship being revoked and his journey into the NFL.  Moss discussed the power of persuasion and illegal activity and how important it is to pick the right path when presented with a fork in your own life's journey.  He challenged students to think about what they want to become in life and he also encouraged them to dream.

His thoughts on the power of a good education and how that plays a role in future hopes and dreams was also key within his message.  Philo-Hill Principal, Dr. Essie McKoy, says the event was meaningful and powerful for students. Moss summed up his talk sharing his commitment to make an impact on youth, now!


 

Friday, March 3, 2017

Bringing Characters from Books Alive at Jefferson Elementary

Today, students and staff members at Jefferson Elementary dressed up as their favorite characters from books for a parade celebrating Read Across America Week.

To read the story, go to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

Here are more pictures:


















Wednesday, March 1, 2017


By Alesia Hilton
Principal of Griffith Elementary School

Starting with a line stretching all the way into the parking lot and ending with a savory hot dog dinner, Griffith Elementary School’s Black History Month-themed Wax Museum was, without a doubt, an unbridled success.  Students spent the month of February selecting, researching, and ultimately “becoming” a famous African-American for the night.
 
This required much time and preparation on all fronts; students in grades third through fifth spent time practicing digital literacy skills through the use of Discovery Education, the NCWiseOwl database, and the Britannica Schools online encyclopedia. They worked with traditional media in the form of biographies and history texts related to their research figure. They looked into modes of dress during their chosen time period, picked out props, and then got ready for their big night. Meanwhile, grades kindergarten through second perfected songs and skits to be performed for parents. Teachers set up their classrooms for best foot-traffic flow throughout the night, and, with excitement buzzing in the air, everyone waited breathlessly for the big show.


In addition to being an excellent opportunity for students to improve their digital literacy skills and increase diversity awareness, students also used this event as an opportunity to raise money for their school. During the night, students stood frozen in their classrooms, ready to come alive when visitors added change to (often overflowing) cups. Smiles abounded as parents watched ‘Rosa Parks’, ‘Jackie Robinson’, and even ‘Barack Obama’ himself explain their pasts and how they made impacts on the world. The funds generated from this event will be used to purchase instructional supplies designed to increase the school’s ability to provide literacy and technology support to all students. 

In response to being asked her opinion of the night, Citlaly, a fifth-grade student, responded, “My favorite part was that we could say our speeches to people who came to visit us. It’s sort of amazing that so many people came out. I felt really good because we got to earn money so the school could buy the stuff we need.”


In the diverse environment of Griffith Elementary, teachers work hard to promote tolerance, acceptance, and a deep knowledge of a world outside of students’ personal experiences. The students genuinely care about their community and jump at the opportunity to share their learning with those around them, especially when they can make a positive impact in their school as well. Throughout this project, students have shown growth of research skills, increased understanding of history and social change, and accountability for their educational institution and their community. This school can be proud of the excellence its students demonstrate on a daily basis.

With a house so full the greeters’ desk ran out of flyers halfway through the line, and the gym had to be expanded to accommodate the crowd. It is easy to see that, for all the support students wish to give their community, their community is in turn ready to be supportive of them. This was a great night for students, parents, and staff alike. Mrs. Hilton feels proud to work with such a great staff of people who genuinely put students and parents first. They give their love, time and energy to make this school come alive each and every day. 



A Black History Celebration at Diggs-Latham

On Tuesday, Diggs-Latham held its annual Black History Celebration.

To read the story, go to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

Here are more pictures:






Taking the Stage at Carter High School

On Friday, Carter celebrated Black History Month with a Living Wax Museum and an afternoon of singing, dancing and drumming.

to read the story, go to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

Here are more pictures: