Reynolds High Students Have Their Day at Reynolda House Museum of American Art

On Saturday, fashion photographs taken by honors photography students at Reynolds High School were displayed at Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Inspired by an exhibit of fashion photography by Edward Steichen at Reynolda House, students in Phil Benenati’s class staged and took their own fashion photos in a vintage style. Impressed by the results, the people at Reynolda House invited the Reynolds students to show some of their photographs at the museum’s Community Day on April 27.

Students had a wonderful day, Benenati said. They met early so that the student models featured in the portraits could prepare for the day by doing each other’s hair and makeup.

“When we arrived at Reynolda House,” Benenati said, “the students and I were speechless when we saw our work displayed in the hallway leading to Edward Steichen's ‘Star Power’ exhibit, prominently displayed on easels with halogen spots illuminating the portraits.

“It seemed like the flow of visitor traffic never ended during the three-hour event. Student photographers and models fielded questions from the guests throughout the afternoon, and a few even asked them to pose for a quick snapshot in front of their work. What an honor this was for RJR students, not only to have their images inside Reynolda Museum, but also near Edward Steichen photographs.”

“Star Power: Edward Steichen’s Glamour Photography” includes more than 100 photos taken by Steichen from 1923 to 1937. According the museum website, “Star Power brings together Steichen's Condé Nast portraits of luminaries from the worlds of politics, literature, government, journalism, dance, theatre, music, fashion, and the opera.”

For more information about Reynolda House, go to Reynolda House

Reynolds Senior Receives Scholarship from Spanish National Honor Society

Sydney Thomas

Sydney Thomas, a senior at Reynolds High School, is one of 44 students nationally receiving a $1,000 scholarship from the Spanish National Honor Society (Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica).

Thomas will be going to Clemson University this fall. She plans to major in Secondary Education with a concentration in English.

“I hope to receive an ESL certification and continue to use my Spanish in college through classes, study abroad, and in communication with my own family,” Thomas said.

Reynolds, which had dropped its membership in the society in 1993, rejoined the society at the end of the 2011-12 school year.

“We are very proud to have a student selected during our first year returning as an organization,” said Lundon Sims, the society’s school sponsor. “Sydney is a great choice that reflects the enthusiasm and dedication that Reynolds teachers implement in our classes from level 1 Spanish to level 4!"

Applicants had to submit an essay and a video in Spanish to demonstrate their abilities. They were also judged on their contributions contribution to and for the society and community, on teacher recommendations and on academic standing and performance. 

Hanes Magnet Teacher Named 2013 Teacher of Year by N.C. Association for the Gifted & Talented

Courtney Haas

The N.C. Association for the Gifted & Talented has honored Courtney Haas, a teacher at Hanes Magnet School, by giving her its 2013 Teacher of the Year Award.

"Ms. Haas is a special teacher," said Paula Wilkins, the school system's program specialist for gifted programs. "She understands the social and academic needs of gifted students and is constantly working to push students to recognize their own potential and to develop skills that will allow them pursuit of their passions.  She is passionate about gifted education and committed to making sure that students have educational experiences that align with their abilities and potential.  Her impact on the gifted program in Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools is worthy of recognition at the North Carolina Academically Gifted and Talented Teacher of the year!"  

In announcing the award, the association said: “Courtney uses inquiry-based techniques in her classroom to prepare her students to be thinkers, problem solvers, communicators and compassionate citizens. She has helped foster global awareness in her students and encouraged them to be agents of change.”

Walkertown Middle and West Forsyth High Teachers Named Kenan Fellows

Brad Rhew with students

Brad Rhew, who teaches eighth-grade science at Walkertown Middle School, and Marci Harvey, who teaches honors physics and chemistry at West Forsyth High School, are among the 49 new Kenan Fellows in the state.

Kenan Fellows receive fellowships that enable them to tackle summer research projects in a variety of fields including curriculum design, renewable energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and agriculture. From their research, the Fellows will develop innovative classroom resources and lesson plans designed to enrich the educational experience for kindergarteners through high school seniors.

These resources are shared with other educators at the regional, state and national level via workshops, conferences and online platforms. Statewide more than 230 teachers applied for 49 Fellowships.

 “We are so proud our science colleagues and their accomplishments!” said Benika Thompson, the school system’s program manager for science.

Marci Harvey

Harvey grew up in South Carolina and went to the College of Charleston. She graduated from there with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She earned her master’s degree in chemistry from the University of South Carolina. She earned her National Board Teaching Certification in 2008.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to work with this outstanding program,” Harvey said. “The fellowship allows me to learn about current research on biofuel development at N.C. A&T.  Then, I can teach my students about these topics and they see the relevance of science in their everyday lives, all from research happening right here in North Carolina.”

Rhew graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, with a major in Middle Grades Education and a concentration in Science and Social Studies. He is a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. Rhew is one of nine Kenan Fellows who will partner with professors at N.C. State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and 4-H on a project about salmonella research. The project is sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).

“This exciting opportunity will allow me to collaborate with research scientists to examine the components of salmonella and develop strategies to minimize the spread of salmonella in a population, “Rhew said. “My role on the team will be to take our findings and develop interdisciplinary lessons with the science practitioners in the research group. These lesson plans will impact science classes across state, as I have an opportunity to share the experience, knowledge, activities and strategies with other science educators. I have a passion for teaching and a firm belief that students learn best when their education is rooted in reality and real world applications. This fellowship will be an invaluable professional growth experience for me as I align my teaching practice with current issues that affect our future. I will thoroughly enjoy this collegial experience and look forward to sharing the experience and strategies with other North Carolina educators."

An initiative of the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science at N.C. State University, the Kenan Fellows Program sends teachers into contemporary “learning labs” in industry or higher education where they are paired with a mentor to explore new ways of preparing students for college and careers. The teachers remain active in their classrooms while completing the year-long Fellowship.

"The Kenan Fellows Program leverages the wealth of public and private expertise across the state," said Susan Parry, acting director of the Kenan Fellows Program. “We arm educators with 21st Century skills and help them develop the skills of master teachers who inspire change in their schools, districts and beyond.”

Fellows are selected through a competitive process. In addition to a five-week summer externship with a mentor, Fellows receive a tablet provided by Lenovo — the program’s technology sponsor — two weeks of professional development and a stipend. The experience is designed to support model educators who serve as ambassadors for excellence in education.

The Kenan Fellows Program cultivates effective education-industry partnerships to promote teacher leadership, address retention and advance K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

The program is made possible through the support of generous sponsors and partners. For more information about the program, go to Kenan Fellows

Art by Mount Tabor and North Forsyth Students Win Awards at Piedmont Federal's Artizens Gala

Nicholas Milligan & Wilbert Alvarez

At the 2013 Artizens gala on April 18, Nicholas Milligan of Mount Tabor High School was awarded first place for his picture Featherz. First place came with $500.

Wilbert Alvarez, a student at North Forsyth High School, received an honorable mention for his picture Sweet Spirit. He received $300.

Artizens is sponsored by Piedmont Federal Savings Bank, and the winners were chosen from among 80 pictures that had been on display in Piedmont Federal’s eight branches in Forsyth County. The judges were John Blackburn, Clare Fader and Susan Morris. After looking at all 80 pictures, Fader said, “I was stunned by the caliber of the work.” 

She said that she was impressed by the students’ attention to detail, innovation and unique vision. “Just a breath of fresh air, really,” she said. 

Matt Fussell, the school system’s lead art teacher for visual arts, works really hard coordinating everything with the art teachers at the schools, said Wanda Merschel, a Piedmont Federal senior vice president. “Matt has been a wonderful liaison.”

At the gala, he was recognized for his efforts.

Matt Fussell

While the art was on display at the branches, people were invited to vote on the art for a People’s Choice award. At the branch level, each artist who had a work displayed received $25 and the People Choice winner received $150.

The art department at every participating high school received $350 with the art department that had the first-place winner receiving an additional $500 and the department with the honorable-mention winner receiving an additional $300. 

This is the third year that Artizens has included all the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County high schools and high schools in surrounding counties where Piedmont federal has branches. Artizens started about six years ago as an exhibition of student art at the Peace Haven branch of Piedmont Federal.

“We recognized that there was a real thirst on the part of teachers and students to have on outlet for students’ work,” Merschel said.

Since the program began, Piedmont Federal has given about $30,000 to students and high school art departments.

To see all of the Artizen pictures, go to  Artizens

Meadowlark Middle Represents School System in Regional Battle of the Books Competition

Meadowlark Middle School Battle of Books team after winning district competition

The Battle of the Books team from Meadowlark Middle School placed fifth out of 14 schools at the Region 5 Battle of the Books competition, which was held on Friday April 19 in the school system's Education Building.

Only five points separated third place from fifth place. Archdale Trinity Middle School, which was representing Randolph County, won the competition.

For the story about the district competition go to Battle of Books

Students Participate in Annual Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Visually Impaired Field Day

Briannah Hamilton & Isaiah Anderson of Cash Elementary School

In the Thursday, April 25, edition of the Winston-Salem Journal, reporter Wesley Young writes about the 22nd Annual Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Visually Impaired Field Day at BB&T Field.

About 175 students - most in elementary school - from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and other schools in central North Carolina took part in the field day events.

Ellen Loomis, who teaches hearing-impaired children in the school system, served as the coordinator of the field day for most of its history. She was there on Wednesday as one of the volunteers.

“We started this 22 years ago because the deaf kids don’t participate in the Special Olympics,” Loomis told Young. “We wanted to do something for all the kids in North Carolina who have hearing impairments.”

Christine Smits, the current coordinator of the field day and a teacher at Reynolds High School, told Young that the field day gives children a chance to socialize and have fun outside the classroom. The field day is sponsored by the school system and Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind.

Sam Dempsey, the school system’s Division Director for Exceptional Children Programs told Young that he remembers well the time that a child came to the field day from a school where she was the only student with a hearing impairment.

“Her mouth fell open when she got here,” he said. “All she kept saying was ‘Like me! Like me!’ ”

Photographer David Rolfe took the pictures. For the complete story, go to Winston-Salem Journal

Newspaper at Reynolds High School Adds Online Edition

Steve Hanf

In the Thursday, April 25, edition of the Winston-Salem Journal, reporter Arika Herron writes about some of the ways in which Steve Hanf, an English teacher at Reynolds High School who serves as the advisor for the school newspaper, has worked with students to make the newspaper more exciting.

Pine Whispers — the school’s 89-year-old newspaper — now has an online edition and is starting to digitally archive earlier editions.

“On a computer screen in Room 210 at Reynolds High School is a page from the latest edition of Pine Whispers,” Herron writes. “The computer next to it is displaying PineWhispers.com the newspaper’s online presence. On the whiteboard at the front of the room are the numbers 332, 270 and 916.

“They mark the number of Twitter followers, Facebook likes and the website’s single-day traffic record, respectively.

“I knew I wanted to do a website,” Hanf told Herron. The Twitter account and Facebook page followed.

Photographer David Rolfe took the photos. For the complete story go to Winston-Salem Journal

2013-14 Classified Employee of the Year and Other Nominees for the Honor Recognized at a Reception



Damian Anderson with finalists Marion Tuttle, Elaine Sapp and Brian Smith as well as Superintendent Don Martin and Ken Leak, the chairman of the Classified Advisory Council Executive Team 

Yesterday, the 2013-14 Classified Employee of the Year - Damian Anderson - and others nominated for the honor were recognized at a reception at the school system’s Education Building.

More than 150 employees were nominated and all of them were invited to the event. Among those present were the other three finalists for the honor – Marion Tuttle, Elaine Sapp and Marion Tuttle. The other semi-finalists for the honor were Ann Niten, Ann Epperson, Melinda Evans, Norma Jean Ford, Sharon Landreth and Lou Ann Spell. Several of them were also present, along with the 2012-13 Classified Employee of the Year, Denise McCoy.

The Reagan High School Jazz Band, under the direction of band director Andrew Craft performed, with junior Sarah Smith being featured on alto saxophone.

After Superintendent Don Martin spoke about Anderson, Anderson came to the podium and talked for a few minutes about the importance of giving every student an equal opportunity for a solid education no matter what his ZIP code and about making character development an integral part of the educational process.

For a story about Anderson written after he was named Classified Employee of the Year, go to Damian Anderson

For a story about all four finalists, go to Finalists



Reagan High School Jazz Band



Damian Anderson

Damian Anderson and Denise McCoy

Petree Elementary Students Plant Garden as Part of Campaign to Encourage Healthy Food Choices

In the Wednesday, April 24, issue of the Winston-Salem Journal, reporter Wesley Young writes about a program with a connection to Petree Elementary School.

As part of Novant Health’s campaign to fight obesity, Mayor Allen Joines went over to Petree on Tuesday to help students plant a garden. The idea is to encourage students to make healthy food choices.

The campaign, which has a purple theme, is called “Turn the Town Purple.” With that in mind, the students donned purple T-shirts and included plants with purple in them in their garden. Photographer Lauren Carroll took the pictures. For the complete story go to Winston-Salem Journal   

Students at North Forsyth Starting Greeting Card Business



Jasimen Crockett & Erika Wilson

Two seniors at North Forsyth High School - Erika Wilson and Jasimen Crockett – are participating in the start-up of the new business enterprise for the Occupational Course of Study Pathway – selling greeting cards. On Wednesday morning, they dropped by the school system’s administrative offices to see whether anyone wanted to buy some cards.

Boy, did they! Their first customer - Connie Adams, the receptionist at the administrative offices – bought 10 cards. When Wilson and Crockett moved on to Human Resources, people bought many more. The original plan had called for visiting all three floors in the building but, after their second stop on the first floor -  Financial Services - they were sold out.

Connie Adams with the cards she bought

“Within the Occupational Course of Study, each high school is required to come up with a business enterprise that offers OCS students ‘hands on experience,’” said Johnnie Lovell, the Occupational Course of Study teacher at North.

Lovell said that with the North Forsyth Greeting Cards Enterprise, she and Debbie Doub, a School Transition Job Coach, are working to find partnerships with such corporations as American Greeting Cards and Hallmark.  “In addition, Mrs. Doub helps and supervises the two students while selling the cards at the Central Office,” Lovell said. “In this way, North Forsyth OCS teachers and staff have been instrumental in the success of the business enterprise. Next year, there are plans to collaborate with North Forsyth’s Art Department - Mrs. Barbara Steele - to create ‘Thank You Cards.’”

The purpose of the school business is not only to provide school-based training hours that students need to graduation but also to pay for clothing, such as pants, shoes, and shirts, that OCS students need for job interviews and special events and to work off-campus to obtain their Community Based Vocational Training hours.

“North Forsyth OCS wants to help make the students’ school experience a positive one and make graduation a reality. The North Forsyth OCS Greeting Cards Enterprise will return to Central Office May 8, 2013,” Lovell said. “We sincerely appreciate all the support and positive response to our school’s enterprise.”  

Crockett and Wilson visit Human Resources

     

 

Jazz Festival at Reagan High School on Saturday

In the Wednesday, April 17 edition of Journal West, which is part of the Winston-Salem Journal, reporter Lisa O’Donnell writes about Andrew Craft's Jazz I class at Reagan High School and the school’s seventh annual City of the Arts Jazz Festival.

Being held at Reagan on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., it will feature bands from area middle schools, high schools and colleges as well as a headlining performance from the Camel City Jazz Orchestra. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students.

“It's pretty unique,” Craft, the school's director of bands told O’Donnell. “We're the only school jazz festival I know about in the area.”

“It's a long day and hectic,” junior Sarah Smith told O’Donnell, “but it's a lot of fun.”

Photographer Lauren Carroll took the photos. For the full story, more photos and a video, go to Journal West

Free Jazz Concert on Thursday, April 18, at Hanes Magnet School

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, Hanes Magnet School and North Forsyth High School will perform a joint concert featuring jazz trumpeter, band leader, and composer Michael Sailors. The concert is free and open to the public.

The concert will feature original works by Dr. Sailors, along with traditional jazz standards by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Chuck Mangione. Student performers will also participate in clinics and master classes with Dr. Sailors during the day in preparation for the concert.

"We are thrilled that our students get to work and perform with an accomplished New York City jazz musician and composer, with the pedigree of Dr. Sailors," said Kenneth Tysor, Jazz Band Director at Hanes Magnet School. “Jazz is America’s art form, and the opportunity to perform works by and with a living composer is a great honor and learning opportunity for our students.”

Dr. Sailors has an undergraduate degree in Jazz Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a graduate degree in jazz performance/composition from Michigan State University, and a Doctoral Degree in jazz performance/composition from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Sailors is the founder of jazzcharts.net and has published works for beginning through professional jazz ensembles.

Hanes is at 2900 Indiana Avenue. For more information, call the school at 703-4171. 

Ashley IB Pre-Kindergarten Students Hop on Bikes and Trikes to Raise Money for Children's Hosptital

When Angie Williard heard about the trike-a-thons that some schools organize to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she thought that would fit right in with what she and the 15 students in her pre-kindergarten program at Ashley IB Magnet School were working on.

An important part of the overall International Baccalaureate program at Ashley is coming to understand the importance of caring and empathy. Helping children who are ill would certainly support that goal. And, as part of their unit on transportation, they could learn all about trike and bike safety.

Students started raising money, and Williard and her assistant, Anne Phillips, set a date for the event – Friday, April 12. The original idea was to ride in the parking lot. But, after a night of rain turned into a rainy morning, they figured that it would be best to move everything inside – to the music room, to be precise.

Joining school staff members and the four- and five-year-olds were assorted parents, grandparents and siblings – both older and younger. Kamice Gilbeaux’s older sister, Kadia, was there, and Presley Wilkinson’s team included four-month-old Skye and their mother, Becky Wilkinson. Cameron White's grandparents, Lewis and Marlene Jackson, were there, too.

First, Williard had all the students sit in a circle and refresh their minds on such pertinent points as why they were raising money for St. Jude’s – “so they can buy more tools and more medicine,” piped up one student – and why you wear a helmet on your head – “because your brain is in there,” said another.

After they all agreed that there would be no passing slower riders and that they would say, “Sorry,” should they accidentally bump into someone, they headed to their low-slung big wheels or little bikes (many with training wheels). Willard broke them up into smaller groups of riders so that the track – a circle established by inner and outer circles of miniature plastic traffic cones – wouldn’t get overcrowded.

Janice Sayre, the school’s physical-education teacher, was there to help with such important details as strapping on helmets. Sayre said that she really enjoys working with the pre-K students.

“They are so sweet,” she said. “They make you laugh and enjoy life. They are full of life.”

The students looked good. Emmanuel Wade Watkins was wearing a helmet with red spikes that Santa Claus had brought him. His mother, Kellie Watkins, is the school’s curriculum coordinator.

After donning their helmets, the students hit the track while family members looked on, snapping photos or taking videos. Leon Witherspoon said that his son, Miles, had learned a lot about bike safety in the process of preparing for the trike-a-thon and that he had been coming home talking about the importance of wearing a helmet and not riding in the street.

Jon and Amanda Brasfield – Amanda Brasfield is the media coordinator at Ashley – were there supporting their son, Jude, who had donated $5 of his own money in addition to the money he had raised from family members. That had gone well, Jon Brasfield said. “He is an only grandchild on both sides.”  

     

Single-Gender Classes at Carver High School

In the Chronicle, reporter Layla Garms writes about a single-gender class at Carver High School taught by Daniel Piggott Jr.

Garms describes his Common Core algebra class “as a boys’ club, and that’s the way Piggott likes it. Piggott led the charge to implement single gender classes at Carver High School in the 2012-13 school year. The Carver alumnus currently teaches three sections of algebra to freshmen males.”

Another Carver teacher, Charita Ward, leads all-female classes, while a third instructor is charged with mixed gender groups, Garms writes.

“This has been a pleasant experience,” Piggot told Garms. “I remember being a young man in these same halls at Carver High School, so I see a lot of myself when I see them, and it allows us a lot of opportunities to talk about things other than math. You can just talk about being a minority male in the United States of America.”

For the full story go to Winston-Salem Chronicle

Paisley IB Magnet Students Participate in Optimist Club Oratorical Contest

The Chronicle has a story by Dayona McLean about 10 students at Paisley IB Magnet School participating in the Optimist Club of Winston-Salem’s annual oratorical contest on Monday, March 18 at Ardmore Church of Christ.

All 10 contestants are in Marshall Marvelli’s English I class. The English curriculum at Paisley includes a public speaking component, so the oratorical program was a perfect fit. Marvelli, who has made the Optimist competition a part of his curriculum, had his 9th grade students write and present their essays in class. He then chose the best to participate in the contest.

The contest is held annually by the Winston-Salem club in coordination with Optimist International’s contest of the same name. Phyllis Elliott, Diana Chew, Anna Carolina Pelaes, Monet Beatty, Caroline Phon, Tristan McGuire, Jayson Williamson, Alexander Holt, David Hill Jr. and Zach Skillings were selected for the competition.

For the full story go to Winston-Salem Chronicle

Hanes Student Receives National Award at National Conference in Texas

Lauren and Asha Gandhi

On Friday, April 5, Asha Gandhi received a Yes I Can! Award in the Academics category from the Council for Exceptional Children at its national conference in San Antonio, Texas.

The awards honor people who achieve much despite disabilities. Asha, who is in the school system’s program for highly academically gifted students at Hanes Magnet School, has limited vision and hearing.

"This is a very prestigious award,” Asha said. “I am honored to be a recipient."

Altogether, the national council recognized 21 award winners in seven categories - academics, arts, athletics, school and community activities, self-advocacy, technology and transition.

"The 21 honorees chosen from hundreds of national and international nominees were truly outstanding,” said Asha’s mother, Lauren Gandhi. “It was a very humbling experience to see what determined kids could accomplish with their ‘Yes I Can’ attitudes."

"While there, Asha also served on a panel of four award winners and their parents sharing their experiences in a question-and-answer format.  She enjoyed sharing her story with the educators attending the meeting."

Her father, Sanjay Gandhi said, "One of the things that really made this experience special for Asha and us was the opportunity to meet the other ‘Yes I Can’ winners and their families. These are truly remarkable kids and young adults with inspirational and uplifting stories of resolve, resilience, talent, and kindness.  We are so proud that Asha was recognized alongside such an accomplished group of individuals.

“We are also very grateful to the many wonderful educators who have taught and supported Asha.  This award is indeed a reflection of their dedication and hard work.”

Asha’s exemplary approach to dealing with the challenges she faces prompted the N.C. Council for Exceptional Children to give her its Yes I Can! Award when she was a fifth-grader in the highly academically gifted program at Brunson Elementary School.

This fall, the state council invited her to speak at its annual conference in Greensboro.

The national council describes itself as “an international community of educators who are the voice and vision of special and gifted education. CEC’s mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with exceptionalities and their families through professional excellence and advocacy.”

 

Asha when she was a student at Brunson Elementary

Wiley West African Drumming Squad Performs at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts

On Friday, April 5, the Wiley West African Drumming Squad participated in a Thank You Concert for Brenner Children's Hospital at Performance Place on the campus of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNSCA). Colin Tribby, a Piedmont Triad Leadership Academy Principal Intern at Wiley, leads the squad. Wiley students partcipating included Cullen Whitt, Nathifa Daniels and Taj Neal.

Also participating in the festivities were high school students in the drama program at UNCSA and Artists Reaching Children in Hospitals (ARCH), led by Dikki Ellis and Robert Moyer.

Performing Arts Center at West Forsyth High Named After Retired Teacher

Jim Anderson

In the Wednesday April 3 issue of the Winston-Salem Journal, reporter Lisa O’Donnell writes about Jim Anderson, who taught honors English and chorus, sponsored the senior class, directed musicals and organized talent shows at West Forsyth High School from 1976 to 1997.

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education voted to name the performing arts center at West Forsyth after Anderson.

“He did everything. He kept the school running,” said Greg Taylor, who now teaches chorus at West Forsyth told O’Donnell. “I’m so tickled they’ve done this. He so deserves it.”

For the complete story go to Winston-Salem Journal

March 2013 Spotlight on Mail Courier

Danny Settle

Each month, the Classified Advisory Council puts the Spotlight on a classified employee. In March, the Spotlight was on Danny Settle, who began his career with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system as a bus driver in 1977. For the past 22 years, he has worked in the district mail center as a mail courier.

Settle is also a local entrepreneur. For 27 years, he has owned a janitorial service and, more recently, he became a travel consultant.

Settle is happily married to his wonderful wife Jackie Ijames Settle. He is the devoted father of six – three sons and three daughters, and he has 10 grandchildren. Settle is an avid supporter of his community with volunteering and fundraising in support of uplifting all mankind.

Danny is a very dedicated and committed worker.  It is important to him to leave a positive spirit with those he comes in contact.

Art by High School Students on Display in Piedmont Federal Branches

 

Each year, Piedmont Federal Savings Bank invites students in area high schools to enter a work of art in the bank's Artizens competition. The art pieces selected for consideration in the 2013 competition are on display in area branches through April 16.

On April 17, the 80 art pieces in the competition will then be taken to the Milton Rhodes Center for the arts, and, on Thursday April 18, they will be presented at a gala scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.. There, the winners will be announced. The judges for the 2013 competition are John Blackburn, Clare Fader and Susan Morris.

You can see the art on display in the branches and find out more about the competition by going to Artizens

Winston-Salem Prep Track Star Will Compete in Australia This Summer

Deonica Reid (Photo by Layla Garms)

In the March 28 issue of The Chronicle, reporter Layla Garms writes about Deonica Reid going to Australia this summer to compete in track-and-field events.

Reid, who is a sophomore at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy, will participate in the Down Under Sports Tournament sponsored by International Sports Specialists Inc. from July 5 to 7 at Griffith University’s Gold Coast Campus, a former Olympic training ground. She was chosen because of her stand-out performances at the state track-and-field competition last year. Then a freshman, he took first place in the women’s 4×1 relay and second in both the 4×2 relay and the 100 meter.

Her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother were noted runners as well.

“My great-grandma was good, and my grandma was really good and my mama, everybody says she was really good, so I kind of want to be better so I can make it to a higher level,” Reid told Garms. “I’m trying to get stronger. I’ve been lifting (weights) a little bit. I’m trying to get faster. I’m working on the little stuff … like form and technique.” 

For the full story, go to Winston-Salem Chronicle

Caleb's Creek Elementary Holds Food Drive

In March, students and staff at Caleb's Creek Elementary School collected nonperishable food items that will be distributed by the Out of the Garden Project, an organization based in Greensboro that provides food to families going to 45 schools in the area.

To add a little fun competition to the drive, they decorated boxes with the names of state universities, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke, Wake Forest, N.C. State, Appalachian State and East Carolina, and students put their donations in their favorite team's box. The winner was East Carolina.

You can read the full story in the March 28 issue of the Kernersville News. It's on the front page of the Lifestyles section.

Student Art in the April 2013 Issue of Forsyth Family Magazine

By Marilee Walker of East Forsyth High School

By Bree Monroe of Clemmons Middle School

By Nicholas Milligan of Mount Tabor High School

By Mitchell Skidmore of West Forsyth High School

On page 94 of the April 2013 issue of Forsyth Family, you will find art by four students in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Marilee Walker's art teacher is Molly Peterson. Bree Monroe's art teacher is Katherine Howard. Alice Morley is Nicholas Milligan's art teacher, and Elizabeth Betson is Mitchell Skidmore's art teacher.