Volume 1, Issue 1 - Roanoke Rapids Graded Schools

Volume 1, Issue 1 August 13, 2012
“The Resource”
A Newsletter For Employees
In The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District
Inside This Issue
Superintendent’s
Message
Personnel Changes &
New Employees
Bonus Leave Days
New District Logo
Science Award
Nominations
RRGSD Handbook
Substitute Teachers
Mentor Training
Liability Insurance
Harassment &
Bullying
Teacher Evaluation
Reminders
Resources for Teachers
Licensure Renewal
Technology
Facilitators
Attendance from
2011-2012
“The Resource” is a
quarterly newsletter for
all employees in the
RRGSD. Our goal is to
keep you informed by
sharing items of
importance and interest
in a timely manner. Let
us know what you
think. Send your
feedback and
suggestions for future
issues to Dottie
Wardsworth at Central
Services.
Superintendent’s Message
The start of school is one of the most exciting times of the year for students! They
are eager to meet their teachers, catch up with their friends, attend ballgames,
and start a fresh new school year.
As we continue to work to improve our future and make sure our students
remain READY, we know that success will not be possible unless we can come
together to collaborate, innovate, set high expectations, and embrace
opportunities to learn from the past and move purposefully forward with a
commitment to excellence and teamwork.
Our hope for a new beginning:
SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE – Broadcast accomplishments, praise effort,
and let our message be heard by students, parents, and community
members.
BE OUR STUDENTS’ ADVOCATE – Keep the best interest of our students
in mind and be aware, on a daily basis, of our commitment to each and
every student in our midst. Maintain a student focus in all that we do.
KEEP THE BIG PICTURE IN MIND – We often become mired in the
details of classroom responsibilities. While the quality of the classroom
teacher is the most important fact in a school system, we must look
beyond the walls of our schools.
NURTURE TEAMWORK – Effective teams are clear about what they
want and need to accomplish. Creating a strong team often requires
striking a balance among respecting the history and traditions of the
organization, understanding the current reality, and committing to
continuous improvement for creating a preferred future.
Thanks to all who support and work hard to fulfill the vision, mission, and core
values of Roanoke Rapids Graded School District. May we have a year filled
with peace and prosperity. Our students are counting on us to deliver!
Dr. Dennis J. Sawyer
Superintendent
Roanoke Rapids Graded School District
The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.
Page 1

Volume 1, Issue 1 August 13, 2012
Questions? We Welcome
Them!
Please feel free to contact your
Central Services Team when
questions arise. See our “Who to
Call” list on page 6 in your
employee handbook for a more
detailed listing.
Accountability & Info. Services
Cynthia Wright (7142)
Buses
Jimmy Bryant (7145)
Doug Miller (7121)
Sheila Turner (7118)
Curriculum/Elementary
Debbie Harrell (7146)
Curriculum/Secondary
Misty Walker (7122)
Exceptional Children
Marlene Lyles (7131)
Kim White (7103)
Facilities and Maintenance
Doug Miller (7121)
Sheila Turner (7118)
Finance and Payroll
Tommy Britton (7106)
Andrea Midgette (7124)
Debbie Moseley (7105)
Carolyn Rodwell (7109)
Angie Spence (7104)
Human Resources
Tracy Myrick (7116)
Dottie Wardsworth (7126)
Parent Involement
Marcus Carey (7322)
Place to Play
Freda Sexton (7722)
School Nutrition
Gail Duke (7119)
Michelle Puckett (7120)
Student Support Services
Andy Kennedy (7102)
Superintendent’s Office
Jean Thompson (7115)
Technology
Mark Kuchenbrod (7140)
Title I
Teri Bales (7111)
Andy Kennedy (7102)
Personnel Changes & New Employees
We have been busy this summer filling vacancies and some of our
veteran employees transferred to new locations. Please give a warm
welcome to your new co-workers as you see them around the RRGSD!
Akers
Jamie Taylor-Fillinger, Teacher
Belmont Elementary School
Ellen Bryant, EC Teacher
Amanda Carter, 5 th Grade Teacher
Tony Coley, 5 th Grade Teacher
Tad Merritt, Assistant Principal
Caitlin Myrick, Teacher Assistant
Judy Oglesby, 2 nd Grade Teacher
Central Services
Marcus Carey, Parent Involvement
Misty Walker, Director of Secondary Curriculum
Vacant, Director of Exceptional Children
Chaloner Middle School
Paula Cahoon, EC Teacher
Virginia Frecknall, 7 th Grade Teacher
Katina Hantz, Science Teacher
Terri Little, 7 th Grade Teacher
Caitlin McCaffrey, 8 th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Jill Smith, 6 th Grade Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher
Shelley Williams, Assistant Principal
Kirk Wynne, P.E. Teacher
Vacant, 6 th Grade Teacher
Clara Hearne Early Childhood Center
Debbie Harrell, Director of Pre-K
Jennifer Neathery, EC Teacher
Manning Elementary School
Patsy Agoglia, Teacher Assistant
Kerry Hanline, Reading Teacher
Christina Skinner, 1 st Grade Teacher
Kristen Williams, 4 th Grade Teacher
Roanoke Rapids High School
Kyle Coker, Teacher Assistant
Kelly Durdock, Horticulture Teacher
Emily Harris, School Nurse
Jody Kane, Assistant Principal
Kimberlee Postell, English Teacher
LaSaundra Siddle, Business Teacher
Page 2

Volume 1, Issue 1 August 13, 2012
RRGSD Handbook
Bonus Leave Days
As you may know, the General Assembly granted all permanent state employees an additional 5 annual
leave days that must be used by June 30, 2013. In order to receive these days, you must have been
employed on July 1, 2012. In other words, if you had been offered and accepted a job before July 1, 2012,
you are entitled to this extra leave. You will receive all 5 days if you are a 100% 10 month, 11 month, or 12
month employee. If you are employed less than 100%, you will receive these days at a pro-rata rate.
If you separate from employment, you cannot be paid for these days unless you retire immediately after
your separation. If you resign during the year for any other reason, and have not used these days, you will
lose them.
In order to best ensure that you do not lose this special benefit, the school system has developed a plan for
their use. If you do not want to use the days in the manner specified below you should ask your school
secretary for an “opt out” form and complete it by September 1, 2012. It is recommended that the only
individuals who should “opt out” are those that plan to retire by July 1, 2013. Please understand if you
“opt out” on the extra annual leave days on the dates listed below and if you do not use them and do not
retire by July 1, 2013, you will lose these days and they will not be available for you to use after June 30,
2013.
For 10 Month and 11 Month Employees:
The 5 extra days of annual leave will be used on December 21, December 27, December 28, December 31,
and March 29. As you probably know, there are 10 AL days earned by full time ten month employees
that are built in the school calendar. This plan uses your five "bonus" days to replace your normally
earned AL days, since normally earned days will not be lost on July 1, 2013, and can carry forward for your
later use.
For 12 Month Employees:
The 5 extra days of annual leave will be taken on the first 5 days of annual leave you submit between
August 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013.
If you have any questions about the use of these days, please give those questions to your principal, who
will direct them to the appropriate person at Central Services.
If an employee does not submit the “opt out” form to their school secretary by September 1, 2012, the 5
additional annual leave days will be taken as described above.
New RRGSD Logo
You have probably noticed our new
logo. It was updated over the summer!
Know an outstanding science educator? Nominate him or
her for a NCSTA Award in one of the following categories:
District Outstanding Science Teacher (elementary,
middle, and high levels)
Distinguished Service in Science Education in North
Carolina (principal or supervisor)
Additional information and nomination forms are located at
www.ncsta.org. Deadline for submissions is September 15, 2012.
Awards will be presented at the NCSTA 43rd Annual Professional
Development Institute in Winston Salem Nov. 8-9, 2012.
Page 3

Volume 1, Issue 1 August 13, 2012
RRGSD Employee Handbook
The RRGSD Employee Handbook is made available to all
employees of the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District to
provide helpful information about benefits, policies and
procedures. This handbook will not address every issue or
question that may arise, but it is intended to be used as a
reference manual.
Employees have the option of receiving their handbook in
electronic format or hard copy. You may access the
document on the HR webpage or click here. Please read the
handbook carefully and submit the Acknowledgement of
Receipt form to your school secretary before August 27, 2012.
Contact your principal or the HR Department if you have any
questions.
Mentor Training
Are you interested in serving as a mentor for beginning teachers in our
district? In addition to demonstrating successful teaching and a
commitment to the teaching profession, mentors are required to complete
North Carolina Mentor Training. This twenty-four hour training will
provide quality instruction in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary
for effective mentoring of beginning teachers. Contact our HR
Department for additional information if you are interested.
New Substitute Teachers
The following individuals are
completing the process to work as
substitute teachers. Check the sub list
often as these names will be added
soon!
Roy Artis
Bettie Ballard
Teresa Brown
Kathryn Canady
Tina Carr
Jennifer Clements
Tonya Cruz-Martinez
Patti Dickens
Tammy DuFault
Denise Dunlevy
Gail Hagan
Heather Harris
Linda Harris
Amber Hasty
Beulah Hobbs
Patti Little
Julie Liverman
Lucille Metcalfe
Amber Mooneyham
Naomi Nichols
Joann Pearson
Lula Robinson
Marjorie Rogers-Slagle
Laura Solano
Marie-Jose Taylor
Liability Insurance for Public School Employees
In compliance with HB950, within 60 days of the effective date of the budget signing, LEAs and charter
schools have the responsibility of notifying all employees about the coverage provided by the state-funded
liability insurance policy for North Carolina public school employees. Employees must be notified in writing.
Excess Professional Liability coverage is provided to all employees up to $1 million per occurrence with a $1
million aggregate.
Coverage for consultation with an attorney regarding violation of professional or employment related right
is provided at $2,500 per claim, subject to a $5,000 aggregate per employee, per policy year.
Reasonable and necessary attorneys fees and costs incurred by an employee arising from a criminal
proceeding alleging a criminal act was committed within the professional activities of an employee are
covered up to $50,000. Employee must be found "not guilty" of all criminal charges.
Employees are encouraged to visit www.ncpublicschools.org for a copy of the insurance contract.
Employees are encouraged to visit www.professionalliabilitync.com for information about this state-funded
program and details on How to File a Claim.
Liability Insurance for Public School Employees is provided to all employees, including volunteers of public
and charter schools. There is no enrollment process, nor is there a fee or premium charge to employees.
For additional information or questions, contact Eileen Townsend.
Chief of Insurance
Department of Public Instruction
919-807-3522
eileen.townsend@dpi.nc.gov
Page 4

Volume 1, Issue 1 August 13, 2012
Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying
Have you read Policy 1710/4021/7230 Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying?
The board prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age and will
not tolerate any form of unlawful discrimination, harassment or bullying in any of its educational or
employment activities or programs.
Any violation of this policy is serious, and school officials shall promptly take appropriate action. Employees
who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to, and including, dismissal.
Employees are required to report any actual or suspected incidents of discrimination, harassment or bullying.
All reports should be made in accordance with policy 1720/4015/7225. Contact your immediate supervisor if
you have any questions about these two policies.
Teacher Evaluation Reminders
DPI created a wiki that is a great resource for teachers, principals, and district administrators. Click here
and take a look at some of the resources available for your use.
You will note the following improvements on the McREL site:
The Record of Teacher Activity form is now automatically created for all teachers. Please remember
to sign this form after your principal completes this year’s orientation. Orientation must occur
within the first 10 days after you return to work. Teachers and principals must sign the
Record of Teacher Activities sheet electronically within the first 10 days!!!!
There is a limit of one Summary Rating Form per teacher, per year.
Teachers will receive a warning message if they attempt to create a Preliminary Professional
Development plan if a roll over Professional Development Plan form exists for them.
A rollover Professional Development Plan for the next year was automatically created when the
Summary Rating Form for 2011-2012 was signed /completed.
Professional Development Plans (not affiliated with a Summary Rating Form) are no longer a form
available for creation by a principal.
It is now possible for principals to email copies of the Summary Rating Form from the Teacher
Observation Manager. This is the same functionality as the current ability to email Teacher
Observations.
The Teacher comment box on the Summary Rating form now appears grey, the same as other
forms with comment boxes in the system.
Mentor assignments for Professional Development Forms and Preliminary Professional Development
forms now appear under the correct headings when viewed under the Teacher Peer Assessment
Manager.
Mentors must help develop and monitor the progress of our Beginning Teachers. Mentors must
review and sign their BT’s PDP at the beginning, middle, and end of the year.
Professional Development Plans now have a more straightforward naming convention (i.e.,
Professional Development Plan for 2012-13, Preliminary PDP for 2012-13) rather than the “basedon”
naming convention.
Page 5

Volume 1, Issue 1 August 13, 2012
Resources for Teachers
Beginning Teacher Information
Sheet
Mentor Log
Mentor Timeline
National Board for Professional
Teaching Standards
NC Dept. of Public Instruction
NC Retirement System
NC Salary Guides
NC State Health Plan
NC Wise Owl
Praxis
RRGSD Employee Handbook
RRGSD Workshop Evaluation
Form
Teacher Online Evaluation
(McREL)
Working in NC Public Schools
Technology Facilitators
Mark Kuchenbrod is collaborating with
technology facilitators from each
campus to assist with technology from
Smartboards to Google Apps. Feel
free to contact these individuals when
you have general questions about
using technology in your classroom.
Clara Hearne
Kristen Keeter
Belmont Elementary
Debbie Blackwelder
Heather Karnes
Manning Elementary
Laura Duncan
Pam Moseley
Chaloner Middle
Joey Briggs
Mary Campbell
Roanoke Rapids High
Anne Beichner
Kelly Sparks
Licensure Renewal
The NC State Board of Education approved new standards for license
renewal on November 3, 2011. Teachers with licenses that expired on
June 30, 2012 should receive their new license by the end of August.
Teachers with expiring licenses this year (June 30, 2013) will receive a
print-out of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and an
accompanying letter in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, you can review your CEU history from a computer
within our school network. It’s simple. Just click here. You will receive
a Certificate Error because it is a Secure Website. Click on “Continue
to this website (not recommend) to proceed. You will need to submit
your social security number in order to lookup your CEU’s. Teachers
in grades K-12 need to address these areas:
Literacy Academic School Total
Executives
Teachers (K-12) 1 1 n/a 7.5
Administrators n/a n/a 3 7.5
Other Items to Remember:
Teaching experience is no longer included in this process.
Initial National Board Certification will grant 7.5 CEU’s for
individuals that complete the process.
Renewal of National Board Certification earns 2 CEU’s (one
for literacy and one for the academic area).
Beginning Teachers fall into a separate category than
veteran teachers. BT’s need to participate in Professional
Development activities, but they are not required to obtain a
certain number of CEUs.
Contact Dottie Wardsworth or Tracy Myrick if you have any
questions.
Teacher Attendance Rates for 2011 – 2012
Clara Hearne 95.67 %
Belmont Elementary 95.85 %
Manning Elementary 94.34 %
Chaloner Middle 94.23 %
Roanoke Rapids High 96.18 %
Data is based upon sick leave and personal leave taken from 8/17/11
thru 5/15/12.
Page 6