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▪ Test results in September
Test results for the 2017-2018 year were released in September. The
results give the public a look at how well our students did on the end-of-grade
and end-of-course state tests that were administered in May and June. The
state also released information about the graduation rate for the Class of 2018.
▪ Students spent time learning over the summer
Several enrichment programs kept the focus on learning over the
summer. Some 60 rising sophomores participated in the Commissioners’
School of Excellence, a two-week residential program at Belmont Abbey
College that teaches about being a leader at school and in the community.
The “Camp Achieve” reading program for grades 1-3 provided individual and
small-group instruction to improve reading and comprehension skills. Other
summer camps included the “Summer Imaginarium Camp” that gave middle
school students an opportunity to be involved in activities related to science,
technology, math, art, and even sports and the college prep camp for high
school students.
▪ New STEAM academy
The new Stanley Middle School, which opened in March, is home to the
district’s newest school choice/magnet program. The STEAM Academy at
Stanley Middle School is for students in grades 6-8 and provides a curriculum
that emphasizes science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
With the STEAM Academy at Stanley Middle, the district now has six school
choice/magnet programs. The others are Highland School of Technology,
Gaston Early College High School, Hawks Nest STEAM Academy, Gifted and
Talented Academy at Pleasant Ridge Elementary, and Gaston County Virtual
Academy. The district is developing additional academy programs to provide
more school choice options for students and parents. The new academy
programs will be in place for the 2019-2020 school year.
▪ Continued focus on school safety
Safety remains a priority for Gaston County Schools. This year, all schools
will have a full-time police resource officer, thanks to additional funding
from the county to expand the school resource officer program. Previously,
each high school and middle school had a full-time resource officer and each
elementary school had a part-time officer. Additional safety initiatives already
in place include a buzz-in entrance system and identity management (visitor
check-in) system in use at each school, updated camera and surveillance
equipment, comprehensive school safety plans, and an on-going partnership
with local law enforcement agencies. It is important to note that Gaston
County continues to rank as one of the safest large school districts in the
state based on school crime data, which is calculated annually by the N.C.
Department of Public Instruction.
▪ Program addresses bullying
For the second consecutive year, “STAND UP Gaston” will serve as the
district’s bullying prevention and character education program. The program
includes guest speakers, who share information with students about bullying,
making good decisions, and showing kindness and compassion toward others.
Additionally, school counselors and other student support personnel will
work on bullying prevention efforts and serve as a resource for students and
parents.
Parent-Teacher Conference Days
In an effort to give all parents an opportunity to visit with their
child’s teacher(s), the school system has designated Parent
Conference dates for the fall and spring semesters. The fall
parent-teacher conference date is October 11, 2018. The spring
parent-teacher conference date is March 7, 2019. Parent-teacher
conferences on the designated days are held from 1:00 until 7:00
p.m. and students are dismissed early. Please note that teachers
are available for conferences at other times during the school
year. If you would like to schedule a parent conference, please
contact your child’s teacher.
▪ 29 new buses; motorists should use caution
Approximately 16,000 children rely on school bus transportation. Gaston
County operates 210 yellow school buses and 47 white activity buses – 29
new yellow buses have been added to the fleet to replace older buses. Over
the past two years, Gaston County has received 45 new yellow buses from
the state. All buses were inspected over the summer. They are equipped with
security cameras and a GPS (Global Positioning System) to ensure student
and driver safety. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when
approaching a school bus and to watch for children in the early morning and
afternoon hours when school buses are on the road.
▪ All schools cleaned, repairs made
School buildings were cleaned thoroughly over the summer and received
various upgrades. Projects included gymnasium floors; plumbing; media
center renovations; fencing; parking lot repairs (asphalt and lighting); water/
sewer and restroom improvements; painting; flooring (tile/carpet); and life
safety updates.
▪ Meal prices unchanged, free meal program continues
Meal prices remain the same as last year. The student lunch price is
$2.70 for elementary schools and $2.80 for middle and high schools. The
adult lunch price is $3.75. Breakfast meals cost $1.20 for students and
$1.50 for adults. Again this year, breakfast and lunch meals are being
provided free-of-charge to all students at 19 schools: H.H. Beam Elementary,
Bessemer City Central Elementary, Bessemer City Middle, Bessemer City
Primary, Brookside Elementary, Carr Elementary, Chapel Grove Elementary,
Gardner Park Elementary, Grier Middle, Lingerfeldt Elementary, North
Belmont Elementary, Pleasant Ridge Elementary, Sadler Elementary,
Southwest Middle, Springfield Elementary, Tryon Elementary, Warlick
Academy, Woodhill Elementary, and York Chester Middle. The free meals are
made possible through a program sponsored by the USDA Food and Nutrition
Service. This summer, more than 100,000 breakfast and lunch meals were
provided to approximately 2,500 children at some 90 sites across the county.
The annual summer feeding program ensures that children have nutritious
meals even when they are away from the classroom.
▪ More school partnerships and mentors
Again this year, the school district is seeking caring adults to serve as
school mentors. Mentors spend up to one hour per week at the school with
a student, talking and offering encouragement, helping with homework,
offering advice about college and career plans, and providing positive
support. Mentors complete a background check and one-hour training
session, which are held at various times throughout the school year. Anyone
interested in joining the mentoring program should call (704) 866-6329
for more information. Additionally, efforts are under way to increase the
number of school partnerships with businesses, civic groups, and community
organizations.
▪ Stay connected with Gaston County Schools
Students, parents, employees, and the community are encouraged to
stay connected with Gaston County Schools by visiting the district website
(www.gaston.k12.nc.us), each school website, “liking” us on Facebook,
following us on Twitter, watching us on Spectrum Cable Channel 21 and
YouT ube, and downloading our free mobile app from the Google Play or Apple
iTunes online stores. Parents are reminded to contact their child’s teacher or
the school principal when they have a question, concern, or suggestions.
10-point Grading Scale
Gaston County Schools uses a 10-point grading scale for students
in grades 3-12. The 10-point scale is required by the state for
high schools. Gaston County Schools also uses the 10-point scale
for grades 3-8 to ensure consistency and a smooth transition for
students as they move from elementary and middle school to high
school.
The 10-point grading scale is listed below
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F Below 60
Parent Teacher Magazine• September/October 2018• 5