Parent Teacher Magazine Rowan-Salisbury Schools January 2014

november & december School Bus Drivers of the Month Rowan-Salisbury Schools Director of Transportation Judy Burris recognized the following employees for exemplary service as bus drivers for the month of November. A bus driver must adhere to all the duties and responsibilities set forth by the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Transportation Department and are nominated by their bus coordinator for this honor each month. ENERGY STAR AWARDS The US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has awarded Energy Star certificates to the following schools and facilities that have earned “Renewal” of their national energy status. Mike Austin is Rowan-Salisbury’s Energy Manager. School & Principal Custodian Faith Elementary / Jackie Maloney Daniel Swink Cleveland Elementary / Becky Kepley-Lee Kelly Cress North Area: (Nov) Johnnie Mae Hariston – North Rowan High School, North Rowan Middle School (Bus 103) (Dec) Annie Long – North Rowan High School, North Rowan Middle School (Bus 134) East Area (Nov) Regina Bass – Rockwell Elementary School (Bus 11) (Dec) Robin Dyson – Morgan Elementary School (Bus 305) Granite Quarry Elementary / Vicki Booker Phyllis Padgett West Area: (Nov) Robert Buck – West Rowan High School, West Rowan Middle School (Bus 320) (Dec) Veronica Walton – Woodleaf Elementary School (Bus 22) Hanford Dole Elementary / Michael Courtwright Brenda Pearman Koontz Elementary / Tim Dryman (Mary Hemphill) Bill Jackson Landis Elementary / Beverly Roberts Nick Fulham South Area: (Nov) Marie Cross – China Grove Elementary School (Bus 117) (Dec) Teresa Smith – Landis Elementary School (Bus 157) Henderson Independent High / Dr. Chris Vecchione Randy Neely Jesse Carson High School / Kelly Withers Debbie Walters Ellis Street Annex Central Office / Kristi Rhone Lowell “Buster” Harris Salisbury Area: (Nov) Jodi McManus – Knox Middle School, Overton Elementary School (Bus 180) (Dec) Meloney McCorkle – Koontz Elementary School, Southeast Middle School, Rowan Early College (Bus 350) Morgan Elementary / Derek DiStefano Billy Sellers Special Needs: (Nov)Taylor Harvell (Bus 17) (Dec) Hilda Boswell (Bus 30) Substitute Driver: (Nov)Laurie Steckler (Dec) Mike Miller (unitwide) Changing from the Ordinary to the EXTRAORDINARY In Classroom Instruction Every Day - Every Classroom - Every Student It is an exciting time to be a teacher and student in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools. Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Dr. Julie Morrow, along with curriculum directors, lead principals in an active professional development work session focused on what an extraordinary 21st century classroom looks like, sounds like, and feels like. Student learning is increased in classroom settings when students are engaged in rigorous active working groups. Principals rolled up their sleeves to actively delve deeper into identifying four key areas that teachers need to develop as they create their classroom instruction. During the classroom observations, principals will determine if the instruction is: • Personalized in identifying the individual interests and skill level of students • Collaborative where students are enjoying working together and learning from each other • Relevant to students outside of the classroom and in real life • Connectivity in creating an environment where students are excited and inquisitive about what they are learning In an extraordinary classroom, you would find students actively learning in groups lead by teachers that guide them into discovering their own extraordinary strengths, skills, interests and contributions. It’s all about student success in going from the ordinary to the extraordinary in teaching and learning. It involves a different way of thinking and a shift of actively leading students to learn collaboratively in a personal, relevant and connected classroom setting. We are lifting off the ground and creating the best learning opportunities for our students. – It is indeed an exciting time to be a student and a teacher in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools. Administrators and principals are using as a reference the book titled, “Every Child Every Day”- A Digital Conversation Model for Student Achievement by Dr. Mark Edwards. 8 • January/February 2014 • Parent Teacher Magazine

Parent Teacher Magazine Rowan-Salisbury Schools January 2014 | Page 10