Duke Energy Helps Power Discovery Academy
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May 30, 2014
2 The End Simply Signals
a Different Beginning 3 Memorial Day
2014 5 Principals Complete
Leadership Program
Duke Energy Helps Power Discovery Academy
Buncombe County Schools is excited
to announce a partnership with Duke
Energy Progress. Jason Walls, Manager,
Local Government and Community
Relations- Asheville Region Duke Energy
Progress, presented Dr. Tony Baldwin,
Superintendent of Buncombe County
Schools along with the new Buncombe
Discovery Academy Principal, Nathan
Allison, a $15,000.00 check. This
exciting partnership ensures that
students at Buncombe Discovery
Academy will have the business/
community connection that is a focus
of the school and will enable STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math) education to flourish.
Dr. Baldwin said, “This donation helps
strengthen our ties to one of our local
businesses. One of the non-negotiables
for the school is the partnership
with businesses in the community to provide practical experience now and job opportunities for our students in the future.”
The connection between business and education was a common topic among all three who spoke during the
presentation. Discovery Academy principal Nathan Allison said, “The first place the impact of the donation
will be felt will be on supplies for our students, and it also just continues to build our strong relationships with
business and that will benefit our students greatly, especially if they want to remain in the Asheville community.”
The importance of skills in science, technology, engineering and math is vital to the future of the power industry. Jason
Walls of Duke Energy Progress said, “We see this as a great opportunity to support a school in our area, and it’s a great
opportunity to build a partnership with the school system that will serve our community well. It also provides students the
chance to grow their knowledge in the STEM subject areas, which are important to our industry and others in the area."
Buncombe County Schools...Elevating Young Minds www.buncombe.k12.nc.us
rent Beginning
The End Simply Signals a Diffe
ch”
together we can do so mu
“Alone we can do so little;
- Helen Keller
the horizon.
a number of significant “endings” on
This is the time of year when there are thei r graduation
right to march across the stage for
Many of our students have earned the t life. Our teac hers and
n the next phase of their adul
from high school. They will soon begi maj ority are gear ing up for the
school year and the
staff are concluding another productive rs are head ing into retir eme nt afte ra
vities. Othe
summer break and various planned acti eful ly find them
ark on personal trek that will hop
rewarding career and they will soon emb ng endings
The se are merely a sampling of the impendi
continuing to follow their passions. ns and wish each a safe , healthy,
tfelt congratulatio
and beginnings. To each, I offer my hear
Letter from and productive journey.
too. Some
Dr. Baldwin over y Academy is nearing its completion,
The construction of the Buncombe Disc conc lusio n as an exci ting new
this approaching
may view this as an ending; yet I see inno vative lear ning envi ronm ents that
ard creating
beginning- one that is a journey tow as a real -wor ld,
. More than that, it will serves
excite the students and teachers alike lear n, conc eive , and
ger generation where they
interactive model of meeting our youn r schools
ible. The se ideas will serve to transform our othe
creatively imagine what’s poss
in the future.
through the
e, our leadership team has worked
As the building continues to take shap s of appr oxim atel y 100 incoming
the inaugural clas
selection and notification process for has bee n instr ume ntal in a perc eptible
STEM school
ninth graders. The interest in our new of the inco ming
County Schools. Twelve percent
influx of new students to Buncombe ols, and hom e scho oling .
ate schools, charter scho
class is entering our district from priv for edu cato rs. With only five
generated excitement
Additionally, this new academy has !
initially, we rece ived over 250 applications to fill them
teaching slots available
in the purchase
ented a check for $15,000 to be used
On May 29, Duke Energy Progress pres is on page one of this newsletter.
check presentation
of instructional supplies. The symbolic Academy will
that students at Buncombe Discover y
This latest partnership helps to ensure will enable STEM
on that is a focus of the school and
have the business/community connecti rish. The se colla borative
Math) education to flou
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and with the nee ds of our com munity.
ess of our students
partnerships more closely link the succ ive edu cation
rest in the type of innovative, cooperat
These examples illustrate a keen inte by the exci tem ent
North Carolina. I am truly humbled
we are pursuing in our part of Western ity part ners to the new
staff, and several commun
of our students, parents, faculty and borators
. I am than kful for the support of our business colla
Buncombe Discover y Academy to work in
ing these relationships as we continue
and very much look forward to grow our curr iculu m to
eholders to thoughtfully structure
partnership with our community stak new STEM acad emy , but
kforce. Not just with this
meet the needs of an ever-changing wor
with our other 42 schools as well.
act us. As this
lenges that sometimes serve to distr
We certainly face a number of chal ion of colla borating with
you to focus on our miss
happens on occasion, I encourage ging lear ning envi ronm ents that
rigorous, and enga
stakeholders to provide safe, caring, sett ings are
College Ready. These educational
prepare all students so be Career and mor e prou d of how
superintendent, I could not be
spread across all of our 43 schools. As ents .
in support of our stud
this community regularly comes together
stakeholders
together we can do much. As all
As Helen Keller correctly stated, inar y academic
are going realize extraord
work cooperatively, I believe we effo rts shou ld produce
six districts. These
outcomes within all schools in our ct from our pub lic schools.
should all expe
the types of happy endings we
- Dr. Tony Baldwin, Superintendent
2
Buncombe County Schools...Elevating Young Minds www.buncombe.k12.nc.us
Memorial Day 2014
Woodfin Elementary students singing at the Memorial Day Program in Woodfin
A ll 42 schools in the Buncombe County School Kindergarten students, whose video
system remembered those lost to us in service can be found at www.facebook.com/
of the country. Some schools held ceremonies BuncombeCountySchools. This post currently
around the flagpole, others in stadiums, has over 16,000 views and includes the charm of
gymnasiums, and in classrooms. Being in school Kindergarteners and the importance of Memorial
provided the opportunity for many students to Day to the country.
learn about what Memorial Day means. We are very grateful for the sacrifice those
who have served made, and we hope that the
Several classes created videos about Memorial ceremonies showed just a small part of our
Day, notably the Candler Elementary gratitude.
North Buncombve High School North Windy ridge Woodfin Elementary
3
In compliance with Federal Law, Buncombe County Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without
discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.
Dates To Remember
May 30 First Day of Testing June 12 Last Day for Students
June 13 Teacher Work Day
June 5 June Board Meeting June 16 Summer Office Schedule
Boosting the Bass:
“Deep Strings” initiative
wins local grant
Student string players at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate and Valley
Springs Middle Schools will benefit from a $7,495 grant awarded to
its “Deep Strings” initiative.
The grant, provided by the Ramble Charitable Fund and
administered by The Community Foundation of Western North
Carolina, will be used to purchase ten cello outfits—an addition
that will markedly enrich the bass sound of the student orchestra,
according to director Paul Zinke.
“Our string orchestra program’s numbers are strong and flourishing, but the schools’ resources cannot keep up with
the growing demand,” said Zinke. The cost of the larger stringed instruments is a factor for aspiring players, Zinke told
Insider, adding that the grant will boost enrollment of cello playing students at Koontz by 20 percent or more.
“Students whose families can’t afford to rent an instrument may ask to borrow
"Our string orchestra one from school,” said Zinke. “Our school currently has only seven cellos
program’s numbers are available, not even close to the number that would like to play cello. Thus, our
cello section is consistently small, and the deeper pitched sections are drowned
strong and flourishing, out by the treble sections.”
but the schools’
resources cannot keep “In order to have proper balance as an orchestra,” Zinke explained, “the group
up with the growing needs to have a balanced instrumentation—that is, about 40 percent violins,
demand,” said Zinke. and 20 percent each for violas, cellos, and basses.” Many students who would
normally be interested in learning the cello decide instead to play the violin or
viola when a cello is not available.
Last year, the Ramble Charitable Fund provided a grant that enabled the strings program to purchase six string bass
outfits. The impact is felt by all orchestra students, Zinke points out, as an expanded bass sound improves the sound of
the entire ensemble.
“The larger impact therefore includes up to 120 orchestra students in grades six through eight,” Zinke said.
Koontz Intermediate students feed into Valley Springs, so placing new cellos at each school will provide a smooth
continuum of improved musical skill for students in the Roberson district,
Zinke said.
Readers can judge the effect for themselves. Toward the end of each
semester, the student orchestras perform at their schools, and in local
retirement communities and nursing homes. Two concerts remain in the
schedule for this year: anyone may attend at Erwin High School at 7pm on
June 5, and Eblen Intermediate (6th grade) at 6pm on June 10.
District Grant Writer Susan Andrew provides support and guidance for
teachers and principals who want to pursue a grant. Visit the BCS grant
writing page to review the Grant Planning Guide; then submit your
completed grant intent form to susan.andrew@bcsemail.org.
(Consultation is required for all grants over $5,000, and for any requesting the BCS taxpayer ID number.)
4
In compliance with Federal Law, Buncombe County Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without
discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.
GOOD NEWS!
Awards and Accolades
BCS Child Nutrition staff who won
the 'Whacked School Tray Plate Up
Award' for the most attractive lunch
tray display, at the Whaked Cooking Congratulations to the 2014-15 School
competition. L to R: Gayle Lane, Tim Counselors and School Social Worker of the
Pierce,and Geni Waters. Year. L to R: Meredith Hammond, Buffy
Weathington, Josh Williams, Laura McCreary.
Local Principals Complete Leadership Program
Principals Sherry Barnette, North “The leadership of the school principal is
Buncombe Middle School and Clifford by far one of the most important factors
Ownes, Community High School recently in school quality. By completing this
completed the Distinguished Leadership very rigorous program, our DLP graduates
Program (DLP), a year-long leadership have demonstrated their commitment
development program for practicing to continuous improvement by working
school principals designed and provided by to improve their leadership skills as they
the North Carolina Principals and Assistant simultaneously improve their schools. We
Principal’s Association in partnership with are proud to include them in the ranks
the North Carolina Department of Public of successful DLP completers,” said Dr.
Instruction and UNC-LearnNC. Shirley Prince, NCPAPA Executive Director.
Clifford Owens
The Distinguished Leadership in Practice This program is offered in three locations- Principal,
Program (DLP) uses a non-traditional Wilmington, Raleigh and Charlotte-in Community High
professional development model that is order to serve principals in all eight School
aligned to the performance evaluation regions of the state.
standards adopted by the State Board
of Education for North Carolina’s school The North Carolina Principals and Assistant
leaders. This unique cohort-based Principals’ Association (NCPAPA), in
program is designed to limit principals’ existence since 1976, is the preeminent
time away from their schools by allowing organization and state voice for
them to attend face-to-face sessions once principals, assistant principals and aspiring
every other month while accessing on-line school leaders. NCPAPA represents 5,000
assignments, materials and coaching in members from across the state and serves
between face-to-face sessions. Principals as the state’s principal affiliate of the
engage in a series of authentic activities N.C. Association of School Administrators
throughout the year-long experience that (NCASA), the National Association of Sherry Barnette
are designed to build the capacity of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), Principal,
their schools and their own capacity as and the National Association of Secondary North Buncombe
“Distinguished” school leaders. School Principals (NASSP.) Middle School
5
Buncombe County Schools...Elevating Young Minds www.buncombe.k12.nc.us
Reminder to all BCS Staff - Reporting Criminal Charges
With just a few days remaining in the 2013-2014 school year, this is sent to you as a reminder of your
responsibilities as a Buncombe County Schools employee.
Please remember that as an employee, even during the summer months, you are under obligation to report
any offenses, in writing, no later than the next scheduled business day following the incident.
Please refer to www.buncombe.k12.nc.us/Page/54 (Policy Number: 7300 – Staff Responsibilities) for complete
details. - Thank you and have a wonderful summer break!
Annual 403(b) Plan Eligibility Notice
Buncombe County Schools offers our reduction agreement and you may How much can I contribute?
eligible employees the opportunity to also need to provide any additional In general, you may contribute up to
save for retirement by participating in information that may be required to $17,500 in 2014. This amount may
the 403(b) plan. Eligible employees enroll you in the 403(b) plan. be adjusted annually. Also, if you
are permanent and full time (working are at least 50 years old and/or you
at least 30 hours per week). A list Already contributing the 403(b) have completed at least 15 years of
of approved companies and contact plan? Great news! You have service, you may also be able to make
names and phone numbers is included an opportunity to increase your additional catch-up contributions.
with this notice. You can participate contributions to the 403(b) Plan. Each catch-up has its own limits.
in this plan by making pre-tax If you are already currently
contributions. You are eligible to contributing to the 403(b) plan, you This Notice is not intended as tax or
participate in this plan, whether or not may be able to increase your pre- legal advice. Neither your employer
you are actively contributing to it. tax contributions. To change your nor the investment providers offering
contributions, complete and return a retirement savings products under the
Not yet contributing to the 403(b) salary reduction agreement to Anita plan can provide you with tax or legal
plan? Proffitt in the Personnel Office, contact advice. Employees are encouraged to
To start your contributions to the your 403(b) representative, or go contact their financial representative
403(b) plan, contact a 403(b) online to planwithease.com or tax professional with any questions
representative, complete and return
a salary reduction agreement to Anita Of course, you can keep your To view your 403(b) information,
Proffitt in the Personnel Office (form contributions at their current level. request loans, make withdrawals, etc.
available in the Personnel Benefits In the alternative, if your current go to planwithease.com
Section of the employee website; or go financial situation means that you need Your initial user name is your social
online to planwithease.com (directions to lower your saving for retirement, security number (no dashes) and your
are included). Please note that in you can change your contribution rate initial password is your two digit birth
addition to completing and returning by completing and returning a salary month followed by the last two digits
a salary reduction agreement, you reduction agreement as described of your birth year. You will be asked to
must also establish an account with above. change your username and password.
the appropriate investment provider(s) Please keep these in a secure location.
that you have selected on the salary
Approved Vendors for 403(b)
Great American Life (Charles Cathey 828-667-2580)(Don Owens 864-268-5474)
Horace Mann (Robby Brown 828-257-2266)(Richard Lindsey 828-274-3138)(Nicole Clark 828-575-2278)
Life of the Southwest (Don Owens or John Stone 864-268-5474)(ValuTeachers--Sam Reavis-704-243-3849;
Wayne Flowers 803-493-6420; Kiel Mashburn 678-521-8859)(Bill Roe 828-645-7788)
Metlife (Amoreena Patrick 828-776-3777)(Thomas Hogan 732-652-1212)
Thrivent Financial (Amanda Brooks 920-628-3149)
Valic (Doug Bridges 1-800-892-5558 ext 87812) (Michael Morrisey 828-252-2884)
PFS Investments (Allen Coleman 770-564-6237)
ING Northern Life (Charles Cathey 828-667-2580)(Scott Wright 828-681-0895)(Bill Roe 828-645-7788)
Security Benefits Group (Bill Roe 828-645-7788)
6
Buncombe County Schools...Elevating Young Minds www.buncombe.k12.nc.us
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