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8/12/2010

August 12, 2010

As we welcome a new academic year, we will continue to proactively address each goal and objective in our Strategic Plan in partnership with parents and the community. Since the departure of students last June, members of our professional staff have been working diligently to prepare for the new academic year. Teachers and administrators have once again devoted many hours of intensive work towards refining our curriculum plans and processes for the new academic year. As a result of focused instruction on essential standards, aligned action at all levels, and a shared vision for improving teaching and learning, we closed out the 2009-10 academic year with many areas of celebration. Each school demonstrated tremendous academic growth in most academic areas and other indicators. Our county’s graduation rate has continued to improve and now exceeds 81.5%. In addition, since 2006, our district has continued to see a tremendous reduction in our dropout rate each year. We greatly appreciate the continued support of parents and the community as we strive to keep all students engaged in their K-12 experience. We commend our students for their perseverance during a time of increased accountability and higher academic standards throughout the district and state. Thank you to our district administrators, each school principal, and each of our tremendous employees who have taken time out once again from the short summer break to support our continued efforts on improving instruction and student learning throughout our district.

On August 25, 2010, all students throughout Macon County will begin another academic year in a very safe, modern environment. As we begin the new academic year, capital improvements will continue throughout the county including renovations at Nantahala School, Franklin High School, and construction of our new Iotla Valley Elementary School on the present Iotla School site. With the continued support and vision of our County Commissioners and Board of Education, we celebrate the opening of Mountain View Intermediate School to accommodate all fifth and sixth grade students in the Franklin area. Staff and students at East Franklin Elementary School will begin the new academic year with a combined student body from the former Cullasaja Campus. At Cowee Elementary School, additional classroom space has been established to provide temporary accommodations to students and staff who will soon occupy the new Iotla Valley Elementary School scheduled to open in 2012. Once the new school is completed on the current Iotla site, we will celebrate the removal of all portable classrooms in the Franklin and Highlands areas. In addition, existence of the historic Cowee School will be preserved for future community use. Our sincere appreciation goes out to the tax payers of Macon County and our County Commissioners for their tremendous support as we strive to improve the conditions of our schools throughout the district.

With the addition of Mountain View Intermediate School and consolidation of school campuses, local law enforcement will be assisting school administrators with monitoring traffic during the opening days of school to ensure safe, efficient traffic flow occurs on each campus. We are very grateful for the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, Franklin Police Department, and Highlands Police Department for their ongoing support and assistance with campus safety and security throughout the school district. In an effort to minimize traffic congestion at each school and reduce family expenses for fuel, parents and guardians are encouraged to have your children take advantage of our outstanding school bus transportation system. For information regarding school bus routes and schedules, please contact your school principal.

As superintendent, I am very excited about the numerous improvements throughout our outstanding school district. I look forward to the upcoming academic year and continued progress towards the established academic goals. The 2010-11 school year will be an outstanding school year as we celebrate the past and prepare for the future. Best wishes to each student, staff member, administrator, parent/guardian and community member as we kick off the 2010-2011 academic year!

Dr. Dan Brigman, Superintendent

Macon County Schools

Posted at 4:23 PM by Dan Brigman | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

6/9/2010

2009-2010

The end of another academic year has arrived and students will be departing our schools for summer break this week. All students are to be commended for their hard work and determination to surpass all expectations this year. Teachers and administrators are also to be commended for a job well done during a very challenging time of change and increased demands in each classroom. As a result of the hard work of teachers and students, preliminary performance data reveals very impressive improvements in most academic areas throughout the district.

This summer, crews will continue to address our reorganization efforts and movement into Mountain View Intermediate School. Each school will be open during the summer months with a reminder to all faculty and staff about our four-day work schedule to begin on June 21, 2010. If entry to a facility is required outside of the normal workday, employees may contact the building administration to make arrangements for access to classrooms or other workspaces.

Thank you to each member of our team who will be moving classrooms or relocating to another site. Your patience and support are greatly appreciated as we prepare for new school construction, occupy new classrooms, and relocate in preparation for renovations. Mr. David Curtis and Ms. Karen Norton will be coordinating summer work crews primarily charged with moving furniture, equipment and other items throughout the district between now and August 16. As we transition into summer break, I hope each student, faculty and staff member will take time to reflect on the academic year and return safely to us in August revitalized and ready to make 2010-2011 the best year ever. Have an amazing summer break!

Posted at 4:07 PM by Dan Brigman | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

5/11/2010

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION…EVERY STUDENT DESERVES A CHANCE!

This week, I attended the Western Regional Graduation Summit at Harrah’s Casino and Hotel in Cherokee, NC. In attendance were representatives from school systems and higher education institutions from across Western North Carolina. The purpose of this event was to serve as a catalyst for key members of our communities to implement effective, research-based strategies to improve graduation rates in North Carolina. The Summit was made possible through the Communities in Schools of NC, NC Department of Public Instruction and America’s Promise Alliance. In addition to the Regional Graduation Summit, I was also fortunate to attend the NC Graduation Summit recently held at the McKimmon Center on the campus of North Carolina State University. By attending these two tremendous events, I gained a greater understanding of the issues we have in our state and nation in regards to graduating students on time and addressing the dropout rate. In addition, I gained greater confidence in the local strategies we have deployed locally to effectively and efficiently address these two challenges.

In Macon County, we have been refining programs and processes over the past four years to ensure ALL students are provided multiple opportunities to be successful and ultimately graduate on time. The following is a list of several examples of local strategies we have underway to address the dropout rate and improve the graduation rate:

· Mentoring program at Union (funded by a NC Dropout Grant)

· Use of software (PLATO and Odysseyware) for remediation and credit recovery

1. After school

2. Before school

3. Saturday school

4. During school

· Jackson, Swain, Macon and Qualla Boundary are currently partnering for a College Tech Prep Grant that entails:

1. Implementation of a new career plan beginning in 7^th grade that goes to graduation and two-years beyond

2. Acquiring a graduation coach for each county

· Director of Secondary Curriculum personally contacts each student that drops out to discuss alternatives in order for the student to remain engaged in their K-12 experience and achieve high school graduation

· Union Academy Alternative Program

· Macon Early College

· Dual Enrollment

· North Carolina Virtual Public Schools

· Flexible scheduling

· Internships

· Students have access to state certifications in various trades beyond the high school diploma

Performance data indicates positive results as a result of deploying these programs or processes. Although our school system has continued to make gains in our graduation rate while reducing the dropout rate, we continue to have a lot of work to do in both areas. Historical data for our school district is as follows:

Dropout Rates:

· 1999-2000: 6.97

· 2000-2001: 6.37

· 2001-2002: 5.93

· 2002-2003: 5.81

· 2003-2004: 4.31

· 2004-2005: 3.96

· 2005-2006: 4.40

· 2006-2007: 4.75

· 2007-2008: 2.87

· 2008-2009: 3.14

Graduation Rates (since the state converted to the Cohort Model):

· 2005-2006: 66.5

· 2006-2007: 76.0

· 2007-2008: 77.0

· 2008-2009: 77.0

Across the nation, school systems rely heavily on parents and communities to effectively address the dropout rate. The National Dropout Prevention Center’s Website, www.dropoutprevention.org is a great source of information. The NDPC highlights 15 strategies that are firmly evidence based and supported by current research:

1. Systemic renewal, understood as a continuing process of evaluating goals related to school policies and practices

2. School-community collaboration

3. Safe learning environments

4. Family engagement

5. Early childhood development

6. Early literacy development

7. Mentoring & tutoring

8. Service-learning

9. Alternative schooling

10. After-school opportunities

11. Professional development

12. Active learning

13. Educational technology

14. Individualized Instruction

15. Career and technical education (CTE)

During the Graduation Summit at the Friday Center, Dr. Bill Milliken, Founder of Communities in Schools, moved the audience with his personal experiences and recommendations. Dr. Milliken stated, “Programs don’t change kids – relationships do!” He also added, “Children today need a one-to-one relationship with a caring adult, a safe place to learn and grow, a healthy start and a healthy future, a marketable skill to use upon graduation, and a chance to give back to peers and the community.” Our school system will continue to refine local strategies to ensure we put these recommendations into action in order to successfully reach all students in grades K-12. We cannot achieve greatness as a school system without the continued support of our parents, community members, and business leaders. Your comments and suggestions are welcomed.

Posted at 4:35 PM by Dan Brigman | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

5/3/2010

Macon Early College to Conduct 1st Annual Commencement Exercises on June 6, 2010

We are extremely proud to see our first cohort of students successfully finish their experience at Macon Early College. On June 6, 2010, the staff and administration at Macon Early College will conduct the first graduation exercise for the Class of 2010. Students who participate in early college high schools can graduate with both a high school diploma and two years of transferable college credit or an associate's degree. In most cases, early college students stay in high school five years to complete those college courses. Located on the campuses of two- and four-year colleges and universities, early college high schools are intended to attract students who often are under-represented in college: minorities, students from low-income families and those whose parents never attended college.

The Macon Early College Class of 2010 is an outstanding group of young individuals who have set a very high standard of achievement, superior student discipline, and responsibility. On June 6^th, 19 graduates will receive their high school diplomas. Out of the nineteen graduates, nearly 50% will also receive an Associates Degree (AA) from Southwestern Community College along with their high school diplomas. These students have excelled in a five -year program and completed all requirements to receive dual diplomas in only four years. Nine additional students enrolled in the first cohort will take advantage of the fifth year to complete the AA degree. Each student, parent/guardian, and staff member at MEC is to be commended for their contribution towards the success of this program. In addition, we are very grateful for our strong partnership with Southwestern Community College (http://www.southwesterncc.edu/) and their support for our students who attend Macon Early College. We salute each of our students, both graduating students and those remaining for the final year to complete their AA degree, for your perseverance and leadership during the past four years. The Macon Early College Program is an outcome of high school redesign initiatives throughout North Carolina.

North Carolina leaders launched the early college high school initiative in 2004 to help encourage more students to complete high school and to gain the kind of advanced skills increasingly demanded in the workplace of the 21st century. Early college high schools support students through what effectively become their first two years of college - the most vulnerable period for students from low-income families. The early colleges also lift the financial barrier students and families often face when considering college. Students get two years of college credit without paying tuition.

North Carolina is now a national leader in developing early colleges. Since 2005, the number of early college high schools in North Carolina has increased more than five fold, from 13 to 70. Nationally, about 200 early college high schools are open in 24 states. Through a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation and funding from the General Assembly, students in seven early college high schools work with one-to-one access to laptop computers. The pilot is the leading edge of North Carolina's effort to bring the power of technology to bear in improving teaching and learning. For more information regarding the NC New School Project, or the Early College Program, go to http://newschoolsproject.org.

Posted at 4:31 PM by Dan Brigman | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

1/7/2010

School Closings and Delays

I hope everyone enjoyed the short break and had the opportunity to reflect on our first semester in preparation for the remainder of the academic year. First semester End of Course (EOC) exams are here once again for high school students. Hopefully, this portion of our annual accountability model can occur without delays due to inclement weather. Thank you to each student, teacher, administrator and support personnel for your efforts to adequately prepare for this very important process. I feel confident we are going to see extraordinary gains in all academic areas this semester.

School cancellations, delays and calendar changes are often required due to weather conditions and unsafe travel throughout the county. These decisions are some of the most difficult decisions a superintendent is charged with making. In addition to 52 buses, we have more than 400 young student drivers in Macon County traveling our rural highways. Preserving the safety of our staff and students is the ultimate rationale behind each of these decisions. When conditions are uncertain, a two-hour delay is typically expedited in a timely manner in order to make informed decisions about conducting school or closing for the day.

In the event inclement weather occurs and school is delayed or cancelled, a ConnectEd recording will be deployed prior to 6:00 AM. In addition, local and regional TV and radio stations are contacted for the announcement.

With us now entering the most severe winter months, I anticipate more days will very likely be missed between now and April 1 due to inclement weather. For information pertaining to our school calendar restrictions, I encourage you to visit the following website: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/fbs/accounting/calendar/.

I welcome your feedback.

Posted at 5:02 PM by Dan Brigman | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

11/5/2009

Macon County Board of Education District 1 Vacancy to be Filled

Since the recent resignation of a member of our Board of Education, questions have emerged from various stakeholders regarding the process for selecting a replacement to assume this vacant seat. In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 115C-37(f), “All vacancies in the membership of the boards of education whose members are elected pursuant to the provision of subsection (a) of this section by death, resignation, or other causes shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members of the board, of a person to serve until the next election of members of such board, at which time the remaining unexpired term of the office in which the vacancy occurs shall be filled by election.”

Therefore, on Monday, November 9, 2009, the remaining members of the Macon County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting to select an individual to fill the vacancy in District 1. The individual selected by the Board will serve until the next election in 2010. Following the outcome of the election, the individual who wins District 1 will remain in office for a period of two years-the remaining duration of the District 1 term through 2012.

Posted at 5:42 PM by Dan Brigman | Category: General Postings | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

10/23/2009

North Carolina Graduation Summit

On Thursday of this week, I had the pleasure of joining more than 450 statewide participants for the North Carolina Graduation Summit held at the McKimmon Center, NC State University. In partnership with Communities In Schools of NC, the NC Department of Education and America’s Promise, members issued a “Call to Arms” during this Summit to ensure students in North Carolina’s public schools graduate. Supported by America’s Promise and corporate sponsors AT&T, GlaxoSmithKline, State Farm Insurance, and Wal-Mart, the goal of the NC Graduation Summit was to generate solutions to address the dropout crisis and improve the graduation rate in our state. This week’s Summit is one of 100 such events nationwide in which local leaders develop practical solutions to prepare our youth for success in college, work and life – starting with a high school diploma.

The Summit brought together representatives from each county in North Carolina. After hearing from encouraging speakers such as Ms. Cynthia Marshall, President of AT&T NC, Lt. Governor Walter Dalton, State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson and Communities In Schools founder Mr. Bill Milliken, attendees were charged with participating in Community Action Workgroups focused on establishing action plans for improving graduation rates in their county/region. In addition, participants were given the opportunity to visit 50 information stations highlighting programs, initiatives and organizations from NC that provide replicable, proven, research-based strategies and solutions. Station representatives included Action for Children NC, All Kinds of Minds, the NC New Schools Project and the NC Center for Afterschool Programs.

Keynote speakers Bill Milliken and Shelley Stewart provided very powerful and moving addresses at the Summit. During Milliken’s speech, he highlighted five recommendations (5 Ps) for educators and adults to offer ALL children:

1. Passion – working with children/students is a calling and we must be here for the kids.

2. Perspective – we can not effectively address and solve the issues regarding our current graduation barriers unless we have a concept of the history –how did we get into this situation and how can we change it?

3. Performance – If you create the “community” focused on supporting our youth, results will come.

4. Persistence – Love is not a one-time thing. Work together and establish a rewards system for working together. Milliken also stated that it takes up to four years to see results.

5. Perseverance – Adults and students must adopt the “I don’t quit!” mentality.

Milliken and Stewart also shared their personal experiences and the importance a relationship with one caring adult had in their life while attending school. Each commented about how we often seek solutions to keeping students engaged in their school experience by purchasing a new program, adopting a new policy or redefining partnerships. According to Milliken and Stewart, the most important thing we can do as educators is to ensure every child has the opportunity to build a personal, caring relationship with at least one adult at some point during their journey through school, preferable prior to 6^th grade. In addition, Stewart emphasized his ability to read in elementary school as his “armor” and key to his success.

Our state and school district have made steady gains in the graduation rate since 2006; however, we still have a lot of work to do in many areas, particularly engaging community leaders and other stakeholders in the educational process. Locally, we are continuing these discussions and strenthening processes to keep students engaged in their K-12 experience We can no longer sort and select who we serve and accept the common occurance of students walking out of our schools without providing non-traditional opportunities for students to successfully attain their high school diploma. Macon Early College, Union Academy, Credit Recovery and the 21 Track Diploma are just a few of many strategies we have deployed in our county to ensure all students can access other opportunities for successfully graduating from school. We are very proud of our strong partnerships with Southwestern Community College, NC Virtual Public Schools, and NC Learn & Earn. Through these and other partnerships, we will continue to work together as a caring, passionate community to create new opportunities for students to be successful and remain on track for attaining their high school diploma.

Posted at 11:12 AM by Dan Brigman | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

10/14/2009

Nantahala School Celebrates 100% Graduation Rate

One of our district goals is to ensure every student entering our school system graduates from high school within four years with a sound, basic education. Mr. Chris Baldwin, Principal of Nantahala School and I had the privilege of traveling to Raleigh this past Monday, October 12 to be recognized for having a school in our system with one of the highest rates of high school graduation in North Carolina. Nantahala School celebrates their second consecutive year of having a 100% graduation rate. Nantahala is one of only seven schools in the state to attain this recognition. North Carolina has a statewide graduation rate of 71.7 percent for 2008-09. In Macon County, our graduation rate as a district has remained slightly higher than the state average with a 77 percent rate for 2008-09. Although we exceed the state average, we still have work to do in our county to successfully meet our annual benchmark as we approach our goal of 100 percent. Improvement in this and all other areas of accountability will take a strong commitment from students, teachers, parents and the community to make education a top priority, including a stronger focus on student attendance in all grades K-12. I feel very confident our school district will join the list of “top ten” school districts for graduation rates this year as we strive to keep students engaged in public education. Congratulations to the students, faculty, staff, administration and community of Nantahala School for the strong commitment to educating every child and for once again acquiring a 100 percent graduation rate!

Posted at 9:00 AM by Dan Brigman | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

9/23/2009

H1N1 & Seasonal Flu

Although we do not have any confirmed cases of H1N1 in our school system at this time, we have experienced an increase in school absences among our student body. This increase appears to be due to influenza-like illnesses. State and county school and public health officials are working together to monitor the current situation in our community. We have increased surveillance of school absenteeism and school nurses are involved in weekly influenza meetings with local public health leaders.

Public health officials want to remind everyone what you should do if you or your child develops symptoms of influenza (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting). Most cases of influenza are mild to moderate illnesses that do not require visits to the doctor and can be effectively treated at home with plenty of rest and fluids.

According to Jim Bruckner, Macon County Health Director, there are some situations where a call or visit to the doctor may be needed. Parents need to call their child’s doctor if the child develops an influenza-like illness and he or she:

· is under 5 years of age,

· has asthma,

· has cancer,

· has diabetes,

· has heart disease, or

· has cerebral palsy or other neurological condition.

Parents of children with influenza-like illnesses should also watch their children for these emergency warning signs and call their doctor immediately if any occur:

· fast breathing or trouble breathing

· bluish skin color,

· not drinking enough fluids,

· not waking up or interacting,

· being so irritable that the child does not want to be held,

· flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, or

· fever with a rash.

You should call your doctor for advice if you are an adult with influenza-like illness or who lives in a house with someone with influenza-like illness and you:

· are pregnant,

· are over the age of 65,

· have heart disease,

· have asthma,

· have emphysema,

· have diabetes, or

· have other chronic disease.

For more information, please call your health care provider or the Macon County Public Health Center at 349-2081. You may also visit www.maconnc.org or www.flu.nc.gov.

Posted at 9:00 AM by Dan Brigman | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

9/4/2009

QZAB & QSCB?

September 4, 2009

In any school system, building improvements and other capital priorities seldom end due to growth in the student population, extreme wear and tear as a result of hundreds of individuals occupying each space year after year, and the limited life expectancy of mechanical systems. For many years Macon County has made school capital projects a priority to ensure our students and staff have access to safe, efficient facilities. Thankfully, as a result of many visionary leaders here in Macon County, our students, staff, and communities have access to South Macon Elementary School, the newer Cartoogechaye Elementary School and recently completed renovations and additions at East Franklin Elementary School. Next summer, Mountain View Intermediate will welcome students, faculty and staff to a new, attractive learning environment. Federal and state governments recognize the importance of ongoing building improvements and the impact dated, less efficient buildings have on student health and learning. To assist school districts with addressing facility priorities, two interest-free lending programs are available to county governments—Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZAB) and Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB). QZAB is available for internal renovations of existing structures while the new QSCB program has been developed to support new school construction as well as renovations to exisiting buildings.

There has been some chatter in the community regarding the placement of more portable classrooms on the Cowee Campus. Additional portable units have been relocated from East Franklin to the Cowee campus in preparation for the fifth grade transition to Mountain View Intermediate next summer and temporarily accommodating students and staff from Iotla School to Cowee Elementary School. Rather than paying a moving company to relocate portable units two times during the school year, we have attempted to plan ahead and save approximately $20,000 in moving expenses with placing portable units at Cowee at this time. This temporary accommodation will allow construction of the new North Macon Elementary School to begin as soon as funding for the new school is secured by our county. Once the new Iotla/Cowee School is completed on the current Iotla site, the goal of our Board of Education and County Commissioners is to turn over the historic Cowee School to the Cowee Community for future community use. Efforts are now underway to beautify the portable units at Cowee and make other cosmetic improvements during the interim. We greatly appreciate the patience and support of members in the Cowee and Iotla Communities as we strive to improve all schools throughout the district. Please feel free to provide feedback.

Posted at 4:01 PM by Dan Brigman | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

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