News-Record.com

Speaking of Barbara Ann, I vote for her to be the first Guilford County employee to be recognized. Will substitute teachers be considered?

She has tirelessly advocated for "the children" for a long time now. She truly loves the kids and we need more teachers/assistants/subs, like her.

Way to go BAM! You're tops with me!

Will a winner each month be determined by Merit or Lottery? And if by Merit, who will determine the winner?

With soooo many GCS employees, (imagine how many? with 107 schools, we're talking a LOT of employees) I'm not sure how rewarding this program can be. I give the administration credit for trying, but just with the sheer number of employees, one little gift certificate per month seems miniscule.

I know at BIG corporations and businesses, they have merit programs where several people are recognized each month and then at the end of the year, a big function (dinner, etc..) is had for ALL those recognized. Also, the nomination form is publicized so you can see just exactly WHAT that person was being recognized for. This way, MORE good people are recognized and you can see WHO nominated them and WHY.

Again, did GCS begin a program without seeking public input? I think this new program is a great idea but could use some "tweeking."

Tweeky,

Isn't that the name of the robot on Buck Rogers? :) No wait, that was Twiggy, I think. (Sorry, I'm a big Sci-Fi fan!)

Back to the business at hand... I spoke with Jackie Todd, who handles publications and internal programs such as the Employee of the Month for the schools. She said there is an eight-member panel that will pick the winner based on merit. They come from the various offices that make up "central office," ie. from the offices at Eugene Street, Franklin Street and English Road; and there is a social worker from the schools. They volunteered after Jackie asked who might be interested.

They've already gotten about 25 nominations since Friday, when she announced that they would be accepted.

Jackie was intrigued by your idea of posting the completed nomination forms. She is checking into the feasibility of that, since some of the nominations are faxed in and others are posted online.

Keep the suggestions coming. You never know which ones might get someone's attention.

Oh, in case anyone was wondering, Jackie said that the recognition program does not use taxpayer money. Sam's Club is donating the reward and she hopes that other companies might join in so that the program can grow.

Winners, and possibly all of the nominees, will be listed in a new internal e-newsletter that she is creating. It will be accessible to the public at the district's Web site. When it goes live, we'll let you know.

Jennifer,

Since I was the one that carried the conversation about the problems with the new car for the Teacher of the Year, I would be happy to comment on this new program.

First, I think that the program has a lot of promise. It is inclusive of all school employees, and it's not a "winner take all" program, as the prize is somewhat nominal. I believe that there is much merit to recognition programs such as this, as many times it's as much about the recognition of a job well-done as it is about the money.

Second, I agree with Tweekybird about publicizing the winning nomination, along with the name of the winner. All good employee recognition programs do this very thing. Just to announce the winner is not sufficient to get the most out of a program such as this. A retelling of the person's deeds is very important, as it lets all of the other employees know what the person did to get so recognized. It will serve to encourage other employees to emulate this performance. It would also be an excellent idea for GCS to have an awards dinner at the end of the year, invite all of the monthly winners to have dinner (or lunch) with Terry Grier and the School Board. That might be the only time that those people ever get to have any face time with these people.

In a time when we are awarding new cars to teachers of the year and to students who enroll in AP courses, I find this program to be a refreshing return to recognition of for the sake of recognition, and not a money chase.

Jennifer,

Twiki was Buck's robot and Twiggy was the most famous fashion model in the 60's--Waaaaay before your time. So, I think I'm the only Tweeky!--not to be confused with Twinkie, that oh, so delicious Hostess treat!

Anyway, thanks for the speedy response. You're great!

I was wondering if businesses other than Sam's had been contacted to create this rewards program? Once other's hear that Sam's is donating, possibly others will too. (Costco, Food Lion, "Everything's Easy at Rooms to Go!", etc..)

Also, Teddy....WHAT??????? What's this about cars for AP courses? I haven't heard this. I think someone owes my child a car!?? Please elaborate!

Thanks

Marcy,

I am deeply touched. I would think it does include substitute teachers as it said full or part-time employees.

You will have to see if parents or staff or teachers can nominate. Yes, I have written the school board and spoke about morale at school board meetings. There are many janitors and cafeteria workers that are a kid's best friend.

I think the program has great potention for a morale booster. Of course, people need to be made AWARE of the program - both parents and staff. Teddy has the right idea - they should publish all the nominees' names.

This is a similar idea to how Florence's HUGS program operates each month. Teachers are nominated on a slip; there is only one winner drawn but all nominee slips are posted on the hallway bulletin board.

It is a good feeling to know that sometimes the school board might even have "ears" after all.

Tweeky,

Oh yes, GCS is awarding some really neat merchandise to students to enroll in AP courses. The following is from the Small Learning Communities Learning Grant application that was submitted for High Point Schools:

"In a program unique to Guilford Count Schools, “It’s Cool to Be Smart", any student who takes at least five AP or IB courses is entered into a contest to win a new car from the Crown Auto Dealership. Another five students win a computer and another five win $1,500 scholarships sponsored by Harris Teeter. These students and their parents are invited to the kick-off reception and ceremony that precede the drawing."

Looks like Harris Teeter and Crown are really getting into the spirit. This is in addition to the new car the have donated in the past for Teacher of the Year.

Teddy,

Back to your first post regarding an awards dinner or luncheon, that sounds great.

I think this was in one of my long e-mails awhile ago.

You know, it doesn't take much. It is all in the presentation. Rose are nice and of course there is always "The Chophouse"!

Teddy,

I am not familiar with "It's Cool to be Smart". Is this a program for all kids in A/P classes in Guilford County; just the three HP High Schools or just Andrews High School?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Teddy,

Is this 5 A/P courses per year? Per all your years in High School? Or when you reach 5 A/P courses? If so, I hope it is all HP high schools. My daughter could sure use a car next year. I think they should have to pass with a B or an A - that would make it more interesting and competitive.

Schools do not have to depend on the school system to recognize impressive employees.

Each individual school can honor their own staff members in their own unique ways.

Combined with the district's efforts, individual school's efforts can ensure that even more employees are honored and recognized.

My general feeling is that you cannot do much to recognize staff members.

We have too many top-quality employees, and any efforts to honor the efforts and achievements of as many as possible should be made.

The seemingly smallest of gestures toward recognition and acknowledgement go much further than I think we sometimes realize or appreciate.

At my school, Southwest Guilford Middle School, we have both a Student and Teacher of the Month program.

Each month, all foureen of our teams honor a Student of the Month. Each team turns in a write-up to our principal, Mr. Farkas, and he reads each one during the morning announcements for everyone in our building to hear.

Also, each month's fourteen students receive a Student of the Month tee-shirt that they wear for individually taken pictures. All pictures are displayed on the windows outside of our cafeteria, and everyone who enters our school can view them from our commons area. All of these students are also listed in our school's PTSA newsletter.

Each month, students also have the opportunity to nominate a Teacher of the Month. A panel of teachers and our principal selects one teacher a month who also has his or her picture taken and displayed with the Student of the Month pictures. Each Teacher of the Month also receives a Teacher of the Month plaque that includes a prominent red apple. Finally, the teacher's write-up appears in our PTSA newsletter, and the teacher receives a specially identified parking space for the next month.

Staff members who are not teachers are not eligible for the Teacher of the Month award, and that makes me wonder if we shouldn't also create an award to recognize other staff members--we have custodians, office staff members, counselors, cafeteria employees, substitute teachers, and other employees who every day do an absolutely amazing job, too often without well-earned and much deserved recognition.

I would be very curious to know what other schools do to recognize their staff members.

While the district's new program sounds very promising, I think it would be even stronger and better if a greater number of staff members were recognized each month.

And as I've pointed out, schools do not have to depend solely on the district to honor the outstanding contributions and efforts of all those who are so deserving of praise for all that they do and give.

Mr. Floyd,

Although I cannot divulge my birdy identity, I just want to say that I have met you, my children have worked with you, and I am witness to the positive role model that you are in our schools and community. Thank you!!

It is teachers like yourself that deserve recognition!

Teddy or Jennifer,

Will someone please provide details about the AP Rewards "win a car" program? I do, now, remember seeing last year's winner on the news, but I am just not aware of the specifics.

Also, what ever happened to the "AR" win-a-car program? That was something in the High Schools that you got an entry for every 100 AR points and at the end of the year a car was raffled. Was that a one time thing? It seems that I haven't heard about it for a couple of years.

NOW that I have a high-schooler--YEP, we played LOTTO last year, I'd love ANY information about the high school incentives that seem to be unpublicized.

Barbara Ann,

The "It's Cool to be Smart" program is open to all Guilford County high school students.

Students must take 5 Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in one school year. And - here's the catch - they must earn a 3 or higher on the AP exams or a 4 or higher on the IB exams.

All students who meet these criteria are honored at a special program, usually held in early August.

One lucky winner will be drawn at random and receive a new car, courtesy of Crown Auto. They get to pick from some pretty cool cars: a BMW Mini Cooper, Chevrolet Colorado, Chrysler PT Cruiser converatble, Jeep Wrangler, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Acura TSX or Pontiac Vibe.

Five other students will be randomly picked to win $1,500 college scholarships and five additional students win laptop computers. Harris Teeter pays for these prizes.

Thank you, Bruce, for taking time to explain the program.

Yes, my daughter would need a car soon; laptop computers or schoolarships are not bad either. 5 A/P's in one year - sometimes hard to fit in but I would think easier in upper level grades to fit these in one year.

BRUCE,

IF THE COURSE IS A 2 SEMESTER COURSE DOES THAT COUNT FOR 2 A/P COURSES?

3 or higher on A/P exam is quite fair but I also think the course grade should at least be a B. Some kids take an A/P course just to get a C so they can have a 4.0. Of course, I don't make the rules but my daughter has really enjoyed her A/P courses so far. The A/P psych course has helped her immensely on essay tests for A/P World History. She has had top quality, dedicated teachers and hopes to get some of them next year.
These courses are great for kids who like to be challenged.

Barbara Ann,

You had asked about who can nominate for the EOM. Jackie tells me that anyone can nominate. There are nomination forms available online, at the schools and at the district offices.

Also, you asked about publicity for the program. Jackie said she has tried to get the word out in several ways.

She e-mailed nomination forms to all schools last Friday and asked that the forms be made available at each school's main office.

The forms also went to the district's central offices.

The program was highlighted in the March 18, Friday Notes, which is available online and can be e-mailed to anyone with an e-mail address.

She also has spoken at a meeting of the Guilford County Association of Educators and is trying to get up with the Guilford County Council of PTA's. She hopes to get the information put into the newsletters of both organizations.

And the district's cable access channel, Channel 2, will be listing the information on future broadcasts.

Not to mention the fact we're publicizing the program right here!

Jen,

That is a terrific update. I would suggest that parents find out in letters sent home by PTA and newsletters.

Thanks for all the information.

Barbara Ann

Wow, students were able to win cars, that is something! A sure money chaser, but hopefully also a motivator!
What happened to the good old days when teachers were happy with a red apple from home? I understand times have changed, I am not going to disagree with the excessive offerings of a car, because we all know that educational funding has taken a back seat to other happenings in this country! I really can't think of anything more important than education, and our kids future, can you?
I wish the Guilford County Schools employees recognition program much success!!! I am still partial to the reward of an apple, in fact many schools now reward teachers with personalized crystal apples!

Enjoy
Teddy