OCS Communicator
Telling Our Story
Onslow County Schools
Website: http://www.onslowcounty.schoolinsites.com/
Location: 200 Broadhurst Road, Jacksonville, NC, United States
Phone: 910-2-455-2211
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OCSNC
Twitter: @OnslowSchools
Welcome to OCS Communicator, a new way to share important Onslow County Schools news with our employees, families and community.
Every hour of every day, we are bombarded with information through email, text messages, media and more. That’s why, after careful consideration, we decided to streamline the way we communicate with you. Instead of multiple newsletters for Board of Education news, employee news and great news for the community, we are creating one monthly newsletter featuring everything you need to know.
This is a work in progress, and we look forward to improving the look and content as we move forward with this important project.
As always, thank you for supporting Onslow County Schools.
Change Your Clocks, Check/Change Your Batteries
Don’t forget! At 2 a.m. this Sunday, March 12, families across the state will “spring ahead,” moving clocks ahead one hour for daylight savings time.
When you’re changing those clocks, remember to take the time to check the batteries on your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Almost two-thirds of fire deaths happened in homes with no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that weren’t working.
OCS Celebrates
In just a few weeks, we’ll learn whether two Onslow County Schools stars will also take statewide honors.
Dixon Elementary kindergarten teacher Lisa Godwin was named one of just nine finalists to be named N.C. Teacher of the Year. The nine regional finalists were selected from North Carolina’s 94,421 classroom teachers for their dedication, innovation and ability to inspire students to achieve. They will now compete for the title of 2017 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Cary on April 6.
We are also proud to announce that Northside High Principal Maria Johnson is one of just eight finalists to be named the 2017 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year. The regional principals of the year were selected from nearly 2,500 principals across the state; a state selection committee will now review their portfolios and conduct an extensive interview process. The winner will be announced during a luncheon in Cary on May 12.
We’re all looking forward to those announcements, and are proud of our teacher and principal for these well-deserved honors.
OCS Recognized for Global-Ready Graduates
Onslow County Schools graduates are leaving our schools prepared to live, work and contribute in a global world. That’s why the State Board of Education recognized OCS and just one other district in the state (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools) for achieving Global-Ready Designation.
OCS received the Global-Ready Model Designation, which means we are a leader in offering our students the programs and tools they need to succeed not only in North Carolina or the United States, but anywhere in the world.
The State Board of Education set five priorities for global readiness, including world language opportunities for all students; career-ready employer requirements; global school partnerships, and local school board resolutions and plans on global education.
News From the Board of Education
The Onslow County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 7. Board members recognized several students and staff for academic successes, district new teacher and mentor of the year, and the 2016 Stafford award-winner.
The Board also approved redistricting plans for Queens Creek and Sand Ridge Elementary schools.
One of Onslow County Schools’ top priorities is to serve as good stewards of taxpayer funds. That means carefully considering where to spend every dollar, especially when it comes to moving students from one school to another.
It is also critically important to ensure all our students attend schools that are comfortable and have the room they need to learn. That’s why facilities staff constantly reviews school enrollment numbers, comparing those to each school’s capacity.
This year, Queens Creek Elementary is at 115 percent capacity, with 100 more students in the school than the building was meant to hold – that’s around four classrooms of students.
At the same time, Sand Ridge Elementary is at 74 percent capacity, with room for approximately 175 additional students.
Sometimes the best solution to overcrowding is to is to expand a school building, or build a new one. However, OCS will always look for cost-effective ways to solve crowding issues before turning to renovation or construction.
In fact, the Onslow County Board of Education and Onslow County Commissioners established a Joint Educational Funding Policy in 2014. Under that policy, county commissioners will fund school construction, but first, OCS has to do its best to use existing space efficiently.
We know redistricting schools is tough for everyone involved, and staff takes it very seriously, looking carefully at dozens of factors. Those include student population trends (five- and 10-year projections based on construction and other variables), growth data, school-specific programs, transportation (developing efficient bus routes and considering student travel times), and building capacity.
The Board approved new districts for each school that will impact about 115 current students. The new boundaries balance enrollment at both schools, leaving both slightly under capacity. All impacted students will attend their new school for the 2017-18 school year; however, rising fifth-graders may remain at their current school, as long as their parents provide transportation.
School Successes
Road to the State Championship
Pull out your blue and gold and dust off your pom-poms: the Northside High boys’ basketball team will battle North Surry tomorrow in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2-A state championship game.
The game starts at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, March 11, at Reynolds Coliseum at North Carolina State University. Go, Monarchs!
Tools of the Trade
High school students from Onslow and Jones counties will show their technical skills on Trades Day, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 at Coastal Carolina Community College.
Students are given a challenging design, required materials and a time limit to complete a project in their category, from masonry and carpentry to welding and automotive technology, culinary arts and architectural drafting. Check the OCS website for more information as we get closer to the event.
Music Makes the World Go ‘Round
From Imperial Russia to London, Harvard Law to Oz, OCS students will take you around the world in this spring’s high school musicals. See tomorrow’s Broadway stars today by attending one – or more! – of these impressive shows.
Click here for the list of shows and dates
Odyssey of the Mind
Congratulations to all participants from the following schools who will be advancing to the State Odyssey of the Mind Tournament on April 1st!
- Richlands Elementary School
- Swansboro Elementary School
- Dixon Middle School
- Hunters Creek Middle School
- New Bridge Middle School
- Southwest Middle School
- Swansboro Middle School
- Dixon High School
- Northside High School
- Richlands High School
- Southwest High School
- Swansboro High School
Chairwoman's Message
As the old farmers used to say, "We're in the short rows", meaning they were nearing quitting time for the day or were reaching the shortest rows of crops. The farmers were concerned that even in the short rows, there was still work to be done. They recognized the short row work would determine the crops' yield and market price of quality products from the farm. Well, that adage is true today for schools. We are in the short rows of our school year and yes, there is still much to be done. We, too, know the continued quality work done now will be the impetus for student growth and success. As you complete the next few months, please know your hard work will pay off at the end of the year. You will have smiling, loving and educated students; some may have moved in baby steps and others in giant leaps. Be proud of the fruits of your labor. It is worth the work.
ONSLOW COUNTY SCHOOLS
Website: http://www.onslowcounty.schoolinsites.com/
Location: 200 Broadhurst Road, Jacksonville, NC, United States
Phone: 910-455-2211
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OCSNC
Twitter: @OnslowSchools