Connections!
Positive School News & Other WCPS Highlights
Welcome to a new year! Despite the challenges 2020 brought, our schools were still able to experience many outstanding accomplishments as well as demonstrate tremendous efforts in remote and face-to-face environments. WCPS looks forward to all that is ahead for students and staff in 2021!
Wayne County Public Schools
Grantham Middle students explore STEM through FUSE Lab
In December, Grantham Middle launched a FUSE Lab (one of 200 in the nation!) through a $26,000 grant from Northwestern University, sponsored by Smithfield Foods.
The innovative lab has over 30 custom STEM and design challenges for students.
Complete with a state-of-the-art 3D printer, this student-centered, choice-driven environment is designed up to allow students to drive their own learning.
Transforming Dillard Middle School
Since August, Dillard Middle teachers and staff have been working to transform the culture of their school. In addition to making several buildings and grounds improvements to bolster school pride, the school administration launched the "Tiger Club" to recognize students demonstrating hard work, effort, good behavior, and kindness.
Two AFJROTC Units Receive National Recognition
In 2020, two WCPS high schools received recognition by the United States Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) Headquarters for their outstanding programs this past school year. Southern Wayne High School and Eastern Wayne High School, both of which have AFJROTC programs, received the Headquarters second Highest Honor of being named Distinguished Units for the 2019-2020 school year.
Southern Wayne High School AFJROTC Unit NC-023 is Instructed by Colonel George Schantz and MSgt Dennis Hall, and Eastern Wayne High School Unit NC-804 is instructed by LtCol Jesse Smith and MSgt Lucius Turner. All AFJROTC instructors must be retired from the Air Force with at least 20 years of active duty service.
Each unit was selected as one of only 387 units nation-wide to receive the Distinguished Unit Award. There are currently 890 AFJROTC units across the United States, U.S. territories, and in DODD schools outside of the U.S.
The Distinguished Unit Award recognizes units that have performed well above and beyond normal expectations, and that have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community while meeting the Air Force JROTC citizen development mission for America.
Colonel Schantz and LtCol Smith attribute the success of their programs to strong cadet leaders. Both schools are organized as Groups with a Group and Squadron Commanders. The Cadets who work toward and are chosen for these command positions can make all the difference in the world as to whether a JROTC program will succeed or not during the school year. These commanders lead their fellow cadets in numerous extra-curricular activities, community service projects, fund-raising ventures, and physical training. Without their commitment and sacrifice, the JROTC programs would not be the draw they are today to both new and returning students. Both school programs serve a combined total of more than 200 cadets each school year.
SJAFB builds partnership with Carver Heights Elementary
This past fall, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base partnered with Carver Heights Elementary to launch two new initiatives designed to support student achievement, expand student experiences, and to cultivate parent and community partnerships. Through the "Eagle Academy," students have the opportunity to participate in leadership building experiences. The "Seymour Studies" program provides tutoring opportunities for students who need some extra support.
Wayne County Public Schools
P.O. Drawer 1797, Goldsboro NC 27533-1797
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