Dubbed the "North side Innovation Zone," educators in these schools have spent the summer learning about cutting-edge practices in K-12 education and dedicating themselves to implementing these strategies in ways that are culturally-responsive and equity-focused. From project-based learning, to the No-Nonsense Nurturer approach to relationship-building, to data-driven instruction, students on the North side will be challenged and supported as they strive to be their best selves. "We have amazing students and a fantastic staff," says Coker-Wimberly principal Katie Row. "I have no doubt that this is going to be a successful year in the I-Zone." Stay tuned for updates on the Innovation Zone throughout the year, and contact Erin Swanson, Director of Innovation, if you want to support these efforts as a volunteer, donor, or future staff member!

This August, experts from the NC Public School Forum and "Resilience Team" members from Stocks Elementary School and Pattillo Middle School in Tarboro met to kick off their work as part of the new NC Resilience and Learning Project. Through this project, Resilience Team members at both schools will learn how Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, impact children, and explore ways that they can create trauma-sensitive learning environments for their scholars. These committed educators will provide leadership in their schools, and ultimately throughout the district, to implement trauma-sensitive strategies and help students build resilience -- resulting in higher academic achievement and happier lives. After the initial training, Pattillo Middle School principal Lauren Lampron expressed her excitement about this work: "This is phenomenal and makes so much sense. I want to train our entire staff tomorrow!"

School-aged students aren't the only ones who experience Adverse Childhood Experiences; in fact, many children are exposed to trauma at a much earlier age. The NC Public School Forum's Seth Saeugling and Vichi Jagannathan, Teach For America alumni who taught in northeastern North Carolina, have returned to the region to co-develop pilots of new programs and services that support children and their families, ages prenatal to four, who are most vulnerable to trauma. They have convened a design team comprised of ECPS staff members and leaders from other Edgecombe County organizations, including Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, the Health Department, and local churches, that will meet regularly to explore the current research around trauma / ACEs; learn from families who may have experienced trauma; and co-build new interventions and programs.

Both projects are a part of Edgecombe County Public Schools' comprehensive mental health initiative, which is led by Dr. Reida Roberts, Director of Exceptional Children's Services.

• The Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational Equity (BRC), a group of educators, community activists, parents, students, faith-based leaders, and business leaders, will continue to gather throughout the coming school year to provide guidance as the community seeks to develop a clear and compelling answer to the question, "What is the future we imagine for our ECPS scholars and graduates?" BRC members met in August to synthesize feedback gathered at a number of community forums held during the 2016-2017 school year, and to plan additional community engagement opportunities for the 2017-2018 school year. Please check the ECPS website and these newsletters to learn about the stakeholder-informed vision for student success that is taking shape in Edgecombe County, and for the calendar of Town Hall meetings, school visits, and other forums where you can share your input into this vision!
  
  
• Edgecombe County Public Schools is the fortunate recipient of several grants to further our innovation efforts this school year! The Barnhill Family Foundation has committed to funding a continued partnership between ECPS and The Hill Center, with a special focus on literacy training for staff members at Coker-Wimberly Elementary School in the Innovation Zone. In addition, NC lawmakers, the NC State Board of Education, and the NC Department of Public Instruction have awarded ECPS one of six grants to fully fund the proposed pilot for Teacher Compensation Models and Advanced Teaching Roles. This support will enable ECPS to expand Opportunity Culture strategic staffing models throughout the district. Read the News and Observer's coverage here. Finally, Transcend and the NewSchools Venture Fund are supporting a team of ECPS leaders to participate in The Collaborative, a group of ten schools / school districts from across the country who will meet throughout the school year to re-imagine learning. ECPS is so grateful for these amazing partners!
  
  

• Excitement is building in our former media centers at ECPS middle schools as we begin phasing-in the Learning Commons framework. New leaders, known as Digital Learning Coaches, are facilitating learning in the Learning Commons this year. They are working with scholars and teachers to provide technology- and literacy-rich activities and resources. The Digital Learning Coaches and the ECPS Technology Department recently crafted a vision for the Learning Commons: The learning commons will be an instructional hub for students, teachers, and parents that advances learning, literacy, and future ready skills. In pursuit of that vision, we will:

  • Provide a safe and nurturing collaborative space for all patrons

  • Support innovative technology and ideas

  • Facilitate ongoing collaboration with staff and community members

  • Promote reading and access to various resources

  • Foster growth through learning opportunities

  Check out the progress of the Learning Commons as they grow!
  #ecpslearningcommons #amplifyecps