Wednesday, Sep. 01, 2010

School Notes

Employees honored

The Johnston County school system has named its Employees of the Month for August. They are Lisa Stafford, who teaches fourth grade at Benson Elementary School, and Lisa Griffin, who works in the office at West Johnston High School.

This is what a parent said about Stafford: "She is a great example of why people become teachers. They inspire these kids to do their best no matter what. She has been there for my daughter and has always told her, 'Yes you can.' It really means a lot for a teacher to be patient and understanding. I wish Mrs. Stafford could follow my child and teach her every year.'"

This is what Griffin's nominator said: "She is the 'glue' that keeps West Johnston together. Especially during the past several months, with all of the publicity surrounding our student deaths, Ms. Griffin has had to manage additional responsibilities with increased volume of calls, information pouring in to our main office and directing students to resources for support. Ms. Griffin steps up and does whatever it takes to get the job done."

Scholarship available

Applications for the N.C. Teaching Fellows Scholarship/Loan Program are available online at teachingfellows.org. The deadline for students to return completed applications to their high school is Oct. 13.

Each Teaching Fellow receives a $26,000 scholarship/loan from the state, payable in $6,500 annual increments. The full loan is forgiven after the fellow has completed four years of teaching in North Carolina's public schools.

Dixon Road

Dixon Road Elementary School has welcomed a new assistant principal. She is Kristin Williams, a native of North Carolina.

Williams began her career in education at Clayton Middle School, where she taught computer skills. She holds a bachelor's degree in management of human resources from Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala. Her father is a former superintendent of schools.

School artifacts wanted

Cleveland High School is looking for donations of artifacts from the first Cleveland School (1925-1969). The school will display trophies, awards and other items in its display cases. To find out more, call the school receptionist, Carol Medlin, at 919-934-2455.

Cans For A Cure

Vandora Springs Elementary students have partnered with Cans for a Cure to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The students are collecting aluminum cans. The money raised will be donated to the Garner Relay for Life.

Last year, the students collected more than 96,000 cans and raised more than $1,000. Cans can be donated at the school from 9 a.m. till noon on the following Saturdays: Sept. 11; Oct. 9; Nov. 13; Dec. 11; Jan. 8; Feb. 12; March 12; April 9; May 14; and June 11.

The school is located at 1300 Vandora Springs Road, Garner.

For more details, call 919-662-2486 or send an e-mail to jhunt@wcpss.net.

Class of '85 reunion

The Garner Senior High School Class of 1985 is planning its 25-year reunion for Sept. 10-11. The following events are planned:

Football game - A section of the far side of the home side of the stadium will be reserved for the class at the school's home football game. Class members are encouraged to arrive at 7 p.m.

Family picnic - A family picnic is scheduled from noon till 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Lake Benson Park. Those attending should make reservations with Joey Cagle.

Dinner - A dinner is scheduled from 7 p.m. till midnight Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Rand-Bryan House. The cost is $38 per person or $75 per couple. Checks can be mailed to Joey Cagle, P.O. Box 1703, Garner, N.C. 27529. The deadline to register is Aug. 31.

For more information, or to make reservations to attend the picnic and/or dinner, send an e-mail to Cagle at joeyc3@nc.rr.com or go to Facebook and search "GSHS Class of '85."