January 2019
This month's newsletter features:
(jump to the following in-page links)
EWHS Provides Gear to those in Need
East Wilkes High School initiated their 2nd annual Cold Gear Outreach. Students and staff donated various winter items and bagged and placed them on their school sign. They hope to reach anyone who may be in need during this cold season. Principal, Dr. Chad Mann states, "It's a blessing to help others!"
MFES Students Head to State Science Fair
Alex V. and Matthew W. will be representing Moravian Falls Elementary at the State Science Fair, on the campus of North Carolina State University, March 29th-30th. These two gentlemen were winners at the district and regional levels, as well! We are so proud of their accomplishments, and wish them the best of luck in March!
Teacher from WECHS is Top 10 Finalist
Dr. Kelly Pipes of Wilkes Early College High School is one of ten finalists being considered for the distinguished award, "2019 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for Science and Mathematics
Teachers (CASMT)" The Burroughs Wellcome Fund Advisory Committee and staff congratulate Dr. Pipes on being selected to interview!
Teachers (CASMT)" The Burroughs Wellcome Fund Advisory Committee and staff congratulate Dr. Pipes on being selected to interview!
Stone Foundation Donates Over $200,000 to Schools
Christmas came early for nine Wilkes County Schools as they got their wishes granted this holiday season thanks to the Stone Foundation. The Stone Foundation gave over $200,000 in grant money to chosen schools to fulfill their “wish” to inspire and encourage the next generation. The Stone Foundation is comprised of members of the Stone Family; Larry Stone and wife Diane, and their two sons, Larry Jr. and Chris. Through the launch of their newest initiative, “The Wilkes Wishing Well”, schools were able to receive funds for a dream idea that directly impacts students and offers longterm academic benefits to their school. “We went above what we had planned to do,” Larry Stone said. “Our plan was to fund one to two projects a year but after we saw the need in so many of our schools, we decided for our first year, we would fulfill more wishes. We were very impressed with the dedication, determination, and the support for students by principals and staff we met.”
The school that received the largest amount of aid was Boomer-Ferguson Elementary for their wish of renovating their school media center through a project which they title, “Full STREAM Ahead.” STREAM represents Science, Technology, Reading, Arts, Engineering, and Math. Boomer-Ferguson’s principal Beth Hubbard stated, “We desperately need new library shelving for our media center and our media collection updated.” They will be receiving new library furniture, computers, and iPads.
Safety was a major consideration for the Stone family in selecting two winners. Mountain View Elementary School will be enhancing student safety through their wish entitled, “Relocate, Renovate, Renew.” They will use their funds to relocate their playground to the back of the campus as well as update their playground equipment. Mountain View Elementary principal Dr. Jodi Weatherman stated, “We believe the students should be secluded and safer from traffic and other risks within the immediate community area.” This project will be done in honor of Dr. Laura Hubbard for her support and dedication to the Mountain View community through her 20+ years of service at the Mountain View Medical Center.
Another safety concern was expressed by East Wilkes High School. Their wish will be fulfilled to enhance student and staff safety by updating their security system through a project they titled, “Safety in Numbers.” East Wilkes High School principal Chad Mann stated, “Our teachers will be able to breathe easier in an environment that is safe and worry free. This security system will provide teachers with ways to lead and inspire in the classroom instead of worrying about possible threats to our students.”
Millers Creek Elementary will fulfill their wish of turning their media center into a 21st century learning commons for students through a program called, “Genius Hour.” Through this program, students will be able use the learning commons during a specific time of day to explore their passions and encourage creativity by generating researching questions, collecting data, conducting research, collaborating with others, and sharing their projects.
Mulberry Elementary received grant money to fulfill their wish of a space for students to gather and transform learning STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) through a program titled, “Makerspace.” This program will allow students to explore, build, create, tinker, invent, and
discover using a variety of tools and materials. While using this space, students will be able to establish a goal, create a plan for how to get there, and problem solve using trial and error.
discover using a variety of tools and materials. While using this space, students will be able to establish a goal, create a plan for how to get there, and problem solve using trial and error.
C.C. Wright Elementary will be fulfilling their wish of a “STEAM Room.” STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) is a program which uses a hands on, problem solving based educational approach. C.C. Wright will use a STEAM room to house materials which students will use to explore, build, learn, and express their creativity. This will promote cognitive skill building, problem solving, and critical thinking skills and will empower students to learn how to think, not what to think.
East Wilkes Middle will be fulfilling part of their wish to update their library collection, and to receive new broadcasting equipment. Their initiative was entitled “Legacy Library.”
North Wilkes Middle will be better preparing their students through their wish titled, “Jaguar Innovation Access Lab.” This project will make students more globally competitive and tech savvy in the world which we live in by learning skills which go beyond the core curriculum. This lab will be a learning environment conductive to working individually or collaboratively on entrepreneurial STEAM and design thinking projects based in engineering, technology, arts, math, science, and digital citizenship.
North Wilkes High School received aid to invigorate their music facility through their wish which they title, “Revitalizing our Performing Arts Facility.” North Wilkes High will be achieving this wish by using a multi-step renovation process to create a safe and more effective rehearsal/classroom space for their students.
Larry Stone and his wife, Diane made surprise visits to each selected school to inform them their wish had been granted before schools closed for the holiday break. School principals and staff couldn’t hold back their emotions as some tears were shed, and squeals from students filled the hallways upon the news. Some school staff compared the Stone’s to “Mr. and Mrs. Claus” as they delivered such a special gift during the Christmas holiday. The Stone Foundation is making a huge impact on Wilkes County Schools by their goal of enhancing education one school at a time. By encouraging school leaders to dream, they are supporting the unique opportunities that will have a lasting impact on students for years to come.
What's Happening Next Month?
February 4th - Wilkes County Schools Board of Education Meeting
February 9th - Hee Haw Performance
February 12th - Apprenticeship Information Session
February 21st - Wilkes County Schools Spelling Bee