Monday, December 11

Bikes for Kids Surprise – Monday continues a series of surprise bike giveaways at GCS. The district has partnered with over 20 sponsors and the Bikes for Kids Foundation to distribute brand-new bikes to 3rd-grade students. At the event, three essay writers will be “winners” and receive bikes. However, at the end of the assembly, all third graders will be given bikes as a surprise! (We want you to come, but please don’t publicize beforehand. We want the secret to stay intact!) The first three events of the week are at Washington Montessori at 8:30 a.m., Bluford Elementary at 10:00 a.m., Bessemer Elementary at 11:30 a.m. and Falkener Elementary at 1:00 p.m. Surprises will take place over the next two weeks by 11:30 a.m. each day. Please call if you would like

Tuesday, December 12

Retirement Parade - After 34 years of service, the principal of Jones Elementary is saying goodbye. Mr. Luciano is retiring and to celebrate his service, students are planning a massive goodbye ceremony. At 1:45 p.m., students and staff will begin lining the outside of the school with signs for a parade. The procession will end with a series of touching tributes from former students, staff, family members and friends in the media center.

Thursday, December 14

National Navy Inspection – The Northeast Guilford High School JROTC will be honored by the Area Manager and Senior Naval Science Instructor for the work cadets have done throughout the year. This ceremonial military event is a big deal. The Color Guard, Drill Team and STEM team (drones/robots) will do a short performance before receiving awards. Some cadets will be promoted and pinned for their new rank. The ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m.

Bikes for Kids Finale - After two weeks and more than 200 bikes, the Bikes for Kids foundation will surprise the final group of GCS third-graders. At the event, three essay writers will be “winners” and receive bikes. However, at the end of the assembly, all third graders will be given bikes as a surprise! (We want you to come, but please don’t publicize beforehand. We want the secret to stay intact!) The final distribution is at 1:00 p.m. at Archer Elementary School.

Friday, December 15

Holiday Surprise - Volunteers from North Carolina A&T State University have collected new toys to ensure every student at Bessemer Elementary will have something to open for the holidays. The group of volunteers works with students at the school daily and has developed meaningful and lasting relationships with the children. They worked with the school's counselor to collect items and will drop off part of their haul on Friday at 3:00 p.m.

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Stroll On the Boulevard – High Point Central is seeing a growing interest in its latest family engagement initiative. Stroll on The Boulevard encourages family members to visit the school and spend a day with their students, sitting in a class or through lunch to learn about their experience and support them in whatever ways they need. The school says initiatives like this have contributed to a decrease in absenteeism and disciplinary actions.

Sugar and Spice – Students at Northeast High started a mentoring group. Twice a week, the Sugar and Spice group meets with 4th and 5th-grade girls at Madison Elementary to serve as role models and create a safe space where students can discuss topics like self-confidence, self-awareness and problem-solving.

Mental Health Breakroom – Counseling and Mental Health students at the Academy at Smith have created a space for their classmates to take a break and practice mindfulness. The students created a break room filled with snacks and inspirational quotes. Students and staff are allowed to stop by for 15-minute moments to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life.