May 8, 2015

BCS Insider
September 2014

Newsletter Date

Brent Wise Named New Principal of North Windy Ridge

Mr. Brent Wise is the new principal at
North Windy Ridge Intermediate School.
Mr. Wise, who currently serves as the
principal of Weaverville Elementary
School, will begin in July.
For the last nine years, Mr. Brent Wise
has established himself to be an effective
and successful educational leader, Dr.
Tony Baldwin said. Moving Mr. Wise
from Weaverville Elementary School to
North Windy Ridge Intermediate School
provides a desired continuity of proven
leadership in the North Buncombe District.
Continued on page 4...

New North Windy Ridge Principal Brent Wise

Why I Teach, by Katie Ellis

Katie Ellis is in her 7th year teaching Kindergarten at
Bell Elementary.

Bell Elementary Teacher, Katie Ellis

We are getting ready for our big Kindergarten performance. Im painting whiskers on bright cheeks and
making ears for bunnies. I glance over to see two of
the children reach up and smudge their faces as they
grin at each other. Seeing those smiles from ear to ear
melt my heart. The big moment is here! The children
stand on stage trembling with sheer joy and excitement. I watch their eyes scan the room for their parents and then look back at me to cheer them on. Fireworks happen! Continued on page 5...

Page 2

May 8, 2015

My Teacher Hero
By Kenny McKee

When I last saw my

teacher
superhero,
Erica Battle, I noticed a faded yellow
Post-It taped on her
water bottle. On the
Post-It, she had written the words influence,
love,
and
change. When I
asked her about it,
she said, Theyre
good reminders.

Erica openly shares her own challenges and failures

with students in order to show them the power of improvement and growth, rather than using challenges
as reasons to quit. She says that in all of her actions,
she wants to communicate that she cares about them
and that school is a safe place for them. Erica works
with many students who have difficult life situations
and poor school performance histories. She realizes
that those circumstances make trusting adults difficult. She works through the misbehaviors and pessimistic attitudes students use to protect themselves.
Erica says, A lot of kids will want to reject you first.
I have to give them respect from the get-go.

Influence
Erica has boundless
energy and a wealth
of knowledge. She
bursts into any room.
People are drawn to
her. When we taught
together, after the dismissal bell, I would meet with Erica most days. We would reflect on our successes and
struggles. Erica would always provide suggestions
about what I could try. She never approaches any situation as if it is impossible.
She thrives on experimenting with new strategies to
help the most struggling students. When she heard a
team of math teachers planned to implement outcomebased assessment in their classrooms, she asked to join
them -- even though she taught English. Now, from her
work, other English teachers in the district are beginning to use outcome-based assessment in their classes.
Erica inspires her colleagues, and, as a result of working
with her, they become powerfully focused on how to
become better teachers and learners. She always knows
how to reframe the What I am going to teach? conversation into a What (and how!) are students going to
learn? conversation.
Love
Students love being in Ericas classes. When I asked her
why she develops such good rapport with students, she
said. I think I am looking at each of them as a person, a
human -- not necessarily always as a student. They have
a history. They have interests. They have feelings.

Change
Erica embraces change because she loves learning.
She says, I learn as much from the kids as they learn
from me. Each day, each period, is totally new -you never know whats going to happen. Its scary,
but its also exciting. Erica knows that change is a
powerful force in her own life. In her time as an educator, she has worn many hats. She has transitioned
from teaching elementary students to middle school
students to high school students. She was also an instructional coach for several years. All of those roles
give Erica a unique perspective in anticipating how
students change on their journey to adulthood, beginning with curiosity about the world, moving toward
exploring their identities, and then anticipating the
adult world.
Students learn that positive change can transform
their lives and society as a whole when they are in
Ericas classes. If only each of us could spend more
time there.
Erica, you are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing
your gifts with your students and colleagues. We all
can benefit when we focus on creating influence,
love, and change.
Kenny McKee is an instructional coach for BCS, and
Erica Battle is an English teacher at Community
High School.

Page 3

BCS Insider

Page 3

Charlene Martin Named BCS

Math Teacher of the Year

Cathy Belair named a Kenan Fellow

Hominy Valley Elementary 2nd grade teacher Charlene Martin is the new Buncombe County Math
Teacher of the Year.

Cathy Belair, a math teacher at Valley Springs

Middle School, is just one of 40 Kenan Fellows
announced across the state.

Mrs. Martin exemplifies the very best in teaching,

said Principal Angie Jackson. She presents in a way
that children can understand concepts and apply this
knowledge to new situations. She believes strongly
that children should be prepared for the future
through developing meaning in all areas of problem
solving. Her enthusiasm for mathematics makes her
math classes both exciting and challenging.

Beginning in June, the new Kenan Fellows will

spend five weeks of their summer learning and
gaining experience from local experts in nanotechnology, financial education, renewable energy, genetics research, energy, and other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines.

Erwin Middle Students Learn Latin

Four Erwin Middle School 8th grade students
took Latin I from NCVPS this spring. The
North Carolina Virtual Public School offers on
-line classes to students in the district. These
courses are free for students enrolled in Buncombe County Schools. While other BCS students were home for snow days and spring
break, these students did not get a day off from
Latin I. There are no days off in a virtual
school.

From left to right: Liz Pitrolo, Marley McFarland, Jaiden Bartley, Peyton Freck

Very special thanks to the businesses who

made a field trip to the Basillica of St. Lawrence in Asheville a possibility The Twisted
Laurel restaurant, and Grayline Bus Tours of
Asheville.

Page 4

May 8, 2015

BEST STEAM Powered Mini-Conference Coming Soon!

On August 10 and 11, Buncombe County Schools will
present the following miniconference: BEST STEAM
Powered. This Mini Conference will be for all K-12 staff
and all content areas. Learn
more about blended, personalized, online, and mobile learning, assistive technologies,
STEAM, Makerspace, and
more! Take time to collaborate, share, and and connect
with other Buncombe County
Schools educators in a fun,
relaxed learning environment.
Be a Presenter: The miniconference will showcase innovative lessons developed by
BCS staff, poster sessions
highlighting outstanding student projects, and hands-on creative workshops. We invite you to share your insights
and knowledge with colleagues as a presenter of an educational session at our BEST STEAM Powered Conference. Presenters and participants will earn trade days and CEUs. Submit your presentation proposal here.
Be a Participant: The mini conference will be held on August 10, 8:30-5:00 and August 11,
8:30-3:00 at the Nesbitt Discovery Academy. Please register to attend here. For more detailed information visit:
http://bit.ly/BESTSTEAM15

About This Newsletter

Brent Wise continued from page 1...

This newsletter is created and distributed by the BCS Communications Department as a means to inform the community of the events, announcements, and highlights of the
Buncombe County School District. Permission to reprint
unaltered photos and/or stories is hereby granted, provided
the Buncombe County School District is cited.

Mr. Wise has been the principal at Weaverville

Elementary school since 2006. His previous work
experience includes: Assistant Principal at
Averys Creek Elementary and North Buncombe
Middle School (2002-2006); Assistant Principal
Intern at Fairview Elementary School (20002001); Agriculture Teacher at Enka High School
(1992-2000 and 2001-2002); and Agribusiness
Teacher from 1989- 1992 in Jasper, Alabama.

E-mail us
donald.porter@bcsemail.org
jason.rhodes@bcsemail.org
communications@bcsemail.org
Connect with us on the web
Twitter: @BuncombeSchools
Facebook.com/BuncombeCountySchools
Website: buncombe.k12.nc.us/communications
YouTube: Buncombe County Schools

Mr. Wise takes over as principal of North Windy

Ridge from Dr. Andy Peoples and Mr. Jim Erdman, who have been serving as Interim coPrincipals since January.

BCS Insider

Page 5

Why I Teach continued from page 1...

Kindergarten unfolds with new adventures each day. We sing, we laugh, we
discover, we explore. We build confidence. We make friends. We learn. I
am so lucky to watch these children as they come in eager to learn. They
are eager and ready for everything. Nothing compares to the eyes of a child
as they light up with excitement from learning. I love watching their faces
when I read a funny part in a book or use a silly voice. I love looking across
the playground to see unlikely new friendships blossom. I love watching a
child read for the first time. There is nothing like it. I feel like Im going to
overflow with joy watching them hold their book with such confidence.
I teach because it is important. When I see a child that has been working so
hard finally make a connection, it reminds me why I teach. I teach for the
light bulbs. They happen when a child can finally tie their shoes, write their
name, count to 100 or read all of their friends names. Light bulbs happen!
I want each child to know that I care about them and that they have someone in their corner. They are starting their journey as lifelong learners and I
get to be their first stop on the way. These young students will never forget
their first school experience. I am responsible for helping to shape the way
they think about learning. They start the year with shy grins and end with
huge bear hugs. When they leave, I know Ive done important work. Im
the lucky one.

The Special Olympics Provides a Day of Fun and Inspiration!

The Spring Games were held on May 7 at the TC Roberson High School football field. Athletes, ages 6 years
through adult, competed and showed their skills in various track and field events. The Olympic Village was popular
with Major Mouse and McGruff the Crime Dog from the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office. The Chick-Fil-A Cow
and Mr. Moon from the Asheville Tourist made an appearance too.

Page 6

May 8, 2015

Roberson JROTC Making a Difference in the Classroom

This year, the JROTC cadets of T.C. Roberson began a mentoring program at Averys Creek Elementary. This program
was initiated by both Denise Montgomery and Amy Rhoney,
principals at Averys Creek and T.C. Roberson, to create a
mentorship between JROTC high school cadets and elementary students.
During their sessions, JROTC cadets split off into different
groups in classrooms and lead reading questions in their
groups.
Its rewarding to read to the kids and help answer their questions. I like helping out the teachers and being a mentor to
these elementary kids, says Tyler Violette, a sophomore at
T.C. Roberson.
There are 52 cadets in JROTC, making it a helpful group when
coming to Averys Creek Elementary. The cadets come every
Wednesday morning as a part of their community service component of JROTC.
Its a wonderful program. Weve seen less kids going to the
office for trouble now that we have established a mentoring
program with Averys Creek Elementary. Whatever we can do
to keep kids in schools is very important, says Sergeant
Anthony Kelly of JROTC, who promotes this community service component of JROTC.
The JROTC program emphasizes the importance of development of character for cadets and the value of contributing to
the community. Not only high school students, but all ages,
face adversity at home and its important to make mentorships
with kids right now while we have their full attention, said
Sgt. Kelly.

Woodfin Elementarys Read, wRite and Run 5k

Woodfin
Elementary
School, in partnership
with the YMCA of WNC,
hosted Woodfins 2nd
Annual Read, wRite &
Run 5k! The proceeds
from this race will be
used to fund literacy &
healthy living programs
at Woodfin Elementary
school.

Page 7

Levi Heath of North Buncombe High,

(blue shirt in center) received the Outstanding WIA Workforce Participant
Award.

Alyssa Arwood poses with Coach Jim

Cottham. The Roberson High senior is
state champion in the 100 meter breast
stroke. She will attend Duke in the fall.

Kadee Beasley (right) is honored for being named North Carolina Distinguished
Young Woman Award.

Mollie Sullivan of North Buncombe High

was honored for receiving the 2015 Girl
Scout Gold Award.

North Buncombe High students pose

after receiving the award for Fan Favorite at the Asheville Homebuilders
Playhouse Showdown.

Reynolds High Students pose after receiving the award for Best in Show at
the Asheville Homebuilders Playhouse
Showdown.

Page 8

May 8, 2015

2015-2016 BCS Teachers of the Year

Enka District
Enka High
Enka Middle
Candler Elementary
Hominy Valley Elementary
Pisgah Elementary
Sand Hill-Venable Elementary

Owen District
Kevin Franklin
Dawn Roberts
Angela Hall
Emily Anderson
Clay Stroupe
Patsy Prickett

Erwin District
Clyde A. Erwin High
Clyde A. Erwin Middle
Joe P. Eblen Intermediate
Emma Elementary
Johnston Elementary
Leicester Elementary
West Buncombe Elementary
Woodfin Elementary
Buncombe County Early College
Nesbitt Discovery Academy

Ashley Beauregard
Cathy Haughney
Carole Fogal
Lila Downs Morel
Cynthia McClanahan
Emily Fisher

Reynolds District
Brian Gonzalez
Vickie Hicks
Alina Kukharets
Sarah Knoles
Janna Hoekema
Cindy Ellis
Kathy Burnette
Vickie Hensley-King
Tim Arnold
John Mizell

North Buncombe District

North Buncombe High
North Buncombe Middle
North Windy Ridge
Barnardsville Elementary
North Buncombe Elementary
Weaverville Elementary
Weaverville Primary

Charles D. Owen High

Charles D. Owen Middle
Black Mountain Elementary
Black Mountain Primary
W.D. Williams Elementary
Community High School

Justin Gillespie
Allison McDevitt
Shari Turner
Whitney Ball
Terica Honeycutt
Kate Hamlin
Hailey Wilson

A.C. Reynolds High

A.C. Reynolds Middle
Cane Creek Middle
Charles C. Bell Elementary
Fairview Elementary
Haw Creek Elementary
Oakley Elementary

Annie Joyce
Bob Carpenter
William Thrasher
Cindy McDaniel
Jennifer Tatum
Rebecca Welch
April Alexander

Roberson District
T.C. Roberson High
Valley Springs Middle
C.T. Koontz Intermediate
Avery's Creek Elementary
William W. Estes Elementary
Glen Arden Elementary
Progressive Education Program

Chris Isenhour
Leigha Jordan
Lori Hilliard
Melodie Warren
Kathy Crowder
Patti Ogle
Jennifer Freer

Leicester Elementary Student Inspires with Her Courage

Leicester Elementary student, Olivia Landreth, has inspired and brought the
Leicester community together after successfully undergoing a second heart
transplant in January.

Olivia Landreth, a Kindergarten student

at Leicester Elementary, poses with
family and school staff.

In August, a simple dream of riding the bus to school came true for Olivia.
A homebound student at the time, Principal Carleene Finger arranged for a
bus to pick her up and bring her to school. Every student in the school greeted her with signs and cheers as the bus pulled in front of the school.
The Board presented her with an award saying, It takes heart to have courage.