Clay County School Board approves 5 year strategic plan
Clay County Schools, News July 5, 2021
HAYESVILLE, N.C. – Clay County School Board of Education approved the school’s strategic plan for the upcoming five years at the June meeting.
A strategic plan determines the course for decision-making over the course of the next five years and outlines its vision with the state.
The vision statement was suggested to be changed to “high quality learning environments, high quality professionals, high quality learning at all levels.” The current vision statement provides a little more detail. The board favored the longer statement.
The feedback for the mission also suggested shortening it to “The mission of Clay County Schools is to build high quality learning environments that ensure students learn at all levels.” The board agreed in favor of that change.
The strategic plan can be adjusted over the next five years as well.
Clay County will start implementing a new math curriculum for 3 through 8 once they receive next years budget. The high school will also be implementing a new math curriculum that includes digital textbooks. The public can review the curriculum before the board approves is at the July board meeting.
Clay County Schools will begin executing the DESA mental health screeners during summer learning to identify problem areas before rolling it out to all students. The DESA screeners serve as a check-in to access students mental health.
The school system is also purchasing the Rhythm app. It will be predownloaded on students Chromebooks, and students can take a daily seven question mental health check-in. Students select an emoji to correspond with their mood.
“Typically, teenagers won’t let anybody know anything, including their parents,” Superintendent Dale Cole, “What the research shows is they will go on social media and share everything.”
Teenagers are more apt to share information on an app than in person and the app will let counselors know if there’s an issue, they need to check on.
The school system hasn’t received any negative feedback concerning the social/emotional curriculum, Second Step.
Online learning affects students math proficiency
Clay County Schools, News December 5, 2020
HAYESVILLE, Ga – According to data presented during the November board of education meeting, Clay County students are beginning to experience the online learning slide.
Two separate diagnostic tests, I-Ready and NC Check-ins demonstrated concerning statistics, specifically in mathematics. I-Ready diagnostics align with the curriculum. NC Check-ins breaks down the EOG tests and developed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
“Math is a subject that is going to be much more impacted by infrequent attendance in school. Missing steps, lessons, that sort of thing, Math has taken the biggest hit,” Superintendent Dale Cole said.
I-Ready tested students in kindergarten through second grade in math and second through fifth grade in reading. Students took the first diagnostics between August 24 and September 4. The second test takes place after Thanksgiving, and results will be presented at the December 14 board meeting.
I-Ready breaks students into three tiers: one, two, and three. Tier One recognizes students who are at grade level or above. Tier Two represents students testing below grade level. Tier Three students are considered at-risk.
Last year in math, the I-Ready diagnostic placed 28 percent of students in Tier One, and now, 19 percent of students are Tier One. The number of Tier Three students decreased by three percent.
“There’s that expansion in Tier Two that shows a significant portion of students have fallen a grade level behind. With [COVID-19], they’ve gotten half the instructional time, face-to-face this fall,” Cole explained, “I do think there are some things you can do through online teaching, but math is harder.”
Fourth grade, in particular, exhibits several students falling behind in the curriculum, but the at-risk numbers drop from fourth to fifth grade. Eighth grade students shot up in proficiency from seventh grade.
However, in reading, the elementary students have demonstrated marked improvement from the last school year. Still, from year to year, the Tier Three students increased from first grade to second grade.
Current seventh grade students are a concern for Superintendent Cole in reading as several students moved down a tier from last year to this one.
NC Check-in Results
Students in third through eighth grade took the NC check-ins for reading and map. Fifth and eighth grade students took the science check-in. The tests were given in October and November and aren’t required by the state. NC Check-in tests to standards. Since the state dictates the standards, teachers might not have taught those at the test time.
“It gives us three data points to look at for our students. It’s dangerous to put all your eggs in one basket on one number – that number might not be accurate. We can look at our diagnostics, NC Check-in, and teacher grades,” Cole stated.
In reading, the average test scores across the grades fell around 60 percent, except seventh and eighth had a score of 59.4 percent.
Cole felt that an average score of 60 percent was decent for these tests, given that teachers had yet to teach all the standards.
In math, third and fourth tested with average scores of 40 percent. Fifth, sixth, and eighth received average scores within the 30 percent range. Seventh grade had an average score of 27.9 percent.
“We had much more of a concern for math. You’re going to see a big drop off for math as compared to reading,” Cole said. “Math is a struggle in online learning. I’m not going to make excuses; the scores are what they are. We’ve got to get better.”
He also hopes to see changes now that students will be back in the classroom for four days. Additionally, Cole urged parents to motivate and engage students to complete their work.
The average score for science in fifth grade was 59.2 percent and 67.6 percent in eighth grade.
The MTSS will provide students with tools to succeed.
Failing students are being encouraged to return to in-person instruction. So far, 30 students have returned to school. The number of failures in a remote cohort/online learning went down by 13 between the first and second progress reports. Students declining in all four subjects went down from 12 percent to 7 percent, but subject-specific failures went up at the middle school. In particular, math failures increased.
A mentoring program is in place at the high school to help students get back on track. Students and teachers will have weekly meetings, goal setting, and parent check-ins. Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) is being used to help students and teachers improve the quality of learning. It uses data to build “scaffolds” around each student to promote achievement. Some students will require more support than others. It focuses on instruction, curriculum, and environment.
Innovating the classroom during COVID-19
Clay County Schools, Community November 28, 2020
Hayesville, NC – During the coronavirus pandemic, teachers are Clay County Schools (CCS) are finding new methods to safely educate their students. At the November 2020 school board meeting, sixth grade teacher Ginger Scerri and eighth grade teacher Amanda Gaddis Coker presented the Clay County Outdoor Classroom Project and Go Grant.
Scerri shared her views that children can benefit from a change of scenery during the day. Also, health officials have advocated getting outside to combat COVID-19. She received permission to start a GoFundMe for the outdoor classroom project earlier in the year to develop two separate spaces.
The two outdoor classrooms will be in areas that all schools can use and will be graveled off. In total, the areas will have 24 heavy duty tables and 8 benches. The equipment will come from school outfitters and are made of metal as well as a high-gloss thermoplastic finish. Each table costs $959 and each bench costs $381.
Area one is adjacent to the Hayesville Middle School library and the Hayesville Elementary School. It would hold 12 tables and 8 benches. The area total to be fundraised for these items combined is $14,556.
Area One
Area two is along the wall of the central office and at the center of Hayesville Middle School and Hayesville High School grounds. 12 tables would go in this area. The area total to be fundraised for these items combined is $11,508.
The GoFundMe raised $9,581 and the NC Schools Go Outside (GO) Grant contributed $14,950 for a total of $24,531. The GO grant is designed to get children outside during the school day and provide access to field study locations. The grant money purchased 16 tables and 4 benches for the outdoor classrooms.
“We want to walk out the other side of this thing better than we started,” Superintendent Dale Cole stated about COVID-19. He also commended these teachers for finding ways to innovate during the pandemic.
Area Two
School waterline breaks, students move to virtual classes
Clay County Schools, News October 20, 2020
HAYESVILLE, NC – A waterline that serves Clay County Schools broke sometime between the end of the school day on Monday and 7 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20.
The county discovered the location of the problem at 7:30 a.m. The broken waterline also services several other areas in town.
The schools has moved to virtual instruction for Tuesday. Parents should await further instruction for classes on Wednesday. Details are expected this afternoon.
Buses began transporting students back home at 9 a.m. and parents could pick up their children beginning at 9 a.m. as well.
Clay County Students will attend classes two days a week
Clay County Schools, Community, News August 4, 2020
HAYESVILLE, N.C. – Clay County Schools have opted for a two cohort model once students return to class for the 2020-2021 year.
All schools except for the pre-k will follow an A/B schedule. Students will be broken into two groups. The A group will go to school on Monday and Tuesday while the B group attends class on Thursday and Friday. Wednesday will be a virtual learning day for students and a deep cleaning day at the school.
Parents and guardians can also select to place their children in entirely online learning.
At Hayesville Primary, elementary, and middle schools the teachers will change classes, not the students. Hayesville High School (HHS) students will be switching classes because the majority, 43.9 percent of parents voted for that option.
Homes with multiple school-age children will have those children placed in the same cohort so they can attend school on the same days. Cohorts will consist of 150 to 200 students.
School survey responses from parents and teachers.
With the two day model, students can receive two days of attending all their 90-minute learning blocks in a controlled environment. They also have access to all school amenities including teachers, high-speed internet, counseling, and tech support.
This model isn’t the safest option due to the potential exposure of 150 to 200 students twice a week. It also places the heaviest load on teachers who must create lessons for in-person and remote children.
Schools will release information about which Clay County students will be in Cohort A and Cohort B on Wednesday, August 5 at 4:00. Students in Cohort A will attend each week on Monday and Tuesday beginning August 17. Students in Cohort B will attend each week on Thursday and Friday beginning August 20.
33 percent of parents selected fully remote learning in the return to school survey.
As for faculty, 45 percent of HHS staff were in favor of fully remote, and 30 percent chose the two cohort model.
If the school or county reaches a five percent COVID-19 infection rate, a decision will be made about closing the school buildings again. Currently, Clay County is at a less than one percent infection rate.
All students attending in-person classes will always be required to wear a mask with scheduled outdoor breaks. Faculty and students will be given five masks from the state. They must wash masks at home and can decorate the masks.
During break times, students will separate and safely remove their masks. They won’t be allowed to congregate in groups at any time during the school day. Students will always be sat six feet apart.
Remote learning children will be locked into the program for five weeks at a time. Parents must contact the school by September 11 if they wish to transition their child back into in-person instruction. Students can switch from in-person to remote at any time. In both instances, the principal must be notified ahead of time.
The Pre-K school will be fully open five days a week.
Clay County Schools Superintendent Dale Cole reviewed this model with stakeholders and the Clay County Health Department and all felt comfortable moving forward with this model.
Hayesville High School graduation scheduled for July 24
Clay County Schools, Community, News June 30, 2020
HAYESVILLE, N.C. – In the June 25 Clay County Schools Board of Education meeting, Hayesville High School (HHS) Principal Jim Saltz discussed graduation plans for July 24 at 6 p.m.
Each HHS graduate can bring four guests to the ceremony at Frank R. Long Football stadium. Seniors will sit socially distanced on the football field, and guests will receive assigned seating in the stands. All students and guests must wear masks. The students’ masks will feature the HHS logo.
The school opted for a balloon release instead of throwing caps, and a parade around the square will take place after the ceremony.
Students who cannot attend will have a personalized ceremony that will live-streamed. The hybrid baccalaureate, awards, and scholarship service were all previously broadcast.
Saltz gave graduation and end of year update over a live stream meeting.
Clay County Sheriff’s Office provided Senior yard signs and the large signage on the square. HHS Journalism class created the senior spotlight features.
71 percent of the 2020 seniors earned at least one job certification through the Career Technical Education Program. 34 percent received more than one nationally recognized job certification.
80 percent of the class earned a Silver level or better on the ACT WorkKeys exam. The exam focused on career-readiness of students and trainability.
“Really great job of our seniors showing that they are career-ready,” said Superintendent Dale Cole.
College-ready seniors accepted over 95 scholarships. 29 percent graduated with honors, 25 percent were N.C. scholars, and 17 percent were Presidential scholars.
The 2020 graduating class earned the largest number of college degrees ever at HHS. Five students graduated with a two-year degree and a high school diploma. Also, 41 percent graduated with at least one college credit.
“We’re going to see that number continue to grow each year. I also think we’re going to see the number of nationally recognized job certifications grow each year because really, they need both. It’s college and career ready, not college or career ready,” stated Cole.
Cole presented the 2020 senior statistics.
The rain dates for the graduation ceremony are July 25 and July 26. Prom’s currently on hold, but the school plans to hold it at a later date.
HHS 9-11 Students
As for the 9-11 students, the Tiger Team contacted most of the individuals to discuss options for 2019-2020 grades.
“A student was allowed to choose a COVID-19 grade that would not affect their GPA or a traditional grade, which would affect their GPA,” explained HHS Principal Jim Saltz.
Also, 90 percent of the 2020-2021 students have registered for classes. TCC advisement and intern placements are also underway.
All six CNA students passed their CNA certification examination on June 25, 2020.
Two FBLA students Tia Proctor and Virginia Sumpter came in 14th place in the national competition.
Jones recognized as Clay County District Teacher of the Year
Clay County Schools, News June 30, 2020
HAYESVILLE, N.C – Hayesville High School Teacher Bobbie Jones received the Clay County District Teacher of the Year honor in the June 2020 board meeting.
A third-party group selected Jones as District Teacher of the Year after a thorough interview process. She will go on to represent CCS in the regional competition.
“Thank you…it was exciting sharing my journey with that group, and I hope Hayesville can win. I want to be the State Teacher of the Year,” expressed an enthused Jones.
She also spoke about her passion for CCS, calling it an “amazing and educational experience.” Before joining the CCS faculty, Jones was unfamiliar with the area and now desires to put Hayesville on the map.
Jones receiving her award.
If chosen as one of the nine regional teachers, Jones would go on to the state competition.
For State Teacher of the Year, competitors will undergo several screening activities from a committee consisting of professional educators as well as business and community leaders. The chosen teacher will have the opportunity to travel and speak on education and teaching methods.
“On behalf of the school system, congratulations, and we know that you’re going to do great!” stated Superintendent Dale Cole.
Each member of the board expressed their thanks for all Jones’s hard work as well.
Jessica Hughes received Hayesville Elementary Teacher of the Year. Hayesville Middle School Teacher of the Year went to Amanda Gaddis. Jones earned the Hayesville High School Teacher of the Year.
Since starting the program in 1970, three North Carolina State Teachers of the Year became National Teachers of the Year, four became finalists, and one was inducted into the National Teachers’ Hall of Fame.
Clay County Schools establish end of year grading plans
Clay County Schools, Community May 5, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. – Clay County School System (CCS) implemented specialized policies in accordance with NCSBE for students’ end of year grading.
State leaders wanted the grading to positively impact students whose homes suddenly became their classrooms. As a result, students couldn’t receive a failing grade and assignments turned in after March 13 are held at a minimum. Only students who were previously failing before the schools closed and they made zero effort to bring up their grades.
How students will be assessed differs according to grade level. Kindergarten through Fifth will not receive a grade, but feedback on individual progress.
Middle schoolers (6-8) will receive passing or withdrawn course marks and can make up credits at a later date.
Ninth through Eleventh students will have an option on how they their grades are recording. Option One: they can receive their numeric grade as of March 13 or currently if that grade is higher.
Option Two: They can take a passing or withdrawn grade. Withdrawn scores won’t receive credit, but students have a make-up opportunity.
CCS counselors are creating recommendations for high school students and parents to review before they make a final decision.
For high school seniors, CCS pulled the grades from March 13 if those scores were essential for graduation. If they were failing, they could raise grades through online learning. Non-essential courses could receive a withdrawn mark. College courses fell under the college’s jurisdiction.
At this time, prom and graduation will hopefully be rescheduled for July depending on the state’s reopening plans.
“All of our students are given 13 years to master the standards to that are required to earn a diploma in the state of North Carolina,” said Superintendent Dale Cole. “A grade is nothing more than our attempt to measure progress.”
Superintendent Dale Cole during the Facebook Live meeting
Cole went on to say that he believed the state made a decision between “equity and accountability.” Grades are often used to compare student progress, but the school can’t control a student’s resources outside of their education.
“If we were going to going to grade kids based on work they were doing at home, and we don’t control the environment in which they’re working,” explained Cole. “There’s a lot of inequity. It would not be fair to give grades to students when they don’t have equal access resources or possibly an environment in which they can succeed.”