Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation

Spotlight on: Anthony Downing

Pastor Anthony Downing is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University and is in full time ministry at Shalom International Church alongside his wife, Pastor Jonthan Downing. God has so graciously blessed them with three wonderful sons, Anthony Jr., Kevin, and Maurice, three beautiful daughters-in-love, and eight grandchildren. "Coach D" can also be found working with athletes from multiple sports at John A. Holmes High School.

Spotlight On: Sherronne Battle

A native Washingtonian and a product of the District of Columbia's Public Schools, Sherronne holds a degree in psychology from the University of the District of Columbia. She has resided in Edenton for 22 years and has been a realtor, along with serving on many committees in the community, and presently serves on the Edenton-Chowan School Board. Believing that the future rests greatly in the hands of capable and knowledgeable young people, she continues to focus on attracting great teachers, improving school resources, and enabling our community to build on the shoulders of the future leaders of Edenton. She is excited about this opportunity to participate with the ECEF as it coordinates support to provide additional resources to our local public schools.

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

We truly have some absolutely wonderful teachers here at D. F. Walker! Teachers that are dedicated to each individual child as if they are their own. Mrs. Rachel Byrum is a 4th grade teacher here at DFW and is just one of many who deserved to be recognized. She goes over and above the everyday expectations to make sure her students are confident in understanding and learning new material. As an example, Mrs. Byrum goes the extra mile to learn the interest of each student and understand what excites them. She will then use this information to build the foundations of learning based on the student's personal interest to help the student understand and process the material being taught. Her dedication to making sure each student understands the lessons being delivered is admired.

If this "Something Good" happens to be drawn, I would love for Mrs. Byrum to enjoy the relaxing massage that has been generously given.

Thank you!!

Anonymous
DF Walker

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

I just have to share something good about D.F. Walker...

As many other schools, we are faced with coverage issues almost daily. We have an amazing substitute that shows up every day. She is often pulled in many directions, asked to do multiple things at one time, and has managed to meet the high demand of shortages we have in our school. She often never knows where she will be during the day, as she is pulled during her breaks, lunch and planning to help out in other areas of need. She is always willing to go wherever she is asked. She is Melissa Cox. Many times, we get so consumed with the events of the day that we do not realize how much we might ask of one person. Sometimes we forget to say "Thank You" or let someone know just how much they are appreciated. I am thankful for this opportunity to give Mrs. Cox recognition for the dedication, love, and care she has given to the students at D.F. Walker.

If this shout-out happens to be drawn, I would love for Mrs. Cox to receive this wonderful gift!

Thank you!!

Anonymous
D.F. Walker Elementary

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

DFW's Odyssey of the Mind team won at the State Competition and will be traveling to WORLDS in Iowa in May!!!! We are SO proud of our Hornets! :)

Michele Newsome

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

I moved to NC from NJ and felt so lonely. In January I became a long-term sub at white oak as an IA. It’s been the best experience. I have gotten to meet and become friends with some amazing staff members. But the joy it brings me to walk down the halls and get hugs or even a Hi Ms Megan. Also the students that ask if I am going to work with them today. The loneliness void isn’t there when I am at White Oak. I truly love my position. I don’t like to refer to it as a job.

Megan Delneroc
White Oak

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

This week a non-verbal child sang the ABC song twice without any prompting. I am so proud of him and the progress he is making.

Misty Hernandez
EC Pre-K Teacher
White Oak Elementary

SPOTLIGHT ON: As a lifelong supporter of education, both public and private, Keith hopes to continue to promote all forms of education. He says, "The foundational early years of a child's life are very important, and often times the key to success in later life. Providing all children with learning opportunities is vital to the success of our society. Ensuring Children have books to read, teachers to teach them and safe environments to learn and grow, is at the heart of my service". Keith knows that teaching and managing our schools are not easy and that we need to support our teachers and administrators, which is exactly what we do through the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation.

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

I take students from our two different containment classrooms into their grade-level Gen Ed classrooms. For some students, this means reading, math, and structured center playtime. For some, it can mean cultural arts. For the last couple of months, I have taken two particular students to Mrs. Pam Bellanca's music class. Mrs. Bellanca introduced, taught, and led the class to the music for the 1st-grade production of "Music Inspires". In the final few weeks of practice, there were more people involved with making everything come together. I know how hard Mrs. Ballanca worked getting everything ready before practice began and how she worked with so many classes individually before coming together in the final weeks. She deserves a shoutout. In the end, the Musical Production was amazing. I had to go out on medical leave during the final week of practice, however, I was able to go on Friday and watch the students perform and they did an amazing job. Our exceptional children shined and Mrs. Bellanca allowed them to sparkle!

If you missed it, no problem! It was captured here: https://youtu.be/nTvknBQjwr4?feature=shared

Sara Bateman
Exceptional children's IA
White Oak

2024 1st Grade Performance

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

Kindergarten had an Easter Egg Hunt at the Rec center and Mrs. Rachel O'Kelly brought her amazing LEO Club to help!! Our students had the best time ever!! The JAH students played with them and made it so much fun!! Just so you know, Mrs. O'Kelly played too!!!

Lisa Chappell

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

We have 59 students that have been accepted to college. We have held 4 FAFSA nights and 2 more scheduled. We are at 34.88% completion rate at the moment. It changes daily. :) We had a finalist for the Park Scholarship ($10,000), Alternate finalist for Goodnight scholarship at NC State, 2 teaching fellows, 2 finalists for Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and many more. I have $10,000 in local or earned scholarship totals right now and many more $$ from individual colleges.

We have 4 accepted to ECU Honors college, 6 accepted to UNC-CH, 6 accepted to NC State with 2 additional with the spring 2025 admission. We have one student accepted into the COA Nursing program next year. We have 4 students scheduled to graduate with their associate degrees in May 2024 and 2 with HVAC certificates.

We held a college application week in October and a community college application week last week. We had a college fair in October as well. We have a Interview/job application workshop planned for seniors in April. We have a Decision Day planned in May.

We are currently working on registration for next year and held 8th grade night last week. COA registration begins first of April for new students.

Jennifer Cobb, School Counselor
John A. Holmes High School

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

The second-grade class recently took a field trip to Sky-Vue Skating Rink, where they participated in a STEM sound lesson that left a lasting impression on both the students and parents. The students were divided into three groups, each rotation exploring the concept of sound. One of the rotations included an activity using a metal spoon and a piece of string. The students paired up with a partner and took turns tapping the spoon and listening to the sounds it produced while one partner held the string with the spoon tied to it and the other listened closely. This activity was a hit with the students and helped them understand vibrations' role in producing sound. As the students skated around the rink, they paid close attention to the sounds made by their movements and those of others. They even asked questions about how sound travels from one end of the rink to the other, demonstrating an eagerness to learn more about the science of sound. In addition to these activities, the students also had the opportunity to make kazoos from simple craft materials, such as a stick, rubber band, and pieces of straw. This hands-on activity allowed the students to see firsthand how simple materials can produce sound and was a fun way to reinforce the concepts they had learned throughout the day. Overall, the field trip was a huge success, with parents and students raving about the engaging and interactive activities. One parent even mentioned that she loved that the students could not only participate in hands-on activities but also engage in physical skating, which made for a much more dynamic and memorable experience than simply walking around exhibits.

--
LeAnn Nixon
2nd Grade Teacher
White Oak Elementary

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

When we get in the "rut" between Christmas and Spring Break it can be hard for both teachers and students to find joy and continue to push for success.

I just wanted to share a story that made my eyes water and heart smile (along with others I have shared it with). After taking the NC Check Ins, my students and I always have one on one conversations about their scores, growth, and what did or did not go well. These conversations can sometimes be very hard for students who work so hard yet still sometimes fall short of seeing the scale move in the positive direction. One of my 7th grade friends has worked incredibly hard this year on each of his check ins and has managed to grow each time! What makes this friend super special and what brought so much joy was to see the shock and pure excitement on his face when I was able to tell him that he went from scoring a 17 on his BOY NC Check in to scoring a 54.2 on his EOY NC Check in. This specific friend was so excited he went up and down the hallway dancing and telling everyone "I CAN READ" and sharing his good news!

Because of this, a new-found fire has been ignited for my 7th grade friend. He is now excited to read and share what he has read aloud with the class!

This! This is what makes this "rut" get a little easier! This is what reminds us as teachers of our WHY.

Elizabeth Riddick
CMS - 7th Grade ELA

This! This is what makes this "rut" get a little easier! This is what reminds us as teachers of our WHY.

Elizabeth Riddick
CMS - 7th Grade ELA

ECEF Board members and their guests enjoyed a beautiful night at Hayes Farm, watching a gorgeous sunset over Edenton Bay while celebrating the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber does for local businesses what we do for our students- provide support for the best possible chance at success! If you have a business in the Chowan area, consider joining the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce!

Such a well planned and executed field trip for our students! Your donations in action!

The ACES kicked off our Global initiative with our Global Ambassadors who participated in a Goosechase scavenger hunt in downtown Edenton. Our Global Ambassadors are a group of 12 students who were recommended by Club Sponsors and Departments. These students will be the driving force behind the Global Team and will endeavor to incorporate/highlight the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our school and our community. The scavenger hunt was created for our Ambassadors to find places/people/events in Downtown Edenton that showcase these goals and to identify what Edenton is already doing and areas where improvement is needed. We are also partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and Destination Downtown Edenton to ensure the community is aware and involved in our efforts. Special thanks to the Educational Foundation for their support in this endeavor.

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

On March 20th and 21st, all second-grade classes at White Oak had the opportunity to go to Sky-Vue Skating Rink in Rocky Mount for a STEM field trip! The students began the morning learning all about sound. They made kazoos with popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and straws. They explored what sound waves look like and how they travel! They even learned about the doplar effect! How cool that second graders got to expand their knowledge with hands-on experiences! But what was even better was that most of our friends (and their parents) got to skate for the first time! They all tried so hard to learn and didn’t give up! It was amazing to see the smiles on their faces when they finally got the hang of it! It was seriously one of the most amazing field trips I have ever been able to go on!

Sarah Ryder
White Oak Elementary
Second Grade Teacher

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

I am submitting this not for me, but for Laura Ullom who works at CMS as the media coordinator. That is her official title but she is so much more. Ask her admin or anyone there and they will tell you she's everywhere doing all the things. But most importantly, ask her kids who she has built lasting relationships with. They trust her, confide in her, and really do their best when they're with her. She deserves this hour of pampering.

Kim Ullom
Data Manager
White Oak Elementary

SPOTLIGHT ON: Tyler Newman, Secretary of the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation. A native of northeast North Carolina, Tyler is a graduate of Perquimans County High School and UNC Wilmington, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He has been involved with the community in Edenton for a several years as a staff reporter for the Chowan Herald and, most recently, as Edenton’s Public Information Officer. His responsibilities include handling public outreach, working with the media, social media, website development, among other things. Tyler says, "I look forward to serving and hope to bring more awareness and understanding of the mission and goals of the foundation, not just in this community, but in the wider region".

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

100% of my APUSH students came to school on the teacher workday this month to take a full mock exam! They gave 100% and I am so proud of them!

Jordan Chesson
John A. Holmes High School -
History Teacher

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!

I just wanted to tell you about something good happening at White Oak School.....My daughter, Emily Brabble, is our newest 1st grade teacher. She just finished her student teaching in November and moved right into teaching in her own classroom. It is so good to see someone who grew up in our school system come back to serve our students. I get the privilege of working in her classroom each morning during our literacy block and we've seen such great growth and learning in those students. It's so great, as a mother, to see your child operating in their gifts and blossoming along with her little ones!

Beth Brabble, MLS
Digital Learning and Media Facilitator
PENC Board of Directors, Past-President
White Oak Elementary

In Chowan County, we take student preparedness seriously, and realize that the past few years have been especially challenging for our students and their families. You are invited to a community meeting on May 6 to participate in the conversation and become part of the solution.

After enduring a college-level application process, three students from John A. Holmes were accepted to the North Carolina School of Science and Math, which has been ranked the No. 1 public high school in North Carolina (and for the third year running as one of the top two public high schools in all of America) by the Niche.com school ranking site. This year, only 165 of the almost 800 applicants were selected. That is about a 20% acceptance rate, and John A. Holmes boasts THREE of those students! Never let it be said that you can't get a top notch education at Edenton-Chowan Public Schools. Congratulations to these students and best wishes!

SPOTLIGHT ON: Victoria Winslow, Interim Treasurer of the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation. Victoria is a native of Belvidere with ties to Chowan County and education through her mother. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a Finance minor from Meredith College in 2016 and returned that fall for graduate school, obtaining a Master in Business Administration degree with a concentration in Project Management. A Senior Accountant at Sykes & Company, P.A., Victoria enjoys spending time with her dogs and family during her spare time. Active in her church, Victoria also enjoys serving in various roles at Hobbsville Baptist Church including Treasurer, Vacation Bible School Director, and as a Sunday School Teacher for the Junior Class. As a member of the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation, Victoria is excited to help positively impact the education experience for the students and teachers within the Edenton-Chowan School System.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Dr. Todd Korbusieski, Vice Chair of the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation. "Dr. K" earned a degree in Bio-Chemistry at Skidmore College before obtaining a Masters in Science Teaching from Boston College and, eventually, a doctorate from ECU in Education Leadership. During his career, he served for over 21 years as a school administrator in Edenton-Chowan Public Schools. He and his wife, Wendy, and their children have lived in Edenton for almost 30 years. Todd says, "Serving on this board allows me a way to continue to advocate for the students and staff of Edenton-Chowan Schools. Quality education is a necessity for our students to succeed in the future".

Congrats to these awesome “Mathletes”!! Great job! Opportunities such as this are made possible by donations made to the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation, which funded this trip!

SPOTLIGHT ON: H. Lee Snipes, Jr., Chairman of the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation. Lee grew up in a small South Carolina town with both parents in the educational field. He received a degree in Business from Clemson University, and then an MBA from the University of South Carolina. He began his career with a large regional life insurance company in their investment department before moving to Raleigh, N.C., where he was in investment brokerage for 49 years. Lee has been the Finance Chairman for three churches in Raleigh a charter school that served disadvantaged children. Lee and Mary Margaret, his wife of 39 years, retired to Edenton, where he is also the Finance Chair at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Thank you, Lee, for your leadership!

To learn more about the Educational Foundation, visit: https://sites.google.com/ecps.k12.nc.us/ecef/home?authuser=0

Are you thinking about graduation? Here's an idea for a great graduation gift - an engraved brick that will be placed around the flagpole of the new high school! AND, you can feel good that the proceeds will go right back into supporting Edenton-Chowan Schools!

Visit https://sites.google.com/ecps.k12.nc.us/ecef/order-a-brick?authuser=0 today.

ECEF, Inc. - Order a Brick Here's your chance to have a commemorative brick at the base of the flagpole at the new John A. Holmes High School! Please print the form and submit with your form of payment.

Tonight is the night- make plans to join us!