Greensboro Daily Photo

Underpass from Gate City Boulevard to UNCG Campus

Did you ever think an underpass would connect Gate City Boulevard to the UNCG Campus. Such is the case and the above photo is evidence. Yesterday after, there was a downpour in this part of town, the underpass was a welcome shortcut. For those without umbrellas or rain jackets, it served as a great place to wait until the heavy winds and rain stopped. The underpass is ten. years old this year. It was constructed in 2014 through a partnership between The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the North Carolina Railroad Company. The purpose of the underpass is to provide safe pedestrian access under the rail corridor. 

Train tracks are private property and trespassing is not only dangerous, it is illegal. However, it is hard to convince people not to walk across tracks in undesignated places when doing so saves significant time. The underpass has been a wonderful way to link the south side (Glenwood side) of campus to the main part of UNCG. It is a fine example of how partnerships are good for a community.  Another fabulous feature of this space is that it is a great backdrop for photos.

Happy Friday! Let's all get out and explore Greensboro.

First Day of School Fall 2024

Today is the Monday closest to August 26, the day State Law says school can begin. So, happy first day of school! Today, there will be noticeably more traffic, so allow more time to get from Point A to Point B. Also, refresh your memory about driving in school zones and when busses stop- ALWAYS stop when you are behind the bus, but what about if you are on a four lane road with a median?.*  

The above photo was taken at the bus parking lot at Dudley High School. In addition to bring students to and from Dudley, the school also serves as a hub, transporting students who ride to out-of-district schools. While the official address of Dudley is 1200 Lincoln Street, Lincoln Street has no outlet and most of the traffic is for The Academy at Lincoln (Middle School). The bus parking lot is on the Willow Road side of the school. Be on the lookout for high school seniors with "Last First Day of School" shirts. When their parents insist on their "first day" photos, those are incredibly cute.

At last count, Guilford County has almost 69,000 public school students. Let's hope they all return, and have a great school year. Guilford County is the third largest district in North Carolina. Of course we like to think it is the BEST. Happy 2024-2025 school year. And please do take the photo, even if your children protest. And let's all be super nice and respectful to our bus drivers.

Happy Monday!

 

Here's to a year with no incidents with busses or cars;  to all children being safe.

 

* get a refresher course on stopping on two and four lane roads HERE. 

Governor's School West

Greensboro College is the host campus for Governor's School West for the 2024 season. Opening day was June 23rd and it will last for a month. High school students have been participating in campus-wide events: performances, presentations, classes, speakers, and more. Above, participants of this very prestigious program are at the International Civil Rights Museum on South Elm Street. The four-week program is highly competitive even among the most gifted and talented high school students. There are no credits, tests, or grades; just highly-motivated and intellectually curious students receiving highly-engaging opportunities, facilitated by talented teachers.

At Governor's school, there are several academic disciplines to choose from: Art, choral music, dance, English, Spanish, instrumental music, mathematics, natural science, social science, and theater. If you ever have a chance for a loved one to participate in Governor's School, by all means encourage them to do so.  The Governor's School in North Carolina was established in 1963 by then-Governor Terry Sanford. Twenty-four states have some form of special opportunity for students. How wonderful that one of these opportunities is held in Greensboro. The other site is Meredith College in Raleigh.

Happy Monday!

 

* see here.

Brooks Global, In Progress

We love to drive by new school construction and check on progress. The above photo is of Brooks Global Elementary School as it stands now, located just behind the Greensboro Arboretum. This is one of the six schools that have been funded with bond money. The state-of-the-art design will fit an 80,000 sq. ft. building on an 8-acre lot. There will be solar panels and ceiling tiles made of recycled material; all visible to students so they can learn about sustainable energy. The school will have large windows to help bring the outdoors in and students will be able to walk across the street to the Arboretum.* An outdoor classroom in anticipated to be a popular feature.

The building is starting to look like a school. If you want to see people hard at work, get there before 3:30, when the construction crew winds up for the day. When we visited yesterday, we saw people hard at work. The process and progress are fascinating. Those will be some lucky teachers and students who have the privilege of teaching and learning here. Hopefully, photos of the construction will be available to be archived.

Happy Friday!

*reference and more information, HERE.

 

 

UNCG Annual Spring Pow Wow 2024

On Saturday, April 13, UNCG held their annual spring Pow Wow on the lawn of Elliot University Center on the campus of UNCG. It was a hot, sunny day, and also the day of the "Science Everywhere" event. Formerly, for nearly 40 years, UNCG held an International Festival in early April on campus. Fortunately, Pow Wow is still being held. It was so fun watching the young children learning the cultural practices and traditions of their families.

Commencement services are starting to be held on college and university campuses. UNCGs will be this Friday and Greensboro College will hold graduation on the same day. NCA&Ts undergraduate ceremony will be on May 11th and that of Guilford College on May 18th. April is a time to hold all of those culminating events, even Pow Wow, where Indigenous American students and families in the Greensboro Community can gather one more time before people go their separate ways for the summer.

Happy Tuesday!

 

*Cumberland County will hold a Pow Wow this Saturday (see HERE), 

Softball in Greensboro

With so many colleges and universities in Guilford County, there are many opportunities to see great sporting events, and often free. This past Saturday, we enjoyed watching the softball game between UNCG Spartans and the Chattanooga Mocs. Unfortunately, UNCG lost but it was a nice day and there were some good plays. We also enjoyed pitchers warming up, standing just above them. The snaps and the energy of the pitch add excitement to the game. It is so fun to watch. We have all levels of play in Greensboro. If you know someone interested in playing softball, take them out to a ballgame. Whether young children or adults, players appreciate playing with a crowd. Greensboro Parks and Recreation is a great place for adults to start- to play or to watch.

Happy Thursday!

Science Everywhere

This past Saturday was the annual UNCG Science Everywhere event. There were over 50 science activities all over campus related to science, technology e-sports, art, and music.  It was a chance to tour the UNCG science research labs and for community members, professionals, and students of all ages to see displays and participate in hands-on activities. The above station, held in the Coleman Building, involved dry ice and cosmic slime. It was a big hit with younger students. It was also a great opportunity for anyone preparing to teach science to gain field experience.

Greensboro is so lucky to have so many community college branches and institutions of higher education. Every week of the year there is something going on that is open for community attendance. Science Everywhere is an April event held as college students are about to finish their semester. Sadly, the International Festival, a UNCG annual event for almost 40 years is no longer being held. The Science Everywhere event, however, seems to be going strong. To be sure, these interdepartmental ventures are a lot of work, and we appreciate you.

Happy Monday!

Prom 2024 Season is Upon Us!

Prom season is upon us in Greensboro. Students throughout Guilford County will be attending prom over the next several weeks. It is such a jubilant time with seniors enjoying their last couple of months together. Last night, all of the middle colleges held their prom together at George K's at the corner of Gate City Boulevard and High Point Road. Students looked so beautiful and they were on their best behavior. Teacher chaperones were commenting at how grown up their students looked. The DJ took requests from the crowd and students danced the night away. It was good, clean fun. The food was good small plate food (chicken fingers, egg rolls, fruit, and more), but most prom groups go out to eat beforehand and didn't seem that interested in food. The theme, "Bling, Bling, It's a Hollywood Thing" was perfect from the backdrop for photos and the glittery dresses.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024. Finish strong, and remember this night forever. If you have a graduating senior in your life, trust them, encourage them,  love them, and cherish every moment. They are growing up. 

Happy Saturday!

Judy Woodruff, Bryan Series Speaker

Tuesday night, Judy Woodruff closed out the GUILFORD College 2023-2024 Bryan Series. She is an American broadcast journalist whose career in public television began in 1970. She has been a CNN anchor and senior-correspondent, a Washington correspondent for PBS, anchored the PBS News Hour until 2022, and so much more. Currently, she is on a reporting project to better understand the political divide in the United States. She talked a great deal about this project, entitled, "America at a Crossroads." She showed clips from interviews which were clear examples of left and right learning ideas and positions. She explained how this division is a layered issue and there is animosity coming from both sides.

Judy Woodruff has North Carolina ties. She identifies as an "Army brat" and she finished 6th grade in Roanoke Rapids, NC. She also attended Meredith College and is a Graduate of Duke University. Greensboro is so lucky to have the Bryan series as it is an opportunity for us to hear deep thinkers and people who are looking at issues from a national and international level. The above photo was taken as she was leaving the stage. The speakers for next year have not yet been announced. It is always fun to see the list for the first time

Happy Thursday!

Eid Mubarak!

Today, Muslims around the world are celebrating the completion of Ramadan, the end of the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. It has been a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Muslims in Greensboro will be at the Greensboro Coliseum on Gate City Boulevard as well as at mosques praying and enjoying the fellowship with family and friends. Everyone will be wearing new outfits. Men will be sporting new haircuts and everyone's favorite foods and desserts will be shared. Eid-al-Fitr celebrates Allah's providing strength and endurance, and is a time of great charity.

The above photo features the hands of a group of Muslim students at the Middle College at UNCG. They have had henna applied to their hands, in most cases having done it themselves. Applying henna is a communal tradition that builds a sense of sisterhood and community. According to the US Religion Census (updated March 26, 2024), there are 130,661 Muslims in North Carolina, 11th in number by state. Guilford County Schools has a diverse student population and the district makes every effort to ensure all students have a positive experience. The Middle College at UNCG has a diverse student population. It is a high school that focuses on health and life sciences. These very hands will someday be our doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. May they enjoy this special day.

Eid Mubarak, Blessed Feast!

Meet Kendall McMillan

Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with Kendall McMillan who is a rising senior at Grimsley High School. Kendall is one of those students who does it all. She is in student council, a varsity cheerleader, runs track, participates in service learning opportunities, and more, all while excelling in honors courses. Kendall has attended public schools in Guilford County since Kindergarten. 

After Kindergarten, it quickly became apparent that Kendall needed a more challenging curriculum. In first grade, she transitioned to the Spanish immersion program at Jones Elementary. In spite of starting a year late, within her first year there, she earned an award for outstanding pronunciation. Kendall has remained in the Spanish immersion program all through elementary, middle, and high school. She loves speaking Spanish and plans to minor in it in college. She will pursue a career where she can use Spanish to help people who might not be in the position to help themselves- possibly immigration law or social work. 

Recently, Kendall learned that she has been accepted into the highly-competitive Governor’s School of North Carolina. It is the nation’s oldest statewide summer residential program for gifted high school students. The classes integrate academic content with the arts and other creative learning experiences. Kendall’s area of concentration is Spanish. She will spend four weeks immersed in the language. Congratulations to Kendall McMillan. Hers is a name you will want to remember.

Apples at the Base of UNCG's Minerva Statue

Recently, when we were on the campus of UNCG, we saw all of the apples with bites out of them. The tradition goes that if the apples, with a bite out, are left at the base of this Minerva statue, they will do well on exams. We imagine the apples have been there since the mid-term period as the apples have some age on them. As you can see in the photo, the sculptor is James Barnhill who earned an MFA from UNCG in 1982. The Minerva statue was a gift of the class of 1953  in 2003 for the 50th anniversary of their graduation. Here is a photo of Minerva from this time last year, so you can see the full statue. Minerva is the goddess of wisdom, justice, law, victory, and the sponsor of arts, trade, and strategy; and the patron of strategic war. (It sounds like she might have been an overachiever). Do you see the little bird on the left? He was joyfully pecking the flesh of one of the apples.

These college traditions and lore of things around campus, make good memories and are part of building community in higher education.  Students graduate from an institution knowing these special traditions. In addition to placing apples at the base of Minerva, there is a rock that gets painted (known as the Rawk), a superstition to not walk under the clock tower, and the tradition of wearing blue and gold (school colors) on Friday. What traditions did your schools have?

On the EUC Lawn at UNCG

Thursday was a lovely afternoon in Greensboro. After we left the book talk on the UNCG campus, we walked across the lawn of the student union. It was nice seeing all of these UNCG students spending time together, relaxing and socializing. This is the picture of the best of college life when students have the opportunity to meet in person. The building in the background really frames the photo. It is the tower, or stacks, added on to Jackson Library in the 1970's. The nine-story tower is quite a landmark on campus.

Just under 18,000 students enrolled at UNCG this fall. Thirty six percent of students live on campus. Let's hope that even those who don't live on campus have an opportunity to enjoy some of the campus activities- planned and impromptu. Even though it is going to be a rainy day today, there are still plenty of things to do on a college campus, and we have four of them in Greensboro.

Happy Saturday!

Hal & Eleanor Minnock-Pugh

To celebrate International Women's History Month, the UNC Greensboro University Libraries hosted a Book Talk & Signing by Hal E. Pugh and Eleanor Minnock-Pugh. After twenty-five years of researching and writing, they published the book, "Naomi "Omie" Wise: Her Life, Death and Legend."  The event, held in the Oakley Room at the Alumni House at UNCG, the event was free and open to the public. Naomi "Omie" Wise was a young woman from Randolph County, North Carolina who was born in or before 1789 and was murdered in 1807. Her murder resulted in a trial that was held in Guilford County and in the end, the suspect was acquitted due to nothing more than circumstantial evidence. This murder happened in an era when news spread through newspapers, books, and oral tradition. The case generated much interest.  Many of the details of the murder are derived from the 147 various texts and fragments appearing about the case. Hal Pugh was intrigued by the case because he is related to the family back 5 generations. 

One of the most famous ballads about Naomi Wise is Bob Dylan's 1961 version. However, we likely owe all of the information about Naomi Wise to the great storytelling in North Carolinian Braxton Craven's 1851 book, "Naomi Wise, or the Victim." However, the Pughs say if the truth is a straight road, Braxton Craven's version was a curvy, embellished one. However, the story has endured for 217 years. If you read the Pughs' book, you will not only learn about a North Carolina woman whose story only endures because of her horrific demise, you will learn how meticulous research unfolds. The Pughs told us they are glad the research lasted for twenty-five years, because in recent years so many records and pieces of archival material have been made available through the internet, making it possible for them to search documents and records without having to travel hundreds of miles. In their spare time, when not research and writing about Naomi Wise, the Pughs are busy producing original redware and stoneware pottery.

The Greensboro community is lucky to have access to university-sponsored events like this one.

Happy Friday!

Softball Season: Bring On the Spring Sports!

The spring sports season is well underway and softball is the favorite of many. The above photo shows the UNCG women's softball team practicing on their home field at the corner of Walker Avenue and Josephine Boyd. Today, the Spartans are on the road at Elon University. The season will run into early May. The next home game will be Sunday, March 3rd at 1:00 pm in this stadium. If you are available, head out to watch the team, as the University is on Spring Break and so the players are working hard turning a time when many of their classmates are off to exotic beaches. This $3,000,000 stadium was completed in 2006 and is a nice place to watch a game. In 2003, Elon was ranked as a top North Carolina D1 school for softball*, so this game should be fun to watch.

We've had some rainy days this week, which also bring out some blue skies. This weekend should be nice, so whether you head to Elon to see a game or come to Spartan stadium on Sunday, the weather should be nice. If you know of teens in the area who play softball, this is the perfect place for them to see some great playing.  Whatever you decide to do this weekend, may you enjoy yourself.

Happy Saturday!

*reference.

GCS Tuesday Tours

Today starts Tuesday Tours for Guilford County Schools (GCS). Our local public school district offers 48 choice schools and a title of 66 programs, over K-12 grades. These programs help engage learners and prepare them for future careers. They provide hands-on experience and in some cases internships. The above photo was taken last Wednesday (January 31st) when schools set up in the Coliseum to showcase their offerings. The above photo was taken on the elementary school section of the choice fair. Unfortunately, we didn't get to talk to the teacher setting up the robot. As soon as we snapped the photo, there were many interested families with questions and we didn't interrupt.

Three Tuesdays in February, choice schools will offer tours for prospective applicants. It is so important that families, especially students, tour, and ask questions to ensure the goodness of fit for a student and a chosen program. Usually, a student can tell if there is a goodness of fit and if the school's offerings match their interests. Most programs are lottery based and slots are very coveted. If you are interested in a school or program. Here is a link to choice schools and tour offerings. GCS currently has several schools under construction and these new schools will be fantastic. Here's to great tours and students finding their academic home.

Happy Tuesday! 

Social Justice Presentation at Hairston Auditorium

Yesterday at 10:00 am, people gathered to celebrate the legacy of four North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) students and the role they played in the civil rights movement. This was the 64th anniversary of the Sit-Ins that first took place on February 1, 1960. At 10:00 am, there was a service and wreath laying ceremony in front of the February One Statue. After, high school students were invited to attend a social justice presentation by a panel of five very accomplished NC A&T students who answered questions about what they were doing to bring about change and gave high school students advice on what they could do to be actively engaged. The NC A&T students also talked about the opportunities at NC A&T and what a great school it is. The high school students were respectful and engaged, likely impressed that some of the university students were just a few years older than they are. The young man on the left has already appeared on Good Morning America and other national shows talking about social justice and making a difference. The student in the middle is just 19 years old and graduating this spring. The man on the left is an articulate freshman. Indeed, the above four students were role models for the high school students.

If we had one with for schools, it would be to offer more field trips. They are so hard to arrange these days, between the bus driver shortage, needed funding, and the pressure to cover core curriculum. Yesterday's field trip was impactful to the high school students who were able to attend, not only for the opportunity to participate in the February One ceremony and the social justice talk, but also to just spend time together making memories. After the presentation, students walked from the university campus to downtown Greensboro to the International Civil Rights Museum and Center. It was a cool, but sunny day and memories were made. 

Happy Friday!

February One- Black History Month

And so we begin Black History Month, a month of people learning about events that propelled the Civil Rights Movement and Black history in general. February One is a big day, it is also the day that the Greensboro Four marched from the campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University  (NC A&T) to the F.W. Woolworth Building at 134 South Elm Street. The above monument, by Greensboro artist and sculptor, James Barnhill, was installed on the campus of NC A&T in 2002. It features the Greensboro Four: David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair, Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), and Joseph McNeil.

Today, many people will be visiting NC A&T campus to participate in a special ceremony for the events of February 1, 1960. It is important to remember the past and to work in the moment to lead society in the direction of equity. There is a PBS documentary about February One. It would be in all of our best interests to watch the documentary. 

Happy Thursday! Happy February!

North Carolina A&T University Preparing for Black History Month

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is preparing for Black History Month starting with the February One Celebration. The exhibit has been installed in the H.C. Taylor Art Gallery, located in the old administration building, just behind the February One Monument. This exhibit is not to be missed. Mia and Norris McAdoo have loaned the gallery over 650 artifacts that provide insight into the lives and experiences of African Americans from the era of enslavement to present day.

The above photo is of a slave transport collar. Other items include a playbill from the Broadway play of "A Raisin in the Sun," copies of "Negro Digest" from the 1940s, and a Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee screen print from 1964. Many people collect ephemera and other items from history. The McAdoos have assembled an invaluable museum. The collection ranges from warm, nostalgic memories to more jarring ones like the above collar. In the background, you see a museum worker adjusting gallery lights so  the exhibit will be just perfect when it opens to the public. He encouraged us to also visit the exhibit on the second floor. Greensboro is a city with so much history related to the Civil Rights Movement. If you are local, we encourage you to use the month of February to learn as much as you can. If you are from elsewhere, please come visit.

Happy Wednesday!

Receiver

If you are looking for something meaningful to do on a winter day, we'd suggest you visit the Weatherspoon Art Museum on the southeast corner of the UNCG campus, at the corner of Spring Garden Street and Tate Street. The above photo is of the rear entrance, near the dedicated parking area for museum visitors. The painted bronze sculpture in the center of the photo is "Receiver."  It has been placed in the courtyard and Urban Francis has been moved to the second floor. The artist of this sculpture is Huma Bhabha, who was born in Pakistan, but now lives in New York State. She is known for ambiguity in her art and based on the description of the piece, the title could refer to the receiver-like headphones in the figure's ears, it could refer to the figure itself- as in a being who receives others and who receives communication- or likely both.

According to The Center for New North Carolinians, there are approximately 1,000 Pakistanis living in Guilford County (reference), and many live around Allen J Elementary School in High Point. Allen J offers a dual-language immersion program in Urdu, a language of Pakistan. The program has gained national attention (reference).  The Weatherspoon Art Museum is mindful of the growing diversity in the population of Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina and the United States. Their acquisitions and exhibits reflect this growing diversity. The Bhabha sculpture is one of many examples.  If you get a chance, stop by and see this sculpture, and also the exhibits. If you like photography, you will really enjoy the current exhibits. See information about exhibits and hours here.

Happy Midweek! 

Hampton Elementary Demolition Has Started

Hampton Elementary School on Trade Street on the eastern side of Greensboro, was severely damaged in a tornado in April of 2018. Guilford County Schools, the City of Greensboro, and the community at large have been in discussion as to what to do with the school. Ideas ranged from revitalizing it to tearing it down. After other options did not pan out, the Guilford County Schools Board of Education voted to give the land to the City. The hope is to make the property into something the local community- known as Cottage Grove- can use so that children will benefit. *  It is a nice piece of land and it was especially pretty yesterday when we visited and the sun was shining. If you notice on the left, the door is open as workers were inside. Most of the noticeable demolition to date is on the back side of the building.

The school is named for William M Hampton who was a physician. Dr. Hampton was also a Board of Education member and the first Black person elected to the Greensboro City Council.**   There has been a nomination to include his name as part of the new visual and performing arts elementary school being built to replace Peeler and Hampton Schools. The current nomination seeks to preserve both names. Hampton School is tucked back into a neighborhood. If you are out this weekend, it is worth a drive past it. Perhaps you will have some ideas to share about the land.

Happy Friday!

 

• reference and more information HERE.
• ** reference and more information HERE.

Rainy Day Downtown

Yesterday was a dark and rainy day with some high winds. While the worst of the storm skirted Greensboro, there were issues with standing water on many of the streets and there were overturned garbage cans on many of the streets with Tuesday garbage service. As we drove through town and Friendly Center, the area was pretty empty for a weekday. The above photo was taken at the corner of West Friendly Avenue and North Greene Street.

The building in the photo is Elon Law School, which opened in downtown Greensboro in 2006. This building at 201 North Greene Street opened in 1960 as the Greensboro Public Library. It was designed by Greensboro architect Edward Loewenstein in partnership with Gregory Ivy, who was chairman of the art department at Woman's College (now UNCG) from 1935- 1961. It is so nice to see downtown buildings preserved and repurposed and to know, not only did  201 North Greene Street have a memorable past as a library, but that great learning here will continue well into the future. As wet as it was outside, especially from 2:30- 4:30 pm, it was warm and cozy inside for students and faculty.

Happy Wednesday!

Happy Hanukkah 2023

Hanukkah is an 8-day Jewish Festival of Lights. It is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, and special fried foods. Hanukkah means "decdication" in Hebrew, because it celebrates the rededication of the Temple. The menorah is a candelabrum. The giant menorah in the above photo can be found at the corner of Hobbs and Jefferson near New Garden. Last night was day 2 of Hanukkah and people were at the temple for Shabbat or Sabbath services. The evening was crisp,  in the low 40s, a day of rest for Jews. The Jewish citizens of Greensboro have contributed significantly to the community. Their mitzvot (good deeds) are everywhere.

The original Temple Emanuel on Greene Street was built in 1924. The temple on Jefferson Road was completed in 2002. It is hard to believe it is already 21 years old.

We hope this holiday is a memorable one.

Happy Saturday!

Principal for a Day 2023

Yesterday, the Guilford Education Alliance held their 2023 Principal for a Day program. Local community leaders shadowed workers in Guilford County Schools. The above photo features Brent Christensen with Keisha Brown. Mr. Christensen is President and CEO of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Brown is Principal of the Middle College at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Ms. Brown gave Mr. Christensen a tour of the Middle College, and it was a perfect day to visit the school, because the high school seniors were giving final presentations for their Pathways class. Pathways is a dual-credit class (high school and college) that prepares students to be college, career, and life ready. One of the components of Pathways is internships in the local community. 

The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, located downtown at 111 W. February 1 Place, is the largest business organization in Greensboro. According to their website, The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, established in 1877,  serves over 1,300 businesses, helping them succeed and grow. They also help attract new businesses to the area. The chamber plays an integral role in attracting new businesses to the area and keeping existing businesses here. To that end, developing relationships with the local school community is to the chamber's advantage. Having an opportunity for the school community to know more about local leadership, businesses, and opportunities for entrepreneurship is also beneficial. Thank you to the Guilford Education Alliance and Guilford County Schools for providing this opportunity. Thank you to Mr. Christensen and Ms. Brown for taking time out of your very busy schedules to participate in this initiative. It was a very productive day. 

Happy Friday! 

Friends- Guilford College Style

Saturday is a perfect day for friends. Last Saturday, four friends gathered at Scuppernong Books to spend time together. Madison Burkhardt, Jillian Southworth, Brownie Southworth, and Laura Mae Allen were roommates at Guilford College. Madison majored in biology, Jillian in psychology, Brownie in geology, and Laura Mae in history and education. In spite of their diversity in interests, they found more in common than differences. They got along so well, Jillian and Brownie married and all four remain lifelong friends.

When asked what they loved about Guilford College, the response was the sense of community fostered at the college and the fact that the professors really care about students. What a great testimonial to the learning environment at Guilford College. It is heartwarming to see people gather in downtown Greensboro, celebrating their friendships and reminiscing over their college experiences. Scuppernong Books is one of many perfect places to spend time together in Greensboro. Call a friend and head downtown. As for the above four, may their friendships continue to deepen and may they always find time for each other. Something we love about Greensboro Daily Photo is all of the great people we meet.

Happy Saturday!

Northeast High School Marching Band

The above photo features the drum major and the Northeast High School marching band at the Veterans Day Parade this past Saturday. The band sounded great and put on quite a performance dancing and marching. Veterans and other parade attendees seemed to really enjoyed their performance. They were appreciated by parade goers. According to their website, the director of bands is Ms. Tyrissa Swilley. 

If you missed the Veterans Day Parade, your next big opportunity in Greensboro will be the Winter Holiday/Christmas Parade on December 2nd from 12 noon-2:00 pm. This parade has been a Greensboro tradition for almost 40 years. In addition to bands and floats, there will be some big balloons. The night before, on Friday, December 1st, the Festival of Lights will be held downtown. This is another big Greensboro tradition and time for making memories with family and friends. At the First Friday festival, performances start in Center City Park at 5:30 pm and the lighting of the tree happens promptly at 6:56 pm and the evening concludes at 9:00 pm. So, mark your calendars now, as this time of year starts getting really busy. In the meantime...

Happy Monday, a week and a half until Thanksgiving!

Lynsey Addario

Last night, we had the pleasure of hearing Lynsey Addario speak at Tanger Center as part of the 2023-2024 Bryan Series: Heroes in our Midst. Indeed, Addario is a hero. This American photojournalist has covered humanitarian crises in the Middle East and Africa for more than two decades. She is one brave person. When The New York Times or National Geographic call with a high-risk assignment, she heads to the heart of a conflict, sometimes accompanying the military on the front line. She has won Pulitzer Prizes, most recently in 2023. She is the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship and was named one of the world's most influential photographers, giving the world a first-hand view of war and conflict. Ms. Addario tells very compelling stories about her powerful experiences.

Greensboro is so lucky to have the Bryan Series and the Tanger Center.  As we pause to celebrate Veterans Day tomorrow and Saturday, we are reminded that Ms. Addario knows her share of veterans, many of whom she was on assignment with on the front line; many of whom she saw gravely wounded or killed. A veteran is a person who served in the military. Another definition is a person who has had long experience in a particular field. Ms. Addario is a veteran photojournalist who is as close to being a military veteran as you can be without actually enlisting. We thank you, Ms. Addario, for your service.

Happy Friday!

Southeast High School Art and the PTSA

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to visit Southeast High School. We were struck by the friendliness of all the teachers and staff. Additionally, the Parent-Teacher-Student Association provided a chili lunch for teachers and staff. Options ranged from traditional to turkey based to white chili. The white chili options were consumed first. Yesterday and today in Guilford County Schools are teacher workdays. While workdays can be a challenge for families without childcare, these days are much needed for teachers to get paperwork done and prepare lessons for the remainder of the semester. On site, we were impressed with all of the art in the school. The above piece is located on an interior courtyard, located just outside the art classroom. The globe in hand sends the message that, with hard work and a commitment to learning,  students have access to the world.

Schools are closed today to give people an opportunity to attend the North Carolina A&T University Homecoming.*  If you want to be part of the fun, head downtown or to campus. Crowds are predicted to be large. Remember alum and current students, make good choices. You've got the whole world in your hand. Thinking of PTSA, it would be interesting to know how many parents, teachers, and students in the Guilford County Schools will  attend the NC A &T State University homecoming.We're betting a LOT!

Happy Friday, everyone!

 

* See here for more information about what is billed as "The Greatest Homecoming on Earth."

Inspiring Women in STEM

Last night, NC Global Leadership (NCGL), in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, held a conversation with international women in S.T.E.M. The title of the program was "Hidden No More, International Women Leaders in S.T.E.M. Fields." The event was sponsored by, and held at, the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. NCGL Board Member Lisa Stahlmann Jessar moderated the program. The above photo features the seven, international visiting scholars among new friends, students, and supporters who came out to hear them speak. All were engrossed in conversation before and after a brief pause for this photo. The visiting scientist/leaders are from Bolivia, Costa Rica, Iraq, Mongolia, Nigeria, Panama, and the Republic of Korea. 

These  international women leaders in S.T.E.M shared their educational and career journeys and challenges they had to overcome. During the question and answer time, they mentioned the need for equal opportunities for women and more balanced opportunities in the field. They said people in the science fields need soft skills, entrepreneurship and leadership skills. Answering a question of a doctoral student from Kenya about how she could help and nurture women in science, Ms. Wara Mendez (Bolivia) said "there is no need to reinvent the wheel, resources are out there; but you have to seek them out."  A man in the audience said he believed these international visiting leaders are successful because they "never took no for an answer."  

This event was an example of partnerships within partnerships resulting in cultivating international relationships on many levels.  Since its inception in the 1940s, the International Visitor Leadership Program has among its past participants over 500 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government. With great interest, we will follow the careers of the women in this cohort.

Happy Tuesday!

Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program 2023

Six weeks have flown by as 21 Teachers from 20 countries have been in Greensboro at UNCG. Already experts and leaders in their fields, the teachers learned about American culture and also teaching techniques used in the American school systems. Each Fulbright scholar spent a week in a Guilford County school collaborating with partner teachers at the host schools. Participating schools were: Middle College at UNCG, Doris Henderson Newcomers School, Johnson Street Global Studies Elementary School, Northern Guilford High School, and Western Guilford High School.

Seated in the center are Dr. Maria Anastasiou (red jacket), Fulbright TEA Program Director and Associate Provost for International Programs at UNCG. To the right of Dr. Anastasiou is Dr. Jane He, Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education and Higher Education at UNCG. Both faculty members were closely involved in the Fulbright Program. Part of the beauty of a university and college community is the opportunity to gain a more global perspective through interaction with people from across the globe. If you have a chance to host an international scholar in your classroom or in your home, please do so, you won't regret it. You will gain as much as you give. Every indication is that Greensboro left a powerful impression on these 21 scholars that will last a lifetime

Happy Saturday!

Happy Founders Weekend 150 Years Bennett College

Happy 150 years since the founding of Bennett College. This is such an exciting time for the college with many special activities planned. The college was founded in 1873 in the basement of St. Matthews United Methodist. In the beginning, Bennett was co-educational. In 1926, the college was reorganized and became a school for women only.

The weekend kicked off with a Women and Democracy in Morocco Symposium in the Global Center Multipurpose Room. In the above photo, Dr. Anne Hayes, Executive Director of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies at Bennett,  is welcoming people to the session. Program participants, a global studies team of Bennett College and Guilford County Schools educators, participated in a month long excursion in Morocco. The 12  participants presented heir individual projects, which were researched during the month-long Fulbright-Hays Short Term Group Project Abroad grant. Yesterday's  symposium at Bennett was free and open to the public. In attendance were Bennett faculty and alumnae, students from the A&T Middle College, and and other community members.

Bennett College has played such an important role in the history of higher education and civil rights in Greensboro. The community owes it to the institution to support it by preserving its rich history and ensuring that this great institution continues into the future. Happy birthday, Bennett College!

 Today, a wear all white breakfast will be held in the Global Learning Center Multipurpose Room. See the rest of the schedule Here.

National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and college students are especially vulnerable. Many are away from home for the first time without the safety net of family and friends. Also, the rigor of college courses can be stressful. The above photo features a field of awareness and inspirational sayings at UNCG. The display gives  people resources and something to think about as they walk along the path in front of the Elliot University Center. 

988 is a dedicated number for people to call if they are in crisis or need information about resources. NAMI Guilford (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is another resource for Greensboro and the surrounding area. NAMI got started in Madison, WI, in the 1970s and now has affiliate groups in 48 states. We also have a North Carolina NAMI. These pinwheels get displayed every year and they remind us to always make an effort to be kind and to let people around us know we care. The pinwheels represent people who have died by suicide. The white stacks of Jackson Library can be in the background. May we have fewer pinwheels next year. 

Celebration of Excellence

Guilford County Schools held a celebration of excellence at Ragsdale High School on Thursday night. The event, indeed, was celebratory and excellent. Schools banded together with  teachers and staff of their respective schools exuding camaraderie in every corner of the auditorium. The above photo is of Hunter Elementary teachers and staff marching in with a poster of support for their teacher of the year nominee, Jhonatan Marín Mesa. Señor Marín Mesa has an undergraduate degree from Universidad Pontifical Bolivariana in Colombia and an M.Ed. from Elon University. He teaches at Hunter Elementary, located at 1305 Merritt Drive,  and his students and colleagues love him. Of the five finalists for Teacher of the Year, he won and his school was jubilant.

The event was sponsored by the Guilford Education Alliance. There was a spirit parade and light refreshments as part of the pre-program. During the event, GCS administrators Greg Newlin and Kimberly Robertson served as Emcees and did so playing the role of Barbie and Ken, infusing a humor into the event. It was so nice seeing public school educators being recognized and enjoying an evening together. This is one of many examples of the school day not ending when the bell rings. We overheard the person saying behind us, "I'll bet we are the only district that celebrates like this." We hope those teachers are enjoying their weekend and that Mr. Marín Mesa is planning his speech since he is advancing to the regional teacher of the year competition.

Happy Saturday!

 

"Brace for Impact"

Sully Sullenberger was the first speaker in the new season of the Guilford College Bryan Series. This is the second year the Bryan Series has been held at  the Tanger Center downtown. Last night's event was well attended and the audience was engaged as Sully talked about the harrowing 300 seconds before guiding a disabled Airbus 320 into the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. Once he made the decision to make an emergency water landing, he had to decide what to tell the 155 people on the plane. He said he knew passengers and crew needed to hear from the Captain and he needed to sound calm and confident. He chose his words carefully, telling everyone to "Brace for impact." 

He also talked about his career path, what it takes to be a pilot, and the importance of students taking civics classes and understanding the importance of acting for the good of others, not just ourselves. He also talked about post event and the many hours of interviews related to the event. He talked about the initial toll it took on his sleep, not being able to sleep for more than 45 minutes at a time the first few days. Then, at age 57, he said his blood pressure was around 108/50, but after the event, it soared to 150/100- likening the situation to PTSD. One tactic Sully used for working through these after effects was writing about the event. He has retired from U.S. Airways and now focuses on public speaking, advocating for policies that make flying as safe as possible, and writing. Last night, he fielded questions from the audience, including from the woman who had been in seat 2C that day. 

The theme for the 2023-2024 Bryan Series is Heroes in our Midst. Indeed, Chesley Burnett "Sully" Sullenberger III was a great beginning to this year's series.

Happy Friday!

National College Colors Day

Tomorrow is National College Colors Day; so, search your closet for clothing to represent your favorite institution of higher education. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has been publicizing the event widely and is hoping everyone will wear blue and gold tomorrow.  The men's soccer team hosts Louisville at 7:00 pm and faculty and staff who arrive before 7:00 pm in school colors have a chance to win a raffle. T-shirts are being handed out on campus this week.

While the above photo is lacking in blue and gold, it does feature one of the newest sculptures on campus. This is the new woven bronze woman's tribute sculpture outside the Stone Building, at the back of the Elliot University Center. To help orient you, it is as if this sculpture is looking at Minerva. This sculpture is Astera and she symbolizes the "aspirations and spirits of all the women who passed through Woman's College's halls." * Bronze is a strong material; the open weave and opening on other side, partially stop the eye, but make it possible to see through it. Children, and probably college students, love to hop in and actually sit in the statue. The interior makes a beautiful backdrop for photos. So, don some blue and gold and go take a selfie with Astera, whose name means star, but also the Latin name for daisy, which is considered the UNCG flower.

The sculptor is Michael Stutz.  It reminds us that universities are dynamic places adding resources and making changes on an ongoing basis. 

Happy Thursday and the last day of August!

 

*reference and link HERE.

Happy First Day of School- 2023-2024

For students in traditional schools in Guilford County, today is the first day of the 2023-2024 school year. The photo we've chosen for the opening of school is the signage on the Cornwallis Drive side of Irving Park Elementary. As you can see, the school was established in 1923, making this year its centenary anniversary. The main entrance to the school is on the Sunset Drive side of the building, but the back is the main pick up and drop off site and the side with this visible sign with the date. The school is named in honor of the residential development surrounding the school, Irving Park. The "Irving" in the Irving Park neighborhood and school, was the father of Alfred Moore Scales. Mr. Scales, who was the nephew of a North Carolina governor, named the neighborhood for his father, Irving Scales. Mr. Scales owned the land on which the country club, a gold course, and a restricted residential area was located. One hundred years of teaching and learning has taken place at Irving Park Elementary! Here's to a great school year. Hopefully, they will have a big celebration, possibly even a homecoming for former students, teachers, and administrators.

Happy 100th IPES and Happy Monday!

 

Guilford College on a Quiet Sunday Morning

Guilford College was founded by the Religious Society of Friends (also known as Quakers)  in 1837. This 340 acre campus, once remotely located west of Greensboro, is now part of the suburbs of the city. Seeing the  publicity lately about its the involvement in the Underground Railroad, we are reminded of what a peaceful sanctuary this lovely place is. Since 1990, Friends Center has been a program on campus that aims to support and nurture the Quaker-inspired and multi-faith activities. Friends Center is located in the Alumni House. 

Soon, students will be arriving on campus for fall semester. Especially for students who are struggling being away from home for the first time, or students in general who are feeling lonely, a place like Friends Center can make all the difference in helping students adjust to campus life. If you are looking for a way to do some good, consider donating or being involved in a program like this one or any such program at a house of worship. In the meantime, if you just need a quiet place to walk and appreciate the beauty of nature, the Guilford College Campus is a great place to start.  The Underground Railroad Tree, a tulip popular that dates to the 1700s, is such a spiritual place and a great addition to any campus walk. 

Have a great Sunday!

Bennett College and Middle College at UNCG Faculty Visiting Morocco

Bennett College received a Fulbright-Hays grant to study Women and Democracy in Morocco. Currently, six Bennett faculty, five Middle College at UNCG teachers and their principal are in Morocco conducting research. The above photo was taken in the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca on July 8th at the beginning of their tour. Dr. Anne Hayes, Executive Director of Global & Interdisciplinary Studies at Bennett College  (fourth from right) and Sofyan Essarraoui, former Arabic Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) at Bennett College (seated), have put together a very special itinerary.  Between July 6th-August 4th, the group is traveling to eight different cities in Morocco in order to experience the diversity of culture and terrain in the country. Along the way, they are participating in meetings with several Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and interviewing Moroccans about contemporary issues.

Since 2009, several Moroccan Fulbright FLTAs have taught Arabic at Bennett College, which has created a special connection between Bennett College and Morocco. This connection will continue in August, when an FLTA from Rabat arrives to teach Arabic at Bennett and to take classes. We are so lucky to have this HBCU, with so much civic and global engagement, in Greensboro. Writing the grant for this study experience and including public school teachers and their administrator in the opportunity is just one example of the fine things happening at this global-minded institution at the corner of East Washington and Bennett Streets.

First Moravian Church- Vacation Bible School

School is out for the summer and tis the season of Vacation Bible School. The above photo is of the First Moravian Church of Greensboro (304 South Elam Avenue) with the signage on their front lawn advertising their Vacation Bible School. Crafts, music, dinner, what could be more appealing to provide an option for children to build summer memories with their spiritual home. If you are interested, you'd need to do something TODAY, because it starts tomorrow- at least based on what we see on the website. The theme this year is "Going Global: Where in the World Are Moravians?" Participants will learn the culture and customs of Moravians around the world. To be sure, follow the QR code on the banner in front of the church.

If you are not Moravian, not to worry, there are summer VBS programs for all denominations. If you want to be Moravian, this church is a fabulous place to visit.

Happy Sunday!

Oak Ridge military Academy- ORMA

Oak Ridge Military Academy (ORMA), founded in 1852, is the nation's oldest military academy. It is a school that is said to build character, confidence, and the students' futures. It is located on Highway 150 at US 68. The above photo was taken recently as cadets were retiring the flag for the day. If you are interested in learning about the academy's history, HERE is a timeline. ORMA tries to ensure that students develop college and life readiness. They have 90 students enrolled in grades 7-12, or about 15 per grade level. When an organization has this much history in Guilford County, it is nice to think that this 100 acre campus will be around for a very long time.

If you are looking for summer opportunities, they do have three: A leadership adventure camp; a high school academic camp; and a middle school academic camp. Call them or check out their website, if you are interested. They may still have room.

Happy Wednesday!