Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2012 14:21:44 -0400
From: Mia Munn
Subject: Chef Challenge returns to Chatham County Schools

http://www.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/gwp/2394738/2961488/File/2012%20Press%20Releases/Chef%20Challenge%202012.htm?sessionid&sessionid=cf4358ab3e1e3227d5348c6af44a9e80

CHEF CHALLENGE TO RETURN FOR SECOND YEAR

On Leap Day, Chef Colin Bedford gazed at a table full of ingredients ranging from canned cling peaches and whole grain pasta, to local sweet potatoes and fresh spinach in efforts to plan a delicious, healthy meal. He was not designing a menu for his Chatham County restaurant, The Fearrington House, but a new lunch menu for the more than 8000 youth of Chatham County Public Schools.

The Abundance Foundation’s annual Chatham Chef Challenge brings high-profile chefs into schools to help create healthier school lunches in Chatham County Schools. The purpose of the Chef Challenge is to increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by students in grades pre K-12 while supporting GAP-certified local farms when possible. This project also works toward the Abundance Foundation’s mission of bringing greater education and access to local food to all families.

This year, the Chef Challenge consists of 4 Chefs: Chef Colin Bedford of Fearrington, Chef Jay Pierce of Lucky 32, Chef Gregg Hamm of CCCC Natural Chef program, and the cafeteria managers of some schools.

In partnership with the Chatham County Schools, Briar Chapel, Debbie McKenzie of the Southeast United Dairy Association, a team of committed community members and CCCC’s Natural Chef Program, Chatham County School lunches are going through transformation.  In addition, the marketing classes at Chatham Central High will be working on promotional materials as part of their classwork and supervised by teacher, Lynda Byrke.

Each chef or team is assigned a box of ingredients to create their recipe for a healthier school lunch. The menus designed by the chefs must be easy for the school cafeteria lunch teams to create and abide by the USDA requirements for the school lunch program. Each chef partners with cafeteria managers, cafeteria staff, teachers and principals to bring greater awareness to each school this spring. The 4 recipes are cooked by the staff and served to the students in all 17 Chatham County Public Schools on the Chef Challenge Days, which are April 19, April 26, May 3, and May 10th. Cafeteria Managers and Cafeteria Staff are extremely generous for volunteering their time to learn the new recipes designed by each of the 4 Chefs. The organization of Chatham Chef Challenge could not be done without the help of the dedicated team of superstar volunteers.

On Chef Challenge Days, over 8000 students have the opportunity to try the new lunch created by a superstar Chef with fresh and local ingredients. The students then take a survey to assess the Chef’s lunch. The recipes liked most by students permanently stay in rotation on the County’s school lunch menu.

Read the entire story at
http://www.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/gwp/2394738/2961488/File/2012%20Press%20Releases/Chef%20Challenge%202012.htm?sessionid&sessionid=cf4358ab3e1e3227d5348c6af44a9e80

Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2012 16:27:35 -0500
From: Mia Munn
Subject: CCS budget reduction suggestions

Mr. Logan sent out the list below of 40 suggestions to reduce the CCS 2012-2013 budget deficit. These were suggested by the district’s senior leadership team, the Budget Advisory Committee, and the Chatham County Association of Educators.  These suggestions will be shared with the board of education at the meeting Monday, March 5.

The CCS staff will estimate the savings from these suggestions this week and present the numbers to the budget advisory committee at the Thursday, March 8, meeting.  The suggestions will then be used to develop scenarios for the BOE to discuss on Monday, March 12.

If you have any additional suggestions, send them to Mr. Logan by 5pm Monday so they can be included in the discussion Thursday. If you want to give feedback on this suggestions, you can also email me directly.

Mia

•    Increase class size:  Present teacher/pupil ratio in Chatham County Schools is better than state teacher/pupil allocation formula.  By increasing class size, teaching positions could be decreased and savings realized.
•    Redesign alternative school: SAGE has been designed and staffed to serve our 9-12 at-risk population.  The state requires each LEA to offer an alternative program, not an alternative school.  Several approaches exist which would allow the school district to continue SAGE under a different design which would save cost.
•    Reduce specials (art and music programs).
•    Reduce instructional support: curriculum coaches (9), instructional facilitators ( ), and instructional technology facilitators (3).
•    Delete high school testing coordinators (3).
•    Reduction of Teacher Assistants: could reduce by grade level, by hours of employment, or by days of employment.
•    Mr. Hamm requested last March that we ask Surry County how they manage with a low level of central office staffing. Research this issue.
•    Benchmark against counties of similar size. Ask how they are staffed, and how they are dealing with the budget cuts (for next year and in the past 3 years). Some of this has been done, will share with budget committee..
•    Review staffing against state and local staffing guidelines. Eliminate anything in excess of those guidelines.
•    Examine out-sourced contracts – could the work be better done in-house? An example – do we still need Safelle contract, or could we handle that ourselves now that the custodians know what to do (we could
keep the token reward system). Have custodians handle lawn care instead of outsourcing.
•    Consider bringing the AVID program coordination in-house, at employee cost (or part of an employee) instead of consultant cost. Consultants typically are much more expensive than employees.  Total cost of AVID needs to be reviewed.
•    Some assistant principals could cover more than one school…esp. elementary, due to the fact that there may be fewer after school and evening extracurricular activities that would require principal’s attendance.
•    Eliminate assistant principals (above state-funded levels) (7 state paid, 6 locally paid). Have APs teach one or more classes a day.
•    Cost out what could be saved after transportation by closing one of the small schools. How long would bus rides be?
•    Add a staff member to look for efficiencies.
•    Look at a 4 day school week.
•    Are there any recently-created positions (past 5 years) that we once did without, and could do without again?
•    Reduce Administrative Assistants. In business, it is unusual for directors or small (<50) departments to have an administrative assistant.
•    Look at Other Professional Staff. What positions are of lowest value?
•    Homebound teacher for county. Other teachers used to be given extra pay to deliver home bound instruction. The position was created more recently.  The district has 1.2 positions designated for fulltime home bound service and has been in place for years.
•    Set up a “share your ideas” web page – ask the community for ideas. The budget survey was intended to gather community input.
•    Across the board pay cut (ask the commissioners if they would consider reducing the supplement).
•    Reduce local salary for employees on contracts being renewed this year.
•    Can the testing coordinator positions at the high schools be eliminated and be assigned to a central office employee?
•    Eliminate Testing Coordinators (suggested three times).
•    Eliminate Instructional Facilitators (suggested two times)
•    Librarians/media specialists could cover more than one school (esp. small schools and lower grade levels). Volunteers can do some library duties.
•    Curriculum coaches…we have not had them until recently. We can do without them.
•    Do away with curriculum coaches.  That position is a bonus – not mandatory. (suggested 3 times).
•    Could the schools generate money (grant writer or other sources)?
•    Limit buying new technology – we don’t have to have as many computers as we do.
•    Investigate if some preschool programs need to find space in other facilities (such as local church buildings). There are a variety of different programs and funding for them could be complex. Unless the cost of keeping them on main campuses is already completely funded via other means (such a federal funds), it’s possible that schools still pay to have them occupy space…esp. if schools have extra mobile units due to limited space. More classroom space for k-12 can amount to fewer mobile units.
•    Reduce the number of sports (high school and middle school). Charge a participation fee.
•    Change the Instructional Facilitators to shared positions at the high school level, possibly 1/2 teaching load + 1/2 Instructional duties.
•    Shifting financial responsibility for Driver’s Education to parents. Is this an area that is instructionally necessary?
•    In the past apparently, CCS used to hire folks before/after EOCs and brought in a Testing Coordinator just for that time. Other times of the year, counselors performed those duties. Counselors perform those duties at the elementary level, so do we need TC in the secondary schools?
•    We discussed that if sports were cut, that would impact funds received from the PTA Thrift Stores.  For example, not all teachers volunteer, but they do benefit from funds generated by cheerleaders who work, etc.
•    Discontinue paying the cost for duel enrollment courses at CCCC.
•    Discontinue paying cost of AP courses at high schools.
•    Discontinue paying the cost of PSAT for those not paid for by the state.

Date: Wed, 4 Jan 2012 09:08:07 -0500 (EST)
From: David R. Peters
Subject: New Chatham Business

Would like to announce the arrival of a new business here in Chatham which will serve the entire region.

Bear Creek Landscape Development is a registered North Carolina Landscape Contractor, License # 1850, with over 38 years in the landscape construction industry. We can handle your entire landscape package from setting up DENR erosion control measures to clearing and grading, drainage, retaining walls, patios, decks, arbors, fences, brickwork, flagstone, pavers, granite, to soil prep, grassing, sodding, irrigation and planting.

We have experience in commercial, industrial, Governmental, residential and estate work. We have done green roofs,  rain-store systems, bio-retention systems, parks, golf courses, rose gardens, the list is too long to give you it all.

Call us and let Bear Creek Landscape Development look at your project and give you a fair and competitive bid.
Quality work done right the first time.
David Peters  919-200-3930

Date: Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:15:58 -0400
From: Rocco Richard
Subject: Trunk or Treat

We are still looking for about 5-10 more volunteers for our 2nd annual Trunk or Treat at SW Park in Bear Creek.  We need folks to open up their car trunks or truck beds for the kids to trick or treat.  You can decorate however you would like.  We will provide all the goodies.  The event starts at 5:30 and will end at 7:30 on Friday October 28.  At 7:30 we will be showing an outdoor movie.  The movie is TBD.  For more information please call me at 919-545-8553.  Or you can email me at rocco.richard@chathamnc.org

Rocco Richard
Recreation Program Supervisor
Chatham County Parks and Recreation

Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2011 15:41:43 +0000
From: Karen Heilman
Subject: Margaret Pollard

I have a student in my AP English Language and Composition class who is writing a research paper about Margaret Pollard. The topic is how an elected official has shown courage through a political act.

This student would like to speak with anyone who has worked closely with Ms. Pollard or a family member who can provide insight into this topic. She will need the information by the end of next week (10/13). Please email me directly and I will get you in touch with this student. Thank you for your help.

Karen Heilman, M.Ed.
Chatham Central High School
14950 NC Hwy 902 West
Bear Creek, NC 27207
919.837.2251

Date: Tue, 4 Oct 2011 11:58:03 +0000
From: Virginia Mary Jacks
Subject: Bear Creeks’ Best

Bear Creek’s Cockmans Upholstery maps.google.com – 17212 Nc Highway 902, Bear Creek – (919) 837-5862
 
Terrific folks and excellent in upholstery.  Give’m a call!!!
 
Virginia Mary JacKs

Date: Mon, 3 Oct 2011 20:40:41 -0700 (PDT)
From: Lynn Scott
Subject: Chatham Central Fall Pitching Camp

Come join us Saturday October 22nd from 1:00pm-4:00pm for Chatham Central High School’s Baseball Pitching Camp. The camp will be open to ages 7-14 and the cost will be $30. There will be instruction in proper warm-up routines, techniques (wind up and stretch), holding runners and much more! The camp will take place at the Ronald Scott Baseball Complex at Chatham Central High School.
 
Instructors will include the Chatham Central Baseball Coaching Staff, former players and other instructors. There are limited spots available so please sign up early. Call Pete Saulsbury to sign up or for more information. Cell:919-801-3848  E-mail:peterose24@aol.com

Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:49:26 -0400
From: Rocco Richard
Subject: Lawn Chair Movie Series

Chatham County Parks and Recreation is pleased to offer 3 free outdoor movies this fall.  Information is below.  See you there……

Friday September 23rd @ Northwest Park in Silk Hope.  Movie starts at 8:00.  Popcorn, nachos and drinks will be available for a small fee.  We will be showing Gnomeo and Juliet<http://movlic.com/publicity/Synopsis/0030477.html>.

Friday October 28th @ Southwest Park in Bear Creek.  This is our annual Trunk or Treat. We will have kids games, inflatables, concessions(fee applies) and of course, trick or treating.  If you are willing to decorate and  open up your trunk or truck bed please call 919-545-8553.  We will provide all the goodies to give away.  The event starts at 5:30 and the movie starts at 7:30.  Movie title is TBD, but will be family friendly and Halloween themed.

Friday November 18th @ Northeast Park off of Big Woods Rd.  Movie starts at 7:30.  Popcorn, nachos and drinks will be available for a small fee.  Movie is TBD and will be family friendly.

For more information please call 919-545-8553.

Rocco Richard
Recreation Program Supervisor
Chatham County Parks and Receation

Date: Wed, 22 Jun 2011 05:30:27 -0700 (PDT)
From: laurie weiser
Subject: Rabies Vaccination

On Monday 6/20/11 a Chatham Co. resident came out to find a dead fox in her horse’s paddock.  The fox had bit her horse and the horse had kicked and killed the fox.  The fox tested positive for rabies.  Thankfully her horse had been vaccinated, but was given a booster as protocol.   In April we killed a rabid skunk on my neighbor’s property in Silk Hope.

The Rabies Virus is prevalent in our area and as such it is PARAMOUNT to have all your dogs, cats, and horses vaccinated.  Not only is it the LAW but it is also the smart thing to do!  Vaccination is not something to put off as once rabies sets into a mammal it is 100% fatal.

Our Mobile Unit offers rabies vaccination as a WALK-IN service for dogs and cats.  Our Mobile Unit schedule is Wednesday mornings from 9:30-noon at the following locations/ dates:

Siler City Walmart 6/22
New Hill “It’s All About Horses” 6/29
Bear Creek Harper’s Crossroads 7/6

Our website is currently being revamped (and hopefully done this week).  Once it is we will have a calendar with our schedule & locations clearly posted.

Pittsboro Animal Hospital & Mobile Unit
919-542-5712
www.pittsboroanimalhospital.com

Date: Fri, 6 May 2011 08:54:10 -0400
From: Rocco Richard
Subject: Family Fun Day

Come out and join us for our 5th Annual Family Fun Day at Southwest Park in Bear Creek. Saturday, May 14 from 10 am-1 pm. Activities include Giant Water Slide, Bounce House, Games, Health Information, Door Prizes, and Food(fees apply). The event is free of charge.
Park is beside Chatham Central High School
15124 HWY 902
For More Information: 919-545-8555

Rocco Richard
Recreation Program Supervisor
Chatham County Parks and Receation