Social and Emotional Learning Resources

Our 1st Vice President, Mary Daughtry, conducted an interview with Dr. Amanda Allen, Executive Director of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in Johnston County Schools (JCS.) The interview is part of our endeavor to learn more and to stay informed about the issues concerning JCS. We are hopeful that the interview with Dr. Allen sheds light on some of the plans that are being made relative to SEL. Dr. Allen began her educational career as a school counselor in JCS and wanted to share how JCS school counselors are able to do their jobs during the Pandemic and how they are getting out to our students in order to meet their needs. Below is the list of questions Mary asked Dr. Allen. To hear how Dr. Allen responded to each questions, please view the Zoom video sent to you by email.

Questions Answered Dr. Allen:
Very few people really know what is involved in SEL, can you explain exactly what it is and what you do?

Has the experience of the last ten months revealed any deficiencies and are there areas that will require special attention in public education as we move forward and we are able to come back together face-to-face?

You mentioned that SEL can come under the umbrella of Student Services or Curriculum and Instruction. Can you help us understand the difference between the two?
What role does SEL play in addressing the drop out issue or the drop out to prison pipeline and do either law enforcement or the Department of Social Services factor into your actions?

What do you think are the most critical changes needed going forward?
How are social workers or school counselors making contact with families that need support during this Pandemic?
What is a burning question you have for us?

Dr. Allen didn’t have a specific question for us, but wanted to make sure teachers were aware that the district SEL team is working to provide support at the school level. A SEL team or point of contact is identified and are provided information such as standards for the district, competencies and resources for both teachers and students. She reminded us that the school counselor is a great resources and can be the person to reach out to first. Regarding the support that is in place for families struggling through the Pandemic, Dr. Allen shared that typically the homeroom teacher, school counselor or social workers are available to support them. When phone calls are not effective, “porch visits” are being conducted to make sure the family is ok. We appreciated the time Dr. Allen spent sharing information. We know that it has been a very difficult time for students and teachers. It was great to hear the encouraging words from Dr. Allen and hear of the many resources that have been put in place to support JCS teachers and students. The good news is that she believes that students will have a new appreciation for teachers and the school.

Home Town Heroes

Congratulations to Mary Daughtry and her husband Billy. During the pandemic, they went over and beyond to make sure their small community, Pine Level, was taken care of from the very beginning of this uncertain time.

Mary and her husband Billy have a family owned and operated grocery store, Town Market. Their mission has always been on customer service and becoming a reliable and essential base for the residents of Pine Level. They showed continued support for their community and team members by adapting their business models to meet new supply demands and making safety and health a top priority. One of their proudest accomplishments was their ability to maintain their meat supply the whole time, while larger stores have not  been able to keep up with demand.

They were also able to provide a safe environment for customers and employees alike and were open to meeting new demands for high-risk individuals. Their grocery store also introduced delivery and pick-up options. 

Taking care of their employess and community was important to them also. They increased the wages for many of their employees because they consider them family. They also partnered with churches in the area to help supply pantry items and hot meals to families that needed it. All of these things shows how important Billy and Mary are to their community. We are so fortunate to have such caring people in a small part of the world.

To read more details of this amazing couple, go to "How Town Market Became Pine Level's Hometown Hero."

Billy and Mary Daughtry

Terri Sessoms Announces Candidacy For Johnston County Board Of Education

We all know that Terri Sessoms has a strong commitment to the children and the citizens of Johnston County so it is exciting that she has announced her intention to run for a seat on the Johnston County Public Schools Board of Education. Terri has been an educator for 32 years and an Alpha Beta member for 23 years in April. She has accomplished so many things during her career. She believes that her 32 years of experience in public education as an award winning teacher, leader, and national consultant can help Johnston County continue to be a place where people are proud to reside, raise families, and do business.

She brings a successful working knowledge of classroom best practices, effective school leadership. school budget, facilities maintenance, community partnerships, and parent involvement.  She has served as both a national curriculum consultant and a teacher on loan throughout the state and that helps to provide valuable curriculum and leadership expertise that she would like to contribute as she serves those who work with our students. She brings a county and statewide perspective as a Johnston County Schools Teacher of the Year (Flame for Learning) and the NC PTA Outstanding Teacher of the Year. This provides her experience on how to support families, educators, and children. She’ll be an advocate for successful schools within our communities. Terri is the kind of person we want representing us as we face challenges in education.

Courtesy of https://jocoreport.com/terri-sessoms-announces-candidacy-for-johnston-county-board-of-education/

Carol Massenburg Receives "Leading with the Heart" Award for 2016

Recipients of the JCS "Leading with the Heart" Award 2016

Johnston County Schools honors one person from each school to be recognized as an employee who epitomizes the "heart" of the school or department. The event began in Johnston County Schools after leadership, in their journey for continued excellence, read Mike Krzyzewski's "Leading with the Heart." Coach K writes, "Leaders have to search for the heart on the team because the person who has it can bring out the best in everybody else."

Carol Massenburg was chosen for Smithfield-Selma Senior High School.

Picture courtesy of  Johnston Co. Schools http://johnston.k12.nc.us/ 

Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Recognized at State Convention

Pat Taylor, NC State President (right) congratulating Alpha Beta President Lorine Davis (left) of Four Oaks.

The Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a professional honor society which promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education, received three top awards at their recent Convention.  One award cited Chapter Excellence and two cited Excellence in Communication for the Chapter newsletter and website, which are designed, produced, and maintained by Karen Creech of the Cleveland area.

Courtesy of The Johnston County Report http://www.jocoreport.com/alpha-beta-chapter-of-delta-kappa-gamma-society-international-recognized-at-state-convention/

Beginning Teachers Support Project 2014

Helping to prepare goodie bags for Johnson County Schools (JCS) first year teachers (from left) are Karen Hicks, President Lynn Ragsdale, Terri Sessoms, Stacy Holloman, Yvette Davis, Debbie Woodruff, Sonya Kiser, and Terry Dickens.

More than 200 first year teachers in Johnston County have been widely welcomed to the district with the warmest of greetings, and a large part of that has been due to the efforts of a local education society.

The Alpha Beta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) Society International, under the leadership of President Lynn Ragsdale, has gone to great lengths to make all JCS first year teachers feel like a part of the school family.

Armed with numerous volunteers and the support of several community businesses, the group has donated and served refreshments at the Beginning Teacher Institute, sent out notes of encouragement, and most recently has distributed goodie bags to all first years.

The goodie bags were filled with a variety snack cakes and crackers, bottled water, chocolate, mints, gum, and other candies. The sorority members donated most all of the treats, except for the bottled water, which was donated by Carroll Pharmacy of Smithfield.

According to members of the Alpha Beta Chapter, the goodie bags help bridge the gap between Christmas and Spring break, and they are a great way to help first years know that they are appreciated.

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society is a professional honorary society of women educators, whose mission is to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

Courtesy of JCS - https://www.evernote.com/shard/s370/sh/ec9555e8-9481-4270-b3db-91693dfb6c93/69bc4b7d69e73733a03929cd6d1d91a1

Lynn Ragsdale, President of the Alpha Beta Chapter of the DKG Society, prepares goodie bags for JCS first year teachers

Karen Hicks, member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of the DKG Society, adds water bottles to the JCS first year teacher goodie bags. Looking on is member Yvette Davis.

DKG Society member Yvette Davis gathers snack crackers which will be placed in the JCS first year teacher goodie bags.

DKG Society member Stacy Holloman places snack crackers into the JCS first year teacher goodie bags.

NCHEC Announces First Class of Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)

Cynthia Toudle was one of 812 health education specialists who earned their Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credential from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc, (NCHEC).

The first MCHES cohort successfully completed the MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity (EDO) process that opened on October 15, 2010 and closed on April 16, 2011. During this process, MCHES EDO applicants documented advanced-level practice in the field of health education and had recommenders attest to their performance and competence levels.

The MCHES certification, awarded by NCHEC, has elevated the professional standards to an advanced-level, endorsed individual performance, and designated those who demonstrate knowledge and skills essential to the advanced-level Sub-competencies in the health education profession.

Cynthia Toudle, Recipient of MCHES

Congratulations to Cynthia for her outstanding contribution to health education.

Information shared by National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.

Photo courtesy of Karen Creech, Alpha Beta Chapter Communication Chairman.

Johnston County Schools 2012-2013 Assistant Principal of the Year  

At the JCPAPA (Johnston County Principals/Assistant Principals Association) meeting on October 17, 2012, Jennifer Swartz, Assistant Principal at West Johnston High School, was named the 2012-2013 Johnston County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year!  She received a check for $500 from the Johnston County Education Foundation (JCEF). It was presented by the President of JCEF, Tammy Holt. 

Comments from West Johnston High School indicate that Jennifer Swartz is extremely deserving of this honor.  Ms. Swartz is highly respected by her peers.  She is knowledgeable and thorough in her job.  She helps students, teachers, and other administrators on a daily basis.  Ms. Swartz is loyal to her school and goes the extra mile to help everyone.  Her hard work and her integrity are highly visible every day.  Ms. Swartz has a heart for students and finds the time to encourage and lead all students that she encounters. 

Dr. Ed Croom, JCS Superintendent, commented that Ms. Swartz does a great job at West Johnston High. He is very proud of the work that this assistant principal does on a daily basis and believes that she is most deserving of this honor.  

Left to Right - Mackenzie Swartz (daughter), Tammy Holt (JCEF President), Jennifer Swartz, Dr. Ed Croom (Superintendent)

Ms. Swartz has been the assistant principal at WJHS since 2008. She brings a wealth of experience to the school in her administrative role. She began her career in education as an English Teacher at South Johnston High School (1995-2002). She went on to become an English Teacher and then Lead Teacher at West Johnston High (2002-2008).  

She received her Master’s in School Administration from North Carolina State University and her Bachelor of Arts in English at NSCU as well. 

Permission to post from Tracey Peedin Jones, Senior Executive Director, Public Information Office, Johnston County Schools

Johnston County Schools – Retiring Public Information Officer Receives Order of Long Leaf Pine

 Terri Sessoms, a long time public school servant, and the current Public Information Officer for Johnston County Schools will be retiring on September 31, 2012.  Terri Sessoms started her journey in education after graduating from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Early childhood Education and Reading, and also received her Master of Arts of Education in Curriculum and Supervision.  Ms. Sessoms has served in numerous capacities in her years of public service including: Professional Growth Facilitator, Beginning Teacher Coordinator, Curriculum/Literacy Coach, Assistant Principal, Curriculum Coordinator, Teacher on Loan, Elementary Teacher, Middle School Language Arts and Science Teacher, and High School English and Science Teacher.

 During her time of service, Ms. Sessoms has received local, state, and national attention for her leadership in the school reform process as well as creativity and innovation with the classroom.   She was named the Flame for Learning Recipient which is the Johnston County Teacher of the Year Award and has received many awards for curriculum leadership.  Her most recent awards include the prestigious statewide James B. Hunt Outstanding Teacher Award for her impact on public education throughout North Carolina and the Governor’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine for exemplary service in education.  The Johnston County Schools Public Information Office also received the NCSPRA Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in Electronic Media Communications in 2012 through her leadership.

 Ms. Sessoms has not only shared her gift of education with Johnston County Schools, but she has also worked with schools and districts across the nation through the International Center for Leadership in Education (Bill Daggett), Carolina Biological, Laser i3 (Sam Houston), Collaborative Project (NC Public School Forum), and as an independent contractor.  She has been published in local, state, national, and international educational journals, and co-authored Strategic Reading in the Content Areas-Boosting Achievement in Grades 7-12.   Terri Sessoms stated that her greatest joy as an educator has been to inspire teachers and students of all abilities and backgrounds to be academically successful across the curriculum.

On September 11, 2012, Terri Sessoms received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for more than 30 years of exemplary service in North Carolina. Dr. Ed Croom, Superintendent, presented the award during the monthly Johnston County Schools Board of Education meeting.

Terri Sessoms - Recipient of Order of Long Leaf Pine Award

    As a testament to the high level of respect she has earned, Ms. Sessoms received a standing ovation by the Board of Education, principals, assistant principals, parents, students, Central Services administrators and community members in attendance.  

Dr. Croom stated, “Terri Sessoms has served Johnston County Public Schools for many years.  Most recently, she has been the voice of the school system.  Throughout her tenure Terri has touched the lives of thousands of students.  She has been the positive in many situations that were completely negative.  Terri’s years of service to the children of this state include being a teacher, administrator, colleague and friend.  North Carolina is a better place because of the efforts of Ms. Terri Sessoms.” 

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is one of the highest honors the government can bestow on a North Carolina citizen.  Many have received this prestigious award, including basketball star Michael Jordan, Rick Hendrick, and Bob Timberlake. This award was created in the 1960’s to honor and recognize some of the North Carolina citizens who have put in hard work and dedication to make North Carolina a better state by serving the public and the community.  

Permission to post from Tracey Peedin Jones, Senior Executive Director, Public Information Office, Johnston County Schools

Lorine Davis - Athena Award Winner

SMITHFIELD (January 24, 2010) - The Chamber Athena Award is presented each year to recognize the outstanding achievements of women in the Smithfield-Selma community. A national award, it is presented in over 300 communities and is sponsored locally by Corestaff Services. The Chamber would like to thank Corestaff for their continued sponsorship of this prestigious honor.

This year’s Athena Award will be given to Lorine Davis, the executive director of Johnston County Education Foundation.

Lorine has always had a passion for seeing young people develop to their fullest. This passion was demonstrated every day when she was a teacher and coach. To this day, she stays in regular contact with the many successful adults who began their learning experience in Lorine’s classroom.  

The Chamber Athena Award 2010

The Johnston County Education, with business, government and education leadership, was formed in 1990, and Lorine served as the unpaid staff person for many years. With undying commitment, Lorine has worked tirelessly to implement the programs of the Foundation. At first it was a monumental struggle as funds were scarce and the vision was new.   

Lorine has also served on the Johnston Health Foundation's Board since 2000 and has served as the Board's secretary for a number of those years. 

Lorine is involved with all of the county’s chambers of commerce and has served on numerous committees. She has been a huge supporter of the Flame for Learning Award, the Johnston County Schools Teacher of the Year Award that is sponsored by the Chambers. And she helped form and acquired the funding for the Junior Leadership Johnston program for high school students.   Lorine is also involved at Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield. Being musically inclined, she helped reorganize the church’s handbell choir and directed the choir for over a year.  

Whenever difficult decisions are on the table, Lorine always reminds everyone to “do what’s best for the kids.” Her personal sacrifices during her personal career development speak volumes about her passion for education and children. Her greatest reward has been to see young people grow and thrive. She is their unwavering advocate. Lorine exemplifies what the Athena Award is all about, excellence in leadership.

Information presented by the Smithfield-Selma Chamber.