February 2022 – Schools In High Point

February 23, 2022 0 Comments Schools in High Point HPSP Executive Council Executive Council High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP

Executive Council Story: Dawn Spencer

High Point Schools Partnership is highlighting members of our Executive Council. Keep reading to learn more about Program Coordinator, Dawn Spencer.

Q: Give us some background. Where are you from? Where did you go to school? What was your career path to get here?

A: I was born in High Point, grew up in Jamestown NC, Cocoa Beach FL, and Melbourne FL. I graduated from Guilford College with a double major in elementary education and psychology then received my Master of Educational Leadership from UNCG. I taught elementary and middle school for 10 years in GCS, then moved into school administration where I spent most of my time as principal of Allen Jay Elementary. After retiring, I joined the High Point Schools Partnership in 2019.

Q: What is your primary occupation/job title?

A: HPSP program coordinator-but I will always be a teacher and principal at heart.

Q: Why is the work of HPSP important to you?

A: Strong public schools are the cornerstone of our democracy. It takes everyone’s support – the family, the school, and the community – to ensure that each student receives a solid foundation for success and citizenship. HPSP makes the critical connections needed to support High Point schools. I love being an advocate for educators and students!

Q: What are your hopes for HPSP?

A: HPSP has made great strides in celebrating the accomplishments of High Point students and teachers. HPSP will continue to be a source of information, encouragement, and connection between our public schools and the community. In the future, I look forward to making more meaningful and sustained partnerships between schools and community leaders so that every school has a dedicated group of champions.

Q: The city of High Point is in a phase of “revitalization”. What do you think this will look like when it is complete? What role do schools play in this process?

A: Revitalization will be complete when High Point can offer the best education, health care, and career opportunities to every citizen. Schools play a critical role in High Point’s revitalization process because they grow and attract our future leaders. Great communities need great schools, and great schools need great communities.

Q: Is there anything we haven’t asked yet that you want to share with our community?

A: I am the proud mom of a junior at Penn-Griffin School for the Arts.

Thank you so much to Dawn for telling us a little more about yourself and why our work is meaningful to you. We look forward to hearing about more of the great things you do for the High Point Schools Partnership!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

February 14, 2022 0 Comments Schools in High Point Spotlight Stories GCS High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP ..., Oak Hill Elementary School, Spotlight Story,

Spotlight Story: International Exchange Teacher

High Point Schools Partnership is highlighting Oak Hill Elementary School. Keep reading to learn more about their international exchange teacher, Yanique Jones

Q: Tell us about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to school? Give us as much background as you wish.

A: Hello, I am Yanique Jones, a 27-year-old educator from Kingston, Jamaica. I have been teaching for five years now after earning my Bachelor of Education Degree in Primary Education at St Joseph Teacher College. I am currently teaching grade 5 students Science at Oak Hill Elementary School as I strive to continue my dream and passion for educating students to excel in their future endeavors. Besides being an educator, I like to travel, do DIY, and dance.

Q: What program did you use to come to Oak Hill? Why did you choose to teach abroad?

A: I decided to expand my teaching methodologies and experience by applying to teach overseas. I was allowed to teach in the United States of America by applying to Global Teaching Partners. This experience has allowed me to learn about various cultures outside of my beautiful country. In addition, I can share my unique and diverse culture with students, colleagues, and friends. It is such a blessing to be a part of a school population with students from various cultures.

The teaching-learning expectation is very similar to Jamaica. However, here students have more access to resources, especially technology such as the internet and individual devices to support teaching and learning. Nonetheless, my country is working very hard to have these resources available in all schools.

Q: How do your students respond to having an international teacher? Do you see a difference in the students here and in your home country?

A: My students are enthused and curious about my culture. Most of the students share with me that they love my accent, and so they often try to learn words from our dialect in Jamaica (patois). I also enjoy learning words from other languages from my students.

Q: What would you like other teachers to know who is planning to teach abroad?

A: Teaching here in the US has taught me a lot. It is an opportunity I would love for my colleagues in Jamaica who desire to teach overseas to experience. The support here is excellent from the administration and colleagues. You will be provided with a wide range of technology and resources to support teaching and learning. Additionally, you will get training sessions to help you as a teacher to grow more professionally.

Q: What else would you like to share with the community? Anything I haven’t asked yet?

A: I want to give a special thanks to my Principal, vice-principal, and coworkers, especially the grade five (5) team. They all welcome me to Oak Hill with smiles and a tower of support.

Thank you so much to Yanique Jones, for sharing her story. We look forward to hearing about more great things from Oak Hill Elementary School!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

February 9, 2022 0 Comments Schools in High Point HPSP Executive Council Executive Council High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP

Executive Council Story: Matt Thiel

High Point Schools Partnership is highlighting members of our Executive Council. Keep reading to learn more about Matt Thiel

Q: Give us some background. Where are you from? Where did you go to school? What was your career path to get here?

A: Grew up in Bristol, Virginia. Graduated from Notre Dame with a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering. 10 years in the US Air Force as a strategic intelligence officer. Vanderbilt Owen School of Business – MBA. 23 years experience as a Wealth Advisor. Opened his independent office – Signature Wealth Strategies in June 2020 in Downtown High Point.

Q: What is your primary occupation/job title?

A: President, Signature Wealth Strategies – High Point

Q: Why is the work of HPSP important to you?

A: Great communities need great schools. To have great schools, we need a supportive and engaged community.

Q: What are your hopes for HPSP?

A: Lift up our schools and build more connections between school and community.

Q: The city of High Point is in a phase of “revitalization”. What do you think this will look like when it is complete? What role do schools play in this process?

A: Lifting up our schools and creating the best educational outcomes for our students is critical to High Point reaching its full potential as a thriving, growing community.

Q: Is there anything we haven’t asked yet that you want to share with our community?

A: I have a loving wife, daughter Sarah Brian, son Adam, and dog Cotton

Thank you so much to Matt Thiel for telling us a little more about yourself and why our work is meaningful to you. We look forward to hearing about more of the great things you do for the High Point Schools Partnership!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

February 2, 2022 0 Comments Schools in High Point Spotlight Stories Executive Council High Point Schools Partnership, HPSP

Executive Council Story: Joe Blosser

High Point Schools Partnership is highlighting members of our Executive Council. Keep reading to learn more about Rev. Dr. Joe Blosser.

Q: Give us some background. Where are you from? Where did you go to school? What was your career path to get here?

A: I’m originally from Jefferson City, MO. Growing up in the shadow of a state capitol, I’ve always been drawn to thinking about what makes for strong communities. I went to school at Texas Christian University, majoring in economics and religion, and then on to Divinity School at Vanderbilt University. After being ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and serving a few churches, I went on to do a Ph.D. in Religious Ethics at the University of Chicago where I, again, focused on how economics and religion are crucial elements in building strong communities. I taught at DePaul University for a few years before moving to High Point and thereby fulfilling a promise to my wife, who is from Charleston, SC, that we wouldn’t live in the cold Midwest for long. We’ve been at High Point University for over a decade now and are raising two kids in our community.

Q: What is your primary occupation/job title?

A: Executive Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy

Q: Why is the work of HPSP important to you?

A: Simply put: Strong Communities Need Strong Schools (and vice versa). Our kids deserve great teachers and facilities. But with the average age of our schools over 50 years old, we aren’t fulfilling that promise. And it’s more than just making them learn in old buildings. When our kids’ schools don’t have the safe infrastructure, the right technology, and aren’t set up for 21st-century education, we risk not only their future but our entire community’s future. In order for High Point to truly revitalize, we have to build up both our physical infrastructure and invest in the educational pathways that prepare our kids to work in our vibrant and revitalized community. I see the HPSP as the organization that’s galvanizing our community to advocate for our schools, our kids, and our collective future growth.

Q: What are your hopes for HPSP?

A: I want to see the HPSP strengthening the whole network of people and nonprofits that support kids, families, and schools. It’s not about our group — it’s about how our group can build up this huge network of advocates.

Q: The city of High Point is in a phase of “revitalization” what do you think this will look like when it is complete? What role do schools play in this process?

A: I’m so excited by what I see happening downtown, at the airport, with the Toyota plant, and all the new businesses our EDC is recruiting. High Point is humming. To sustain this momentum, we have to produce a workforce that’s highly skilled and ready for the workforce. That means our schools have to be educating students ready to take on these skilled manufacturing jobs, these design positions, and more. I see more signature academies, apprenticeship programs, internships, and other creative ways to prepare our students now for the jobs of tomorrow.

Thank you so much to Dr.Blosser for telling us a little more about yourself and why our work is meaningful to you. We look forward to hearing about more of the great things you do for the High Point Schools Partnership!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

Select Your Criteria Below to Find Your Perfect School

High Point School News

High Point School News