Parent Teacher Magazine Cabarrus County Schools March/April 2018 | Page 9

Cabarrus County’s NC Pre-K Program 2018-2019 School Year What is NC Pre-K? n NC Pre-K is North Carolina’s state funded pre-kindergarten program for four-year- olds that promotes school readiness by providing high quality educational experiences. Is my child eligible? n Children may be eligible for the free NC Pre-K program if they will be four-years- old by August 31st for the 2018- 2019 school year, meet income eligibility requirements and reside in Cabarrus County. How do I apply? n Parents need to call the Cabarrus Partnership for Children for an appointment to fill out an application or with questions about the program. Irvin Students Assigned to Special Teams Third graders at W. M. Irvin Elementary recently had an exciting morning as students were sorted into “Houses”. The House System, an idea from the Ron Clark Academy, encourages both school and team spirit. It will also help students grow in social and emotional areas by giving them an opportunity to work with peers other than their classmates. All third graders and all school staff were split into one of four Houses, each with a special name, color, origin and meaning. Students gathered in the gymnasium, were called one by one to the front, and received a special egg that revealed their House assignment. Students then joined their team members and bonded while competing for the first House Points. Every Friday, students met with their House, worked on common goals and received House Points for positive behavior during the week. At the end of the month the House with the most points received an incentive. This is the first year that Irvin has implemented the House System and it hopes to include all grade levels in the future. Isbindi House Color: Green Origin: Zulu Meaning: Courage Telephone Number: (704)-933- 8278 CCS Students Compete in Battle of the Books Cabarrus County Schools students put their book knowledge to the test during the 2018 Battle of the Books competition. Well done to our book-buffs and champions from Harrisburg Elementary and J.N. Fries Middle! Students competed against peers by answering questions about books that were on a list specifically chosen for the competition. J.N. Fries will continue on to represent Cabarrus County Schools at the Regional Battle of the Books Competition on Tuesday, March 20th. Amistad House Color: Red Origin: Spanish Meaning: Friendship Altrusimo House Color: Black Origin: Portuguese Meaning: Giver Reveur House Color: Blue Origin: French Meaning: Dreamer Parent Teacher Magazine • March/April 2018 • 7