Planning for Employment, Independence
Pathways to Employment and Independent Living will help families learn how their students can work in the community and build a future after high school. The session will review the benefits of working and common fears and myths, and share practical strategies to remove barriers to employment.
The self-paced training can be accessed any time from March 9 to April 6, 2026. Participants who complete the training will receive a certification of completion.
Programs Prepare Young Adults for Transitions
Division of Services for the Blind Offers Summer Opportunity
NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) Career and Training Center is accepting applications for the 2026 SAVVY Summer programs, which will run from July 5 to 31. Programs include:
- College Prep that will equip rising seniors and 2026 graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the college environment;
- World of Work for juniors, seniors, and 2026 graduates who need to develop in-demand skills and gain real-world work experience; and
- Youth in Transition, for rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and 2026 graduates who will explore career pathways and develop skills that increase independence, resilience, and self-confidence.
Contact your child’s DSB Transition Counselor or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to apply. If your child needs a counselor, call 866-222-1546. Applications are due to counselors by March 13.
Connect with NC 211 for Resources
NC 211 is a free, confidential service that connects individuals to local health and human service resources. The service, operated by the United Way of North Carolina, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in more than 170 languages.
NC 211 provides information about local food pantries, affordable housing, healthcare, mental health resources, and employment support. The service also acts as a public information portal during emergencies such as hurricanes. You can get help by calling 211 or visiting the website.
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From NAGC -
A five-year scholarship opportunity for high-achieving students with financial need
The Cooke Young Scholars Program application is now open! This selective, five-year, pre-college scholarship supports high-achieving students with financial need beginning in 7th grade. Scholars receive funding for academic and extracurricular enrichment, individualized educational advising, and access to a nationwide community of motivated peers.
Eligible applicants are current 7th graders who have earned mostly As in core subjects, attend school in the U.S., and demonstrate unmet financial need. The application deadline is April 29. Encourage eligible students and families to explore this opportunity and learn more about how the program can support their long-term academic goals. Learn MORE here
Please let Beckie Bishop if you apply.
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If your family is experiencing housing transitions due to economic hardship, natural disaster, fire, eviction, divorce, death, etc., you may qualify for the McKinney-Vento program (MKV). Read this section to find out more about the McKinney-Vento program which is a federal program that supports students and families who qualify during housing transitions..
Pre-K: The Pre-K Registration for child(ren) who is/are at least 4 years old by August 31, 2026, closed Friday, March 6, 2026. If your family participates in the MKV program and you missed this deadline, please contact the Liaison today.
Did you know? The Parents as Teachers (PAT) program is part of GCPS Early Childhood programming and provides home visits, resources, and parent education to families with children ages birth – 5 years old.
Manuela Inman, PAT Coordinator
919-725-9875 Office
919-339-2505 Cell
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If you and your family are unhoused due to hardship, or if you suspect that a GCPS child or youth is unhoused, please contact your child’s school, the school social worker, or the MKV Liaison. The link to the GCPS McKinney-Vento webpage is here and includes a definition of families in transition/homelessness, MKV law, parent and student rights, and previous digital issues of the “Looking Forward” newsletter.
“Peace by Piece” and “Forward-Facing” author Cheryl Fuller, Daniel Jordan - NCHEP Program Administrator, Special Populations, and Teresa Hicks, GCPS Liaison, attend the March 7th Community Cares of Franklin County event in Louisburg, NC.
School Social Workers MKV Points of Contact:
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Katie Perkinson: 919-691-5264; perkinsonk@gcs.k12.nc.us: Tar River ES, MT Energy ES, GCMS, Granville Academy, Granville Early College HS, and Credle ES
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Sara Michaelson: 919-892-5266; michaelsensk@gcs.k12.nc.us: Butner-Stem ES, Wilton ES, GCMS, JF Webb HS, Phoenix Academy
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Christy Currin: 252-430-9416; currinc@gcs.k12.nc.us: West Oxford ES, Stovall-Shaw ES, NGMS, SGHS
MKV Liaison:
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Kindergarten Event: April’s Parent & Family Academy Session 5 (date/time to be determined) will be a “face-to-face” event at 2 different GCPS elementary schools (northern county and southern county). You will receive the following information:
- The opportunity to talk to GCPS staff members about registering your child for kindergarten
- Kindergarten enrollment packets for your child(ren)
Kindergarten readiness gift bags for your child(ren)
The Parents as Teachers (PAT) program is part of GCPS Early Childhood programming and provides home visits, resources, and parent education to families with children ages birth – 5 years old.
PAT Coordinator:
Manuela Inman: 919-725-9875; Office; 919-339-2505; Cell; inmanm@gcs.k12.nc.us
SAVE the Dates:
- April 3 is a Holiday - No School!
- April 6 - 10 is Spring Break - Enjoy!!!
- April 28. 5:00p - 6:30p Tar River Elementary School - Title 1 Night: Food, Fun, and Educational Engagement!!!
- May 22nd - Last day of Traditional School!
Parent & Family Engagement Coordinator:
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