New Hanover County's Roland Grise Middle School was locked down briefly Wednesday afternoon. Authorities say Wilmington Police stopped a stolen vehicle near the school. When they approached the car, the driver jumped out and took off toward school grounds. The school was locked down until the driver was apprehended. The doors to the school are now re-opened.
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Scare at Roland Grise Middle School
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GREAT program educates local middle school students on gang resistance
Some New Hanover County middle school students are getting a lesson from the New Hanover County Sheriff's Department. Deputies will lead an anti-gang program at Roland Grise and Williston Middle Schools. The Gang Resistance Education and Training program, or GREAT, is intended to educate children about the dangers of gangs and help them get acquainted with deputies. “It helps build a positive relationship with law enforcement and the children because this way they can see us one-on-one and feel free to ask questions and interact with us on a positive level,” said Amy Womble of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Students will take part in thirteen, 45 minute sessions with topics including gang awareness, anger management, and resisting peer pressure. The sheriff's office hopes to expand the program to all New Hanover County public middle schools by next year.
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ONLY ON 3 UPDATE: Mom says son was bullied out of school
UPDATE (2/14): Since we first aired this story, we've learned that Kaycie Davis was involved in a felony shooting back in the late 80's. Investigators said at the time she shot and killed her then husband. She was convicted of second degree murder and spent time in prison. Davis tells us her husband put a hit out on her and that's why she shot him.
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A New Hanover County mother is on the search for a new school for her child. Kaycie Davis claims that her son was constantly bullied and that the school acted slowly to the allegations.
Davis' son use to go to Roland-Grise Middle School in Wilmington but she pulled him out a couple of weeks ago. Davis said her son was verbally and physically abused by fellow classmates and that the school district did very little.
"He has been bullied, he has been threatened, he has been beaten up,” said mother Kaycie Davis. “He's been called every name in the book you can possibly imagine."
Davis said the bullying was so bad that her son needed professional help. The mom said she contacted the school and the district about her situation several times.
She was sent a letter from Roland-Grise Middle School Assistant Principal John Branson. The letter acknowledges the issues Davis' son has had at school.
In one line Branson wrote, "I feel that he is a student who wants to get along with others and fit in but like many 6th graders has had difficulty deciding how to be socially successful."
Davis said the letter did very little to help her son, which is why she recently decided to pull her son out and find a new school. The mom said she doesn't want other parents to go though the same situation and wants the district to create tougher punishments for repeat bullies.
"If a child lays a hand on another child to hurt them, I mean adults are not allowed to do that why should children be allowed to do that,” said Davis. “If an adult does that they go to jail so why shouldn't a student end up going to juvi?"
As for the New Hanover County school district it cannot comment on specific incidents but released this statement…
"New Hanover County Schools has a zero tolerance for bullying behavior. What this means is we work to resolve each claim of bullying and our goal is to make our schools physically and emotionally safe for all children."
The district added that deciding on a punishment would depend on the severity of the case. According to Davis her son's school did punish the bullies with a couple days of suspension but Davis said still that is not enough.
The district advises parents to contact the school quickly if they feel like their child is being bullied.
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Trask wins middle school football title
WILMINGTON,NC (WWAY) -- Roland-Grise Knights vs. Trask Bears
This was not just a middle school football game. This was the championship of middle school football in New Hanover with two undefeated teams squaring off with the championship on the line in the final game of the season. Keep in mind there aren’t any playoffs on the middle school level. The teams went to the locker room right where they started tied at zero, but that's when things got interesting.
In the third quarter the Trask offense got things going. The Bears took an 8-0 lead. That’s how the game stood until late in the fourth quarter when Roland-Grise came back to tie the championship game with less than two minutes to go.
Without any timeouts Trask was able to move the ball all the way down to the five-yard line. With less than two second to go the title game came down to one play. Trask made the perfect call. It was a perfect pass, a perfect catch and the best second and third effort you’ll ever see regardless of the level. Charles Balkom fought off three tacklers. He dragged them into the endzone with his outstretched arms and the Bears scored the championship winning touchdown on the final play of the game. Trask beat the defending champs 14-8.
WWAY 5th Quarter co-host Trot Nixon attended the game. Trot was practically speechless after the game. “That was the best football game I’ve seen all year,” Nixon said. “It was really exciting.”
This recap doesn’t do this game justice. Click play video in order to see our game highlights package from WWAY’s Jesse Jones.
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Teacher of the Week: Graham Elmore
path to video
02-12/PTEACHEROFTHEWEEKFEB7.mp4
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Video summary
This week's Teacher of the Week is Graham Elmore of Roland-Grise Middle School.
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School lockdowns ended
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- The lockdowns at Hoggard High School, Roland-Grise Middle School and the Learning Center are over.
The schools were locked down this morning because of a bomb threat at Liberty Home Care across the street from Hoggard. Law enforcement earlier mistakenly said the threat was at Liberty Commons. Wilmington Police investigators did not find a bomb.
New Hanover County Schools says Hoggard and Roland-Grise will release at normal time this afternoon.
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New Hanover Co. Health Department offers flu shots to students
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- The New Hanover County Health Department is partnering with county schools to provide flu vaccines to middle and high school students.
Area schools will offer students the chance to get the vaccine without leaving school.
Health Department staff will be providing flu vaccines at the following middle and high schools during October on the following dates:
October 16 – D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy, Ashley High School
October 17 – Laney High School
October 18 – Trask Middle School, Wilmington Early College High School
October 19 – Holly Shelter Middle School
October 22 – Noble Middle School
October 23 – Myrtle Grove Middle School, Mosley Performance Learning Center
October 24 – Williston Middle School, New Hanover High School
October 25 – Roland-Grise Middle School, Isaac Bear Early College
October 26 – Murray Middle School
October 29 – Hoggard High School
For current information on the Flu Clinic at New Hanover County Health Department, call (910) 798-6676.
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Former teacher jailed for indecent liberties with student
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- School is supposed to be the one place parents know their child is safe, but for the second time in two weeks a teacher with ties to New Hanover County Schools has been accused of inappropriate behavior with a student.
After a joint investigation between the Wilmington Police Department, the FBI and US Marshals, former Roland-Grise Middle School math and science teacher April Schaefer was arrested on charges of indecent liberties with a child, felony indecent liberties with a student, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and disseminating obscene material to a minor.
“The charges in this case are severe, and we certainly wanted to level charges that are consistent with our evidence that would certainly remove this person from the ability to be employed at a school to predate on children for the rest of our life,” WPD Sgt. Thomas Tilman said.
Schaefer has not been employed full time at Roland-Grise since 2011, but she has subbed there at least once or twice a month over the past year, said New Hanover County Schools spokeswoman Valita Quattlebaum.
"Any students at Roland-Grise Middle School or that attended Roland-Grise Middle School that knew the suspect in this case, April Schaefer, or had her as a teacher, if they had anything they felt was inappropriate, I would like them to come forward and call my office,” Sgt. Tilman said.
At a first court appearance this afternoon, a judge set Schaefer’s bond at $500,000, and Schaefer indicated that she would not post bail.
An assistant district attorney indicated that there is a chance this case is moved into federal court due to some material being exchanged via the internet.
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Azalea Queen visits around the Port City
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- The Azalea Festival Queen and her court took a tour of the Port City today. It was a busy one, visiting children at a school and hospital.
Students, staff, parents, and Azalea belles welcomed Queen Jennifer Wayne, celebrities, and other special guests as they began their day at Roland-Grise Middle School. The Roland-Grise School orchestra welcomed the Queen and her entourage with fanfare.
Queen Jennifer Wayne said she was overwhelmed by the students' performance. The Queen, also a musician, says it was amazing and really neat to see, because she grew up with no music in her school.
"So to see all of the music and the arts it was just really special. I actually told them I play guitar, and if I would have learned when I was younger, I can't imagine how much better I would be, so take advantage of it," Queen Jennifer says.
One celebrity Emily Maynard from the "Bachelorette" says she is grateful to be here.
"I am just shocked from all of the community involvement in this and just what a great event it's been so far. It's been awesome," the celebrity guest Maynard said.
The Queen and her court also visited the Betty H. Cameron Women's and Children's Hospital later in the day. They toured the pediatric unit and met some of the children recieving care there. Queen Jennifer says she is happy to visit the hospital, because she volunteers at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville.
"I've been with children and in hospitals and it's just so cute there. I thought oh I'm just helping and it's like that here and I walk in and it's like fairy tale land," Queen Jennifer said.
Queen Jennifer says she is happy to be a part of the 66th Azalea Festival activities.
"It feels like a family, not only people in Wilmington, but the festival. It feels like everyone is a family, and they all work together and I think that's really special," Queen Jennifer says.
Queen Jennifer says she has been spoiled here and does not want to go back to the real life. Her next stop is right here for the Lynard Skynard concert tonight.
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Teacher of the Week: Brian Gross
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- It started like any other Teacher of the Week surprise. Photojournalist Ryan Franklin and GMC anchor Ashley Jacobs followed the Roland-Grise principal into a classroom...but students were taking a test.
The quiet room quickly erupted into cheers when students and their teacher, Mr. Brian Gross, realized he had been selected as WWAY's Teacher of the Week.
A colleague nominated Mr. Gross, highlighting the fact that he often spends his own money on classroom supplies.
"If I find something good or come up with something good myself," Gross said, "I'll stop at Harris Teeter and I'll go buy those supplies or buy whatever I need. Honestly, I think that's how the kids learn the best: when they get to put their hands on things."
Mr. Gross teaches Science and Social Studies. Though WWAY cameras caught the students testing their knowledge, he said they can take the lessons far beyond a test at school.
"When we talk about the human body," Gross smile, "I know kids are going to be heading into the health fields and things like that."
He went on to describe what it is he loves to much about teaching, "Just helping them in their everyday life and the best I can for them to be successful."
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NEW DETAILS: Student dies after batting practice accident
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- A Roland-Grise Middle School student died after an accident during batting practice Friday.
A Laney High School coach confirms Alex Newsome was throwing at batting practice when he was hit by a line drive around 4:00pm Friday. The 6th grader was protected by a cage but apparently his head wasn't covered, causing him to sustain a head injury.
He was taken by EMS to New Hanover County Regional Medical Center where he was treated and later pronounced dead around 9:20pm.
STATEMENT FROM NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS:
"New Hanover County Schools is greatly saddened by the loss of our student in this tragic incident. Staff, coaches, parents, the principal and superintendent of the district were all at the hospital after the accident to offer support to the family, classmates, teachers and friends of Alex.
The district also had social workers available and will continue to offer grief counseling and support for any students and staff who may need it. The district's team of social workers and counselors will be available throughout the week.
This is an extremely difficult and sad time for all involved. The district is committed to doing everything possible to support the Newsome family and the entire Roland-Grise school community."
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Teacher of the Week: Laura Spooner
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Our Teacher of the Week didn’t have to find a four-leaf clover or kiss the Blarney Stone for luck. Hard work, passion, and dedication were enough to get her a pot of gold.
Laura Spooner grew up surrounded by great educators. Her parents along with her grandmother worked in the classroom and had high expectations for her.
“I had to work. I had to re-work. I had to write, and I had to re-do,” said Spooner.
Now, as a sixth grade English teacher at Roland Grise Middle School, she celebrates the opportunity to influence her student’s lives.
“They are going to make an impact on the world. There is no other profession in the world that I get to make the impact I do,” she said.
To prepare her students to make an impression, she focuses on the importance of public speaking.
“If you can’t take what you write and if you can’t communicate what you write, there is a whole aspect of the community you are going to miss,” said Spooner.
She and her students along with the rest of the school are making a difference in New Hanover County. Roland Grise and Myrtle Grove Middle Schools are asking for the community’s help in collecting food donations. The schools are honoring Alex Newsome who went to Roland Grise with this food drive. Newsome was hit in the head with a baseball during practice last year and died.
The post Teacher of the Week: Laura Spooner appeared first on WWAY TV3.
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FIRST ON 3: Sex assault reported at middle school
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County deputies say a 13-year-old student at Roland-Grise Middle School has been charged in a sexual assault investigation.
Investigators say the male student is facing one charge of false imprisonment and two charges of sexual battery for the incident that happened last week in a bathroom on campus. Deputies say the victim is a 14-year-old student who also attends the school. The student was charged as a juvenile, so any other information about the teen is not public record.
A spokeswoman with the school system said there was an incident involving students at the school and the principal and law enforcement are investigating. She could also not comment on the current status of the student charged.
The post FIRST ON 3: Sex assault reported at middle school appeared first on WWAY TV3.
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Survey shows teachers not satisfied at Roland-Grise
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — We’re taking a closer look into the New Hanover County teacher survey results. As we told you earlier this week, Ashley High School’s numbers have caused community concern. The numbers show other schools have seen a steep drop in teacher satisfaction too.
In 2014 Roland-Grise was hitting all the high marks on the teacher satisfaction surveys but in 2015 things have changed.
For example, last year when teachers were asked whether overall my school is a good place to work and learn it scored 87 percent. This year that number dropped to 43.4 percent.
When asked whether there is an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect in this school, 71.4 percent said yes in 2014. This year that number is down sharply to 17.4 percent.
The survey also asked whether leadership makes a sustained effort to address teacher concerns about new teacher support 87.5 percent agreed last year. That number down to 28.3 percent this year.
The biggest change at the school has been with the school’s leadership. William Hatch, the former principal at Roland-Grise was moved last school year to be principal at Johnson Pre-k. The principal brought in to Roland-Grise was Sherry Pinto, a former principal at Holly Shelter.
New principals can have an impact on the survey numbers but of the 4 schools that have new principals this year, looking at their scores just in the “overall my school is a good place to work and learn,” question, Roland-Grise had the biggest drop down 47 percent from 2014.
We asked pinto for comment on the numbers but she declined our request for an interview but teachers clearly have concerns.
When asked whether the school makes a sustained effort to address concerns about leadership 80.8 percent agreed last year. That number is down to 21.7 percent this year. When asked whether the faculty and staff have a shared vision, 75.5 percent said yes in 2014. That number is down to 26.1 percent in 2015.
New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley cautions that these scores are just one look at a schools overall performance.
“When viewing the survey results from the schools, it is imperative that viewers keep in mind that this is just one piece of data about each school. Additionally, what is happening at the state level is also reflected in teacher responses,” Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley said in a statement. “Feedback from this survey will continue to help guide efforts to strengthen teaching and learning conditions in our schools.”
The post Survey shows teachers not satisfied at Roland-Grise appeared first on WWAY TV3.
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Teacher of the Week: Ruth Bomhan
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It’s all about perspective according to Ruth Bomhan. The seventh grade teacher says if there’s anything she hopes her students take away from her class, it’s to see the world in new ways.
To keep things exciting in the classroom some of Mrs. Bomhan’s lessons include pirate costumes and flags.
“I’ve got 18 pirate flags and I switch them out every two weeks for as a bonus,” Bomham said.
To get the extra credit, students must identify which pirate flew the flag.
“Some of them get right into it,” she said.
One of her students said he appreciates all the opportunity she gives her students to succeed.
Another student who nominated Mrs. Bomham for Teacher of the Week wrote: “She always made Social Studies super funny and interesting and Social Studies is my least favorite subject.
Mrs. Bomham showed that sense of humor to us when we asked her about her more than 20 years of teaching. She showed off several of her accents and joked about having some of her former students’ kids in class.
“It just reminds you, ‘Oh man. You’re getting old. Maybe it’s time to hang it up.’ ”
Mrs. Bomhan said she has no plans of retiring anytime soon though.
“I’m going to be like a Timex. As long as I’m ticking, I’m kicking,” she said.
The post Teacher of the Week: Ruth Bomhan appeared first on WWAY TV3.
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FIRST ON 3: Sex assault reported at middle school
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County deputies say a 13-year-old student at Roland-Grise Middle School has been charged in a sexual assault investigation.
Investigators say the male student is facing one charge of false imprisonment and two charges of sexual battery for the incident that happened last week in a bathroom on campus. Deputies say the victim is a 14-year-old student who also attends the school. The student was charged as a juvenile, so any other information about the teen is not public record.
A spokeswoman with the school system said there was an incident involving students at the school and the principal and law enforcement are investigating. She could also not comment on the current status of the student charged.
The post FIRST ON 3: Sex assault reported at middle school appeared first on WWAY TV3.
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Survey shows teachers not satisfied at Roland-Grise
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — We’re taking a closer look into the New Hanover County teacher survey results. As we told you earlier this week, Ashley High School’s numbers have caused community concern. The numbers show other schools have seen a steep drop in teacher satisfaction too.
In 2014 Roland-Grise was hitting all the high marks on the teacher satisfaction surveys but in 2015 things have changed.
For example, last year when teachers were asked whether overall my school is a good place to work and learn it scored 87 percent. This year that number dropped to 43.4 percent.
When asked whether there is an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect in this school, 71.4 percent said yes in 2014. This year that number is down sharply to 17.4 percent.
The survey also asked whether leadership makes a sustained effort to address teacher concerns about new teacher support 87.5 percent agreed last year. That number down to 28.3 percent this year.
The biggest change at the school has been with the school’s leadership. William Hatch, the former principal at Roland-Grise was moved last school year to be principal at Johnson Pre-k. The principal brought in to Roland-Grise was Sherry Pinto, a former principal at Holly Shelter.
New principals can have an impact on the survey numbers but of the 4 schools that have new principals this year, looking at their scores just in the “overall my school is a good place to work and learn,” question, Roland-Grise had the biggest drop down 47 percent from 2014.
We asked pinto for comment on the numbers but she declined our request for an interview but teachers clearly have concerns.
When asked whether the school makes a sustained effort to address concerns about leadership 80.8 percent agreed last year. That number is down to 21.7 percent this year. When asked whether the faculty and staff have a shared vision, 75.5 percent said yes in 2014. That number is down to 26.1 percent in 2015.
New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley cautions that these scores are just one look at a schools overall performance.
“When viewing the survey results from the schools, it is imperative that viewers keep in mind that this is just one piece of data about each school. Additionally, what is happening at the state level is also reflected in teacher responses,” Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley said in a statement. “Feedback from this survey will continue to help guide efforts to strengthen teaching and learning conditions in our schools.”
The post Survey shows teachers not satisfied at Roland-Grise appeared first on WWAY TV3.
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Teacher of the Week: Ruth Bomhan
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It’s all about perspective according to Ruth Bomhan. The seventh grade teacher says if there’s anything she hopes her students take away from her class, it’s to see the world in new ways.
To keep things exciting in the classroom some of Mrs. Bomhan’s lessons include pirate costumes and flags.
“I’ve got 18 pirate flags and I switch them out every two weeks for as a bonus,” Bomham said.
To get the extra credit, students must identify which pirate flew the flag.
“Some of them get right into it,” she said.
One of her students said he appreciates all the opportunity she gives her students to succeed.
Another student who nominated Mrs. Bomham for Teacher of the Week wrote: “She always made Social Studies super funny and interesting and Social Studies is my least favorite subject.
Mrs. Bomham showed that sense of humor to us when we asked her about her more than 20 years of teaching. She showed off several of her accents and joked about having some of her former students’ kids in class.
“It just reminds you, ‘Oh man. You’re getting old. Maybe it’s time to hang it up.’ ”
Mrs. Bomhan said she has no plans of retiring anytime soon though.
“I’m going to be like a Timex. As long as I’m ticking, I’m kicking,” she said.
The post Teacher of the Week: Ruth Bomhan appeared first on WWAY TV3.
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Teacher of the Year: NC Farm Bureau names winner
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A New Hanover County science teacher is being honored for her work in the classroom.
Roland Grise Middle School teacher, Stephanie Titzel, recently received the 2017 North Carolina Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Award.
Roland-Grise teacher, Stephanie Titzel, receives 2017 North Carolina Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Award. (Source: NHC Schools)
Titzel is a graduate of North Carolina State University science program and received her Master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision at UNCW. She is also a Nationally Board Certified Teacher and Kenan Fellow recipient. Titzel received the award for her passion and dedication as a teacher and consistently remaining focused on the needs of her students, while being a role model and teacher leader.
Through the Ag in the Classroom… Going Local program… the North Carolina Farm Bureau proves agricultural outreach grants to state teachers worth up to $500. Going Local Grants help teachers provide students Pre-K through college with real-world education and experiences directly related to the agricultural industry and Common Core State and Essential Standards.
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Teacher of the Year: NC Farm Bureau names winner
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A New Hanover County science teacher is being honored for her work in the classroom.
Roland Grise Middle School teacher, Stephanie Titzel, recently received the 2017 North Carolina Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Award.
Roland-Grise teacher, Stephanie Titzel, receives 2017 North Carolina Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Award. (Source: NHC Schools)
Titzel is a graduate of North Carolina State University science program and received her Master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision at UNCW. She is also a Nationally Board Certified Teacher and Kenan Fellow recipient. Titzel received the award for her passion and dedication as a teacher and consistently remaining focused on the needs of her students, while being a role model and teacher leader.
Through the Ag in the Classroom… Going Local program… the North Carolina Farm Bureau proves agricultural outreach grants to state teachers worth up to $500. Going Local Grants help teachers provide students Pre-K through college with real-world education and experiences directly related to the agricultural industry and Common Core State and Essential Standards.
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