A Note from the Director's Desk: Welcoming the New Year with Wellness, Support, and Fresh Possibilities

As we welcome January and the start of a new year, this season offers an opportunity to pause, reset, and move forward with renewed purpose. While winter can bring colder days and shorter hours of sunlight, it is also a time to focus on care, connection, and creating routines that support both learning and well-being.

January reminds us that growth does not always require big changes. Sometimes, it begins with small, intentional steps such as checking in with our students, encouraging healthy habits, and making space for rest and reflection. These moments help combat the winter blues and remind students that they are supported both at home and at school.

This month also highlights the importance of guidance and encouragement. Whether through family members, educators, or trusted adults, students thrive when they know someone believes in them and is walking alongside them. Strong relationships help students stay motivated, build confidence, and navigate challenges with resilience.

As we begin this new year together, let us continue fostering environments rooted in care, connection, and hope. By supporting one another and prioritizing well-being, we set the foundation for a year filled with growth, learning, and possibility.

Wishing you a healthy, hopeful, and empowering start to the new year.

LaSheka White

How Do You Set Family Goals?

Check out this video from The Time Management Pro, which will guide you through the process of setting family goals that can bring everyone closer together. Family goal setting can be a rewarding activity that fosters collaboration and strengthens relationships. The video discusses how to create an inviting environment for your family discussions, ensuring that every member feels appreciated and heard.

Chair and Vice Chair Retain Status on Board of Education

Deena Hayes will once again serve as chairperson of the Guilford County Board of Education. The District 8 representative has served on the school board since 2002 and was first elected as the board chairperson in the summer of 2018.  

Bettye Jenkins will return for a fourth year as vice chairperson. Jenkins, who represents District 7, is a former teacher’s assistant, social worker, social work supervisor and community service coordinator who retired from Guilford County Schools in 2016.  

Eastern High Principal Named Regional Principal of the Year 

Congratulations to Darrell Harris, principal of Eastern Guilford High School, who was recently named Piedmont-Triad Regional Principal of the Year, making him a finalist for the Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year.

Under Harris’s leadership, Eastern High has experienced significant and rapid academic growth, moving off the state’s low-performing schools list last year. Over the last three years, the school has consistently maintained an 88% or higher graduation rate. 

Free Healthy Cooking Class

January 19, 2026

900 S. Benbow Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406

What You’ll Learn:

• Guidance to make better decisions in the kitchen
• Discover flavorful yet healthy recipes
• Tips on how to get healthy on a budget

Free vegetables to take home and try with the featured recipe! No Registration needed. For more information, please email muriel.holt@conehealth.com.

Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro - Career Connections

628 Summit Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405

Jan. 29, 2026, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Come enjoy refreshments while you get the opportunity to connect with employers! Network, discover various job opportunities, speak directly to company representatives and learn how to apply. You might just meet your next employer!

Companies participating:

• Always Best Care Senior Services
• Cone Health
• Well-Spring Group
• Replacements Inc,
• Recruiting in Motion

All workshops are in-person, for women ages 18 & up, unless otherwise noted. No children allowed in workshops. Registration is preferred for all workshops! Call 336-275-6090 or email Info@WomensCenterGSO.org with your name, phone number and title of workshop to secure your seat! If you register, and are unable to attend, please let us know!

Community Resources Calendar

Stay connected with what is happening in Guilford County. Our Community Calendar highlights upcoming events, workshops, and resources available to families throughout the district. Visit the calendar regularly to find opportunities for support, connection, and engagement. 

FREE English Classes Available!

RWE offers a two-generation approach to teaching English and literacy skills to adult learners and their children.

We’re on ClassDojo!

GCS Family Academy is now on ClassDojo! Connect with us to get event reminders, resources, and updates delivered directly to your phone. It’s an easy way to stay informed and engaged with all that Family Academy has to offer. Join us here.

Jump into the new year and join us for a virtual Family Academy event. View the full calendar to stay connected and take advantage of every opportunity.  

Your partnership makes our work possible. We invite you to share your ideas, experience, and feedback as we move forward together. Click here to submit your thoughts or email us at familyacademy@gcsnc.com. We value your hopes, dreams, and the challenges you face, because your voice matters. As our superintendent, Dr. Whitney Oakley (a proud GCS parent!) reminds us, We are Better Together!

GCS Family Academy

2703 E. Florida St.

Greensboro, NC 27401

336-279-4924