Honoring Inclusion and Celebrating the Strength of Every Family 

As we enter December, we proudly recognize National Inclusion Month. This is a time to honor the diversity, strengths, and stories that each family brings to our schools. Inclusion is more than a value we acknowledge; it is a practice we live every day as we build learning environments where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered. 

Inclusion happens in the everyday moments: when a child is encouraged to share their voice, when families are welcomed as partners in learning, and when school communities embrace varying abilities, cultures, languages, and experiences. These moments, whether big or small, provide affirmation that every child belongs, and every family contributes something meaningful to who we are. 

This month reminds us that when we celebrate differences, we strengthen our shared community. When we create spaces where all students can thrive, we build classrooms rooted in respect, compassion, and opportunity. And when families and schools unite with inclusivity at the center, we expand what is possible for every learner. 

As the year comes to a close, may we continue to uplift one another, honor each child’s unique gifts, and stay committed to creating schools where inclusion is not just recognized, but celebrated every day. 

Wishing you a month filled with connection, understanding, and the joy of learning together.

LaSheka White

Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy

Watch this video to learn more about how to be an effective advocate.

December is National Inclusion Month — a time to honor the strengths, perspectives, and stories that every family contributes to our schools. One powerful way to support inclusion is through effective family advocacy. When families feel confident speaking up, asking questions, and partnering with schools, students experience stronger support and a greater sense of belonging.

This month’s featured video, “Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy,” provides practical strategies that families can use to navigate school systems, communicate clearly, and champion their child’s needs. 

Here are a few ways to bring inclusive family advocacy to life at home: 



• Communicate together: Talk with your child about what helps them feel included and what support they need to feel successful. 
• Learn together: Watch the advocacy video as a family and pick one strategy you can begin using this month. 
• Advocate together: Encourage your child to use their voice by practicing how to express their needs, concerns, or ideas in a safe and supportive environment. 



When families build strong advocacy skills, students feel empowered, valued, and ready to thrive. Let’s continue working together to create inclusive spaces where every child is seen, heard, and supported. 

The boundary for the Signature Career Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering at Southeast High has been set. The board approved the program’s boundary to include students from Eastern, Northeast, Southeast and Southern high schools. Students outside of that boundary will be zoned for the duplicate academy at Smith High.  

Bond-funded projects at Northwood Elementary will happen sooner than originally planned.  

During the November 18 Board of Education meeting, the district announced it would reallocate bond funds from the Katherine G. Johnson K-8 project to Northwood Elementary. 

The district had previously budgeted $94 million in bond dollars for the Katherine G. Johnson project. However, after an April 2025 meeting with the Joint Capital Facilities Committee, GCS was asked to incorporate updated enrollment projections into the Facilities Master Plan prior to moving forward with new school construction. GCS determined that it would be best to delay construction of the Katherine G. Johnson school until development in the surrounding area begins, providing a more accurate picture of enrollment trends in the region. 

Despite the General Assembly not yet passing a biennium budget for 2025-26, the Guilford County Board of Education has proceeded in passing a budget resolution for the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2025. 

The Guilford County Schools (GCS) budget resolution reflects funding received from the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, which approved its budget on June 18, 2025. That budget included an increase in funding of $12.3 million over the previous year. Of this, $4.8 million was earmarked for specific uses – $3 million to increase the salaries of classified staff employees, and $1.8 million to be used for safety and security projects such as the touchless scanners used at middle and high school entrances. The remaining $7.5 million in county funds will be used to help cover the $10.5 million in projected “legally required and sustaining operations” cost increases, such as utility increases and the growth in charter school enrollment.  

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. 

December is bustling with activity, but take some time to 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