The ChalleNGer 1

The ChalleNGer

Volume 2, Issue 3 Class 47 October 2016

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

1 Governor’s Award of Excellence

2

State Director News, Deputy Director News, Commandant News, Nurse’s Corner

3

Lead Instructor’s Corner, Class Schedule, High School Equivalency (HSE), Responsible Citizenship, CRC

4 Tutoring, ASVAB, TABE, RPM News, Walkathon

5

Student of the Week, Spirit of ChalleNGe, ChalleNGe Walk, SAT, College Placement

6 Team Awards

7 Core Components, Ambassador Award, Upcoming Events

OUTSTANDING STATE GOVERNMENT SERVICE Giving troubled high school youth a second chance and teaching them life skills needed to be productive citizens is what the North Carolina Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy is about. When Col. Edward Timmons started as Director of the Academy he inherited a program that was crumbling at its foundation. It had failed to meet its graduation requirement for the previous 18 years; the grounds and facilities of the program were falling apart; the technological resources were inadequate to meet 21st century academic needs; and the program was facing the possibility of being shut down. Undaunted, Col. Timmons approached these problems with the same vigor and tactical mindset that he had developed in the Army. Col. Timmons managed to take a strategic approach to completing all of the much-needed repairs of the facility so that none of the academic functions of the program would be disrupted during the process. Going beyond the cosmetic changes, Col. Timmons also ensured that the facility’s security was updated by adding cameras and a perimeter fence. Col. Timmons changed much more than the physical facility. His focused leadership helped increase the previously low morale of those who administer the program, which in turn increased the quality of the student experience. Col. Timmons’s efforts have proven successful as he managed to recover overdue reimbursements in excess of $90,000 in child nutrition funds. The State of North Carolina has saved an estimated $18.3 million in youth incarceration costs during his tenure. Overall, Col. Timmons has brought about dramatic improvement to the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy, and in doing so, has played a central role in strengthening North Carolina families and providing educational opportunities for at-risk students who might never have had the opportunities otherwise. *Article as it appears on North Carolina Office of State Human Resources

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From the State Director’s Desk

Congratulations Class 47! Your cadet accepted the “ChalleNGe” and has reached Week 13. The significance is they are more than halfway through the residential phase of the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy Program. Tell them to take a deep breath and give themselves a hand because they deserve this break/pass with their friends and families. However, encourage them to be smart, safe and exercise good judgment in everything they do.

Celebrate in moderation and return on Monday, motivated and eager to complete this program.

Edward W. Timmons Colonel (Retired) Edward W. Timmons State Director Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy

“Dream, Believe, Achieve”

Nurse’s Corner

Hello Parents/Friends,

The season is here for allergies and colds. Be cautious, your cadet may experience stuffy or runny nose, sore throat or cough from post nasal drip. Please encourage them to follow protocol regarding Medical Sick Call and use the plan we put together for their ailments. Encourage them to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and minimize the spread of germs by hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes. In addition, flu shots are available at your local drugstores and are covered by most insurance providers. It only takes a few minutes if you would like to partake of getting them a flu shot while on Home Pass. Remember to bring any documentation back with you to Sign-In. ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!! Warmly, Mrs. Culbreth, LPN E-mail: audra.culbreth1@ncdps.gov

Commandant News

The time is drawing near. I know all of you are extremely happy to have your cadet home for their first weekend pass. We ask that you continue to encourage them to remain focused as we approach graduation. Please talk to them about making appropriate choices this weekend. The APPROVED DRESS ATTIRE information for the Awards Banquet and Graduation Ceremony is in your packet.

E-mail: monte.r.forte@ncdps.gov

“Quitting is not an option!”

Deputy Director’s News

Be proud Class 47 Parents! Your children, our Cadets have completed 13 weeks, and now have 9 weeks to go until graduation. They are continuing to meet the ChalleNGes placed in front of them. Continue to encourage them through letters, Family visits. Please do your part in keeping them focused in the final half of ChalleNGe. It is not over until it is over. If you don’t ChalleNGe yourself, you will never realize what you can become!

Joseph H. Wolfe III

Sergeant Major (Retired) Joseph H. Wolfe III Deputy Director Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy

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Career Readiness Certificate

(CRC)

Cadets are given the opportunity to work on preparing for the CRC in their Computer Skills Class. They must complete different skill levels in order to qualify to take the CRC. Once they have completed these skill levels, they are scheduled to take the CRC where they can qualify for certificates in four levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. All certificates are signed by the Governor of North Carolina. These certificates let employers know that the applicant has been certified as ready to work. This means even if they do not have a high school diploma or HSE they have the basic skills and education to enter the workforce. Test dates to be announced.

RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP

Voter Registration and Selective Service forms have already been completed and submitted for cadets who are or will be 18 by graduation.

For cadets eligible to vote in the upcoming election we will be submitting absentee ballot request and holding special Voter Education classes. In these classes cadets will receive information on the candidates, as well as, hear the recorded debates between the candidates.

High School Equivalency (HSE)

Pretest

The Pretest is a computer based practice test given to judge if a cadet is ready to take the OFFICIAL HSE TEST. Cadets not meeting the passing score will receive remedial coursework outlined on a Score Report. The cadet must pass an official HSE Pretest in order to take the OFFICIAL Test.

Official HSE

Cadets are transported to Sampson Community College to take the OFFICIAL HSE Tests. A cadet must do the following in order to test in a subject:

1) Pass the OFFICIAL Practice Test.

2) Complete classwork and homework assignments for that subject.

3) Maintain at least a 70 average in the class for that subject.

4) Have teacher’s recommendation.

In order to earn HSE, one must pass all subject areas (Social Studies, Science, Math and Language Arts)

Scores will be given to cadets as they are available.

Parents will be provided with a Progress Report that includes scores at Sign outs.

Class Schedule

First Block: 8:25am-9:30am

Second Block: 9:45am-10:50am

Third Block: 11:20am-12:25am

Lunch

Fourth Block: 2:05pm-3:10pm

Lead Instructor’s Corner

Your cadet has been very busy over the last few weeks. They have completed CPR Training and Pre-HSE Testing. Cadets need to score 145 in order to move to the next stage of testing. Their scores are included on the GED History that is attached to the progress report located in their packet.

Your cadet has been given a score report that tells them exactly what they need to work on in order to increase their score.

OFFICIAL TESTING WILL BEGIN IN NOVEMBER. If you have any academic questions or concerns please email the Lead Instructor at:

E-mail: denah.newman1@ncdps.gov

“Education- It’s Worth the Effort”

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Deadline October 10th

The class five-mile Walk-A-Thon donations are due on October 10, 2016. This is our primary fundraiser and assists the cadets in funding end of class activities such as: Awards Banquet, Activity Day, Graduation Plaques, and mementos. Additionally, this fundraiser allows the cadets to donate twenty percent of the money raised to charitable/non-profit organizations. Please make checks payable to: N.C. ChalleNGe Cadet Fund. Pledge sheets are in your packets. Donations that arrive after the October 10th deadline will still go into the Cadet Fund, but will not be counted towards the team competition. If you need additional pledge sheets, please contact the academy. All donations and pledge sheets are to be turned in to Mr. Turner.

Armed Services Vocational

Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

All cadets are required to take the ASVAB whether they plan to enlist in the military or not. This test is a good measure of how well they have developed their academic and occupational skills at school, at home and in their communities. The ASVAB measures aptitudes that are related to success in different jobs, as well as in training and education. TESTING October 14 & 17, 2016

Test of Adult Basic Education

(TABE)

The TABE is not a PASS/FAIL test. This test simply gives us the cadets’ level in Reading, Math and Language. Cadets are required to increase their scale score one level in order to meet the educational requirements to graduate. We take the score of each of these three areas to get a total battery score. All cadets took the Pre-TABE in Week 4. During Week 19, each cadet will take a Post-TABE to determine his or her growth in these three areas. The total battery score is what needs to increase by one level to fulfill the requirements for Academic Excellence. Both scores will be reflected on the FINAL Progress Report.

Tutoring

Teachers have been conducting tutoring sessions for the past four weeks. Peer tutoring will begin in the next few weeks. The Instructors will select cadets that are strong in their subject area to use as Peer Tutors. Peer tutoring takes place in the afternoons after regular scheduled classes, and is held in the instructor’s classroom. Instructors participate in and supervise all tutoring. Please know that if your cadet has expressed a desire to be tutored, we will do everything

possible to provide that service. However, based on the number of cadets, tutoring is offered to those with the greatest need first.

Recruiting, Placement &

Mentoring (RPM)

SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY PROJECT Parents and Guardians: REMEMBER that your Cadet and Mentor are required to do two (2) hours of Service to the Community while on this home pass. As always, we thank our mentors for their support to our ChalleNGe Cadets. (Verification Form Provided in Packet)

E-mail: earl.spell1@ncdps.gov

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College Placement Testing

Select cadets will take the College Placement Test administered through Sampson Community College during Week 20. This test will help community colleges determine what basic classes a student needs to take and what classes they can skip. Testing November 18, 2016 .

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

Eligibility for the SAT is based on the cadet’s total score on the Pre-TABE. Cadets that have a total battery of 9.0 and above are eligible to take the SAT. Pre-TABE score

is reflected on Progress Report. Testing November 5, 2016

Students of the Week

Cadets are recognized at the weekly assembly for

their outstanding performance in the classroom.

Week 8 Week 9 Week 10

A-Westbrooks A-El-Gabry A-Hodges

B-Parroquin B-Jacobs B-Bates

C-Aguilar C-Gaye C-Pasillas

D-Agnew D-Barton D-Shannon

E-Baker E-Spinks E-Austin

F-N/A F-Stewart F-Kesler

Week 11 Week 12

A-Blue A-Hester

B-Sinclair B-Hinton

C-Byrd C-Adams

D-Boyette D-Best

E-Crouse E-Hendren

F-Marin F-Cortes-Rodriguez

Spirit of ChalleNGe

Cadets are recognized at the weekly assembly for

their “Never Give Up Attitude.”

Week 8 Week 9 Week 10

Team 1 Team 1 Team 1

Kerley Kirk, F Hodges

Team 2 Team 2 Team 2

Bautista Howard Aguilar

Team 3 Team 3 Team 3

Spinks Wilson Hall

Week11 Week 12

Team 1 Team 1

Westbrooks Jacobs

Team 2 Team 2

Black Elliot

Team 3 Team 3

Austin Jenkins

Cadet Advisory Board (CAB)

Team 1 Team 2 Team 3

McCray Howard Simpson

Kirk, R Vernon Farnham

THE CHALLENGE WALK

ENDOWMENT

The “ChalleNGe Walk” is dedicated to those Cadets, Alumni, Parents, Friends and Corporate Partners who believe in the values, mission and results of the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy. The “Walk” is lined with bricks that commemorate success in each cadet class. Each brick will be inscribed according to the Donor’s wishes and placed in the Class location in the walk.

The Tarheel ChalleNGe Incorporated Endowment will keep on giving. If you would like to make a purchase, please Wendy Becton at 910-525-5520.

Your contribution is tax deductible.

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Team Three Rangers News:

Team Leader: Mr. Robinson The following Cadets were recognized for Leadership. Team Leader: Cadet Reginald Jenkins Assistant Team Leader: Cadet Cecil Stewart Squad 1- Cadet Payton Horton Squad 2- Cadet Nequanist Thomas Squad 3- Cadet Brenden Anderson Squad 4- Cadet Montavieus Baker Class Leader E: Cadet Joshua Johnson Class Leader F: Cadet Christopher Bullock

Team Two Airborne News:

Team Leader: Mr. Myers

The following Cadets were recognized for Leadership. Team Leader: Cadet James Phillips Assistant Team Leader: Cadet William Boyette Squad 1- Cadet Vicente Bautista Squad 2- Cadet Freedom Hart Squad 3- Cadet Michael Lowery Squad 4- Cadet Deshawn Williams Class Leader C: Cadet James Byrd Class Leader D: Cadet Hishon Redfearn

Team One Diamonds News:

Team Leader: Mr. Ladson

The following Cadets were recognized for Leadership.

Team Leader: Shayla McCray Assistant Team Leader: N/A Squad 1-Cadet Cheyanna Jacobs Squad 2- Cadet Nadia El-Gabry Squad 3- Cadet Hossanna Parroquin Squad 4- Cadet Jerri Hodges Class Leader A: Cadet Catherine Kerley Class Leader B: Cadet Kiara Blue

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Upcoming Events

Walkathon Money Due Oct. 10th

Ring Money Due Oct. 10th

ASVAB Testing Oct. 13th - 17th

College Day Oct. 14th

Blood Drive Oct. 19th

Governor’s Page Oct. 24th – 28th

HSE Testing Begins Nov. 1st

Warsaw Parade Nov. 5th

SAT Testing Nov. 5th

Mentor Visit Nov. 6th

Job Skills Training Oct. 24th – Nov. 10th

Placement Testing Nov. 18th

Class 48 Orientation Nov. 19th

ASVAB Retest Nov. 21st

Last Day of Class Nov. 22nd

Home Pass # 2

*PROGRESS REPORTS* Nov. 26th

8 Core Components

At Tarheel ChalleNGe, cadets are required to successfully complete the 8 Core Components in order to graduate. They are as follows:

1. Job Skills – Learn job search skills,

Complete Resume, Application and Mock Job Interview

2. Life Skills - Basic Banking, Prepare & Manage a Budget, Interpersonal Skills, Goal Setting and Time Management

3. Responsible Citizenship - Voter Registration, Selective Service Registration, Participate in Democratic Process, Have basic understanding of U.S. Constitution, Government and Citizenship (USCGC)

4. Health & Hygiene - Recall effects of Drug Abuse and Treatment, Communicable Disease Awareness and Prevention, Importance of Nutrition in Daily Diet

5. Academic Excellence - Increase TABE scale score. (Post-TABE score must be higher than Pre-TABE score)

6. Physical Fitness- Intense Physical Training, Team Sports & the President’s Council of Physical Fitness Test

7. Leadership and Followership-Evaluation of performance in leadership and followership positions within a student command structure

8. Service to the Community-involvement in community service projects

**** The Academic Department is responsible for 5 of the 8.

Ambassador Award-

Help someone get a second chance by being a recruiter for Tarheel ChalleNGe. Your son or daughter can earn a special ribbon and be recognized at the assembly. All you have to do is help three teens. Request cards are in the packet.

Salemburg North Carolina

This Certifies That

Has demonstrated excellent support with recruiting

Ambassador

Given this Thirteenth day of April Two Thousand Sixteen.

________________ ______________

CADET’S NAME

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