Rachel Keith

Communities In Schools of Cape Fear, a local nonprofit that serves students in New Hanover County, recently received a three-year, $900,000 Endowment grant to support ten schools with classroom materials, enrichment activities, and teacher appreciation events.

NC Child, a nonprofit child advocacy organization, compiled data showing that, in the Cape Fear region, the rates of uninsured children are decreasing and graduation rates are increasing; however, there remain gaps in children accessing mental health services and high-quality early childhood care.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released last year’s public school report card grades and growth scores earlier this week. New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes commented on what the district did well and where they’re focusing their attention.

On September 3, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released results of last year’s test scores and improvement rates. For New Hanover County Schools, there was a one percentage point drop in overall achievement rates, with 60% of students being grade-level proficient.

Around the state and in New Hanover County, educators returned to school this week — and some were told to immediately take down or cover up their class libraries until all the books are categorized in an online database. The orders are based on a new state law.

New Hanover County goes back to school this week — and some families are sending kids back to buildings without a full-time nurse. Parents weigh-in on how they’re dealing with the sudden change and what steps they’re taking next.

Some University of North Carolina at Wilmington faculty are establishing a chapter of the American Association of University Professors. The tenured leaders of the group say they’re establishing it in part to protect their academic freedom.

This coming academic year, about 60% of New Hanover County schools, mostly elementary schools, will share a nurse. In prior years, each school had its own nurse.

Hurricane Erin will be producing high surf and strong rip currents throughout the week. Officials with Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue say no one should be swimming.

Last week, the New Hanover County school board was slated to consider a resolution in support of the state legislature fully funding the court-ordered, eight-year Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan. The board members ran out of time to take up the issue, irking some public education advocates; however, it’s on the docket for later this month. The battle over Leandro funding has a long history — and the debate is ongoing. It’s unclear whether any of the billions in additional funds will ever be released.