Public schools' Summer Institute set for this week
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on August 2, 2015 1:50 AM
MOUNT OLIVE -- Wayne County Public Schools is hosting the 10th annual Summer Institute, a free conference for teachers and parents to usher in the new school year.
The three-day event will take place in Raper Hall on the University of Mount Olive campus Aug. 4-6.
In addition to an array of topics featured in breakout sessions, the conference kicks off with a speaker whose story was told in part in the critically acclaimed 2007 movie, "Freedom Writers."
Manny Scott is a much sought-after speaker, said Kim Copeland, director of middle grades and performing arts for WCPS, an organizer of this year's Summer Institute along with Karen Small Rogers, principal of Rosewood High School.
Mrs. Copeland had an opportunity to hear Scott and said the district was fortunate to secure him for the opening day of this year's event. He will be speaking at 9:15 a.m. Aug. 4.
Scott, who travels the country, has shared inspiring messages about dedication with audiences of leaders, educators, volunteers and students worldwide.
"We have been planning and preparing for this months," she said of the upcoming event. "It's for all our beginning and veteran teachers as well as parents and guardians."
While the event provides professional development for educators, "equipping their tool kit with strategies," Mrs. Copeland said, it also provides a valuable opportunity to network.
The theme of this year's event is "Growing Minds: Read to Know, Read to Grow."
Breakout sessions will be held on an array of topics, including specific content areas such as English, math and science, as well as exceptional children, legal issues, English as a Second Language, family engagement, classroom management and technology.
A complete list of sessions can be found online, where registration can also be done in advance, at waynecountyschools.org. Registration will also take place at the start of each day, from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Lunch will also be available for purchase in the college cafeteria for $5.50.
In addition to the breakout sessions, Aug. 5 the focus will be parents day and community non-profit vendors will also be on hand. Aug. 6 educational resource vendors will be there throughout the day.
Speaking at the closing session will be a product of WCPS. Maya Boykin of Mount Olive, a recent graduation of Southern Wayne High School. Named Miss AKA Debutante for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in January, she will be continuing her education at Fayetteville State University to pursue a degree in nursing.
Sponsored by the district's curriculum and instruction and human resource departments, in the 10 years since it was introduced, the Summer Institute has grown in popularity and attendance, Mrs. Copeland said.