In an effort to partner more effectively with our robust homeschool population, Moore County Schools is excited to offer a new blended learning program for K-5 students that have previously been homeschooled. 

What does this school + homeschool partnership look like? 

• The program will be hosted at two highly rated elementary schools in Moore County, McDeeds Creek and West Pine Elementary.
• Depending on the site location there will be two teachers- one K-2 and one 3-5.  There will be 24 total slots for each teacher.  
• To keep class sizes low, two student cohorts will be created for each teacher.  This keeps class size down to 12 or less per cohort.
• Students would come for face-to-face instruction two days (Mondays and Tuesdays or Wednesdays and Thursdays) from 7:45-1:45 of face-to-face instruction. Families can supplement curriculum of their own during the off-campus days and may be provided additional enhancement materials from teachers as well.
• Students enrolled would have the option to participate in any/all extracurricular activities and events hosted at McDeeds Creek and West Pine Elementary.  Students will also have the option to participate in specials classes (Art, Music, PE).

Link to Informational Slides

Link to Blend+Ed Site with Curriculum Guides for Homeschool Families

Application Process (note applications for current OR next school year) :

1. Download and fill out the application below that reflects your targeted [possible] enrollment timeframe.   

• 2024-2025 SY Application (Beginning Fall 2023)

1. Email completed application to Michelle Yunck at [email protected]. 
2. Ms. Burr will review and then invite you to schedule a meeting and a time for your student to work with a Blend+Ed teacher for a placement assessment.
3. During this meeting, the application will be reviewed to ensure the best fit for student success.
4. Blend+Ed Learning team will review application and assessment data. Ms. Burr will send a placement letter or email.
5. Students awarded a slot in program and family then work with Ms. Yunck, data manager and bookkeeper, to complete the enrollment process.
6. If one school site fills up families will offered a spot at the other site. The Blend+Ed team will work hard to get families the school site and cohort days that desire but this cannot be guaranteed. 

Meet the Teachers

McDeeds Creek Site Staff:		West Pine Elementary Site Staff:
Christine Leo has been an elementary teacher for 47 years, 17 of those years have been with Moore County Schools. She is married with two adult daughters and two granddaughters. Mrs. Leo is the upper elementary Blend+Ed teacher at McDeeds Creek where she shares her love of reading and writing with her students. Growing up in Pittsburgh, a fun fact about Mrs. Leo is that as a child, she was on the Mister Rogers show! Currently she is the president of the Moore County Reading Association which sponsors the Young Author statewide writing contest each year.	Jamie Perchinski is a Pittsburgh native, National Board Certified Teacher who has been an educator since 2008.  She has a passion for STEM education and utilizes a Hands-On/ Minds-On teaching philosophy, which allows children to enjoy yet retain learning. Jamie was awarded The Green Apple Distinguished Teacher Award from Clarksville Montgomery County Schools in 2011, and was named West Pine Elementary's Teacher of the Year in 2016.  She was also named WRAL’s Teacher of the Week in October of 2023. Jamie has been a part of the Blend+Ed program since first opening in 2021 and has loved being able to partner with our amazing homeschool families across Moore County.	Holli Curry is a National Board Certified teacher who has taught students in K-2 for 15 years. She spent 13 years of her career teaching at Robbins Elementary in Moore County, before moving to Chatham County to establish a Virtual Academy in the district. Holli earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2008, followed by being Nationally Board Certified in 2020. Holli has a passion for creating a loving classroom environment where all students can succeed. She loves to see students enjoy learning and work hard to reach their personal education goals. Holli looks forward to working with the homeschool community in the Blend+Ed program with Moore County Schools.	Patrice Martinez, has been a teacher in Moore County Schools for 25 years. She brings with her a wealth of experience which includes teaching 4th and 5th grades, Virtual Instruction and teaching Exceptional Education students in the preschool program. She has a Bachelor's degree in K-6 Elementary Education, as well as a Master’s degree in  K-12 Reading. She also holds certifications in English as a Second Language and Birth through Kindergarten. Mrs. Martinez has a passion for engaging students in project based learning which allows students to create and present their work. She has served as grade level chair, Lead Mentor for beginning teachers and enjoys going beyond the classroom to engage in learning experiences. She is excited for this new opportunity and to be partnering with parents in the Blend+Ed program.

FAQ

Q:  Is this program available to current MCS-enrolled students?
A:  No. At this time, we are seeking to partner with students that have been previously homeschooled.  Depending on interest, we may open slots up to other students in the future.

Q:  What standards and curricula will be utilized?
A: The teachers will follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study to determine content/topics taught to students.   Curriculum will be cultivated by teachers from their own creation and from materials/resources provided by MCS at the appropriate grade levels.

Q:  How will you teach multiple grade levels / age ranges of students effectively?
A:  Splitting the cohorts into groups of 12 and then utilizing small group rotations will allow teachers to effectively differentiate.  Experienced teachers have been working with wide ranges of students throughout their careers.

Q:  How will my child’s days be decided?
A:  We will assess student understandings to properly place them in the best cohort for their needs (Mon+Tue or Wed+Thur).   

Q:  Will my child need to participate in state testing requirements?
A:  Yes.  We must follow all state and local testing requirements

Q: Can students living out of county apply for the Blend+Ed program?
A:  Yes, parents would need to apply for Discretionary Admission through our current MCS process. The Discretionary Admission window is during the month of February-  inquiries outside of this time should be made to Principal Burr at [email protected].