Three schools in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district will take part in a statewide Innovation Day program on Tuesday.

Innovation Day, sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, is designed to highlight innovative programs in every school district across the state. On this day, designated schools will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to allow visitors to learn more about innovative school programs. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the school district are inviting the legislative delegation and other elected officials to experience these programs.

Carrboro Elementary School will be showcasing its Spanish Dual Language Program. Glenwood Elementary School will showcase its Mandarin Chinese Dual Language Program. McDougle Elementary School will highlight its SWIM approach to Positive Behavior Support.

A complete list of participating schools from across the state and descriptions of their programs can be found at www.ncpublicschools.org/innovate. Driving directions to the schools are provided on the site as well.

Orange County teacher named Alternative Educator of the Year

Stan Farrington, lead teacher at Orange County School's Partnership Academy Alternative School, was named as the North Carolina Association of Alternative Educators (NCAAE) Educator of the Year for 2008-2009.

Each year, NCAAE's Board of Directors recognizes one outstanding teacher in the field of alternative education. The award was presented to Farrington at the NCAAE Conference on October 30.

"I am truly honored to have been named as the 2008-09 NCAAE Teacher of the Year," Farrington said. "Throughout my career, my passion has been to make a positive difference in the lives of each of my students and the youth in our community. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to showcase the work of Partnership Academy Alternative School and Orange County Schools to the other alternative programs across the state and nation."

Farrington has spent his 12 years in education working with at-risk and special needs students. He began his career in 1996 as a teacher for exceptional children in Durham, before moving to Orange County Schools in 2004. He was specifically hired by the district to work with students at the Tryon Street Alternative Program, the precursor to the district's Partnerships Academy Alternative School (PAAS). He currently serves as the lead teacher at PAAS, facilitating the students' online coursework and providing direct instruction in physical education, health, and personal development.

"Stan Farrington's ability to connect with each and every child through his unwavering patience and care make him the most gifted teacher I have had the pleasure of working with," said Paige Marsh, principal of Partnership Academy. "As many teachers do in non-traditional schools, Stan wears many hats and teaches many subjects, but most importantly, he teaches character in all things."

"Mr. Farrington is a fantastic and enthusiastic teacher who is extremely responsive to the needs of his students," said Patrick Rhodes, Orange County Schools superintendent. "He relates very well to at-risk students and helps them become successful."

Farrington earned his bachelor's degree in recreation administration from North Carolina Central University. He then received licensure in exceptional children from North Carolina State University and received his Highly Qualified teacher status through the HOUSSE program.