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Go Global fellowship funded by Sentara expands to Elizabeth City-Pasquotank; superintendent highlights IB candidacy and community partnerships
Summary
Superintendent Keith Parker and staff introduced the 2026 Go Global team — four teachers and a principal traveling to Botswana and Zambia June 16–27 — noting Sentara's $40,000 donation and additional funding from an anonymous trust. Parker also outlined upcoming graduations, testing timelines, and Northeastern High School's IB candidacy.
District leaders used the March 23 board meeting to highlight international professional development, student achievements and community partnerships.
Dr. Waples introduced the 2026 Go Global fellowship team, describing the trip as "an opportunity for these selected teachers and our principals to go and immerse in the culture" and saying participants "are going to bring [their learning] back" to the classroom. He said the trip runs roughly June 16–27 and that participants will spend about 11 days in Botswana and Zambia engaging in instructional strategies and collaboration with teachers from North Carolina and other countries.
Superintendent Keith Parker credited a $40,000 donation from Sentara with enabling the district to join NC Go Global and participate in the teacher fellowship program. "Sentara two years ago provided a $40,000 donation to us that we were then able to use to become a member of a North Carolina organization called NC Go Global," Parker said, noting that additional funding from an anonymous trust allowed the district to send four educators and one principal this year.
Parker also recognized staff and law enforcement for a weapons-detection response at a Northeastern playoff basketball game that prevented harm, and he thanked those partners for their quick action.
In other operational updates, Parker reviewed spring-break dates (April 3–10), flagged that there are 37 school days until middle and elementary integrated tests, and identified upcoming graduation dates: early college graduation on May 21 at the College of the Albemarle Performing Arts Center, Pasquotank County High School graduation on the evening of June 6, and Northeastern High School graduation on the morning of June 7 at the renovated Vaughan Center.
Parker also said Northeastern High School has been accepted for candidacy in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, noting the district is one of the few rural North Carolina districts committed to becoming an IB district covering middle and high schools.
Public comment on character education was given by Elizabeth Shaken, who urged the district to engage with the State Board of Education and NCDPI initiative to increase schools recognized as state and national Schools of Character. "Character education has a lasting impact in our homes and in our schools," she said.
Board members applauded the recognitions and acknowledged donors and community partners who support programs and events that connect students to broader learning experiences.
