Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board decided in November to close Davidson IB Middle School and relocate the IB program to Alexander Middle School, raising questions among parents and students. Davidson IB Principal Jo Karney last week began offering answers. Also below, news from other area schools.
DAVIDSON IB QUESTIONS
CMS’s decision to relocate the Davidson IB program has raised questions about transportation, the future of middle school athletics, changing the Alexander mascot to incorporate both schools, and efforts to develop relationships between the two staffs and student bodies. School officials said they will continue to answer questions as they come in, though it’s too early for good answers on some.
For example, some parents are wondering if transportation will continue with shuttle stops and five-mile radius busing around Alexander. The answer is that transportation changes have not been determined yet for any schools affected by the changes.
Another questioner asked whether middle school athletics would continue next year, or be cut because of cost. The future of middle school sports is up to the board. It’s unclear what will happen in 2011-12.
Can the Alexander mascot be changed to something new to incorporate both schools?
“This is still to be determined, however; it doesn’t seem likely due to the costs it would take to replace the existing one,” Davidson IB Principal Jo Karney wrote in her weekly update to parents.
What activities are being planned to develop relationships between the two staffs and student bodies?
“We are just beginning this process,” Dr. Karney said in her update. “Thus far, Alexander and Davidson IB are jointly planning Camp Invention for the summer of 2011 and have student ambassadors from both schools visiting elementary schools to educate 5th graders about our 2011-2012 school.”
She invites parents to share ideas for building relationships via e-mail to karen.wood@cms.k12.nc.us.
The school also is creating a transition team to prepare for the move to Alexander. Anyone interested in serving on the transition team should e-mail Karen Wood with contact information and also where they live. The team will be a demographically diverse group of eight parents to serve from December 2010-June 2011. They will plan to meet once a month.
WOODLAWN FOOD DRIVE
Woodlawn School students and parents will collect canned goods and $1 donations for ham and turkey outside Summit Coffee from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 2-4, to help the “We CAN for Ada” communitywide food drive.
Cans will also be collected during the Christmas parade on Saturday.
Woodlawn’s seventh-graders are devoting their service projects and time to benefit the Ada Jenkins Center this year. Ada Jenkins provides health and human services to residents in Davidson and the surrounding area. Their food pantry is in need, especially during the holidays, according to Woodlawn.
Service learning is an integral part of the curriculum at Woodlawn at every grade level and students become connected to the community organizations they serve. Students in each grade level commit to a full year of service with a particular organization for service. They develop relationships, initiate ideas and execute them to help individuals served in the area.
For more information about the drive, go to www.woodlawnschool.org.
Pine Lake Preparatory students (L-R) Dylan Brown, John Mitchell and Cody Robinson volunteer at bake sale.
COOKIES FOR KIDS CANCER
A group of Davidson young people are holding their 3rd annual Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Bake Sale during Christmas in Davidson from Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 2-4.
Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a national non-profit organization, works to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Thousands of dollars have been raised to help local children and children all over the country. All the treats are baked by local families and every dollar raised goes directly to research.
The Cookies For Kids’ Cancer Bake Sale will be in front of Lake Norman Realty, 310 South Main St. in Davidson on Thursday and Friday.
The sale will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and at 1 p.m. Saturday during the North North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade.
Patrons will have the opportunity to donate money for pediatric cancer research and enjoy a hot cup of apple cider or a sweet treat. Treats to choose from include chocolate dipped pretzels, CHEX mix, homemade cookies, breads and cupcakes.
HOUGH HONOR ROLL
Student Council member and junior Rachel Chickering (left) presents one of the door prizes to sophomore Kayla Hall (right).
The Hough High School Parent Teacher Student Association recently hosted a party for the students named to the first quarter honor roll. Nearly 600 of the school’s 1,487 students made the grades to be on the honor roll. The PTSA provided refreshments and door prizes.
DAVIDSON IB WINTER CONCERT
Davidson IB Middle School’s winter concert will be held Thursday, Dec. 9, at the school. Band and orchestra students are asked to arrive at 6 p.m. dressed in a white top and black bottom.
A Parent Teacher Student Association meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. with the concert immediately following.
Davidson IB’s PTSA board will meet Friday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 a.m. to prepare for the general meeting next week.
WOODLAWN OPEN HOUSE
Woodlawn School will host an admissions open house for prospective kindergarten families on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m. in The Lodge.
If your child is entering kindergarten in 2011-12, attend to learn more about the curriculum and small class sizes at Woodlawn.
Directions can be found on the website: www.woodlawnschool.org. Call 704-895-8653 for more information.
