Huntersville parents had been pushing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for a special program at Hopewell High, and now they'll have it.
CMS said this week that they're implementing a Cambridge International program at Hopewell and its feeder schools. Essentially, it's an advanced course of study and rigorous set of standards developed at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The program is viewed similarly to International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement coursework.
You often hear about programs like this at magnet schools, but CMS is not changing the boundaries for Hopewell High or the feeder schools.
Akeshia Craven-Howell, the CMS assistant superintendent of the Office of School Options, Innovation and Design, said the idea to implement the program at Hopewell all came from the parents. She said it represents one of the most significant investments the district has made in a neighborhood school.
It's also likely a reaction to the growing charter school movement. Mecklenburg County has seen a bigger flurry of charter activity than anywhere else in North Carolina, and the northern end of the county has several popular ones.
"We want parents to know that inside CMS, parents have choices," Craven-Howell said.
The program is not quite a done deal. CMS must still get final approval.
Three other high schools -- West Charlotte, West Mecklenburg and Garinger -- are getting new programs focused on career education. Called "Pathways to Prosperity," the goal is to let students complete high school with industry certifications or credit that can transfer in to Central Piedmont Community College or schools like Johnson C. Smith University.
At West Charlotte, for example, the plan is to create an "academy of information technology" in partnership with JCSU. Students could emerge with valuable credentials like those offered by Cisco, Craven-Howell said.
CMS also wants to build out programs in areas like agriculture, energy, aerospace and supply chain management. They'll ultimately expand beyond the three schools.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Four high schools getting specialized programs
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~~ CMS said this week that they're implementing a Cambridge International program at Hopewell and its feeder schools. You often hear about programs like this at magnet schools, but CMS is not changing the boundaries for Hopewell High or the feeder schools.
~~ Three other high schools -- West Charlotte, West Mecklenburg and Garinger -- are getting new programs focused on career education. Called "Pathways to Prosperity," the goal is to let students complete high school with industry certifications or credit that can transfer in to Central Piedmont Community College or schools like Johnson C. Smith University.
Okay, let me see if I understand this.
""She said it represents one of the most significant investments the district has made in a neighborhood school.""
More than West Charlotte?
A suburban school is getting a high caliber program forrrrr... what reason? Are the students there on a greater achievement level than at West Charlotte, West Meck and Garinger?
So how does a student that goes to West Meck or any other school get into the program at Hopewell? Move to that feeder area?
Why are the three urban schools getting essentially CPCC-type programs? It reads of "well, we dont think you're Cambridge material, but we have these other programs for you".
I see a lawsuit in the future and if not, there should be one.
"A suburban school is getting a high caliber program forrrrr... what reason?"
I see this as a way to keep certain types of students and their families from moving to nearby counties or states, or enrolling in private schools. Unique magnets are a means of doing that. Keeping these students in the system helps maintain a strong and diverse urban district. My kids benefit from another such magnet and it is the reason we're here.
But I don't see the opportunity to pick up a freshman or sophomore year, or to be launched into the middle class right out of high school as a lesser track. Especially when compared to taking out additional student loans, the only debt I know of that you can't get out from under. That's a rough way to start adulthood.
That said, I do think Raleigh and our former mayor (who knows every inch of this city) ought to show some love to Harding, a great school forced to absorb a lot of blows the last few years.
7:49
The problem with the program is it is NOT a magnet, therefore it is exclusive to Hopewell and its feeder schools.
Unless you live in the zone, you're out of luck. That's the way this reads.
You often hear about programs like this at magnet schools, but CMS is not changing the boundaries for Hopewell High or the feeder schools.
However, then she says this: "We want parents to know that inside CMS, parents have choices," Craven-Howell said.
As I said, how does a student at West Meck or any other school get into this program?
It also leaves no choice for parents of elementary/middle school students who don't want their kids in an IB like program. CMS is forcing our kids into a program that not all parents may want. That's why my family is heading to the nearby charter school as fast as possible.
The WESTSIDE schools already receive at least $100 MILLION more funding than the other suburban schools.
Welcome to the world as CMS knows it.
CMS can't win with you folks, Jesus Christ! While CMS clearly has issues, offering this program is a positive thing, especially if the parents were asking for it. CMS is not forcing your children to take an IB program either. Some people are just unfair with their comments. I would have thought many people would have been praising this news and yet all I see are negative comments. I hope this new program is a true blessing to the bright and hard working students at Hopewell, good luck to them.
10:49...
It's not the program. It's hypocrisy and exclusion.
So you're okay with students not in this feeder zone but want to take the program being told too bad you can't?
Whatever hapened to an open education for all?
What's the difference between CMS being sued in the 90's over racial quotas in magnets versus telling parents outside the Hopewell feeder zone "sorry, this program is only for "those" kids"?
The only difference is skin color.
Wiley emphasized...
"However, then she says this: "We want parents to know that inside CMS, parents have choices," Craven-Howell said."
Of course parent's have choices...
Hobson's choices.
I am glad that a group of parents asked for something for their community and that parents would like to see at their school and got it. It usually takes an act of GOD to get CMS to do anything! Thank you CMS!!
For the record, Hopewell has a diverse group: 48% AA, 35% W, 12% H (based on last years numbers). This program will help strength more then just the WHITE community.
I do believe that magnets are a good thing to have in our school system. It provides choice. It back fires when families FLEE their home school and use it as an 'escape school and keep families that truly want the program from getting in.
Many communities could have a better neighborhood school if they invested time and energy into community schools. When they do, parents need the help of CMS.
This is OUR school system. We need to work together for the great good which is our children and future Charlotte's population.
I think families surrounding Hopewell need to find and PUSH for the programs at their schools that they feel best fits and reflects their community and children.
If you don't live in the right zip code, tough luck!
11:24...
This is OUR school system. We need to work together for the great good which is our children and future Charlotte's population.
I think families surrounding Hopewell need to find and PUSH for the programs at their schools that they feel best fits and reflects their community and children.......Very contradictory.
Funny, my parents were saying the same thing back in 1969, while the school district was saying "your child is White, we need Whites at this traditionally all Black school so his course selections mean nothing. We're still going to bus him"....
"This is OUR school system. We need to work together for the great good which is our children and future Charlotte's population."
Meh.
We've been working for the "greater good" of others for decades with little to show for it for many people.
Education begins in the HOME with the PARENTS and STUDENTS.
EVERY school in CMS would be a good school if parents taught their children to behave and do their best in school and did such simple things as check homework to support their own children.
But many don't.
And the ones who are worst at it, expect "the village" to pick up their slack. Out of concern for THEIR "future".
No, CMS is not OUR school.
CMS is a huge, bureaucratic, money-wasting beast.
Robin Hood would be embarrassed at their shenanigans.
You can positively affect YOUR children, perhaps their friends, and MAYBE your local class or school if you spend a disproportionate amount of YOUR energy helping other people and other people's neglected offspring.
(They used to call those people foster parents...)
But don't kid yourself about the rest.
Anon 11:24am.
The Lord helps those who help themselves.
And I'm not nearly as generous as The Lord.
Pathways to Prosperity... Where have I seen this recently... before I read about it being in the game plan for West Mecklenburg HS, West Charlotte HS, and Garinger HS? Oh wait... it was featured as part of the 2014 Entrepreneur High School Charter Application. They're operating on Central Avenue now and their bus routes from their web site (www.EntrepreneurHighSchool.org) .... have pick up points at West Mecklenburg HS, and Garinger HS.... Looks like CMS is trying to eliminate the competition.... You be the judge.
You're right, parents do have choices. We left CMS a few years ago and my children are so much happier and successful in the classroom.
We no longer have to deal with the crazy discipline issues, property theft, drug deals in the parking lots, inconsistent teaching, inconsistent enforcement of school rules and policies, favoritism on the sport court. You name it, we are over CMS.
Options are always good, but CMS is fooling themselves to think that they are giving all CMS students the same options.
For example, a responsible school district would NOT think that putting students on buses at 5:50am to attend a magnet program at 7;15am is appropriate, responsible or healthy. It's counterproductive and not a realistic option for many families.
to anon 9:38am you have three choices in this life: accept it, change it, or leave it. Sounds like you made a good decision.
CMS is not smart enough to steal GOOD ideas !
I applaud CMS for raising the bar and offering a rigorous academic program for the families in the Hopewell community. I hope the students at Hopewell thrive in this new program!
What about South charlotte folks? We are still waiting for our special programs.
Andrew, we would love to hear what CMS teachers are thinking and saying about Common Core.
9:43
My public charter school cohorts proudly refer to ourselves as "pioneering pirates" which is one of the many reasons I love my job. Without the ability to compete for students, no one would be employed by the state of NC. I believe America's educational system is improved when parents, students AND teachers have choices. I find nothing wrong with CMS - a former monopoly - trying to "eliminate the competition". Good for CMS. A traditional public school in the area I work offered to "steal me from the competition". Lack of competition breeds complacency and mediocrity.
The rigid policies of No Child Left Behind created a landscape of "winner" and "loser" schools. It is my hope that the proliferation of charter schools avoids a repeat of this national travesty and helps facilitate the kind of competition where more children have the opportunity to succeed by attending a broader range of public schools that can truly meet the needs of individuals - because we're not all the same.
Congratulations to the these four high schools. And to think they were able to avoid the shenanigans of CMS' former Equity Committee?
Alicia
The problem with CMS is the size. Charters are what they are. They have been up north forever. They do not walk on water. I am not for or against them. Small towns with sold families and manageable school systems did a good job. Charters were mostly in the cities. Why doesn't each town have it's own school district? Mathews, Mint Hill... Let the people make their own decisions for their own schools. Let it truly be a community effort.
5:30
My father is a retired public school superintendent. Small town and rural - NY, CT, ME.
My "Welcome Home" charter school journey involves a small town that lost its tradition public school when NC decided to consolidate schools into massive county-wide systems. Lake Lure is in the process of taking its K-12 school system back which is an exciting ship to be on. We're pirating our way to Common Core Sense tradition!
Alicia
Truck Driving School in Gaffney,SC advertising in the Charlotte Observer.
Alicia are you reading ?
9:05
OMG. Lol!!!!
You have no idea. Go Indians!
Alicia
I've decided to direct a 5th grade "Macbeth" - as we all spiral into madness.
Alicia
Today's 5th grade Social Studies teacher contemplation - before dissecting real dead frogs tomorrow.
A presentation of Midsummer Night's Dream or Macbeth?
Macbeth it is. Madness is in!
Alicia
I thought this article was about the Hopewell community getting a rigorous academic curriculum and virtually no one thinks this is a good thing, unreal.
10:30
No, you've got it all wrong.
It's not unreal it's surreal. Hopewell getting something that another CMS school isn't getting without a major lawsuit and the formation of a "Blue Ribbon" committee comprised of Charlotte inbred only forced busing babies and Yale graduates devoted to 1972 "equity" policies at all costs.
Alicia
About time!!!!
Anon - OCTOBER 21, 2014 AT 5:30 PM
If each town were to have their own schools property taxes would be 4-5X what they are today to pay for operation. Mint Hill has too many old folks within it's boundaries not to mention commissioners that are too old and afraid to make great decisions. Unless someone pays for the school, it will stay within the CMS nightmare.
10:30pm Good for Hopewell.
I think you're completely missing the point. Parents throughout CMS should be voicing concern over this.
"Huntersville parents had been pushing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for a special program at Hopewell High, and now they'll have it."
South Charlotte parents have been asking for changes and pushing CMS for years, yet not a peep from CMS or BOE.
Here's the problem.
All we hear is "a zipcode shouldn't dictate what kind of education you receive", then CMS and their status quo BOE turn around and do exactly that.
Talk about hypocrisy.
Morrison, the BOE and educrats, hypocrites all.
VOTE NO!!!! ON THE SALES TAX INCREASE!!!!! EARLY VOTING STARTS TOMORROW SO MAKE SURE YOU VOTE NO AND TELL MORRISON AND THE BOE YOU'VE HAD ENOUGH OF WASTEFUL SPENDING, HYPOCRISY AND BAD MANAGEMENT!
Comments on this topic have been very interesting--pretty much cover the spectrum of what's been wrong with CMS for the past 30 to 40 years. Love the 8:06 PM comment about how we've all been working for the "greater good" for decades yet nothing ever changes and there's little to show for it. I also love the comment about the "Blue Ribbon" committees comprised of Charlotte inbred only forced busing babies and Yale graduates devoted to 1972 "equity" policies at all costs. Parents are tired of being guilt tripped by the equity gurus. You'd think that some of our local policy wonks or reporters would start tallying the cost of everything that's been done in the name of justice or equity or fairness over the past 30 years and then tell us how much bang we got for our bucks.
"We want parents to know that inside CMS, parents have choices," Craven-Howell said.
That's rich!! CMS takes this step at one of the district's twenty high schools, and suddenly "inside CMS, parents have choices".
Can someone please tell me how this change at one high school give parents at the other nineteen high schools, thirty two middle schools, or ninety four elementary schools choices?
Give me a break!!!
I believe a good reporter would be calling members of the BOE and asking the question: How do you justify implementing a program at one high school and its feeder schools that only those students get to experience and if there are students in those schools who would be better suited for some other curriculum that isn't as rigorous,what happens to them?
I would really love to hear those answers and how they square that to the hundreds of times zipcode and educational opprtunity have been used by them in the same sentence.
There is NO CHOICE in CMS
Taxpayers have to abide by the BofE that has little eduction nor management experience. They are directed by the philosophy of the BROAD otherwise know as MOrrison. You go along to get along and you hire many layers of the onion to diflect the rare commodity called common sense.
The only choice is home school or private school!
Home School, Private School, OR CHARTER SCHOOL.
How about CMS getting into the TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL BUSINESS
It pays better than all teachers on the payroll with better benefits. Oh I forgot, they dont have enough money to teach drivers education.
Okay teachers. Since we have a recurring advertisement here for truck driving schools, this is what the Bureau of Labor Statistics states as the median income for heavy and tractor-trailer drivers:
$38,200 per year
$18.37 per hour
Too bad we can't fast forward through the commercials.
since when did CMS care about what the parents think?
My guess is that this starts at Hopewell and goes to other northeast learning community schools, Hough, Mallard Creek.
It might look good on paper but this program NEEDS TO BE OPEN TO EVERYONE in CMS.
Limiting who can attend this program because of where they live is just EXCLUSIONARY!
Interesting how a new program at a few CMS schools now means "everyone" has a choice.
What am I missing here?
Modern economics of supply and demand will show you that truck drivers now start out at $50,000 with better healcare benefits and retirement 401K matching plans.
Independent truck drivers can make upwards of $100,000 rather easily today.
Run, dont walk to the nearest school to get your Class A CDL !
$38,000
Way more than a first year teacher and more importantly
NO STUDENT LOAN DEBT of
$100,000 +
COSTCO
Average hourly worker = $20 or $43,000 per year with better benefits and
NO STUDENT LOAN DEBT
First year teacher after an 18% raise:
$35,000
No healthcare benefits other than a 70/30 plan (only for individual) a pension that takes 6% OUT of your paycheck not a 6% MATCHING 401K and
STUDENT LOAN DEBT
Why for the love of all that is holly would any intelligent person become a teacher?
I guess for the same reason many people don't want to become a truck driver and live with a lifetime of 'roids....
What CMS really needs is a good CHARTER TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL.
There, I said it.
So everyone can reach their full potential.
If you gotta play at garden parties,
I wish you a lotta luck
But if memories were all I sang,
I'd rather drive a truck
- Ricky Nelson, Garden Party
Parents wake up and deal with the issues.
CMS - accept it as is, try to change the situation, or leave it.
Those are your options, and in my opinion there is only ONE option that matters and that will make a difference for your child.
The two are separate approaches addressing concerns but released together. Hopewell high school has fallen victim to perverse re zoning in 2010. The demographic has change but there are some very wealthy families there. To stave off rezoning Winfield and other white areas the have introduced Cambridge. Thanks Larry Gaverou for not supporting neighborhood schools and invalidating your court case.
I'd rather drive a truck to the welding job!
Welders easily make $100,000 + and
NO STUDENT LOAN DEBT
Good luck teachers and suckers.
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