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Four CMS schools named Magnet Schools of Excellence

(The following is a press release from Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools)

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 23, 2009 - Four Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools were named Schools of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America. Davidson IB Middle, Huntingtowne Farms IB Elementary, Piedmont Open IB Middle and Smith Academy of International Languages were recognized as four of the top magnet schools in the United States. Magnet Schools of America recognizes schools that show a commitment to high academic standards, innovative curriculum, successful efforts in desegregation and diversity, and delivering quality services to students. Four other CMS schools were named Schools of Distinction: Collinswood Dual Language Academy, Idlewild Elementary, Oakhurst Elementary and Oaklawn Language Academy.

"This is a major accomplishment for CMS," said Robbie Kale, director of magnet programs. "To have eight of our magnet schools recognized shows that we have outstanding teachers, students and staff working hard across the district."

Only 53 schools nationwide were named Schools of Excellence, including 11 in North Carolina. Seventy-four schools across the United States were named Schools of Distinction, including 21 in North Carolina.

Huntingtowne Farms IB Elementary applied for the award for the first time this year. Principal Pamela Frederick was thrilled Huntingtowne was named a School of Excellence.

"This is something that involves every single person at the school - from students to the custodial staff to the cafeteria staff to our volunteers and our teachers," Frederick said. "This confirms that we are on the right track and we are doing the right thing for kids. This recognition just makes us want to do more."

Huntingtowne was authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) school in February of 2007. Frederick said staff members were hesitant, since the school program was so new, but they decided to go ahead and apply.

"I'm so glad we did it," Frederick said. "I think when you are recognized for something like this, it gives you an extra boost to continue doing a good job."

Frederick thinks Huntingtowne Farms stood out among the other applicants because teachers and staff think outside the box and find new ways to reach all students.

"Nearly 75 percent of our students qualify for free- and reduced-price lunch, but we still met 99 percent of our AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) goals," Frederick said. "Regardless of where a child is achieving, we meet them on their level. We raise the expectation for success and when you raise the bar, students have no choice but to meet it - and that's what they want."

Huntingtowne, as well as the other three School of Excellence winners, will go on to compete for additional honors and possibly monetary awards.

This is the second year in a row Oakhurst, Idlewild and Oaklawn have been recognized. Oakhurst was named a School of Excellence in 2008 and Idlewild and Oaklawn were named Schools of Distinction.

All eight of the CMS winners will be recognized at the national Magnet Schools of America conference, which is being hosted by CMS April 26-29. The Schools of Excellence will have displays in the exhibit hall.