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Announcements January 2012

The Forum will not meet Jan. 3, 2012.

 

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Announcement sent out Jan. 1, 2012

 

The Forum will not meet Jan. 3, 2012, but will return from holiday break on Jan. 10, 2012.

Interim Announcement

Kasia Thompson sent in an announcement of the district-wide CMS magnet fair on Saturday, Jan. 7, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology, 1430 Alleghany St. off Freedom Drive. Representatives from all the magnet programs will be available, as well as staff from the English as a second language (ESL) department, career and technical education, study abroad programs, Parent University and student assignment. School health workers will also answer questions about required physical examinations and immunizations. Computers will be available, so families can complete the online student-assignment forms if they would like to participate in the lottery. 

The magnet fair is part of an online-only magnet student-assignment lottery that will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. beginning Friday, Jan. 6, through Monday, Feb. 13. CMS families must go online to apply for magnet programs.

Only families who wish to apply for a magnet program need to participate in the online process. Families who are happy with their listed placement do not need to apply. Students must meet eligibility requirements, if any, before an application to a magnet program can be accepted. Click here for more information about magnet programs.  

For the 2012-2013 school year, programs at Collinswood and Oaklawn language academies and Morehead STEM Academy will become K-8 magnet programs. As a result of the expansions, E.E. Waddell Language Academy will no longer provide a middle school Spanish program and Cochrane Collegiate Academy will no longer provide its math and science magnet programs.

CMS will offer nine magnet programs at 37 schools (17 full-magnet schools and 20 partial-magnet schools) for the 2012-2013 school year. Magnet themes include International Baccalaureate; Military and Global Leadership; Leadership and Global Studies; Montessori; Learning Immersion/Talent Development; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); Traditional; Visual and Performing Arts and World Languages. All CMS students are taught the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Magnet programs address students' special abilities or talents.

CMS will provide free computer access at the Family Application Center (700 Marsh Rd.) and at all zone offices. Computers at these locations will be available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Families can contact Student Placement with any questions. Representatives are available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The phone number is 980-343-5335. Spanish-speaking representatives are also available.

CMS will send home with most students, beginning in the first week of January, the individual assignment notifications that detail where current students will attend next year if they do not go through the lottery. Included is each student's identification and PIN numbers, as well as directions for online application to the magnet lottery. Students who are new to CMS and students assigned to Title I Choice schools will receive the information in the mail. Only students who participate in the lottery or Title I Choice will receive lottery assignment notifications in February.

The full CMS press release is posted here. The 2012-13 magnet booklet is here.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS for Jan. 10, 2012

 

Glenn Thomas from the Community Relations Committee announced the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend calendar: Thursday, Art and Writing Contest Awards Ceremony, 6-8 p.m., West Charlotte High School, 2219 Senior Dr.; Saturday, Holiday Parade, 11 a.m., Tryon Street from 9th to Stonewall Streets downtown; Sunday, Memorial and Wreath-Laying Ceremony, 2 p.m., Marshall Park, 3rd & McDowell Streets; Monday, Prayer Breakfast, 7 a.m., Westin Hotel, 601 S. College St.; tickets $35. List of events is here.

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Blanche Penn announced that she would perform in "The Amen Corner" by James Baldwin, directed by Ruth Sloane, to be performed Jan. 13-28 at the Duke Energy Theatre, 345 College St. Tickets: 704-372-1000 or carolinatix. Flier is here.

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Pam Jefsen left an announcement that McCreesh Place would hold a fund-raising luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 2 at noon at the Charlotte Convention Center. The lunch is free but contributions will be solicited. Info: Andrea Huff, Sarah Stevenson or Pam Jefsen. Jefsen is at 704-335-9380 ext. 25.

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Willie Ratchford sent in an announcement that the Community Relations Committee would host an "Occupy Charlotte information and dialogue meeting" on Tuesday, Jan. 17 from 6-8 p.m. in Room 267 of the Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St. "The purpose of this meeting is to give you an opportunity to learn more about Occupy Charlotte and the Occupy Movement; share information on the proposed City Council ordinance prohibiting overnight encampment on public property and guidelines for public demonstrations; and solicit your thoughts and ideas about how to collaboratively address such issues as public safety, health, and free speech, as the City prepares for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in September 2012." RSVP to Renee Thompson by e-mail or 704-336-2424.

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Sadie Jordan sent in a flyer announcing the death of Milton C. Jordan Sr., 69, of Durham. Memorial service is Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph AME Church, 2521 Fayetteville St., Durham, 27707. Memorial donations and scholarship contributions to St. Joseph AME Church. Flier is here.

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Federico Rios sent in an announcement of Hidden Valley Elementary's Fourth Annual Men Count event on Feb. 17, a day when men are encouraged to mentor during the school day; and the school's Read Across America  Week celebration Feb. 27-March 2. Hidden Valley Elementary is at 5100 Snow White Ln.

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Michael Sexton sent in an announcement of a press conference marking Human Trafficking Awareness Day to be held Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 12:15 p.m. in the lobby of the Government Center.

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS for Jan. 17, 2012:
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Tongue firmly in check, Joel Ford made "a very important announcement this morning: My wife and I have made a very serious commitment in 2012, and for the first time in our family, we're selling Girl Scout cookies."
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Rodney Moore announced that the Legislative Black Caucus would hold a job fair on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at C.N. Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1421 Statesville Ave.
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Rodney Moore announced a public hearing held by the House Select Committee on Homeowner Associations in the Legislative Auditorium in Raleigh on Monday, Jan. 23 from 1-4 p.m.
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Mary Klenz announced that the League of Women Voters is sponsoring a forum on changes to Social Security on Thursday, March 22 at the YWCA, 3420 Park Rd., with refreshments at 6 p.m. and session from 6:30-8 p.m. Info: Peg Chapin, [email protected] or 704-846-2540.
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Ericka Ellis-Stewart announced the following opportunities to get involved in CMS: the magnet lottery process, open now through Feb. 13, involving 9 magnet programs at 37 schools; info is at 980-343-5030 or 700 Marsh Rd.; the committee that will propose new school calendar meets Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6 and Feb. 13. Each meeting will be at Metro School, 405 S. Davidson St., from 4-6 p.m.; and the school board has begun budget meetings, which continue on Tuesday, Jan. 24, Feb. 14 and Feb. 28. Supt. Hugh Hattabaugh will present his proposed budget on March 13. A hearing on the budget will be March 27. The board will present its budget to the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners on April 10; and the Privatization Review Committee continues, with meetings scheduled Jan. 31 and Feb. 14 at 8 a.m. on the 5th floor of the Government Center.
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Ericka Ellis-Stewart announced that she had heard complaints about CMS's Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) Program. "I hear those concerns. We are working with [CMS staff] to bring forth a couple of community sessions to talk about the process, so people are aware of what it takes to get in and do business, but also if there are any challenges or concerns, that the staff can hear those and we can begin to work through them. Just know that dates will be forthcoming on that."
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Mary McCray announced that CMS would 'do our very best to try to find 600 and some thousand dollars to make sure that we can work with the bell schedules. But we're going to depend on our sisters and brothers at the county also to help us with this, because we can't do it alone. If there ever was a time when money was tight, it is now."
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Sarah Stevenson asked for people to volunteer to sit at her table fo the McCreesh Place fund-raising luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 2 at noon at the Charlotte Convention Center. The lunch is free but donations will be solicited. Info: Stevenson, or Pam Jefsen at 704-335-9380 ext. 25.
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Deborah Whitfield announced that the Council for Children's Rights is taking its training on school discipline issues and the rights of special education students to the meetings of community groups. For info: 704-372-7961 or [email protected]
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Deborah Whitfield announced that, at recent meetings with 8th graders at Reid Park and Druid Hills, she found some of the children to be at a "pre-reading" level." "There's space for all of us and it's not always sexy: It's finding a kid and helping them to learn to read. Sometimes their parents can't read."
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Thornton Howard III announced Newell Elementary School had purchased 400 copies of his book, "Going Forward," that focuses on "the other 4,000" four-letter words to build character and enhance literacy. "We're going to use the books to change the culture there.... Young people are already calling me Mister Four-Letter."
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Mary Klenz announced for Louise Woods that the League of Women Voters is encouraging the CMS school board to re-establish an Equity Committee. For more info, contact Louise Woods.
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Sarah Stevenson congratulated Denise Watts, executive director of Project L.I.F.T., which was presented with the MLK Spirit Award at Monday's MLK prayer breakfast. Stevenson also announced that Carlenia Ivory is still accepting donation pledges for the project.
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Joyce Waddell announced that the Mecklenburg Denocratic Party Executive Committee would meet Saturday, Jan. 21 at at Elizabeth School, 1601 Park Dr. near Presbyterian Hospital's main campus, from 1:30-5 p.m., and that the state party Executive Committee will meet Saturday, Jan. 28 from 1-5 p.m. at the Greensboro Marriott Downtown, 304 N. Greene St. in Greensboro.
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Sarah Stevenson announced that Blanche Penn is part of the troupe performing "The Amen Corner" by James Baldwin, directed by Ruth Sloane, through Jan. 28 at the Duke Energy Theatre, 345 College St. Tickets: 704-372-1000 or carolinatix. Flyer is here.
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Johnny Collins announced that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg chapter of the NAACP would meet on Sunday, Feb. 19 at Little Rock AME Zion Church at 7th & McDowell Streets downtown at 6:30 p.m.
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Kim Roseboro sent in an announcement that Mentoring Matters would hold orientations for new mentors on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Myers Park High School media center, 2400 Colony Rd., and on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. at The Rock of the Kingdom, 6636-N E. WT Harris Blvd. in the Hickory Grove Business Park. Info is here.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS for Jan. 24, 2012:

Andrea Huff announced that those who have already signed up for the fund-raising luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 2 to benefit McCreesh Place would receive further information by e-mail this week. She said that those still wishing to attend should contact her, Sarah Stevenson or Pam Jefsen at 704-335-9380 ext. 25. The Charlotte Convention Center noontime lunch is free but donations will be solicited.

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Natheley McElrath announced that the Black Women's Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg would install its new officers on Sunday, Jan. 29 from 3-4 p.m. at Picture Perfect Gallery, 1230 W. Morehead St. 1st floor.

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Gautam Desai invited community activists to join with Democratic Party activists, and invited community groups to be screening potential elected officials in the weeks prior to the beginning of candidate registration in late February.

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Deborah Whitfield announced that the Council for Children's Rights is taking its training on school discipline issues and the rights of special education students to the meetings of community groups. For info: 704-372-7961 or by e-mail.

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Nancy Carter announced an effort under way to engage Garinger High students by reviving a greenhouse already on-site and creating a community garden. Plans include students selling their produce at a new market at Eastway and Shamrock Drives. A work day to set up the garden is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25 at Garinger, 1100 Eastway Dr.

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Sarah Stevenson announced that next week's planned speaker is Jean Desravines, CEO of New York-based New Leaders, which trains new public school leadership. [Copies of the announcements e-mailed to subscribers erroneously listed Eric Guckian, Charlotte executive director.]

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Beverly Irby left a save-the-date for the 2nd Annual Rowe "Jack" Motley Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit C.W. Williams Community Health Center, to be held Wednesday, Feb. 29 at Birkdale Golf Club, 16500 Birkdale Commons Parkway in Huntersville. Info: Alethea Ramey at 704-393-7720 ext. 1050 or by e-mail.

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Robert Dawkins shared a letter he wrote to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Executive Director Willie Ratchford applauding Ratchford's work revising the protest ordinance approved by Charlotte City Council. The revisions, he wrote, "helped make Charlotte safe while making sure not to infringe on the citizens' personal freedoms.... I also believe that no personal freedoms will be lost from its implementation." Dawkins included links "from the last few political conventions to show why the ordinance is needed." The links are related to the Denver 2008 DNC Convention (coverage by USA Today,  Democracy Now  and by a student); to the St. Paul 2008 Republican Convention (here and here) and the Los Angeles 2000 DNC convention  (coverage by ABC and an individual).

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS for Jan. 31, 2012:

 

Sadie Jordan announced that she needed 30 indications of interest to hold a blood drive on Feb. 14 from 1-6:30 p.m. at the Kappa House.

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Blanche Penn congratulated Brandy Nelson on her appointment as principal of Rocky River High School.

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Ken Koontz invited people to participate in Rudean's Roundtable on the BJ Murphy Show on WGIV from 6-9 a.m. Wednesdays at Rudean's Restaurant, 2228 Beatties Ford Rd. Info: Koontz at 704-804-1308.

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Carlenia Ivory thanked District 2 school board member Richard McElrath for voting to approve the CMS contract with Project L.I.F.T.

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Robert Dawkins announced that Democracy NC is asking N.C. Speaker of the House Tom Tillis to release federal funds earmarked by the Help America Vote Act to cover early voting expenses. A flier is here.

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Beverly Irby announced that the 2nd Annual Rowe "Jack" Motley Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit C.W. Williams Community Health Center will be held Wednesday, Feb. 29 at Birkdale Golf Club, 16500 Birkdale Commons Parkway in Huntersville. For non-golfers, Irby said, there would be a card party. After golf, Dr. Cedric Bright, a physician at Durham VA Medical Center and associate professor of clinical medicine at Duke University Medical Center, will conduct a seminar on health disparities and the Affordable Care Act. "You can join us for dinner if you don't play golf." Info: Alethea Ramey by e-mail or 704-393-7720 ext. 1050.

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Deborah Whitfield announced a fund-raiser for the Council for Children's Rights to be held Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Westin Charlotte, 601 S. College St. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m., presentation at 6:30. Speaker is Fr. Gregory Boyle, whose work in Los Angeles created a national model for gang intervention and re-entry programs. Info: Laura Maguire by e-mail or 704-943-9460.

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Deborah Whitfield announced that the Council for Children's Rights is taking its training on school discipline issues and the rights of special education students to the meetings of community groups. For info: e-mail or 704-372-7961.

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Colette Forrest sent in a save-the-date for Saturday, March 25 from 6-9 p.m. at Caviar Nightlife Lounge, 300 E. Stonewall St. for a fund-raiser for Mecklenburg Democrats on the 2012 ballot. RSVP and info: by e-mail.

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Nooma Monika Rhue sent in an announcement of a Remembering Brooklyn & Biddleville Exhibit on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 2-6 p.m. at Kamitic Life Center, 2719 Tuckaseegee Rd. Info: 704-339-0038. A flier is here.

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Nooma Monika Rhue sent in an announcement of a free Annual Black History Month Lecture on Eyes of Uganda, a sociological perspective, featuring images by Terrell Clark, an artist lecture and discussion on Monday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Sara Belk Gambrell Auditorium on the J.C. Smith University campus, 100 Beatties Ford Rd. A flier is here.

 

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The Forum welcomes all persons to its meetings beginning at 8:30 a.m. most Tuesdays of the year
at the West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2401 Kendall Drive, Charlotte, NC
down the hill from West Charlotte High School.