Giving time and treasure
Dr. Alfred Jackson is one of more than 42,000 volunteers in CMS
Dr. Alfred
Jackson is one
of more than
42,000 volunteers
in CharlotteMecklenburg
Schools. Volunteers
give the district
thousands of hours
of service each
year mentoring
students, assisting
in classrooms,
reading to students,
beautifying
campuses, building
playgrounds and
working in schools’
main offices and
media centers.
Dr. Jackson,
an orthodontist
who owns his own practice, began volunteering at Southwest Middle three years
ago. Now, he supports 13 schools with time, funds, products and services. He has
also created mentor programs, dental career-shadowing opportunities, funded
scholarships and spoken at various career days.
“Math isn’t my favorite subject and I struggle sometimes. With Dr. Jackson’s
help, my grade in math has improved,” said Brandon Hernandez, a Southwest Middle
seventh-grader.
Dr. Jackson’s commitment to students comes from his beliefs and experiences. An
interview follows.
What made you want to become a volunteer in CMS schools? As a small
business owner in the Steele Creek community, I felt drawn to giving back and
supporting the community that supports my business. I hoped to have an impact that
would improve students’ academic journeys. As I became more involved, I realized
how much volunteers are needed, which caused me to become more involved. I also
work to bring other volunteers from our community into the schools.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering in CMS
but hasn’t yet? I would encourage anyone with or without children to volunteer.
Often, we feel that we don’t have enough time to give outside of our work and family
commitments, but any amount of help makes a difference. I still believe it takes a
village to raise a child. Schools and students need everyone’s help.
When did you begin volunteering with CMS? I started volunteering three
years ago when Wanda O’Shea, who was president of the Southwest Middle PTA at
the time, asked me to join the association. At that time, I did not have children but
I wanted to help out. Now, I have two children who are three and one years old.
Through my participation in PTA meetings and conversations with Principal Blair, I
could see there was a real need. This led me to reach out to several other schools in
the area to find out what their needs were and to help them, too.
Why do volunteer and provide support to so many schools? I originally
supported Southwest Middle and several youth sports, but as I learned more about
the needs of each school, I wanted to help more. One of the central focuses of my
life and my orthodontic practice is to give back to the community. I want to support
students who are involved in positive activities. I want to encourage our youth to stay
out of trouble and focus on having a bright future.
Who in your life has inspired you? So many people have inspired me at
different stages of my life, but the major inspiration in my life is my mother. She
raised my brother and me by herself while also having a great career as a nurse in
the Air Force.
What are the best things about working with students? The best thing
about working with students is seeing them smile. I always find joy in serving others.
It amazes me to see how smart youth are today compared to when I was their age.
In today’s society, a lot of attention is given to the negative actions of our youth and
I want to highlight and support students doing positive activities.
8 • May/June 2015 • Parent Teacher Magazine
Kindergarten ready?
Beginners’ Day events help ease fears, build
confidence
While it may not be time to pack lunch sacks and book bags yet,
it is time to prepare rising kindergarteners for the 2015-16 academic
year. Charlotte-Mecklenburg elementary schools are hosting
Beginners’ Day events throughout April and May to give students and
parents an idea of what to expect when school starts in August.
During Beginners’ Days, kindergarten teachers and staff
members provide parents with the expectations for kindergarten and
ways to set routines for children, including reading tips each day,
practicing clean-up routines at home with their toys, and setting a
regular bedtime.
Parents will learn about the requirements for kindergarten, such
as immunizations and physicals required before k [