Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte-Mecklenburg School January 2105 | Page 12

Technology meets tradition in the classroom iMeck Academy offers students a blended-learning option Graduating early has become a reality for My’Asia Jaaber, a junior at iMeck Academy who plans to attend Hampton University in the fall of 2015. “During the summer of my sophomore year, I was able to take three online classes,” said My’Asia. “Those courses played a significant role in being able to graduate early.” My’Asia is one of 170 students attending iMeck Academy. iMeck Academy is a magnet program offered at Cochrane Collegiate Academy to students in grades nine through 12. It prepares students for college using online learning combined with in-person classroom instruction, also known as blended learning. It gives them an opportunity to learn at their own pace with the support of classroom teachers. “School never closes for our iMeck students. They have access to their classes at home and on campus,” said iMeck coordinator Kimberly Leighty. “Students who may need extra time on projects are not restricted by the times of the school day.” Blended learning goes beyond one-to-one computers and high-tech devices. The curriculum, face-to-face labs and other in-class activities support everything students are learning online. “It feels more like a college setting,” said Jennifer Jackson, a senior. “In college and in the workplace, you have to be able to work independently and without direct supervision. I’m learning those skills now.” Jasmin Dozier, a social studies teacher, said the online learning doesn’t replace teachers but it frees them up so they can spend more time with individual students, facilitating conversations, helping those who are struggling with something, or designing hands-on projects. “Online classes require a lot more reading, writing and comprehension. Students must read and navigate the course site, follow directions and compose responses as well as other activities,” said Analiese Regstad, a Spanish teacher. Students also visit colleges and universities that interest them through Blankets from Ballantyne Fifth-graders help homeless fight off the winter chill Ballantyne Elementary fifth-graders are tackling homelessness one blanket at a time. On Dec. 18, students made 42 blankets for the Salvation Army Center of Hope. The center is an emergency shelter for women and children and is open to Mecklenburg County residents. The project is the first of its kind for the fifth-graders at Ballantyne. Teacher Stephanie Belk said she wanted to teach students about the importance of helping the community. “Typically, we will host a holiday party and simply make a take-home craft. This year, we wanted to do something different,” said Belk. “We did a service project that can have a deeper reach for our students and society.” Ballantyne Elementary families raised more than $600 to buy the fleece and supplies. The school also donated two baby blankets and seven scarves to the center. “This project is important because it helps homeless people,” said student Ashley Kim. “The holiday season is about helping others, not just ourselves. Together, we can help them live healthy, happy lives.” It took about two hours of prep time for the project but only 20 minutes to make the blankets. Seven fifth-grade classrooms participated. “It feels like an accomplishment to help other people,” said fifth-grader Michael Nash. “I want the homeless in our community to know that we are looking out for them. We want to give them courage and hope to let them know someone cares.” Earlier this school year, Ballantyne participated in a project to donate more than 600 pairs of socks to an area homeless shelter. Next year, Belk hopes to continue with fifth-grade service projects – perhaps to save an acre of a rainforest. “We found that with this project it was a big reach but we met our goals. Kids can see they too can give back even in a small way,” said Belk. “It’s great to see them look beyond the classroom and into the world. The sky’s the limit for what we can do.” 10 • Jan/Feb 2015 • Parent Teacher Magazine  the school’s fall college tour. This year, students went on a two-day tour with visits to the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Guilford College, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Elon University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University and Duke University. “I wasn’t sure if college was for me but the trip changed my mind,” said senior David Cruz. “I’m ready and excited for it.” The iMeck Academy also offers the opportunity for career exploration. Students examine possible careers during their freshman and sophomore years and then apply for internships during their junior and senior year to gain hands-on experience. “I’m interested in computer technology,” said sophomore Armani Browning. “When it comes time for me to apply for my internship, I will look for one that can teach me more about it.” School Options Lottery and Fair Information Each year CMS families have an opportunity to apply for magnet/career and technical education (CTE) or other school option programs through the online school options lottery. For more information on the options lottery, call 980-343-5030, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.cm