Carolina Kids Dentistry specializes in treating children from infancy to young adulthood and individuals with special needs in a state-of-the-art and inviting environment .
KIDS ! Bring in an A or B on your report card for a FREE Spin Toothbrush .
Bevin K . Malley DDS , PA Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
‘ One of the best opportunities ’ Merancas Middle College High expands options for students
Merancas Middle College High has filled a gap in north Mecklenburg County . Located on the Merancas campus of Central Piedmont Community College , it is the fourth middle college where students can earn a high school diploma , as well as college credits free of charge .
district-wide commitment to helping students prepare for success in a rapidly changing world .”
Merancas was dedicated Oct . 31 . Dr . Tamara Williams , dean of CPCC ’ s Merancas campus , said she began looking to establish a middle college four years ago .
“ The process was not easy , but we kept pushing forward ,” Dr . Williams said . “ We are so grateful for the partnership with CMS because it means students will now have multiple pathways .”
Merancas is a Cooperative Innovative High School and part of the Career and College Promise program . Students take Honors or Advanced Placement courses required for high school graduation during their junior and senior years , as well as one additional year . They can take college courses toward a post-secondary certificate , college diploma , associate ’ s degree and / or industry certification at any CPCC campus . They also have all the privileges of a CPCC student .
The school has 120 students this year and room to grow . Dr . Williams said it was important to provide more options for students and that local industry partners are also excited to have a new pipeline for talent .
“ Our Merancas students have met rigorous requirements to gain admission here ,” said CMS Chief of Staff Laura Francisco in remarks at the dedication . “ This program is truly a special one for students who want to get a jump on college . As a district , Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is proud of Merancas and the other three middle college high schools . They represent our
Dr . Kandi Deitemeyer , CPCC president , said that 2,500 high school students in CMS have earned more than 17,000 college credits . For families , that represents a $ 1.2 million savings .
“ That ’ s something that ’ s unmatched ,” Dr . Deitemeyer said . “ This is a crown jewel .”
Junior Andrew Garrison helped open the dedication ceremony with a saxophone performance . Other speakers included Principal Jametta Martin- Tanner and Rhonda Lennon , Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education member for District 1 . Vice Chairperson Elyse Dashew , Thelma Byers-Bailey and Tom Tate also attended .
Junior Morgan Holcombe and senior Javier Lopez spoke about the atmosphere at Merancas . Javier said he was impressed when someone took the time to visit him and talk about joining the school ’ s first senior class .
“ That showed family values ,” he said . “ I can call Merancas Middle College my second family . This was one of the best opportunities I took in my life , and I ’ m sure it would be for other students .”
Carolina Kids Dentistry specializes in treating children from infancy to young adulthood and individuals with special needs in a state-of-the-art and inviting environment .
KIDS ! Bring in an A or B on your report card for a FREE Spin Toothbrush .
* new patients only
Bevin K . Malley DDS , PA Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Call for a free consultation !
5829 Phyliss Lane • Mint Hill , NC www . ckdentistry . com • info @ ckdentistry . com
( ages 18 months and younger )
704-790-0590
6 • January / February 2018 • Parent Teacher Magazine