Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools January 2014

Of lions and pride Renaissance program aims to recognize all students at West Charlotte Gabrielle Sledge, a ninth-grade counselor at West Charlotte High, wants to value and recognize all students. Last spring, she began Renaissance, a school-wide incentive program. “It is a national program that I participated in when I was a student at Independence High,” said Sledge. “It had a positive impact on me and on the school culture. I wanted to bring that experience to our West Charlotte students.” The program celebrates and rewards students for academic excellence, improvement and citizenship each semester. When a student reaches platinum, gold, silver or bronze status, they have met the criteria for the program and are eligible for rewards. They receive an identification card that shows which level they have reached. Based on the level, students can earn homework passes, passes to monthly events and discounts at retail establishments. “We have many local businesses that support us and provide incentives,” said Dr. Daisy Walker, Communities In Schools partnership coordinator. “When we have our celebrations, many of those business leaders come and acknowledge our students’ hard work. It is truly a community effort.” Mathis Gales, a junior at West Charlotte, is one of eight members of the Renaissance Program Committee. “I wanted to be on the committee to help grow the program,” said Mathis. “It has helped me push more academically and I want it to do the same for other students.” The committee develops and organizes benefits, events and meetings. The largest event, held once per semester, is the Renaissance Recognition Ceremony. All student members and their families are invited to join school leaders and community sponsors in celebrating their achievements. A ceremony held in October recognized 258 students. Sledge says that the program’s accessibility to all students, not just high achievers, gives it a widespread appeal. Teachers agree. “My freshmen are already asking how they can be a part of Renaissance,” said Sara McKechnie, a ninth-grade teacher. “The program has not been in place for too long but it is already making an impact.” Sledge and the student-committee members are working to increase participation. They send students who are close to qualifying a personal note of encouragement. “We want to keep everyone motivated and show them that we care about how they are doing,” said Syrena Travis, an 11thgrader and committee member. “We have sent approximately 99 notes so far.” Sledge says that the student committee has great ideas about how to make the program better but some of those ideas require funds and other resources. Thus, her long-term goal is to write a grant that will allow the students to realize their ideas. “We have had wonderful involvement from staff, faculty, parents and community members in this short amount of time,” said Sledge. “I am excited to see where it goes in the future.” Kate’s Skating rink COUPON ALERT! FRIDAY FAMILY FUN NIGHT! $20 for up to 5 people!! INcludes: - admission - regular skate rental - pitcher of soda - unlimited fun *After 5 p.m y Fun Famil r ters! ua Headq F THE ME O HDAY HO BIRT BEST RTIES! PA *Expires 03/2014 please bring the coupon! 704-821-7465 14500 E. Independence Blvd. katesindiantrail.com LARGEST SNOW TUBING PARK ON THE EAST COAST! • LANES 400-1000 FT LONG • 2 MOVING CARPET LIFTS • 100% SNOWMAKING • BUY TICKETS ONLINE Snow Tubing Featuring 4 different areas to snow tube with over 20 lanes of fun! LON GES T ZIP LIN E COU RSE ON THE Ziplining • OVER 4 MILES OF ZIPLINES • 20 CABLE RUNS • HEIGHTS OVER 200 FT EAS T COA ST! • OPEN YEAR ‘ROUND • RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED Located oﬀ Hwy 105, Between Boone & Banner Elk 800.822.HAWK or 828.963.6561 www.HawksnestTubing.com :: www.Haw

Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools January 2014 | Page 11