All in
Baker family members dedicate themselves to CMS
The word family
is heard frequently
in public education.
School family.
Student family.
Learning community
family.
But for one family
in CMS, it’s a literal
description. They’re
all in for public
education. Verdell
Baker is a career and
technical education
teacher at Mallard
Creek High. Her
husband, Fredrick,
is a retired security
guard from Garinger
High. All four of the
couple’s daughters graduated from CMS and three of them work in
CMS.
“It is very rewarding to have my entire family be a part of and
invested in CMS,” said Verdell Baker. “It gives us a driving force to help
our students understand the value of education and the opportunities
they have that are available to them.”
HOW ARE YOUR
The Bakers’ oldest daughter, Amanda Davis, is an Exceptional
Children’s teacher at Hopewell High. Brittiney Tucker, the second
daughter, is also an Exceptional Children’s teacher at Northeast
Middle. Dreana Baker, the third daughter, is a counselor at Lake Wylie
Elementary.
The couple’s fourth daughter, Cayla Baker, is a graduate of Garinger
High. She has cerebral palsy and is currently part of an adult learning
program that teaches life skills.
The senior Bakers moved to Charlotte in the 1970s. Their daughters
were born at Carolina Memorial, which is now Atrium. “All of us were
born prematurely,” said Tucker. “I was born weighing 2 pounds and 5
ounces.”
When Tucker started school at Hickory Grove Elementary, her
teachers noticed some developmental delays. “I was basically red-
flagged,” she said.
Tucker received speech therapy and individualized help with math
and language arts. She was able to graduate on time in 2003.
The challenges that Tucker and her sisters faced as children inspired
them to work with students who have special needs.
“I was passionate about my children not only getting an education,
but also giving back to help educate all our children,” said Verdell
Baker. “Even with IEPs because of physical disabilities, I pushed them
beyond those capabilities to become academically ready and productive
in school. I believe that by promoting self-esteem and capturing all
levels of learning, students are able to learn and apply their knowledge
to become successful and productive individuals.”
As a security officer, Fredrick Baker also gravitated to students with
special needs. “He was able to connect with those students who needed
extra help,” said Tucker. “There are many students who said they never
would have graduated if it wasn’t for Mr. Baker.”
CHILD’S GRADES?
WE CAN HELP!
Everyone in the family plans on sticking around. “We were born
and raised here and we intend to retire here,” said Tucker. “We want to
make a difference.”
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CMS provides refuge from Hurricane Florence
Five CMS schools served as shelters during Hurricane Florence Sept.
13-16. East Mecklenburg, South Mecklenburg, North Mecklenburg, Olympic
and Ardrey Kell high schools were all led by the Red Cross in partnership
with other agencies.
At East Meck, the shelter hit capacity on Saturday when more than 160
evacuees received shelter, medical help, food and safety.
East Meck Principal Rick Parker said that he and his staff were eager to
open their doors to those in need. “We pride ourselves on having a caring
heart and always reaching out to others who are in need. That is who we
are,” Parker said. “I am glad our facilities were available to provide a family
atmosphere that was safe, caring and comfortable. It made me proud to be
the principal of East Mecklenburg.”
http://charlotte.tutoringcenter.com
4 • November/December 2018 • Parent Teacher Magazine