What a week with my Local Officials — Part 2

—–Original Message—–
From: Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com>
To: rhonda.lennon <rhonda.lennon@cms.k12.nc.us>
Cc: jswain <jswain@huntersville.org>; carrie.kester <carrie.kester@me.com>; boardmembers <boardmembers@huntersville.org>; ericka.ellis-stewart <ericka.ellis-stewart@cms.k12.nc.us>; maryt.mccray <maryt.mccray@cms.k12.nc.us>; tim.morgan <tim.morgan@cms.k12.nc.us>; ericc.davis <ericc.davis@cms.k12.nc.us>; joyce.waddell <joyce.waddell@cms.k12.nc.us>; richard.mcelrath <richard.mcelrath@cms.k12.nc.us>; a.stinson-wesley <a.stinson-wesley@cms.k12.nc.us>; tom.tate <tom.tate@cms.k12.nc.us>; superintendent <superintendent@cms.k12.nc.us>; georgee.battle <georgee.battle@cms.k12.nc.us>; l.henry <l.henry@cms.k12.nc.us>; matthew.hayes <matthew.hayes@cms.k12.nc.us>; dawn.robinson <dawn.robinson@cms.k12.nc.us>; am.richardson <am.richardson@cms.k12.nc.us>
Sent: Mon, Oct 22, 2012 3:11 pm
Subject: Fwd: North Mecklenburg High School 2011-2012 EOC data

Ms. Lennon,

Here are several items for you to consider:

1)  If you or anyone else has issues with the “minor child” becoming involved in this discussion, you need to speak with her mother.  The Mayor chose to involve her daughter, and written statements were made that contradicted published data.

2)  Regarding CHEC, you need to re-read my comments.  I didn’t ask anyone any questions about it.  I simply told you what transpired.

3)  Ineffective COMMUNICATIONS continue to plague this district.  Remember a few weeks ago when the Mayor misspoke about boundary changes for Torrence Creek and the new Stumptown Road Elementary school?  We are asking you (a second time) to hold a town hall-type meeting as soon as possible, so that parents and other concerned citizens can come together, ask questions, and hear directly from the principal and others, regarding the declining academic indicators at North Meck HS.

4)  You have announced your intention to run for re-election to the District 1 BOE seat.  While “coffee chats” with small groups of people might be an effective mechanism to further your political career, the “chats” are not an effective means of communicating with large numbers of concerned parents from the elementary and middle school feeders for North Meck HS.

5)  We are extremely leery of too many “small group” meetings, as we are not convinced that accurate meeting minutes will be published.  Case in point — the published meeting minutes from the Hopewell Town Hall meeting with Dr. Morrison.  Our small group raised many items throughout our discussions that evening, and none of them were captured in the published meeting minutes.

6)  As the founder of FUME, you, of all people, should understand the frustration felt by so many parents and community members.  We are either receiving evasive answers, or are not being given any information at all.  As an elected official, perhaps you need to be reminded that ineffective representation only compounds the problem.

7)  To further illustrate how all levels of CMS have stonewalled the public in receiving answers to questions, here is a recent exchange between you, Matt Hayes, and a local citizen asking questions about North Meck HS.  Not only is the principal refusing to answer any questions, but you are agreeing with him.  It does not and should not matter if a citizen has a child in the system… we are all taxpayers in Mecklenburg County and Huntersville, and have the right to receive answers to our questions.

—–Original Message—–

From: Rhonda Lennon <rhonda.lennon@cms.k12.nc.us>
To:
Sent: Wed, Sep 12, 2012 9:02 pm
Subject: RE: resending request for information

Having read the email stream, I see that you have been appropriately directed to the CMS Communication Dept to obtain any information you need. 

The Communication Director is l.henry@cms.k12.nc.us   Please email her with any information that you may request.

 

Rhonda Lennon

CMS Board of Education

District 1

 

Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to public records requests pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law, resulting in monitoring and potential disclosure of this message to third parties.

In compliance with federal law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.

---

From:
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 8:26 PM
To: Rhonda Lennon
Subject: Fwd: resending request for information

Rhonda:

Please notice the response I received from Matt Hayes upon my request for information about the IB, AP, Clubs and Organization programs.  He is depriving me of my rights as a taxpayer.  Please advise.

—–Original Message—–
From: HAYES, MATTHEW <matthew.hayes@cms.k12.nc.us>
To:
Cc: Tovornik, Kelly H. <kelly.tovornik@cms.k12.nc.us>; BUTTS, LILLIAN <lillian.butts@cms.k12.nc.us>; Regen, Harriet M. <harriet.regen@cms.k12.nc.us>; EGLODY, KRISTI <k.eglody@cms.k12.nc.us>; Lazo, Bonnie J. <bonnie.lazo@cms.k12.nc.us>; Robinson, Derrick E. <derrick.robinson@cms.k12.nc.us>; Sunseri, Katie <katie.sunseri@cms.k12.nc.us>; Wilson, Kevin R. <kevin.wilson@cms.k12.nc.us>; Duke, Kimberly J. <kimberly.duke@cms.k12.nc.us>; BOBBIE TILLETT <bobbiea.tillett@cms.k12.nc.us>; Deboraha Crater <deboraha.crater@cms.k12.nc.us>; sandra worthey <sandra.worthey@cms.k12.nc.us>
Sent: Wed, Sep 12, 2012 4:19 pm
Subject: RE: resending request for information

I am resending as well.  Please see the email response below as we will not be responding to your earlier emails.  I have provided below the department that you need to contact in the future for any request. 

Thank you,

Matthew G. Hayes

Principal

North Mecklenburg High School

Phone:  980-343-3840

Fax: 980-343-3845

Cell: 704-641-5663

From: HAYES, MATTHEW
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 10:21 PM
To:
Cc: Tovornik, Kelly H.; BUTTS, LILLIAN; Regen, Harriet M.; EGLODY, KRISTI; Lazo, Bonnie J.; Robinson, Derrick E.; Sunseri, Katie; Wilson, Kevin R.; Duke, Kimberly J.; BOBBIE TILLETT; Deboraha Crater; sandra worthey
Subject: Re: resending request for information

Seeing that you do not have a current student at North Meck or one that is in transition to North Meck,  please contact the communications department for CMS for any request.  I have instructed my staff to direct you to the same location for information.  

You can also access information on North Meck through the NCDPI website.

Thank you,

Matthew G. Hayes

Principal

North Mecklenburg High School

Phone:  980-343-3840

Fax: 980-343-3845

Cell: 704-641-5663

On Sep 11, 2012, at 2:44 PM,

Dear Mr. Hayes:

Sorry, I forgot to sign my latest email to you, so I am, therefore, resending it.

I would appreciate information on the following:

2011-2012 and 2012-13 school years

North Meck High School

School Areas and Clubs and Organizations

I have not had much luck trying to find out about the clubs and organizations listed on the CMS site for North Meck since almost all of those listed are drawing blanks when I request to read them.

I would like to know all clubs and organizations, with full descriptions, that were current and active during the 2011-12 school year and how many students were actively partaking in them.  Were there dropouts during the school year?  How many?

What Clubs and Organizations will be current and active this 2012-13 school year.  Please include a full description of each and how many students have signed up.

Please include the School Areas for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years with full description of all.

Thank you for your assistance and I look forward to receiving this information.

Sincerely,

---

Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to public records requests pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law, resulting in monitoring and potential disclosure of this message to third parties.In compliance with federal law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.

8)  Why aren’t the School Leadership Teams (SLTs) leading the district from the ground-up?  CMS Central Office should not be dictating to the schools as to how to run their teams.  SLT’s, backed by State law, are supposed to supply their needs (both financial and otherwise) to the Central Office, via the School Improvement Plans (SIPs).  The SIPs are supposed to be approved by the BOE, and then used as a base for the Operating and Capital Budgets.  But when I asked when the SIPs would be approved via a BOE Agenda, I was told there is no current plan to include the approval of the SIPs on any BOE Meeting Agenda.  Can you explain this, please?

9)  As an elected official, you work for the community, not the other way around.  You have no right, nor is it your duty or role to reprimand parents and others who are seeking answers.  What we DO want from you is answers to our questions, please.

Finally, I understand the BBQ has been a strong tradition for many years of excellence at North Meck HS.  Hopefully you can address our concerns and help bring North Meck HS back to its strong tradition of academic excellence.  Looking forward to seeing you at the BBQ.

 

Christine Mast

704-728-1554

—–Original Message—–
From: Rhonda Lennon <rhonda.lennon@cms.k12.nc.us>
To: Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com>;
Cc: jswain <jswain@huntersville.org>; carrie.kester <carrie.kester@me.com>; boardmembers <boardmembers@huntersville.org>; Ericka Ellis-Stewart <ericka.ellis-stewart@cms.k12.nc.us>; Mary T. McCray <maryt.mccray@cms.k12.nc.us>; Tim Morgan <tim.morgan@cms.k12.nc.us>; Eric C. Davis <ericc.davis@cms.k12.nc.us>; Joyce Waddell <joyce.waddell@cms.k12.nc.us>; Richard McElrath <richard.mcelrath@cms.k12.nc.us>; Amelia Stinson-Wesley <a.stinson-wesley@cms.k12.nc.us>; Tom Tate <tom.tate@cms.k12.nc.us>; superintendent <superintendent@cms.k12.nc.us>; George E. Battle <georgee.battle@cms.k12.nc.us>; LaTarzja N. Henry <l.henry@cms.k12.nc.us>; HAYES, MATTHEW <matthew.hayes@cms.k12.nc.us>; Dawn Robinson <dawn.robinson@cms.k12.nc.us>; angela richardson <am.richardson@cms.k12.nc.us>
Sent: Fri, Oct 19, 2012 3:17 pm
Subject: RE: North Mecklenburg High School 2011-2012 EOC data

Mrs Mast:

I would respectfully request that you discontinue the email dialogue with the minor child who has been included in this message stream and if you have the need for continued dialogue keep this at an adult level.  This entire email stream started when a minor child was sharing her enthusiasm and pride in HER high school.  She shared with you the anticdotal information of students telling her they are doing better at her high school than they were before at other schools.  Your continued accusations about inappropriate or illegal activity are unjust and misleading.

I make the request not only as a CMS Board member, but mostly as a parent who is disturbed that an adult would carry on such a dialogue with a minor child.

In addition, I am not certain why you would be asking me and this minor child questions regarding your application to the CHEC.  Certainly the minor child has nothing to do with the selection process of any members.  But neither do I.  I have been kept on the loop as far as the charter and purpose of the committee, but was not involved in any way in the committee selection.  I do look forward to serving as a liaison to this committee as it relates to CMS schools and also making sure the committee has access to the CMS staff they need.

Finally, I would ask that you might consider focusing your energy and enthusiasm around school improvement in some upcoming activity in the North Meck Feeder area.  Both Principals at North Meck HS and JM Alexander MS, along with myself and CMS administration are working with the communications dept to set up “coffee chats” in the neighborhoods that feed to the schools.  We will be reaching out to various HOA’s and community groups to share the true story about all the teaching and learning going on in their respective schools, as well as any challenges they face.  All involved are hoping for engaging dialogue among all parties.  It is my thought that these smaller more intimate meetings are far superior to a large town meeting.

I will make sure you and all other interested parties are made aware of the dates and locations of these Coffee Chats and given every opportunity to participate.  I would also hope that you would be willing to partner with me to help spread the word about these activities as they are scheduled.

Also– the 34th North Meck BBQ is next week.  Please make sure to spread the word.  I can tell you that the BBQ served is truly the finest I have ever had.  I am already planning not only to enjoy it next week, but also to stock up my freezer with several containers for future use. 

Have a blessed day!

Rhonda Lennon

CMS Board of Education

District 1

Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to public records requests pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law, resulting in monitoring and potential disclosure of this message to third parties.In compliance with federal law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.
_______________________________________

---

From: Christine Mast [cseeger721@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 5:03 PM
To:  Rhonda Lennon
Cc: jswain@huntersville.org; carrie.kester@me.com; boardmembers@huntersville.org; Ericka Ellis-Stewart; Mary T. McCray; Tim Morgan; Eric C. Davis; Joyce Waddell; Richard McElrath; Amelia Stinson-Wesley; Tom Tate; superintendent
Subject: North Mecklenburg High School 2011-2012 EOC data

Miss S and Ms. Lennon,

 

To date, I have been unable to find any detailed breakdowns of the 2011-12 EOC exams for North Mecklenburg High School on the CMS website.  However, based on Ann Doss Helms’ blog this morning (http://obsyourschools.blogspot.com/2012/10/school-ratings-numbers-rolling-in.html), the reference to the NCDPI website has given some details — see attached file.

 

In the attached file, note the Composite Score for students taking all tests was lower in 2011-12, as compared to 2010-11.  For all North Mecklenburg High School students, the composite score was 76.8% in 2011-12 (scoring at or above Level III), but was 79.6% in 2010-11 (scoring at or above Level III).  Diving deeper, the scores for Black, Hispanic and White students in 2011-12 were 73.9%, 66.0% and 90.1%, respectively.  In comparison, the scores for Black, Hispanic and White students in 2010-11 were 75.3%, 74.8% and 90.6%, respectively.  So even though we’re only looking at the two most recent years of test scores, the results are still declining from the prior year.My question remains, Miss S, how did you access “individual student scores” at North Mecklenburg High School?  Per your original email on October 9, 2012, you stated “… if you look at the test scores of the individual students at North Meck, you will see that they actually IMPROVED from the year before.”  If you’ve got data that contradicts what the NCDPI has published, please share.  But please note, if EOC scores are similar to SAT scores, CMS Communications stated,

 

“…With regard to the SAT information, we do get periodic  reports on SAT results by students  from the College Board.  We can not  disaggregate  the information in a way that would make students identifiable—this would be breaking the law.  The same applies for your request for student information by boundary areas. Those numbers could be small enough that students would be identified. We are both prohibited by law and  bound by our own strong commitment  to student privacy and we will not be able to provide this information to you.“

While I appreciate your offer to tour your school, I have already spent enough time asking my questions, and have yet to get sufficient answers.  My question to you is only one of many questions I ask throughout our large school system.  In case you don’t think I’m involved enough in CMS (or have been told that I’m too negative — because I ask questions — and am not a team player), I recently tried to partner with our local Huntersville CMS schools, by applying to become a member of the newly formed Huntersville CHEC.  There were 19 applicants, with 14 applicants voted in (I was denied access to that committee, as Danny Phillips was the only one to vote for me).  Further, I didn’t get the courtesy of being officially notified of the outcome of that vote.  I only found out what happened when I read an article in one of the Thursday editions of the local Huntersville newspapers.  So, instead of touring the school with you, I would simply appreciate some answers from you.Finally, Ms. Lennon, as our Board of Education District One representative, I request that you validate Miss Swain’s information as claimed, and if in fact this data does exist, that you take appropriate action immediately.  This is a direct violation of student privacy, per CMS.  In the interim, perhaps it would be appropriate for you to plan a town hall meeting as soon as possible.  You could take the opportunity to address the parents, rather than civic, community and business leaders.  It is us, the parents, who have the greatest vested interest in our children.

I look forward to hearing back from both of you.

 

Christine Mast

704-728-1554

—–Original Message—–
From:
To: cseeger721 <cseeger721@aol.com>
Sent: Wed, Oct 17, 2012 9:10 am
Subject: Hello

Ma’am,

 

Not once in my previous email did I say that the test scores were from the SATs. Most students, such as myself, choose to take the SAT only once, so it would be impossible to find a document that shows individual student growth with that test.

 

I invite you to come visit my school. I would be more than happy to introduce you to my principal, teachers and students.

 

Look forward to hearing from you soon,

 

 

 

—–Original Message—–
From: Rhonda Lennon <rhonda.lennon@cms.k12.nc.us>
To: Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com>
Cc: jswain <jswain@huntersville.org>; BoardMembers <BoardMembers@huntersville.org>
Sent: Thu, Oct 11, 2012 6:17 pm
Subject: Re: NMHS

S

Thanks for you awesome email.  You are a shining example of the bright future we have in this community!  

 

V I K I N G S….Viking are the very best. Go North!

Rhonda Lennon

 

On Oct 10, 2012, at 12:01 PM, “Christine Mast” <cseeger721@aol.com> wrote:

Ms. S,

Thanks so much for joining the conversation about North Meck HS.  I appreciate your thoughts, with you being a current student at the school.  I’m also really glad to hear that you feel things are going well, compared to the issues raised in Jimmy Poole’s recent letter.

Regarding the breakdown in individual SAT scores, could you forward that document to me, please?  I haven’t been able to find any breakdowns “by student”.  The only thing I have found so far is this reference from CMS’s own website:

http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/News/Pages/SATscoresdeclineinCMS,stateandnation.aspx

Notice the “click here” at the bottom of the article, which references an Excel spreadsheet with the following data for North Meck HS:

2010

2011

2012

School System & School

# Tested

% Tested

Math Score

CR Score1

Writing Score3

M+CR2

M+CR+W3

# Tested

% Tested

Math Score

CR Score1

Writing Score3

M+CR2

M+CR+W3

# Tested

% Tested

Math Score

CR Score1

Writing Score3

M+CR2

M+CR+W3

600

480

North Mecklenburg High

373

75.4

556

543

519

1099

1618

390

81.9

537

524

512

1061

1573

212

69.5

503

497

481

1000

1481

Thanks for your help.

Christine Mast

704-728-1554

—–Original Message—–
From: Jill Swain <jswainsworld@gmail.com>
To: Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com>; BoardMembers <BoardMembers@huntersville.org>; rglennon <rglennon@bellsouth.net>
Sent: Tue, Oct 9, 2012 8:30 pm
Subject: Fwd: NMHS

———- Forwarded message ———-
From:
Date: Oct 9, 2012 8:27 PM
Subject: NMHS
To: “Jill Swain” <jswainsworld@gmail.com>

North Mecklenburg High School is absolutely not failing. The reason
test scores were lower last year is because the majority of our
student body had to change schools and we received new students from
other schools due to the opening of Hough… obviously.  However, if
you look at the test scores of the individual students at North Meck,
you will see that they actually IMPROVED from the year before.  That
means that these students who came from Vance, West Charlotte, and
others benefitted from the incredible teachers, staff, and learning
environment at North.Any school that has a huge demographic shift will have to rebuild its
programs and will, of course, have lower scores in the first
transition year.  But if you actually go to my school and speak with
my amazing principal, Mr. Hayes, you will see how much effort is being
put in to raise these scores. Even the difference between last year
and this year is noticeable.  Just one example of this is that my AP
English class had three times the number of students who signed up for
it this year than who did last year.  We have a tremendous amount of
teachers who go above and beyond to see their students succeed, and an
overwhelming amount of students who have a strong will to learn.I absolutely love my school and everything about it, and cannot wait
to hear about its success in the future.  Although the school shift
did lower scores, I consider it a good thing because it provided
hundreds of students with an opportunity to go North Meck and have a
better educational experience.

Thank you for your time,

S
Senior, North Mecklenburg High School

---

Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to public records requests pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law, resulting in monitoring and potential disclosure of this message to third parties.

In compliance with federal law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.

 

 

—–Original Message—–
From: Rhonda Lennon <rhonda.lennon@cms.k12.nc.us>
To: Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com>
Cc: Ericka Ellis-Stewart <ericka.ellis-stewart@cms.k12.nc.us>; Mary T. McCray <maryt.mccray@cms.k12.nc.us>; Tim Morgan <tim.morgan@cms.k12.nc.us>; Eric C. Davis <ericc.davis@cms.k12.nc.us>; Joyce Waddell <joyce.waddell@cms.k12.nc.us>; Richard McElrath <richard.mcelrath@cms.k12.nc.us>; Amelia Stinson-Wesley <a.stinson-wesley@cms.k12.nc.us>; Tom Tate <tom.tate@cms.k12.nc.us>; superintendent <superintendent@cms.k12.nc.us>; Scott McCully <scott.mccully@cms.k12.nc.us>
Sent: Tue, Oct 16, 2012 9:45 pm
Subject: Re: Crown Colony Neighborhood Rezoning Request

I don’t believe the teenager you are referring to was talking about SAT scores, she was talking about year to year performance of students.  But you should ask her if you have questions about the comments she made.

 

There is a large group of civic, business and community leaders working with North Meck HS and in fact all the schools within the Huntersville border now.  It’s a huge blessing!

 

There are many things in the works at North Meck, JM Alexander and the feeder elementary schools,  I will make sure the word gets out as things are planned.

Rhonda Lennon

 

On Oct 16, 2012, at 8:15 PM, “Christine Mast” <cseeger721@aol.com> wrote:

Thanks, Rhonda.

On another subject, have you been able to determine how the Mayor of Huntersville’s daughter obtained individual students’ results at North Meck HS,  that reflected student growth on recent SAT scores?   I was told the following by the CMS Communications Department:

With regard to the SAT information, we do get periodic  reports on SAT results by students  from the College Board.  We can not  disaggregate the information in a way that would make students identifiable—this would be breaking the law.  The same applies for your request for student information by boundary areas. Those numbers could be small enough that students would be identified. We are both prohibited by law and bound by our own strong commitment  to student privacy and we will not be able to provide this information to you.

 

Mr. Poole and others in the North Meck HS feeder system want to help partner with North Meck HS and the two feeder schools, to continue improving academic indicators.

 

Christine Mast

704-728-1554

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Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to public records requests pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law, resulting in monitoring and potential disclosure of this message to third parties.In compliance with federal law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.

 

 

 

—–Original Message—–
From: LaTarzja N. Henry <l.henry@cms.k12.nc.us>
To: Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com>
Cc: Ada J. Cole <adaj.cole@cms.k12.nc.us>; Tahira S. Stalberte <tahira.stalberte@cms.k12.nc.us>
Sent: Fri, Oct 12, 2012 6:26 pm
Subject: RE: North Meck HS questions

I have contacted Human Resources and they have indicated that it will be the end of next week before they can provide information for the first two items in your request.  On the third item—We do not have a report that tracks SAT results, feeder patterns, and programs. This type of custom report  would be time intensive to create.

With regard to the SAT information, we do get periodic  reports on SAT results by students  from the College Board.  We can not  disaggregate the information in a way that would make students identifiable—this would be breaking the law.  The same applies for your request for student information by boundary areas. Those numbers could be small enough that students would be identified. We are both prohibited by law and bound by our own strong commitment  to student privacy and we will not be able to provide this information to you.

Please let me know if you need anything else.

Best,

LaTarzja Henry

Executive Director, Communications

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

600 E. Fourth St., Fifth Floor

Charlotte, NC  28202

980-344-0001 – phone

704-634-7886

980-343-7135 – fax

www.cms.k12.nc.us

 

From: Christine Mast [mailto:cseeger721@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 8:47 AM
To: LaTarzja N. Henry
Subject: North Meck HS questions

Good morning!

I have several questions regarding North Meck HS, and was hoping you could gather the answers and send back to me.

1)  Since SY08-09 to currrent, how many teachers have left North Meck HS?  Of the teachers that left, where did they go?  Of the teachers that left, how many were IB teachers?

2)  Since SY08-09 to current, how many IB teachers have worked there every year, by grade level?

3)  http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/newsroom/news/2012-13/20120924/2012sat-report.xls   I found this link on the CMS website, regarding SAT scores.

For North Meck HS, could you break down these SAT scores (by SAT category) between IB students versus “regular” students?  For the “regular” students, could you break that down further, between the students from the former boundary areas in Huntersville/Cornelius/Davidson, and the students that were brought in because of the boundary changes when Hough HS opened?

Please advise how long this information will take to prepare.  I appreciate your help.  

Thanks!

Christine Mast

704-728-1554

---

Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to public records requests pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law, resulting in monitoring and potential disclosure of this message to third parties.

In compliance with federal law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.

 

 

—–Original Message—–
From: Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com>
To: jswain <jswain@huntersville.org>
Cc: boardmembers <boardmembers@huntersville.org>; carrie.kester <carrie.kester@me.com>
Sent: Tue, Oct 9, 2012 4:50 pm
Subject: Re: What are your thoughts on this letter?

Mayor Swain,

Thank you for the follow-up and further information.

 

Once again, though, you are drawing conclusions about two different methodologies of helping schools; yours being “positive” and all others being “negative” or “attacking” when they ask questions.  We are ALL parents and we ALL “partner” with schools to make them better.

Being curious about my motives is one thing, but to state “…knowing that your children are not in the feeder to North Meck,” spoken by an elected official, is troublesome.  This is not the first time that you have “misspoken.”  Your recent comments regarding boundary changes helped to create an unnecessary rumor mill.  There is a pattern emerging, that if someone disagrees with you, then you portray those people as being negative.

Many schools in our area are not making progress, as Mr. Poole has brought to everyone’s attention.  There is a reason that families are leaving this area for other school choices.  The drift began years ago, and it’s past time to openly and honestly identify the issues and come up with solutions.  Labeling me and others as “negative” only further divides the community. 

Hopefully, you will not continue to kill the messenger for political posturing and imagery.  In the interim, as I have discussed with you once already, I would truly appreciate any further dialogue to omit references to my family, and instead, focus on the process of improving our schools.

Christine Mast

704-728-1554

—–Original Message—–
From: Jill Swain <jswainsworld@gmail.com>
To: Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com>
Cc: jswain <jswain@huntersville.org>; boardmembers <boardmembers@huntersville.org>; carrie.kester <carrie.kester@me.com>
Sent: Tue, Oct 9, 2012 3:24 pm
Subject: Re: What are your thoughts on this letter?

Mrs. Mast,

I was just curious why you were focused on North Meck. For the record, I have regularly spoken with the principal about many issues and have brought forward many partners to help him achieve his goals of having NMHS be a top notch school. I know that the percentage of retention has gone down, the number of AP/IB students is increasing, that Mr. Hayes and Mr. Poole have had direct discussions about Mr. Poole’s letter and both agree that their goal is to make North Meck strong, not attack it.I believe we have different methods of helping our schools. I like to be a partner in making things better. And with all schools.If you truly are interested in making things better, please help stress the positive changes while all the schools in our area are making progress.

Jill Swain

On Tue, Oct 9, 2012 at 3:12 PM, Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com> wrote:

Mayor Swain,

Why is it that each time I seek information for me and others, you place motives on my actions?  When you place motives on others without facts, you fracture relationships.  As the Mayor, when interested parties have legitimate questions, you should be building relationships and seeking out solutions based on facts.

 

Why would it matter where my children are assigned?  As you stated, we should all be concerned with ALL of the schools in our area.  But since you asked, your assumption that my children are not in the North Meck HS feeder system would be WRONG.

I asked the question, because I and others in the community have the same question.  We, as parents, have genuine concerns for the declining academic indicators at North Meck HS, as our children will eventually be exposed to this failing system.  We all support public education and believe the problems can be solved.  But others have already given up, and have either gotten into a charter seat through the lottery, or they spend more money to send their children to private schools.This is not the answer.  We need to identify this problem now and correct it now, rather than continuing to kick the can down the road.Are you willing to help this process, or will you continue to assign motives (without facts) on others who are attempting to solve this problem?  The question remains: why are the academic indicators spiraling downward at North Meck HS?

Christine Mast

704-728-1554

 

PS  Carrie, it was great seeing you at the forum last Thursday evening.  I am copying you for your information as the new Chair of CHEC.  Thanks!

—–Original Message—–
From: Jill Swain <jswainsworld@gmail.com>
To: Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com>

Sent: Tue, Oct 9, 2012 10:06 am
Subject: Re: What are your thoughts on this letter?

Mrs. Mast,

Knowing that your children are not in the feeder to North Meck, may I ask why you are interested specifically in that school?  Jill Swain
Mayor, Town of Huntersville

On Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 12:44 PM, Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com> wrote:

Mayor Swain,

 

Thank you for responding.  I appreciate your concern for every school in our area.

 

My questions, though, were about the changes that are occurring at North Meck HS. You’ll notice I didn’t mention diversity.  What I am asking about, is the decline in academic indicators… not only EOG/EOC/SAT scores, but the number of offered classes in AP and IB, too.

 

Board members, anyone else care to share their opinion?

 

Thanks again,

 

Christine Mast

704-728-1554

—–Original Message—–
From: Jill Swain <jswainsworld@gmail.com>

To: Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com>
Cc: boardmembers <boardmembers@huntersville.org>; jswain <jswain@huntersville.org>
Sent: Wed, Oct 3, 2012 10:30 pm
Subject: Re: What are your thoughts on this letter?

Ms. Mast,I’m sure you can browse other websites and find letters about just about any school…. The very fact that the Huntersville Board has shown interest in all of our schools is a positive step for our entire town. We believe that embracing all of our schools and working toward progress, and helping each school enhance the education of our students is the privilege of being a citizen.I have watched the incredible progress at many of our schools and am excited about the prospects for additional community involvement.As a parent of a North Meck High School student (not IB), I will tell you that because of the principal and the teachers, I have been able to witness an excitement for education, and also a compassion for diversity. I wish more people could experience that.

Jill Swain

On Wed, Oct 3, 2012 at 6:23 PM, Christine Mast <cseeger721@aol.com> wrote:

Good Evening, Everyone,

I was browsing the Observer’s website today, and saw this letter from Jimmy Poole.  I was hoping you could share your thoughts about not only the letter, but how you feel about the changes (academically, clubs, AP and IB classes, etc.) at North Mecklenburg High School (since the boundary changes).  I’d appreciate hearing what you think.

http://media.charlotteobserver.com/static/images/pdf/TownofHuntersville.pdf

Thanks!

Christine Mast

704-728-1554

 

What a week with my Local Officials… Part 1

Here’s one of the dialogues I’ve had with Rhonda Lennon this week.  I have had other dialogues  with other officials, but I decided to post this in its entirety now, because some of my comments were already deleted by Rhonda.  All I want are answers to my questions.  All I get back from them is to “stop being negative.”

Rhonda Lennon, CMS Board of Education, D1 shared a link.

Yesterday

We don’t know how to disagree without being disagreeable! How can we expect children to learn the character traits of respect or even basic good manners when grown up don’t behave!
I posted this Rick Warren interview back in April….but i

t is something I think of daily.From the negativity spewed by many at the local level to rudeness during a national debate, we as a nation need intensive lessons in CIVIL DISCOURSE and its place in the foundations of our democracy.

Rick Warren: ‘Coarsening of our Culture’ Concerns Me

abcnews.go.com

(ABC News) For “This Week,” I sat down with Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. As many Americans celebrate Easter and Passover, I asked Warren about the state of nation spiritually. The full and exclusive interview will air tomorrow morning on “This Week.” TAPPER: When yo…

Like ·  · Share

• Rita Wilson likes this.
• 

  Christine Seeger Mast Agreed. And wouldn’t it be nice, when people have legitimate questions about real issues, that they wouldn’t be painted as “negative?” But instead , elected officials would help find answers to those questions?

  Yesterday at 9:11am via mobile · Like · 1
• 

  Christine Seeger Mast Especially when so many people have the same questions, and are hoping to partner with those officials to find solutions?

  23 hours ago · Like · 1
• 

  Rhonda Lennon, CMS Board of Education, D1 And in case anyone is not clear about why I posted this today, it is my reaction to the VP DEBATE last night. Not any local issues going on currently.

  23 hours ago · Like · 1
• 

  Christine Seeger Mast Thanks for the clarity about your post, but there ARE local issues going on right now. And we all would appreciate some help in getting questions answered. Thanks!

  22 hours ago · Like
• 

  Rhonda Lennon, CMS Board of Education, D1 well of course there are local issues going on!!! All politics is local…..or so the saying says!! Have a blessed day!! And as always, send me an email if there is anything I can help you with. Its been an extremely busy time on the SB lately, with lots of extra meeting coming up.

  22 hours ago · Edited · Like
• 

  Christine Seeger Mast I did already, in the email I sent regarding why a current senior at North Meck HS supposedly has access to individual SAT scores, when I’ve been told by CMS Central Office that that would be illegal. And after sending that request to you, this is what you answered with: “V I K I N G S….Viking are the very best. Go North!”

  a few seconds ago · Like

Letter from Jimmy Poole, former Principal at North Meck HS

Just saw this in the Observer today.  It’s a letter from Jimmy Poole, former Principal at North Meck HS, to Mayor Jill Swain and the Town of Huntersville Commissioners.

Thoughts?

Mayor Swain and Town of Huntersville Commissioners

I am writing to you as a citizen and advocate for North Mecklenburg High School. I am sure you
are aware of the changes at one of the finest schools in Huntersville, North Mecklenburg, as a
result of the boundaries for Hough High. However, you may not be aware of how drastic these
changes are therefore, I would like to update you with some facts. I don’t expect you to do
anything about the situation. In fact, it is the responsibility of the school board to make
decisions on boundary changes. Also, you may not want to do anything as most of the citizens
of Huntersville you represent are satisfied or very happy with the school assignments for their
children. (Hopewell and Hough). A smaller number of citizens of Huntersville now have their
children assigned to North which has become a “North Charlotte “school. Many of them are not
happy with what has happened to North

I along with parents in areas such as Skybrook and Vermillion, and Davis Lake, can only blame
ourselves for not getting involved in the process regarding the boundaries for Hough. Instead of
creating three fairly equal high schools in the area, the school board created one higher
income, very low minority school, one average income, evenly integrated school and one lower
income, higher poverty and high minority school. North should have kept communities such as
Northstone and the Hamptons and it would have been OK. I am certain that parents in the
“know” lobbied to have their children assigned to the new high school. I wrote to all school
board members when I realized what the new boundary would do to North, one of the finest
schools in CMS and the state. I was told by three members that they realized the negative
impact the new boundaries would have on North and they made some promises to look into
what could be done, but they did nothing. They did realize the mistake they had made. It is
interesting that the boundaries included what was obviously a “going away” gift to a board
member leaving the board as his neighborhood (part of Wynnfield), was assigned to Hough. I
had hoped that our new school board representative from the northern end might help North
but that hasn’t happened. After a year, Hough had more students than Hopewell and North.
North for the first time had to have students assigned from another school (West Charlotte) to
increase student numbers. It is still smaller than Hough or Hopewell. When Vance, Hopewell,
and Mallard Creek were built, North lost students but gained students back fairly quickly,
without students being assigned from another school. Since busing for school integration
occurred in 1971, I know of no other school that has had such a drastic change because of new
boundaries. In the past, West Mecklenburg was almost as drastic. When Harding became a full
magnet, most of the students in its attendance zone were assigned to West causing major
changes at the school. It is interesting that many years later that has reversed somewhat as
Harding is now a neighborhood school.

I must state that the new principal at North is excellent. I know him well as I was his mentor
after I retired. He is energetic,Knowledgeable, and has leadership skills. He is focused on student achievement and I believe will be successful. He has some challenges facing him now. however.
The drastic changes;North is no longer essentially a neighborhood, Huntersville school. Few students from
Huntersville attend. The boundaries extend to I-85.

The student demographics have changed. There is a higher percentage of poverty (around 50%)
and the minority population is almost 80%. Without the IB program, it would probably be
higher as students from outside the North attendance area can enroll in that program. I have
no problem with minority students or those classified as poverty. In my 35 years as an educator
in CMS, I have work in inner city schools such as University Park, Northwest and J.T. Williams.
While principal at Alexander and North we had students from Tryon Hills, Greenville, Deliha
Court, the Nevins- Statesville Road ( assigned there again now) area as well as Trinity Park. We
have successfully worked with these students and parents. What North lacks now is a balance
in the demographics which should have happened with the new boundaries.

North’s academic standing has suffered. Several times in the past North was in the top 100
schools in the U.S. determined by Newsweek. This was based partially on the number of
students in AP and IB courses. How many students are in AP courses now and how many AP
courses are offered? I wonder if North would be ranked in the top 10 in CMS now. I don’t
know the test scores from last year but North students have typically done very well.

The athletic program has suffered. North won the Wachovia Cup for the finest overall athletic
program in the conference for 25 plus years. Last year they came in 6th. There were no JV
teams in soccer, softball, or baseball. They just had enough players to have a varsity baseball
team. Some of the players that tried out didn’t had gloves of there own. All of the players on
the Hough baseball team that went to the state finals were at North previously. It may be true
for the girl’s state championship soccer team also. The athletic director at North says that The
IB program has saved some sports. He says that gate receipts are down, that students and
parents from the southern end of the attendance zone do not come to games. They don’t have
the resources to support the school in athletics, BBQ etc. We are fortunate that there is still a
strong booster club and alumni support. A recent golf tournament at Cowan’s Ford had alumni
from every decade there supporting athletics. We raised close to $10,000 that day.

I am sure that school clubs have suffered also.-the offerings and number of students involved.
North once had the largest DECA in the state.

The IB program is a bright spot for the school. Blythe and Alexander are feeder schools for the program. The 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, grades is called the Middle Years IB. The diploma program is grades 11 and 12. Students from other school can enroll in the program and there re more from these schools than from North. The diploma program is very strenuous and challenging and many students in the middle years program choose not to continue and go back to their home school. I am very concerned about this program continuing.

I believe that the school board should look at new boundaries for the northern end high
schools. I have hopes that when Hough gets overcrowded that some of the students in
Huntersville communities close to North such as Northstone and The Hamptons would return
to North. This is logical. However, our school board representative recently told me that she
would recommend that the Wynfield area return to Hopewell instead. Why? Maybe the fact
that she lives in Northstone is a reason. An alternative which is not as logical but would be
acceptable is to assign the Wynfield area student to North. (and Alexander) The distance to
North is almost the same as to Hopewell.

I have advised the residents of Vermillion and Skybrook, and Davis Lake to keep their concerns
in front of the school board and get involved with some of the new members that may be more
sympathetic to them and their concerns.

Sadly, unless the school board considers new boundaries, the hope I see for North to restore
some balance in the student demographics now is growth in the area , which will takes some
time.. Hopefully, the Brighton areas across from the school and the area around 485 when it is
completed, may develop some homes. Parents, however, still will look for a high quality high
school for their children before purchasing a home. I have witness major changes at North over
the last 50 plus years. This one is the most drastic I have seen. It is sad to me and it should
have been avoided. I will continue, with the help of those in the community and alumni, to be
an advocate for North Mecklenburg.

Sincerely,
Jimmy K. Poole-retired principal

Seems rumors are swirling…

Has anyone encountered any of these rumors?  Here’s a post from Rhonda Lennon’s CMS District 1 Facebook page:

Rhonda Lennon, CMS Board of Education, D1

Boundary rumors persist….. I have heard these rumors are being spread by real estate agents but also by a local charter school to the north of here that is marketing spaces in their school by saying– Hough boundaries will be changing. THIS IS FALSE and most disturbing that another school would be a source of spreading untrue rumors about CMS schools. I rec’d about 20 calls, and over 50 emails about this situation.

Here are the facts.
1. The boundaries for the new Stumptown ES were voted and approved by the BOE in May/June 2009.
2. The boundaries for Hough/Hopewell/North Meck were also established at that same meeting in May/Jume 2009

3. Hough HS is currently at capacity, but has NO mobiles. Both North Meck and Hopewell have mobiles because they are OVER building capacity with current enrollment.

CMS staff is merely presenting an update on Stumptown next week, it is NOT an action item on the agenda. Just an UPDATE! The building is rising from the dirt over there, and its an exciting thing!

While I cannot look into a crystal ball, I can say that boundary changes seem unlikely for several more school years. And yes, that means that there will be mobiles at Hough at some point. Its the price we all pay for living in a vibrant community that people want to move to. 
It will be my goal to have the NEW high school On Stumptown Road funded in the next capital plan to preapre for the growth in our area. CMS already owns the land and the site map for that entire property is established..
Then new boundaries will be drawn to include a new school. 

IF YOU HEAR THE RUMORS- PLEASE CORRECT THEM AND TELL THE M TO STOP!

Like ·  · Share · 3 · 25 minutes ago · 

• 

  Catherine O’Donnell Greenberg Too bad…I was hoping that it was true the Wynfield would go back to Hopewell. It doesn’t make any sense that they go all the way to Hough.

  19 minutes ago · Like
• 

  Denise O’Sullivan Lynch Rhonda, you know I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t ask you what your goal was for funding Johnston-Oehler Elementary School?

  6 minutes ago · Like
• 

  Christine Seeger Mast You mentioned that “boundary changes seem unlikely for several more years…” Can you explain why you think that? Is there something stopping another look at the boundaries, using current enrollment figures? Just curious. Especially with the tremendous shift in boundaries at North Meck last time, it would seem to make sense to bring all three LKN-area high schools back to more “neighborhood” schools again.

No-ZERO policies for grading students?!

http://obsyourschools.blogspot.com/2012/10/cms-to-mull-no-zero-plan.html

Here’s what I think about giving students no lower than 50% for doing NOTHING:

Let’s remind ourselves of the Supt.’s vision: “Every child. Every day. For a better tomorrow.”

Now let’s look at the various “tomorrows” we hope a child could have after CMS:

1) College
2) Job
3) ??

1) In college, what kind of a grade do you think a student will receive, who does not do any of the homework? A ZERO.

2) At work, what kind of a reception do you think a worker will get from his boss, when the worker decides not to show up for work one day? 50% of a paycheck?! No, the worker will get a pink slip.

3) Live off of a government program, which costs ALL of us more money.

Someone please tell me how we are “helping” our kids by giving them 50% for doing nothing.

I support teachers that allow the students a second chance (with an appropriately lower grade for being late). I also agree with Anon @ 8:34 am that “this movement is simply an effort to artificially boost grades and improve the graduation rate while asking nothing of the student.”

We’re not doing anyone any favors by continuing to award students points for doing nothing. They won’t be ready to enter the work force. They won’t be ready to enter college. If they do try for higher education, they’ll need remedial classes before they can even begin higher education. All CMS is doing is passing the buck to the companies and colleges.

We need to be responsible stewards of the kids while they’re in CMS, and prepare them for the real world.

KUDOS to Blythe Elementary’s 2nd grade teaching team

http://obsyourschools.blogspot.com/2012/09/teachers-on-fire.html

“The two batted ideas back and forth:  What if there was a teacher exchange day,  where all the Butler teachers went to West and vice versa?  What if CMS held professional development sessions where successful teachers talked about what they were doing, rather than listening to experts talk about what they ought to do?  What if North Carolina or CMS created their own versions of Education Nation to bring dynamic teachers and interested community members together to solve problems?”

AMEN to the idea of allowing successful teachers within CMS to share their ideas with their colleagues across the County, instead of bringing outside “experts” in!

For instance, I attended my child’s curriculum night last evening, and I was so impressed with the 2nd grade teaching team’s presentation. They were professional, energetic, excited, knowledgeable and organized. I am proud and excited to be able to be part of their “team” this year.

Other schools could learn a lot from this group of dedicated educators.

 

Year 1 Report on Closed Schools

http://obsyourschools.blogspot.com/2012/09/civil-rights-school-choice-and-closing.html

I attended the meeting last night and heard all the conversations.

PRO: I enjoyed the video and listening to Jan McIver, principal at Thomasboro Academy. This is the first time I can recall that we were able to put a “face and a name” with all the data. Kudos (I’m guessing to Dr. Morrison) for having her speak at the meeting. It brought a human side to the Board’s decisions.

CON: I thought it was a bit disingenuous to quote a cost avoidance of $138 million on page 15 of the presentation. $107.6 million of the cost avoidance relates to NON-FUNDED 10-year capital plan projects.

FYI: They did mention it once, but I wanted to mention it again. They spent $6.9 million as a “one time investment.” This first year, they “saved” $5.2 million. So within this first year, we’re still at a net loss of $1.7 million.

By the end of the second year, we will have “saved” a total project net of $3.5 million.

For the third year and beyond, we’ll get the full $5.2 million yearly savings.

One other point of confusion for me… if some of the schools that remain open used to be under-utilized, but now are up to 30% over utilized, are we really saving any money? While one school got closed, another school needs more mobiles. Guess I’m just wondering what the net effect of those issues are across the entire project.