Greetings, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Families!

Our Learning Communities and schools celebrated the outstanding professionals named CMS Teacher of the Year and Teacher Assistant of the Year finalists. We will announce the district winners at the Gem Awards on May 7. Congratulations to:

Teacher of the Year Finalists

• Central Learning Community – Marlette Gaither, Marie G. Davis IB World School
• East Learning Community – Alexa Woodburn, J.T. Williams Secondary Montessori School
• North Learning Community – Stephanie Croker, North Academy of World Languages
• Northeast Learning Community – Leslie Cosentine, Charlotte Engineering Early College
• Northwest Learning Community – Elizabeth (Beth) Canute, Tuckaseegee Elementary School
• South Learning Community – Stephanie Arem, McKee Road Elementary School
• Southeast Learning Community – Wally Burgess, Northridge Middle School
• Southwest Learning Community – Meredith Sumrell, Quail Hollow Middle School
• West Learning Community – Danah Wilson, Northwest School of the Arts

Teacher Assistant of the Year Finalists

• Central Learning Community – Anika Warmington, First Ward Creative Arts Academy
• East Learning Community – Merissa Slachciak, Villa Heights Elementary School
• North Learning Community – Lynne DiMarco, Croft Community School
• Northeast Learning Community – Keecha Finely, University Meadows Elementary School
• Northwest Learning Community – Michaiah Miller, Harding University High School
• South Learning Community – William Crawford, Jay M. Robinson Middle School
• Southeast Learning Community – Eric Redman, Lawrence Orr Elementary School
• Southwest Learning Community – Ebonee McCain, Winget Park Elementary School
• West Learning Community – Teresa Karam, Thomasboro Academy

I am excited to announce the launch of the Excellence Without Exception: Good News Portal, a website site where we will share the uplifting stories that showcase the remarkable achievements and positive contributions across our school communities and district. The site also includes sections dedicated to the strategic plan, CMS in the news and a way for you to submit ideas for great stories about our district staff, students, and school communities.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools hosted its inaugural Spanish Spelling Bee. Students from Charlotte East Language Academy, Collinswood Language Academy, and Oaklawn Language Academy competed. Congratulations to Vincente Alcayaga, a 5^th grade student at Charlotte East Language Academy, who was crowned champion!

In April, we launched 24 Safe: Safe Schools, Stronger Community, a multi-media campaign highlighting safety tips and violence prevention steps, including building safety, safe firearm storage and student/staff wellness.

As a mom of students in our district and as the Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, my expectation is for our schools to be safe and welcoming for everyone. Acts of violence will not be tolerated. 

Parents: We need you to talk to your children about making sure the spaces where we live, learn, work, and play are safe. Thank you for being our partner in helping us build a stronger, safer community.

The Board of Education will meet for its regularly scheduled meetings on May 14 and 28.

As always, I thank you for your continued support of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Sincerely,

Crystal L. Hill, Ed.D.
Superintendent