Carmel Middle School Schools to Watch 2005   Carmel Middle School 5001 Camilla Drive Charlotte, NC 28226 (980) 343-6705 (980) 343-6749 FAX   Principal: Nancy Hicks   Website: http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/allschools/carmel/   Introduction: Carmel Middle School is one of thirty middle schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. It serves as a partial magnet school for 250 students in communication arts courses such as public speaking, debate, journalism, chorus, drama, art, multi-media, yearbook, Spanish, French, and communications/publications yet maintains an academic core curriculum with high standards for all students. While serving a diverse population from across the urban Charlotte area, Carmel meets the needs of each student in a progressive, well-organized academic arena that thrives on success for all. This success is a result of the outstanding support of the faculty, staff, parents and community that are all part of the Carmel family. Here are some of the things that make Carmel Middle School a School to Watch.   Evidence of Academic Excellence All students regardless of academic level (scholar, accelerated, ESL, EC, etc.) are expected to achieve at their highest level Wide variety of teaching strategies and techniques are used to meet the needs of the individual students Teachers show excitement for what they teach Emphasis is on achievement and higher test scores for everyone (availability of tutoring, "-, MOR,+" program) Eighty minute blocks provide time for a variety of instructional activities Technology is commonplace in all subjects Integration of curriculum is utilized and expected to take place Evidence of Meeting Students' Needs School has a comfortable, inviting, friendly atmosphere although the building was built 32 year ago as a junior high A wide variety of student services and classes are available through the magnet classes that are open to all students and through the "9th Block" enrichment program Classes in life skills, character education, current events, as well as Algebra I and geometry are examples of classes offered to all students Principals' Advisory Council and the Student Council provide open, non- threatening opportunities for students to present concerns and solutions to problems within the school as well as to provide community services Community partnerships with businesses, the Mint Museum, the YMCA, The Charlotte Observer and the local FOX TV channel are ongoing Students have access to a wide variety of co-curricular activities during the school day (9th Block) and before and after school   Evidence of Social Equity Dual grading of student work (e.g.: same item evaluated by language arts teacher, science teacher or peers) Wide use in all classes and school of technology, learning styles and teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of students Inclusion for EC students All students have opportunity to participate in clubs, teams and activities Student of day is recognized for outstanding citizenship Parent and family involvement is strong with activities of PTA and School Leadership Team and volunteers that serve in the school Evidence of Organizational Structures & Processes The magnet program is reviewed and refined each year to better meet the needs of the students While the principal has a strong leadership style, other key administrators are delegated key roles and responsibilities Teachers and administrators are visible throughout the school monitoring class changes, lunches, special release times, etc. Parents are invited and expected to participate in school planning, school activities and school improvement Organizational procedures are in place-faculty, staff, students and parents know what to do and what must be done to maintain a safe, caring, learning environment   Closing Comments Carmel Middle School has something special to offer. The diversity of the school which requires meeting a wide variety of academic and social needs, helps set it apart from others. There is a "no excuses" mentality present where all students--regardless of where they come from (EC students, large ESL population, 75 students through NCBL school choice, a wide range socio-economic population etc,) are held to high expectations and the school is running to the top with school improvement, ABCs and AYP. E-Mail Home | About NCMSA | Conferences | Membership | Schools to Watch | Regions | Publications Last Updated March 3, 2007 © 1999-2007 North Carolina Middle School Association National Forum logo, graphics, and criteria used with permission.