March 14,2006

UPDATE

March 14, 2006

Prepared by

Deanna Duncan, Principal

and

Dr. Richard Beall, Director

On Friday, March 24^th, we will make up the missed school day from Friday. This had been scheduled for a professional development day and for parent-teacher conferences. (It was also noted on the calendar as a possible make-up day if necessary.) So we will have school as usual on Friday, March 24^th, with parent-teacher conferences as needed.

The spring pictures will be taken this Friday. Students can wear casual clothes but they must comply with our dress code for casual days. The 7^th and 8^th graders on the field trip this week will have re-takes on Monday, April 10^th.

The Book Fair committee is happy to announce that it's time for the Book Fair again!! It will arrive on campus on Wednesday, March 15^th, and be here until March 22^nd. The schedule is listed below. We had a tremendous fair in the fall and hope to do it again! We need volunteers so if you can help please contact Charlotte Halperin at chalperin@carolina.rr.com.

Thurs 3-16-06 Student preview day from 9-3. We will have the Book Fair open from 8:30-4:00 for purchases etc.

Wed 3-22-06 Limited hours from 8:30-9:30. Book fair will be packed up for pick up after 9:30.

Every NC student must complete the Computer Skills test to qualify for graduation. Our 8^th graders took the test in November. Those who did not pass will have another opportunity the week of March 27^th.

What will high school look like at CIS? Our 9^th grade families (and interested others) are invited to an informational meeting on Thursday, March 23^rd, in the multi-purpose room. We will describe the course sequence, student internships, and other information.

The 2005-6 Yearbook is now on sale. It will be a beautiful hardcover collection of memories. The cost is $28! Order forms are available in the office from Ms. Hayes.

It was a sunny 80-degree day in downtown Charlotte, but the Winter Dance was a festive success on Sunday afternoon. We want to thank Anna Montgomerie and the CIS Drama Club for sponsoring this wonderful event for our families. Great job, again this year!

The next Drama Club meeting is Saturday, April 1^st, at CIS from 9-11:30am for their rehearsal. This is for grades 1-3.

The parents’ Teacher Encouragement Service Team served a delicious Italian lunch to our staff on the last early dismissal day. Pictured at the top are parents Vicki Dotson and Amanda Currie.

When NC passed its “Education Lottery” it promised that significant funding would flow from the proceeds to the public schools. They did not report the 27,000 students in the state’s charter schools would be denied those funds. Until the General Assembly passes new legislation, that is the reality. For CIS, that means lost revenue of about $100 per pupil, or $37,000.

The North Carolina League of Charter Schools responded by establishing NC SELF—NC Students for Equitable Lottery Funding. We have been in communication with our Region 6 charter schools and CIS will host the next event, a press conference on March 30^th, at 7pm in the middle school multi-purpose room. One state senator has already committed to attending, and we hope that our CIS students, staff, and parents will join us that night for a strong showing of support.