My School Rocks! April 2012 by Michael Phillips

Mertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heart and Soul

Southern Fare for the Whole Family

Education Meets Fun

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Go to www.levinechildrenshospital.org/extraordinary and read Ian’s extraordinary story of drowning and how Levine Children’s Hospital saved his life. Board-certified pediatric critical care and pediatric emergency medicine physicians, coupled with access to the only Level I Trauma Center in Charlotte, make us the destination for the most advanced emergency care for children in the region. There are children’s hospitals and then there is Levine Children’s Hospital – which makes your choice extraordinarily simple.

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WATCH!

Saturday April 21, 2012 Watch & Support Your School! Schools will compete for the title of The Most Rocking School in the Carolinas facebook.com/msrtv PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

Andrew Jackson HS Concord HS Independence HS Lake Norman HS Northwestern HS Providence Senior HS Rock Hill HS South Pointe HS My School Rocks is a coproduction between MSR Magazine, WTVI, and Muve Music from Cricket

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Creating

Beautiful SmilesBeautiful Smiles Everyday We take great pride in providing excellent dental care whether it is a minor restoration or a complete smile makeover. Our stateof-the-art facility allows us to ensure that you are pleased with your new beautiful smile.

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• New Patients Always Welcome We take great pride in • New Patients Always Welcome • Same Day Appointments providing excellent dental • Same Day Appointments care whether it is a minor • In-Office & At-Home Whitening • In-Office & At-Home Whitening restoration or a complete • Veneers, Lumineers & Bonding • Veneers, Lumineers & Bonding smile makeover. Our state• Most Insurance Accepted of-the-art facility allows • Most Insurance Accepted • Free Consultation us to ensure that you are • Free Consultation • Complete Family Care pleased with your new • Complete Family Care • Cosmetics Emphasized beautiful smile. • Cosmetics Emphasized • Payment Plans AvailablePlease call 704-895-3858 • Payment Plans Available • Invisalign® Orthodonticsto schedule an appoint• Invisalign® Orthodontics ment or stop by and let •WeAlltake Porcelain Crowns great pride in • New Patients Always Welcome • All Porcelain Crowns you and your family excellent •providing Emergency Care dental us• give Same Day Appointments • Emergency Care

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care whether it is a minor something to smile about. • In-Office & At-Home Whitening restoration or a complete • Veneers, Lumineers & Bonding smile makeover. Our stateWe take great pride in providing excellent dental care Whether it is a minor restoration or a complete smile makeover. of-the-art facility allows • Most Insurance Accepted our stateWe -of-thetake -art facility usthat to ensure that you are pleased With your neW beautiful smile. please call usgreat to alloWs ensurepride you in are • Free Consultation 704-895-3858 to schedule an appointment or stop by and let us give you and your family something to smile about. pleased with your new providing beautiful excellent dental • Complete Family Care smile.

• New Patients Always Welcome • Same Day Appointments • Cosmetics Emphasized care whether it is a minor • New Patients Always Welcome • Veneers, Lumineers & Bonding • Cosmetics Emphasized In-Office & At-Home Whitening Please call 704-895-3858 •• Payment Plans Available restoration or a complete • Same Day Appointments • Most Insurance Accepted • Payment Plans Available to schedule an appoint• Invisalign Orthodontics • Veneers,Crowns Lumineers & Bonding ment or stop bystateand let smileP. makeover. Our • In-Office & At-Home • Free Consultation • All Porcelain Crowns Scott Guice, DDS • All Porcelain Scott P. Guice, DDS us give you and your family Julianne Colvin, DDS Whitening • Complete Family Care • Emergency Care of-the-art facility allows • Most Insurance Accepted Julianne Colvin, DDS • Emergency Care something toHuntersville smile about. 9615-A NorthCross Center Ct., NorthCross Center Ct., Huntersville us to ensure that you are (Across from Home Depot at NorthCross) • 9615-A Free Consultation (Across from Home Depot at NorthCross) pleased with your new • Complete Family Care beautiful smile. www.lakenormandentistry.com www.lakenormandentistry.com • Cosmetics Emphasized Please call 704-895-3858 • Payment Plans Available to schedule an appoint• Invisalign® Orthodontics Scott P. Guice, DDS ment or stop by and let • All Porcelain Crowns us give you and your family 9615-A NorthCross Center Ct., Huntersville • Emergency Care (Across from Home Depot at NorthCross) something to smile about. ®

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Contents Issue #71 2012 The Birthday Issue www.MySchoolRocks.com

22 Publisher’s Note...........................8 Features: Mert’s Heart and Soul................10 Birthdays that Rock...................16 Cover Story: Boy and Girl of the Year..............................22 School Features: Highland Creek Elementary.....30 Southwest Middle School..........32 Winding Springs Elementary....34

10 16

Chalkboard: Discovering a Special Place........36 History Fun: Hans Christian Anderson..........40 Story Time: The Mathematical Mishap........42 Game and Puzzles Coloring Fun.............................44 Why is That? Spicy Food...................................46 6 – My School Rocks!

When do you stop worrying? As our children get older, we find ourselves asking at what point we’ll stop worrying so much about them. I recently received from my mother an email that has been circulating for some time now, with a great message. It was so good that I thought I would share it with you in case you haven’t seen it yet. Is there an imaginary cutoff period when offspring become accountable for their own actions? Is there some wonderful moment when parents can become detached spectators in the lives of their children and shrug, “It’s their life,” and feel nothing? When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital corridor waiting for doctors to put a few stitches in my son’s head and I asked, “When do you stop worrying?” The nurse said, “When they get out of the accident stage.” My parents just smiled faintly and said nothing. When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little chair in a classroom and heard how one of my children talked incessantly, disrupted the class, and was headed for a career making license plates. As if to read my mind, a teacher said, “Don’t worry, they all go through this stage and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them.” My parents just smiled faintly and said nothing. When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come home, the front door to open. A friend said “they’re just trying to find themselves. Don’t worry! In a few years, they’ll be adults. They’ll be off on their own, they’ll be out of your hair.” My parents just smiled faintly and said nothing. By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being vulnerable. I was still worrying over my children, but there was a new wrinkle. Even though they were on their own, I continued to anguish over their failures, be tormented by their frustrations, and absorbed in their disappointments. And there was nothing I could do about it. My parents just smiled faintly and said nothing.

Staff: Publisher: Michael Phillips Copy Editor: Amy Trainor Production Design: SPARK Publications Financial Manager: Shari Sobolewski Illustrator: Zoe Ranucci

8 – My School Rocks!

Contributing Writers: Virginia Franco Resa Goldberg B.Nicole Hunt Katya Lezin Kimberly P. Johnson Courtney McLaughlin Sales: Sales@MySchoolRocks.com

On The Cover: Michael Price and Jordan Jemsek

My friends said that when my kids got married I could stop worrying and lead my own life. I wanted to believe that, but I was haunted by my parents’ warm smiles and their occasional, “You look pale. Are you all right?” “Call me the minute you get home,” or “Are you depressed about something?” My friends said that when I became a grandparent, I would get to enjoy the happy little voices yelling ”Grandma!” and “Papa!” But now I find that I worry just as much about the little kids as the big ones. How can anyone cope with all this worry? Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of worry? Is concern for one another handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of human frailties and the fears of the unknown? Is concern a curse or is it a virtue that elevates us to the highest form of earthly creation? Recently, one of my own children became quite irritable, saying to me, “Where were you? I’ve been calling for three days, and no one answered. I was worried.” I smiled a warm smile. The torch has been passed. Sincerely, Michael Phillips, Publisher mphillips@myschoolrocks.com

MySchoolRocks.com

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My School Rocks! is paid for by the sponsors located within the publication and NOT by CMS, or government funds of any kind.

Cover Photo By: Emily Mattos

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Please include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. Send mail to My School Rocks!, P.O. Box 78734, Charlotte, NC 28271-7040; fax 704-973-7863.

Photographers: Emily Mattos TJ Petrino

Copyright 2011-2012 by Kidz Biz Publications, LLC. Printed in USA. My School Rocks! is published by Kidz Biz Publications, LLC. Submissions are welcome, but the editor assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material and may use them at his/her discretion. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publishers. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any way without written permission from the publisher. For more information or comments call: (704) 401-5268.

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OUR DENTISTS Pediatric Dentists David H. Moore, DDS, MS, Diplomate Cecilia Hwang, DDS, Diplomate Mark Meyer, DDS, Diplomate General Dentist (Practice Limited to Children)

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Mert’s

Heart and Soul

Bringing Family-friendly Southern Cuisine to Uptown Charlotte by Katya Lezin

When James Bazelle decided to open his own restaurant after years of working in the food business as an executive chef and caterer, he knew just the kind of place he wanted to offer Charlotte diners. With four kids 10 – My School Rocks!

of their own, Bazelle and his wife, Renee, “were all about offering families someplace to eat.” Bazelle recalls that dining out options were limited for his family, and he wanted to fill that hole. “There was McDonald’s,”

he says, “and high-end dining. Not much in between that was familyfriendly and reasonably priced.” No one can complain that Mert’s Heart and Soul, located uptown on North College Street within walking

distance of Time Warner Cable Arena and the Blumenthal Center, isn’t family friendly. Bright, colorful folk art catches your eye as soon as you enter the restaurant, including a huge bird sculpture that is mounted on a bobsled and a firefly that is mounted on a bicycle. Eclectic 3D prints by local artist Clay Durkin adorn the walls and signed posters from visiting Broadway show casts and sports teams abound. Perhaps the most unique wall hangings, however, are the large, black and white photographs of African American Charlotte residents, many of them children. The prints were donated to Mert’s by the public library and, over the years, almost everyone depicted in the photos has come in to the restaurant and identified him or herself. The food, however, is the real draw, and each plate is a work of art in its own right. Mert’s is the kind of restaurant that attracts and retains regulars, the kind of diners who need simply sit

The name of the new restaurant is actually linked to GA on Tryon in that it comes from one of that restaurant’s regular clients.

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down at a table and the waitresses know exactly what to bring them. It is easy to see how one could fall in love with Mert’s, as colorful and heaping plates of fried chicken, with collard greens and macaroni and cheese sail out of the kitchen as fast as the chefs can make them. Also hugely popular are Mert’s salmon cakes, made with fresh salmon, which can be ordered as either an appetizer or an entrée. Another distinctive item on the menu are the soul roll appetizers, which are deep fried wonton wrappers filled with rice, collard greens, black-eyed peas and chicken. We enjoyed them as part of one of two appetizer platters we ordered; a perfect way to start our meal and sample many of Mert’s specialties. The Southern Sampler comes with fried green tomatoes, wings, salmon cakes and cornbread. The Soul Sampler includes ribs, soul rolls, chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese. My 12-yearold daughter, Eliza, a self-proclaimed

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My School Rocks! –

on Tryon.” In 1998, Bazelle was ready to start afresh. Hugh McCall, the former head of Bank of America, helped Bazelle secure his current location on North College Street. Bazelle revamped the menu, keeping it Southern but incorporating some low-country recipes and cooking techniques after spending time in Charleston, South Carolina. The name of the new restaurant is actually linked to GA on Tryon in that it comes from one of that restaurant’s regular clients. “I was trying to find a Southern name,” Bazelle recalls, “and we had a Southern woman who was a regular and whose name was Mert.” He added the heart and soul because Continued on page 14

mac and cheese expert who has sampled mac and cheese across town announced that the bowl served at Mert’s was “the best ever” and she was very reluctant to let the rest of us taste it to see for ourselves. The Bazelle’s youngest son, Nick, 19, “always ate the same things,” Bazelle says, so Bazelle knows how to accommodate picky eaters. Staples like fried chicken tenders (soaked in a buttermilk and herb marinade) and macaroni and cheese are available for those children who want to stick with the tried and true, but veggie plates (with many of the vegetables delivered fresh each morning, straight from the garden), Po Boys, and Carolina Chopped BBQ sandwiches are also popular with young diners. And the fact that each meal starts with a warm and slightly sweet corn bread is a hit with diners of all ages. The first restaurant James Bazelle opened in Charlotte, after leaving his job as Executive Chef at the Holiday Inn on North College Street (next door to where Mert’s now sits) in 1995, was GA on Tryon. Bazelle is from Georgia and he wanted the restaurant’s name to convey his Southern roots and style of cooking, but he found that Charlotte diners mispronounced it, calling it “G.A. 12 – My School Rocks!

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Call 704.576.1301 My School Rocks! –

My 12-year-old daughter, Eliza, a self-proclaimed mac and cheese expert who has sampled mac and cheese across town announced that the bowl served at Mert’s was “the best ever” and she was very reluctant to let the rest of us taste it to see for ourselves. 14 – My School Rocks!

Continued from page 12

that conveys both the type of food and the atmosphere one finds at Mert’s. The restaurant is not just familyfriendly, but is family-run, as well. Bazzelle’s daughter, Tia, who is a graduate of Johnson and Wales in Charleston, now serves as the kitchen manager. Daughter Kiana, 33, provides office help and sons Nick, 19, and Ricky, 25, both students, pitch in when they can. But it is clear the rest of the staff, even though they are not related to the Bazelles by blood, are also family. General Manager Veronica Lockhart greets customers by name, bustles from table to table making sure everyone is happy, and has loved every day of the 9 years she has worked at Mert’s. She particularly appreciates the way Bazzelle “reaches out to people to give them a start.” One such person is Lisa Palmer, owner of Saturday Morning Cakes, who is responsible for most of the cakes that adorn the counter by the

kitchen. On the night we visited, there was Coconut Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate Cake, and Pound Cake. House-made desserts include peach cobbler, banana pudding, and sweet potato cake, which Lockhart describes as “carrot cake without the carrots.” We were only too happy to sample them all, regretting the way we’d gobbled up that delicious cornbread at the start of our meal because we had so little room left for those scrumptious desserts. So if you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly meal that will leave you both full and happy, head to Mert’s. They live up to their name – from the service to the décor to the food – Mert’s does, indeed, have heart and soul. Mert’s Heart and Soul is located at 214 N. College Street. To view their menu, visit www.mertscharlotte.com or call 704-342-4222 to make a reservation.

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My School Rocks! –

Birthdays That

C K O ! R

Most Loved Birthday Milestones by B. Nicole Hunt 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; My School Rocks!

“God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” Historian and writer Voltaire couldn’t have said it better. Birthdays are in a class all their own; a chance for us to pamper ourselves and the ones we love. Every year, families and individuals around the world take special time out to celebrate the day they were born. Some choose to commemorate their lives with lavish and over the top parties or excursions, while others simply spend the day with loved ones or enjoying a little rest and relaxation. Every year of life is a gift worth cherishing, but certain birthdays come with an extra touch of excitement. For children, there are four significant ages when parents, loved ones and friends tend to pull out all the stops.

The NEWEST & COOLEST

TIES BIRTHDAy PAR & EVENTS in the area

Alive at 5!

In the American educational system, a child’s fifth birthday marks the beginning of “true learning.” School is no longer a place where you can show up or not show up, take a nap halfway through the day or spend countless hours drawing pictures or running through the playground. It is now a place of instruction; a place to gain a foundation for the future. The ABCs and 123s quoted in preschool are put to use in sentences and everyday communication. A birthday for a fiveyear-old has all the signs of youth and folly: clowns, balloons, face painting, or toys galore. Until this point, some kids have been relying on training wheels as a means of protection from the wiles of the open road. On this day, however, the training wheels come off, and they weeble and wobble their way into cycling

perfection. Turning five marks the start of 12 years of higher learning and adventure. Instead of cartoons, crayons and PlayDoh, a child’s life is now filled with field trips, team sports, class projects, and new friends.

Tweens, Culture, and Birthdays

Birthdays come in all shapes, sizes, and cultures. A few ages have some pretty big cultural and religious responsibilities tacked on for a little extra flare. Confirmation is ceremony performed in several denominations of the Christian church. No specific age is given, but it is recommended that participants be at the “age of reason” or early adolescence. As long as they are able to fully grasp the meanings of the teachings in the Bible, baptism, and Holy Communion,

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the ceremony is performed by a bishop or minister in the church of choice. The ceremony is a mature statement of faith that traditionally leads to deeper understanding and a better relationship with God.

Thirteen.

No longer eligible for the kids’ menu, but not quite ready for R-rated movies. Whether you were raised in a traditional American or non-religious family or a member of the Jewish faith, turning 13 marks the beginning of teenage life and the acceptance of new responsibilities. For young boys and girls raised in Jewish households, turning 13 ushers them into bar or bat mitzvah, which Hebrew grammar translates as “becoming a son or daughter of the commandment.” At this pivotal age, they are now responsible for learning and following the rules, practices, and beliefs of their faith. The process is culminated with a ceremony and followed by, you guessed it, a party. While the religious aspect of this age is overwhelmingly significant, it is also celebrated with lighter, less ritualized activities. I recall my own thirteenth birthday; how I spent the day surrounded by my closest friends at the local theme park. It was the first time our parents left us at the park for the day and didn’t return until nightfall. How grown up we were! The day ended with a sleepover where my best girlfriends and I stayed up well past our normal bedtime chatting about boys, bands and how we couldn’t wait to be 16. Perhaps 13 is a last attempt to hold on to childhood. You’re old enough to know better, but still young enough to probably get away with certain indiscretions. However, real shift in responsibilities comes a few years later.

Fifteen.

Many Latin American countries and those of Latin American descent in the United States participate in a traditional ceremony known as quinceañera. 15-yearold young ladies in these households hold their breath for this big moment.

A Jewish teen carries the Torah in preparation for her Bat Mitzvah.

This birthday marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood. Some countries’ or families’ celebrations have more of a religious overtone than others. Typically, a qinceañera involves the young woman wearing a specially designed or nice dress, a traditional dance with a partner or her family, a party, and sometimes a Thanksgiving Mass if the young woman is Catholic.

Getting Behind the Wheel

Parents hold on to your hats! Or should I say, “Buckle up!” Every year, the local DMV is packed with anxious 16 year olds just itching to get behind the wheel. They’ve spent the summer in driver’s education, given mom and dad a heart attack while hitting the highway for the first time, or even had the opportunity to pick out their new car. They’re fresh-faced and wide-eyed with excitement; ready for the world. Yes, 16 might be the second best milestone birthday.

While some states have deemed 16 the legal age for driving without an adult, this year is also one of newfound responsibility. Parents begin to trust their children alone in the house while they take small vacations or leave them with younger siblings for periods longer than an afternoon. Many youngsters, if they haven’t already, take up a part-time job. At 16, the world starts to make a little more sense. Jobs make money, money buys material things, and material things produce popularity. Young people become more aware of themselves and their surroundings at this age. Who am I? Where do I fit in? Questions regarding the future start to brew in the back of their minds. Where should I go to college? Do I even want to go? Who do I want to be? In the midst of all the uncertainty, responsibility, and licensure, of course there is always room for a celebration. Pop culture even took a stab at this group via MTV’s “My Super Sweet Sixteen.” Continued on page 20

18 – My School Rocks!

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Continued from page 18

The show, which aired from 2005-2008, highlighted the extravagant and sometimes unnecessary birthday celebrations for the children of Hollywood’s finest or youngsters in showbiz. The show gave every girl and boy something to dream and hope for their own sweet sixteen. Many families make it a point to throw their children a soiree fit for royalty, while others simply shower them with love, a few nice cards or gifts, and maybe, just maybe a new or gently used car of their own. Either way, turning 16 is the light at the end of the tunnel that leads to adulthood, and these kids are prepared to hit the ground running – or driving.

Free at Last!

Somewhere today, a young man or woman woke up feeling different; like maybe the big bad future wasn’t so scary after all. While turning 18 marks the end of childhood follies, it also marks the start of adulthood, and maybe even a life filled

20 – My School Rocks!

with adventure. At 18, youngsters can leave home, go to college, vote, join the military, attend recreational activities previously reserved for adults, and so much more. At 18, the possibilities are infinite and the slate is new and fresh. They’ve turned their tassels and made plans for the future. Eighteenth birthdays come equipped with much responsibility, but also a bit of fun. Graduation trips, college tours, and most importantly, freedom are all signs of this pivotal birthday. At this age, most parents have released the reigns and allowed their children to make and be responsible for their own decisions. Of course, there is still a hint of control and worry as they wait and watch to see how well their children follow the teachings and values learned at home. Ultimately, 18-year-olds possess a sense of freedom, fearlessness, and adventure not found in any other age group. They live life by the minute and aren’t afraid to make mistakes. Some of them leave home, whether for college, military, or other endeavors, and never return unless it’s a holiday or for a hot meal. Others

come crawling back with war stories and bruised egos, but a better sense of who they are and how the world works. That is where the beauty of turning 18 lies. The sense of accomplishment coupled with the desire to experience everything fuels these youngsters to heights they never imagined. Renowned children’s author, Dr. Seuss stated it best in his classic book Oh, the Places You’ll Go: “You’ve got brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. You’re the guy that’ll decide where to go.” A birthday certainly isn’t just another day on the calendar. Every birthday, even those not so “special,” holds its own unique significance to the person who experiences it. Another new year of life is another year to learn, grow, and hopefully have a little fun. So however you celebrate – whether with large parties, a few friends, or just some quiet time for yourself – celebrate it well. You owe it to yourself. Happy Birthday!

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My School Rocks! –

Kimberly Pate, Deputy Executive Director of the North Carolina chapter of LLS, with Michael Price and Jordan Jemsek.

Raising Hope for Kids with Cancer By Resa Goldberg

Boy and Girl

of the Year

22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; My School Rocks!

Writer Resa Goldberg sat down with Michael Price and Jordan Jemsek, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Boy and Girl of the Year.

ordan Jemsek’s confidence and resilience belies her age and will surprise those who don’t know her yet. A perfect example involves a boy her age who was at Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital preparing to get a port inserted into his chest for administering chemotherapy and he was scared. He was in Charlotte only by the mercy of missionary relief and had no family or friends to support him or offer him words of encouragement. He spoke no English. Then his nurses thought of someone who might be able to help – Jordan, a seven-year-old Michael Phillips, publisher of My School patient battling acute myelogenous Rocks! magazine, with Jordan and Michael leukemia (AML), who had recently undergone the same procedure. explains Jordan, very matter of factly. Jordan had a central line “I showed him my port, held his hand, installed near her heart before she smiled at him, and told him everything began chemotherapy and she was was going to be ok. Everybody still there in the hospital receiving loves me because after it stops treatments. Despite her own pain, hurting, I’m up and ready to roll.” she is driven to recover and has The Campaign a gift for spreading sunshine and Jordan, a first grader at Sharon hope to everyone around her. Elementary, has been named Girl “I was asked to talk to that boy of the Year by the North Carolina and I just told him not to worry,”

Michael Phillips, Publisher of My School Rocks! magazine and father of four, has been selected as one of four male candidates in the Man & Woman of the Year competition for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). She is joined by Michael Price, Boy of the Year, a courageous third grader at Providence Day who is a survivor of Stage 1 Burkitt’s Lymphoma. Jordan and Michael and their families have volunteered to be part of LLS’s annual Man & Woman of the Year campaign by sharing their stories with the candidates, speaking with the media, and attending campaign events. “Michael and Jordan, our honorees as we like to call them, give a face to these diseases and remind us of the need for funding blood cancer research, patients services and programs right here in our community,” says Kimberly Pate, Deputy Executive Director of the North Carolina chapter of LLS. “Both children and their families have volunteered to be a part of the campaign by sharing their stories with the candidates and the community, keeping them inspired and motivated during the 10-week campaign.”

My School Rocks! –

The Man & Woman of the Year competition – founded in Northern California in 1990 and begun in Charlotte in the mid-90s – is one of several signature fundraising events for LLS that raises money for research for curing leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Last year, 612 candidates across the country raised approximately $14.6 million for blood cancer research and patient services. In Charlotte, eight people raised $175,000 during the competition. This year, the fundraiser kicked off on Feb. 23 with five women and four men vying to win the titles of Man & Woman of the Year. These passionate and dynamic candidates were selected by their peers in the community. They may have a history of blood cancer in their family or they may just be driven to give back in any way they can. Michael Phillips, Publisher of My School Rocks! magazine and father of four, has been selected as one of four male candidates in the Man & Woman of the Year competition for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Candidates compete for the most votes; one vote equals $1. They can utilize email and letter writing in their campaigns, along with social media and corporate support. The man and woman who have generated the most funds at the end of the period on May 5 will win the coveted titles at the Grand Finale. The monies will directly support LLS research, programs and services. LLS was founded in 1949 and has since invested more than $814 million nationwide in funding blood cancer research. There are 61 chapters around the country, including the NC chapter which serves patients all across the state.

Michael Price

Every four minutes one person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer, according to LLS. Shannon Price, Michael’s mom, will

24 – My School Rocks!

never forget that on February 10, 2011 at approximately 5:30 p.m., that person was her nine-year-old son. He had suffered with a cold and fever the month prior, along with an unusually swollen left tonsil. However, blood work came back clear and his fever dissipated. A few days later, the tonsil swelled even larger and they made a trip to the emergency room only to be told it would be fine. Just give it few days, the doctors said. “But I had a gut feeling something was wrong,” says Shannon. “I asked his ENT to look at Michael’s scans and he said he wanted to schedule surgery even though tests didn’t indicate a tumor.” Michael had surgery on Feb. 7 at Charlotte ENT’s SouthPark surgery center to remove his tonsils and the “abscess” indicated on the radiologist’s report. When the pathology report came back, the family was informed that Michael had cancer. There began more blood work, more scans and finally a diagnosis, Stage 1 Burkitt’s Lymphoma. The good news was that the cancer was localized to the tonsilar area, which was very promising. “When I first found out I had cancer, I knew it was serious, that I could die, but I also knew that the doctors were going to take care of me,” remembers Michael. Michael went into surgery for his port and began chemotherapy, which he endured for seven weeks.

“Right after the surgery I would wake up and feel pain in my throat and chest and back,” he says, “but my family kept me busy and I played PlayStation and that also got my mind off the pain when I was hurting.” Shannon says that for three months her family shut everything down; their sole focus was getting Michael better. That included school, which he missed for those three months. “School just had to be on the back burner compared to what we were going through,” she says, “but we did get very involved with the Rohr Rockstars, a foundation that acts as a liaison between kids and schools to help him catch up.” Shannon says that Michael was upset about missing so much school, but that he’s really doing terrific now. Last April a CT scan revealed the cancer was gone. Six months later Michael was still in remission and now, a full year later, Michael’s hair has grown back, he’s been back in school, has reconnected with friends, and is still cancer free. Continued on page 26

Michael Price with little sister Emily.

Help Us, Help Them

Help MSR make a difference and donate whatever you can. A small amount can go a long way.

If Each Person Donates $5 $10 $20

We Could Help Raise $30,000 $60,000 $120,000

* Numbers are based on 10% of the magazines distributed

There are two ways to donate: Make check payable to LLS and mail to: Attn: LLS, PO Box 78734, Charlotte, NC 28271 or online at http://nc.mwoy.llsevent.org/MikeP On Behalf of Jordan & Michael We Thank You

Continued from page 24

Jordan Jemsek

In August 2009, Jordan’s grandmother, whom she had been faithfully helping to take care of in hospice, passed away after a long battle with ovarian cancer. The following month, Jordan’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, had a lumpectomy and began radiation treatments. Three days later, Jordan, who had suddenly developed unusual bruises on her body, was spirited to the hospital, where the doctors told her mother, Kay, that Jordan had acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and would have to start chemotherapy immediately. “I was trying to juggle taking care of Jordan’s older brother at home

Jordan Jemsek with big brother James.

while she and I were at the hospital getting treatment,” says Kay. “I survived and was humbled by the goodness of my neighbors and friends and all those people I didn’t even know who signed up to help me.” Jordan began her treatment in September 2009 at Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital. She endured five grueling chemotherapy treatments and multiple bone marrow

Shannon Price and Kay Jemsek, mothers of Michael and Jordan, spoke with Writer Resa Goldberg.

26 – My School Rocks!

biopsies and blood transfusions. “The first time I went to the hospital, I had to get an IV and a shot and that hurt like crazy,” says Jordan. “But they had a lot of cool stuff there, like the ice cream; it was a delight! And of course I had my teddy bear and blanket.” While she was in the hospital and even after she came home, she was tutored by her own first grade teacher at Sharon Elementary. “Her teacher took pictures of Jordan and things she had made back to the class and then she brought Jordan a book that the class had made for her,” says Kay. The doctors declared Jordan in remission in April 2010. In June, the family enjoyed a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In the fall, Jordan had just returned to school when she contracted a cold that she couldn’t shake. Tests revealed that AML had returned and that she would need a bone marrow transplant to save her life. During the search for a donor, NASCAR driver Bobby Labonte, who had read an article about Jordan’s fight, put her picture on the back of his car and paid for his crew, as

well as another race team to be tested to determine if anyone was a match for Jordan. Despite Labonte’s efforts, it took many more months before a match was found for Jordan. She went to the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC to have a bone marrow transplant in March of last year. “I was fearless,” declares Jordan, with an impish smile that just melts your heart. “If I was old enough, I would jump out of an airplane! I feel amazing and it doesn’t bother me that I have to get my blood drained.” While she has been hospitalized

a couple of times since, Jordan is considered in remission while her bone marrow is maturing. She underwent several more tests in early March and all of her tests, including a bone marrow aspiration, were cancer free. “I have great faith in the Lord,” says Kay. “I believe in the power of prayer.” “If you have cancer like me or any disease, then you’re probably a very special person,” explains Jordan. “Everyone has a gift. Just think about that when you’re in pain. And pray every night and things usually get better. I’ve never made a wish that hasn’t come true.”

Getting back into the routine of school after a break or vacation is challenging under the best of circumstances. For children with cancer, the transition can be very difficult. Sara Jane Gibson, Child Life Education Specialist at Levine Children’s Hospital, finds that it helps when teachers (and parents of the child’s peers) prepare their students and make a few easy accommodations. Here are some of her recommendations: • Explain that doctors do not know what causes cancer; it is not anyone’s fault; and it is not contagious. • Explain that childhood cancers are now very treatable. Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are used to destroy the cancer cells; some of the good cells also get destroyed and therefore there can be side effects such as hair loss, weight gain or loss, fatigue and lowered resistance to infections. • Be familiar with the treatment given to the child with cancer and its effect on school performance. Adjust regular lesson plans to account for changes in the child’s ability to complete lengthy tasks or assignments. Allow for snack/water at their desk and ample bathroom breaks. • Treat the child returning to school as normally as possible, given the restrictions imposed by diagnosis and treatment. • Be sure to encourage everyone to wash their hands thoroughly and often.

Jordan Jemsek embraces NASCAR pal, Bobby Labonte.

• Encourage classmates to call or write during periods of extended absence.

Boy of the Year Michael Price 3rd grader at Providence Day School At first glance, Michael is a typical third grader who just wants to play outside with his friends. Sitting down and having

Girl of the Year Jordan Jemsek 1st grader at Sharon Elementary School Whenever you catch a glimpse of Jordan, she may look solemn for a moment, but then she starts smiling. It’s the kind of smile that lights up her face and you’re just happy to be around her. But don’t be fooled by her cuteness; you’ve got to listen

Leukemia and Lymphoma: The Facts • Leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are types of cancer that affect the bone marrow, the blood cells, the lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system.

28 – My School Rocks!

long serious talks with adults isn’t at the top of his “Things to Do” list. But once he’s there, he is really focused and if you look more carefully into his beautiful blue eyes, if you’re observant, you can tell they are experienced, guarded, and grown up. He has been through a lot, suffered through chemotherapy and worse, understanding that everything might not turn out ok. But it is turning out all right. Michael is getting better every day and has every reason to believe he will continue to do so.

He enjoys each day after school by playing football and skateboarding with his friends. Watching him with a group of kids, you can tell he has a great sense of humor and likes to make others laugh. Of course, he also likes video games. But one of his most favorite activities is snorkeling, something he recently discovered he is quite good at. “When we went to visit his Grandpa in Florida last summer, he learned to snorkel for scallops for the first time,” says Shannon. “He is a pro!”

carefully or you will miss all those wonderful things she wants to say. She doesn’t mind talking about her two-year ordeal with cancer and the surgeries and pain. Somehow though, she never complains. She throws out a few facts that cause you to catch your breath and then she follows that with some inspirational words that couldn’t have been said any better by an experienced wordsmith. Jordan is a budding writer, says her mother. She’s kept a journal on many of her stays in the hospital. She’s also spoken about her experiences at an LLS fundraiser at Charlotte Latin School, on a WBT Radio show with host Keith Larsen, and to top off her

public engagements, she participated in a fashion show on March 24th, “Cure by Design,” at the Ritz Hotel sponsored by the American Cancer Society. At home, Jordan loves to read and paint, take care of her dog, Kirby, a Havanese, and spend time with her big brother, James, 12. She can finally swim now that her port is out. She is content. “For Christmas this past year, all Jordan asked for from Santa was a Brownie uniform,” says her mom Kay. “No toys, no games; she just wanted to be a Brownie for whatever reason. I think it has to do with how they help the planet and the friendships. But it sure gave me a lump in my throat when she said that was all she wanted.”

• More than one million Americans are battling, or are in remission from leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma.

• In the past 50 years, the fiveyear survival rates have more than doubled for lymphoma and myeloma and have quadrupled for leukemia.

• In 2011, over 3,800 new cases of persons diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma were reported. • Blood cancers do not discriminate by age, race or gender.

• Leukemia remains the leading disease killer of children and young adults under the age of 20. ource: Leukemia & S Lymphoma Society.

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Highland Creek Elementary A Quintessential Neighborhood School by Virginia Franco

estled in the heart of the Highland Creek neighborhood near the Mecklenburg-Cabarrus County line, Highland Creek Elementary has been a quintessential neighborhood school since its opening in 2006. The largest elementary school in CMS with over 1,200 students, a majority of the student population resides in Highland Creek or in adjacent neighborhoods. Sharing a campus Stephen Esposito with Ridge Road Middle School, it’s common to see children walking and biking to school, according to Student Leadership Team (SLT) Parent Volunteer Colette Chenault. “We have a very strong sense of community despite the size,” says SLT Lead and Parent Volunteer Denise Lynch, and this culture extends to the local businesses in and around the neighborhood. “They are very supportive of our school and vice versa,” Lynch explains, “It’s a great chemistry.” According to the school’s website, Highland Creek has more than 12 businesses and organizations that support the school through donations. They hope to involve even more community partners through its FAN Club, which aptly stands for “Friends and Neighbors.”

Positive Behavior Intervention

Principal Stephen Esposito joined Highland Creek in 2010, prior to previous tenures at CMS’ River Gate, Lake Wylie,

30 – My School Rocks!

and Elizabeth Lane Elementary Schools. He quickly embraced the school’s status as a “Positive Behavior Intervention Support” or PBIS school, for which the State’s educational leaders have recognized it. The “Positive Behavior Intervention Support model focuses on all positive behaviors without negative behaviors as a consequence,” Esposito explains. “It’s been very effective, and we’ve seen a decrease in trips to the principal and in the need for teacher discipline.” Operating under a reward system known as BEES, when students do what they are supposed to do, they get rewards and class incentive. “We have a PBIS matrix that shows kids what positive behavior looks like,” Esposito says. Modeling “Do’s” rather than “Don’ts” Highland Creek students must adhere to three simple rules: BEE

SAFE, BEE RESPECTFUL, and BEE RESPONSIBLE. Esposito credits the PBIS model with helping administrators and staff to manage the school’s large size. “When I first came on the job the procedural expectations were incredible, and they were managing their size tremendously,” he says. “It allows teachers and staff to focus on other aspects of education.”

Technology and 21st Century Learning

With discipline clearly under control, Esposito can focus his attention on two areas of importance. As a top priority, Esposito works to ensure instructors incorporate technology into all daily lessons. To accomplish this, teachers rely on the school’s 17 SMART Boards

as well as other technology resources including Study Island, Discovery Learning, Orchard, and AR. “The school has experienced a 180% increase in the use of technology over the past year,” and plans are in place to increase the use of handheld devices provided through grants and raised funds. “Our goal after teacher training is to provide students with extra opportunities to learn curriculum using the technology that they are already more comfortable with, Esposito says. Esposito is also helping to guide what he refers to as a “focus to create 21st century learners.” More specifically, teachers aim to teach independence, problem solving, and impart knowledge through individualized instruction. “You have to use assessment data to determine the needs of students,” he explains, “and what you find is that when you have a classroom of 20 kids, many have common needs and can be taught utilizing small group instruction.” To achieve this, administrators at Highland Creek group students homogeneously for homeroom, but according to ability for literacy and math. Flexible grouping allows student to move to one group or another as their pace dictates based on ability. The structure minimizes the range to which teachers must gear instruction, Esposito says. In addition, Highland Creek teachers strive to provide students with

more rigorous activities that promote discussion within student learning teams. These often include tasks that can be argumentative or promote a healthy debate. “This is probably the most difficult type of learning because students have to understand and then persuade others,” Esposito explains. “This is a critical skill in the workplace.” When asked about external support, Esposito speaks highly of student family members. “We are lucky to have a very supportive and involved parent group, and a very active PTA that provides plenty of events both during and after the school day,” he says.

Math and Science Explosion

As an example, the school’s SLT team set out recently to host the firstever Math and Science Night, offering families the chance to participate in more than 20 hands-on activities that test the laws of physics, chemistry and math. According to co-chairs Lynch and Chenault, this free SLT-driven event drew crowds of well over 500 students and their families. To ensure parents could enjoy some quality time with their children and fully participate in the process, teacher volunteers as well as students from Ridge Road Middle School and the local high school manned each and every classroom activity. Featuring hands on instruction ranging from a balloon blow up to a leaf

blower-powered hovercraft, the feedback has been fantastic and has spawned definite plans for a second annual evening, says Chenault. “The turnout was phenomenal,” Lynch said, “You just had look up and down the halls to see that it was packed.” And as is always the case at Highland Creek, the community at large played a significant role in helping the inaugural Math and Science night to get off the ground. “We couldn’t have done it without the small businesses in our neighborhood,” says Chenault, who according to Lynch gave a little here and there and even participated in activities during the evening.

Highland Creek Elementary 7242 Highland Creek Parkway Charlotte, NC 28269 PH: 980-343-1065 http://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/ highlandcreekES/Pages/Default.aspx Principal: Stephen Esposito

Denise Lynch, Colette Chenault Co Chairs of Math & Science Night.

My School Rocks! –

Southwest Middle School Community Feeling with a Global Twist by Virginia Franco

espite its status as the second largest middle school in CMS with more than 1,300 students, new Principal Barry Blair has implemented innovative changes to improve instruction and curriculum that also strive to strike the balance between offering a global perspective and maintaining a community feel. Located in the Steele Creek area in the southwest corner of the county, during the school’s construction phase people referred to the school according to its geographic location and it stuck. Community voting shortly after the Barry Blair school’s 2003 opening helped to solidify the school’s name and its selection of Patriots as the school mascot.

thinks about things globally, and is helping our kids think like this in terms of what the future holds.”

New Leadership Brings Change

Introducing Global Concepts

While new to SWMS, Blair arrived with an impressive list of credentials well-suited to helping the school build on its “high-growth” progress and designation as a CMS School of Progress. The former principal of CMS’ New Technology High School, Blair’s leadership has helped the school’s population to morph from 60% off grade level to 92% on grade level in five years. Blair hopes to emulate this success with a similar three-pronged approach that embraces core curriculum enhancements, masters teaching concepts, and introduces globalization to the student body. “I credit Mr. Blair to making SWMS great,” says PTSA President Wanda O’Shea. “He really 32 – My School Rocks!

An avid traveler, Blair has always strived to expose students and teachers to his experiences abroad. “I incorporate real-life experiences into my trainings to teachers,” he explains. “It helps to show how new curriculum can be brought to life.” Blair hopes to instill the notion that “we are not an island” but rather part of a much larger picture. “What we do here impacts there,” Blair says. “Our efforts ripple from Steele Creek to Charlotte, the U.S., and beyond.” To reinforce these notions, Blair has formed a partnership between SWMS and schools in both Uganda and Germany. Interactions occur via Skype teleconferencing,

and will even extend to a student exchange. SWMS students will travel to Germany over Spring Break, and German students will reciprocate in June. Parents have expressed great interest in the idea of an exchange program, according to Blair. O’Shea concurs. “These programs give kids a chance to see what it’s like for kids and teachers in other countries.” Other eye-opening concepts introduced to SWMS students include the AVID program, an elective that allows students to research careers. According to O’Shea, the program does wonders for teaching key organizational skills. “It prepares them for the business world,” she says.

Master Teaching

A key component of expanding student horizons, according to Blair, is instruction taught by master teachers. Blair describes a master teacher as someone who is 1) highly

knowledgeable about subject matter content; 2) has a talent for classroom management; 3) has a strong grasp of his/her audience and how they learn; and 4) Takes components 1-3 into account and “implements strategies to ensure ALL students are learning the material.” As faculty evolve or come on board as master teachers, teachers push students as far as they can get from an academic perspective. To facilitate this, SWMS groups students according to ability and following a careful analysis of their capabilities. Students who fall into the “Standard” grouping receive “Standard Plus” level instruction, while students in Standard Plus receive Honors-level instruction. “We teach to the top,” Blair explains.

maintaining the school’s community feeling. From working with neighborhood business owners and bringing them onto the PTA Board to welcoming parents’ help in any way, shape or form, O’Shea and the rest of the board have helped to generate a lot of excitement. “We’ve seen a huge increase in PTA parent involvement,” she said. This year, the PTA had a highschool style Homecoming Week in lieu of a traditional dance, with each grade responsible for decorating a different part of the school with an emphasis on a geographical region or era of world history. The week culminated with a Homecoming Dance complete with semi-formal attire, a Homecoming Court, and the crowning of a King and Queen. “There was a lot of spirit,” O’Shea says. “We had a great turnout and it was a huge success.”

Curriculum Customization

Blair has put into place a twist on the Common Core curriculum recently instituted across CMS. “I customized it to incorporate essay-format testing,” he says. “Essays let you learn to process through thinking and reflection,” he explains. While some teachers struggled with this new format that translated into more work, many have embraced the concept. “One teacher said to me ‘Now I know why a student missed a question, and I can teach to it to help them learn it.’” In addition, online reading programs like Achieve 3000, and the newly-implemented CMPD2 math program which Blair describes as “rich in literacy,” are helping to round out the curriculum.

Tweaks That Make a Difference

Small tweaks to the daily schedule have made a world of difference, according to O’Shea. By making core classes longer, adding more teacher planning time, and minimizing transition time between classes, there appears to be less disruption. “Students are much more quiet and orderly,” O’Shea says. “I think a big part of it also is they know what is expected of them.”

Building a Community

While Blair and the faculty work to enhance curriculum and instruction, the PTA takes the lead in building and

Quantifiable Success

The adage “the proof is in the putting” appears to aptly describe what has transpired under Blair’s direction. “Two of our students have been named Top 10 in the state from a reading improvement perspective,” Blair proudly states. In addition, four SWMS students won awards across four different categories in a children’s book contest, where they had to write and illustrate a children’s story. While it is still too early to spout large volumes of statistics touting the benefits of the transformational change at SWMS, those results that have begun to trickle in are without a doubt exciting and encouraging.

Southwest Middle School 13624 Steele Creek Road Charlotte, NC 28273 980-343-5006 http://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/ southwestMS/Pages/Default.aspx Principal: Barry Blair My School Rocks! –

Winding Springs Elementary Preparing students to be knowledgeable, responsible, and ethical leaders by Virginia Franco

hen Winding Springs Elementary School transitioned this fall from a magnet to a neighborhood Title I school to accommodate increased growth in the area, Principal Myrna Meehan decided to continue the tradition of integrating leadership, exploration, and global economics Myrna Meehan into the curriculum. A goal of the continuation, according to Meehan, was to “teach children to be good citizens first and foremost while making them aware of global interconnectedness,” or as the school’s website states it, “preparing students to be knowledgeable, responsible, and ethical leaders.”

Global Instruction

Together with a new instructional team that includes a visiting international faculty member who teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) and works with the school’s large Hispanic population, the global-themed curriculum has worked very well. “It doesn’t surprise me at all,” says Meehan, who also brought school uniforms to Winding Springs this year while working to incorporate North Carolina Common Core state standards into this unique theme. “The kids are rising to the occasion and love the leadership opportunities afforded to them by our curriculum.” The international or global curriculum truly engages children, according to Meehan. “We are looking for growth,” she

34 – My School Rocks!

explains, “and they see it as important work and are taking it seriously.” A principal at Eastover Elementary School for eight years prior to joining Winding Springs in 2001, many of the events that were part of life during the school’s magnet days have continued this year.

International Festival

Perhaps most exciting was the school’s International Festival, for which student’s began showcasing their hard work at the end of February, according to Special Programs Facilitator Marie Macdonald. According to Macdonald, younger children

paired with older children to create countryand culture-specific presentations. The event culminated on Saturday, March 24 from 10 am to 2 pm, where vast crowds gathered at the school to enjoy international foods, dance, craft, and performance. All were welcome to attend the festival, Macdonald says, which took place indoors to avoid intervention from Mother Nature. Local area restaurants, as well as Winding Springs’ parents, provided savory treats for sampling. The Spring Festival complimented the school’s international project fair that took place in the fall, where children partnered

with what MacDonald terms “geography buddies” to study a country intensively. “They created country-specific presentations on display for the entire school,” she says.

Community Partnerships

Meehan and MacDonald are proud of additional community partnerships, which range to encompass the likes of IBM, Charlotte International Cabinet, World View, as well as other corporations and institutions of higher education according the school’s website. Just last year, the City of Charlotte partnered with the school to build a playground, explains Behavioral Management Technician Renaa Morton, who also heads up the school’s Leadership Group. This year, the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corp, of which Morton is a member, generously donated funds

and materials to support a marching band startup. “They provided us with four snares, a base drum, cymbals, and much more” she explained. “Everything we needed for just a $1,000.” Starting out small, students began practicing in January and Winding Springs now boasts a 10-member marching band made up of fourth and fifth graders coached by Morton and Music Teacher Karl Stoltz. “They have worked extremely hard,” Morton says, practicing three times weekly to learn music and once a week to learn marching. “The students are VERY excited,” Morton says, and even had the opportunity to participate in the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Taking their newly acquired talents even further, they will also help to break the world record for drumming as part of a drum-a-thon of sorts held later this spring at

the EpiCentre in Uptown Charlotte. To further enrich the children’s international education, Winding Springs invited special guests, including an “Our World in Our Backyard” educator to provide in-school field trips featuring costumes and artifacts from all corners of the globe.

Plans for the Future

Meehan is proud with how the conversion from a magnet to a neighborhood school transpired. “Every school has its problems and we are no exception,” she says, “but people appear happy.” With the transition now successfully complete, plans for next year are underway. The staff has undergone training to incorporate informational text learning methodologies into theme-specific curriculum. “Reading informational text is a skill all kids need,” Meehan explains. “The focus for us is giving them reference and research skills to navigate through materials including non-fiction textbooks.” Additionally, as is the case in other areas of Charlotte, Winding Springs continues to grow. To accommodate this growth, Meehan explains “we are in the process of looking at staff and hoping to increase up to as many as four classrooms next year.” Regardless of how large the school grows, one thing is certain, “The global and leadership themes are a success,” Meehan says. “We are going to continue to run with them.”

Winding Springs Elementary 6601 Horace Mann Road Charlotte, NC 28269 PH: 980-343-5140 http://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/ windingspringsES/Pages/Default.aspx Principal: Myrna Meehan My School Rocks! –

Discovering a

Special Place Educating future scientists is top priority for one popular uptown museum By Courtney McLaughlin

llen Loflin’s fourth grade student was apprehensive about the upcoming assignment. As part of the robotics class at Discovery Place – an eight-week program through Communities in Schools - the First Ward Creative Arts Academy student had built a robot. The challenge? Guide the robot through an obstacle course. “In the beginning she was very reluctant,” says Loflin, Arts Integration Facilitator for First Ward. Ellen’s student and her team not only accomplished the challenge, they won. After the victory, the student sat down and cried, amazed at her win and how far she had come. Loflin tears up when she tells that story. “They get that eye-opening, wow, I can really do this! - moment,” she says. Proof Discovery Place in uptown Charlotte is so much more than just another science museum. It’s a place where life-changing moments happen.

36 – My School Rocks!

On The Edge

Discovery Place opened its doors in uptown Charlotte in 1981 with 72,000 square-feet of space. In June 2010, the museum completed a mammoth 18-month, $31.6 million renovation. The massive undertaking included adding and updating exhibits staying instep with the everchanging world of science and technology. New exhibits include Cool Stuff, Project Build, World Alive, and KidsScience, a place designed for young scientists birth to age seven. “Not only is it imperative that students have a core understanding of science concepts, but it’s essential that we teach them modern science that is relevant to their daily lives,” says John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place, Inc. “Part of our goal in renovating Discovery Place was to offer an updated and fresher scope of fundamental science, technology, engineering and math.” Continued on page 38

My School Rocks! –

Continued from page 36

Staying on the cutting edge of science and technology is one reason Discovery Place is one of the most visited museums in the Charlotte region, according to Carolina Publishing Associates, and the third most popular in North Carolina. Discovery Place and its partners – Charlotte Nature Museum and Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville – welcomed over 745,000 guests in 2011. In addition to the exhibits families are familiar with, including Discovery 3D Theatre and the animals of the rain forest, the interactive museum serves as a well-equipped classroom for educators and students. Explore More Labs challenges students to put what they have learned into action, work in teams and think critically. “Discovery Place presents education in a way that’s fun and interactive,” says Logan Stewart, Manager of Marketing and Public Relations for Discovery Place. “Students are learning even if they don’t think they’re learning.” Explore More Labs typically last 45 minutes to an hour. During the class, students delve into physics (Explore More Stuff), living things (Explore More Life) and collecting items found in the natural world (Explore More Collections). These labs are geared for third through eight graders and correspond to North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS) requirements. Students are learning important science lessons as they become DNA detectives, robot engineers and simple machine creators. “Kids are able to have fun, play and discover the amazing and intriguing world of science outside the classroom,” adds Stewart. “These types of experiences make them hungry for more.” Abby Peltier is one the museum’s Program Specialists and coordinates the educational offerings for Explore More Labs. “It’s really fun to see the kids in class, they get excited,” says Peltier. Of course, life lessons and science lessons go together like ropes and pulleys. “The most important thing they get out of it is critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I try to remind the kids that science is about cooperative learning and team building,” she says. 38 – My School Rocks!

Science On Wheels

Even if traveling to Discovery Place isn’t always an option, schools and other organizations can still take full advantage of the museum’s lessons and resources through ScienceReach. This education group on wheels develops STEM- (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) based education programs. Educators and leaders can select from science programs created by the team or customize a lesson or experiment specific to education goals. The team visits schools, home school organizations and after school groups – but that’s not all. “They also do science-rooted professional development programs for adults that help those professionals learn new workplace skills,” says Stewart. The mobile science group also offers action-packed interactive programs for science enthusiasts of all ages. Attendees can solve mysteries using science and be wowed with flames and explosions. Programs last from 55-minutes to a full day. “ScienceReach is truly Discovery Place’s ‘Museum on Wheels;’” it continues their mission to support the community, adds Stewart.

Inspiring Future Scientists

Stewart and the team at Discovery Place know they have an important job beyond entertaining families. They are

Discovery Place Where: Uptown Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC Field Trips and Onsite Class Inquiries: Register by phone 800-935-0553 or 704-372-6261, extension 300, from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. Visit http://www.discoveryplace.org/ education for more information. Lunch Options: Space for students to eat bag lunches is available. Lunches may also be purchased through Discovery Place. Chaperones: One chaperone per 10 students required and admitted free. Additional chaperones, booked in advance, are admitted at the $5 school rate.

inspiring future scientists, engineers, creators and dreamers – a charge they take seriously. “Fewer and fewer students are choosing to go into STEM-based careers,” says Stewart. “Discovery Place ignites wonder in children by presenting science-based concepts in a fun and entertaining environment.” They hope this ignition will spark an interest in science careers. The museum furthers its mission by periodically offering complimentary educator experiences at all its museums. Stewart can rest assured that Discovery Place has inspired at least one future scientist. That same timid fourth grader who was convinced she couldn’t handle the robotics challenge is going to McClintock Middle School next year because of the strong robotics program there. “That experience had a great deal to do with where her path will lead,” says Loflin. The facilitator believes in Discovery Place and its place in education. She says her school has utilized most all the programs, including ScienceReach. “They are one of my favorite places and people,” she says. “It has so much to offer.”

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My School Rocks! –

History Fun

Happy Birthday, Hans Christian Andersen! by Resa Goldberg

Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales made him world famous. Many of them show compassion for those who are outcast, suffering, or unattractive. But more than that, he taught that appearances can be deceiving and there is, even within the most unlikely of characters, magical beauty. “The Ugly Duckling,” one of his most beloved tales, illustrates this point to perfection. Hans Christian Andersen was born on April 2, 1805 in Odense, Denmark. He grew up very poor as the son of a shoemaker and a washerwoman. As a teen, he tried to make money singing, acting, and dancing, but met with no success. He was also a very poor student, yet made it to university where he wrote his first story. He completed his first novel, The Improvisatore, in 1835, and he published his first small volume of fairy tales, which did not attract very much attention at the time. While he also wrote poetry, plays, travel books and 40 – My School Rocks!

three autobiographies, it was the fairy tales that, surprisingly he thought, became so popular with children and adults alike. He had begun his fairy-tale writing by retelling folk tales he’d heard from his grandmother and others when he was a child. Soon, however, he began to create his own stories. These were unique because of his style; use of idiom, irony, and humor; and subtle delivery of a moral message at the end. His stories, which were often based on his own childhood, do not always end happily and perhaps that is another reason why they are considered so authentic. The first volumes written from 1835 to 1837 contained nineteen stories and were called Fairy Tales Told for Children. His most popular tales include “The Little Mermaid,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” In all, Hans Christian Andersen published over 150 fairy tales, which have been translated in over 100 languages!

Believe It, Or Not!

Read each statement about the fairy tale in question and then decide if it is true or false.

1. The Princess and the Pea: The queen’s test involves putting a pea beneath a mattress.

5. The Snow Queen: The snow queen’s palace is in a place called LalaLand.

2. The Little Mermaid: The little mermaid saved the prince from drowning after pirates tossed him overboard.

6. Thumbelina: A magnificent peacock helped Thumbelina escape from the dreaded mole.

3. The Emperor’s New Clothes: It was a small child who finally called out the shocking truth as the emperor paraded through town, “But he isn’t wearing anything at all!” 4. The Ugly Duckling: The ugly duckling finally seeks refuge with the geese, with whom he lives happily ever after.

7. The Tinder Box: A soldier uses the powers of the tinderbox to bring the kingdom’s princess to him. 8. The Little Match Girl: The little match girl had a very entrepreneurial spirit, selling thousands of matches with her savvy strategies.

My School Rocks! –

Story Time

The Mathematical Mishap By Kimberly P. Johnson, Illustrated by Zoe Ranucci “Frederick, please pay attention.” I straightened up in my chair when I heard the teacher call my name. My mind once again had drifted off into somewhere land. This is where my thoughts usually went if I got bored or couldn’t focus. I tried really hard to not to go there, but sometimes it couldn’t be helped! “Fredrick do you know the answer to my question?” For a moment, I was dazed and wasn’t sure what to say. “7?” I mumbled. “Correct, Frederick that is the square root of 49.” Whew, I let out a deep sigh of relief. I’m just glad she hadn’t asked me to tell her what the term square root meant! I focused the rest of the afternoon but zipped toward the door when the final bell rang. With my backpack flung over my left shoulder, I rushed toward the front of the school. Before making it to the door, my buddy, Chad, stepped in front of me. “Whoa, dude, slow down! I need a huge favor.” I looked at him with a wide-eyed grin, “No, I’m not doing your homework.” He laughed and said, “Man, this is more important than that!” “What is it? And hurry before my ride leaves me standing in the front of the school – AGAIN.” “Can you come by my house later today and help me think of something nice to get Katy for her birthday?” I couldn’t believe my ears, Chad had almost created a hallway crash, held me up from my ride, and wasted my brain cells all in the name of a gift for a girl?! I just shook my head back and forth and whispered, “Yeah, I guess I can.” As I moved him out of my way, I headed for the car. My sister sat impatiently waiting and tapping her fingers against the steering wheel. This was another reason I couldn’t wait to get my own driver’s license. I wouldn’t have to depend on her for a ride.

42 – My School Rocks!

After I finished all of my homework, I grabbed a quick snack and headed over to Chad’s. He only lived a couple of blocks from me but my Mom always insisted that I be dropped off and picked up. I guess it was her way of making sure that I was safe. As much as it drove me crazy, I knew that I was lucky to have her concerned about me. I jumped out of the car and headed toward the front door. Chad was already standing there waiting for me. He must have been really serious about this one. “It’s about time, what took you so long?” Chad inquired. “I had a ton of homework, dude, and I just finished it!” Once I got settled in at the kitchen table, I put on my Frederick Brooke Master Thinking Cap. “What about a video game, or a new baseball glove, or a cool t-shirt?” I suggested. I snickered under my breath as I watched Chad get more and more anxious at each of my suggestions. We sat and brainstormed until we got the bright idea that the best gift would be something that Chad could make for her to keep forever! “What would a girl like Katy Byrd like to have as a gift?” we asked ourselves. We looked through magazines and checked out the Internet, but nothing caught our eye – UNTIL we spotted a bright yellow, green and orange birdhouse.

“Cool!!” we both yelled. I was going to help Chad build an awesome birdhouse for his new girl – Katy Byrd. This would be the best birthday gift ever and it was an original idea. We tried to find the instructions on the Internet on how to build such a fancy birdhouse, but couldn’t find a thing. I reassured Chad that I was excellent at math. I had gotten the answer right in class today. I knew I could help him figure out all of the measurements to build the most beautiful birdhouse ever. After gathering wood, paint, rulers and small tools – we began creating the masterpiece. I rubbed my chin as I sized up the left side of the birdhouse, then the right and finally the roof area. Chad had asked his older brother, Brandon, to help us since we were cutting wood and needed to use tools. Brandon wasn’t too supportive of my efforts though. “Frederick, are you sure this is the right measurement? It’s looking a little lopsided to me!” Brandon teased. “Just chill, Brandon. I know what I am doing, I’m really good at math and I know measurements!” Chad was standing there looking a little nervous, I knew he wasn’t too set on the project, but he did trust me. After everything was cut, Chad hammered in the last nail. We all stood back in shock – this was the most horrible sight we had ever seen! The sides were crooked and the roof was slanted. Chad had a panicked look on his face, Brandon fell

on the floor laughing and I stood there almost in tears – embarrassed about what had happened to Chad’s gift. We weren’t sure what we would do at this point. No one would ever claim this as their idea and now Chad’s shopping time had run out. I felt like it was ALL my fault! At that moment, Chad’s sister came in – “What’s all of this noise in here?” she asked. As Suzy pushed past us and looked at the birdhouse, she let out an “OH MY GOSH – this is really awesome!! What a great jewelry holder!!” We all looked at each other and the light bulb went off. We started adding hooks, flowers and bright paint to Katy Byrd’s new jewelry box. The next day, Chad delivered the fancy box to Katy’s house. He was so proud to give Katy her birthday gift and of course, she loved it! It was the most original gift she had ever received. As for me, I started paying more attention in math class to avoid any other mathematical mishaps!

Think About It Do you sometimes find it difficult to focus in class? Why or why not? What happens when you don’t pay attention in class? Why are handmade gifts more special?

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Why is That?

by Resa Goldberg • Illustration by Zoe Ranucci

Have you ever heard someone say, in a slightly envious tone of voice, “She can eat anything she wants without worrying about gaining weight because she has a fast metabolism?” You nod sagely, or empathetically as the case may be, as you ponder the metabolism phenomenon. Metabolism is the amount of energy or calories needed by your body to maintain itself throughout the day. When you eat, your body must expend energy to break down, absorb, transport and store the nutrients in the food. So any type of food will cause your metabolism to increase slightly. Certain foods, such as spicy ones, however, require more energy to process, thereby boosting your metabolism.

For example, the main element in hot peppers that gives them their heat, Capsaicin, also elevates your body temperature and makes your heart beat faster – both which require more energy. Habañero and Scotch bonnet peppers are at the top of the hot list, followed by jalapeños. Even mild red peppers contain the metabolism-spiking substance. While this boost isn’t terribly significant, according to studies, liberally sprinkling on the cayenne pepper is still a good thing. Did you know that spices like curry power have such strong flavor that you can eat less and still feel satisfied? These foods are actually acting as a bit of an appetite suppressant, which in turn will help you lose weight! Who knew? So while you’re at the grocery store picking up peppers and spices, you also might want to throw in some green tea, oatmeal, yogurt and almonds, all which have also been shown to boost metabolism! Now just add a regular exercise routine and a good night’s sleep and pretty soon, you will be the one with fast metabolism who everyone is talking about!

46 – My School Rocks!

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