School news

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Compiled by Gina Smith

Bailey Middle

Holiday giving opportunities: The last day to donate to the Bailey Gives Back Club Toys for Tots toy drive is Dec. 12. To donate, bring new, unwrapped toys to the bins located near the trophy case at the front door of Bailey Middle School, 11900 Bailey Road, Cornelius. Bailey students who donate a toy should see teachers Stacy Liles or Stephanie Coggins or contact them at stacya.liles@cms.k12.nc.us or stephaniem.coggins@cms.k12.nc.us. Teacher Alexandra Edwards is also collecting donations of regular-sized bars of soap for a local men’s shelter and canned tuna for the Ada Jenkins Center in room B8 through Dec. 20. For details contact Edwards at Alexandra.edwards@cms.k12.nc.us.

Book fair contests: Sixth-grader Ava Smithwick won the book fair Starburst candy guessing contest with a guess of 568 Starburst candies. A candy basket raffle brought in $300 in donations, which helped buy books for the Bailey media center and classroom libraries. Scholastic is matching that donation with 300 books donated to the Kids in Need Foundation and Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. The winner of the basket contest was seventh-grader Elizabeth Hensley. The next Bailey Middle School Book Fair will be held March 11-15.

Volunteer hours: During the month of October, 119 Bailey volunteers logged 586.34 hours. The October volunteer winner is Tina Kerr. She will receive a Mary Kay gift donated by Amy Hallman. For details on volunteering at Bailey, contact Betsy Cowles at cowls.betsy.gmail.com.

Cornelius Elementary

Fun Run results: The second annual Cornelius Elementary FundRunners Fun Run earned $17,000, which will help buy technology for the classrooms. Gina Wells planned and coordinated the fundraiser. On Jan. 4, the Parent Teacher Organization board of directors will meet with representatives from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to discuss the school system’s technology goals so Cornelius Elementary can buy technology in alignment with school system initiatives.

Holiday Store: The Cornelius Elementary Holiday Store is open 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 14 at the school, 21126 Catawba Ave. School spirit wear and holiday gift items are available.

J.V. Washam Elementary

Angel Tree Project: The Annual J.V. Washam Angel Tree Project is underway. The Angel Tree helps provide gifts from the holiday wish lists of Washam students in need. For details, contact or visit the main office at J.V. Washam Elementary at 980-343-1071 or 9611 Westmoreland Road, Cornelius. The deadline for gifts to be delivered to the school is Dec. 17. Donors and recipients remain anonymous.

North MeckHigh

Staff Cookie Walk: North Mecklenburg High will hold the annual Staff Cookie Walk 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 19 to show appreciation for the school’s faculty and staff. Parents and others are needed to provide homemade cookies and other treats. Those making baked goods should prepare four-eight dozen cookies or other goods each. Deliver baked goods by 8:30 a.m. Dec. 19 to the Media Center or Main Office at North Mecklenburg High School, 11201 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. To volunteer as a baker, look for the sign up link http://nmhs-ptsa.cmswiki.wikispaces.net.

Winter band concert: The band will hold its annual winter concert Dec. 18 in the school’s auditorium at 11201 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. The time is to be announced. The band will hold a toy drive during the event. Guests can bring a toy donation to the concert and receive free admission. For details and updates on the event’s start time, visit http://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/northmecklenburgHS/Pages/Default.aspx.