School news: Lake Norman and Iredell

Compiled by Gina Smith

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education has created an online survey to gather input from parents, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools employees and other Mecklenburg County residents on how students in the system are assigned to schools. The survey, which is available in both English and Spanish, is open through Feb. 22. Results will inform decision-making on any changes to the district’s student assignment plan, which would take effect in the 2017-2018 school year. Paper copies of the survey also are available in the main office at every school and at the Smith Family Center, 1600 Tyvola Rd. To take the online survey, go to www.cms.k12.nc.us and click on the "Student Assignment Survey" button at the top of the page.

J.V. Washam Elementary is offering parent-led guided tours of the campus for prospective families at 10 a.m. Feb. 24, March 9 and 23, April 6 and 13, and May 4 and 18. Reservations are required.

Parents should bring a driver’s license for check-in in the main hallway. Parents are encouraged to attend tours without children. Prospective kindergartners will have an opportunity to visit the school on Beginners Day, April 27. Kindergarten enrollment is underway for the 2016-17 school year. To be eligible for kindergarten, students must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2016. For an enrollment packet, visit www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/StudentPlacement/Pages/EnrollingYourStudent.aspx. To make a reservation for a tour, visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084aaeac23a64-jv.

Rising sixth graders who will attend Bailey Middle School in the fall may drop in 5-7 p.m. Feb. 17 to try out and choose instruments for middle school band. Students will be able to try the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and percussion instruments. Families should plan to spend 20-30 minutes at the event. Band is a year-long class, and sixth grade is the only time students may start band. For details, contact band director Ruth Petersen at r.petersen@cms.k12.nc.us.

Internationally renowned cellist Tina Guo will perform with the Hough High School and Bailey Middle School orchestras and students from other Charlotte-area schools at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Hough High auditorium.

A silent auction featuring sports and music memorabilia, vacation packages and gift certificates from local restaurants and services will precede the concert beginning at 6 p.m. Both events are open to the public. Students will play music from movie “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Star Wars” and more. Advance tickets for the concert are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tina-guo-concert-tickets-19862536381?aff=es2. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $20 each. Details: www.facebook.com/Tina-Guo-Lights-Camera-Action-Movie-Game-Music-Brought-to-Life-165577453809058/.

Registration information sessions for current Hough High, Bradley Middle School and Bailey Middle School students will be offered as follows:

▪ Rising ninth graders, 9 a.m. Feb. 17, media center.

▪ Rising 10^th-12^th graders, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17, auditorium.

An information session on the new AP Capstone program will be offered at 8 a.m. Feb. 19 in the media center. Registration dates for students coming from other schools will be posted on the Student Services website at http://houghstudentservices.weebly.com/.

Hough Career Development Coordinator Jeanette Culek will present a workshop, “Career Exploration and College Dual Enrollment,” at 1 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Learning Commons as part of the Student Services Coffee Talk series. The workshop will provide parents with information on career exploration resources available to students and the tuition-free Career and College Promise program offered through Central Piedmont Community College. To sign up for the seminar, visit www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0449aba92baaf49-career.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools recently recognized Hough High physics teacher Brian Lefler as a Star STEM teacher for his outstanding work with his students and colleagues. The Star STEM is sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas and Synergy 5. Lefler was awarded a monetary gift, and he will be recognized at Charlotte Checkers and Charlotte Knights games in the spring. Lefler has been a physics teacher at Hough since the school opened.

The Cosmetology Department will host a Haircut-A-Thon 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 27. Shampoo and blow-dry, styles and haircuts will be available with all proceeds benefitting students from the SkillsUSA Club who will be competing at state and national competitions. To schedule an appointment, call 980-343-9400 (cq) or contact Melissa Prickett at melissak.prickett@cms.k12.nc.us.

Legacy Leadership Academy recently established a partnership with Carillon Assisted Living Facility on Gilead Road in Huntersville. Each week, students from the school travel to Carillon to spend 45 minutes reading, making crafts and doing physical activities with the residents. Legacy students also had their art featured in an art show at Carillon on Feb. 4.

The Mooresville Graded School District will hold kindergarten registration for the 2016-2017 school year 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 2 at the Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main St. Mooresville.

Parents should bring a certified copy of their child’s birth certificate, immunization records and two proofs of Mooresville residency. A child must be five years old on or before Aug. 31, 2016, to register. Details: 704-658-2530.

Mooresville Middle School student Tiffany Nguyen was named the Mooresville Graded School District Artist of the Month for February. For the project for which she received the award, students were learning about color theory and created a monochromatic landscape featuring a man-made U.S. landmark or sculpture.

Adam Starnes, a technician for Mooresville Middle School and South Elementary School, received the February Above and Beyond the Call of Duty award for the district. Starnes was nominated by his supervisor, Mooresville Graded School District Chief Technology Officer Scott Smith, as well as several members of South's team.

The Woodland Heights Elementary PTO is seeking sponsors and donors for its Spring Fling FUNdraiser on April 22. The group is also seeking local businesses and organizations to donate goods and services for the event’s auction. All donations are tax-deductible. DEtails: whefundraiser@gmail.com.

Sign-up sheets for Brawley Middle School soccer are in the front office in a white binder. Tryouts for girls’ soccer are Feb. 24-25. Tryouts for boys’ soccer are Feb. 22-23.

Representatives from Campbell University and Cabarrus College of Health Sciences will be at the school Feb. 24-25 to hold information sessions for interested juniors and seniors. Preregistration is required and is available in the Student Center. Students should see their counselors for details.

South Iredell High will host an ACT Prep Course offered by ZAPS 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Media Center. The cost is $79. Preregistration is required. For details, contact the Student Center. To sign up, visit www.doorwaytocollege.com.

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 10:57 AM with the headline "School news: Lake Norman and Iredell."