Weddington Hills Elementary School (WHES) continued its tradition of getting students ready for the end-of-grade (EOGs) tests with its annual pep rally.

The Charlotte Bobcats inflatable mascot Air Rufus presented a fun and entertaining program for 3rd-5th graders, reminding them of these important tips:

1. Get plenty of sleep the night before the test
2. Eat healthy meals leading up to the test
3. Focus and concentrate during the test
4. Be on time to school
5. Be confident in yourself and your test taking abilities

J.N. Fries Middle Receives IB Authorization

J.N. Fries Magnet School has successfully completed requirements to receive its International Baccalaureate (IB) authorization from the International Baccalaureate organization and is now officially an IB World School.

For the past two years, the school has worked to achieve this designation for its International Studies program.

As an official IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) school, J.N. Fries Magnet School affords students unique educational opportunities through interdisciplinary teaching and learning. The Middle Years Progamme is designed to develop the whole child through an international perspective. The IB MYP is based on three fundamental concepts, which include holistic learning, international awareness, and communication. Students develop authentic real world connections and learn to see knowledge as inter-related through the exploration of eight subject areas.

"We have excellent students and staff who have worked hard to achieve this accomplishment in partnership with very supportive parents," said Principal Kecia Coln.  "We are very proud to be recognized as an IB World School offering the Middle Years Programme and to have the privilege of providing another educational choice for students and parents in Cabarrus County."

Founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation that currently works with more than 3,000 schools in 139 countries.

Congratulations to J.N. Fries Magnet School!

PLC To Hold Open House

The Performance Learning Center (PLC) will host an Open House for prospective students on Wednesday, May 22nd from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Come out and learn more about the PLC and meet the staff.

The PLC, a non-traditional magnet high school, is a unique partnership involving the school, the student, parents and the community to provide non-traditional 21st century student-centered learning experiences. The school uses a remarkable blend of online learning and more traditional learning to produce courses that challenge our students and meet their needs.
The PLC is located at 133 Stonecrest Circle SW, Concord, N.C. (on the campus of J.N. Fries Magnet School).

Visit the PLC website.

The Pitts Elementary Coaster Club recently participated in the Coaster Mania competition at Carowinds during its Education Days. 

Students from the club coasted to victories, receiving recognition in the Best Overall Elementary School entry and the Most Frightening Theme for a Coaster Ride.
 
To participate in the competition, teams were required to construct a working model that could possibly be used for a real life rollercoaster design.  All work was created by the students.
 
The students and club advisors began meeting after school beginning in February.  Team members collaborated to develop their overall theme first, and then they worked on the engineering/design phase.  Specific attention was given to the effects of forces and motion, Newton's Laws, and logistics.

The students also created a commercial for their ride. Carowinds engineers judged the event.