South Meck High School FAQ for Students and Parents

(Updated 05/12/15 8:20 am)

The Student Handbook (2014-2015) covers many questions about Student Information, Rules and Responsibilities.

School Areas or
Departments

Question

Solution(s) or Answer(s)

Registrar

How do I schedule a tour?

Send an email to Isabel Velasquez, the parent who coordinates school

tours.

Registrar

How do I enroll a student?

What forms and proof of
residency are needed and
accepted?

CMS Student Enrollment

Attendance

Is my student in school
today? My student says he
did/didnt miss a class.

Teachers input attendance on a class-by-class basis. Email the

teacher directly to discuss. Any notes regarding absences should be
handed to the Attendance Secretary in the Front Office and should
include your students name, ID#, and grade; your name and contact
number; and the reason for the absence.

Attendance

How long should my student

be in school to get credit for
the day?

Students arriving after 10:31 am or leaving before 10:39 am will be

considered officially absent for the entire day.

Attendance

What is the Early Dismissal

procedure?

Students leaving campus during the day must have written permission
(phone calls will not be accepted) from a parent or guardian.
Notes must be submitted to the Front Office by 7:15 am and must
include:
- The students name, ID number, and grade level,
- A legitimate reason for the early dismissal,
- A telephone number

where a parent or guardian can be reached to verify the request,

- A time for dismissal,
- The signature of a parent or guardian.
The office will confirm the note during the first period and issue a
permission slip prior to the dismissal which must be shown to the
teacher whose class is affected by the early dismissal. At the time of
the dismissal, the student must come back to the office and sign out
before leaving campus. The student will receive a computer generated
dismissal slip which will be shown to security at the exit.
Students will not be called out of class for early dismissal, but
must follow the procedure as outlined.
A student should always sign back into the Front Office when returning
to school.
Students returning to campus from medical and other appointments
should bring a doctors note to give to the Attendance Secretary.
Attendance

How does my student get an

Excused Absence for a
planned college visit?

Students should pick up a College Day Request Form from the Front
Office, fill out the top three lines, get a parent signature, and return the
form to the office for Dr. Furrs signature. The completed form should
be picked up prior to the college visit, a portion completed during the
visit, and the form returned to Front Office upon your return to SMHS.
Juniors and Seniors are allowed two visits per semester.

Academics

What is PowerSchool and

how do I access it?

This student-management program for parents allows easy access to

your students assignments, grades, and attendance. It is available on
the web (PowerSchool) and via mobile app.

Academics

Who do I contact to reset a

PowerSchool password or for
other help?

Christina Cooper, SMHS Secretary

Position being filled mid-April 2015, SMHS Registrar

Academics

What is the best way to reach

a teacher?

Email is the absolute best way to contact a teacher. Include a phone

number if you would like a return phone call.

Please make sure the school and teachers have your correct and
most up-to-date information including email and phone number.
(Por favor, asegrese de que la escuela tenga su direccin de
correo electrnico y nmero de telfono correcto y actual.)
Please allow 24-48 hours for a return e-mail or phone call.
Academics

What does my student do

regarding missed homework?

Contact the teacher(s) directly via email for shorter absences. For
longer absences, contact your Guidance Counselor.

Academics

What is the IDEA Academy?

The IDEA Academy (Innovation, Design, Engineering, and Art) is a

program of applied and integrated learning of the same standards
other SMHS students learn, but using a Feuerstein curriculum (critical
thinking skills emphasized) in conjunction with a formal creative
design process. The academy began in School Year 2013-2014 from
within our own student body and will continue to be expanded. Please
contact Ashley Graham for further information.

Academics

What is the World Languages

Magnet?

Established by CMS in 2009; open to any student desiring to study

languages; and representing approximately 13% of our students, the
International Language Academy at South Mecklenburg High School
offers study in French, German,
Spanish, and Japanese. In addition, students may elect to take online
classes in Mandarin Chinese, Russian,
Arabic, and Latin through North Carolina Virtual Public School
(NCVPS).
More info: World Languages Magnet Infomation and World
Languages Parent Advisory Committee.

Academics Transcripts

How does my student or

alumna or alumnus obtain a
transcript?

Current 12th grade students and graduates from School Year 20122013 may pick up a form in the front office to start the process which
takes approximately five to seven days. Graduates from 2012 and
prior should contact Student Records at 700 E. Stonewall Street,
Charlotte NC.

Cafeteria

Whats for lunch and how

does my student pay for it?

Option 1: Go to www.paypams.com to put money in an account for

your child. Students have a PIN number assigned to them by the

school to use in the cafeteria so that no cash is required.

Option 2: Pay in cash.
Option 3: Complete a Free or Reduced lunch application. These are
available on the Parents link on the CMS home page.
Menus
Cafeteria

When does my student eat

lunch?

Before, in the middle of, or after 3rd Block depending on the particular
schedule for that day (ie. A Day vs. B Day.)

Cafeteria

Can any student eat breakfast Yes, the breakfast program is free to all students.
in the cafeteria?

Contact Us - Front
Office,
Administration,
Teachers, and Staff

How do I reach the school?

8900 Park Road

Charlotte, North Carolina 28210
980-343-3600
Fax: 980-343-3607
Website
Emails for Admin, Teachers, and Staff
No habla ingles?
Senora Constaneda: 980-343-3600.

Contact Us - Follow
Us

What are some of the ways I

can follow whats happening
at SMHS?

Sabre News (weekly email blast);

The Sabre Sentinel (Online Student Newspaper) or Sabre Sentinel
App; and Twitter are just a few.

Discipline

Who handles discipline

issues?

The Assistant Principals* who may be contacted here or by calling the

Front Office 980-343-3600.

Drivers Education

What does my student need

to take the driving test?

Jordan Driving School

and
NCDOT: Your First License

Drivers Education

Missed days, make-up days,

and other questions.

Jordan Driving School

Fees - Field Trips,

etc.

How does my student pay for

a Field Trip or Other Fees?

Fees - Class-Year
Fees

How are the class-year fees

used?

Guidance (aka
Student Services)

Who is my students
Guidance Counselor?

Counselors* are assigned by last name per the School Profile or by

calling the Front Office at 980-343-3600. More information at Student
Services wiki.

Health

What happens if my student

becomes ill at school?

Students must go to the Nurses Office in E Building to call a parent or

guardian for pick-up. In the event the nurse is out, students will see
Ms. Hayes in E Building. Students may not call or text a parent and
be called out of class.

Lost and Found

Where can my student look

for lost or turn in found items?

Lost & Found is in E Building with Ms. Hayes in the Assistant

Principals office.

Student Life Athletics

Student Life Birthdays and
Celebrations

Online School Payment Portal (OSP)

Athletics
Its my students birthday or
were celebrating his drivers
license or other special day.
May I drop off balloons or
bring a cake?

Student Life Choirs, Band, and

Orchestra

Congrats to your student! However, with 2800 students on campus,

protecting academic time and minimizing distractions is very
important. Your student may not be called from class. You may bring
the item to the Front Office and your student will be allowed to pick it
up at the end of the day.
Choir and South Meck Musicals
Band
Orchestra

Student Life - Clubs

Where is a listing of clubs and South Meck Clubs

advisors?

Student Life Forgot an item

Will you notify my student

about a forgotten lunch,
notebook, project, or other
item I have bring in?

With 2800 students on campus, we must protect instructional time.

You may leave a forgotten item at the Front Desk, but we cannot
interrupt classes.

Student Life School Store

When is the School Store

open?
How do I pay?

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during lunch, usually from 11:3012:30.

Cash only.
Limited items are available from the South Meck Athletic Boosters via
PayPal Buy Now for delivery to the Front Office or the School Store
by email arrangement.

Student Life Yearbook

How does my student get a

yearbook?

Ms. Lange, staff advisor, dawne.lange@cms.k12.nc.us,

https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/ - Order#14235

Student Life - Cap

and Gown

Cap and Gown Info for

Graduation

Herff Jones
or
Keith Guercio at Graduation Specialties

Transportation Student Parking

How does student parking

work?

Contact: Captain Schewchuck

Transportation - Bus How does bus transportation

work?

Contact: Traci Hayes

or
CMS Transportation Info

Transportation Skateboards

My student commutes by
skateboard. May he carry it
around all day?

We are glad your student is active. Due to space and safety

considerations, he should bring his skateboard to the Front Office for
safekeeping behind the desk before the bell and pick it up at the end
of the day.

Volunteer

How do I become a
Volunteer?

Volunteer in CMS

Parent Involvement

How do I get involved?

PTSA Website
PTSA Email

Staff Listing:
Assistant Principals and Dean of Students
Students with last
names

Assigned Assistant Principal

& Dean of Students

Email

A Ga

Sharon Poston

Asst. Principal

sharon.poston@cms.k12.nc.us

Gh O

Chad Kelley

Asst. Principal

chad.kelley@cms.k12.nc.us

PZ

John Cline

Asst. Principal

john.cline@cms.k12.nc.us

Brian Hitt

Asst. Principal

brian.hitt@cms.k12.nc.us

John Gordon

Counselor

john.gordon@cms.k12.nc.us

Diane Taliaferro

Dean of
Students

dianej.taliaferro@cms.k12.nc.us

Exceptional
Children

Each assistant principal is the first point of contact for concerns regarding students, monitoring progress, attendance,
and serving as the primary disciplinary contact for students in their alphabet. They work closely with the counselors (see
below) who are assigned to their students, each to approximately half of the alphabetical range (based on the last name
of the student).

Other Administrative Responsibilities:

Topic

Supervision and disciplinary procedures,

Transportation support,
Attendance recovery
Substitutes and teacher absence,
Grade dispute verification;
Administrative contact for ICC (Inter-club Council)
Registration process oversight,
Technology support regarding webpage, Twitter,
and Wiki
Administrative support for instructional
accountability (testing) and credit recovery
opportunities; ACT/SAT/PSAT and AP initiatives
Contact and administrative support for CMScontracted
technology including Achieve 3000, Triumph
Learning, Castle Learning

Name

Contact Info

Brian Hitt

Asst. Principal
brian.hitt@cms.k12.nc.us

Sharon Poston

Asst. Principal
sharon.poston@cms.k12.nc.us

Chad Kelley

Asst. Principal
chad.kelley@cms.k12.nc.us

John Cline

Asst. Principal
john.cline@cms.k12.nc.us

Diane Taliaferro

Dean of Students
dianej.taliaferro@cms.k12.nc.us

Primary contact for questions or concerns regarding classes or teachers in these departments

Class

CTE
English
ESL
Exceptional Children
Health and Physical Education
JROTC
Math
Performing Arts
Science
Social Studies
Visual Arts
World Languages

Name

Sharon Poston
John Cline
Chad Kelley
Brian Hitt
Diane Taliaferro
Chad Kelley
John Cline
Chad Kelley
Sharon Poston
Brian Hitt
Sharon Poston
Chad Kelley

Contact Info

Asst. Principal
Asst. Principal
Asst. Principal
Asst. Principal
Dean of Students
Asst. Principal
Asst. Principal
Asst. Principal
Asst. Principal
Asst. Principal
Asst. Principal
Asst. Principal

sharon.poston@cms.k12.nc.us
john.cline@cms.k12.nc.us
chad.kelley@cms.k12.nc.us
brian.hitt@cms.k12.nc.us
dianej.taliaferro@cms.k12.nc.us
chad.kelley@cms.k12.nc.us
john.cline@cms.k12.nc.us
chad.kelley@cms.k12.nc.us
sharon.poston@cms.k12.nc.us
brian.hitt@cms.k12.nc.us
sharon.poston@cms.k12.nc.us
chad.kelley@cms.k12.nc.us

Other helpful contact people include:

Name

Topic

Contact

Susan Wolter

Administrative Assistant to Dr. Furr

s.wolter@cms.k12.nc.us

Kevin Hinson

Athletic Director

kevin.hinson@cms.k12.nc.us

Katrina Miller

Attendance

katrinan.miller@cms.k12.nc.us

Herman McIntyre

Career development coordinator

(CPCC contact)

herman.mcintyre@cms.k12.nc.us

Officer Sutton

CMPD resource officer

via Main Office: 980-343-3600

Hunt

Communities in Schools 11 -12

suzanne.hunt@cms.k12.nc.us

Joe Rothenberg

Communities in Schools 9-10

joe.rothenburg@cms.k12.nc.us

Christopher Henley

CTE Instructional Coordinator

christopher1.henley@cms.k12.nc.us

Elisabeth Hawley

Exceptional children

elisabeth.hathcock@cms.k12.nc.us

June Kierce

Financial Secretary

junem.kierce@cms.k12.nc.us

Christina Cooper

Front Office and Newsletter

christina.cooper@cms.k12.nc.us

Castenada Castenada

Front Office, Interpreter (Spanish)

castanedaa.luz@cms.k12.nc.us

Debra Dunn

IDEA academy director

debra.dunn@cms.k12.nc.us

Marlene Beltram

Magnet coordinator

rosam.beltram@cms.k12.nc.us

Dina Genco

Media specialist
NC Virtual Public School/online
programs
Registrar

dinaj.genco@cms.k12.nc.us

Maura MacKinnon
Isabel Velasquez

maurao.mackinnon@cms.k12.nc.us
Isabel Velasquez

Joanna Harris

School Nurse

980-343-3600 ext. 4007829

Joanna.harris@mecklenburgcounty.g
ov

Elaine Miller

Testing (EOC, NCFE, AP, PLAN, ACT,

PSAT)

elaine.miller@cms.k12.nc.us

Communities in Schools
The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support,
empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

Students with grade levels:

9 and 10
th

th

11 and 12
th

th

Assigned Communities in Schools

Email

Joe Rothenberg

joe.rothenberg@cms.k12.nc.us

Suzanne Hunt

suzanne.hunt@cms.k12.nc.us

Department Chairs 2014-2015

Department

Department Chair

Email

CTE

Christopher Henley

christopher1.henley@cms.k12.nc.us

English

Alison Johnson

alison.johnson@cms.k12.nc.us

ESL

Haley Houghton

haley.houghton@cms.k12.nc.us

Exceptional Children

Beth Hawley

elisabeth.hathcock@cms.k12.nc.us

JROTC

Michael Shewchuk

michael.shewchuk@cms.k12.nc.us

Mathematics

Cheryl Vanosdall

cheryll.vanosdall@cms.k12.nc.us

Performing Arts

Bonnie Hall

bonnie.hall@cms.k12.nc.us

Physical Education

Jim Lynch

james.lynch@cms.k12.nc.us

Science

Diane Shell

diana.shell@cms.k12.nc.us

Social Studies

Dan Marchildon

daniel.marchildon@cms.k12.nc.us

Student Services

Kim Preacher

kim.preacher@cms.k12.nc.us

Testing

Elaine Miller

Elaine.miller@cms.k12.nc.us

Visual Arts

Tony Howard

tony.howard@cms.k12.nc.us

World Languages

Ingrid Wilson

ingrid.wilson@cms.k12.nc.us