they spend on scholastic efforts . To keep it fun during the summer , teachers encourage games like Scrabble and online math games to keep their learning current . The school ’ s “ Tip the Scales ” fundraiser is earmarked for the Principal to spend at his or her discretion . In years past , the PTA has raised more than $ 100,000 . “ The participation is phenomenal ,” says Parrish .
Now that the PTA has accomplished its initial goal of getting everyone up , running , and excited , this year Bolt ’ s team is focused on hosting events that proved successful at their former schools in the past . “ We are throwing things on the calendar to see what works for Dilworth ,” Bolt explains . “ Some may stick and others not .” Events this past year include a father / daughter dance and a spring art showcase .
CREATIVE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS The PTA has shown creativity in its partnerships with the community . Because the school does not need to rely on local businesses for financial support , students work to give back via gradelevel service projects that include craft kits for the Levine Children ’ s Hospital , vegetable garden proceeds for a local food bank , and participation in Friendship Trays . and allows parents to mentor students by offering them academic and social support .
“ Come by in the morning and you ’ ll see the cafeteria filled with parents eating breakfast with their buddies , playing games , and working on assignments ,” Parrish says . “ It ’ s a great way to start the day ,” she explains , “ and it is wonderful to see these partnerships blossom and grow over the years as the students grow .”
A FOCUS ON ACADEMICS A former teacher and principal in Atlanta as well as a principal at Davidson Elementary prior to her tenure at Dilworth Elementary , Hall has strived to maintain a balance between differentiated and integrated learning in a school with a diverse range of student skill levels .
She has achieved this balance by leveling students in subjects like literacy and math while keeping all skill levels together for homeroom , social studies , and science . Key to this balancing act are her four certified teachers assistants who help during reading and math , and support teachers in the classroom during two hour literacy blocks that include classroom instruction as well as workshop time to facilitate small group conferring and discussion .
teachers and kids have really gotten to know each other by the end of the first year and have worked out the kinks ,” Hall says , “ they are able to avoid any lag time when school starts the next year .”
A GREAT VIBE As a resident of Dilworth , Hall was admittedly nervous about working in the community where she lives .
Her fears proved unfounded , she says , and she describes her neighbors and students as incredibly respectful . “ Dilworth is a community that is respectful of diversity and of differences of opinion ,” Hall says . “ You can see it when you walk around and this is mimicked at the school .”
In gratitude for providing meals at cost for teacher luncheons and the like , supporter names are advertised on the schools website , and school families patron those that support the school . Dilworth ’ s Learning Buddies program run by Parrish has proved a highly successful program to support and mentor students in need . The program has more than tripled since its inception ,
“ We spent a lot of time getting to know our kids ,” Parrish says . She describes the staff as extremely creative and resourceful . The result is both integrated and differentiating lessons designed to pinpoint and address what they need . Hall is excited to potentially launch looping next year that allows students to stay with their teacher for two years . “ Looping is amazing because
“ It has a great vibe ,” Parrish explains . “ We came from different places but we are one now and are a well-oiled machine where teachers enjoy coming to work , kids like coming to learn , and parents feel welcome .”
Dilworth Elementary
405 East Park Avenue Charlotte , NC 28203
980-343-2240
http :// schools . cms . k12 . nc . us / dilworthES / Pages / Default . aspx
Principal : Terry Hall
My School Rocks ! – 27