Jay M. Robinson a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School
Jay M. Robinson Middle has been named a Blue Ribbon
School for 2016. The annual award, conferred by the U.S.
Department of Education, is given to schools that are
considered the best in the country. For 2016, 279 public and 50
private schools across the country were chosen.
Schools are nominated by their state’s department of
education and then complete a comprehensive application
describing school practices. The Blue Ribbon School program is
in its 34th year and fewer than 8,500 schools have been chosen
in that time. The award recognizes elementary, middle and high
schools based on overall academic excellence or on progress in
closing achievement gaps. In a video announcing the winners,
U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. praised the schools
as “shining examples for your communities, your state and the
nation.”
CMS was one of eight districts in North Carolina with a Blue Ribbon School this year.
“We are very proud to have Jay M. Robinson, the staff and the students recognized nationally for excellence,” said Ann Clark, superintendent of CharlotteMecklenburg Schools. “Principal Michael Miliote and his staff have made the school a successful environment for learning, so that students can reach their
potential every day.”
The school opened in 2002. It is named for Dr. Jay M. Robinson, a math teacher and football coach whose career in public education lasted five decades
and included several state administrative positions. Today, Jay. M. Robinson has nearly 1,100 students and has previously been recognized as a North
Carolina and national School to Watch.
“This honor would not have come to fruition without the hard work of a dedicated, caring staff and a collaborative community,” said Miliote. “Our students
are lucky to live in a community where educators and parents work together to value public education!”
Miliote and three members of his staff will attend an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., in early November.
Sonja Smith wins I am CMS award
Hearing officer nominated by colleagues
Hearing Officer Sonja Smith
is the latest recipient of the I am
CMS award. Smith was surprised
by Superintendent Ann Clark at
the Atrium on Oct. 18. Smith was
nominated by two of her colleagues
and Clark read each of the
nominations.
“Ms. Smith goes above and
beyond for the families she works
with, including holding literacy camps
for those students who are living in non-traditional settings,” wrote one of
her colleagues. “She’s organized community health and safety fairs and shoe
drives for students who were unable to afford them. She is hard-working,
dependable, and always puts families first.”
Clark said Smith’s nominations demonstrate her dedication to the CMS
core values.
“Your colleagues say that you’re willing to do whatever it takes for our
students,” said Clark. “That’s what I am CMS means.”
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Another colleague wrote that Smith, “Has a heart for families that need
a extra hand. Sonja works with multiple homeless shelters to make sure the
students get supplies, have opportunities and feel special.”
Smith received a $100 gift card from award sponsor Charles G. Monnett
& Associates. She will also be professionally photographed for an I am CMS
poster that will be displayed in her building.
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Parent Teacher News • September/October 2016 • 7