BY KARISSA MILLER
Statesville High School administrators will hold two meetings to give parents and members of the community a opportunity to discuss the International Baccalaureate program and all other topics related to students.
The first meeting is Wednesday, November 18, at 6 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, located at 345 Hartness Road, Statesville. The second meeting is Wednesday, December 9, at 6 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont.
Many ideas about SHS future have been presented. However, a complete picture has yet to emerge of what the International Baccalaureate program will look like at SHS or if parents would prefer other programs and opportunities in the school.
Principal Chad Parker’s top concern is improving education options for all of his students.
“We want families at Statesville High to know that they have a voice. We want to partner with our families to ensure that their educational needs are met,” Parker said.
“Do they want to act? Do they want to sing? We want to determine what the needs of the community are and work with them so that they can reach their post-secondary goals,” he added.
Parker, who is in his first year as principal, also looks forward to building relationships with parents. He said it’s been a challenge during the pandemic, but he is thankful for the support he’s received so far.
He encourages all families to attend the event.
The school will follow face mask and social distancing guidelines while also conducting health screenings and temperature checks.
The main goal of the two meetings is to gather insight from people in the thick of things — real feedback. The school wants the families to speak openly about their concerns and expectations.
In turn, this will help the SHS leadership team balance those needs and come up with a game plan on how to move forward.
Dreambuilders, a racial equity and inclusion consultant group, is helping lead the discussion.
Why IB?
Last year, SHS and school board members were at odds over plans to expand the IB program to the school. School district officials said that students of all backgrounds have found success in the IB program because it provides different ways to arrive at knowledge while being a rigorous curriculum.
According to I-SS Director of Communication and Development Boen Nutting, the school wants to hear the community’s thoughts about IB.
“We also need to educate parents about what it is. It’s a choice they can make. It’s not a choice they have to make, but it’s an option,” Nutting said.
