Breana

Single questions and answers

 Video (all responses) https://youtu.be/xCiGsu3MTYs 

School

North Mecklenburg High School junior

Elizabeth Traditional Elementary, Irwin Academic Center, Piedmont Open Middle School

Why I want to serve in this role

In serving in this role would be an opportunity to further explore my passion for the education system and education equity. I would be able to exercise my communication and strategic thinking skills while continuing to grow in problem-solving and learning to lead my community effectively.

#1 thing CMS needs to do to achieve the vision and mission

CMS needs to promote the resources they already have provided for their students, such as study abroad programs, career readiness courses, and scholarship opportunities for students. CMS should capitalize on their large student following on social media such as Instagram and Twitter.

K-12 student equal opportunities for success

When looking at the CMS school boundary maps for the 2020-2021 school year, schools are racially and economically divided. To solve this issue, the school board needs to be initiated in making the boundary lines in order to make all schools more diverse and equitable.  

What does CMS do well? What could CMS do better?

CMS does a great job giving back to the community, especially to Title 1 schools. The Second Harvest Food Bank and Food Lion partnerships do a great job of doing this. CMS could do a better job advertising these amazing opportunities; therefore, more students can get involved in helping other students.

CMS success that needs more attention, and how I will lift it up

CMS does a great job of implementing different international and national academic programs in our schools, such as IB, AP, and magnet schools. Parents need to understand the impacts of programs such as TD. This information should be spread through a newsletter, zoom, website, or curriculum nights.

CMS issue that needs more attention, and how I will solve it

Black students are most likely to be suspended in comparison to their peers. I think that we can solve this issue by creating a tolerance plan for teachers or implement programs such as the Peer Mediation club in all schools in order to give students constructive consequences and a second chance.

India

Single questions and answers

 Video (all responses) https://youtu.be/4kGxumjEf-Q 

School

Garinger High School junior

Meade Elementary/Philadelphia Performing Arts

Why I want to serve in this role

I want to serve this role to continue hearing about the needs and expectations for our education. Becoming a student advisor, I can help feel in the gaps and actually make things happen.

#1 thing CMS needs to do to achieve the vision and mission

 For the CMS visions and missions, we need to provide all students great education. We already have the vision. Now it's time to actually make sure these things are happening so we can achieve it.

K-12 student equal opportunities for success

Yes, all kids have equal education, regardless of their color or background, and equal opportunities for success. I will make sure this continues, but we need to work hard to continue to achieve this.

What does CMS do well? What could CMS do better?

CMS needs to do better on making sure that everyone is being treated equally. As a teacher or whomever, if you see something that is not right, it needs to be fixed before too late. Teachers should already be taught on what to say in any situation that occurs.CMS makes sure kids succeed.

CMS success that needs more attention, and how I will lift it up

Being on the student council gives us the opportunity to speak our minds to help education and solve other problems. The student council does not get the light that it should have that is giving us opportunities and preparing us for the future.

CMS issue that needs more attention, and how I will solve it

Bullying some people are still having problems with this or other kids make someone feel bad.We have kids that are truly emotional and going through things in life. They should not have to come to school and get treated wrong. I will do everything to stop this until it comes to an end.

One  more thing I want people to know

I love to Debate!!!

Jaylen

Single questions and answers

 Video (all responses) https://youtu.be/yJtRBwUiMWk 

School

Olympic High School junior

Palisades Park Elementary School, South West Middle School

Why I want to serve in this role

I have noticed a trend of many students wanting equity amongst the school district. However, the louder voices are students whose schools offer IB programs and Gardening Club. I believe to truly be equitable; we need to have a dialogue between the students who don't have these programs.

#1 thing CMS needs to do to achieve the vision and mission

The #1 thing CMS leadership needs to do is have more effective communication with students. For instance, I know there is a lot of pressure for the reopening of our schools. Many students only believe CMS is rushing them out for monetary means instead of trying to address the concerns of parents.

K-12 student equal opportunities for success

I don't think so. I know that at Olympic and several other schools don't have IB programs and so on, which directly ties into equal education/opportunities. I believe in solving this problem; we need an open dialogue on why that is the case and what we can do.

What does CMS do well? What could CMS do better?

I truly believe that CMS does well in trying to accommodate all of its students. However, I think CMS can have a little more trust in its students when it comes to other matters.

CMS success that needs more attention, and how I will lift it up

The "CMS Eats At Home" program doesn't get nearly enough recognition. The fact that CMS recognizes that some students in this environment may not be able to afford daily meals is very meaningful. I think personal accounts from students this has benefited will help to uplift this success.

CMS issue that needs more attention, and how I will solve it

I believe the CMS dress code can be problematic. Headgear like durags is used to style a certain texture of hair and is, arguably, cultural. Furthermore, the dress code for female students is much harsher than our male counterparts. As aforementioned, I believe that open dialogue could solve this.

One more thing I want people to know

I want people to know that I am dedicated to improving everyone's high school experience. I believe it is more necessary than ever to encourage open dialogue and communication between generals in this day and age. It can only serve to benefit us both!

John

Single questions and answers

Video (all responses) https://youtu.be/N9HfwjduDro 

School

Providence High School junior

Elizabeth Lane Elementary, South Charlotte Middle

Why I want to serve in this role

I am compelled to serve in this role because I see that CMS does some things well and some things not so well, but is moving toward a brighter future. I know that the student’s voice is so critical to this transformation, and I will work to advocate for ALL students and their inclusion in this future.

#1 thing CMS needs to do to achieve the vision and mission

While I know this is a controversial idea and not palatable to many on the board/in the public, and I see the past success of busing and socioeconomic integration. I know that the #1 thing we can do to enhance the education of all students is increasing socioeconomic diversity in schools.

K-12 student equal opportunities for success

Frankly, no. CMS is starkly divided by socioeconomic inequality, and this creates a dichotomy in which schools in the "white wedge" are worlds away from the "crescent" schools. I would work to solve this by encouraging a districtwide study and action plan to determine new ways to confront this issue.

What does CMS do well? What could CMS do better?

I think that CMS does a good job of providing opportunities for its students to engage in a variety of interests, helping students to discover what they're passionate about and love doing. I think that CMS needs to do a better job of ensuring an equitable experience for students across the district.

CMS success that needs more attention, and how I will lift it up

I think that the placement of guidance counselors in every middle and high school is a huge achievement that does not get heard about enough (huge props to our school counselors!!!). I will work to lift them up by using to make counselors more accessible for students when they are struggling.

CMS issue that needs more attention, and how I will solve it

CMS' failure to create safe ways for LGBTQ+ youth to explore their identities and get support. I experienced this as a queer person and will work to fix it through new districtwide programs to create positive experiences & support for LGBTQ+ students, especially at the critical middle school level.

One more thing I want people to know

I want people to know that I am 100% dedicated to promoting the student’s voice. I've been in CMS all my life, and I've seen its successes and shortcomings. I will always make the interests of students across the district paramount when I am discussing or providing insight on an issue.

Lorelei 

 Videos of single questions coming soon!

Video (all responses) https://youtu.be/9ZNDzrOcUeU 

School

Merancas Middle College High School junior

Lake Wylie Elementary School, Invest Collegiate, Kennedy Middle School, Albemarle Road Middle School, Northwest School of the Arts

Why I want to serve in this role

I would like to serve this role so that I may serve as a voice for the students, as well as make Charlotte schools better than when I started by advocating for equal opportunity and adequate mental health services in schools.

#1 thing CMS needs to do to achieve the vision and mission

Mental health problems are on the rise in our generation, and many teachers and counselors are not adequately prepared to deal with a student who is approaching/in crisis or struggling. CMS must educate workers about mental health and provide resources for struggling students.

K-12 student equal opportunities for success

I do not think all students receive equal opportunity. There is systemic inequality in our education system that puts lower-income students at a disadvantage. I would try to solve this by making tutoring and student help more easily accessible.

What does CMS do well? What could CMS do better?

I believe that CMS is very good at communicating with parents, but I think they could better communicate with the students.

CMS success that needs more attention, and how I will lift it up

I think that CMS is doing a great thing by providing a meal distribution service during the pandemic. I will lift it up by advocating for the continuation of meal distribution services when we are no longer in full remote learning.

CMS issue that needs more attention, and how I will solve it

The disparity between higher and lower-income students does not get enough attention. Lower-income students may not have parents available to drive them to and from tutoring sessions and may not be able to get the help they need. I would advocate for more inclusive ways for students to get help.

One more thing I want people to know

I am very passionate about social change and am committed to making my community a better place. If elected, I will do my best to advocate for the students. I know how it feels to be struggling and not get the help you need, and I want to make sure no student ever feels this way.

Breana

School

North Mecklenburg High School junior

Elizabeth Traditional Elementary, Irwin Academic Center, Piedmont Open Middle School

Social media

@breanaa.___ 

@BreanaFowler19

Experience

GenerationNation/Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council student advisory council. I am a Teen Court attorney, founded the Peer Mediation Club; I am the Founder of the Scholarship Advisory Program, also known as SAP Scholars, and I have been on the board for several CMYC events such as the town hall meeting and the student code of conduct edits for 2020-21.

Favorite place in Charlotte

My favorite place is Amelie's French Bakery downtown, particularly during the winter. When I arrive, I pick a seat near a window, eat macaroons, and sip hot cocoa. I find myself sitting for hours as businessmen exit the Wells Fargo building, rushing to their cars trying to beat the seasonal chill. I soak up the sights of the city. The cars, the lights, and occasionally  I wave to people passing by. I feel a sense of comfort here—a getaway without getting too far away.

When I’m not in school, I am…

Going downtown to try new food, study with friends, and go to concerts. I’m practicing with my travel team or being an assistant coach, or attending Girl Scouts, honor society, key club, or Y-Achievers meetings. I love to make time to hike, run, or spend a day on a lake.

Why I want to serve in this role

In serving in this role would be an opportunity to further explore my passion for the education system and education equity. I would be able to exercise my communication and strategic thinking skills while continuing to grow in problem-solving and learning to lead my community effectively.

#1 thing CMS needs to do to achieve the vision and mission

CMS needs to promote the resources they already have provided for their students, such as study abroad programs, career readiness courses, and scholarship opportunities for students. CMS should capitalize on their large student following on social media such as Instagram and Twitter.

K-12 student equal opportunities for success

When looking at the CMS school boundary maps for the 2020-2021 school year, schools are racially and economically divided. To solve this issue, the school board needs to be initiated in making the boundary lines in order to make all schools more diverse and equitable.  

What does CMS do well? What could CMS do better?

CMS does a great job giving back to the community, especially to Title 1 schools. The Second Harvest Food Bank and Food Lion partnerships do a great job of doing this. CMS could do a better job advertising these amazing opportunities; therefore, more students can get involved in helping other students.

CMS success that needs more attention, and how I will lift it up

CMS does a great job of implementing different international and national academic programs in our schools, such as IB, AP, and magnet schools. Parents need to understand the impacts of programs such as TD. This information should be spread through a newsletter, zoom, website, or curriculum nights.

CMS issue that needs more attention, and how I will solve it

Black students are most likely to be suspended in comparison to their peers. I think that we can solve this issue by creating a tolerance plan for teachers or implement programs such as the Peer Mediation club in all schools in order to give students constructive consequences and a second chance.

One more thing I want people to know

I am an open-minded, an avid learner, networker, and time manager. Since kindergarten, I have attended  a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school and have seen both the positives and the negatives that this system has worked through.  I am ready to make an impact within this community.

India

School

Garinger High School junior

Meade Elementary/Philadelphia Performing Arts

Social media

othats.indyy

Experience

GenerationNation/Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council student advisory council

Favorite place in Charlotte

Downtown area

When I’m not in school, I am…

working/doing homework

Why I want to serve in this role

I want to serve this role to continue hearing about the needs and expectations for our education. Becoming a student advisor, I can help feel in the gaps and actually make things happen.

#1 thing CMS needs to do to achieve the vision and mission

 For the CMS visions and missions, we need to provide all students great education. We already have the vision. Now it's time to actually make sure these things are happening so we can achieve it.

K-12 student equal opportunities for success

Yes, all kids have equal education, regardless of their color or background, and equal opportunities for success. I will make sure this continues, but we need to work hard to continue to achieve this.

What does CMS do well? What could CMS do better?

CMS needs to do better on making sure that everyone is being treated equally. As a teacher or whomever, if you see something that is not right, it needs to be fixed before too late. Teachers should already be taught on what to say in any situation that occurs.CMS makes sure kids succeed.

CMS success that needs more attention, and how I will lift it up

Being on the student council gives us the opportunity to speak our minds to help education and solve other problems. The student council does not get the light that it should have that is giving us opportunities and preparing us for the future.

CMS issue that needs more attention, and how I will solve it

Bullying some people are still having problems with this or other kids make someone feel bad.We have kids that are truly emotional and going through things in life. They should not have to come to school and get treated wrong. I will do everything to stop this until it comes to an end.

One  more thing I want people to know

I love to Debate!!!

Jaylen

School

Olympic High School junior

Palisades Park Elementary School, South West Middle School

Social media

@jaybirdfeathers 

Experience

GenerationNation/Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council student advisory council. I am the president for the North Carolina Elevate the Future chapter, hosting classes to teach computer science and business skills. I am on the executive team for Interns 4 Good, a nonprofit for providing internships. I am the Youth Representative for Juvenile Crime Prevention.

Favorite place in Charlotte

My favorite place in Charlotte is this small hangout in the woods. It's right near the Good Will in River Gate.  A rain-ruined crow is nestled in the trees like some pirate ship. There's a stop sign attached to a tree with stickers. One of them says, "Class of '94." Near the crow's nest, there is an abandoned bridge. Its underside is full of graffiti-- one a depiction of eyes in different art-style, the other a cartoon chipmunk. They called themselves the Lost Boys.  The best part of it was the swing attached to the bridge over the river. When I swing, I imagine the class of '94 that made that. It's been abandoned for years, maybe a decade, but I can still feel the nostalgia and memories in the air.

When I’m not in school, I am…

This is a difficult question. In a pandemic ruined world, I don't have much room for anything. Before, I would have said the library or movie theater, but now I spend most of my time in the confines of my own home. It's difficult to separate school and personal life when all of them happen in the same place.  As a junior, I'm learning to try and carve out time for myself. If I don't, I'll go crazy. So when I'm not in school, I try to walk outside or read a book. I think we should all do our best to treat ourselves and others with kindness.

Why I want to serve in this role

I have noticed a trend of many students wanting equity amongst the school district. However, the louder voices are students whose schools offer IB programs and Gardening Club. I believe to truly be equitable; we need to have a dialogue between the students who don't have these programs.

#1 thing CMS needs to do to achieve the vision and mission

The #1 thing CMS leadership needs to do is have more effective communication with students. For instance, I know there is a lot of pressure for the reopening of our schools. Many students only believe CMS is rushing them out for monetary means instead of trying to address the concerns of parents.

K-12 student equal opportunities for success

I don't think so. I know that at Olympic and several other schools don't have IB programs and so on, which directly ties into equal education/opportunities. I believe in solving this problem; we need an open dialogue on why that is the case and what we can do.

What does CMS do well? What could CMS do better?

I truly believe that CMS does well in trying to accommodate all of its students. However, I think CMS can have a little more trust in its students when it comes to other matters.

CMS success that needs more attention, and how I will lift it up

The "CMS Eats At Home" program doesn't get nearly enough recognition. The fact that CMS recognizes that some students in this environment may not be able to afford daily meals is very meaningful. I think personal accounts from students this has benefited will help to uplift this success.

CMS issue that needs more attention, and how I will solve it

I believe the CMS dress code can be problematic. Headgear like durags is used to style a certain texture of hair and is, arguably, cultural. Furthermore, the dress code for female students is much harsher than our male counterparts. As aforementioned, I believe that open dialogue could solve this.

One more thing I want people to know

I want people to know that I am dedicated to improving everyone's high school experience. I believe it is more necessary than ever to encourage open dialogue and communication between generals in this day and age. It can only serve to benefit us both!

John

School

Providence High School junior

Elizabeth Lane Elementary, South Charlotte Middle

Social media

@john.schubert_

 @john_schubert_

Experience

GenerationNation/Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council student advisory council. I show civic leadership as a ruling elder of 4,000+ member Myers Park Presbyterian Church, through which I lead and design MPPC's role in the community and global service/outreach efforts. I am also heavily involved in the PHS student government.

When I’m not in school, I am…

traveling (pre-pandemic), playing bagpipes or piano, running, exploring new places in Charlotte

Why I want to serve in this role

I am compelled to serve in this role because I see that CMS does some things well and some things not so well, but is moving toward a brighter future. I know that the student’s voice is so critical to this transformation, and I will work to advocate for ALL students and their inclusion in this future.

#1 thing CMS needs to do to achieve the vision and mission

While I know this is a controversial idea and not palatable to many on the board/in the public, and I see the past success of busing and socioeconomic integration. I know that the #1 thing we can do to enhance the education of all students is increasing socioeconomic diversity in schools.

K-12 student equal opportunities for success

Frankly, no. CMS is starkly divided by socioeconomic inequality, and this creates a dichotomy in which schools in the "white wedge" are worlds away from the "crescent" schools. I would work to solve this by encouraging a districtwide study and action plan to determine new ways to confront this issue.

What does CMS do well? What could CMS do better?

I think that CMS does a good job of providing opportunities for its students to engage in a variety of interests, helping students to discover what they're passionate about and love doing. I think that CMS needs to do a better job of ensuring an equitable experience for students across the district.

CMS success that needs more attention, and how I will lift it up

I think that the placement of guidance counselors in every middle and high school is a huge achievement that does not get heard about enough (huge props to our school counselors!!!). I will work to lift them up by using to make counselors more accessible for students when they are struggling.

CMS issue that needs more attention, and how I will solve it

CMS' failure to create safe ways for LGBTQ+ youth to explore their identities and get support. I experienced this as a queer person and will work to fix it through new districtwide programs to create positive experiences & support for LGBTQ+ students, especially at the critical middle school level.

One more thing I want people to know

I want people to know that I am 100% dedicated to promoting the student’s voice. I've been in CMS all my life, and I've seen its successes and shortcomings. I will always make the interests of students across the district paramount when I am discussing or providing insight on an issue.

Lorelei 

School

Merancas Middle College High School junior

Lake Wylie Elementary School, Invest Collegiate, Kennedy Middle School, Albemarle Road Middle School, Northwest School of the Arts

Social media

lorelei.teeter

Experience

GenerationNation/Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council student advisory council

-Bouquets for Butler (Northwest School of the Arts)
-Attending protests and walkouts
-Tutoring kids at my Temple
-Picking up litter at local parks

When I’m not in school, I am…

Dancing at my studio, baking, or spending time with my cats.

Why I want to serve in this role

I would like to serve this role so that I may serve as a voice for the students, as well as make Charlotte schools better than when I started by advocating for equal opportunity and adequate mental health services in schools.

#1 thing CMS needs to do to achieve the vision and mission

Mental health problems are on the rise in our generation, and many teachers and counselors are not adequately prepared to deal with a student who is approaching/in crisis or struggling. CMS must educate workers about mental health and provide resources for struggling students.

K-12 student equal opportunities for success

I do not think all students receive equal opportunity. There is systemic inequality in our education system that puts lower-income students at a disadvantage. I would try to solve this by making tutoring and student help more easily accessible.

What does CMS do well? What could CMS do better?

I believe that CMS is very good at communicating with parents, but I think they could better communicate with the students.

CMS success that needs more attention, and how I will lift it up

I think that CMS is doing a great thing by providing a meal distribution service during the pandemic. I will lift it up by advocating for the continuation of meal distribution services when we are no longer in full remote learning.

CMS issue that needs more attention, and how I will solve it

The disparity between higher and lower-income students does not get enough attention. Lower-income students may not have parents available to drive them to and from tutoring sessions, and may not be able to get the help they need. I would advocate for more inclusive ways for students to get help.

One more thing I want people to know

I am very passionate about social change and am committed to making my community a better place. If elected, I will do my best to advocate for the students. I know how it feels to be struggling and not get the help you need, and I want to make sure no student ever feels this way.