

CMS Engagement in Action!
March 2025
📣 Families and Community: Here's What's Happening This Month! 📣
Check out our latest CMS Engagement in Action newsletter! Stay up to date with the exciting events, programs, and opportunities happening within the CMS community. From upcoming Family Academy sessions, summer camp opportunities to celebrations, this edition has everything you need to stay informed and connected.
Missed a newsletter? No problem! Stay up to date by browsing past editions using the link: https://bit.ly/FACEnewsletters and join our listserv using the link: https://bit.ly/joincmsfce.
Congratulations Ms. Hunnes, parent of a student at North Academy of World Languages and winner of the February $100 Visa Gift Card!
We appreciate everyone who submitted their feedback after each Family Academy session. Your input is invaluable, and we are grateful for your continued support. Thank you for being such an important part of Family Academy – your voice makes all the difference!
Family Academy Lunch and Learns
March is all about growth and connection, and CMS Family Academy is here to support families in helping students thrive both inside and outside the classroom! This month, we’re offering several exciting opportunities for families to engage and learn with us.
Join our Empowering Virtual Lunch & Learn Sessions every Thursday from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
We’ll dive into a variety of key topics designed to support your child’s education.
March 6: Exceptional Children Services: Understanding Special Education
Navigating special education can be overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you! This session will provide a comprehensive overview of Exceptional Children Services within our district. We’ll walk you through identifying and supporting children with special needs, share insights into available services, and offer tips on how to advocate for your child and what to expect along the way.
Link to Join: https://bit.ly/cmsfa306
- Gain valuable insights into the State End-of-Year assessments and learn how to interpret and analyze the reports you’ll receive. This session will help you better support student progress and success throughout the year. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding!
- Link to Join: https://bit.ly/cmsfa320
- Infinite Campus is a powerful tool to track your child’s academic progress, attendance, and more. In this session, we’ll give you a complete walkthrough of how to navigate Infinite Campus, making it easier for you to stay connected with your child’s schoolwork and performance. Whether you're new to the system or want to learn more, this session will help you make the most of Infinite Campus.
- Link to Join: https://bit.ly/cmsfa327
Exceptional Children 101
Understanding End of Year Assessments (K-12)
Exploring Infinite Campus
Coffee and Conversations with Family Academy
Special Family Academy Monthly Morning Sessions!
March 13: Understanding Your Child’s Assessment Scores (DIBELS, MVPA, and iReady)
Join us from 9 - 10:30 am to connect with CMS Departments to learn more about the tests your students take. Families will review parent reports and identify next steps to support learning at home from the following assessments: DIBELS, MVPA, and iReady.
Link to join: https://bit.ly/marchcmsfa
Family Academy on the Go!
Don’t miss our March Family Academy on the Go!
- When: Join us on March 11th from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Where: Southside Homes, located at 3400 Griffith Street, Charlotte, NC
- What: An empowering workshop on "The Power of Social-Emotional Learning: Helping Your Child Thrive
- Why: Families will learn how Social-Emotional Learning supports a child's development in areas like self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relationship-building, and discover practical strategies for home and school. Families will be able to connect with CMS representatives, connect with other families, and access valuable resources. Light refreshments will be served!
Resources
Community and Language Specific Resources
Looking for resources in your home language? Visit: The CMS Learning and Language Acquisition Webpage
ourBridge Newcomer Support Services
ourBridge is a dedicated organization that provides comprehensive support services to refugee and immigrant families, helping them navigate and thrive in their new communities.
To explore the services offered by ourBridge, check out the flyer linked here: ourBridge Services
🔆Charlotte Summer Camp Fair🔆
Discover the ideal summer camp for your kids at the Charlotte Camp Fair! This FREE in-person event will feature more than 40 camp exhibitors, giving you the chance to meet them and ask questions.
Enjoy fun games, activities, free brochures, and exciting prizes. Plus, there will be raffles, drawings, and giveaways for free camp sessions.
Join us at Truist Field, located at 324 South Mint Street, on Sunday, March 16, from 1 - 4 pm.
Free Tax Prep Services
Need free tax prep? VITA is offering complimentary tax preparation services for families. Don't miss this opportunity to get expert assistance at no cost!
For details on dates, times, locations, and contact information, click the link here or contact Justine Reed at a.justinereed@gmail.com
Link to sign up: https://www.communitylinknc.org/free-tax-prep
March is Women’s History Month!!
March is Women’s History Month! Celebrate Women’s History Month by engaging in the various free opportunities in the area. To learn more about each event, click on the links below:
All day| FREE | Imaginon
Friday, March 7: VisArt Presents: Celebrating Women in Film – Women’s History Month
7 pm to 9 pm | FREE | VisArt Video
Tuesday, March 11th: The Charlotte Post Presents: HER Story = OUR Story – Terri White President/CEO, Charlotte Museum of History
6 pm to 7 pm | FREE | West Boulevard Library
Friday, March 14, 2025: Art After Dark at the Gantt Center: That Girl
7 pm to 11 pm | FREE | Harvey B. Gantt Center
Monday, March 17, 2025: Live Story Time: Girl Power
10 am to 11 am | FREE | Ballantyne Arts Center
Saturday, March 22, 2025: Women and Girls in Astronomy
2 pm to 3 pm | FREE | Pineville Library
Saturday, March 22, 2025: Sister to Sister Health Seminar
3 pm to 4 pm | FREE | University City Regional Library
Other Community Events Happening in March
The Gusto Impact Awards
The Gusto Impact Awards honor the outstanding small businesses that are making a meaningful difference in their communities! This exciting event is filled with celebrations and valuable opportunities for learning and growth. Attendees can participate in a hands-on workshop designed to help small business owners transform ideas into action. Whether you want to enhance your marketing, streamline HR processes, or optimize financial management, this workshop offers practical tools and expert insights to accelerate growth and maximize impact.
Thursday, March 13th 12pm - 6pm
The Mint Museum (Uptown)
500 S. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202
For further information visit: Gusto Impact Awards
Art Pop Street Gallery
Join your creative community at this free event! Stop by and meet 10 talented local artists from the Charlotte region. ArtPop’s Art Markets offer a relaxed, welcoming space where everyone can connect with artists and celebrate local creativity.
Saturday, March 8th 6pm - 9pm
Le Meridien Charlotte
555 South McDowell St. Charlotte, NC 28204
For further information visit: ArtPopStreetGallery.com
Volunteer Opportunity
The Mecklenburg County Office of Violence Prevention in collaboration with Mecklenburg County Park & Rec's West Charlotte Rec. Center is hosting the first Peace-Builders Youth Summit!
This summit will be happening on Saturday, March 29th, 2025 from 11:30am to 4:00pm, and we need volunteers to make it a success!
For additional information, view the summit flyer linked here: Summit Flyer
To volunteer, signup here: Volunteer Signup
March Parent Leadership Tip
Parent leadership plays a crucial role in creating a positive and supportive school environment for all students. By taking an active role in school events, committees, and initiatives, parents help shape the educational experience for their children and contribute to a thriving school community.
We encourage all parents to get involved by attending meetings, volunteering for activities, or sharing their ideas and feedback. Your voice matters, and together we can work towards a brighter future for our students!
Parent Leadership: Advocacy and Empowerment Within the School Community
Join us on Tuesday, March 25 at 12 pm and/or 6 pm for an engaging session that will equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively advocate for your child and engage within your school community.
Link to join: 12 PM: bit.ly/cmsparent32512
6 PM: bit.ly/cmsparent3256
🗓 Important Dates!
March 5: Virtual CMS Operating Budget Session
Join at 5 pm: Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 289 826 451 653
Passcode: Y2PP34KZ
March 6: Virtual CMS Operating Budget Session
Join at 11 am: bit.ly/CMSBudgetMarch6
March 28: Last Day of Quarter
March 31: Teacher Workday
Engage With Us!
CMS Family and Community Engagement is excited to support and promote family engagement opportunities within the community. From hosting professional learning sessions, sharing resources, and engaging with your organization, we are here to support you! Please complete the form linked below to engage with our team related to your upcoming event. A member of our team will connect with the point of contact listed in the form.
CMS Family and Community Engagement
Email: familyengagement@cms.k12.nc.us
Website: CMS Family and Community Engagement
Facebook: facebook.com/CMScpfe