One Charlotte Schools ' member started off the school year with a big boon. Nations Ford Elementary School has received a $5,000 donation from Office Max. This donation is linked to the opening of a brand new Office Max in Rivergate Town Center on Sept. 6. Charlotte School's teachers from Nations Ford Elementary Schools were invited to the grand opening ceremony where they could purchase additional school supplies for their classrooms. This donation will help the teachers get much needed supplies for their students and classrooms.

Along with the $5,000 donation, teachers received pre-packaged “goody” bags filled with office supplies and barbeque from Damon's restaurant. The whole ceremony had a very festive feel. Customers can sign –up for a give away featuring $1,000 shopping sprees and other prizes.

Charlotte Schools Join Up with The United Way

The United Way has a long history in the Charlotte area. The United Way currently operates three programs with the Charlotte Schools: Right Moves for You, A Child's Place and Communities in Schools. Charlotte Schools launched its United Way fundraising campaign on September 21. A rally was held where the Charlotte Schools' Superintendent Peter Gorman and United Way 2006 regional campaign chair Michael Baker spoke. Preschoolers from the Charlotte Schools also joined the rally in order to say thank you to the donors who help meet the year's goal of $44 million. This partnership not only raises funds for the students and children in the Charlotte area but allows students to interact with adults who offer positive influences.

Charlotte Schools' School Resource Officer Program

The Charlotte Schools' School Resource Officer Program is a joint program with Charlotte Schools and the local police force. The program puts police officers in Charlotte Schools were they can help teach the students about character and safety while providing advice on security to Charlotte Schools. A current School Resource Officer Robert Kierce received a standing ovation after returning from ten months of active duty in Iraq to Charlotte School's Jay M. Robinson School.

Kierce was very surprised when the students and Parents welcomed him back to the School Resource Officer position at Jay M. Robinson School. Originally when he left for Iraq with the Marine Corps in June of 2005, the Jay M. Robinson School gave him a send off parade and gave him gifts of phone cards and coloring books for Iraqi children.

Kierce, who has a forensics science degree, will spend time in science classrooms this school year, as well as in history classes, where he plans to talk about some of his experiences in Iraq. He is slowly returning to the routine as the school year begins. Kierce has worked with the Charlotte Schools in the School Resource Officer Program for about seven years.

Charlotte Schools and V101.9 FM Launches “Terrific Teacher Tuesday”

Charlotte Schools is partnering with V101.9 FM to create "Terrific Teacher Tuesday.” This program was created to reward elementary school teachers in the Charlotte Schools. On the second Tuesday of the month, V101.9 FM will introduce a teacher and discuss why this teacher is a good teacher. Then the radio station will choose a winner by announcing it on air and then visiting the teacher at school. Teachers can be nominated by parents, students, and staff at all Charlotte Schools' Elementary Schools by writing a 100 word description of why this teacher is terrific.