Report on Dudley's accomplishments, too
While reading another disheartening newspaper article regarding the academic incompetence of the Dudley High School faculty and students, I felt compelled as a Dudley teacher to give a firsthand account of my recent experiences.
Students come to me with their valid concerns about the reputation of this historic institution. The negative publicity has not only affected the students, but the community mentorship sites where my students do their clinical rotations.
Frequently, after an article appears in the paper, my students have been asked by well-meaning individuals, "What is happening at Dudley; are you closing?" I am thankful for those in the community who see beyond the published allegations of the quality of Dudley.
The demoralizing publicity has impacted the spirits of some students when their primary focus should be on exams and graduation. More balanced reporting might include the academic gains that students have made and the many volunteer activities my students are involved in, including our annual blood drive and tutoring at Bluford Elementary.
As anyone who has raised a child knows, it takes constructive criticism as well as positive reinforcement to be successful. Therefore, I implore you to report both sides of the story.
Nancy Edwards
Greensboro
Comments (8)
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...volunteering to hand out juice and sit people at a blood drive isnt an academic activity...thats just community service. unless the students are getting extra credit for it. but aside from that, the letter was valid. isnt Smith under the knife too? i dont see anyone fighting to save them. Alrighty Smith students, speak up!
Posted on April 4, 2006 7:17 AM
It's great to see all this support. I hope the Dudley current parents will become more involved in these efforts.
You are fortunate to have the support of alumni and surrounding community; you are fortunate to have your traditions you are so proud of.
This is not true for Andrews HIgh School. The High Point community has been torn apart. The Choice Plan and all the constant redistricting has seen to that. Parents have moved or have gone to private school; loyalties and trust destroyed.
A recent editorial in the High Point Enterprises said it best: "When you tear apart schools, you tear apart communities."
The High Point community is living proof of this every day.
Best to all the Dudley family and especially Amos Quick for rallying people to save Dudley. You have a great support system.
Posted on April 4, 2006 10:07 AM
Well said, Angel. I totally agree. Pride in your school comes with time and tradition. Dudley has been allowed to remain a neighborhood school even though they are not diverse. I ask Mr. Quick and all the board members to allow the same thing to happen in the "High Point Schools"
Posted on April 4, 2006 11:05 AM
I agree with 6string about blood drives & juice. Why are the faculty & staff of Dudley not speaking up? Ms. Edwards mentions students coming to her, yet she says nothing of parents. That is a key element.
I agree with Judge Manning, if things do not imporove at the two schools in GC, they should close. And when that happens, the students should be bused to Charlotte with Terry Grier. Hopefully, Grier will not bus in Charlotte. Remember, that is the city that is responsible for
busing nationwide.
Anyway, if Dudley's scores are sill below the 60 percentile, what do people expect? Something has to be done. I say throw the kids who are not making an effort into "reform" type schools. Let them learn that life is not all about walking with their pant belts at their knees, having to hold the belt loops when walking to keep them up! Show them that life is really about working together, not just for "me!" Until that happens, nothing will change. It will just be a differnt day with the same problems.
Shalom
Posted on April 4, 2006 1:00 PM
Please read today's article about Grier's new plan for poor schools. Includes bonus to teach in poor schools. Would cut teaching supplements to fund the new plan called "Mission Possible"
Posted on April 4, 2006 8:45 PM
Dudley has a school board member that cares about its children.
Smith's board member only lives sleeps and talks racial discrimination ( who cares about kids eh!).
Andrews board member tells his kids they are no good unless they sit next to white middle class children. Although I do believe that Walter may have been led to believe this and didn't realise he was writing those kids off.
If only they would see the error of their ways.
Posted on April 4, 2006 11:04 PM
Susan Mendenhall "represents" Southwest and Dot Kearns "represents" all schools in GC. Is it any wonder Southwest is a victim. It appears they care more about real estate values in High Point than education.
Posted on April 5, 2006 7:56 AM
The N&R reported in one previous article that the Dudley Academy had closed. This is not true. With a large state teacher shortage, it would not make sense to close any school in NC right now.
Posted on April 6, 2006 12:03 AM