HARD WORK IN FULL FORCE FOR MALLARD CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

FROM PRINCIPAL TO PTSA, EVERYONE PITCHING IN FOR OPENING

Building community is on the mind of Principal Kit Rea as she and a newly formed leadership team and Parent Teacher Student Association work hard to get ready for the opening of Mallard Creek High School on Aug. 27.

"We have embraced the entire community of Mallard Creek," she says. "From the naming of the school, to the mascot, to the school colors, the community has jumped in full force." In order to insure a buy-in for those growing up and living in the area, meetings have been held, ballots mailed, and consensus formed on key school issues. A team is working on the design of the school seal and ring.

The PTSA and Athletic Booster Clubs have met throughout the spring. The PTSA hosted an "Invest In Your Child" membership drive, and more than 80 families joined via membership fees and donations.

"Parents and students are excited, and there is great camaraderie and a coming together between the families from Vance and North Mecklenburg high schools," membership chairman Cheryl Jefferson said.

The new Mallard Creek High School, at 3825 Johnston-Oehler Road, will draw students from both Vance and North Mecklenburg to alleviate overcrowding at those schools. Seniors will stay at their respective schools, but a large number of sophomores, and juniors will be moved to Mallard Creek, home of the Mavericks.

Mallard Creek is expected to enroll about 1,300 students for the 2007-08 year. But as anyone who lives in the University City area knows, population growth is booming, and that number will change throughout the summer months and academic year.

Prospective students are already active in school events. Rising sophomore Adam Jefferson just returned from Gen. Hugh Shelton's Leadership Camp and will participate in future leadership activities at the school.

All is a go for moving in fully by mid-July. The occupancy certificate has been filed, student furniture and the administration's furniture have been moved in, and telecommunication equipment and other supplies will be delivered over the next couple of weeks, Rea said.

Most of the staff has been hired and the PTSA and Athletic Booster boards are elected.

"We're ready to have students arrive, start our work, receive input, correct our mistakes, move on, and become an outstanding high school," Rae said.

Based on the commitment and hard work of the administration, faculty, staff, students and community members who have already dedicated themselves to the school's success, there is no doubt that Mallard Creek High School will be the buzz of the community for some time to come.