Kaleigh Walker Student Success

Every CMA Student Receives a Book for One School Read

Career Magnet Academy is taking strides to build a culture of literacy through its innovative One School Read initiative. 

Spearheaded by CMA Principal Dr. Charlene Lewis, this program has provided every student and educator at the school with a copy of Refugee by Alan Gratz. The initiative, funded in part by the Dollar General Youth Literacy grant, was created to inspire lifelong readers and create a love of literature throughout the school.

“At first, I was only going to focus on ninth grade,” she explained. “But the more I talked to the teachers, they were like, ‘Is it only for ninth grade?’” 

Recognizing the enthusiasm among her staff, Dr. Lewis expanded the initiative to include the entire school.

This program encourages silent and sustained reading during advisory periods. 

“These kids are amazing. They read all the time,” Dr. Lewis shared. “My librarian, who came from a larger school, was amazed at how engaged the students are in reading, even at a smaller school.”

Dr. Lewis drew inspiration for the program from her previous experience at Northwest Middle School, where she implemented a similar initiative tailored to her students’ diverse backgrounds. This time at CMA, the focus is on building a school-wide reading culture aligned with the district’s Excellence in Foundational Skills priority.

Beyond reading, the program integrates writing and critical thinking. Teachers created a specialized packet tied to the book’s themes, where students submit weekly answers. 

Additionally, personalized passports help students track their progress and earn incentives.

“It’s more than just reading,” Dr. Lewis emphasized. “We want students to learn how to write, take focused notes, and practice the skill of sitting still and reading. It’s a chance to unplug, escape, and learn about different cultures.”

The initiative has been a collaborative effort, with enthusiastic support from educators and students alike. By making reading a shared experience, CMA is not only promoting literacy but also building a stronger, more connected school community.

Excellence in Foundational Skills

Knox County Schools is committed to Excellence in Foundational Skills. Early literacy and middle school math are foundational to a student’s academic and lifelong success. By preparing students to read proficiently by third grade and reach or surpass proficiency in Algebra I by ninth grade, KCS equips every student with the skills needed to succeed in and beyond the classroom.

Kaleigh Walker Student Success

Carmen Morales’ Journey to Becoming a First-Generation College Student

The Career Magnet Academy valedictorian Carmen Morales exemplifies determination in the face of challenges. 

As a first-generation college student, her journey to academic excellence has been marked by challenges, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to education. 

Education has always been a significant focus in Morales’ family. Her father, who only completed elementary school before working on his family farm, and her mother, who never finished college, instilled in her the importance of academic success. 

“In my family, education has always been a big thing,” Morales shared. “They always pushed me to achieve what they didn’t.”

Morales focused on her dual enrollment courses through Pellissippi State Community College during her time in high school. These college-level classes not only boosted her GPA but also allowed her to graduate with an associate degree alongside her high school diploma. 

“I was able to meet so many different people through Pellissippi,” she said. “It has opened so many opportunities for me that I feel I wouldn’t have through a traditional high school.”

The support from her parents was a constant motivator for Morales. Her mother is an immigrant from Iran, and her father moved to the United States from Mexico. Their unique perspectives drove Morales to be her best every day.

“That’s why I need to go to school—to be able to take care of them when they get older.”

Carmen’s achievement as valedictorian was a testament to her hard work and dedication. The moment she learned about her accomplishment was unforgettable. 

“I was getting ready for work when our high school counselor called and told me I was valedictorian. I started screaming, and it was such a happy moment,” she recalled.

Balancing a job with academics was a challenge Morales took with a smile each day.

“I didn’t join any clubs or societies in high school because I wanted to work,” she said. “My job is my hobby.”

Looking ahead, Carmen plans to attend Tennessee Wesleyan University, where she will pursue a degree in nursing. With her associate degree already completed, she is on track to finish her bachelor’s degree in two years. 

“Getting my associate degree in high school will help me get to where I want to be sooner,” she noted. 

Morales looks forward to specializing in senior care, driven by her desire to help elderly people and give back to her community.

Her story is a powerful example of resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of education against all odds. Her journey to valedictorian status and beyond serves as an inspiration to others.

Kaleigh Walker Community Partners

Principal for a Day Fosters Dynamic Partnerships Between Schools and Community Leaders

The Knox County Principal for a Day event is a time-honored tradition, where school administrators open their doors to community leaders to experience a day in the life of a KCS principal and create partnerships with area leaders.

Over the course of the day, guests may have visited classrooms to observe high-quality teaching and learning, sit in on staff meetings to become immersed in the school culture, or speak to students about their industry experiences.

“We had a great time with our guests highlighting the amazing work that my staff and students do on a daily basis,” said New Hopewell Elementary Principal Sarah Mercer.

A local business professional and an individual running for office spent the day in the South Knoxville school learning from the teachers and providing their expertise.

“We spoke to our partners regarding some of New Hopewell’s current needs, and it was great to hear their perspectives,” Mercer said.

The needs of KCS schools are all different, but many lack volunteers for service projects, funding for positive behavior incentives, or staff to fill support positions. Some needs – like new equipment for gym class or bringing lunch for teachers – can be easily accomplished with the help of a generous person, while others – like a building expansion – take an entire community working together with a conscious effort to make change for their local kids. 

Savannah Price, a real estate agent, said she couldn’t wait to form this partnership with NHES, as her own children will one day attend the school.

“I really want to focus on the whole ‘bloom where you’re planted’ concept,” Price said. “I’m already thinking of all the things I can do in this partnership, like encouraging people to participate in a drive for supplies, or we could sponsor a program, or get the community to rally around our schools, which is a really big deal.”

Following a day at school, principals and their guests attended a luncheon and feedback session where attendees were encouraged to share insights from their visits.

For many, this was the first time they’d been back in a school building since their own high school graduation. For all, the experience was eye-opening.

“The one thing that stood out to me the most was that we’re reaching all of our students,” said Carlos Lopez, the Spanish Voice of the Vols. “That’s really important because, if you’re like me, you’re still trying to find that place where you belong. At Career Magnet Academy, they are giving those students the opportunity to explore many things under the same roof. 

The Partners in Education president, Adam Wilson, also announced a new membership program to encourage business professionals to become more involved in supporting KCS schools. 

“I am most excited about the immediate and far-reaching impact the Partners In Education Membership Program will produce,” Wilson said. “PIE exists to make a difference and we designed this program to be the best way we can impact every student at every school in KCS.”

Organizations can learn more about the PIE Membership Program here, and view a list of KCS school needs here.

Kaleigh Walker Career Empowerment, Student Success

CMA Student’s Difficult Journey Leads To Academic Success

Commencement ceremonies are about to begin, and Knox County Schools is celebrating outstanding students in the Class of 2023.  For a full list of this year’s valedictorians, salutatorians, and military commitments, visit knoxschools.org/seniors. 

When Angel Hellen learned she was the Career Magnet Academy co-valedictorian, she was shocked.

“It’s not something that I had my eye on, and it’s good to see that sometimes you don’t have to plan for things like this,” the senior said. “You just do the work and that will get you there.”

Hellen originally planned to study nursing, but finishing at the top of her class gave her the confidence to chase a different dream. She is now hoping to pursue a pre-med track at Howard University in Washington, D.C., which is among the country’s most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

As a first-generation American, her dream to attend Howard is personal. 

“Coming to America, I never saw anyone like me. When I came here, I felt super-alone,” she said. “From that experience, I’ve always wanted to go to a historically Black college, just so I can see a different side of things. I just want to see myself in a different environment and see what that would foster out of me.”

Hellen was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the Congolese Civil War. After her father died as a result of the violence, Hellen, her mother, and her sisters fled the country to Uganda. She was only four. 

Living as refugees in Uganda, her family waited for six years to be granted entrance to the United States as asylum-seekers.

Now in the United States for almost a decade, and after putting in years of work to excel academically, Hellen is hoping to earn enough scholarship support to attend Howard, where she has been accepted for enrollment. But whatever happens, she remains positive.

“Even if I don’t go, just knowing that I had the chance to go is just like, ‘I’ve really set myself up to go to this school,’” she said. “Maybe not financially, but academically, I’ve done everything that I could to put myself in the best position at one of the best schools ever.”

She says she has her support system to thank for her success. 

“For me, my whole journey from coming to America to this point, I just look back and see a group of people that have been there for me,” Hellen said.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Success

CMA Students Earn Associate Degree Before Diploma

Career Magnet Academy students signed a Credit Wall earlier this week to highlight a great achievement–earning college credit in high school through Pellissippi State Community College.

CMA’s mission is for every student to graduate with a “diploma plus.” Diploma-plus graduates receive not only a high school diploma, but also earn an associate degree or industry certification. 

The class of 2023 will have over a third of its graduates receiving a diploma plus, and CMA counselor Ann Orpurt is proud of their dedication.

“This senior class is special. Since freshmen year, they came in ready to work, thinking ahead about college classes and what it took to get there,” Orpurt said. “They are competitive, smart, and funny. They are also kind and determined. I will miss them terribly.”

Students can begin taking courses through Pellissippi State as early as their sophomore year. Around 150 underclassmen were able to add their names to the Credit Wall during the celebrations on Wednesday and Thursday.

Senior Jenna Hays will graduate with her associate degree in general education and plans to enroll at the University of Tennessee to major in psychology. 

“I actually decided in fifth grade that I wanted to go here. I just thought it was really cool that I could work toward my associate degree as I’m in high school,” Hays said. “Career Magnet Academy has been an amazing school, and I’ve appreciated all four years of it.”CMA will host an Open House on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m. for any interested families. Visit knoxschools.org/careermagnet to learn more.