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 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.