CMS is really beginning to get carried away with the so called "budget cuts" and threatening to close down schools. First it was Waddell now Harding! Harding of all schools? I dont believe they actually took the time to think this decision all the way through. Harding has a lot of history behind it and is actually one of the best performing high schools in CMS! so i took the time to do a little research and share with yall why its not such a good idea to close Harding....
Originally organized as "Harding High School" in 1935, it remained an all white school until 1957 when the school was integrated and later changed the name to Harding University. Dorothy Counts was one of the first black students admitted to the Harry Harding High School in 1957. She was one of the four black students enrolled at various all-white schools in the district for the first time in American history. Harry P. Harding University High School was established in 1992 as a Math, Science and Technology school in Charlotte, North Carolina. International Baccalaureate was added to the established program in 1995. Since March 2000, Harding has repeatedly been on the NewsWeek's Top 100 High Schools in the nation in challenging students to undertake rigorous "Advanced Placement" (AP) and "International Baccalaureate" (IB) classes and ranks 40th of 469 North Carolina public high schools. Harding University High School was named a School of Distinction based on 2010 state test results. To be named a School of Distinction, schools have to meet either High Growth or Expected Growth and 80-89% of students must score proficient on the state exams. Harding met High Growth with 86.3% of students scoring proficient on all state exams. High Growth means that our students earned more than a year's growth in one school year. State exams were administered for Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, English 9, English 10, Civics & Economics, US History and Biology. We also met all 13 of the performance targets outlined in the Adequate Yearly Progress goals of the NCLB legislation So why would CMS close the school???? The motto of the school is : "Best of the best, better than the rest," and we have proved that motto on various occasions. Harding offers a very diverse selection of organizations and clubs to suit every individuals personal needs such as AVID, Chess Club, Computer Club, Cultural Ensemble, Fashion Club, HOSA, Key Club, Model U.N, NAACP, NHS, Poetry Club, SAVE, THE LIST GOES ON. But one of the schools most honorable and historical organizations is the Marching Band of Gold. One of Harding's biggest moments in the HISTORY of the school was when the renowned Harding University High School Band of Gold, led by director Anthony Jones, made national coverage in January 2009 for their invitation to the 56th Inaugural Parade of President Barack Obama. Harding's was the only band chosen from North Carolina to march in the parade. The 110 person marching band made headlines for the fifty thousand dollars needed to travel to Washington, but were initially unable to raise the funds. Supporters across Charlotte and the state of North Carolina made contributions to the band including Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, who donated $25,000. Closing down this high school will not only affect the current students but the alumni who came before them. The many traditions that the school holds such as its anual homecoming where alumni as far back as the class of 2000 all come together and celebrate the legacy of this school will no longer take place. And they want to shut it down????????? Harding is not like other high schools. It is truely one of a kind. The relationships we had with the students and teachers went as far as relationships with the principal, assistant principals, coaches, councelors, even the security guards and lunch workers. Harding students and alumni are more than a school. Its a family. And we refuse to let CMS break up that family without a fight! THAT IS ALL!!!
