That posed a problem.
The school, in its second year, did not have tennis courts or a tennis team.
“Thus began our journey of inquiry, research, problem solving, and learning.,” said Janet Brown, a special education parapro at MCA who helped the middle school students with their quest for tennis courts. “We applied elements and strategies from Service Learning curriculums. These scholars successfully wrote and were awarded a Community Grant from the United States Tennis Association.”
The grant provided funds to paint two junior tennis court lines at MCA. But, the students still needed approval from the MCA board and principal.
"We worked hard to get our courts,” said Macy Wolf, a sixth-grade student. “I was a little nervous to do my speech in front of the Board and Principal Morrin, but I just tried my best. Tennis taught me to keep going even in the hardest situation."
The school, in its second year, did not have tennis courts or a tennis team.
“Thus began our journey of inquiry, research, problem solving, and learning.,” said Janet Brown, a special education parapro at MCA who helped the middle school students with their quest for tennis courts. “We applied elements and strategies from Service Learning curriculums. These scholars successfully wrote and were awarded a Community Grant from the United States Tennis Association.”
The grant provided funds to paint two junior tennis court lines at MCA. But, the students still needed approval from the MCA board and principal.
"We worked hard to get our courts,” said Macy Wolf, a sixth-grade student. “I was a little nervous to do my speech in front of the Board and Principal Morrin, but I just tried my best. Tennis taught me to keep going even in the hardest situation."
The middle school students are looking forward to gearing up for an MCA tennis team. But, the lessons learned before the team starts are just as valuable.
“Through the process [Janet] has given them tools to build self-esteem, self-advocacy, and team work,” said Lynn Kreiling, social worker at MCA.
Another teacher at MCA, Jill Brown, recognized the work that was put into the project.
“Through the process [Janet] has given them tools to build self-esteem, self-advocacy, and team work,” said Lynn Kreiling, social worker at MCA.
Another teacher at MCA, Jill Brown, recognized the work that was put into the project.
“Congratulations to Ms. Brown and the girls on demonstrating how hard work pays off,” she said, “This is a fantastic life experience for these girls! I look forward to following their tennis careers!”
About Matthews Charter Academy
Matthews Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Matthews, North Carolina, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Matthews Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.
About Matthews Charter Academy
Matthews Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Matthews, North Carolina, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Matthews Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.