Academic Support
Tips for Academic Success Parent Presentation
Access presentation slides HERE!
Tips for Academic Success at Ardrey Kell
Knightly News
Parents are encouraged to subscribe to KNIGHTLY NEWS, the electronic newsletter for Ardrey Kell High School. Each edition provides timely updates of school activities and important announcements. To be added to the Knightly News, visit the AK website and click on the "Group Emails" section on the left.
PowerSchool access
Students and parents have access to grades and attendance through Power School, an Internet-based program that provides information. In order to access PowerSchool, you must first claim your NC Ed Cloud Account - directions can be found HERE. You will need your CMS Student ID to set up your account.
Report Cards
Report cards are distributed at the end of each quarter.
Teacher Websites
Many teachers maintain informational websites that include syllabi, homework problems, assignment descriptions, due dates, and more. Teacher websites can be found on the Faculty & Staff page of the main AK website by clicking the globe next to the teachers name.
2020-2021 High School Planning Guide
For graduation requirements, course descriptions, and selected CMS policies, please refer to the CMS High School Planning Guide.
GET HELP!
Morning Tutoring
All teachers are in their classrooms from 6:55 -7:15 for homework review, tutoring, and extra help. You do not need an appointment and these sessions are open to all students! This is a great time to get some one-on-one or small group help from your teachers.
Afternoon Tutoring
Tutoring is available with after school with individual teachers or may be organized by the academic department. Please check with your teachers regarding his or her after school tutoring schedule.
Knight Time
Knight Time is a remediation and intervention block built into the school day between 2nd and 3rd period. Each homeroom session, students sign up to attend the next round of Knight Time with the teacher for the course in which they need help. Students who are doing well in all classes may sign up on the AK website for a study hall location. Students should see their homeroom teachers with any questions about Knight Time.
ATTENDANCE IS IMPORTANT!
Attendance Policy
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools allows students to miss up to 10 days in any full credit class in order to earn credit. Any absences exceeding 10 must be recovered after school in order to earn a credit in that class.. Regardless of the student's numerical grade, failure to complete the required recovery will result in a grade of "F" for that course.
Recovery
Attendance recovery will begin mid-semester. Information about recovery locations and times will be posted on the AK website and in Student Services.
STUDY SKILLS
Use your agenda
Each student at AK is issued an agenda. Use it! Track your homework assignments and upcoming tests and quizzes.
Studying Tips
Set aside a dedicated time and space to complete homework in. Put your phone in the other room! Don't wait until the night before to study for a test - utilize the class syllabus to plan ahead. Try a study group. Re-write your notes. Quiz your classmates.
Stay on top of your work when it is due.
It is hard to catch up once you get behind! Ask questions if you don't understand and need help. Take advantage of morning and afternoon tutoring when you have questions or need help.
Additional Tips
Parent-Teacher Communication:
We encourage and support on-going communication between parents and teacher. The teacher is the first step to success and best source of information regarding any concern with a course. Before requesting a Parent-Teacher conference, AKHS suggests that you first contact the child's teacher individually via email. You can find links to email each teacher here.
PowerSchool:
PowerSchool allows parents and students to check their grades and attendance. If you have never logged on to PowerSchool, you may contact your student’s counselor for instructions on how to access the program. If you forgot your password or need it to be reset, you should contact any of your student’s current teachers. Counselors do not have the ability to reset passwords.
Setting up Parent/Teacher conferences:
If you want to meet with one of your child's teachers, we ask that you contact him/her directly to schedule the appointment at a time that works for both of you. If you want to meet with multiple teachers, please contact your child's counselor who will be able to schedule that appointment.
Collecting work for students who are absent:
If your child will be out of school for an extended time due to illness, you can contact the counselor who will request work for the student. Collected work will be available for pickup in the front office. For planned absences, it is the student's responsibility to contact each teacher for any homework or make up work. Many teachers have a class websites, which are great resources to keep up with what is going on in class. You can find those websites here. Email is often the best way to communicate with teachers about missing assignments.