Got questions about East Meck? The PTSO is here to help you navigate! If your question isn’t covered by the frequently asked questions below, complete this form and we’ll be in touch soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is Infinite Campus? | An app (Apple or Android) you can download to your phone and use to see your student’s classes, grades, and missing work. This is the best way to keep track of grades. |
| What is Parent Square? | An app (Apple or Android) you can download to your phone to receive communication from the school. This is a main method of communication from administration and the best way to communicate with your student’s teachers. |
| What is Canvas? | An app you can use to see assignments, grades and feedback on assignments from teachers. This is a great way to track progress with assignments, completion and areas of focus for students and parents. Your student can help you set up a parent account. |
| What are Chromebooks? | Chromebook distribution happens in the first few weeks of school. Teachers work with students on alternate ways of receiving and completing assignments until all Chromebooks have been distributed. If there is a problem during the year with a student’s Chromebook, they can visit the Tech Depot in room 304. |
| Who are Student Counselors? | Counselors are assigned by students’ last names. Counselors are located in the Student Services Office/Department. Students can request an appointment via email or stop by the office to schedule if able. Visit the Student Services website. |
| How do I volunteer at school? | If you are planning to volunteer at the school you need to be approved by Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Volunteering includes going on field trips and being in the school or classroom to provide support. Once you are approved, you only have to renew once a year. Visit the CMS Volunteer page to get approved. |
| What are Early Release Days? | These are scheduled throughout the year for staff training and generally occur on Wednesdays. They are instructional days. Students are dismissed between 11:15 and 11:30 AM. Buses run on the shortened schedule. There is the option to go to the Independence Regional Library across the street from East Meck if students need a place to wait for parent pickup. |
| What’s the attendance policy on test days that are half days (Early Release)? | Your child can always attend school if you are unsure. If your child is not taking the test being administered, it is often the case that your child will not be marked absent. For clarification you can message your child’s homeroom teacher through Parent Square. |
| What is Independence Regional Library? | Located across from East Meck, the library offers after school programs, tutoring services and more. https://www.cmlibrary.org/services/teen-services |
| What is PSAT, PreACT & ACT Testing? | East Meck automatically signs students up for these tests through the district. The PreSAT and PreACT tests are issued in the Fall of Sophomore year (10th grade). The ACT is issued in the spring of Junior year (11th grade). Your student will be directed to create accounts on the appropriate websites before testing (College Board for PSAT/SAT and myACT for PreACT/ACT). These websites are where students will receive their scores, and find information about testing, preparation and additional test dates throughout the year. The PSAT, PreACT and ACT are free for CMS students. |
| What do I need to know about Driver’s Education? | East Meck offers a driver’s education course that includes the steps and testing needed to obtain a driver’s permit in NC. You can learn more by visiting the NCDMV website for teen drivers: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/teen-drivers.aspx If your student attends a private driver’s education course, they will need to take the completion form from whoever provided their training to the Student Services department to receive the form they need from CMS. This form is required at the DMV in order to take the test for the Level 1, Limited Learner Permit. The form is only valid for 30 days. |
| How does my student get a Parking Pass? | Parking passes are sold in August of each year. Students must have a Level 2, Limited Provisional license to be shown on the day of purchase along with proof of insurance, vehicle registration and pay $25 to obtain a parking pass. Student Congress handles parking passes and has more info on Instagram in August (around Open House). |
| What is the East Meck PTSO? | The Parent, Teacher, Student Organization (PTSO) meets monthly with virtual options available. The focus is supporting staff and students throughout the school year. This is a great way to learn more about East Meck and get involved with the community. |
| What is the IB (International Baccalaureate) Program? | This magnet program is offered at East Meck. Families outside of the attendance zone can apply via the CMS Lottery to obtain a seat. Learn more on the East Meck IB website. |
| How do I purchase an East Meck yard sign? | The East Meck PTSO sells yard signs for $20. One side says “Home of an East Meck Eagle” and the other side says “Home of an East Meck Senior.” Purchase online here: https://emptso.org/yard-signs. After completing the purchase, you’ll be emailed a receipt. You or your student can show that email receipt in the front office to pick up your sign. |