February 9, 2011
My name is Matt Norcross; I am a product of the public charter school system in North Carolina, now attending the Academy at High Point Central a Guilford County School and will graduate on the college bound track this year.
My life would have been very different without the charter option. When I was little my parents were told that they should be thankful that I have a little sister to take care of me when they were gone, as my differences were severe. Which as you can see today, is NOT the case.
I simply learn differently than most other kids and am considered ?twice exceptional? meaning I am gifted and learning disabled at the same time. If it weren?t for the charter option I would NOT be where I am today, on the college track, graduating and on the A-B honor roll.
When I was little I suffered from epileptic seizures, which contributed to my learning differences. After they were under control and I was in recovery, my parents had no idea what to do with my education, because I did not fit into the mold of a traditional classroom, private or public. They explored every option and nothing fit, so they started Phoenix Academy as a private school and then converted it into a charter school two years later.
The staff consists of highly trained, certified, and caring teachers who understand how to work with all students, the ?academically gifted? and ?at risk?. You know, there are many children who learn differently than others, and you need schools that can handle these kinds of learning differences. Phoenix Academy did just that.
Thank you for providing this opportunity to speak to you this morning. I encourage you, and everyone in the audience, to talk to kids like me. We know good schools when we see them and are living proof of their success!
Thank you again for your support of Charter Schools ? we appreciate it!
