We are thrilled to share with you the incredible experience our 10th grade English II students, staff, and Holocaust class students recently had with the "Finding Home Again" exhibit from the North Carolina Council on the Holocaust. This traveling program has left an indelible mark on our school community, offering a profound glimpse into the lives of Holocaust survivors who found new beginnings in our state.

A Powerful Learning Experience

The "Finding Home Again" exhibit showcases the remarkable stories of 10 Holocaust survivors and refugees who resettled in North Carolina after World War II. Our students were able to engage with personal narratives, and photographs that vividly illustrate the journey from persecution to finding new homes right here in our state.

Levi, a sophomore student in English II, said, “The exhibit was interesting. You really go to put yourself in the survivors’ shoes to understand how devastating the Holocaust was to them.”

Another sophomore, Emily, stated, “The experience I encountered at this exhibit was educational. It honestly opened my eyes to the horrors people endured, not only in, but also outside of the concentration camps.”

Connecting with History

Through this exhibit, our students gained invaluable insights into:

- The diverse backgrounds of survivors from various European countries

- The challenges of displacement, loss, and trauma

- The resilience shown in rebuilding lives and contributing to local communities

- The importance of preserving cultural heritage and memories of survival

Educational Impact

This experience directly supported our English II curriculum by providing students with:

- Primary sources for analysis

- Multiple perspectives to evaluate

- Opportunities to develop historical empathy

All of our students and staff were particularly moved by the exhibit, as it brought their studies to life tangibly and emotionally. Mrs. Wendy Edwards, a retired math teacher from Piedmont Middle, who now substitutes at the high school frequently, made a connection with her former professor from Appalachian State, whose story is part of the exhibit. 

Looking Forward

The "Finding Home Again" exhibit has not only educated our students about this crucial period in history but has also inspired discussions about human rights, resilience, and the consequences of hatred in our world today.

We encourage you to talk with your children about their experience and continue these important conversations at home.

Thank you for your continued support of our educational initiatives. Together, we can ensure that the lessons of history are never forgotten.

 

Important message for current 11^th grade students regarding the Meningitis C vaccination requirement.  The first dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MCV) was given prior to the start of 7^th grade as a school required vaccine.  North Carolina Immunization Law requires the second dose of MCV for all students entering 12^th grade.

For complete details and explanations, please review the website https://immunize.nc.gov/schools/ncruleslaws.htm for NC general statutes 130A-157.

If your child does not currently have evidence of the second MCV vaccine, please contact your child’s health care provider to obtain it.  Following administration of the vaccine, please submit a copy of the record to the School Nurse. This documentation must be obtained within 30 days of the start of the 2025-26 school year to meet this school enrollment requirement.

Thank you for your timely attention to this matter. If you have any questions, our School Nurse, Lisa Young will certainly be available to you as a resource.  Please contact her at 704-296-3710.