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Congresswoman Virginia Foxx encourages parental involvement in the education system.

Bridges Academy held an open house Sunday with special guests to celebrate 10 years of their past as a charter school, with the added expectation of another 10.

The school has undergone an inspection by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to renew its 10-year charter, which involved interviews with the administration, teachers and even parents. According to Principal Merry Lowe, after the DPI found the school compliant and growing, the board voted unanimously to renew.

Part of the legislative body that made charter schools possible, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R), serving North Carolina’s 5th congressional district, addressed the assembly made up of mostly teachers of the academy at the beginning of the floating event. “I’ve always been a strong supporter of charter schools,” claimed Foxx, “because I think parents should have a choice in where their children should go.

“This school is one of the more successful charter schools there has been in the state,” declared Foxx, commending the parents as well as the teachers and administration. “We have always known what makes a great school. It is a great principal who attracts great teachers, and parental involvement. That’s what you see here at Bridges.”

Foxx attended school in rural Avery County which she said gave her a special connection with Bridges Academy. “Growing up very, very poor I understood early in life that getting a good education was the key to changing what was happening to me in my life,” acknowledged Foxx. “We didn’t have a lot of money, but I feel like I got a great education.

“I just came today to congratulate you all and to say thank you for what you do,” stated Foxx. “Thank you for being a shining example to others in the country in terms of showing particularly what a rural charter school can do.”

One of the things they do is provide transportation for some of the students. “The teachers here put a lot of time and dedication [into the school],” confirmed Senator Shirley Randleman (R), who serves District 30 which includes Stokes, Surrey and Wilkes counties. “When they go pick up and drop off students, they go above and beyond the call of duty. Bridges serves exceptional students.”

Teacher Kelly Cranfill was pleased with the turn out. “I think it’s wonderful that we have such a community.”

http://elkintribune.com/news/12939/video-congresswoman-virginia-foxx-visits-bridges-academy-in-state-road-to-celebrate-10-years