As a blossoming new middle school in the RCSD, Thurgood Marshall Middle started its journey to form a unique identity and culture Sept of 2024. It is a community that needs room, independence, and accessibility to thrive. For the next 4 years, the Charlotte Campus is identified as a swing space; housing Thurgood Marshall Middle School (7th & 8th grade) with Wilson High School (9th-12th) for the next 2 years and then Thurgood Marshall Middle School (7th & 8th) with Northwest College Prep (7th & 8th) for 2 years after that. Embedding other schools within our walls will significantly dilute our unique culture, unity & identity that we, as members of this school, are striving passionately to build.

We strongly believe every school has a unique ethos and character that forms a critical part of a student's holistic development. According to experts, a school's community, identity, and sense of independence can drastically influence the academic performance and overall well-being of its students. (Source: American Psychological Association). The proposed swing space plan could harm the academic and emotional growth of our students, infringing upon the vibrant community that we aim to establish.

Furthermore, the limitation of space can affect the overall learning environment. We, at Thurgood Marshall, have high needs, specialized populations and programs, including ASD/students with autism, bilingual, international, and high needs special education. As part of our dedication to giving our students a favorable learning environment, we must protest the proposed plan of our new home becoming a swing space. Not only does it contradict the reconfiguration plan recently implemented by our district, but it denounces what is best for children. 

We, therefore, urge our District leaders to heed our concerns and reconsider this plan. Substitute this swing space project with another that preserves our identity, maximizes our growth, and guarantees the best for our students and staff alike. Sign this petition to express your support for our school's autonomy and its ability to shape its unique path.