History of J. H. Gunn 

In 1923, a white four-room wood frame school called the Clear Creek Colored Union High School was built on the rural east side of Mecklenburg County. African American students attended school during the summer months.  The school closed during August and September so students could pick crops—cotton, potatoes, corn.  In October, the school would open again for students to continue their education.

In 1936, Mecklenburg County approved the construction of four rural high schools for African American children.  Clear Creek High School (later named J. H. Gunn) was one of these and was built on the same land as the original four-room wood frame school.

The principals of Clear Creek High School included Paris McCorkle, James Henry Gunn (1944-45), Joe C. Belton (1947-65), and Charles Dannelly.

In 1947, the name of the school was changed to J. H. Gunn in honor of James Henry Gunn, music and math teacher and temporary principal, as a memorial to his years of service as an educator.  James Henry “Jimmie” Gunn was leader of the Gunn orchestra which was known as a territory band during the 1930s.  Based in Charlotte, the Jimmie Gunn Orchestra and its singers, the Dixie Serenaders, toured mainly in the Carolinas and Georgia.    Click here to hear music from Jimmie Gunn’s Orchestra.

The historical record is incomplete, but according to Board of Education minutes from the period, it appears that the school was one of seven black schools in Mecklenburg County closed in 1966 during the desegregation of CMS. 

 In 1966, the all black, grades 1-12 school was closed.  The Charlotte Mecklenburg Board of Education occupied the site from 1966-69.

 In 1970, the school was reopened as Northeast Junior High School.

 In 1974, Northeast Junior High School was moved to a different campus. 

 In 1976, the school on Harrisburg Road reopened as an integrated elementary school.  The community rallied together to get the elementary school named J.H. Gunn as it had been in the past.

 In 1982, the original four-room white building had reached the end of its usefulness, and  in February, 1983, was burned down to make way for a new playground. 

 In 1997, voters approved a bond to build a replacement school.

 In January, 2003, students moved into the new school building.

The old school was not to be forgotten, however.  Mrs. Lena Helton Pickens, J. H. Gunn Class of 1957, wrote, “Clear Creek Colored Union School was like an old shoe with strings that were long and strong enough to tie the students, teachers, and parents together into a closely knit family.  This family loved, cared and shared enough to prepare its youth for the challenges which lay ahead….The rich heritage and strong foundation have brought us thus far.  The buildings from the old school are being destroyed.  Strings from that old shoe have been broken and knotted back together. And yet we know that because of our heritage and the love and dedication of teachers and parents, we gained something which no one can take away—our education and dignity.”

Today, J. H. Gunn is continuing the rich heritage of the past in a family-like atmosphere of caring for the whole child which gives today’s students the firm foundation upon which they can build their lives, reach their potential, achieve their dreams, and become good citizens and leaders of the future.

J.H. Gunn is a K-5 elementary school committed to providing the best education for all students.  We have a great partnership between parents, staff, students, and our community.  We have a strong academic program where every student is held accountable for success.  Our learning environment is safe and orderly, and is guided by our Character Education program.  We have over 700 students with approximately 80 staff members, and we are located in the East Learning Community.  Below you will find additional information concerning our school.  Please feel free to contact me at any time at 980-343-6477.

Warm Regards,

Mrs. Monique Davis

Principal

School Hours:

Regular hours are   7:45 - 2:45 (NOTE: Students may not enter the building until 7:15). Students are counted tardy after 7:45, and a parent or guardian must bring them to the office to sign in and receive a pass to class.

Teachers: 7:00 - 3:15

Building: 6:45- 6:00

Breakfast: served 7:15- 7:40 am

Lunch: Classes are assigned a time to be served.  Check with your classroom teacher for the current lunch schedule.  You are welcome to join your child at any time for lunch, just don't forget to sign in at the office.

Early Dismissal:

If a student leaves for the day before 11:00, s/he is counted absent.

There will be no early dismissal after 2:15.  To pick up a child before 2:15, parents need to report to the office to sign the child out. Parents/guardians will need to bring picture identification to pick up their child/ren.

Visitors:

All visitors need to sign in at the lobby and receive a Lobby Guard ID. Please come in and visit with your child any time during regular school hours. We encourage our parents and family to come and eat lunch with their children in the cafeteria. Please park in the front parking lot, not on the bus lot or in the circle.  Feel free to call the school if you have any questions at (980) 343-6477.

Inclement Weather:
In case of inclement weather, please listen to local radio, TV channels, or CMS channel 3 for information on what CMS will do.

Enrolling Your Child In School:

1. The child must be five (5) years old on or before August 31.

2. Provide proof of residency:

You will need one of the following from letters A, B and C

A.   Copy of Deed/Lease OR record of most recent mortgage payment; Affidavit from landlord affirming tenancy and record of most recent rent payment; Section 8 agrement; letter from approved agency (group & foster home purposes only)

B.  A utility bill or work order dated within the past 30 days, including: (Gas bill, water bill, electric bill, telephone bill or cable bill)

C. Valid driver's licence, currentvehicle registration, valid North Carolina photo identification card, valid passport, (dated within the past year: W-2, Vehicle tax bill, Property tax bill) (dated within the past 60 days: Medicaid Card, payroll studb, bank or credit card statement)

D. Original child's birth certificate (we will make a copy)

E. Child's current shot record

North Caroline State Law Required Immunizations:

1. Five (5) DPT/DT shots

2. Four (4) Oral Polio vaccine doses

3. One (1) HIB (At least one HIB on or after first birthday and before five (5) years of age.)

4. Two (2) MMR doses (first one on or after first birthday).

All Kindergarten students are required to have a health assessment. The health assessment must be conducted between the first of January prior to school entry and the thirtieth day of school entry.

Student Dress:                

J. H. Gunn is a uniform school. The principal and her staff are responsible for determining and enforcing regulations governing our uniform policy for students. Any attire other than the school uniform will not be allowed.

Students should wear:

1. Clean white or navy blue shirts with collars and free of slogans and writing.

2. Navy blue or khaki pants.

3. Closed toe shoes (sneakers, loafers, etc.)

4. Belt, if needed.

5. White or navy jacket/sweater.

Absenteeism:

If your child is sick or misses school for any reason he/she must bring with them (the next day or upon returning to school) a written statement why he/she was absent.

Tardies:

If your child is late for school for any reason, you need to walk your child into the school and report to the office. The office staff will give your child a pass to go to class. Please be aware that after your child has accumulated 6 1/2 hours, your child will given an absence.

Medicines:

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools policy prevents J.H. Gunn Staff members from giving any medications (prescription or over-the-counter) to your child unless we have an authorization form signed ahead of time by you and your child's doctor.

An "Authorization of Medication for Students" form is on the back of the student handbook. This must be completed by your child's doctor and signed by you before any medication can be dispensed at school.

The office can help you with any questions.

After School Program:

Our after school program operates from 1:45 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.. You may contact the director, Ms. Bryant, at (704) 935-3060 after 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please see the link to the left for more information on the ASEP.

Fees:

$25.00 Family registration fee is required at time of registration.

1 child   $54.00  per week

2 children $52.00  (each) per week

3 children $44.00 (each) per week