Excitement Continues Post-Rally
NWKF sponsored an incredibly successful Rally 4 Education Excellence back in March which was attended by nearly 600 area citizens concerned about education. The Rally was the kick-off for a larger, on-going effort aimed at rallying community support for outstanding education throughout our region.
Post-rally, Community Advocacy Teams were established in each county to direct and plan activities for that county. Katie French, NWKF Coordinator for Regional Education Initiatives, supports and works with each CAT.
The following is a description of the groups that have formed in Henderson County to support education excellence. This grassroots initiative is incredibly exciting and more than 70 people have gotten involved in just the Henderson County teams.
The Instructional Support Group met April 27th and identified technology as a major area of focus (see website for notes). Their next meeting will be June 15, 2009, at HCHS, Room G101, 2PM.
The School/Community Collaboration and Support Group met April 13th and has selected School Counts! as a program to research and implement (see website for notes). Their next meeting is scheduled for May 12, 11:30-1, Downtown Sandwich Shoppe.
The Academic Emphasis Group has decided to focus on gifted education for elementary students. Their next meeting is TBA.
The Parent Involvement Group met April 27th and will be focusing on 3rd grade as an area of interest. They are beginning their process with a survey for 3rd grade teachers (see website for notes). Their next meeting will be June 8, 6PM, King, Deep, and Branaman law office, 127 North Main Street.
The Mentoring/Tutoring Group met April 27th (see website for notes). The group is seeking more community and business community input and involvement in moving forward. Their next meeting is TBD.
The Expectations Group met April 28th and identified major areas for research: Teachers from Good to Great, Raising the Bar, Citizenship for Students, Parents DO Count, Dream High with a Realistic Edge, and Ensure Community Support (see website for notes). At their next meeting, June 9, 6PM, 630 Center Street, the group will choose an area of focus and brainstorm initiatives which will have the greatest potential positive impact.
The Early Childhood Education and Literacy Group met April 29th and discussed expanding Niagara Elementary School’s popular “Baby Backpack” program across Henderson County as well as partnering with Henderson County Schools to provide a basic parenting session to encourage pre-K preparedness. This group’s next meeting is scheduled for May 22, 3:30PM, Cracker Barrel.
The Teachers and Employees Group will meet May 28th, 6:30PM, Community Baptist Church and will focus on encouraging motivation and high academic standards for teachers and students.
