Hampton Elementary Receives Grant for Conversion Charter
Submission Date: April 17, 2014
ReleaseDate: For Immediate Release
Contact: J.D. Hardin, 770-957-5107 ext. 608, john.hardin@henry.k12.ga.us
(Release# 0058-04-14)
Hampton Elementary Receives Grant for Conversion Charter
HENRY COUNTY, GA – Hampton Elementary recently received word from the State Board of Education that they would receive a $275,000 charter planning and implementation grant to help them with their transition to Hampton Elementary Charter School for the 2014-15 school year.
The school’s new charter status will take full effect in the fall, but planning and semblances of the program have been on display for more than a year. The money will help move things, much like their motto, full STEAM ahead.
“We are very excited about the opportunities a grant like this will provide for the children of Hampton,” said Dr. Collins.
Immediate plans for the funds include purchasing supplies and materials for the various STEAM Stations in their program.
STEAM is the popular acronym translating to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Each component represents an area of strong importance and focus for today’s educational setting. Part of that same educational setting has many educators looking to explore and expand techniques to help make a greater impact on student achievement. That is where the charter component enters the picture.
A charter school is one that enters into an agreement with an educational board or authority to reach certain achievement levels in exchange for flexibility in various aspects of the school’s operation. Many charter schools are brand new schools, but several traditional schools are making the switch and becoming conversion charter schools. Hampton Elementary is the second such school to make the transition in the Henry County School System.
Just like the first conversion charter school in the district, Hampton Elementary Charter School will still remain a part of the Henry County School System, and attendance lines will not change. The students of the community and school zone are already proving they are up to the task of the increased expectations as well.
Cosmetology, science labs, computer skills, engineering, robotics, dance, percussion, chorus, advanced art, problem-solving, horticulture, and creative stitchery are just afew of the examples of new classes that will provide STEAM Stations and project-based learning for students.
For more information on Hampton Elementary Charter School, please visit www.henry.k12.ga.us/he.
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Photo: Hampton Elementary Assistant Principal Dr. David Barber and Principal Dr. Debbie Collins are congratulated by BOE Vice-Chair Mr. Ryan Davis.