Hamilton County Schools joins national education groups representing principals, superintendents, parents and other civic organizations for Public Schools Week, March 12-16, 2018. "The special week celebrates the achievements our public schools and the critical roles they play in developing future generations of successful citizens," officials said.
As part of Public Schools Week, 50 national organizations introduced a joint statement in support of public education on Thursday of this week to promote the "positive impact public schools have on our nation’s young people and the communities in which they live." To maintain this momentum, Members of Congress supporting this movement will share success stories about the schools and students from their respective districts.
"Hamilton County Schools serve students who speak 125 languages with great teachers of whom 52 have earned National Board Certification status. Ooltewah High in Hamilton County Schools is home to Robin Copp, the Tennessee Principal of the Year, and at Hamilton’s Battle Academy you will find Katelyn Baker, a Milken Award-winning teacher in the classroom. Loftis Middle School and Allen Elementary are National PTA award winners. Hamilton County Schools has five Tennessee Reward schools and seven National Merit Finalists for 2018. The system has eight Volkswagen Fab Labs with nine more coming in 2018-2019. Hamilton County Schools is home to the Mechatronics Akademie, Gestamp Learning Labs, Collegiate High and magnet programs featuring the arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), robotics and many other programs to match any interest of a school-age child in the area. Hamilton County Schools an Achieving District designated by the state of Tennessee.
"There is much to celebrate in our local public schools, but system leadership is not resting on past accomplishments. The Opportunity Zone has been established to provide greater possibilities for the 12 schools in the system with the most significant opportunity for growth. The changes and improvements in the Opportunity Zone have resulted in a new partnership with the state to provide additional assistance to the communities and the schools.
"A major new building plan will bring needed changes to the school facilities at East Hamilton Middle, Harrison Elementary, Tyner Middle/High, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts and The Howard School.
"Future Ready Institutes coming this fall to the high schools will add a career focus to instruction and prepare teens for success after high school.
"Learning communities are being formed to build a sense of community within our schools and strengthen feeder patterns and build continuity as children advance in the school district. Change is coming to Hamilton County Schools to bring educational opportunities our children need and deserve. The goal is for Hamilton County Schools to be the fastest improving school district in the state of Tennessee," officials said.
“Communities are stronger, and schools are better when we work in unison to support them because public schools are the very core of our community and American society,” said Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools. “There is no better time than now for the Tennessee Valley to come together to support public education and join us as we transform Hamilton County Schools for the future of our children and our community.”