Newsroom Archive

STEM School Chattanooga Educator is TechX Unsung Tech Hero of the Year

09/15/2020

Kristen Burrus, an educator at STEM School Chattanooga, was named winner of the First Technology Excellence Awards Unsung Tech Hero of the Year Award announced by the Chattanooga Technology Council. The inaugural TechX Awards recognized regional organizations and companies for outstanding involvement, achievement, and accomplishments in the Chattanooga technology community. Across ten categories, there were 70 nominations from 33 companies or organizations. The Chattanooga Technology Council announced the winners in a virtual awards presentation on Thursday, September 10.

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Photo: Board Members Jenny Hill and Karitsa Jones recognized with Boardsmanship Awards by TSBA

Board members recognized with Boardsmanship Awards by TSBA

09/15/2020

Hamilton County Board of Education members Karitsa Jones and Jenny Hill have earned Boardsmanship Awards from the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA). Local board members who invest their time and effort into becoming more informed and effective board members earn the award. The Boardsmanship Awards are given for participation in activities outside of local school board obligations. There are five levels of recognition by TSBA, which honors a board member’s commitment to training, willingness to participate in workshops, and a volunteer spirit.

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Hamilton County Schools encourages families to be SAFE this Labor Day weekend

09/03/2020

Keeping schools open is vital for the growth of children and the community. Hamilton County Schools encourages families to be SAFE this Labor Day weekend as you plan activities, so there is not an increase in COVID-19 transmission over the holiday. SAFE activities will help schools stay open when children return to the classroom after the short break. SAFE is the acronym the school district has used to remind families to Stay home when you are sick, Avoid getting too close to others, Face coverings are a must, and Everyone wash your hands regularly. During the long holiday weekend, the “S” could also stand for Stay away from group gatherings that could transmit COVID-19 to more people in the community.

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Photo: Dr. Bryan Johnson speaking with a Hamilton County Schools student

Dr. Bryan Johnson selected a Superintendent to Watch by national organization NSPRA

09/03/2020

Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, is one of 24 school leaders from across the country to be named a Superintendent to Watch by NSPRA, a national organization serving school communication. NSPRA selected the superintendents for their use of communication technology in innovative and effective ways. The school leaders engage and inform their school communities with new communication technology tools combined with tried-and-true techniques. Selection criteria required those selected to have less than five years of experience as a superintendent in a school district and possess dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.

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Photo: Diego Simon Geronimo, a fifth-grader at East Side, enjoys learning with his Chromebook.

Local church helps provide Chromebooks for East Side Elementary students

08/24/2020

Learning at home using technology has been a challenge for schools and families as everyone adapts to operating in a new learning arrangement during the pandemic. At East Side Elementary School, the situation has become much more manageable thanks to a $32,500 donation to the school from the Church of the Good Shepherd to purchase needed Chromebooks. The school was able to buy an additional 147 Chromebooks to move closer to one device for every child at East Side Elementary.

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Photo: Jessica Laliberte Bowman, a Chattanooga choreographer and teacher for Hamilton County Schools

Hamilton County Teacher Selected to Participate in an Internationally Renowned Dance Institute

08/18/2020

Jessica Laliberte Bowman, a Chattanooga choreographer and teacher for Hamilton County Schools, is one of 21 artists selected internationally to join Curriculum in Motion® Institute, a yearlong professional development program for choreographers at Jacob's Pillow. Motivated by a desire to make new dances with young artists, Bowman co-developed the Student Choreography Project at Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts (CCA), where she is on dance faculty. Jacob's Pillow is one of the field's most prestigious professional dance training centers and has been recognized as a 'hub and mecca of dancing' in TIME Magazine and 'the dance center of the nation' in The New York Times. Jacob's Pillow is a national historic landmark, recipient of the National Medal of Arts, and home to America's longest-running international dance festival.

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Photo: Hamilton County Schools school bus gets ready for the new school year

HCS Transportation ready for the new school year including new options for Future Ready Institutes

08/11/2020

Buses are ready to roll for the new school year for Hamilton County Schools when the school year starts Wednesday. There are always questions about routes, bus stop locations, and times. The new year also brings new options for students who attend a Future Ready Institute in a high school out of the student’s district. New bus Hubs have been developed to get students to the Future Ready Institute that matches the student’s career goals and ambitions.

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Third Annual Back-to-School Bash to be a Drive-Thru Event

08/03/2020

Hamilton County Schools will kick-off the 2020-2021 school year with the district’s third annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the First Horizon Pavilion! This year’s event will be a safe, no-contact drive-thru for families to receive a free backpack with school supplies. The 2020 event is made possible through the generous partnership of the Nehemiah Project, BlueCare Tennessee, State Farm, and United Way.

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Photo: Izabella Balli, a third-grader at Middle Valley Elementary shows her perfect attendance award for REACH

Summer REACH Program is Successful in Preparing Children for Fall Success

08/03/2020

The REACH summer learning program in Hamilton County Schools was a resounding success according to the children and teachers who participated. The program was designed to help children in danger of falling behind academically because of schools closing for COVID-19 in the spring and students missing valuable time learning.

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Hamilton County and Chattanooga use Smart City Infrastructure

07/29/2020

Hamilton County Schools (HCS) is joining with EPB of Chattanooga and other community partners to ensure all students can access the internet for online learning as the COVID-19 crisis continues. Made possible by support from local private and public partners and by having a community-wide fiber optic network in place, HCS EdConnect powered by EPB is a new initiative that will provide internet services to about 28,500 economically challenged students in Hamilton County Schools in the greater Chattanooga area—at no charge to the family. The formation of this partnership program is the first time a U.S community is definitively bridging the digital divide for education by providing a high-quality broadband solution to all students in need.

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Photo: District Leaders including Dr. Nakia Towns (top left), Penny Murray (top right), Jennifer Bronson (bottom left), and Dr. Sonia Stewart (bottom right).

Several District Leaders Transitioning to New Challenges

07/25/2020

Over the course of this calendar year 2020, Hamilton County Schools has faced unprecedented times with the continuing disruption from COVID-19 and the Easter Sunday tornado that struck our community in April. Our district leadership team has risen to the moment, and now several are poised to take on new challenges.

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Registration is open for new HCS at Home

07/09/2020

Hamilton County Schools is working to safely reopen schools in August for students and staff and provide choices that will fit the needs of families in the community. District administrators understand from concerns parents have shared with us that some are not comfortable with sending children back to school in person at this time. The district has developed an option for these families called “HCS at Home,” which allows parents and children to connect to the school in which the student is enrolled but learn from home. Teachers familiar to the family will connect with the child enrolled in HCS at Home electronically with video lessons and Zoom discussions to keep each child moving forward and learning.

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Photos: (Top) DayOnna Carson, (Right) Maggie Wilkinson, on the steps at Princeton (Left) Alaina Washington

Scholarship Dollars Top $121 Million for 2020 Graduates of Hamilton County Schools

06/22/2020

It is graduation week in Hamilton County Schools and a great week to celebrate scholarships earned by this year’s seniors. Reaching graduation day is an important milestone for high school teens, but it is also a starting point for the rest of a graduate’s life. More 2020 seniors of Hamilton County Schools will have a head start on their next step in college as the class once again significantly increased the amount of scholarship offers received this year. The Class of 2020 had over $121 million in scholarship offers from colleges and universities, which has steadily increased, moving up from $31 million just two years ago. The total scholarship dollars at this point for the Class of 2020 are $121,773,278.60, with scholarship offers still coming in for graduating seniors.

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Financial Assistance Available for Families that Qualify for Free or Reduced School Meals

06/15/2020

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) and the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) announced Tennessee families are now eligible to receive financial support for their children’s nutritional needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program provides the support that would include $5.70 per child for each day the child qualifies for P-EBT up to $256.50.

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Photo: Summer STEAM Weekly Design Challenge Flyer

Free Summer STEAM Fun for Kids

06/12/2020

Do your children like a challenge and working with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) projects? Register your child today for free Summer STEAM Weekly Design Challenges offered by Hamilton County Schools. Sign up today for the special Zoom internet sessions that will begin on Monday. The design challenges are open to students from kindergarten to eighth-grade.

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Photo: Senior Karissa Luckey from Tyner Academy

Senior Video Feature - Karissa Luckey, Tyner Academy

05/28/2020

To celebrate the Class of 2020, Video Features for Hamilton County Schools will highlight a senior from each learning community in May. The spotlight today is on Karissa Luckey, a 2020 senior at Tyner Academy in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community.

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Photo: Ella Davis, seventh-grader at Hunter Middle School

Hunter Middle seventh-grader wins Best in State for water conservation video

05/27/2020

Water is an essential element that every living thing needs to survive, and a seventh-grader at Hunter Middle School produced an award-winning video to help conserve the precious resource. Ella Davis, a seventh-grader this past school year at Hunter Middle, won Best in State in the World of 7 Billion contest. Davis took top honors in Tennessee with her video titled “Preserving Clean and Safe Water.” She produced the video as part of a class project for gifted students in Angie Hentz’s class at Hunter Middle.

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Photos: Patel works in class at Hixson High as Argelia Avilia plays the role of her patient.

CHI Memorial awards first Future Ready Institute Scholarship at Hixson High

05/27/2020

CHI Memorial awarded its first scholarship as a partner in the Future Ready Institute at Hixson High to Suhani Patel, a senior in the healthcare program. The scholarship was established by CHI Memorial for a student in the CHI Memorial Institute of Healthcare and Medical Careers at Hixson High. The student had to meet academic criteria, complete an application, and an essay.

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Book of the Week Summer Reading Video

05/27/2020

With another school year ending and summer here, it is time to pick up your favorite book and celebrate reading all summer long. The librarians of Hamilton County Schools have partnered with the Chattanooga Public Library to produce a fun-filled summer reading video to encourage students to keep reading.

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Photo: Rendering of the new Harrison Elementary building

Construction setbacks delay the new school opening in Harrison, but plans move forward for the school communities coming together

05/26/2020

The new STEAM designated Harrison community school is opening for the 2020-2021 school year, but it will be at two campuses initially due to construction delays at the new school site. Construction has been delayed at the new school in Harrison due to rain, the pandemic, and other setbacks this spring.

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Senior Video Feature - Levi Jones, Soddy Daisy High School

05/22/2020

To celebrate the Class of 2020, Senior Video Features for Hamilton County Schools will highlight a senior from each learning community in May. The spotlight today is on Levi Jones, a senior at Soddy Daisy High School in the North River Learning Community.

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Photos: Japho Hardin, Megan Autry, Rosa Heintz and Rebekah Reed

Four Hamilton County Schools Teachers Named to 2020-2021 Tennessee Educator Fellowship

05/22/2020

Four teachers from Hamilton County Schools are among 30 educators across the state invited to participate in the 2020-2021 class of the Tennessee Educator Fellowship, the State Collaborative for Reforming Education (SCORE) announced today. Megan Autry, Orchard Knob Middle; Japho Hardin, a graphic design teacher at The Howard School; Rosa Heintz, a social studies teacher at Tyner Middle Academy; and Rebekah Reed, a fifth-grade teacher at McConnell Elementary will be part of the yearlong program.

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Four New Principals Named for Next School Year

05/22/2020

Four new principals have been selected to lead schools for the 2020-2021 School year in Hamilton County Schools. The schools getting new leaders are Allen Elementary, East Brainerd Elementary, Daisy Elementary, and Red Bank Middle School. Three of the new school leaders are familiar faces in Hamilton County Schools. Two are stepping up to accept new assignments in the district as the school system prepares for challenges we face in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating tornado that impacted the eastern part of our county.

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Photo: Maggie Wilkinson on a visit to Princeton University

Center for Creative Arts senior named a 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar

05/22/2020

Maggie Wilkinson, a senior at the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA), is one of 161 high school seniors in the country named a 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar. The U.S. Presidential Scholars award is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Seniors selected exemplify academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community service. The distinction is presented on behalf of the President of the United States to seniors of high potential each year.

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Blue Cross Blue Shield SEARCH Intern graduation

05/22/2020

On Saturday, June 6, 2020, BlueCross BlueShield of TN (BCBST) Project SEARCH interns will graduate with an occupational diploma and a certificate of completion through Project SEARCH. The drive-thru graduation ceremony will take place in the driveway of the central office of Hamilton County Schools from 11 a.m. to noon.

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Photo: Dr. Ashley Aldridge Wilson, principal at Nolan Elementary School

Chattanooga Principal Selected as 2020 National Distinguished Principal from Tennessee

05/22/2020

Dr. Ashley Aldridge Wilson, principal at Nolan Elementary School, has been named the 2020 National Distinguished Principal from Tennessee by the Tennessee Principals Association. She is the only principal in Tennessee to receive the honor for 2020.

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No Lottery Will Be Necessary for School Age Child Care Sites

05/21/2020

Registration for School Age Child Care in Hamilton County Schools this summer finished with no need to hold a lottery to fill slots at the sites. Approximately 400 children were registered at the planned 25 locations for this summer. Five sites went over the 25 student limit in registrations, but we have already worked with parents at those locations to move children to other sites to get all children registered into a program for the summer.

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Photos: Students at CSLA actively learning in the classroom.

CSAS and CSLA Among Only Five Schools Nationally to Earn Paideia Accreditation

05/21/2020

The National Paideia Center as Paideia Schools for Critical Thinking announced this week that the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (CSAS) and the Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts (CSLA) had earned accreditation by the national organization. During the 2019-2020 school year, only five schools in the country are on track to win accreditation, and Hamilton County Schools can lay claim to two of those five, as well as two out of only three accredited schools in Tennessee. CSAS and CSLA are two of the longest-running Paideia schools in the country, and the schools achieved this recognition during the very first year that accreditation became available.

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Middle Valley, North Hamilton and Apison take top school honors in the Probasco Readers Program for 2020

05/19/2020

Probasco Readers program winners for 2019-2020 are Middle Valley Elementary in first place, North Hamilton Elementary in second, and Apison Elementary in third. The program encourages the engagement of parents in their child’s reading, as well as having children reading every day for at least 20 minutes.

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Photo: Dr. Bryan Johnson meeting with HCS Students

Dr. Bryan Johnson is S.E. Tennessee Superintendent of the Year

05/19/2020

The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) has recognized Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools as the S.E. Tennessee Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Johnson was selected for this honor by his peers for leadership in learning, communication, professionalism, and community involvement. Johnson just completed his third school year with Hamilton County Schools. He will be one of eight finalists for Tennessee Superintendent of the Year.

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Summer meal locations at schools to open Tuesday, May 26

05/18/2020

Beginning Tuesday, May 26, summer meal pickup sites available at Hamilton County Schools will start food service. These sites will be open on Tuesdays and Friday each week from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each Tuesday, families will be able to pick up three meals for each person at the sites. On Friday, families will receive four meals for each person in the family. The sites will continue to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing and personal protection recommendations throughout the summer. At this time, guidelines recommend appropriate social distancing between families at the location and the wearing of protective masks.

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Photo: HCS Student playing in a classroom

Important revisions to registration for School Age Child Care due to demand

05/18/2020

Early demand the district has received about School Aged Child Care has resulted in some changes to the process on Wednesday. The time for registration has been extended to allow those working to register earlier, and slots will be determined by lottery so that all interested have an equal chance to get into the program. Registration times will now be accepted Wednesday, May 20, from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the School Age Child Care locations. Each site will be limited to 25 children, but the lottery will give an equal chance for getting a slot for a child registered at any time during the registration period. Registrations will be accepted at the Child Care entrance locations at each school providing the service. The lottery is planned for Friday and will be streamed live on the district’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

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Photo: Senior portrait of Pooja Karunanithi

Senior Video Feature Pooja Karunanithi, Ooltewah High School

05/15/2020

To celebrate the Class of 2020, Senior Video Features for Hamilton County Schools will highlight a senior from each learning community in May. The spotlight today is on Pooja Karunanithi, a senior at Ooltewah High School in the Harrison Bay Learning Community.

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Online Reading Videos Become Fun Family Activities

05/15/2020

ReadyRosie, an early education online program, is available to families in Hamilton County to provide short videos and free resources with simple, engaging activities to do at home for children, ages birth to third-grade. The program is a partnership between the Tennessee Department of Education and the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF).

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Photo: Students at Clifton Hills participating in Read 2 Be Ready Program

School Age Child Care adds locations for the summer for improved health and safety

05/14/2020

School-aged child care in Hamilton County Schools will begin on June 1, 2020, and will be expanded to 25 school site locations this year. The additional sites will help to keep the number of children at each site lower than summer programs in the past. The number of children at each location is limited to the first 25 children registered. The smaller number of children will help to provide the safest environment possible for children, staff, and families. It will be necessary to have a letter from your employer with you at registration, stating that you are an essential employee to register a child for the summer program.

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Kindergarten Online Registration Opens Again - An onsite day is available for those needing assistance

05/14/2020

If you missed kindergarten registration online, the process will be available again Monday, May 18 through Friday, May 22. Families are encouraged to use the online registration process to enhance health safety for families and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Photo: Tom Griscom proudly displays the I Am Hamilton shirt.

I Am Hamilton Video Feature - Tom Griscom, graduate of Brainerd High

05/14/2020

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Tom Griscom, an alumnus of Brainerd High School. Griscom took his education from Brainerd High to Washington D. C. where he served as director of communications for President Ronald Reagan; and press secretary for Senator Howard Baker. His professional experience includes serving as a senior account executive with Washington-based public affairs firm, Powell-Tate Public Affairs, and executive vice president of external relations of R. J. Reynolds. Griscom also served in Governor Bill Haslam’s administration as part of his transitional team.

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Photo: Electric car building and racing is STEM education at work. Racers are Brody Harp (driving) and Alex Dowlen (Team #04), both seventh-graders at Hixson Middle School.

New STEM Designated Schools to receive $10K award from Governor Lee's Future Workforce Initiative

05/13/2020

The Tennessee Department of Education announced this week that Governor Lee's Future Workforce Initiative would award $10,000 to each of the 22 schools that received the Tennessee STEM School Designation for 2020. Hamilton County Schools had the most schools earn the designation this year with five. The schools were Red Bank Elementary, Harrison Elementary, Red Bank High, Hixson Middle, and Normal Park Museum Magnet.

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Photo: Emily McDonald from Red Bank High

Video Feature - Emily McDonald, Red Bank High

05/12/2020

Teacher Appreciation Week is taking place across the country this week; in Hamilton County, we want to celebrate the excellence of our teachers who work to build a brighter future for children every day. Today’s video feature highlights Emily McDonald, a teacher at Red Bank High School in the Rock Point Learning Community. McDonald is the Teacher of the Year in the high school division in Hamilton County Schools.

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Photo: Abdullah Al Shaer, Senior at Brainerd High

Senior Video Feature - Abdullah Al Shaer, Brainerd High

05/12/2020

To celebrate the Class of 2020, Senior Video Features for Hamilton County Schools will highlight a senior from each learning community over the next few weeks. The spotlight today is on Abdullah Al Shaer, a senior at Brainerd High School in the Opportunity Zone Learning Community.

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School Reopening Task Force begins planning for the children's return to school in the fall

05/12/2020

Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson today announced the formation of a School Reopening Task Force to begin plans for children to return to school. Keith Fogleman, chief talent officer for Hamilton County Schools, and Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) William T. Brooks, director, JROTC for Hamilton County Schools, will lead the work to plan for the children's return to school in the fall. Fogleman and Lt. Col. Brooks will work with staff, parents, students, business leaders, health professionals, and the community to formulate the plan for schools reopening and children once again learning in the classrooms. The announcement came at a news conference held today, Tuesday, May 12, at 12:30 p.m. in the board room at the central office of Hamilton County Schools.

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News Conference concerning the opening of schools in August scheduled for today

05/12/2020

Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson will hold a news conference today, May 12, at 12:30 p.m. in the board room at the Hamilton County Schools central. Dr. Johnson will announce the formation of a task force to begin plans and preparation to open schools again in August. Dr. Johnson will introduce the leaders of the task force, and they will comment on how plans will be formulated for opening schools again.

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Photos: Haley Brown, principal at Red Bank Elementary, presents Cindy Pointer with an "I Am Hamilton" shirt.

I Am Hamilton, Cindy Pointer, Red Bank Elementary

05/12/2020

Today, "I am Hamilton," spotlights Cindy Pointer, a physical education teacher at Red Bank Elementary. We thought it appropriate to close out Teacher Appreciation Week with a focus on a teacher with our special shirt presentation. Pointer has been at Red Bank for 33 years and is treasured by the children, their parents, the school staff, and the community.

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Photo: Eller named Principal of the Year for Hamilton County Schools

East Hamilton principal named Principal of the Year for Hamilton County Schools

05/12/2020

Brent Eller, principal of East Hamilton School, is the 2020 Principal of the Year for Hamilton County Schools. The school year has been challenging for East Hamilton, home to sixth through twelfth-grade students in the east area of the community, dealing with both the COVID-19 pandemic and a tornado. Still, Eller has also continued to lead the school and help bring along the new middle school scheduled to complete construction this summer.

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School Nurse Appreciation Day

05/06/2020

Since 1972, National School Nurse Week has been celebrated to show our school nurses how much they mean to the success of our schools and our children. May 6-12, each year is National School Nurse Week, and today is National School Nurse Appreciation Day. The week is celebrated annually in May in honor of the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

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Photo: Nikki Russell - STEM teacher at Orchard Knob Elementary

Orchard Knob teacher wins state STEM teaching award

05/06/2020

Nikki Russell, STEM Teacher, Orchard Knob Elementary, won the 2020 Excellence in STEM Teaching Award presented by the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN). The TSIN STEM Excellence Awards are designed to recognize a phenomenal teacher and an exceptional advocate for STEM education.

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Photo: David Jackson, Teacher of the Year

Video Feature - David Jackson, Teacher of the Year

05/06/2020

Teacher Appreciation Week is taking place across the country this week; in Hamilton County, we want to celebrate the excellence of our teachers who work to build a brighter future for children every day. Today’s video feature highlights David Jackson, a teacher at Brown Middle in the Harrison Bay Learning Community. Brown is the Teacher of the Year in the middle grades division in Hamilton County Schools.

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Student information update replaces registration for returning students this year in Hamilton County Schools

05/05/2020

Beginning Friday, May 1, a student information update is available online for parents of returning students currently enrolled in Hamilton County Schools. The district needs information updated for all returning students in kindergarten through eleventh-grade for the 2020-2021 school year. The information update replaces the prior registration required of returning students.

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Photo: Taylor Petty - Senior at Red Bank High School

Senior Spotlight - Taylor Petty, Red Bank High School

05/05/2020

Today is the last day of instruction for the Class of 2020, so we felt it would be an excellent time to begin a video salute to some of our seniors. To celebrate the Class of 2020, Senior Video Features for Hamilton County Schools will highlight a senior from each learning community over the next month. The spotlight today is on Taylor Petty, a senior at Red Bank High School in the Rock Point Learning Community.

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Photo: Michelle Bailey - Teacher of the Year from Thrasher Elementary School

Video Feature - Michelle Bailey, Teacher of the Year

05/05/2020

Teacher Appreciation Week is taking place across the country this week; in Hamilton County, we want to celebrate the excellence of our teachers who work to build a brighter future for children every day. Today’s video feature highlights Michelle Bailey, a teacher at Thrasher Elementary in the Rock Point Learning Community. Bailey is the Teacher of the Year in the elementary division in Hamilton County Schools.

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Pre-K Registration For The Fall

05/04/2020

Schools closing due to the COVID-19 virus and limits imposed on group gatherings have altered plans for Pre-K and kindergarten registration for the fall in Hamilton County Schools. Registration opportunities are now scheduled in May for parents to register their children for the 2020-2021 school year.

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Center for Creative Arts senior is a U.S. Presidential Scholars semi-finalist

04/30/2020

Maggie Wilkinson, a senior at the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA), has advanced to the final round of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars competition. Wilkinson is one of just over 600 semi-finalists from across the country and 14 from Tennessee moving on for consideration as a Presidential Scholar.

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Photo: (L to R) David Vanzant, a teacher at STEM School Chattanooga, models a face shield produced by a 3-D printer

Community partnerships and volunteers helped make face shields possible for healthcare workers

04/30/2020

The face shield production lab at STEM School Chattanooga where teachers and volunteers spent the past month producing 6,919 personal protection devices for local health care workers, was possible because of the help of community partners and volunteers. Individuals, businesses, and local organizations heeded the call for help and came together to use 3-D printers in Hamilton County Schools to deliver the personal protection products to local healthcare workers.

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Photo: Racers are Brody Harp (driving) and Alex Dowlen (Team #04) in the first car and J.T. Black (driving) and Anthony Rimback in the second (Team #93) All four are seventh-graders at Hixson Middle School.

Hamilton County Electric Car Designers and Racers Take National Honors

04/29/2020

Racers from Hamilton County Schools took the top prize in the 2020 GreenPower USA races with students from Hixson Middle, Red Bank Middle, and Dalewood Middle coming out on top in a racing season cut short by COVID-19. The student teams are racers, but they are also learning while having fun. Participants learning how to problem solve and engineer a faster, more efficient race car throughout a race season. The 2019-2020 school year, local elementary, middle, and high schools competed in GreenPower USA regional races in electric power race cars that they designed and built. The Chattanooga Green Prix is a program administered by green|spaces to support local schools in participating in the GreenPower USA program.

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District staff and volunteers use 3-D printers to make more than 6,900 face shields for healthcare workers

04/29/2020

Production is winding down in the makeshift face shield lab at STEM School Chattanooga where teachers and volunteers have spent the past month using 3-D printers to make the protective equipment for local healthcare workers. The efforts have delivered 2,756 face shields to healthcare workers, and volunteers have boxed an additional 4,163 for delivery. The team made a total of 6,919 face shields and several hundred ear-savers over the past month of production.

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Photos: Coach Wood shows off his I Am Hamilton shirt in front of the new chalkboard he made in his garage/classroom at his home.

I Am Hamilton, Coach Wood of Hixson Elementary

04/23/2020

Today, “I am Hamilton,” spotlights Coach Aaron Wood, a physical education teacher at Hixson Elementary. Coach Wood has become a YouTube sensation during the time schools have been closed for his educational and entertaining videos to keep children moving, active, and participating in P.E. while out of school. He has amassed more than 7,000 subscribers to his YouTube Channel in the time students have been learning remotely due to the COVID-19 coronavirus (he does not have that many students.) The original videos he has recorded for children include a theme each day to make the lesson fun as well as educational. Wood’s themes have taken children to the beach, national parks, and Disney World in the imagination of the mind. He has also exercised as a unicorn to entertain while inspiring exercise.

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New Principals Selected For The Fall

04/22/2020

Hamilton County Schools announces new principals for this fall at Hixson High, Red Bank High, Lookout Valley Middle/High, Dalewood Middle, and Apison Elementary.

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Photo: (Credits to School Board Member, Tucker McClendon) Donations for families impacted by the storms.

Saturday times added for HCS Tornado Relief Supply Centers

04/20/2020

To help our neighbors and community, Hamilton County Schools has established tornado relief supply centers as donation sites at Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts (CSLA) and Hixson Middle School. The sites originally planned to operate Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday but the donations and demand for supplies has been so great that Saturday times have been added. The sites will help Hamilton County families who have been impacted by the tornado damage this week. We thank you for your helping hand in caring for our Hamilton County families and neighbors.

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Photo: (Left to Right) Gena Thompson is presented an I Am Hamilton shirt by Shannon Morrow, first-grade teacher, Brown Academy. Gena’s three children Otis, Ira, and Genevieve joined her for the photo.

I Am Hamilton Video Feature Gena Thompson, a parent volunteer at Brown Academy

04/20/2020

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Gena Thompson, a parent volunteer at Tommie F. Brown Academy. She is a former combat medic and taught about veterans for Veterans Day wearing her uniform. Thompson was a major factor in the school's participation in the Jump Rope for Heart pledge drive.

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HCS Food Locations This Week

04/20/2020

Food locations are expanding this week as Wolftever Creek Elementary reopens for food service, the John A Patten Recreation Center opens, and bus routes and stops are added to the new streamlined bus delivery. Wolftever Creek was closed last week due to a loss of power caused by storm damage.

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Hixson Middle added to CSLA as a Tornado Relief Supply Center

04/16/2020

To help our neighbors and community, Hamilton County Schools has established tornado relief supply centers as donation sites at Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts (CSLA) and Hixson Middle School. The sites will help Hamilton County families who have been impacted by the tornado damage this week. We thank you for your helping hand in caring for our Hamilton County families and neighbors.

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Photo: Volunteers putting together meals for Hamilton County Schools students.

New HCS Food Locations Open Today Targeted bus delivery will streamline routes and stops

04/15/2020

Food locations are expanding to 21 school sites across the county, and targeted bus delivery will streamline routes and stops. The Hamilton County Schools cafeteria locations will provide food pick-up from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. You do not need to enter the school cafeteria. The food is available as curbside service at the school locations and includes breakfast and lunch for two days. Food is free to any child 18 and under at sites and bus stops. It is a federal requirement the district must follow that children accompany an adult to a food pick-up location or bus stop to receive free meals.

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Photo: Lookout Mountain teacher and student.

A second opportunity to apply for choice options in Hamilton County Schools is now open

04/14/2020

A second opportunity to apply for Choose Hamilton is open now, with applications available on the district website. The Choose Hamilton application includes several select magnet, open enrollment, and early post-secondary options. Lookout Mountain Elementary is also now a new open enrollment option for the 2020-21 school year. The deadline to apply for Lookout Mountain is April 29. If there are more applications than seats available at Lookout Mountain Elementary, a lottery to select from applications for Lookout Mountain is scheduled for May 4.

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Photo: Ben Wall drinks his smoothie ingredients provided by students.

The measures teachers will extend themselves to reach their students

04/13/2020

Teachers have always extended themselves to the max to help reach their students and help them learn. Now, adding the element of distance learning and not being able to work with their students in the classroom has dedicated educators looking for even more creative ways to make a difference.

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Photo: (Top) Beck Chandler, Nicholas Raspberry, compete at the Tennessee State VEX IQ Championship Tournament.

Brown Academy team excels in the state robotics competition

04/13/2020

Students were hard at work learning in school before COVID-19 put a halt to the school year and relegated learning activities to homes. Many of our students were learning and excelling in VEX IQ Robotics competitions. Brown Academy was the only elementary school from Hamilton County Schools in the Tennessee State VEX IQ Robotics Tournament in March before schools closed.

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Photo: Students at CSAS Upper work on Chromebooks together.

High schools in Hamilton County Schools rank as some of the best in Tennessee

04/08/2020

Four high schools in Hamilton County Schools are in the top 35 best high schools in Tennessee in the latest Niche ratings of the 2020 Best Schools in America. The Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences Upper (CSAS) and the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA) are both ranked in the top 20 public high schools in the state. Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences came in at #14 in the Niche review. Right behind CSAS was the Center for Creative Arts at #16, STEM School Chattanooga #27, and Signal Mountain Middle/High School #31 in the latest listing of the best schools. The high school rankings compare the 349 public high schools in Tennessee.

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Derrick Webber and Will Denton, members of the Center of Creative Arts National Junior Honors Society read to students during the Seuss on the Loose project.

National Junior Honors Society honors the chapter at Center for Creative Arts

04/07/2020

The National Junior Honors Society (NJHS) has selected the NJHS chapter at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA) as one of the Outstanding Service Project Award recipients for 2020.

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Photo: Neshawn Calloway in her class at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts

Neshawn Calloway of CCA is a 2020 CMA Music Teacher of Excellence

04/02/2020

Neshawn Calloway, a vocal music teacher at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA), is the recipient of a 2020 CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence honor. The CMA Foundation, the national music education nonprofit and philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, plans to honor Calloway and 29 other teachers from across the country at its fifth annual Music Teacher of Excellence event in May.

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District 3-D printers make protective face shields for local healthcare workers

04/02/2020

Today, the Hamilton Video Feature spotlights the work of teachers and volunteers making protective face shields for local healthcare workers. The 3-D printers from across the districts were brought together at STEM School Chattanooga to have a 3-D printer farm working to produce protective devices for local doctors and nurses. The farm includes 73 printers from school VW eLabs, STEM labs, Fab labs, and makerspaces in Hamilton County Schools.

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Playgrounds at Hamilton County schools closed due to the Safer at Home Executive Order

03/31/2020

Playgrounds at Hamilton County schools are closed at this time due to the Safer at Home Executive Order Governor Lee issued on Monday, March 30, 2020. Signs and caution tape will be visible in the areas that are closed at local schools. Groups gathering at locations such as school playgrounds is discouraged as we work to slow the spread of coronavirus COVID-19.

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Online Kindergarten Registration Open Now

03/31/2020

Online registration for kindergarten in Hamilton County Schools for the 2020-2021 school year is open now, and runs through Friday. Due to schools being closed at this time, the district has postponed the day planned during the registration period to provide on-site registration at schools. Parents can access online kindergarten registration on the district’s website at www.hcde.org. Look under the “Parents & Students” tab on the home page for “Registration Information.” On the Registration Information page, there are several links to kindergarten registration. Video tutorials are available on the registration site to assist parents with the online process.

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Photo: (L to R) Amy Myhan, principal, Sequoyah High, Justin Thomason and James Cordell, Electrical Systems instructor at Sequoyah

I Am Hamilton - Justin Thomason, a senior at Sequoyah High

03/30/2020

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Justin Thomason, a senior at Sequoyah High. Thomason has been hailed a hero for jumping into action to provide life-saving assistance to a friend involved in a car accident. He was driving behind a friend near the school when the friend’s car left the road and struck a tree. Justin ran to help and saw his friend was bleeding and needed help. Justin took off his belt and wrapped it around his friend’s arm to form a tourniquet to stop the loss of blood. Emergency personnel who responded to the scene believe the quick actions of the senior may well have saved his friend’s life.

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Online Kindergarten Registration Still Scheduled to Begin March 30

03/25/2020

Online registration for kindergarten in Hamilton County Schools for the 2020-2021 school year begins Monday, March 30, and runs through Friday, April 3, 2020. Even though schools are closed, the online registration will continue. The district has postponed the day planned during the registration period to provide on-site registration opportunities at schools. Parents can access online [http://kindergarten%20online%20registration]kindergarten registration on the district’s website at www.hcde.org. Look under the “Parents & Students” tab on the home page for “Registration Information.” Video tutorials will be available on the registration site to assist parents with the online process.

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Hamilton County School workers providing food while schools are clsoed

Hamilton County Schools providing food while schools are closed

03/20/2020

To assist children and families with food while schools are closed, meals will be prepared at select school cafeterias in Hamilton County Schools for food pickup, and school buses will deliver food to areas where families can’t get to a school location. At schools and bus stop locations, Meals are provided free to all children age 18 and under.

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Photo: Jackie Atchison, assistant director of Admissions and coordinator of the Stamps Scholars Program, presents the scholarship to Eliza Moore at Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts

CCA senior surprised with a Mercer University Scholarship

03/12/2020

Representatives of Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, visited Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts today, March 11, to surprise Eliza Moore, a senior at the school with a full-ride scholarship. Moore and her family had no idea what was in store for them today as they gathered at the school. Mercer representatives presented the senior with a Stamps Scholar Award that includes full tuition, room and board, an iPad, and a $16,000 enrichment stipend to be disseminated over four years. Moore can use these funds to study abroad, for undergraduate research, internship opportunities, conference fees, and travel.

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Photo: Dionne Upton, principal of Woodmore Elementary and winning teacher Jerome Souther check out the instruments in the Little Kids Rock program.

Usher and Little Kids Rock bring instruments to innovate music education in 20 Hamilton County Schools

03/09/2020

Today, March 4, Usher’s Nancy Lackey Community Education Fund and national music education nonprofit, Little Kids Rock, announced a partnership to launch Little Kids Rock’s highly inclusive, culturally relevant, and innovative music education programs in 20 new Hamilton County Schools. More than 3,500 students will benefit from the unique curriculum and instrument donation, including guitars, drums, keyboards, drum sets, and more. The group announced the awarding of the music programs at Brainerd High School.

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Photo: Alyssa McGhee, a ninth-grade student at STEM School Chattanooga, shares her STEM learning experience with the Indiana visitors.

Indiana educators visit Hamilton County Schools to see VW eLab innovation in action

03/09/2020

Hamilton County Schools continues to shine as a beacon of innovative education across the country. This week, more than 40 leaders from 10 school districts in central Indiana visited to get a first-hand experience in the digital fabrication and STEM ecosystems in Hamilton County Schools. The HCS Office of Innovation and School Choice, in partnership with the Public Education Foundation (PEF), coordinated and hosted the visit, which showcased a variety of innovative practices in the VW eLabs at Dalewood Middle School, Soddy Daisy Middle School, Hixson Middle School, and STEM School Chattanooga on Tuesday, March 3.

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Photo: (L to R) Ali Windrow is presented her I Am Hamilton shirt by Hixson Elementary Principal Ursula Greene and Kat Kittle

I Am Hamilton Video Feature Ali Windrow, school psychologist at Hixson Elementary and Middle Valley Elementary

03/03/2020

Today, the “I am Hamilton” video feature spotlights Ali Windrow, a school psychologist at Hixson Elementary and Middle Valley Elementary. Windrow is in just her fifth year of working as a school psychologist, but she has made a significant impact on the schools and children she has served during that time.

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Coronavirus preparations and preventative measures in place in Hamilton County Schools

03/03/2020

Hamilton County Schools is working closely with the Chattanooga – Hamilton County Health Department as the concern nationwide regarding the Coronavirus increases. The local Health Department is in close contact with its partners, the Tennessee Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to monitor the situation and get the latest health recommendations, and they share that information with our school district. There are no known cases of Coronavirus in our area. Even so, Hamilton County Schools will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of all viruses in our community and schools.

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Photo: Proposed map of redistricting for East Hamilton Middle

Redistricting plan revised for East Hamilton and Ooltewah

03/02/2020

Redistricting plans continue to evolve as Hamilton County Schools reviews community responses to plans for changes in attendance areas. The changes are required due to the addition of the new East Hamilton Middle School this fall. Hamilton County Schools has revised the attendance area maps for the East Hamilton and Ooltewah attendance areas after considering the information received during discussions with parents during community meetings and the results of the initial redistricting proposal survey.

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Photo: (L to R) Nathaniel Edwards presents an I Am Hamilton shirt to Airicka Richardson, and Reuben Justice presents a shirt to Jack Graham.

Central High seniors bring back an alumnus for Black History Month

03/02/2020

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Airicka Richardson and Jack Graham, both sophomores at Central High School. The two worked to bring back an alumnus who was one of the first African American students to integrate Central High. The two invited Reuben Justice to visit the school and talk with three history classes as part of a Black History Month presentation on Wednesday, February 26.

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Photo: Dr. Johnson talking to students at Hixson High in Nursing Education

Education Week releases Dr. Johnson’s Leader to Learn From video in the organization’s newsletter

02/26/2020

Last Wednesday, Education Week, an independent news organization covering K-12 Education, included Superintendent Bryan Johnson in its Leaders to Learn From for 2020. This week, the organization released a video of Dr. Johnson as they featured him as a Leader to Learn From in the organization’s newsletter. The video follows Dr. Johnson and talks with staff and students to find out what makes him a leader whose vision they are inspired to follow.

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Photo: United Way Kiosk Opening and Community Service Fair Flyer

North River Learning Community to kick-off access to a United Way Kiosk with a community fair

02/25/2020

The schools of the North River Learning Community will hold a community fair on Thursday, February 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Middle Valley Elementary, 1609 Thrasher Pike, Hixson. The fair will kick-off access to a United Way kiosk at Middle Valley that will be available at the school to parents, the community, and others in the North River Learning Community. The event is called North River Connects 211 and will feature free stuff, food trucks, and student performances.

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Photo of the three new principals selected

New principals selected for next school year

02/25/2020

Three new principals have been selected to lead schools in Hamilton County Schools for the 2020-2021 School year. The schools will be the new East Hamilton Middle School scheduled to open in the fall, Washington Alternative School, and Orchard Knob Elementary School.

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Photo: Ashlynn Verstrat, a senior at STEM School Chattanooga, views images under the 4K microscope using the large screen.

STEM School Chattanooga's high-tech microscope featured in a national publication

02/24/2020

A 4K microscope generally limited to high-level research universities or the Center for Disease Control in the past is opening new opportunities for students at STEM School Chattanooga and has put the school in the national spotlight. The 74, a national non-profit, non-partisan news site covering education in America, carried a feature article about how schools and students are using 4K microscopes to prepare for the future and included students and programs at STEM School Chattanooga. STEM School is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics magnet school in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community in Hamilton County Schools. Thanks to the new technology and the community’s commitment to fiber optics and high-speed internet, science work at the school that would have been out of a textbook in the past is now available to students through one of the most advanced microscopes in the country.

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Photo: (Left to Right) Iliya Mikhaylishin and Riley Cramer, tenth-graders at Harrison Bay Future Ready Center, prepare to launch a rocket.

Mission to Mars at Harrison Bay Future Ready Center awarded TVA STEM Education Grant

02/24/2020

Harrison Bay Future Ready Center’s Mission to Mars project was recently awarded a grant of $2,500 by the Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers Incorporated for a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education project.

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Photo: (L to R) CSAS students present Reggie Jordan with an I Am Hamilton shirt.

I Am Hamilton - Reggie Jordan, a crossing guard at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences

02/20/2020

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Reggie Jordan, a crossing guard at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (CSAS) in the Rock Point Learning Community. Students, parents, and staff at CSAS nominated Jordan for the excellent job he does, and for the great welcome to school, he provides as children cross the street going to school and parents are dropping children off in the morning or picking them up at the end of the school day.

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Dr. Johnson talks with a child at Lookout Valley Elementary

Dr. Bryan Johnson is selected to Education Week’s 2020 Leaders To Learn From

02/19/2020

Education Week, an independent news organization covering K-12 education since 1981, announced today that Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, is one of their Leaders to Learn From for 2020. Education Week honored Dr. Johnson for leadership in career and technical education, his vision to bring Future Ready Institutes to Hamilton County Schools, and their impact on preparing graduates to be ready for future success.

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Photo: Wallace A. Smith Elementary students receive Tennessee Reward School banner.

Wallace A. Smith Elementary is a Tennessee Reward School

02/18/2020

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Photo: Lookout Mountain Elementary students receive Tennessee Reward School banner.

Lookout Mountain Elementary is a Tennessee Reward School

02/18/2020

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Photo: Teacher and students interacting.

Annual Teacher Hiring Event for Hamilton County Schools is this Saturday at Ooltewah High

02/18/2020

If you are looking for a place to make a difference for children or the community, a rewarding career awaits you in a Hamilton County classroom. Hamilton County Schools will host a Teacher Hiring Event on Saturday, February 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at Ooltewah High School, 6123 Mountain View Road, Ooltewah, TN. The event seeks to find the very best teaching candidates to fill openings for the next school year.

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Photo: (L to R) Olivia Mayes, a sophomore, Zach Huseman, a sophomore, and Brooke Roughton, a junior, perform during the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts Dinner and the Arts event held in January.

Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts Named National Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America

02/18/2020

Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA) has been named a 2020 National Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. Only a select group of magnet schools across the country earn the Magnet School of Excellence Award. Schools selected are eligible to receive monetary awards and have the opportunity to be named the nation’s top elementary, secondary, or new & emerging magnet school. One of the honored schools will also be selected to win $5,000 and the Dr. Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award, which is considered the most prestigious magnet school award in the nation.

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Four Hamilton County seniors are National Merit Finalists

02/17/2020

The list of National Merit Finalists released this week includes four seniors from Hamilton County Schools. Three of the four are from Signal Mountain Middle/High and one is from Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences. Students named finalists are the highest-scoring students in each state and continue in the competition for a National Merit Scholarship. These students represent the top 1.12 percent of seniors in the nation in academics.

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Photo of staff and students receiving Tennessee Reward School banner.

Sale Creek Middle/High is a Tennessee Reward School

02/13/2020

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Photo: (L to R) Dr. LeAngela Rogers, principal, Hixson Middle, and Sgt. Aaron E. Berry present Chris Green with an I Am Hamilton shirt.

I Am Hamilton-Chris Green, a bus driver in the Hixson area

02/13/2020

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Chris Green, a bus driver in the Hixson attendance area in the North River Learning Community. Mr. Green was nominated by a parent at Hixson Middle School for the excellent job he does making the morning a great start for children riding his bus.

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Photo of East Ridge Elementary staff, leadership, and students receiving banner for becoming a Leader In Me Lighthouse School

East Ridge Elementary is one of only five Tennessee schools named a Leader in Me Lighthouse School

02/12/2020

Franklin Covey Education has certified East Ridge Elementary as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School. The school is one of only five with this designation in the state, and there are only 300 in the world. The Covey recognition is evidence that the school has produced outstanding school and student results implementing the Leader in Me process. The East Ridge Elementary experience with the Leader in Me program has had an extraordinary impact on staff, students, parents, and the East Ridge community.

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Photo: Middle Valley Staff and Students receive Tennessee Reward School banner.

Middle Valley Elementary is a Tennessee Reward School

02/10/2020

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Photo: Image of Loftis Middle School student receiving Tennessee Reward School banner

Loftis Middle School is a Tennessee Reward School

02/04/2020

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Photo: Teacher and coach Ron Nance and his rock climbing team.

I Am Hamilton Video Feature - Ron Nance, English teacher and coach at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences

02/03/2020

Today, the “I am Hamilton” video feature spotlights Ron Nance, a high school English teacher and rock climbing coach at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences. Nance is in his eighteenth year of teaching English and he is energized by his recent role as coach of students in the rock climbing club at the school. The club started in just the high school grades but has now expanded to the middle school grades at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences.

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Photo: Collegiate High students and educators receive Tennessee Reward School Banner.

Collegiate High at Chattanooga State is a Tennessee Reward School

02/03/2020

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Teachers of the Year are selected for Hamilton County Schools

01/31/2020

Hamilton County Schools surprised three of the best classroom teachers in the district today with the announcement of their selection as a Teacher of the Year for the school system. The Teachers of the Year are Michelle Bailey, a multiage teacher at Thrasher Elementary School, for the elementary grades division; David Jackson, a seventh-grade teacher at Brown Middle School, for middle grades in the fifth through eighth-grade division; and Emily McDonald, a math teacher at Red Bank High School in the high school division. Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson made the announcements this morning by surprising the teachers in their classrooms. These three exceptional teachers will now advance to the state level in the Teacher of the Year recognition for Tennessee.

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Photo: Chattanooga High Center for Create Arts students and staff receive 2018-2019 Tennessee Reward School Banner

Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts is a Tennessee Reward School

01/29/2020

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts magnet school in the Rock Point Learning Community displays the new banner from the state recognizing their accomplishment at the school’s 11th Annual Dinner and the Arts event held on Friday. The talent showcase celebrated CCA’s 20th anniversary. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee.

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(Top left) Addison Hamilton, (Top Right) Kim Delgadillo, (Second row left) Lily Michel, (Second row right) Amilcar Vargas Lucas (Bottom) The artwork of Yisel Garcia

Student artwork selected to decorate EPB utility boxes in the community

01/28/2020

EPB has selected five winners from Hamilton County Schools for their second annual “ArtSpark Goes to School” challenge. Five students from Hamilton County Schools were honored by EPB recently at the UTC Challenger Center when EPB announced the selection of their artwork. The winners were Kim Delgadillo and Lily Michel from Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts, Yisel Garcia and Addison Hamilton from Hixson High and Amilcar Vargas Lucas from The Howard School. The winning artwork will be showcased on EPB utility boxes this spring in Downtown Chattanooga and on the North Shore.

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(L to R) Olivia Bagby, district lead for Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County, presents Kaylea Moore with her I Am Hamilton shirt.

I Am Hamilton - Kaylea Moore, a student at Tyner Academy

01/24/2020

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Kaylea Moore, a sophomore in the UTC Institute of Teaching and Learning at Tyner Academy. Kaylea is a student ambassador for the UTC Institute and represents the program and school at special functions and meetings. She helps to recruit prospective students into the program and hosts visitors and guests interested in the program. Kaylea recently helped when the school hosted Frank Brogan from the U.S. Department of Education. Along with her institute activities, she is also ranked number one in her class.

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Julia Murphy, a ninth-grader at East Hamilton School, using the Audible app.

Middle and high school students read more with access to free audiobooks from Audible

01/23/2020

Audible has selected Hamilton County Schools for participation in their Student Technology Program that provides free audiobooks for students in grades 8 through 12. Audible, the world’s largest producer and distributor of audiobooks and other spoken-word entertainment, provides the students and their English language arts teachers, with an Audible account providing free access to a collection of 80 titles commonly used in grades 8-12. The Audible program provides Hamilton County Schools with 18,000 free subscriptions during the 2019-2020 school year and is available to students in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community. Students and staff have activated over 6,000 Audible accounts at the half-way point in the school year.

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Daisy Elementary Staff and Students receiving Tennessee Reward School banner.

Daisy Elementary School is a Tennessee Reward School

01/23/2020

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A student in the CHI Memorial Institute of Healthcare and Medical Careers at Hixson High works with the robot surgical unit.

CHI Memorial partners with Hixson High Future Ready Institute healthcare program

01/23/2020

CHI Memorial formally announced a partnership with the successful Hixson High Future Ready Institute healthcare program on Tuesday. The announcement involved administration and students from Hixson High, CHI Memorial representatives, district administrators, and leaders in the Future Ready Institute program.

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Photo of Bess t. Shepherd Elementary School staff and students receiving Tennessee Reward Banner

Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School is a Tennessee Reward School

01/22/2020

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Photo of McConnell Elementary School staff and students receive Tennessee Reward School banner.

McConnell Elementary School is a Tennessee Reward School

01/21/2020

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DuPont Elementary Staff and Students receive Tennessee Reward School Banner.

DuPont Elementary School is a Tennessee Reward School

01/21/2020

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Photo of Allen Elementary School staff and students receive Tennessee Reward School Banner

Allen Elementary School is a Tennessee Reward School

01/21/2020

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Elaine Harper selected to lead the North River Learning Community in Hamilton County Schools

01/17/2020

Elaine Harper, principal of Red Bank High School, is the new executive director of the North River Learning Community in Hamilton County Schools. Harper moves into the position formerly held by Dr. Neelie Parker, who took over as chief schools officer for Hamilton County Schools in December. The North River Learning Community includes Hixson High, Sale Creek Middle/High, Sequoyah High, Soddy Daisy High, Hixson Middle, Loftis Middle, Soddy Daisy Middle, Soddy Elementary, Daisy Elementary, Hixson Elementary, Allen Elementary, Big Ridge Elementary, DuPont Elementary, McConnell Elementary, Middle Valley Elementary, and North Hamilton County Elementary.

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Photo of staff and students of East Hamilton Middle/High receiving Tennessee Reward School Banner

East Hamilton Middle/High is a Tennessee Reward School

01/15/2020

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Principal Brent Eller and students from East Hamilton in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community display the new banner from the state recognizing their accomplishment. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee.

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Photo of Soddy Elementary staff and students receiving Tennessee Reward Banner.

Soddy Elementary is a Tennessee Reward School

01/14/2020

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Assistant Principal Meghan Moss and students from Soddy Elementary in the North River Learning Community display the new banner from the state recognizing their accomplishment. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee.

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Photo: (L to R) Chris Tillett, principal, Allen Elementary; and Kelley Perrin, Chloey Green’s teacher at Allen, present Chloey with her I Am Hamilton shirt

I Am Hamilton - Chloey Green, a student at Allen Elementary

01/13/2020

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Chloey Green, a fifth-grader at Allen Elementary. Chloey presented an idea to her school leaders to help encourage a young child she knew who had been affected by bullying in another state. She wanted children at Allen to write letters of encouragement to the child to show there is kindness in the world. The fifth-grade students at Allen responded by sending more than 60 letters to the young man to help him through a difficult time.

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Adam Scales receives his I Am Hamilton shirt

I Am Hamilton - Adam Scales, Future Ready Institute of Aviation

12/30/2019

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Adam Scales, a retired engineer from TVA and a pilot who filled in as the instructor for the Future Ready Institute of Aviation at Brainerd High School at the beginning of this school year. Scales is a retired engineer but he also runs two businesses and holds a pilot’s license as part of his work with the businesses. Still, he found time to work with the teens at Brainerd in the aviation program. Scales had served on the program’s advisory board and knew of the school’s need when the program lost its instructor at the beginning of the year. Scales was able to step away from the instructor position recently as the program found a new instructor.

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Adam Scales, Future Ready Institute of Aviation

12/30/2019

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Kelly Subaru donates science books to Calvin Donaldson

12/27/2019

Before the holiday break, representatives from Kelly Subaru visited Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy to deliver science books donated through the Subaru Loves Learning initiative. Kelly Subaru has selected Calvin Donaldson as its partner in their local efforts for Subaru. The automaker partners with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to broaden the world of children through the study of science, engineering, and innovation.

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Hamilton County Schools selected to improve state science instruction as part of Tennessee District Science Network

12/26/2019

Hamilton County Schools is one of six districts in the state selected to participate in the Tennessee District Science Network (TDSciN). The network, which launched in April 2019, is a collection of six Tennessee school districts helping to improve science teaching and learning of the new Tennessee Academic Standards for Science. The five districts selected along with Hamilton County Schools include Anderson County Schools, Kingsport City Schools, Knox County Schools, Oak Ridge Schools, and Rutherford County Schools. According to a release from TDSciN, the districts selected represent a variety of district sizes and perspectives and have made science standards implementation a priority. Achieve, a nonprofit education organization supporting states and districts to develop solutions to policy and implementation challenges, launched TDSciN.

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I Am Hamilton - Bill Laubscher

12/13/2019

Today, the “I am Hamilton” video feature spotlights Bill Laubscher, a grandparent and volunteer at Wolftever Creek Elementary School. Laubscher loves volunteering at Wolftever Creek to spend time with his grandchild and make a difference in the school.

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Children from Big Ridge display the school banner

Big Ridge Elementary School is a Tennessee Reward School for 2019

12/13/2019

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Dr. Haven and his class with their books

Ooltewah High Spanish class receives $1,000 grant from McKee Baking

12/12/2019

Little Debbie is not just the name of a road in the community or the well-known brand of snack treats found in lunch boxes. Little Debbie is also helping students at Ooltewah High learn new languages. McKee Baking Company, distributors of Little Debbie, provides grants for local schools and awarded a $1,000 grant to Ooltewah High.

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Nikki Russell is presented the award for Outstanding Technology Teacher of the Year at the Tennessee Educational Technology Conference held the first week in December.

Local teacher is Tennessee’s Outstanding Technology Teacher of the Year

12/11/2019

Nikki Russell, STEM teacher at Orchard Knob Elementary School, was awarded the Outstanding Technology Teacher of the Year award from the statewide Tennessee Educational Technology Association. The recognition is awarded to only one person in Tennessee each year. With over 15 years as an educator in the Chattanooga and North Georgia areas, Russell’s work as an educator has touched children in numerous elementary schools. Last year as a STEM teacher and science leader at Orchard Knob Elementary School, She orchestrated over 60 learning exploration field trips for students to give them hands-on experiences in STEM. Not only is Russell certified as a Google Educator, Apple Teacher, Ozobot Certified Educator, and Microsoft Educator, she is also a graduate of the Public Education Foundation’s Leadership and STEM Fellows programs.

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Photo of Dr. Justin Robertson and Neelie Parker

Two proven leaders in Hamilton County Schools take on new challenges

12/09/2019

Two proven leaders with many years of experience in Hamilton County Schools are taking on new challenges in the district for the children of the community. Dr. Justin Robertson, chief schools officer for the system for the past two years, will move to chief of operations, and Neelie Parker, the executive director of the North River Learning Community, will become the new chief of schools. The two will begin their new roles immediately. Both Robertson and Parker have deep family roots in the community, and they have experience at the school and district level for Hamilton County Schools.

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Students from East Side Elementary present an I Am Hamilton shirt to Cathy Jennings, coordinator of school health for Hamilton County Schools. Students left to right: Meghan, Robert, Jany and Victor

I Am Hamilton- Cathy Jennings

12/09/2019

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Cathy Jennings, the coordinator of school health for Hamilton County Schools. The Jennings nomination lauded her work, helping schools get walking tracks as well as her work to secure pajamas for children to wear to school on PJ Polar Express Day. On this special day, children wear their pajamas to school to celebrate the winter holidays. She helped Wallace A. Smith and North Hamilton Elementary get a walking track earlier this year, and one is in the works for East Side Elementary.

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Photo: Loftis Middle School performs during Christmas at the Courthouse.

Christmas at the Courthouse showcasing performers from Hamilton County Schools continues next week

12/09/2019

Over the first two weeks of December, the annual Christmas at the Courthouse concert series showcases student ensembles from twenty Hamilton County Schools. The performances continue next week.

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East Hamilton teen wins Chopped Jr TV show

12/05/2019

Kyla Curry, an eighth-grader at East Hamilton Middle/High, knows how to chop, measure, and prepare some great dishes, and her cooking ability helped her rise to the top to win the Chopped Jr. cooking reality show last night. The show aired on the Food Network series at 8 p.m. The show Kayla appeared on was recorded over the summer in New York.

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Veteran principal Wendy Jung selected to lead the new Harrison Elementary School

12/03/2019

Wendy Jung will be the principal at the new Harrison Elementary School when it opens next fall. Jung is currently the principal of Harrison Elementary and has served as the school’s leader for the last four years. The new Harrison Elementary is under construction and will be completed for the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.

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Photo of James Corbin veteran police officer, national school safety trainer, and educator selected as the first student security coordinator for Hamilton County Schools

A veteran police officer, national school safety trainer, and educator selected as the first student security coordinator for Hamilton County Schools

12/03/2019

School safety is a top priority for Hamilton County Schools, and a veteran police officer who has worked at the national level to improve safety in schools has been selected to coordinate safety efforts for the school district. James Corbin, PH.D., a director in the area of school safety with Corbin and Associates, is the new student security coordinator for Hamilton County Schools. Corbin has also spent more than ten years teaching in the classroom during his career.

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GivingTuesday matches your gift 50% when you support a local classroom tomorrow

12/02/2019

The Thanksgiving feast is finished, and the holiday shopping frenzy is underway, so Tuesday will be an excellent day to pause and help a local classroom in Hamilton County Schools with a donation. Tuesday, December 3, 2019, is GivingTuesday with an opportunity for you to bring the classroom dreams of teachers and students to life. On Tuesday, every donation to teacher requests on DonorsChoose will be matched 50% to take a classroom dream closer to the goal. Visit the Hamilton County Schools section of the DonorsChoose site to browse projects of teachers in Hamilton County Schools to find the perfect project for you to back with a donation, and your donation will be matched. The match begins at 7 a.m. tomorrow on the DonorsChoose website.

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Students sing at the old County Courthouse

Christmas at the Courthouse to showcase performers from twenty Hamilton County Schools

11/27/2019

Over the first two weeks of December, the annual Christmas at the Courthouse concert series will showcase student ensembles from twenty Hamilton County Schools. “This decades-old tradition for Hamilton County Government recognizes public servants and elected officials with sounds of the season provided by students from elementary, middle, and high schools in Hamilton County Schools,” said Claire Stockman, arts director for the school district.

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New State Report Card Shows Hamilton County Schools Exceeding the State in Achievement Gains

11/25/2019

You remember what it was like when you received a great report card in school. You ran home with that report and thrust it into a parent’s hand and waited with a big grin on your face for the gushing accolades that were sure to come. That is the feeling in Hamilton County Schools with the release of the state report card today by the Tennessee Department of Education. It has been a great year for Hamilton County Schools with individual reports of progress and successes. Those little victories added up to an excellent report card. Hamilton County Schools showed record results in student growth and also outpaced the state in academic achievement!

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Applications open for school choice options in Hamilton County Schools

11/22/2019

Hamilton County Schools has choices and options for parents and children to fit the interests and career aspirations of any child in the Tennessee Valley. The school choice application window is now open for parents to apply for their children to attend a choice option school in Hamilton County Schools for the fall of 2020. Parents can choose from 15 magnet schools, eight open enrollment schools, five early college option programs, or more than 28 Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County high schools.

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Photo of Ooltewah Elementary School staff and students receiving 2019 Tennessee Reward School banner.

Ooltewah Elementary School is a Tennessee Reward School for 2019

11/22/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Ooltewah Elementary in the Harrison Bay Learning Community displays their new banner from the state recognizing the accomplishment. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee. County Commissioner Randy Fairbanks visited to present the banner to the students and staff at Ooltewah Elementary School.

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Frank Brogan, U.S. Department of Education assistant secretary, talks about careers in technology with Joseph Swanson, a sophomore in the EPB Institute of Technology

U.S. Department of Education’s Frank Brogan lauds Future Ready Institutes as “incredible and significant.”

11/22/2019

Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County Schools have been in our high schools for a little over a year, but word has spread to Washington, D. C. about how these programs are preparing teens for success after graduation. This week, Frank Brogan, U.S. Department of Education assistant secretary of elementary and secondary education, visited the Future Ready Institutes at Tyner Academy to see students and teachers at work.

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Image of Tre Herndon, former East Hamilton athlete playing for Jacksonville Jaguars.

Former East Hamilton student/athlete now a rising NFL star for the Jacksonville Jaguars plays in Nashville this Sunday

11/22/2019

Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars arrive in Nashville to play the Titans in an important game in the AFC South division. The visit to Nashville will also be a trip home for defensive back Tre Herndon, a former star for the East Hamilton Hurricanes. The Jaguars’ second-year defensive back is quickly becoming recognized as a rising star in the National Football League. Herndon’s climb to success is in spite of not being selected in the NFL draft. He is one of only four undrafted rookies to make the Jaguars’ opening day roster since 2015.

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Photo of staff and administrators receiving 2019 Tennessee Reward School banner.

Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences Lower is a Tennessee Reward School for 2019

11/22/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences Lower in the Rock Point Learning Community held an event at the Signal downtown and unveiled their new banner from the state recognizing the accomplishment. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee.

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Bill Gates signs the banner to support Howard becoming one of the fastest improving schools in the state as Principal Dr. LeAndrea Ware smiles in appreciation of his support.

Bill Gates’ blog features successes at The Howard School and Gestamp

11/22/2019

Bill Gates’ blog called GatesNotes for November 21, 2019, posted yesterday with a story about The Howard School and the Gestamp internship program in Hamilton County Schools. The blog features the Howard turnaround to prepare teens in the community for success after graduation. The title of the blog “I love this school’s energy!” sets the tone for Gates’ impressions of The Howard School and Gestamp from his recent visit to Chattanooga.

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Photo of Tim Goode, a teacher at East Hamilton Middle/High, presents an I Am Hamilton shirt to Jordyn Griffith and Aliza Smith

I Am Hamilton Video Feature Aliza Smith, a junior, and Jordyn Griffith, a senior at East Hamilton Middle/High

11/21/2019

Today, the “I am Hamilton” video feature spotlights Aliza Smith, a junior; and Jordyn Griffith, a senior at East Hamilton Middle/High. The two represented Tennessee as the only two students in the state to attend the Inclusive Youth Leadership Summit in Chicago in September.

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Photo of Ashley Cox, English Department Head at The Howard School with her classroom library funded by DonorsChoose.

Hamilton County Schools and National nonprofit DonorsChoose Announce New Partnership

11/21/2019

Hamilton County Schools announced today a new partnership with the national nonprofit DonorsChoose to help teachers tap into a network of 4 million donors to support classroom projects and connect with the district’s five-year strategic plan Future Ready 2023. Hamilton County Schools is now one of 30 DonorsChoose District Partners.

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Photo of CSAS teachers and staff receiving 2019 Tennessee Reward School banner.

Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences Upper is a Tennessee Reward School for 2019

11/21/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences Upper in the Rock Point Learning Community held an event at The Signal downtown and unveiled their new banner from the state recognizing the accomplishment. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee.

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Photo of Westview Elementary staff and students receiving 2019 reward school banner.

Westview Elementary is a 2019 Tennessee Reward School

11/20/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Westview Elementary School in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community held an assembly to unveil their new banner from the state recognizing the accomplishment. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee. State Senator Todd Gardenhire; and County Commissioners Sabrena Smedley and Randy Fairbanks presented the banner to the staff and students at Westview Elementary.

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Photo of Tennessee Department of Education Governor's Civics Seal

Hamilton County Schools has Seven U.S. Civics All-Star Schools for 2019

11/20/2019

Seven schools in Hamilton County Schools have earned the designation of United States Civics All-Star Schools for 2019. The schools are Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts, Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences – Upper, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State, Ivey Academy, Sale Creek Middle /High, and STEM School Chattanooga. Civics All-Star Schools are schools in which all seniors earned a 70 percent or higher on the U.S. Civics Test. Seven schools earning the state honor is an increase from three schools last year in Hamilton County Schools. Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts, Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State, and STEM School Chattanooga are all repeat Civics All-Star Schools earning the honor last year and this year.

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Community survey is now open for MGT facilities study for Hamilton County Schools

11/19/2019

MGT, a nationally recognized company specializing in school facilities, has released the survey link to allow the community to provide thoughts on the facility study group’s plans for school buildings in Hamilton County Schools. MGT presented the company’s preliminary findings earlier this year. The findings of the company are preliminary at this stage and have not been presented to the board as a final recommendation, and the board has not approved a final report. The survey is the next step to allow MGT to complete a final recommendation to the board by helping MGT get the community perspective and better understand the role schools the school facilities play in the social fabric of our community before making final recommendations.

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Photo of Thrasher Elementary staff and students receiving 2019 Tennessee Reward School banner.

Thrasher Elementary is a 2019 Tennessee Reward School

11/18/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Thrasher Elementary School in the Rock Point Learning Community held an assembly to unveil their new banner from the state recognizing the accomplishment. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee. Dr. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community; David Carroll, WRCB Channel 3; and County Commissioner Randy Fairbanks presented the banner to the staff and students at Thrasher Elementary.

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Leadership Hamilton County Schools group discussion

The second class of Leadership Hamilton County Schools is getting an inside look at public schools in the community

11/15/2019

The second class of Leadership Hamilton County Schools is underway with an opportunity for 28 community leaders to get involved in the community’s public schools. Leadership Hamilton County Schools is a six-session program running through April that will allow participants to experience the people and programs in our area schools preparing children for success after graduation. The next session is scheduled to meet at Hixson High School on Tuesday, November 19. The November meeting is the third session for the 2020 Class of Leadership Hamilton County Schools.

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Demo Day kicks-off work on the world’s first Global Center for Digital Innovation

11/15/2019

Hamilton County Schools already features the world’s largest number of Digital Fab Labs but will soon add another first in providing learning environments to prepare graduates for the future. Hamilton County Schools, Chattanooga State Community College, and local dignitaries joined in demolishing a wall to mark the beginning of work on the world’s first Global Center for Innovation on Wednesday, November 14. Students in kindergarten through twelfth-grade in Hamilton County Schools, as well as first and second-year college students at Chattanooga State, will use the digital fabrication lab. The college campus will be the home for the new Global Center for Innovation that will be located near the STEM School Chattanooga campus.

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Deb Socia discusses education in a Leadership HCS session

The second class of Leadership Hamilton County Schools is getting an inside look at public schools in the community

11/15/2019

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Harvard Ed Magazine features success plans for children in Hamilton County Schools

11/14/2019

The fall edition of Harvard Ed Magazine explores work in school districts seeking to develop Success Plans for all children and features work in Hamilton County Schools to prepare students for success after graduation. We know that every child is different and requires varied approaches to learning. Much like IEPs are needed for students with disabilities to ensure each child receives instruction that will fit the needs of each child, Success Plans extend that concept to all students to provide the optimum opportunity for each child to be successful. Success Plans are part of the school district’s work with the Harvard Education Redesign Lab’s By All Means initiative.

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East Hamilton basketball player Madison Hayes signs with Mississippi State

11/14/2019

East Hamilton Lady Hurricanes player, Madison Hayes, signed to play basketball with the Mississippi State Bulldogs women’s basketball program on the opening of the college signing period. Hayes’ family, friends, and supporters joined her as she signed in the East Hamilton Middle/High gym. Hayes selected Mississippi State over more than 20 other Division I offers she received.

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Apison Elementary holds Reward Schools banner

Apison Elementary is a Tennessee Reward School for 2019

11/14/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Apison Elementary School in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community held an assembly to unveil their new banner from the state recognizing the accomplishment. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee. Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community, presented the banner to the staff at Apison Elementary.

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Photo of Hixson Elementary students and staff receiving Tennessee Reward School Banner for 2019.

Hixson Elementary is a Tennessee Reward School for 2019

11/13/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Hixson Elementary School in the North River Learning Community held an assembly to unveil their new banner from the state recognizing the accomplishment. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee. Hixson High cheerleaders and the school mascot help the Hixson Elementary students celebrate the accomplishment.

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Image of three hamilton county school officials receiving their A.F. Bridges Awards by TSSAA.

Three from Hamilton County Schools are presented A.F. Bridges Awards by TSSAA

11/11/2019

Angela Cass, principal of Ooltewah High, Mandi Munn, athletic director at Red Bank High, and Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, are winners from District 3 in the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s (TSSAA) A.F. Bridges Awards for 2019. The awards presentation was the 20th year that TSSAA has recognized what is best in high school athletics by presenting the Bridges Awards. Dr. Bryan Johnson won the School System Administrator award, Angela Cass took the Principal of the Year award, and Mandi Munn, the Athletic Director of the Year award for District 3.

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Photo of Red Bank Middle students and teachers receiving their 2019 Tennessee Reward School banner.

Red Bank Middle is a 2019 Tennessee Reward School

11/11/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Red Bank Middle School in the Rock Point Learning Community held an assembly to unveil their new banner from the state recognizing their accomplishment. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee. Dr. David Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community; Randy Fairbanks, Hamilton County Commissioner for District 1; and Chip Baker, Hamilton County Commissioner for District 2, presented the banner to the students and staff at Red Bank Middle.

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Photo of Paul Baker, Lorie Collier, and Fannie Moore with an I Am Hamilton shirt.

I Am Hamilton: Paul Baker, a student at Thrasher Elementary School

11/11/2019

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Paul Baker, a fifth-grade student at Thrasher Elementary. Paul has been on a mission to buy books for other elementary children. He earned over $500 to buy books and delivered them to children at Calvin Donaldson Elementary, Hardy Elementary, Orchard Knob Elementary, Woodmore Elementary, and Alpine Crest Elementary.

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Photo of East Brainerd Elementary receiving banner for 2019 TN Reward School

East Brainerd Elementary is a TN Reward School for 2019

11/11/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. East Brainerd Elementary in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community held a special assembly program recently to unveil their new banner from the state. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee. East Hamilton cheerleaders present the Reward School banner to students and staff at East Brainerd Elementary.

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Dr. LeAndrea Ware is the Tennessee Principal of the Year

11/11/2019

Dr. LeAndrea Ware, principal of The Howard School, was named the 2019-2020 Tennessee Principal of the Year at the Tennessee Department of Education’s LEAD conference in Nashville last night. The announcement came during the annual honorary banquet at the conference.

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Image of Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts students with the 2019 Tennessee Reward school banner.

Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts is a 2019 TN Reward School

11/11/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community recently unveiled their new banner from the state recognizing their accomplishment. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee.

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Photo of Rai Laird teaching students in her classroom.

Better Together Teacher Feature: Rai Laird-East Lake Academy

11/11/2019

Exceptional education teachers are special educators teaching children with unique gifts. These exceptional learning leaders not only teach children but are advocates, protectors, and special guides the children rely on each day in Hamilton County Schools. Rai Laird, known as Ms. Rai by her students at East Lake Academy, is one of these exceptional teachers, and she works each day helping children find their voice.

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I Am Hamilton: Paul Baker, a student at Thrasher Elementary School

11/11/2019

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STEM School is a Tennessee Reward School

STEM School Chattanooga, Reward School

11/05/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. STEM School Chattanooga in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community held a special assembly program recently to unveil their new banner from the state. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee. State Senator Todd Gardenhire and Representative Yusuf Hakeem presented the banner to students and Dr. Tony Donen, principal at STEM School Chattanooga.

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Max Burke, a 2019 graduate of Signal Mountain High and achiever of a perfect score of 36 on the ACT.

ACT Participation Increases for HCS

11/04/2019

ACT results released today by the Tennessee Department of Education show the participation rate increased to 99 percent for all students in the 2019 graduating class for Hamilton County Schools. The rate is the highest participation the district has seen since the information began to be posted by the state. In 2016, 93 percent of graduates took the ACT compared to 99 percent last year, a 6 percent increase. The district had an increase of ACT participation in all students and all subgroups, with the English language learner participation rate increasing 9 percent and students with disabilities participation rate increasing 6 percent.

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Photo of Rivermont Elementary staff and students receiving the Tennessee reward school banner.

Rivermont Elementary Receives TN Reward Banner

11/01/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The school system had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Rivermont Elementary in the Rock Point Learning Community is one of those schools, and they held a special assembly program recently to unveil their new banner from the state. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee. Dr. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community, presented the banner at Rivermont.

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Photo of Lakeside Academy staff and students with Tennessee Reward School banner

Lakeside Academy Receives TN Reward School Banner

11/01/2019

Accomplishment Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The district had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Lakeside Academy in the Harrison Bay Learning Community is one of those schools, and they held a special assembly program recently to unveil their new banner from the state. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee. John Tharpe, executive director of the Harrison Bay Learning Community, presented the banner at Lakeside.

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Photo of teacher helping students in classroom

Fall Recruitment Fair Scheduled at Ooltewah High

11/01/2019

Are you looking for a place to make a difference for children or the community? A rewarding career may be awaiting you in a Hamilton County classroom. Hamilton County Schools kicks off the hiring season with the Fall Teacher Recruitment Fair on Wednesday, November 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ooltewah High School, 6123 Mountain View Road, Ooltewah, TN. Principals at the event will look for potential new teachers for their interim positions in the schools for the second half of this school year, and teaching positions to begin next school year in the fall of 2020.

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Nolan faculty presented the Reward School banner

Nolan Elementary receives a Tennessee Reward School banner

10/25/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The district had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Nolan Elementary in the Rock Point Learning Community is one of those schools, and they held a special assembly program recently to unveil their new banner from the state. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community and Board Member Kathy Lennon, representing District 2, presented the banner at Nolan.

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Principal and students hold the Reward School banner

Alpine Crest Elementary receives a Tennessee Reward School banner

10/22/2019

Hamilton County Schools has enjoyed historic success in the past year for academic growth and academic performance. The district had a district record 32 schools earn Reward status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Alpine Crest Elementary in the Rock Point Learning Community is one of those schools, and they held a special assembly program today to unveil their new banner from the state. Reward schools are those improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and student groups. Reward designation is the highest honor for academic achievement in Tennessee. Alpine Crest Elementary Principal Kelley Weiss announces the honor as students hold the new Reward School banner.

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Photo of Westview elementary staff and students receiving their level 5 banner.

Westview Elementary Gets A Level 5 Banner

10/21/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Westview Elementary in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community presented the banner to the students and staff at Westview Elementary.

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Photo of Soddy Elementary staff and students receiving level 5 banner.

Soddy Elementary Receives Level 5 Banner

10/21/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Soddy Elementary in the North River Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Neelie Parker, executive director of the North River Learning Community presented the banner to the students and staff at Soddy Elementary.

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Photo of 2019 Best of the Best teacher and school for Hamilton County Schools.

HCS Recognized in 2019 Best of the Best

10/21/2019

The Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, and Christy Varnell, a teacher at Hixson High School, were honored as part of the 12th Annual Best of the Best Awards for 2019 announced by the Chattanooga Times Free Press. The publication recognized the two at the annual awards banquet where Best of the Best finalists gathered. The Times Free Press also recognized the finalists and winners in a special section in the October 4 issue of the paper.

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I Am Hamilton - Colleen Ryan, Rivermont Elementary

10/18/2019

Today, the “I am Hamilton” video feature spotlights Colleen Ryan, a Rivermont Elementary kindergarten teacher and the 2019 Toyota Teacher of the Year. Ryan not only works with her children in the classroom, but she takes learning on the road in her bus called “The Passage.”

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I Am Hamilton - Colleen Ryan, Rivermont Elementary

10/18/2019

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Hamilton County Schools and UTC team up to help students improve ACT scores

10/16/2019

Hamilton County Schools and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) have teamed to bring ACT prep to students in the district’s high schools. The two started the partnership to address the goal of attaining a district average ACT composite score of 21 in the Future Ready 2023 Action Plan. The program is held at five high schools in the district, but slots are open in the ACT prep program for high school students across the county. The sessions are held after school hours on Saturdays. The programs started at Tyner Academy in the fall of 2018 but have expanded to Brainerd High, The Howard School, Red Bank High, and Central High this year. Hamilton County Schools funds the sessions at Red Bank High and Central High with slots open to students from other high schools in the district.

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Lydia Heddleston and Calvin James, students at The Howard School, with a reminder of The Tiger Way in a school hallway

Clifton Hills Elementary and The Howard School are named Model of Demonstration Schools in Tennessee

10/15/2019

Clifton Hills Elementary and The Howard School are 2019-2020 Bronze-level RTI2-B (Response to Instruction and Intervention for Behavior) Model of Demonstration Schools selected by the Tennessee Behavior Supports Project (TBSP) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The Tennessee Department of Education funds the TBSP program. There are over 1,800 schools across the state, and each year a small percentage of schools meet criteria to be selected as an RTI2-B Model of Demonstration School.

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New principal selected for Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy

10/14/2019

Hamilton County Schools has selected Lorie Collier to be the new principal at Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy. Collier joins Hamilton County Schools from Knox County Schools and brings six years of administrative experience to Calvin Donaldson.

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Middle Valley Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

10/14/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Middle Valley Elementary in the North River Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Joe Smith, District 3 representative on the Hamilton County Board of Education presented the banner to the students and staff at Middle Valley Elementary.

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McConnell students and staff receive their Level 5 banner

McConnell Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

10/14/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on McConnell Elementary in the North River Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Joe Smith, District 3 representative on the Hamilton County Board of Education, presented the banner to the students and staff at McConnell Elementary.

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Thrasher students and staff get their banner

Thrasher Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

10/11/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Thrasher Elementary in the Rock Point Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community, and Kathy Lennon, District 2 representative on the Hamilton County Board of Education, presented the banner to the students and staff at Thrasher Elementary.

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Rivermont Elementary Receives a Level 5 Banner

10/11/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Rivermont Elementary in the Rock Point Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner.

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Sasha Hitachi, a junior at Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State

Collegiate High junior performs with National Youth Orchestra

10/11/2019

Sasha Hitachi, a junior at Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State, spent the summer traveling and performing with the National Youth Orchestra at some of the most prestigious venues in the country, including Carnegie Hall in New York and the New World Symphony Center in Miami.

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Ooltewah High JROTC wins titles in Raider team championships

10/09/2019

The Ooltewah High School JROTC Raider Team competed in the Raider Team State Championship held at Soddy Daisy High School on Saturday, September 21st. The Ooltewah High male team took home the State Raider Champion title for the second year in a row.

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Photo of Hixson Middle School staff and students receive level 5 banner.

Hixson Middle Receives A Level 5 Banner

10/08/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Hixson Middle in the North River Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Neelie Parker, executive director of the North River Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at Hixson Middle.

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Photo of Red Bank High Staff and Students receive level 5 banner.

Red Bank High Receives A Level 5 Banner

10/07/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Red Bank High in the Rock Point Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community, and Kathy Lennon, District 2 representative on the Hamilton County Board of Education, presented the banner to the students and staff at Red Bank High.

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Photo of red bank middle staff and students receiving level 5 banner.

Red Bank Middle Receives A Level 5 Banner

10/06/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Red Bank Middle in the Rock Point Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community, and Kathy Lennon, District 2 representative on the Hamilton County Board of Education, presented the banner to the students and staff at Red Bank Middle.

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Success of Hamilton County Schools Featured in National Newsletter

10/05/2019

The historic success of Hamilton County Schools in the past two years is featured in the September edition of the national newsletter for McREL International. The changing SCHOOLS newsletter highlights the district’s academic growth in moving from the #130 school district in Tennessee for student growth in 2017 to the #2 ranked school district in student growth today. The district was a Level 1 in 2017 on the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System, rose to Level 3 in 2018, and rocketed to straight Level 5s for academic growth as a district overall and in all individual categories for 2019. The district also had 45 schools earn Level 5, and 21 of those schools earned Level 5 across the board. Level 5 is the highest level a school district can achieve in student growth.

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Red Bank Elementary Staff and Students receive level 5 banner.

Red Bank Elementary Receives A Level 5 Banner

10/05/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Red Bank Elementary in the Rock Point Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community presented the banner to the students and staff at Red Bank Elementary.

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Officere John Wigley, SRO at Soddy Daisy High receives I Am Hamilton shirt.

I Am Hamilton - Officer John Wigley, SRO at Soddy Daisy High

10/05/2019

Today, the “I am Hamilton” video feature spotlights Officer John Wigley, the school resource officer (SRO) at Soddy Daisy High School. The school SRO has become an integral part of the school campus building relationships with students and helping to provide a safe school environment for children. Officer Wigley loves working at the school where he walked the halls as a student.

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Photo of DuPont Elementary staff and students receiving level 5 banner.

DuPont Elementary Receives A Level 5 Banner

10/05/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on DuPont Elementary in the North River Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Neelie Parker, executive director of the North River Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at DuPont Elementary.

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Daisy Elementary staff and students receive a level 5 banner.

Daisy Elementary Receives A Level 5 Banner

10/05/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Daisy Elementary in the North River Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Neelie Parker, executive director of the North River Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at Daisy Elementary.

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I Am Hamilton - Officer John Wigley, SRO at Soddy Daisy High

10/05/2019

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Allen Elementary Receives A Level 5 Banner

10/02/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Allen Elementary in the North River Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Neelie Parker, executive director of the North River Learning Community presented the banner to the students and staff at Allen Elementary.

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East Side faculty and students receive their banner

East Side Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

10/01/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on East Side Elementary in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community, and Tiffanie Robinson, board member for District 4, presented the banner to the students and staff at East Side.

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Alembhert Lopez, fifth-grade student, Lookout Valley Elementary School, at the Operation Get Active spring end of season tournament at Finley Stadium

Chattanooga Football Club to honor teachers in Hamilton County Schools to conclude “Celebrate Excellence Month”

10/01/2019

The Chattanooga Football Club is partnering with Hamilton County Schools to celebrate the success of our students and schools by offering 555 free tickets to teachers and staff members. The tickets are for the Chattanooga FC game against Detroit City on October 5 at Finley Stadium. The offer is part of the school district’s Celebrate Excellence Month, which included teacher appreciation days offered by the Tennessee Aquarium and the Creative Discovery Museum, to honor staff for their work to make Hamilton County Schools a Level 5 district and propel the district to be the fastest improving school district in Tennessee.

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Tyner Middle Academy receives a Level 5 Banner

09/28/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Tyner Middle Academy in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at Tyner Middle Academy.

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School staff and students receive their banner

Wolftever Creek Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

09/27/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Wolftever Creek Elementary in the Harrison Bay Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. John Tharp, executive director of the Harrison Bay Learning Community, and Dr. Steve Highlander, board member representing District 9, presented the banner to the students and staff at Wolftever Creek Elementary.

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The Howard School’s Ware is a finalist for Tennessee Principal of the Year

09/27/2019

Dr. Le Andrea Ware, principal at The Howard School, is one of nine finalists for Tennessee Principal of the Year. Dr. Ware is a finalist from the Southeast region. She will participate with other finalists in an in-person interview at the Tennessee Department of Education in Nashville to determine the state winner.

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Dr. Johnson and Chancellor Angle sign the agreement

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to partner with IB Future Ready Institutes

09/27/2019

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s School of Education and Honors College signed on as partners today with the Future Ready Institutes of International Baccalaureate (IB) at Ooltewah High and Signal Mountain Middle/High. The IB institutes are two of 27 Future Ready Institutes available to students in Hamilton County Schools. UTC and Hamilton County Schools announced the partnership Friday, September 27, 2019, at 10 a.m. in the University Center on the campus of UTC.

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Loftis Middle receives a Level 5 Banner

09/27/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Loftis Middle in the North River Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Neelie Parker, executive director of the North River Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at Loftis Middle.

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Jordyn Griffith and Aliza Smith check out the sites on their trip to Chicago.

East Hamilton students represent Tennessee at national summit in Chicago

09/27/2019

Unified Champion Schools invited East Hamilton School students, Aliza Smith and Jordan Griffith, to be the only two students from Tennessee to attend the Inclusive Youth Leadership Summit in Chicago last week. Unified Champion Schools promote those that welcome all people. Griffith and Smith were one unified team of 19 from over ten different states, and Nova Scotia, Canada, to attend the summit. East Hamilton High School was the only school from Tennessee with representatives invited to attend.

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Jared Ward, IT Operations team leader for BlueCross, talks with students and staff about the technology used in the BlueCross Operations Center.

Future Ready Institutes add BlueCross sponsorship at Soddy Daisy High

09/26/2019

The BlueCross Technology Academy at Soddy Daisy High was announced today at the Chattanooga offices of BlueCross BlueShield. The Soddy Daisy program joins Red Bank High school as a community partner in technology education with BlueCross. The Red Bank partnership was announced in March of this year. Hamilton County Schools administrators, students, and BlueCross BlueShield representatives gathered for the announcement.

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Statement on Inaccurate Information Regarding Student at East Ridge Elementary

09/25/2019

Hamilton County Schools is committed to the safety and well-being of all students. Our school leaders work to serve our families and meet the needs of our diverse learners. This family's characterization of the incident with their child at East Ridge Elementary does not capture the full context of the concerns expressed to them by the school.

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Ooltewah Elementary Staff and Students Receiving Level 5 Banner

Ooltewah Elementary Receives A Level 5 Banner

09/25/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Ooltewah Elementary in the Harrison Bay Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. John Tharp, executive director of the Harrison Bay Learning Community, and Dr. Steve Highlander, board member representing District 9, presented the banner to the students and staff at Ooltewah Elementary.

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Image of Tyner Academy students and staff receiving level 5 banner.

Tyner Academy receives a Level 5 Banner

09/23/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Tyner Academy in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at Tyner Academy.

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Hixson students and staff receive their banner

Hixson High receives a Level 5 Banner

09/20/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Hixson High in the North River Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Neelie Parker, executive director of the North River Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at Hixson High.

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Colleen Ryan is presented with Toyota Teacher of the Year honor

Hamilton County teacher named national Toyota Family Teacher of the Year

09/20/2019

Toyota representatives visited Rivermont Elementary this morning with a special surprise at a school assembly naming Colleen Ryan their national Toyota Family Teacher of the Year. Ryan, a kindergarten teacher, was surprised with a $20,000 check from Toyota and the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL). Children at cheered their teacher as she was joined on stage by family and friends during the presentation.

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Dalewood Middle student Ari Shropshire shares her work with State Senator Bo Watson

Volkswagen eLabs in Hamilton County Schools Recognized as Global Leader by the International Fab Foundation

09/19/2019

Hamilton County Schools, in partnership with Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC, the State of Tennessee, and the Public Education Foundation celebrated the Fab Foundation recognizing Hamilton County Schools as an international leader in digital fabrication education at a news conference today at Dalewood Middle School. The Fab Foundation is a Boston-based non-profit organization that emerged from MIT’s Center for Bits & Atoms Fab Lab Program where students learn how to make virtually anything. Hamilton County Schools now represents the world’s largest concentration of educational Fab Labs in any community, with 17 labs joining the Foundation’s Fab Lab Network. The labs include one at STEM School Chattanooga and the 16 Volkswagen eLabs in Hamilton County Schools opened since 2017.

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East Hamilton receives their Level 5 Banner

East Hamilton Middle High receives a Level 5 Banner

09/19/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on East Hamilton Middle High in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at East Hamilton Middle High.

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Wallace A. Smith Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

09/17/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Wallace A. Smith Elementary in the Harrison Bay Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. John Tharp, executive director of the Harrison Bay Learning Community; and Dr. Steve Highlander, board member representing District 9; presented the banner to the students and staff at Wallace A. Smith Elementary.

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Appison Elementary receives their Level 5 Banner

Apison Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

09/16/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Apison Elementary in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at Apison Elementary.

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Graduates from Hamilton County Schools Class of 2019

District sets another high watermark for graduation rate

09/16/2019

The Tennessee Department of Education released district and school graduation rates for 2018-2019 today showing Hamilton County Schools moving closer to the district graduation goal in the Future Ready 2023 action plan. The district graduation rate for 2018-2019 was 86.9, which was up from 86.6 last year and the highest for the district since 2012-2013. In the district action plan, the target for 2023 is a 90 percent graduation rate.

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Hixson Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

09/13/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Hixson Elementary in the North River Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Neelie Parker, executive director of the North River Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at Hixson Elementary.

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East Ridge High receives a Level 5 Banner

09/13/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on East Ridge High in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at East Ridge High.

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Photo of McDonough, Cannon, Meller and Williams

National Merit Semifinalists announced for Hamilton County Schools

09/11/2019

The list of National Merit Semifinalists released today includes four seniors from Hamilton County Schools. Three of the four were from Signal Mountain Middle-High, giving the school the largest number of teens from any single area public school for the second year in a row. Students named semifinalists are the highest-scoring students in each state and continue in the competition for a National Merit Scholarship. Semifinalists make up fewer than 1 percent of all U.S. high school seniors.

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Students and staff at East Ridge Middle receive their banner

East Ridge Middle receives a Level 5 Banner

09/11/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on East Ridge Middle in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at East Ridge Middle.

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Banner presented to staff and students at Lakeside

Lakeside Academy receives a Level 5 Banner

09/10/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Lakeside Academy in the Harrison Bay Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Steve Highlander, District 9 representative on the Hamilton County Board of Education, presents the banner to the students and staff at Lakeside Academy.

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Dr. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community, and Jenny Hill, Hamilton County Board of Education member representing District 6, presented the banner to the students and staff at Lookout Mountain Elementary.

Lookout Mountain Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

09/10/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Lookout Mountain Elementary in the Rock Point Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community, and Jenny Hill, Hamilton County Board of Education member representing District 6, presented the banner to the students and staff at Lookout Mountain Elementary.

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Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at East Ridge Elementary.

East Ridge Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

09/10/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on East Ridge Elementary in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at East Ridge Elementary.

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Principal Dodds cuts the ribbon to open the new track

Wallace A Smith Elementary cuts the ribbon on a new walking track funded by Erlanger and Kohl’s

09/05/2019

Wallace A. Smith Elementary School held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony recently in celebration of the new walking track for students and staff funded by a grant from Erlanger and Kohl’s. Guests include Children’s Hospital of Erlanger officials, Kohl’s representatives, parents, and people from the community. Erlanger received a $240,000 grant, over a two-year period, from Kohl's to fight childhood obesity through its “Let's Get Moving” campaign.

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Sale Creek Middle/High receives a Level 5 Banner

09/05/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Sale Creek Middle/High in the North River Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Neelie Parker, executive director of the North River Learning Community, presents the banner to the students and staff at Sale Creek Middle/High.

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Collegiate High students show Level 5 Banner

Collegiate High at Chattanooga State receives a Level 5 Banner

09/05/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Collegiate High at Chattanooga State in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community and Tiffanie Robinson, board member representing District 4, presented the banner to the students and staff at Collegiate High.

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Hixson senior attends 2019 American Legion Boys Nation in Washington

09/04/2019

Amrit Pagar, a senior and Air Force JROTC Cadet at Hixson High School, attended the 2019 American Legion Boys Nation in the Washington, D.C. area during the summer break. He was selected as one of two Senators to represent Tennessee.

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Penn is presented an I Am Hamilton Shirt

I Am Hamilton - Daphne Penn, a graduate of The Howard School

09/04/2019

Today, the “I am Hamilton” video feature spotlights Daphne Penn, a 2004 graduate of The Howard School. As a student, Penn was very involved at Howard. She was in the National Honors Society, on the Chattanooga Youth Council, participated in the Passport Scholars program, and she was valedictorian of her class. Penn is a doctoral candidate in education at Harvard University and plans a career in education. She spoke recently at the 30th-anniversary luncheon for the Public Education Foundation (PEF).

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Students and staff display the Level 5 Banner

Big Ridge Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

09/04/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Big Ridge Elementary in the North River Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Neelie Parker, executive director of the North River Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at Big Ridge Elementary.

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I Am Hamilton - Daphne Penn, a graduate of The Howard School

09/04/2019

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I Am Hamilton - Daphne Penn, a graduate of The Howard School

09/04/2019

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I Am Hamilton - Daphne Penn, a graduate of The Howard School

09/04/2019

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Bess T. Shepherd Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

09/03/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Bess T. Shepherd Elementary in the Harrison Bay Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. John Tharp, executive director of the Harrison Bay Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary.

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The banner is presented to students and staff at Alpine Crest

Alpine Crest Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

09/03/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Alpine Crest Elementary in the Rock Point Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at Alpine Crest Elementary.

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East Brainerd Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

08/30/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on East Brainerd Elementary in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning Community, presented the banner to the students and staff at East Brainerd Elementary.

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Master Sergeant Johnny Manis awarded Military Property Specialist of the Year

08/28/2019

Molding young high school students into future leaders is rewarding enough for those who dedicate themselves to service in the Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC), but Master Sergeant Johnny Manis earned extra recognition recently as the JROTC Military Property Specialist of the Year. The 7th Brigade announced the honor at their conference held in Atterbury, Indiana. Military property specialists from Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan were eligible for the award presented to Master Sergeant Manis.

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Hamilton County Schools dominates Niche.com listing of top public high schools in the Chattanooga area

08/27/2019

Hamilton County Schools has the top four and six out of the top ten best public high schools in the Chattanooga area according to the latest ranking by the NICHE website. The Chattanooga area included surrounding counties in Tennessee and public high schools in north Georgia. Niche ranks places to live, schools, colleges, and places to work on niche.com. Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (CSAS) Upper School earned the top spot in the rankings; Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA) was second; STEM School Chattanooga, third; Signal Mountain Middle/High School, fourth; Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State, seventh; and East Hamilton Middle/High School rounded out the top ten in the tenth spot. According to the Niche website, academic and student life data are the basis of the rankings based on rigorous analysis of from the U.S. Department of Education along with test scores, college data, and ratings collected from millions of Niche users.

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East Lake Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

08/27/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on East Lake Elementary in the Opportunity Zone Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Tiffanie Robinson, District 4 representative on the Hamilton County Board of Education, presents the banner to the students and staff at East Lake.

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Staff and students at Clifton Hills get their banner

Clifton Hills Elementary receives a Level 5 Banner

08/26/2019

Today’s academic success spotlight shines on Clifton Hills in the Opportunity Zone Learning Community for earning Level 5 school status. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Tiffanie Robinson, District 4 representative on the Hamilton County Board of Education, presents the banner to the students and staff at Clifton HIlls.

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Level 5 Banner presentation at Calvin Donaldson

Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy receives a Level 5 Banner

08/23/2019

This academic success spotlight shines on Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy in the Opportunity Zone Learning Community. Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 45 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, with a special “championship” recognition banner. Tiffanie Robinson, District 4 representative on the Hamilton County Board of Education, presents the banner to the students and staff at Calvin Donaldson.

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Mallary Netterville is presented her shirt

I Am Hamilton - Mallary Netterville, Wolftever Creek Elementary

08/23/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights Mallary Netterville, parent volunteer coordinator for Wolftever Creek Elementary, for her work at Wolftever Creek and assistance and support at the New Teacher Academy for 2019. The New Teacher Academy welcomes new teachers to our community and provides them with training and resources to get off to a great start in their classrooms. “I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

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I Am Hamilton - Mallary Netterville, Wolftever Creek Elementary

08/23/2019

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Dr. Bryan Johnson announces scholarships to honor the memory of his mother

08/22/2019

Hamilton County Schools seniors received over $95 million in scholarships last year, but the Class of 2020 will have even more opportunities to help fund their college journey with the announcement today of new scholarships available to seniors across all learning communities in Hamilton County Schools. Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, announced the scholarships to honor his late mother LaBrenda Sonnette Johnson in front of the seniors at Ooltewah High School earlier today.

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Hamilton’s Brad Jackson is the August TSSAA Distinguished Service recipient

08/19/2019

Brad Jackson, campus support specialist for Hamilton County Schools, learned the importance of commitment and setting goals from a high school athletic career and service to his country in the United States Marines. The life skills learned in athletics, and his career Jackson now uses each day in his service to children in Hamilton County Schools. His commitment to athletics and work to improve the lives of children has earned Jackson the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s (TSSAA) August 2019 TSSAA Distinguished Service award.

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Hamilton County Schools at top Level 5 status with 45 Level 5 schools and 32 Reward schools

08/15/2019

Hamilton County announced historic progress in academic achievement today with the release of local district student growth data. Hamilton County Schools recorded a record Level 5 status in student academic growth in all five categories. The district scored an overall Level 1 just two years ago, Level 3 overall last year, and jumped to Level 5 across the board for student academic growth in 2019 state testing results. The district also earned a record number of Reward schools in 2019. Thirty-two schools earned Reward School status, which is up from 17 last year.

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Hamilton County Schools surpassed the state in five of eight subject areas on TNReady

08/15/2019

Hamilton County Schools made history yesterday with the release of district growth data showing the district at an overall Level 5, Level 5 in the district for all five categories, Level 5 status for 45 schools, 21 of those schools with Level 5 in all categories, and 32 Reward schools. The statewide achievement results for TNReady released by Commissioner Penny Schwinn today provides even more good news regarding student achievement in Hamilton County Schools. The district outperformed the state in five of eight-grade band subject areas where no accountability areas were above the state last year. The district ranks first out of 142 districts in student growth index in grades 3-5 and second out of 146 districts in overall student growth.

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Dr. Bryan Johnson is named an Austin Peay Alumni Award winner for 2019

08/14/2019

Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, has been named an Austin Peay State University 2019 Alumni Award winner. During the Austin Peay Homecoming celebration this November, Dr. Johnson will be among six alumni of the school honored. Johnson will receive an Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

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Ribbon cutting for EPB Institute of Technology at Tyner

08/13/2019

Upon returning from summer break, second-year students of the EPB Institute of Technology and Networking at Tyner Academy High School discovered their old classroom had been completely refurbished and equipped as a high-tech learning laboratory. This transformation resulted from the continuing partnership between Hamilton County Schools and EPB, which also engaged several other local businesses in the effort. The project marks the beginning of the second year EPB has been working with students and educators at Tyner as part of Hamilton County School’s Future Ready Institute program.

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Students singing at Hamilton Sings concert

Exciting Progress in the fine arts brings national attention to Hamilton County Schools

08/13/2019

Hamilton County Schools is rewinding successes of the past year as we prepare for the announcement of historic progress in our school district this Wednesday with the release of state student achievement data. The exciting progress of the district in the fine arts last year earned national attention and honors. Last October, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Chattanooga-Hamilton County, Tennessee, as the 26th site in the country for Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child and later in the year the district was honored as a NAMM Foundation 2019 Best Community for Music Education.

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New App for First Student bus service to debut in October

08/08/2019

One of the anticipated services of the selection of First Student to provide bus service for Hamilton County Schools was access to the Parent App called FirstView that will allow parents to track buses on their routes. The app is available for download now, and it will be active for parent use by October.

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Photo: Lily Akins, a student in the BlueCross Technology Academy at Red Bank, received an “I Am Hamilton” shirt for her efforts as an ambassador of Future Ready Institutes. The shirt is presented by Blake Freeman, director of Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County Schools and Amanda Baron, Computer Science teacher and lead teacher in the BlueCross Technology Academy.

Hamilton County Schools wins national communication awards

08/08/2019

Hamilton County Schools has won four awards for communications from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) in the organization’s 2019 Awards and Recognition program. The district won awards for the district's website, a video about Hixson High winning the Vans Custom Culture contest, Hamilton County Schools 2019 district animated budget video, and the “I Am Hamilton” recognition program.

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Celebrating successes including earned Industry Certifications

08/08/2019

We are celebrating successes of the past year as Hamilton County Schools prepares for the announcement of historic progress in our school district next Wednesday with the release of the Tennessee Value-added Assessment System (TVAAS) information. One success story is the number of certifications earned by high school students in Hamilton County Schools during the 2018-2019 school year. The number of students earning an industry certification more than tripled from last school year with 224 earned this year by high school students. Industry certifications allow graduates to leave high school with a certification for a job skill in the career field of choice for a graduating senior.

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Celebrating Successes - Signal Mountain teacher is a finalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year

08/08/2019

We are celebrating successes of the past year as Hamilton County Schools prepares for the announcement of historic progress in our school district next Wednesday with the release of the student achievement data from the state. One success story is Kristen Robertson, a teacher at Signal Mountain Middle/High, selected to be in the finals for the Tennessee Teacher of the Year. Robertson is a finalist from the Southeast region and one of nine finalists.

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Governor Lee with students from Gestamp Program

Hamilton County Schools receives state funding to replicate the successful Gestamp apprenticeship program

07/26/2019

Hamilton County Schools has received a career and technical education program grant to develop additional apprenticeship opportunities for students based on the successful Gestamp apprenticeship program. The new state grant is called the Perkins Reserve and will provide $112,500 over three years for Hamilton County Schools to work with area businesses to develop additional advanced manufacturing apprenticeships to provide more opportunities to students in the community. The funding will provide $37,500 a year for the three years to develop the apprenticeship programs.

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Signal Mountain graduate receives a prestigious scholarship from Volkswagen

07/12/2019

Aileen Santelmann, a 2019 graduate of Signal Mountain High School who moved to Chattanooga from Germany as a teenager, has received a Duales Studium scholarship from Volkswagen in Germany. The scholarship is a dual study program that allows Santelmann to earn her degree while also working for Volkswagen. Only two people from Germany received the scholarship this year.

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Volunteers help beautify the school during Brainerd Together.

Brainerd High School Reveals Summer Renovation

07/12/2019

Brainerd High School will host the “Brainerd Together: A Community Remodel” building reveal at the school located at 1020 North Moore Road on Sunday, August 4 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A collaboration among business partners and Hamilton County Schools, the yearlong Brainerd Together project will culminate with an Open House to showcase the building’s recent renovations. The reveal is open to the public, and the community is encouraged to attend.

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School calendars are online to help you plan for a new school year

07/09/2019

After the Independence Day holiday, attentions begin to turn toward the start of school and a new school year. The 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school calendars are now on the Hamilton County Schools website to help you plan your family or organizational schedule. The Hamilton County Board of Education approved a few minor changes to the 2019-2020 school year calendar at the May meeting.

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STEM School Chattanooga student only Tennessee student accepted into BASF Summer Science Academy

07/05/2019

Angelica Ramirez, a rising senior at STEM School Chattanooga, has earned a spot in the BASF Summer Science Academy program. Ramirez was the only student from Tennessee accepted into the BASF program. The BASF Academy includes only 20 high school students from the United States, Canada, and Mexico in this summer’s program.

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Hailey Fookes, a 2019 graduate of Signal Mountain High School

Focus on Early Post-Secondary Options Shows Early Improvement

06/26/2019

The five-year strategic plan Future Ready 2023 adopted last year focused improvement on more students taking early post-secondary options and that effort is showing early results as 916 more students enrolled in one of the advanced academic courses last school year. During the 2017-2018 school year, 1,951 students enrolled in an early college course. For the 2018-2019 school year, that number increased to 2,867 students getting an early start on college. These numbers represent the students taking advantage of the courses available to them. Many of those students are taking more than one course, so the total number of courses taken is even higher. Over 5,000 early post-secondary option classes were taken by high school students across the district during the 2018-2019 school year.

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Marie Holland welds in the Welding Program at Sequoyah High

Certifications earned by students continues trend of improvement in Hamilton County Schools

06/25/2019

Add the number of certifications earned by high school students in Hamilton County Schools to the list of improvements for the 2018-2019 school year. The number of students earning an industry certification more than tripled from last school year with 224 earned this year by high school students. Industry certifications allow graduates to leave high school with a certification for a job skill in the career field of choice for a graduating senior. The certification puts the graduate at a competitive advantage when looking for a job or entering a post-secondary training program.

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Signal Mountain teacher is a finalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year

06/24/2019

Kristen Robertson, a teacher at Signal Mountain Middle/High, is one of nine finalists for Tennessee Teacher of the Year. Robertson is a finalist from the Southeast region. Finalists will participate in an in-person interview at the Tennessee Department of Education in Nashville.

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Eric McKenzie, community engagement specialist; Alison Lebovitz and Christopher James, principal of Brainerd High School

I am Hamilton - Alison Lebovitz, community volunteer

06/24/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights Alison Lebovitz, volunteer coordinator for Brainerd Together, a volunteer effort to revitalize Brainerd High School this summer. “I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools.

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I am Hamilton - Alison Lebovitz, community volunteer

06/24/2019

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District opens applications for the second class of Leadership Hamilton County Schools

06/19/2019

The first group of community leaders to participate in Leadership Hamilton County Schools last year were enthusiastically supportive of the new experience the school district offered to citizens to provide a “behind the scenes” look at the rewards and challenges of preparing the community’s children for future success. The second class of Leadership Hamilton County Schools is coming this fall to foster another group of informed citizen leaders to help transform our community.

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(Left to Right) Rachel Cherry, teacher; Angela Williams, teacher; Adam Noll, Tyner High Class of ’79; Gerald Harris, principal; and Cathy Butler, teacher

Tyner High School Class of 1979 donates $2,000 to Tyner Academy

06/18/2019

Despite 40 years passing since their graduation, the Tyner High School Class of 1979 has Tyner Academy close to their hearts. The alumni recently raised $2,000 to donate to the school at a class reunion event. The group all pitched in and raised the money on a single Saturday night.

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Avery Cox, 2019 graduate of Sale Creek High School

Sale Creek High graduates receive four of five ROTC scholarships awarded in Hamilton County

06/17/2019

The 2019 graduating class of Sale Creek High School received over $1 million in scholarship offers this year. The school was very successful with graduates earning ROTC scholarships. Five ROTC scholarships were awarded to students in Hamilton County. Of the five, four of those students awarded the scholarships were graduates of Sale Creek High. To emphasize the magnitude of the accomplishment, the national board that selects the ROTC scholarship winners awards only 1,000 4-year winners, and 2,000 3-year winners from across the nation each year. Thousands of highly-qualified seniors apply for these scholarships each year.

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Dr. Bryan Johnson selected for Leadership Tennessee Class VII

06/11/2019

Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson is one of only 46 chosen for the seventh class of Leadership Tennessee announced on Monday. Dr. Johnson was selected from the more than 400 nominations for the latest group of Tennessee leaders who will spend the next year engaging in collaborative, non-partisan discussions on issues important to the people of Tennessee. He is the only superintendent or local school district K-12 representative selected for the new class.

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Gabe Armstrong addressing classmates at Soddy Daisy High

Graduates of Hamilton County Schools triple the amount of scholarship money for 2019

06/06/2019

Reaching graduation day is an important milestone for high school teens, but it is also a starting point for the rest of their lives. More 2019 graduates of Hamilton County Schools will have a head start on their next step in college as the class received approximately $64 million more in scholarship offers than last year. The Class of 2019 had over $95 million in scholarship offers from colleges and universities, which is up from $31 million last year.

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Tanner Moore, a student at Hixson High, and Jeremy Kaylor, instructor in the Natural Resources and Land Management program, review the operation of a piece of equipment at Chattanooga Tractor and Equipment.

Hixson High and Chattanooga Tractor partnership provides career opportunities for students

06/04/2019

Chattanooga Tractor and Equipment is a new partner with the Hixson High School Natural Resources and Land Management pathway to provide exciting opportunities for teens in the program. The partnership allows students in this career pathway to gain real-world experience with equipment that they will use in their field of study. Chattanooga Tractor and Equipment has access to agricultural, construction, and power equipment graduates would use on the job in their career field.

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Friends of CSLA to host a fundraiser featuring the new Lady Vols basketball coach

06/04/2019

The Friends of CSLA (Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts) are hosting an evening with Kellie Harper, the new Lady Vols basketball coach, on Friday, June 14 at 8 p.m. at the Iles Physical Education Center on the Southern Adventist University campus.

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Friends of CSLA to host a fundraiser featuring the new Lady Vols basketball coach

06/04/2019

The Friends of CSLA (Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts) are hosting an evening with Kellie Harper, the new Lady Vols basketball coach, on Friday, June 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Iles Physical Education Center on the Southern Adventist University campus.

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Marie Holland, a recent graduate of Sequoyah High School, works on perfecting her welding skills.

New partnership to provide more college credit options for high school students

05/31/2019

Hamilton County Schools and Chattanooga State Community College signed an agreement recently to increase access to Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) courses at the college that will provide more opportunities for students to earn credit toward a TCAT certificate at no cost to the student’s family while in high school. Students at Brainerd High, Howard High, Lookout Valley High, and Sequoyah High will have the opportunity to earn dual high school and college credit in their career and technical education courses as a result of the new partnership.

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I Am Hamilton Jinlin Baker, a teacher at Red Bank Elementary

05/31/2019

Today, the “I am Hamilton” video feature spotlights Jinlin Baker, a teacher in a multi-handicap classroom at Red Bank Elementary School. Baker fell in love with her classroom of special children when she first walked into the room. She has now spent 14 years in her labor of love helping children to discover their own unique way to communicate, learn, and grow.

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(Left to Right) Aaron Young and Wesley Mason with their state championship medals

East Hamilton pair takes state title in Unified Sports

05/31/2019

Aaron Young and Wesley Mason are the latest state champions from Hamilton County Schools. The two are students at East Hamilton Middle/High School, and they won the 100-meter dash in the state championship event held last week at Dean A. Hayes Stadium in Murfreesboro.

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I Am Hamilton Jinlin Baker, a teacher at Red Bank Elementary

05/31/2019

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Documentary featuring students from The Howard School to premiere on Friday

05/30/2019

Diploma Dreams, a documentary featuring local English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) high school students from The Howard School will premiere on Friday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Redemption to the Nations Church. The documentary, by executive producer Pablo Mazariegos, highlights the challenges that The Howard School immigrant students face when attempting to complete their high school education and the role the faculty plays in the students’ pursuit of their academic dreams.

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Hixson High earns first College Board AP award for female participation in computer science courses

05/30/2019

Hixson High School has earned the first College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded access for girls in AP Computer Science courses. Out of more than 18,000 secondary schools worldwide that offer AP courses, Hixson High School is one of only 685 to earn the award, and only 490 high schools earned the honor for the course AP Computer Science Principles.

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Kadijah Tinker of Lookout Valley Middle/High is in the Senior Video Spotlight

05/29/2019

Kadijah Tinker is a 2019 graduate of Lookout Valley Middle/High and today’s Hamilton County Schools Senior Video Spotlight. Tinker was “the band kid” at Lookout Valley. She was committed to doing whatever it took to get a chance to be in the band.

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Community inspired changes in school bell schedules announced for next school year

05/29/2019

Community interest in later start times at Brainerd High and Signal Mountain Middle/High was instrumental in several of the changes in school start times for next school year announced by Hamilton County Schools. Addressing changes at the two high schools resulted in minor adjustments at other schools because of connections related to bus transportation and school program schedules. The focus on providing more choice and availability of academic options for students and families also played a part in the new school bell schedules along with the announcement of the start and end times for the new Howard Connect Academy (Howard Middle).

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Hannah Rollins, Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State; and Wilmer Perez, The Howard School. Photos provided by Chattanooga State.

Chattanooga State honors seniors for earning college credit while in high school

05/29/2019

Chattanooga State’s Early College program recently recognized seniors from the area who completed early college courses at the school while in high school. The seniors recognized include 23 graduates from ten high schools in Hamilton County Schools. The ambitious and dedicated students earned a total of 389 college credit hours as a group.

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Tyris Nelson of Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences is in the Senior Spotlight Video

05/24/2019

Tyris Nelson is a 2019 graduate of Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (CSAS) and today’s Hamilton County Schools Senior Spotlight. Nelson was an active student at CSAS as he led the audiovisual team in charge of the sound and lights for activities in the school auditorium. He was also instrumental in the formation of a bowling team at the school that led to a scholarship for college.

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New principal selected for East Ridge High Tyner Middle and Sequoyah High administrative updates

05/24/2019

Crystal Sorrells will be the new principal of East Ridge High School in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community. Since 2015, Sorrells has served as the principal at Tyner Middle Academy. Sorrells is a twenty-year veteran in education with experience as an administrator at the high school and middle school level and as a math teacher.

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Marie Holland of Sequoyah High is in the Senior Spotlight Video

05/23/2019

Marie Holland is a 2019 graduate of Sequoyah High and today’s Hamilton County Schools Senior Spotlight. Holland is a graduate of the Welding Program at Sequoyah High, and she was the only female in her class. Her work ethic and ability as a welder landed her an internship at Heatec, a local company that manufactures and markets a broad line of heaters and liquid storage tanks. The internship has now turned into the beginning of her career with a full-time job at Heatec.

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Susan Harris, SRC president and COO, announces See Rock City’s involvement in the institute at The Howard School at the scenic overlook at Rock City.

See Rock City Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Howard High announced today

05/21/2019

Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County Schools added Rock City to the list of institute partners for the district today as the local tourist attraction announced its association with The Howard School this morning. At Rock City on Tuesday, May 21, officials announced the See Rock City Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management would open this fall at The Howard School. The commitment by SRC Inc. to continue through 2022 includes a significant financial contribution, as well as field trips, job shadowing, faculty touring, advisory roles, and preferential part-time job availability for the students.

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Soddy Daisy JROTC earns 35th consecutive Honor Unit of Distinction

05/20/2019

This year the Soddy Daisy High School JROTC Trojan Battalion earned “Honor Unit with Distinction” for the 35th year in a row. Honor Unit with Distinction is the highest unit rating a JROTC program can earn during the JROTC program for Accreditation and is reserved for the top 5 percent of Army JROTC programs across the country.

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Signal Mountain staff and students present the check from the silent auction to Tish Gailmard of the Chattanooga Nature Center.

Signal Mountain students raised awareness and money for the endangered red wolf at a recent silent auction

05/20/2019

Signal Mountain Middle/High School seventh-graders raised $3,700 at their Red Wolf Silent Auction on April 25, 2019, benefitting the Chattanooga Nature Center’s Red Wolf breeding program. The money raised will help fund the program aimed at preventing the extinction of the species.

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(L to R): Jill Evans, principal of Rivermont Elementary; Mayor Jim Coppinger; Tracey Elliot, a parent volunteer at Rivermont; Kathy Lennon, School Board Member representing District 2; and Shawn Kurrelmeier-Lee, Read 20

Rivermont and Middle Valley win Probasco Readers Program

05/20/2019

Probasco Readers program winners for 2018-2019 are Middle Valley Elementary and Rivermont Elementary. Middle Valley won the large school award, and Rivermont took the small school honor. The latest win is the sixth time Middle Valley Elementary has won their division.

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New principal selected for Central High School

05/20/2019

Phil Iannarone is returning to the place where he started in Hamilton County Schools to become the new principal at Central High School. He began his career in Hamilton County Schools as a teacher at Central High in 2004. He will replace Finley King who retired in April. Iannarone is currently the principal at Snow Hill Elementary. As principal at Snow Hill this year, Iannarone helped guide the school during its construction period to expand the school. Construction has been underway most of the school year at Snow Hill.

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The Red Bank High car cruises to victory in the Chattanooga Green Prix.

Students learn while building and racing electric cars in the Chattanooga Green Prix

05/17/2019

The atmosphere was electric for the second annual Chattanooga Green Prix held last Saturday at Chattanooga State Community College. Ask the students, and they will say it was fun, but the racers were also learning how to problem solve and engineer a faster, more efficient car. Rivermont Elementary and Red Bank High placed first overall in their respective division. Teams from 28 Hamilton County Schools built cars during the year and participated in the race event.

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Students participate in the Amazon STEM Jubilee event.

STEM School Chattanooga event becomes the largest held in Tennessee

05/17/2019

The STEM School Chattanooga hosted the school’s fifth annual Amazon STEM Jubilee event, presented by First Tennessee, at Chattanooga State Community College, May 15 and 16. This annual event introduces elementary school students to a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math-related concepts through hands-on activities with a mission to inspire STEM curiosity and interest.

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Gladys Winston works with a student at Lakeside Academy.

I Am Hamilton Video Gladys Winston, a volunteer at Lakeside Academy

05/16/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

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I Am Hamilton Video Gladys Winston, a volunteer at Lakeside Academy

05/16/2019

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The Hixson High School JROTC marching in the Armed Forces Day Parade.

Hixson High’s Air Force JROTC earns historic awards

05/14/2019

The Hixson High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) accomplished a first in the Unit’s 46-year history! Headquarters Air Force JROTC recently announced the unit as a recipient of both the Air Force JROTC Distinguished Unit with Merit Award and the Silver Star Community Service with Excellence Award for the academic year 2018-2019.

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School Nurse Appreciation Week

05/10/2019

Since 1972, National School Nurse Week has been celebrated to show our school nurses how much they mean to the success of our schools and our children. May 6-12, 2019 is National School Nurse Week. The week is celebrated annually in May in honor of the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

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(L to R) Assistant Principal Matt Thurman presents an “I am Hamilton” shirt to Tim Goode at East Hamilton Middle/High School

I Am Hamilton Tim Goode, a teacher at East Hamilton Middle/High School

05/10/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Today’s teacher spotlight shines on Tim Goode, a teacher at East Hamilton Middle/High School. I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

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Children turn the dirt for their new school

Groundbreaking begins work on new Harrison Elementary

05/10/2019

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Harrison Elementary School was held on Friday, May 10 at 1 p.m. on the new school property on Highway 58 across from the existing school. The school entrance will be on Ferdinand Piech Way.

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I Am Hamilton Tim Goode, a teacher at East Hamilton Middle/High School

05/10/2019

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I Am Hamilton Tim Goode, a teacher at East Hamilton Middle/High School

05/10/2019

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(L to R) Principal Christopher James presents an “I am Hamilton” shirt to Pascale Haug at Brainerd High School

I Am Hamilton Pascale Haug, a teacher at Brainerd High School

05/09/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Today’s teacher spotlight shines on Pascale Haug, an Algebra and Calculus teacher at Brainerd High School. I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

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I Am Hamilton Pascale Haug, a teacher at Brainerd High School

05/09/2019

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Ooltewah High School Band, courtesy of their website.

Ooltewah High band also participating in Manilow Project online contest

05/08/2019

The Ooltewah High’s band has joined Lookout Valley Middle High band on the leaderboard for the Manilow Music Project (MMP) contest for 2019. If one of the bands can win the contest, the winner will get $100,000 to spend on new instruments and uniforms. The bands need your vote for their video entry to top the current leaders and win the competition.

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McConnell Elementary teacher selected for Tennessee Educator Fellowship

05/08/2019

Caroline Souza, a third-grade teacher at McConnell Elementary School, is one of thirty-one fellows selected for the 2019-20 Tennessee Educator Fellowship class. She has been teaching for six years.

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Chase Decker and the fifth-grade at Alpine Crest Elementary presented an ‘I am Hamilton’ shirt to Leora Coleman, a fifth-grade teacher.

I Am Hamilton Leora Coleman, a teacher at Alpine Crest Elementary School

05/08/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.Today’s teacher spotlight shines on Leora Coleman, a fifth-grade teacher at Alpine Crest Elementary School. I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

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I Am Hamilton Leora Coleman, a teacher at Alpine Crest Elementary School

05/08/2019

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(Left to right) Dr. Aleisha McCallie, a math and science teacher at East Brainerd Elementary, is presented an ‘I am Hamilton’ shirt by Dr. Marthel Young, principal at East Brainerd Elementary.

I Am Hamilton Dr. Aleisha McCallie, a teacher at East Brainerd Elementary School

05/07/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Today’s teacher spotlight shines on Dr. Aleisha McCallie, a fifth-grade math and science teacher at East Brainerd Elementary School. I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

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Online registration open now for returning students

05/07/2019

Online registration is available now to update student record information for current students in Hamilton County Schools returning for the 2019-2020 school year. The registration window will be open until June 7, 2019. If your child attended a school in Hamilton County Schools in 2018-2019 and will be attending a Hamilton County school next school year, your child will need to be enrolled as a returning student. Parents are asked to log into the system to check each child’s information and make sure it is correct to begin the new school year. No code for registering returning students is required this year.

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Lookout Valley needs your online vote to win Manilow Project contest

05/07/2019

The Lookout Valley Middle High band is on the leaderboard for the Manilow Music Project (MMP) contest for 2019. If the band can win the contest, the group stands to win $100,000 worth of instruments and uniforms. The band needs your vote for their video entry to top the current leaders and win the competition.

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Zavier Chavez, a senior at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts.

Center for Creative Arts senior a 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholar

05/07/2019

Zavier Chavez, a senior at the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA), was announced today as one of 161 high school seniors in the 55th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos made the announcement. The seniors earned the recognition for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career, and technical education. Chavez was one of only two selected from Tennessee.

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I Am Hamilton Dr. Aleisha McCallie, a teacher at East Brainerd Elementary School

05/07/2019

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(Left to right) Tina Cotreau, a science teacher at Central High School, is presented an ‘I am Hamilton’ shirt by Steve Lewis, assistant principal at Central High School; and Elvis the skeleton, a long-time institution in science classes at Central.

I Am Hamilton Tina Cotreau, a teacher at Central High School

05/06/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Today’s teacher spotlight shines on Tina Cotreau, a science teacher at Central High School. I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

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I Am Hamilton Tina Cotreau, a teacher at Central High School

05/06/2019

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Central High online student publication named a “National Website of Distinction”

05/03/2019

Central High School’s student-run online publication, The Central Digest, was recognized as a “National Website of Distinction” for the third year in a row. The publication has garnered national accolades from the School Newspapers Online (SNO) organization, a site that provides formats for school publications.

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(Left to right) Blake Freeman, director of Future Ready Institutes for Hamilton County Schools presents the shirt to John Naylor at Brainerd High School

I Am Hamilton John Naylor, with the Chattanooga Airport

05/03/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights John Naylor, with the Chattanooga Airport for his support of the Future Ready Institute of Aviation at Brainerd High. “I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

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Concept drawing of the new Harrison Elementary School

Groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Harrison Elementary School

05/03/2019

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Harrison Elementary School will be held on Friday, May 10 at 1 p.m. on the new school property on Highway 58 across from the existing school. The school entrance and the ceremony can be accessed from Ferdinand Piech Way. The community is invited to the ceremony.

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I Am Hamilton John Naylor, with the Chattanooga Airport

05/03/2019

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Students performing a song and dance routine during the CCA winter gala

Seven high schools in Hamilton County Schools listed in U.S. News and World Report best rankings

05/02/2019

The Top 100 high schools in Tennessee includes seven from Hamilton County Schools in the latest rankings from the U.S. News and World Report. Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (8) was ranked in the top ten high schools in Tennessee, Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State (31) and Signal Mountain Middle/High (33) were in the top 35. Soddy Daisy High (61), Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (66), STEM School Chattanooga (73) and East Hamilton Middle/High (89) were also included in the top 100 schools in the state.

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Tom Moss, wrestling coach at Sale Creek High, presents an “I Am Hamilton” shirt to Katie McNabb.

I Am Hamilton Katie McNabb, a sophomore at Sale Creek Middle/High

04/30/2019

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Katie McNabb, a sophomore at Sale Creek Middle/High. McNabb is one of only two female wrestlers at the school. This wrestling season was McNabb’s first year on the wrestling team at Sale Creek.

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I Am Hamilton Katie McNabb, a sophomore at Sale Creek Middle/High

04/30/2019

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Center for Creative Arts senior is a U.S. Presidential Scholars semi-finalist

04/29/2019

Zavier Chavez, a senior at the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA), has advanced to the final round of the 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars competition. Chavez is one of 621 semi-finalists from across the country and among the 14 from Tennessee moving on in the competition.

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Innovation, school choice and continued success in the Opportunity Zone are the focus in school district changes

04/25/2019

The more than 40 choices available to parents in the community and the innovation those choices inspire will continue to expand and grow in Hamilton County Schools with a renewed focus on possibilities for children announced today by the district. Two experienced leaders will step up to lead the efforts in innovation and school choice and the continued progress in the Opportunity Zone in Hamilton County Schools. Jill Levine will lead innovation and school choice while Stephanie Hinton will continue the efforts making a difference for children in the Opportunity Zone.

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A third student from Signal Mountain aces the ACT

04/18/2019

Caroline Cornett, a junior at Signal Mountain Middle/High is the third student from Signal Mountain to achieve the highest possible composite score of 36 on the ACT college entrance exam in the past year. She is the sixth student in the history of the school to achieve the score putting her in the Top 1 percent of all students who take the ACT. Cornett joins seniors Jack Poss, and Max Burk, as current students enrolled at the school in the ACT perfect 36 club.

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Students and community leaders turn the first shovels of dirt

Ceremony breaks ground for new middle school in East Hamilton

04/18/2019

The East Hamilton community held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new East Hamilton Middle School on Wednesday to signal the start of the exciting project for families in the community. The program included current middle school students from East Hamilton Middle/High, local political leaders, school district leaders, and parents. MBI Companies, Inc., the architectural firm for the project, brought a display that allowed participants to experience a high-tech virtual reality tour of the school before construction crews put the first brick into place.

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(Left to right) Rachel Mullins, a student at Hixson High presents the shirt to Isabella Ford at Longhorn Steakhouse in Hixson

I Am Hamilton Isabella Ford, Longhorn Steakhouse in Hixson

04/16/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights Isabella Ford, with Longhorn Steakhouse in Hixson for Longhorns support of Special Olympics and Hixson High School. “I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

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School district explores transportation options for Future Ready Institutes

04/16/2019

Future Ready Institutes had an exceptional first year with strong student enrollment, increased business community participation, and student engagement in the new programs at 13 area high schools. The program was honored with the Community Impact Award by the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga and Blake Freeman, the director of Future Ready Institutes, won the School Leadership Award from the Public Education Foundation (PEF). One challenge the Future Ready Institutes encountered in the first year was transporting students to provide access to the innovative new high school programs. The school district is exploring transportation options to make the popular programs even more accessible to students.

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First class graduates from Leadership Hamilton County Schools

04/16/2019

The first class of Leadership Hamilton County Schools completed their year of work and graduated today with a better understanding of the schools in our community and the challenges faced as the district prepares graduates for success after high school. Leadership Hamilton County Schools was a new opportunity for the community to get involved in our public schools this year. The first class included 16 community leaders representing businesses, non-profits, government, and faith-based organizations. The program involved six-sessions during the school year that allowed participants to experience the people and programs in our area schools preparing our children for success.

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I Am Hamilton Isabella Ford, Longhorn Steakhouse in Hixson

04/16/2019

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Shawn Kurrelmeier-Lee, chief reading officer, Read 20, makes a point during today’s meeting of the Children’s Cabinet. (Left to right at table) Lurone Jennings, Youth and Family Development, City of Chattanooga; Chief David Roddy, Chattanooga Police Department; Kurrelmeier-Lee, Read 20; Becky Barnes, administrator, Hamilton County Health Department; and Chief Deputy Austin Garrett, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department.

Hamilton County Schools and Hamilton County Launch Children’s Cabinet

04/15/2019

Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson announced the creation of the community’s first-ever Children’s Cabinet Monday morning. The Children’s Cabinet brings together government agencies and child-serving community organizations with the goal of connecting every student in Hamilton County with what he or she needs to thrive.

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Janice Robertson, a community volunteer who supports 1,870 children in 14 schools.

I Am Hamilton Janice Robertson, community volunteer coordinating the Snack Pack program in 14 schools

04/12/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights community volunteer Janice Robertson, a local real estate agent who coordinates the Snack Pack program at East Brainerd Church of Christ. The Snack Pack program provides bags of food for over 1,870 children in 14 schools across the community. National volunteer week is a perfect time to honor Robertson. “I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

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I Am Hamilton Janice Robertson, community volunteer coordinating the Snack Pack program in 14 schools

04/12/2019

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Groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for East Hamilton Middle

04/11/2019

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new East Hamilton Middle School will give participants a high-tech experience of touring the school before the first brick is in place. The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 17 at 1 p.m. on the property on Bentwood Cove Drive behind Apison Elementary. The community is invited to the ceremony where the contractor MBI Companies, Inc. will have a tent set up with virtual reality goggles that will allow participants to take a virtual reality tour of the new East Hamilton Middle School.

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Four educators honored at PEF 30th anniversary luncheon

04/11/2019

Four educators from Hamilton County Schools were honored Wednesday at the Public Education Foundation (PEF) luncheon to celebrate their 30th-anniversary luncheon on Wednesday at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The four were finalists among a dozen community leaders making a difference in the lives of students in the community.

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I Am Hamilton Patrick Smiley, a custodian at East Ridge Elementary

04/10/2019

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I Am Hamilton Patrick Smiley, a custodian at East Ridge Elementary

04/10/2019

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(Left to right) Dr. Bryan Johnson, Margo Williams, Dr. John Tharp, and Billie Jenno

I Am Hamilton Margo Williams and Billie Jenno, interim administrators at Ooltewah Elementary

04/03/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights Margo Williams, a retired principal who returned to be the interim principal at Ooltewah Elementary for part of this school year, and Billie Jenno, also a retired administrator, who served as interim assistant principal at the school. “I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

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I Am Hamilton Margo Williams and Billie Jenno, interim administrators at Ooltewah Elementary

04/03/2019

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Lane College awards scholarships to 30 seniors

04/02/2019

Lane College has awarded the “Power of Potential” scholarship to 30 seniors from seven high schools in Hamilton County Schools. Lane College is a private, Christian, historically black college in Jackson, TN. The Power of Potential Scholarship is available to any Hamilton County high school senior who has a GPA of 3.0 or higher, who is excited about attending a historically black college or university, and who demonstrates perseverance and leadership. The interested seniors must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, principal, community or business leader, and complete the Lane College application for admission.

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Photo of Emerging Artists flier credit Chattanooga WorkSpace.

Friday art exhibit at Chattanooga WorkSpace to showcase Ooltewah High senior artwork

04/02/2019

Ooltewah High School International Baccalaureate students are presenting their senior art exhibit on Friday, April 5, 2019, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Chattanooga WorkSpace. Admission to the exhibit is free and open to the community. The event is located at Chattanooga WorkSpace at 302 W 6th St., Chattanooga.

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Gloves Up for Grayson to benefit Ooltewah child

03/29/2019

A special event at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Saturday, April 6 featuring the U.S. Army boxing team will benefit a courageous young man from Ooltewah. The event is called “Gloves Up for Grayson” and the event benefits Grayson’s Ladder.

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Time to apply for Pre-Kindergarten in Hamilton County Schools

03/28/2019

Applications for a slot in the Pre-Kindergarten program in Hamilton County Schools for the 2019-2020 school year will be accepted at local schools with Pre-K classes on Wednesday, April 3, 2019. Application documents are available online now for you to download and complete. The applications will need to be turned in at the local schools on Wednesday, April 3. Application times for schools in the system with Pre-K classes will vary and are available on the system website at www.hcde.org. The slots for Pre-K are filled based on income and space. Parents will need to provide proof of income and residence when submitting a Pre-K application. A child must be four on or before August 15, 2019, to attend Pre-K for the 2019-2020 school year.

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Online registration for kindergarten set for the first week of April

03/28/2019

Registration for kindergarten in Hamilton County Schools for the 2019-2020 school year is scheduled for the first week in April and will be online again this year. Kindergarten online registration opens Monday, April 1 and will continue thru Sunday, April 7. Parents can access registration on the district’s website at www.hcde.org.

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Finley King beside the Purple Pounder at Central High

Central High principal to retire in April

03/28/2019

Finley King, long-time principal at Central High School, has announced his retirement in April. King has been principal of Central High since 2008 and was also an assistant principal at the school where he graduated high school. “I am blessed to have been here at CHS for such a long time as principal of my alma mater,” said King. “I am now blessed to have been given a new career opportunity.”

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(Left-to-Right) Ricardo Cansino, Tyner student; Todd Edward, EPB IT manager; and Brandon Sanford, Tyner student. Todd Edwards goes over the internal workings of a computer with the students from Tyner.

EPB Institute of Technology and Networking students learn from professionals at EPB

03/28/2019

Partnerships in Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County Schools are designed to promote collaboration between the business professionals and the students in the school programs to expose teens to real-world learning experiences. Future Ready programs connect teens with professionals working in the field to see how what the students are learning today can be used in a career. Students from the Tyner Academy EPB Institute of Technology and Networking experienced technology used at EPB during a visit to the EPB building on West Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. on Wednesday, March 27. During the visit, EPB employees shared with students interested in technology and networking how technology is a part of their daily life at work.

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Fifth-grade students sing during the Hamilton Sings evening concert last November

Hamilton County Schools named a 2019 Best Community for Music Education

03/27/2019

The NAMM Foundation has honored Hamilton County Schools on its list of Best Communities for Music Education in 2019 for the districts outstanding commitment to music education. Hamilton County Schools was one of ten school districts in Tennessee and only 623 districts nationally to receive the honor.

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(from L to R) Logan Henson, Ian Tran, Sam White, Dr. Timothy Ellison

Three Ooltewah High band students awarded positions in prestigious summer arts programs

03/26/2019

Three band students from Ooltewah High School have been chosen to attend prestigious summer programs. All three students underwent a thorough application process as well as a competitive audition process to be chosen for these programs.

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Charles Dammann, chairman of the TNSSAR’s Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest, presents the winning medal and check to Zenna R. Whayeb, a senior at Central High.

Central High senior wins oration contest

03/26/2019

Zenna R. Whayeb, a senior at Central High School, was selected as the Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution (TNSSAR) winner of the Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest at the 129th TNSSAR Annual Conference in Murfreesboro, TN on Saturday, March 23. Whayeb represented the John Sevier Chapter in the contest and plans to attend the University of Michigan this fall.

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) Michelle Powell, health innovation coordinator, Erlanger Institute of Health Care and Innovation; and Dr. Charles Mitchell, assistant principal at Howard High present the shirt to JaMaal Macon.

I Am Hamilton JaMaal Macon, a student leader in the Erlanger Institute of Healthcare and Innovation at Howard High

03/25/2019

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I Am Hamilton JaMaal Macon, a student leader in the Erlanger Institute of Healthcare and Innovation at Howard High

03/25/2019

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Tyner Academy EPB Institute of Technology and Networking to visit EPB

03/22/2019

Partnerships in Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County Schools are designed to promote collaboration between the business sponsor and the school programs to expose teens to real-world learning experiences by connecting with professionals working in the field. Students from the Tyner Academy EPB Institute of Technology and Networking will experience technology used at EPB during a visit to the partner facility next week. During the visit, EPB employees will have the opportunity to mentor students interested in technology and networking and students will get contacts successful in the field. The EPB staff will also assist students with problem-based learning (PBL) exercises.

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(L to R) Sara Pratt and Kristin Robertson.

Two Hamilton County teachers chosen as regional finalists for Tennessee Teacher of the Year

03/22/2019

Two teachers from Hamilton County Schools have advanced to the next round in the selection of the Tennessee Teacher of the Year. Sara Pratt from Apison Elementary and Kristin Robertson from Signal Mountain Middle High are Southeast Region-level finalists in the selection process. Pratt and Robertson earned Hamilton County Schools Teacher of the Year honors in January.

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Hamilton County Schools Teachers of the Year

Teachers of the Year for Hamilton County Schools honored at special luncheon

03/15/2019

Hamilton County Schools honored its three teachers of the year today at a special luncheon at STIR restaurant in Chattanooga. The three teachers of the year announced earlier in January are Sara Pratt, Apison Elementary; Michele Jones, Middle Valley Elementary; and Kristen Robertson, Signal Mountain Middle/High. The teachers were honored by their school administration and presented with special certificates. The luncheon was sponsored by the Chattanooga Area Schools Federal Credit Union. The three teachers will be honored at the Hamilton County Board of Education meeting scheduled for April 18, 2019, at 5:30 p.m.

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I Am Hamilton - James Howard, graduate of Tyner

03/15/2019

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights James Howard, the morning show personality at Sunny 92.3 radio and host of This-N-That on Channel 9. Howard has worked in local radio for the past 25 years as an on-air personality for WDEF Sunny 92.3. For the past 18 years, he has hosted the morning show and become a fixture in the morning routine for many citizens of the Tennessee Valley. He also hosts News Channel 9’s This-N-That at 12:30 p.m. each weekday.

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I Am Hamilton - James Howard, graduate of Tyner

03/15/2019

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Haley West of Ooltewah and her teacher Carrie Cook

Nine young artists take honors in the Hamilton Place art contest

03/14/2019

Nine art students and their art teachers from Hamilton County Schools were honored today for their creativity and artistic excellence as Hamilton Place Mall held its awards presentation in the mall’s annual art contest. Haley West, a senior at Ooltewah High School, and Jessica Arp, a seventh-grader at Loftis Middle School, were the first place winners in the group. The theme for this year’s contest was “Heroes do not always wear capes.” The student artists produced artwork featuring their heroes as the subject.

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The Howard School’s Ware is Principal of the Year for Hamilton County Schools

03/13/2019

Dr. Le Andrea Ware returned to her alma mater at the end of the 2017-2018 school year as interim principal to lead The Howard School through the remainder of the year and her love for the school and community led her to make the move permanent. Her love for The Howard School and innovation as an educational leader has resulted in her selection as the 2019-2020 principal of the year for Hamilton County Schools as she closes out her first year as the school’s leader.

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Bumper Reese, assistant principal at Signal Mountain, and students from Dustin Carpenter’s class present him with the shirt.

I Am Hamilton shirt presented to Dustin Carpenter, a teacher and coach at Signal Mountain Middle/High

03/12/2019

Dustin Carpenter, a teacher and cross country coach at Signal Mountain Middle/High, received an “I Am Hamilton” shirt for his work in the classroom and his selection as a 2018 Tennessee coach of the year for girls’ cross country. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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I Am Hamilton shirt presented to Dustin Carpenter, a teacher and coach at Signal Mountain Middle/High

03/12/2019

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Signal Mountain High students finish first and third in the District Mock Trial Competition

03/08/2019

For the third year in a row, Signal Mountain High School is the champion in the Chattanooga District for the Tennessee High School Mock Trial competition. This year, 20 teams competed which is the most to compete in the Chattanooga District event. A second Signal Mountain team finished third in the competition, making this the first year the school had two teams in the finals.

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Jennie Starr, assistant principal of Normal Park Museum Magnet Upper and students in Mrs. Blake’s class present her with the shirt.

I Am Hamilton shirt presented to Katherine Blake, an eighth-grade teacher at Normal Park Museum Magnet

03/08/2019

Katherine Blake, an eighth-grade teacher at Normal Park Museum Magnet School, received an “I Am Hamilton” shirt for her work in the classroom and building a mentor program at the school. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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New Education Commissioner visits Hamilton County Schools

03/08/2019

New Tennessee Education Commissioner Dr. Penny Schwinn visited Hamilton County Schools over the last two days and talked with teachers and students about their hopes and dreams for the future and how we can all work together to prepare graduates for the future. She also attended her first meeting of the State Partnership Network where the state and school district are working together with the community to improve the performance of schools in the Opportunity Zone.

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I Am Hamilton shirt presented to Katherine Blake, an eighth-grade teacher at Normal Park Museum Magnet

03/08/2019

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The Sky will be the limit in a collaboration between Howard Connect Academy and NASA

03/07/2019

The sky is the limit for middle school students at the new Howard Connect Academy as the result of a new collaboration between the school and NASA. The innovative new school for middle-grade students will open its doors this August with NASA resources, competitions, interactions with NASA scientists and engineers as well as a full NASA curriculum available for children. NASA personnel will provide students with both in-person and virtual interactions. NASA will also provide the Learning Designers and Discovery Teachers with professional development and training.

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John Maynard, director of CTE programs and Blake Freeman, director of Future Ready Institutes for Hamilton County Schools; present the shirt to James Howard on a recent visit to This-N-That.

I Am Hamilton shirt presented to James Howard, radio and television personality and Tyner graduate

03/06/2019

James Howard, the morning show personality at Sunny 92.3 radio and host of This-N-That on Channel 9, received an “I Am Hamilton” shirt as a graduate of Hamilton County Schools making a difference in the community. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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Red Bank students and staff join with BlueCross representatives in front of the sign for the new BlueCross Technology Academy.

Future Ready Institutes add BlueCross as a major sponsor at Red Bank High

03/06/2019

The BlueCross Technology Academy at Red Bank High school will add another major community business to the list of participants in the community helping to prepare high school graduates for success after graduation. Hamilton County Schools and BlueCross announced the partnership on Tuesday, March 5, at the Chattanooga offices of BlueCross BlueShield. Students in the Red Bank High program, Hamilton County Schools administrators, community leaders, and BlueCross BlueShield representatives gathered for the announcement.

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Hamilton County Schools Celebrates Community Partnerships at Partners in Education Breakfast

03/05/2019

Hamilton County Schools recognized businesses, community organizations, and faith-based organizations for their commitment to public education and contributions to children at the Partners In Education breakfast on Friday, March 1 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The event was sponsored by Unum and Fund for Excellence and more than 300 gathered for the recognition.

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Hixson High JROTC wins titles in drill and color guard

03/05/2019

The Hixson High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) drill and color guard teams have captured their fourth and fifth Hamilton County JROTC Drill championship titles in drill and color guard.

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Free ACT test prep offered to seniors this spring

03/04/2019

Hamilton County Schools is providing the opportunity for seniors to get a free online ACT preparation course to help boost scores for the Class of 2019 getting ready for graduation and entering college in the fall. Seniors who register by March 8, 2019, for the April 13, 2019, ACT national test date will be offered a free online seat in the On To College Act Prep Course. The course is valued at $150 for a student signing up independently.

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R. Wayne Barron, Air Force JROTC director of Region 7, talks with the Hixson High cadets.

Hixson High Air Force JROTC scores big on unit evaluation!

02/28/2019

The Hixson High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) TN-081, earned an overall unit assessment score of “Exceeds Standards” recently. The rating is the highest attainable during the formal unit evaluation conducted by Headquarters Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) representative, Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) R. Wayne Barron on March 19. The purpose of the visit was to observe and provide feedback on the performance of the unit and to assess its compliance with Public Law, Department of Defense and Air Force Instructions, and the written agreement which exists between the Hamilton County Department of Education and the Air Force. The staff and group of cadets accomplished something that has never been done in the unit’s 46-year history - by earning the Unit Evaluation rating of “Exceed Standards.”

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Ashley Cox, English Department Head at The Howard School shows off her classroom library

Hamilton County classroom projects eligible for $25,000 match from community foundation

02/28/2019

In partnership with Hamilton County Schools, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga is offering a district-wide $25,000 matching campaign to fund the classroom needs of Hamilton County public school teachers through DonorsChoose.org. For every donation made to Hamilton County teacher projects this year, the Community Foundation will match that donation, until the $25,000 grant is expended.

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I Am Hamilton Zavier Chavez, a senior at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts

02/26/2019

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Nine are National Merit Finalists from Hamilton County Schools

02/26/2019

Nine students from Hamilton County Schools are moving on as Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition. Five of the Finalists are from Signal Mountain Middle High, and one each from East Hamilton High, Soddy-Daisy High, STEM School Chattanooga, and Ooltewah High. These students represent the top 1.12 percent of the nation in academics. The five students recognized as Finalists from Signal Mountain High are the most to earn the honor in the history of the school and also the largest number from any area school for 2019.

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I Am Hamilton Zavier Chavez, a senior at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts

02/26/2019

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Zavier Chavez, a senior at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts. Zavier is Senior Class president and a 2019 candidate for graduation. He has been accepted at Harvard University for the fall and plans to become a lawyer to help others.

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Blake Freeman, director of Future Ready Institutes for Hamilton County Schools; and Amanda Baron, Computer Science teacher and lead teacher at the Institute of Engineering and Computer Science at Red Bank High, present the shirt to Lily Akins.

I Am Hamilton shirt presented to Lily Akins, a freshman at Red Bank High

02/22/2019

Lily Akins, a freshman in the Future Ready Institute of Engineering and Computer Science at Red Bank High School, received an “I Am Hamilton” shirt for being an ambassador for Future Ready Institutes and sharing her experience with other students and the community. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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I Am Hamilton shirt presented to Lily Akins, a freshman at Red Bank High

02/22/2019

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I Am Hamilton Bria Sibley, a teacher at Orchard Knob Elementary

02/14/2019

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I Am Hamilton Bria Sibley, a teacher at Orchard Knob Elementary

02/14/2019

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Daniel Wilburn and Jamichael Lewis, both seniors in the Volkswagen Academy work on a Volkswagen trunk lid.

Students to demonstrate skills at Volkswagen Academy Open House

02/13/2019

Students from Hamilton County Collegiate High School at Chattanooga State will demonstrate their mechatronics skills at the Volkswagen Academy Open House on Thursday, Feb. 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The students will showcase what they have learned in the cooperative program with Volkswagen.

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Open enrollment underway for the New Howard Connect Academy

02/12/2019

Open enrollment registration is now available for Howard Connect Academy. The innovative new school will open its doors this August to welcome the class of 2026, with seats available to 150 rising sixth graders.

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Administrators Kristy Dillard and Phil Iannarone from Hamilton County Schools talk with teacher candidates at a recruitment fair.

Teacher hiring event seeks top teaching talent for classrooms

02/11/2019

Hamilton County Schools is looking for top teaching talent for classrooms this fall. The district will hold the Spring Teacher Hiring Event expected to attract experienced teachers and soon-to-be college graduates with an education degree interested in teaching in Hamilton County Schools. East Brainerd Elementary School will be the location of the event scheduled for Saturday, February 23, from 9 a.m.to 12 p.m. Principals from Hamilton County Schools and district hiring managers will be at the event prepared to offer teaching and staff positions to certified teachers, support staff, speech/language pathologists, and school psychologists. The event attracted more than 200 applicants last year, and organizers expect more than 250 this year.

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2019 Listening Sessions to begin next week

02/08/2019

To reach the promise Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson outlined in the State of the System address last night, everyone in the community needs to be a part of improving our schools for the children of Hamilton County. An opportunity for parents, staff and the community to share their thoughts for the future starts next week with two listening sessions scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The sessions will be the first of five total sessions, one in each Learning Community, across the district. Red Bank Middle School in the Rock Point Learning Community will host the Monday session at 6 p.m. The Tuesday session will be at Loftis Middle School in the North River Learning Community.

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Dr. Johnson speaks during the State of the System

State of the System sets a direction of promise

02/08/2019

Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, presented the State of the System address to the community on Thursday at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences. An excellent crowd of parents, students, community leaders, teachers, administrators, and staff gathered to hear about successes, challenges and the promise of the future for Hamilton County Schools. “We want to talk tonight about promise. The promise that exists within our school system,” Johnson said. “We want kids to reach their highest and fullest potential.”

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Frank Fischel is new principal at Ooltewah Elementary

New principal for Ooltewah Elementary focused on success for children

02/05/2019

Ooltewah Elementary School welcomes their new principal this week as Dr. Frank Fischel assumes the role at the school. Fischel is focused on the success of young children and looks forward to providing an atmosphere of growth for the children of the Ooltewah community. “I have worked in a lot of different educational atmospheres, but I sincerely love to work in elementary schools,” Fischel said. “The youthful enthusiasm and excitement for learning that you see in the faces of elementary children is infectious and inspires me in my life and work.”

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Photo of Tiffanie Robinson, Hamilton County Board of Education member representing District 4 and vice chair of the board, presenting the shirt to Becky Piper at Battle Academy.

I Am Hamilton shirt presented to Becky Piper, exceptional education assistant at Battle Academy

02/04/2019

Becky Piper, an exceptional education assistant at Battle Academy, received an “I Am Hamilton” shirt for her selfless passion for service to the children and staff at Battle Academy. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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I Am Hamilton shirt presented to Becky Piper, exceptional education assistant at Battle Academy

02/04/2019

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Photo Bottom: Students with Governor Bill Lee, (Pictured L to R): Michael Essex, Red Bank High; Joshuah Maddox, Hamilton County High; Justin Kelley, Hamilton County High; and Sherod Mitchell, Tyner Academy

Governor Lee visits state’s first U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship program at Gestamp

02/01/2019

New Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has been in office less than a month and one of his first visits involving education is to Hamilton County Schools to see the apprenticeship partnership between Hamilton County Schools and Gestamp. The work-based learning program is the first in Tennessee to earn the U.S. Department of Labor’s registered apprenticeship designation. The program is now a registered apprenticeship in advanced manufacturing that allows high school students to get a full-day work-based learning experience while also completing their education. Students take online academic classes in a computer lab at Gestamp and get actual work experience during the school day in the Gestamp plant.

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Applications are open for Future Ready Institutes, open enrollment schools, and early college options for 2019-20

02/01/2019

Applications are now open for Future Ready Institutes, open enrollment schools, and early college options for the 2019-2020 school year for Hamilton County Schools. Applications will remain open for these options through March 15.

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Photo of Dr. Tony Donen, principal at STEM School Chattanooga, presenting the shirt to Amy Robinson.

I Am Hamilton shirt presented to Amy Robinson, administrative assistant at STEM School Chattanooga

01/30/2019

Amy Robinson, administrative assistant at STEM School Chattanooga, received an “I Am Hamilton” shirt for her dedication to the service of the students and staff at STEM School Chattanooga. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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I Am Hamilton shirt presented to Amy Robinson, administrative assistant at STEM School Chattanooga

01/30/2019

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Joe Barbeauld, a community volunteer at North Hamilton County Elementary

01/28/2019

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Photo of Brainerd aviation students watching a drone demonstration in the school’s gym.

Brainerd High Institute of Aviation awarded a grant from TDOT Aviation Institute

01/28/2019

Brainerd High School has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division. Brainerd High is home to the Institute of Aviation, a Future Ready Institute in Hamilton County Schools.

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Joe Barbeauld, a community volunteer at North Hamilton County Elementary

01/28/2019

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Photo of Joshua Ward, with RCI, leads a group of STEM School Chattanooga students in a paper airplane exercise.

STEM School Chattanooga builds education-business relationships for student success

01/25/2019

Collaboration, innovation, and critical thinking are characteristics that local business and industry are looking for in the workforce of tomorrow. STEM School Chattanooga is committed to developing these critical skills in their graduates and involving the business community in the process. The school emphasizes skill building and business involvement in every aspect of a student’s learning experience.

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I Am Hamilton shirt presented to Nikki Bailey, principal at Lookout Valley Elementary

01/25/2019

Nikki Bailey, the principal at Lookout Valley Elementary School, received an “I Am Hamilton” shirt for her selfless passion for service to the children and staff at Lookout Valley. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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Teachers of the Year announced for Hamilton County Schools

01/25/2019

Hamilton County Schools surprised three of the best classroom teachers in the district today with the announcement of their selection as a 2019 Teacher of the Year for the school system. The Teachers of the Year are Sara Pratt, a fourth-grade teacher at Apison Elementary School, for the elementary grades division; Michele Jones, a fifth-grade teacher at Middle Valley Elementary School, for middle grades in the fifth through eighth-grade division; and Kristen Robertson, a ninth-grade teacher at Signal Mountain Middle/High in the high school division. The announcements were made in the teachers’ classrooms this morning. These three exceptional teachers will now advance to the state level in the Teacher of the Year recognition for Tennessee.

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I Am Hamilton shirt presented to Nikki Bailey, principal at Lookout Valley Elementary

01/25/2019

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Student Jamarcus Varnell presents the shirt to his music teacher Emma Mullins.

I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Emma Mullins, a music teacher at Lakeside Academy

01/22/2019

Emma Mullins, a music teacher at Lakeside Academy, received an “I Am Hamilton” t-shirt for her passion for music and her ability to pass that along to the children in her class. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Emma Mullins, a music teacher at Lakeside Academy

01/22/2019

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School for the Arts and Sciences teacher awarded

01/18/2019

April Wyatt, a geography teacher at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (CSAS), will receive the 2019 Tom and Stella Mullane Geography Teacher of the Year Award presented by the Tennessee Geographic Alliance. The award is given to outstanding geographic educators in grades 7 through 12.

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Center for Creative Arts student receives major art award

01/16/2019

Maggie Wilkinson, a student at the Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts (CCA), was named a 2019 YoungArts Foundation Finalist in writing and poetry, the organization’s highest honor. Wilkinson’s recognition earned her a spot in the 38th Annual National YoungArts Week held in Miami from January 6-13.

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Training to empower students to tell their Future Ready Institute story

01/15/2019

The best way to learn how a school program is making a difference in the lives of students is to hear from the young participants themselves. Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County Schools will send teen representatives from their programs to be trained as student ambassadors this Friday at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to help them share their experiences. The training is scheduled for Friday, January 18th from 8:30-3:30 in the Chattanooga Room at UTC’s University Center. The training will involve 100 representatives from the 20 Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County Schools.

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Kelly Loftis making children smile at Loftis Middle

I Am Hamilton - Kelly Houston, the cafeteria manager at Loftis Middle School

01/08/2019

“I am Hamilton” spotlights Kelly Houston, the cafeteria manager at Loftis Middle School. Kelly has been at Loftis for ten years. She has experience with children as an employee of the system and also as a parent as her three children attended Hamilton County Schools.

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I Am Hamilton - Kelly Houston, the cafeteria manager at Loftis Middle School

01/08/2019

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Magnet Schools Fair to showcase school options for Hamilton County families

01/04/2019

Every child has different interests, hopes, and dreams for the future. Hamilton County Schools announced additional options to help make those dreams a reality last month with open enrollment opportunities called “My Future Schools.” Magnet schools in the district play a key role in open enrollment options and provide access to opportunities to open doors to exciting pathways to possibilities for a child’s future. You will have the opportunity to explore magnet school options available at a district Magnet School Fair on Monday, January 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the South Chattanooga Recreation Center located at 1151 W. 40th Street, Chattanooga.

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I Am Hamilton - John Shackleford, bus driver

01/04/2019

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights John Shackleford, a contract school bus driver for Hamilton County Schools. Shackleford started driving a bus in 1993 and drove until 2004. He came back to driving about two years ago because he wanted to make a difference for children at Woodmore Elementary.

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I Am Hamilton - John Shackleford, bus driver

01/04/2019

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Chris Tillett, principal of Allen Elementary, presents Michelle Rigsby with the I Am Hamilton t-shirt.

I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Michelle Rigsby, a teacher at Allen Elementary

01/03/2019

Michelle Rigsby, a fourth-grade teacher at Allen Elementary, received an “I Am Hamilton” t-shirt for her work with the children in her class and pitching in to take extra duty at school for co-workers. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Michelle Rigsby, a teacher at Allen Elementary

01/03/2019

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Tucker McClendon, Board Member representing District 8, presents Sherri Ford with the I Am Hamilton t-shirt before the December Board of Education meeting

I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Sherrie Ford, executive assistant to the Board of Education

12/28/2018

Sherrie Ford, the executive assistant to the Hamilton County Board of Education, received an “I Am Hamilton” t-shirt for her work assisting the board members for Hamilton County Schools. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Sherrie Ford, executive assistant to the Board of Education

12/28/2018

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Hamilton County Schools and UTC partners

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to partner with Tyner Academy on the UTC Institute for Teaching and Learning

12/26/2018

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)’s School of Education has agreed to sponsor the UTC Teaching and Learning Institute at Tyner Academy. The UTC Teaching and Learning Institute is one of 20 Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County Schools.

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Hamilton County Schools Announces New School Options and Timeline

12/18/2018

Every student has different interests, hopes, and dreams and must have access to opportunities that best open doors to exciting pathways to possibilities for their future. Hamilton County Schools provides educational opportunities in local communities and beyond neighborhood zoned schools to ignite the passion for learning in each child.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Mr. Joe, a volunteer at North Hamilton County Elementary

12/14/2018

Joe Barbeauld, a volunteer at North Hamilton County Elementary, received an “I Am Hamilton” t-shirt for helping children with reading and math. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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Seven Hamilton County Schools receive more than $20,000 in STEAM grants from Krystal

12/14/2018

Photo: Roy Collins, band director at Tyner Academy, accepts the $5,000 check for band instruments for his program from Paul Macaluso, Krystal CEO and president of The Krystal Foundation, and Lyticha Jennings, district manager for Krystal.

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Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of the Hamilton County Schools presents John Echols with the I Am Hamilton t-shirt.

I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to John Echols, a teacher at Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts

12/07/2018

John Echols, a teacher at Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts, received an “I Am Hamilton” t-shirt for pouring his energy and personal time in the school’s Destination Imagination teams. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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Education Commissioner Candace McQueen works with Jaiquez Kalaukoa at the Woodmore Elementary Read to be Ready Summer Program this past summer.

Eight schools are awarded Read to be Ready summer program grants

12/07/2018

Eight schools in Hamilton County Schools will have Read to Be Ready summer programs in 2019 as the Read to be Ready Summer Grants were announced yesterday by Education Commissioner Candice McQueen. Barger Academy of Fine Arts, Bess T. Shepherd Elementary, East Lake Elementary, East Ridge Elementary, Hardy Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Lakeside Academy, and Wolftever Creek Elementary School will have the month-long literacy-focused summer camps for children. The state provides $8,900,000 in funding across the state for tuition-free access to the camp for students in need.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to John Echols, a teacher at Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts

12/07/2018

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Joe Wingate, chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Education, and Valerie Brown, principal of Bess T. Shepherd, present Tammie Vaillancourt with the I Am Hamilton t-shirt.

I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Tammie Vaillancourt, school nurse at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary

12/05/2018

Tammie Vaillancourt, RN, the school nurse at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary, received an “I Am Hamilton” t-shirt for helping to keep children feeling good and in school. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, and Justin Robertson, chief schools officer, help to pack the snack pack bags.

Community comes together to provide food for children

12/05/2018

Often we hear about problems in the community, but we think that someone else will take care of it and we go about our day. When Janice Robertson, a member of the East Brainerd Church of Christ, heard that children in the community were going without food on the weekend she decided to do something about the problem. As a result of her initiative and the support of her church, a program was born that provides Snack Pack bags of food for children on Fridays to help the youngest of our community make it through a weekend.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Tammie Vaillancourt, school nurse at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary

12/05/2018

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McKenney presented his shirt at Signal Mtn. School

I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Jonathan McKenney of Signal Mountain

12/03/2018

Jonathan McKenney, a bus driver for schools on Signal Mountain, received an “I Am Hamilton” t-shirt for keeping children safe on the bus ride home from school. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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Three schools to receive state grants to spur school improvement

12/03/2018

Three Hamilton County Schools were among ten in the state announced today to receive grants to help spur school improvement. Education Commissioner Candice McQueen announced Tennessee would award Priority school grants over the next three years to Calvin Donaldson Elementary, Orchard Knob Middle, and The Howard School along with another seven schools in the state. The ten grants will total $8.25 million for the selected schools and will provide funding to support specific strategies for school improvement in alignment with both district plans, and the state’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan.

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Photo: Mayor Jim Coppinger makes a presentation to Lachi Tate at East Lake Academy.

Hamilton County students sweep billboard art contest

12/03/2018

The Hamilton Shines Billboard Art Contest winners for this year include three Hamilton County students. Mayor Jim Coppinger recognized each at their school and presented the winners a plaque, pin, and a poster rendition of their billboard. The artwork will be displayed on a billboard in the community located near each winner’s school.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Jonathan McKenney of Signal Mountain

12/03/2018

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Veteran finance leader announces her retirement and experienced local finance professional joins Hamilton County Schools

11/30/2018

milton County Schools has a long history of balanced budgets and efficient operations to ensure children have the educational resources to be successful. Christie Jordan, chief financial officer for the district, has been a big part of that success for the past 29 years. Jordan had announced her plans to retire at the end of the 2017-2018 school year but stayed with the district as a replacement search was conducted for her position. Jordan will now retire at the end of the 2018-2019 school year as Brent Goldberg, a local finance professional, has joined Hamilton County Schools to transition into the finance leadership role.

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Kim White talking on the telephone in her office

Kim White, president, and CEO of River City Company and a Hamilton County Schools graduate

11/30/2018

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights Hixson High graduate Kim White, president and CEO of River City Company in Chattanooga. River City is a private non-profit that has focused on downtown redevelopment for the past 32 years.

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Kim White, president, and CEO of River City Company and a Hamilton County Schools graduate

11/30/2018

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Two student authors added to book signing at Barnes and Noble

11/28/2018

Two student authors have been added to the two announced earlier this week that will hold a book signing at Barnes and Noble Thursday evening. The signings will be at Barnes and Noble at Hamilton Place on Thursday, November 29 at 6 p.m.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Danielle Ivens of East Side Elementary

11/28/2018

Danielle Ivens, a Kindergarten teacher at East Side Elementary, received an “I Am Hamilton” t-shirt for her work with the bright young children in her classroom. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Danielle Ivens of East Side Elementary

11/28/2018

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Mayor Coppinger presented with the t-shirt

I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Mayor Jim Coppinger

11/23/2018

Mayor Jim Coppinger, Hixson High Class of 1973, received an “I Am Hamilton” t-shirt for his work for the children of our community in Hamilton County government. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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Dr. Johnson presents the shirt to Angela Colvin

I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Angela Colvin, a bus driver for Hamilton County Schools

11/20/2018

Angela Colvin, a bus driver for Hamilton County Schools, received an “I Am Hamilton” t-shirt for her work to keep children happy and taking time to communicate with parents when her bus was running late. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Angela Colvin, a bus driver for Hamilton County Schools

11/20/2018

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The CHI Memorial Heroes Luncheon honors two teachers

11/16/2018

Taking learning to the streets recently earned recognition for two Hamilton County teachers. Brittany Harris, an academic coach at East Brainerd Elementary, and Colleen Ryan, a teacher at Rivermont Elementary, received the Community Outreach Award at the CHI Memorial Heroes Luncheon sponsored by the American Red Cross. Harris and Ryan are the developers of “The Passage,” a mobile classroom that goes to children's neighborhoods to make learning accessible.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Max Burk, a senior at Signal Mountain Middle/High

11/16/2018

Max Burk, a senior at Signal Mountain Middle/High, received an “I Am Hamilton” t-shirt for scoring the maximum composite score of 36 on the ACT, Hamilton County Schools presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Max Burk, a senior at Signal Mountain Middle/High

11/16/2018

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Tammy Baxter, parent at Soddy Daisy High

I Am Hamilton, Tammy Baxter, a parent at Soddy Daisy High

11/15/2018

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights our first parent Tammy Baxter, an active and involved parent at Soddy Daisy High Schools in the North River Learning Community. Baxter is involved in activities involving her daughters at Soddy Daisy, active in parent volunteer groups, regularly seen at Hamilton County Board of Education meetings, and a voice for parents in parent advisory activities for her school and the district.

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Webb presented with the Harbor Freight toolbox

Central High teacher wins $50,000 prize from Harbor Freight

11/15/2018

Jerry Webb, manufacturing, electrical and plumbing systems teacher from Central High School, has won second place in the 2018 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. Webb’s work with his classes in the area of renewable energy earned him the second place finish in the national contest. He was surprised with the news and a check for $50,000 during the prize presentation at Central High this morning.

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I Am Hamilton, Tammy Baxter, a parent at Soddy Daisy High

11/15/2018

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Nolan Elementary second-grader wins Superintendent’s Reading Challenge

11/13/2018

Aiden Thomason, a second-grader at Nolan Elementary was the winner of the Superintendent's Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge for 2018. Nolan Elementary had more students to read over 1000 minutes in the Summer Reading Challenge than any other Hamilton County School.

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Hixson High School AFJROTC Visits Local Veterans

11/12/2018

The Hixson High School Air Force JROTC Cadet Corps held a Veterans appreciation event on Thursday at the Morning Pointe assisted living facility in Hixson, TN. The Wildcat Cadet Corps showed up in full-force with over 90 Cadets and a Hixson High Band member participating.

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Gail Huffstutler presents the shirt to Stacey Bradley

I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Stacey Bradley, STEAM Lab assistant at Wolftever Creek Elementary

11/12/2018

Stacey Bradley, a STEAM Lab assistant at Wolftever Creek Elementary, received an “I Am Hamilton” t-shirt today for her work with children in the lab focused on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM.) Hamilton County Schools presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact the lives of children.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirt presented to Stacey Bradley, STEAM Lab assistant at Wolftever Creek Elementary

11/12/2018

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Ms. Dyer and her students at The Howard School

I Am Hamilton t-shirts presented to staff demonstrating service to children

11/09/2018

“I Am Hamilton” begins a new phase of recognition for people making a difference for children with the first presentation of an “I AM Hamilton” t-shirt to Andrea Dyer, an ESOL teacher at The Howard School. Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson presented the shirt this morning. The shirt has the new district logo on the front with I AM Hamilton in large print on the back.

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I Am Hamilton t-shirts presented to staff demonstrating service to children

11/09/2018

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Hixson JROTC Instructor competes in Veteran’s National Golf Championship

11/06/2018

Master Sergeant Doug Burhans from Hixson High School is representing Tennessee at the Veteran Golfers Association’s National Championship tournament. The tournament winds up play tomorrow at Olympic Club in San Francisco, California.

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I Am Hamilton, Rizwaan Abdul, a student at STEM School Chattanooga

11/01/2018

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights our first student Rizwaan Abdul, a junior at STEM School Chattanooga, a magnet program in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community. “The staff here at STEM School are very nice and focused on the needs of individual students,“ Abdul said.

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Future Ready Institutes presented Community Impact Award by The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga

11/01/2018

In the first year of existence, the Future Ready Institutes in Hamilton County high schools have earned the recognition of making a significant impact on the community. The Future Ready Institutes were presented the Community Impact Award by The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga at the groups Equal Opportunity breakfast held Tuesday, October 30 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson, Board Member Tiffanie Robinson, and Director of the Future Ready Institutes Blake Freeman accepted the award.

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I Am Hamilton, Rizwaan Abdul, a student at STEM School Chattanooga

11/01/2018

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ACT scores hold steady for all students while subgroups improved scores

10/31/2018

Hamilton County graduate’s ACT composite score held steady for all students, and economically disadvantaged students showed increases across the board for 2018. The scores were announced today by Education Department Commissioner Candice McQueen. The composite for Hamilton County Schools held at 19.9 with a participation rate of 97 percent. The state average score was 20.2. Scores in math, English, and science remained within 0.1 of last year’s scores while reading saw a 0.2 increase.

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Administrators Kristy Dillard and Phil Iannarone talk with teacher candidates at the recruitment fair held last fall.

Fall Teacher Recruitment Fair seeks top teaching talent for Hamilton County Schools

10/30/2018

Hamilton County Schools kicks off the hiring season with the fall Teacher Recruitment Fair on Tuesday, November 13 at East Ridge Elementary School. Principals at the event will look for potential new teachers for their interim positions in the schools for the second half of this school year, and teaching positions to begin next school year in the fall of 2019.

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Kennedy Center announces new partnership at Hamilton Sings

10/24/2018

The joy of 170 fifth-grade children singing and performing makes for a wonderful evening but add the excitement of an announcement that will impact the arts throughout the community and it becomes an extra special night. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Chattanooga-Hamilton County, Tennessee, as the 26th site in the country for Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child at the annual Hamilton Sings concert last night. Any Given Child is a catalyst program that improves the academic experience and performance of children and creates change by involving the arts community in the power of strategic, coordinated arts education.

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Howard School teacher is one of nine in the state selected to first Tennessee Teacher Ambassador Network

10/22/2018

Jessica Hubbuch, teacher and the science department chair at The Howard School, is one of nine educators from across the state to be selected to participate in the inaugural Tennessee Teacher Ambassador Network during the 2018-19 school year. The Teacher Ambassador Network is a unique opportunity for teachers to advise and participate in the work of the Department of Education without asking them to leave the classroom.

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Chad Jaynes and Joshua Sneideman discuss the Future Ready 2023 Action Plan during the first session of Leadership Hamilton County Schools

Leadership Hamilton County Schools kicks-off with 18 community leaders learning more about our schools

10/19/2018

The first class of Leadership Hamilton County Schools kicked off this week with a new opportunity for the community to get involved in our public schools. The first session of Leadership Hamilton County Schools met on Tuesday, October 16 at the central office of Hamilton County Schools. Leadership Hamilton County Schools is a six-session program running through April that will allow participants to experience the people and programs in our area schools preparing our children for success after graduation.

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Students performing in last year's Hamilton Sings

Fifth-graders to perform in Hamilton Sings next Tuesday

10/19/2018

This year’s Hamilton Sings will take place on Tuesday, October 23 at First Baptist Church on Gateway Avenue. Hamilton Sings is a one-day elementary honor choir event that will include 5th-grade students from every Hamilton County school. Approximately 160 students will participate in this year’s annual musical experience.

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Veteran principal leaves for a state position as high-quality leaders step up to fill new roles

10/16/2018

Robin Copp, principal at Ooltewah High School, has accepted a position with the new Partnership Network for school improvement with the Tennessee Department of Education and her departure will result in a shift of administrative positions in Hamilton County Schools.

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Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences is a Best of the best selection

10/12/2018

The Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences won the 2018 Best Public School award. East Hamilton Middle/High School and Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts were finalists in the same category voted on by Times Free Press readers in the area.

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Collegiate High sophomore performs with renowned flute player

10/11/2018

Collegiate High sophomore Sasha Hitachi is a talented musician with big dreams and plans for her future. One dream was to perform with Emmanuel Pahud, a renowned French and Swiss flute player. Hitachi applied for a masterclass with Pahud, hoping to perform, but she did not expect to have her dream come true. Hitachi was one of only six applicants from the region selected to play in a prestigious event earlier this year at the University of Georgia.

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Students perform at Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts

Three Hamilton County high schools among the state’s best

10/10/2018

Three high schools in Hamilton County Schools are in the top 30 best high schools in the state in the Niche ratings of 2019 Best Schools in America.

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David Helton teaches a middle school class in France

Teacher’s research in France brings French students and teachers to Chattanooga

10/10/2018

A group of high school students and teachers from France will visit the Chattanooga area thanks to the work of a Hamilton County teacher as part of the Global Learning Experience funded by PEF. The French group will arrive in Chattanooga on Friday, October 12 and stay through Saturday, October 20.

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Hamilton County Schools posts highest graduation rate since the move to more rigorous requirements in 2011

10/04/2018

Hamilton County Schools has posted the highest graduation rate since the state changed the graduation rate calculation in 2011. The district increased the graduation rate almost two points at 86.5 percent up from 84.6 percent in 2017. The district also moved closer to the state graduation rate in the latest report released today by the Tennessee Department of Education.

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Students to help chart the course for the future at Soddy Daisy High School Investigation completed into viral video comments

10/04/2018

The district will work with students at Soddy Daisy High so all voices are heard in seeking improvement in the school culture. The planned discussions will allow students to share their views on the school climate and chart a course so everyone feels valued at Soddy Daisy High School. The discussions will involve Soddy Daisy High student government and representation from the various student groups at the school.

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“I am Hamilton” launches with Hixson alum Mayor Jim Coppinger

10/02/2018

“I am Hamilton” will spotlight the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

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“I am Hamilton” launches with Hixson alum Mayor Jim Coppinger

10/02/2018

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Hamilton County Schools increases Reward Schools for 2018

09/28/2018

Hamilton County Schools had 17 schools recognized as Reward schools in an announcement on Friday by Education Commissioner Candice McQueen releasing the 2018 Reward and Priority schools in the state. The release listed the district as performing at a Satisfactory achievement level in the data announcement. The release was part of the first year of the implementation of the Tennessee school accountability model which includes multiple measures of success.

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Superintendent’s response to YouTube video

09/26/2018

As an educator, I believe that all students deserve a high-quality education. In Hamilton County Schools, we are committed to serving all students well. We have reviewed the video content. We find the comments about young women in this video inexcusable, as the sentiments expressed do not align with the values of Hamilton County Schools.

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Caroline Stamey, a ninth-grader, shares her portfolio of work with Kyle O’Connell, assistant director of admissions at the School of Art Institute in Chicago

Chicago art school visits Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts

09/21/2018

Representatives from the School of Art Institute of Chicago recently visited the Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts to talk with students about the prestigious college’s program and view work of the students at the high school in the area known for graduating exceptional artists.

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Opportunity Zone to hold a community celebration to share accomplishments and connect families with community resources

09/19/2018

You are invited to join in a celebration of accomplishments of the Opportunity Zone schools during the Community Celebration Phase II scheduled for Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at The Howard School. The Opportunity Zone schools will share their accomplishments and achievements over the past year. Over 15 informational sessions will be available for teachers, parents and community members. The sessions will include information on Volkswagen eLabs, plans for events included in Parent University, and mental health resources. There will also be teacher focus groups and much more during the celebration event.

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Central breaking ground on the new track

Central High School breaks ground for a new track

09/18/2018

Chattanooga Central High School’s track was built in the 1960s with many a Purple Pounder athlete wearing out shoe leather preparing for competition. Now, almost fifty years later, the well-worn track will be broken down for the installation of a new track and a new beginning for the Central High track teams. The new eight-lane track with additional installations for field events including high jump, pole vault, long jump, discuss, and shot put will be ready for track season this spring.

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East Ridge Middle, Loftis Middle, and McConnell Elementary among only 65 schools in the state at Level 5 in all subjects

09/17/2018

East Ridge Middle, Loftis Middle, and McConnell Elementary are three schools in our community in select company in Tennessee. All three not only scored a composite Level 5, the highest level of student growth in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) but also scored Level 5 in all individual subject areas. There were just 65 schools across 36 districts in the state to earn Level 5 across all subjects. The subjects on TVAAS are literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, and literacy and numeracy composite.

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Tyner Middle receives their Level 5 banner

Tyner Middle Academy receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/14/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Tyner Middle Academy in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community.

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McConnell students and staff celebrate their Level 5 banner

McConnell Elementary receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/14/2018

This spotlight shines on McConnell Elementary School in the North River Learning Community. Joe Smith, District 3 representative on the Hamilton County Board of Education, and Dr. Neelie Parker, executive director of the North River Learning Community, present the banner to the students and staff of McConnell Elementary.

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Bess T. Shepherd Elementary receives Level 5 banner

Bess T. Shepherd receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/14/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School in the Harrison Bay Learning Community.

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Westview students and staff receive the banner

Westview Elementary receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/13/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Westview Elementary School in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community.

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Hixson Elementary receives the Level 5 banner

Hixson Elementary receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/13/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Hixson Elementary School in the North River Learning Community.

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Collegiate High students and staff receive the Level 5 banner

Hamilton County Collegiate High receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/13/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community.

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Students at Brainerd High check out a firetruck

Brainerd High holds a kick-off event for Future Ready Institutes

09/13/2018

Brainerd High hosted its Future Ready kick-off event on Wednesday, September 12. Brainerd High School has two Future Ready Institutes: the Institute of Aviation and the Institute of Law, First Responders, and Forensic Science. Also, Brainerd has one Career Academy of Entrepreneurship. These small learning communities are new to Brainerd High this year for both new freshmen and other students already enrolled in the Career Technical Education courses. Students took the YouScience Assessment before engaging in Future Ready Activities specific to each of three small learning communities available at the school.

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Tyner Academy receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/12/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Tyner Academy in the Missionary Ridge Learning Community.

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Ooltewah Middle receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/12/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Ooltewah Middle School in the Harrison Bay Learning Community.

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Kids First Coupon Book saves money and helps our schools

09/12/2018

Save money at local stores and help our schools buy purchasing a Kids First Coupon Book for only $10.

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Hunter Middle staff and students receive the Level 5 banner

Hunter Middle receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/12/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Hunter Middle School in the Harrison Bay Learning Community.

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Rizwaan Abdul-Kadir, a junior at STEM School Chattanooga

STEM School Chattanooga featured on America Achieves Educator Network website

09/11/2018

Accolades for the work at STEM School Chattanooga have been steady in recent months and coming to the school from points around the world. The latest recognition of the excellent work at the school focused on teaching science, technology, engineering, and math comes from America Achieves, an organization accelerating, launching and evaluating promising education interventions. STEM School Chattanooga is a featured school on the organization’s website America Achieves Educator Networks.

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Loftis Middle receives banner for academic growth

Loftis Middle receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/11/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Loftis Middle School in the North River Learning Community.

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Soddy Elementary receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/11/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Soddy Elementary School in the North River Learning Community.

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Level 5 banner presented to Soddy Daisy Middle

Soddy Daisy Middle School in the North River Learning Community receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/10/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Soddy Daisy Middle School in the North River Learning Community.

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presentation of Level 5 banner to Lookout Valley

Lookout Valley Middle/High is presented a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/10/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Lookout Valley Middle/High School in the Rock Point Learning Community.

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Brown students and staff presented the Level 5 banner

Brown Middle receives a Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/10/2018

Hamilton County Schools is honoring the 25 schools in the district that earned Level 5, the highest level of student growth, in the recent Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). The schools will be recognized with an academic growth “championship” banner to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. This spotlight shines on Brown Middle School in the Harrison Bay Learning Community.

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Normal Park presented the Level 5 banner

Normal Park receives the Level 5 banner for academic growth

09/07/2018

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The seven students from Signal Mountain High

Signal Mountain International Baccalaureate students outscore IB students worldwide

09/06/2018

Seven Signal Mountain Middle/High school sophomores turned their passions into research and outscored other schools worldwide in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP). In the process of completing their IB projects, the teens uncovered new opportunities for their future.

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Community meeting scheduled to view plans for the new Harrison Elementary

08/30/2018

Community meeting scheduled to view plans for the new Harrison Elementary

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