Hickory Elementary School

Size of building: 39,571 square feet

State-rated capacity: 272

Projected 2007-08 enrollment: 274

From the principal

Q. What are your goals for the school year?

A. The No. 1 goal for Hickory Elementary is increasing student learning and achievement. Teachers will continue to meet the varied needs of individual students and use data information to determine best practices/strategies for student learning.

Additionally, we will continue to provide appropriate interventions in reading and math to address student needs.

Hickory will continue to evolve into a school that values a shared mission, vision and goals with the staff working in collaborative teams to create a school that stresses continuous improvement for all students.

With the addition of a full-time family and community partnership coordinator, Hickory will be providing more parent workshops and a mentoring program for students.

Q. What will help ensure a successful school year?

A. Communication between the school and home is vital for a successful school year. Homework agendas and folders will be provided for all students to provide the opportunity for direct teacher/parent communication. It is vital for parents, teachers and administration to remain in contact with one another.

Another key to ensuring a successful school year is parent involvement. Ways for this to occur include reading school and classroom newsletters, attending PTA meetings and parent workshops, signing the student agenda regularly, and contacting the teacher when there is a question regarding their child.

Furthermore, it is important for parents to understand that the principal's door is always open to address any school issue that may occur.

Q. Can students and staff expect any changes this school year?

A. This year, Hickory will have full-time art and music. By having these full-time programs, we will be able to integrate the arts into academic subjects such as reading and math. In addition, instrumental music will be taught by the general music teacher, which will provide the opportunity to combine both choral and instrumental music. Hickory will also have a full-time family and community partnership coordinator.

This will allow for more opportunities for volunteerism, mentoring, parent workshops and community outreach.

Furthermore, there are a few staff changes that will also change the dynamics of the school.

Q. What message would you like to send as the school year begins?

A. Regular attendance is a vital element in increasing student achievement and learning.

Additionally, it is essential that parents and school work together as partners, therefore parental involvement is another key. It is important for parents to take an active role in their child's education at school and at home.

For parents, making a visit and volunteering at school, attending parent/teacher conferences and getting involved in the PTA will increase their awareness of school activities and academic expectations. At home, parents can read with their child nightly and assist with homework.