HAMLET – Last week, Hamlet Middle School hosted its annual Title I Parent Night led by Principal Karen Allen. Mrs. Allen first recognized sports for the fall season: volleyball, football, golf, and cross country.
Mrs. Allen then briefly identified some of the many clubs that Hamlet Middle School offers. These clubs include Beta Club, the Young Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Club, Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS), Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Student Government Association (SGA), and Books and Beyond. Clubs and sports are a great way to, “get plugged into school.”
Being a Title I School means that Hamlet Middle School receives money because it, as well as the other middle and elementary schools in the county, has a high percentage of children from low-income families. Hamlet Middle School received roughly $26,000.00 this year, and they use this money primarily for technology. But they also use it to hire tutors for the students and to get teachers professional development so that they are well-trained and ready to teach.
Allen also mentioned that the End of Grade (EOG) testing scores have highly improved from the previous years. In 2015, Hamlet’s passing proficiency was a 46 percent. In 2016, that score increased to a 55.8 percent proficiency, and then last year, the scores reached their peak at 59 percent. That is a lot growth from one school!
As Mrs. Allen wrapped up her presentation, guidance counselor Christina Morman talked about ways that parents can help their children improve in school through attendance, support, and character building. As Mrs. Morman concluded her demonstration, Mrs. Allen offered to let the parents move to the classrooms to meet with their children’s teachers.