New Hopewell Elementary School
Second Place, East Division, Elementary Schools

Melanie Harb, Principal
757 Kimberlin Heights Road
Knoxville, TN 37920
Knox County Schools
http://kcs2.knox.k12tn.net/kcs2

Recipe For Success:

Throughout the history of education, our profession relied on the teachings of the “Three R’s”. New Hopewell continues to support this philosophy but in a somewhat different approach. Where reading, writing, and arithmetic are critical components of a successful curriculum, New Hopewell’s “three R’s” of review, reflect, and revise are our tools to create a recipe for success.

Review

At the beginning of each school year, New Hopewell begins the task of analyzing current TCAP data. This task is completed by all staff members (K-5) since all are accountable for the scores. Then, the grade levels review their own curriculum, Blueprint for Learning (State Performance Indicators), and tentatively design a plan map for the school year. Other assessment pieces are reviewed throughout the year to constantly monitor progress.

Reflection

Reflection is a key component in determining our next steps for academic achievement. Again, at the beginning of the year, reflections are completed for the overall performance of our TCAP data. Scores are utilized to celebrate our successes and also determine what areas are in need of improvement. Teachers are then asked to reflect individually about their own students and determine personal successes and areas that will become a personal focus. Again, this procedure is continued throughout the year with other assessment pieces.

Revise

New Hopewell is very committed to our School Improvement Plan. This plan keeps our school focused on the priorities that are needed to continue student growth. With our long term plan in place, it is necessary to remember that a plan can only be effective if the plan truly meets the needs of our children. Therefore, we have to interpret our reviews and reflections and apply new strategies that will continue to produce student growth.

Finally, the culminating factor that enforces our success is the individuals associated with our school. I have been extremely “blessed” with educators who are committed to our children. I have parents who contribute to the best of their ability whether it be getting their child to school, taking materials home to cut out for teachers, or utilizing their valuable time volunteering in our classrooms. I have a support staff who go above and beyond to contribute to the success of our children. Each stakeholder contributes tremendously to the success of our school which ultimately supports our mission: “Our mission is to have a caring place to learn and reach our goals. We will all do our personal best and work together to become productive citizens with good character”. Together our school has accomplished much but we still realize that tomorrow brings new challenges and we will continue to work for our students in order to continue the recipe for success.