I wanted to share some good news from our school district. Several years ago the Hampton Elementary and Hampton High School were placed on academic support by the State Department of Education, this was due to lack of academic achievement and student growth (ACT 1082). Obviously it has been our goal to achieve at a high level so that we may be removed from this requirement and to ensure that our students are getting the instruction they need.
The District received word this week that we are no longer required to participate in ACT 1082 due to our advancements in student growth and our level of achievement in academics. This is a real measure of the positive steps we have made to make this the best school it can be. I am proud of the work being done here academically. However, our goal is to be the number one school in the state of Arkansas and we will continue our efforts to improve everyday until we have reached that goal.
Also I know many of you are wondering about snow days. I made a decision to cancel school on Thursday January 9th, and Friday January 10th. Obviously in hindsight I would like to have that decision back.
There are many factors that go into that decision and I want you to know that I looked at three different weather models, listened to forecasts from local meteorologists, and watched closely what the other districts around us were doing.
I also took into consideration that our district covers 464 square miles, so while it may not be heavy snow here in the city of Hampton, the northern and eastern parts of our district were a concern. In the end I made a decision based on the idea that I would rather not risk putting students, staff, families, or buses on the highway’s in such unknown conditions. Many of you are asking about make-up days and I am trying to hold off on a public announcement until after this next cold spell just to make sure mother nature doesn’t have a surprise in store. I will try to make everyone aware of the make-up days as soon as possible.
GO DOGS!
Hampton Superintendent Matt Scarbrough
