North River Learning Community names new leader
Hamilton County Schools recently named Elaine Harper, principal of Red Bank High School, as the new executive director of the North River Learning Community.
The position was left vacant during a staffing shuffle at central office in December, when former Chief of Schools Justin Robertson took over as chief of operations and former North River Director Neelie Parker took over for Robertson.
The North River Learning Community includes schools in Hixson, Sale Creek, Soddy-Daisy, Sequoyah High, Loftis Middle, Allen Elementary, Big Ridge Elementary, DuPont Elementary, McConnell Elementary, Middle Valley Elementary and North Hamilton County Elementary.
"I am excited about the opportunity to serve the outstanding group of schools in the North River Learning Community," Harper said in a statement. "I believe strongly in the power of community to strengthen our schools and the North River is that belief in action. I look forward to working alongside the amazing school leaders in North River to continue the academic progress of the last two years."
Harper, herself a product of Hamilton County's public school system, worked as a professional chemist before beginning her career in education at the 21st Century Academy in 2000. She took over as principal at Red Bank High School in 2016 and since then helped establish the district's first community school and the school's Future Ready Institute, the BlueCross Technology Academy.
Assistant Principal Wendell Weathers will serve as interim principal during the district's search for a new principal.
Hixson High awarded Krystal Foundation grant
The Krystal Foundation has announced it has awarded $29,520 in funding for 14 schools selected during its first grant window for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Hamilton County's Hixson High School was among the 14 applicants selected.
These grants support local enrichment programs in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) as well as music, sports and culinary arts, according to a news release.
Hixson High will use the funds for its CALMM program for high-functioning autistic children who are working toward a regular diploma. Participating students will integrate classroom knowledge with real-world experiences by learning how to buy, prepare and serve food, maintaining a safe environment and a sanitary kitchen, according to the release.
The next grant window opens April 1. Teachers, principals, school faculty and PTAs or other K-12 school-affiliated organizations are eligible to apply. For more information, visit www.krystalfoundation.com.
Chatta State hosts health care info sessions
The Nursing and Allied Health Division at Chattanooga State Community College offers monthly information sessions for students interested in the health care professions.
The sessions are held at the main campus and some sessions are required for program admittance.
The February schedule of sessions includes:
- Nuclear Medicine at 5 p.m on Feb. 6 in CBIH-109
- Health Information Management at 10 a.m. on Feb. 7 in HSC-2106
- Occupational Therapist Assistant at 10 a.m. on Feb. 10 in HSC-2088
- Registered Nursing at 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. on Feb. 11 in HSC-1087
- Emergency Medical Services at 10 a.m. on Feb. 13 in CBIH-109
- Radiologic Technology at 5 p.m. on Feb. 13 in HSC-2060
For more information, details on more info sessions, the programs and admission requirements call 423-697-4450 or visit www.chattanoogastate.edu/nursing-allied-health.
If you have news about local schools you'd like included in Class Notes, email Meghan Mangrum at mmangrum@timesfreepress.com.