Hope Academy of Public Service

HOPE – Parents of rising ninth grade students at the Hope Academy of Public Service want the school board to focus upon six key points in determining whether to create a ninth-grade cohort on the Hope High School campus next year.\r\n

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Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart, along with district, high school and HAPS administrators, met with those parents Tuesday night to explore the questions involved should a ninth-grade cohort be established at HHS.\r\n

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Parents expressed concerns including loss of focus by students in such a transition; assurance of approachable faculty and staff; maintaining a safe environment on campus; student confidence in their place academically; maintaining academic rigor; and, discipline distractions.\r\n

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Dr. Hart emphasized the positive change in the academic and cultural climate at HHS.\r\n

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“We, as educators, want the best for your students,” he said.\r\n

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Hart said three faculty members at HHS have been nominated for national awards and the campus was recently recognized by the University of Arkansas Office for Education Policy as a school that is “Beating the Odds” in academic growth.\r\n

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He said HHS has improved its Arkansas Department of Education “report card” standing this year, which shows that the campus is moving in a positive direction.\r\n

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“Some of the negatives at Hope High School three years ago fit the narrative that everybody wanted to think,” Hart said.\r\n

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That has changed; and he invited parents to become part of the ongoing change.\r\n

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“We want your input; we value your input,” Hart said. “Come to the high school.”\r\n

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He said the possible creation of a ninth-grade cohort at HHS remains a decision of the school board.\r\n

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“I would like to have this discussion wrapped up by mid-January,” Hart said.\r\n

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The discussion arose from findings by HAPS Principal Dr. Carol Ann Duke and HHS Principal Bill Hoglund regarding the success of HAPS ninth grade students making the transition to tenth grade at HHS. HAPS currently is a grades 5-9 campus.\r\n