Grant Development and Information Specialist Rhonda Thompson (left) and Project Director Suzanne Wallace will develop and oversee the new Accelerated Academic Academy.

Haywood Schools learned recently that the system will receive a $1,050,000 21st Century Community Learning Grant to be used to fund the “Accelerated Academic Academy,” over the next three years. This program represents a partnership between the Haywood County School System and the community to provide challenging, high quality, and structured before- and after-school and summer programs for students in grades pre-K through 12 and adults. The program will begin in mid-September.

Grant Development and Information Specialist Rhonda Thompson wrote the grant to provide programming that will meet academic, recreational, cultural, social, and safety needs. The Triple A program will be offered at six sites which include all elementary, junior high and high school level students.

Superintendent Marlon King said, “This grant will provide a strong partnership with community organizations by providing external learning opportunities for both parents and students. It will also bring together the excellent resources available in our community and our school system in a structured environment to greatly improve the quality of life for youth and adults. We are so grateful to Mrs. Thompson for her success in securing this grant and to be able to provide these wonderful educational experiences to our population.”

Programs will operate on the following schedule:

• Before-school tutorial and homework assistance, Monday-Thursday 7 to 7:45 a.m.
• After-school tutorial and enrichment activities, Monday-Thursday 3 to 5:15 p.m.
• Saturday classes for field trips and extended enrichment opportunities
• Four-week summer academy

Class activities will provide students and parents the opportunity to:

• Participate in academic programs in all core subject areas with a concentration in language arts and writing
• Select from an extensive menu of enrichment activities on a rotating schedule
• Participate in extended learning opportunities such as field trips and lab exploration
• Improve academic achievement, passing rate, and graduation rate

Veteran Haywood County Schools teacher Suzanne Wallace was appointed to serve as the project director for the Accelerated Academic Academy by Superintendent King. Wallace has been in the classroom for 34 years. She has taken a leadership role by attending conferences throughout her tenure and serving on a number of school committees.