Hamilton County Schools

Today, “I am Hamilton” spotlights James Howard, the morning show personality at Sunny 92.3 radio and host of This-N-That on Channel 9. Howard has worked in local radio for the past 25 years as an on-air personality for WDEF Sunny 92.3. For the past 18 years, he has hosted the morning show and become a fixture in the morning routine for many citizens of the Tennessee Valley. He also hosts News Channel 9’s This-N-That at 12:30 p.m. each weekday.

Hamilton County Schools honored its three teachers of the year today at a special luncheon at STIR restaurant in Chattanooga. The three teachers of the year announced earlier in January are Sara Pratt, Apison Elementary; Michele Jones, Middle Valley Elementary; and Kristen Robertson, Signal Mountain Middle/High. The teachers were honored by their school administration and presented with special certificates. The luncheon was sponsored by the Chattanooga Area Schools Federal Credit Union. The three teachers will be honored at the Hamilton County Board of Education meeting scheduled for April 18, 2019, at 5:30 p.m.

Nine art students and their art teachers from Hamilton County Schools were honored today for their creativity and artistic excellence as Hamilton Place Mall held its awards presentation in the mall’s annual art contest. Haley West, a senior at Ooltewah High School, and Jessica Arp, a seventh-grader at Loftis Middle School, were the first place winners in the group. The theme for this year’s contest was “Heroes do not always wear capes.” The student artists produced artwork featuring their heroes as the subject.

Dr. Le Andrea Ware returned to her alma mater at the end of the 2017-2018 school year as interim principal to lead The Howard School through the remainder of the year and her love for the school and community led her to make the move permanent. Her love for The Howard School and innovation as an educational leader has resulted in her selection as the 2019-2020 principal of the year for Hamilton County Schools as she closes out her first year as the school’s leader.

Dustin Carpenter, a teacher and cross country coach at Signal Mountain Middle/High, received an “I Am Hamilton” shirt for his work in the classroom and his selection as a 2018 Tennessee coach of the year for girls’ cross country. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

For the third year in a row, Signal Mountain High School is the champion in the Chattanooga District for the Tennessee High School Mock Trial competition. This year, 20 teams competed which is the most to compete in the Chattanooga District event. A second Signal Mountain team finished third in the competition, making this the first year the school had two teams in the finals.

Katherine Blake, an eighth-grade teacher at Normal Park Museum Magnet School, received an “I Am Hamilton” shirt for her work in the classroom and building a mentor program at the school. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

New Tennessee Education Commissioner Dr. Penny Schwinn visited Hamilton County Schools over the last two days and talked with teachers and students about their hopes and dreams for the future and how we can all work together to prepare graduates for the future. She also attended her first meeting of the State Partnership Network where the state and school district are working together with the community to improve the performance of schools in the Opportunity Zone.

The sky is the limit for middle school students at the new Howard Connect Academy as the result of a new collaboration between the school and NASA. The innovative new school for middle-grade students will open its doors this August with NASA resources, competitions, interactions with NASA scientists and engineers as well as a full NASA curriculum available for children. NASA personnel will provide students with both in-person and virtual interactions. NASA will also provide the Learning Designers and Discovery Teachers with professional development and training.

James Howard, the morning show personality at Sunny 92.3 radio and host of This-N-That on Channel 9, received an “I Am Hamilton” shirt as a graduate of Hamilton County Schools making a difference in the community. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve.

The BlueCross Technology Academy at Red Bank High school will add another major community business to the list of participants in the community helping to prepare high school graduates for success after graduation. Hamilton County Schools and BlueCross announced the partnership on Tuesday, March 5, at the Chattanooga offices of BlueCross BlueShield. Students in the Red Bank High program, Hamilton County Schools administrators, community leaders, and BlueCross BlueShield representatives gathered for the announcement.

Hamilton County Schools recognized businesses, community organizations, and faith-based organizations for their commitment to public education and contributions to children at the Partners In Education breakfast on Friday, March 1 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The event was sponsored by Unum and Fund for Excellence and more than 300 gathered for the recognition.