GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Providing resources,
programs and support are the focus points of a Master Partnership
agreement signed by the Tusculum College women's basketball team
and Highland Elementary School.
The contract became official February 19 at a signing ceremony at
Highland Elementary School, and is part of the Partners in
Education program, a joint project of the Greene County School
System, the Greeneville City School System, and the Greene County
Partnership. The contract was established for one year, after
which time it will be evaluated and considered for renewal.
According to Partners in Education Director Kelly Burrell, "This
partnership is an example of how common goals can be met when
schools and civic/community groups, school groups, or businesses
collaborate and it will provide wonderful opportunities for the
students at Highland."
Objectives of the partnership are: to develop resources, including, but not limited to funding, associate involvement and ideas; to provide an avenue for interaction between the Tusculum women's basketball team and Highland; to improve student knowledge of the commitment to education and community involvement by the Pioneers; to work together to improve the lives and education of the students of Highland Elementary School; to provide programs for students in the Family Consumer classes; and to create a partnership that enables personnel from the elementary school education level and college level to interact and accomplish common goals; to work together on joint projects such as fundraising and school events/programs; and, to establish positive relationships with teachers, students, and the Highland community as a whole.
"I think it is really important for our kids to know that where much is given, much is required," said TC head coach Adell Harris. "The kids at Highland Elementary need us to be involved. They need female role models and I think our team will benefit from this experience as much as the students at Highland will. We are going to give to the community at Highland and whether our players realize this or not, at the end of the day, they are going to feel good about doing something and giving back. Service is a huge part of our basketball program and I'm very glad we are able to do this."
Major activities outlined in the contract include the following: The Tusculum women's basketball team will provide resource speakers for Highland Elementary School in order to enhance various programs of study; The Tusculum women's basketball team will speak to students about responsibility, self-respect, avoidance of drugs, hard work and dedication; Highland Elementary School will have Tusculum College "Colors Day" to support Tusculum athletics; Highland Elementary School will host the Pioneers for a "team dinner" in their honor, when possible; The Tusculum team will work with staff, parents, and students of Highland Elementary School on school projects/fundraising events; The Pioneers will recognize Highland Elementary School faculty during American Education Week; The team will also visit Highland School and read to students, when possible and serve as tutors/mentors for at-risk students at Highland Elementary School; The Pioneers will also host a pizza party with the team for students who compete and excel in book reading initiatives; and, will work closely with teachers and students in intermediate (3rd, 4th, 5th) grades, establishing positive relationships and following the lead of the classroom teacher emphasizing school and classroom curriculum, as well as positive behavior.
The Partners in Education program was formed to provide a link between businesses, organizations and institutions and the public school systems in order to enhance and expand educational opportunities for all students.
For more information about the Partners in Education Master Partnership Program, contact Kelly Burrell at the Greene County Partnership, 638-4111.
Tusculum College, located in Greeneville, Tenn. is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA and is a NCAA Division II member of the South Atlantic Conference which is comprised of nine colleges and universities in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.
- TC -
