Harrison Hill Harmony
Harrison Hill Elementary School needed a solution; Test scores were low and suspension rates were high. But the teachers at Harrison Hill knew this wasn’t because their students weren’t capable of succeeding, and as educators, they felt a responsibility to tackle the issue head-on.
They began brainstorming their dream program to help students, many of whom came from tumultuous or poverty-stricken homes, rise above their circumstances and reach their potential. They came up with a program that would focus on academic excellence, student empowerment and family support.
In 2014, that dream became a reality when the school received the largest education grant in the history of United Way’s Student Success grants. Thus, the Harmony Program was born.
Offering 32 different classes, the program allows children to join clubs of their choice, receive afterschool tutoring and provides students with an additional hour of academic time every day. And, because family support is a top priority, the program regularly offers family activities and engagement nights.
“United Way has given us the opportunity to dream and dream big,” said Michael Johnson, Harrison Hill’s student/family care advisor.
Since the Harmony Program began, testing scores have improved, school suspensions have dropped and many families facing trauma and poverty have been given resources for recovery. Harrison Hill Elementary plans to continue investing time and resources to change the world; one student and one family at a time.