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OUR FAMILY ALBUM

Hickory Public SchoolS

432 Fourth Avenue SW hickory, Nc 28602

(828) 322-2855 www.hickoryschools.net

AnnuAl RepoRt2013

~ A snapshot of our successful year ~

2 2012-2013 HICKORY PUBLIC SCHOOLS HPS Family Album

HPS BoArD of EDUcATioN Reginald Hamilton, chairCharlotte Williams, vice-chairJulie CorrellSallie JohnsonAmy MonroeMargaret PopeDr. Rev. T. Anthony SpearmanHPS Board Attorney, Jeff MackieAngela Beaver Simmons, retired chair

ADMiNiSTrATioN

Dr. Walter HartSuperintendent

Dr. Denise PattersonChief Academic Officer

DirEcTorS

Rebecca AllenChild Nutrition

Amanda ByrdExceptional Children

Shawn ClemonsAccountability

Adam HuckabeeFacilities

Tracy SigmonHuman Resources

Angela K. SimmonsStudent Services

Tim SimsFederal Programs

Beverly SnowdenPublic Information

Adam SteeleFinance

Jeff TiceTechnology

PriNciPAlS

ElementaryJenkinsJohn Black828-327-3491

LongviewJudy Jolly828-327-2070

Members of HPS Board of Education:(L-R) Dr. Rev. T. Anthony Spearman, Margaret Pope, Sallie Johnson, Angela Beaver Simmons (retired chair), Reginald Hamilton (chair), Charlotte Williams (vice-chair), Amy Monroe, Jeff Mackie, Board Attorney, Dr. Walter Hart, HPS Superintendent

Amanda Byrd(New) EC Director

Rebecca Tuttle (New) AP at HHS

Teresa Carroll (New) HCAM Principal

Titus L. Hopper (New) AP at HHS

Vickie Ruff (New) AP at HCAM

Rebecca Allen (New) Child Nutrition Director

Ryan McCreary (New) Oakwood Principal

Julie Correll, new member of the HPS Board of Education (being sworn in

12/2013)

NEw ADMiNiSTrATorS

Danny Moore (New) AP at Northview Middle

OakwoodRyan McCreary828-322-1340

SouthwestJenny White828-324-8884

ViewmontJeff Hodakowski828-324-7049

MiddleGrandviewDr. Vanessa Howerton828-328-2289

NorthviewStephanie Dischiavi828-327-6300

High SchoolsHickory Career & Arts Magnet (HCAM)Teresa Carroll828-328-6738

Hickory HighDr. Ann Stalnaker828-322-5860

HPS Family Album HICKORY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2012-2013 3

MESSAgE froM THE SUPEriNTENDENT“The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude.” - Dennis S. Brown

The successes of our school system cannot be measured adequately by a standardized test given on one day. Our seniors have been consistently accepted into quality colleges and universities from in-state schools to the Ivy League.

The class of 2013 accepted nearly 5 million dollars in scholarship offers, including the very prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship to UNC-Chapel Hill. Our SAT scores remained above state and national averages. Our Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) scores remained above state and national averages. Parents continue to report high satisfaction with our system, with 95 percent of parents surveyed reporting that their child’s school provides a high quality instructional program. Our students continue to demonstrate excellence in a variety of academic, artistic and athletic endeavors.

The Hickory Public Schools and its teachers, staff, administrators, students and parents accept the challenge to continually raise academic achievement but will not be defined solely by test scores. We take pride in a history of academic, athletic and artistic excellence and will continue to prepare all students for a bright, exciting future.

Just a sample of the 2013 Highlights:

Dr. Hart riding the bus with students on the 1st day of school at Southwest Elementary

HHS Class of 2013 earned nearly 5M in scholarships!•8 of 10 graduates entered post-secondary education.•5 percent of graduates are now serving our country as •members of the U.S. Armed Forces!The dropout rate decreased to 3.72 percent, •representing the fewest dropouts ever!The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program will be •implemented in all nine schools by the end of the school year 2014. An anonymous reporting tool is currently in place (on the HPS website).Investments in technology continue to give the •students and teachers an advantage. Wireless connectivity, phase one, is complete in all locations. A One-to-One pilot program with 325 Chromebooks has kicked-off at HCAM—the first of its kind in Catawba County. And hundreds of additional technology devices (Chromebooks, laptops, desktops, iPads…) are strategically placed throughout the system.ESL/Title III met 100 percent of Annual Measurable •Achievement Objectives (AMAOS)Through Reading Is Fundamental, 3,520 books were •distributed to 481 participating students and 88 classrooms.Kyle Osteen—Voted Favorite Middle School Teacher of •Catawba County (HDR)Helen Devlin—Voted Favorite High School Teacher of •Catawba County (HDR)Dr. Vanessa Howerton—Voted Favorite Middle School •Principal of Catawba Valley (HDR) Dr. Ann Stalnaker—Voted Favorite High School •Principal of Catawba County (HDR)Hickory High School –Voted Favorite High School in •Catawba County (HDR)Claire McCrae—Spelling Bee Champion at at •Northview Middle, district and regional levels. Claire

competed in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.The HHS JROTC Color Guard performed in local and •nationally televised events.Northview Middle School and Grandview Middle •School Nurse—Ginny Beisler, won the NC PTA Nurse Award for her coordination of PTAs, Boosters and Frye Regional Medical Center to obtain defibrillators for both middle schools.Northview Middle School PTA earned national •recognition for increase in PTA membership.The HHS orchestra, chorus and band continue to •perform in local, state and national competitions winning Superior ratings. Students enrolled in Career and Technical Education •at HPS earned a total of 602 credentials last year! Overall, HPS experienced a 27.8 percent growth in credentials earned from the previous school year. We even had one student in the Cosmetology Academy who competed on the national level. The Advertising & Graphic Design Academy won the Hickory Crawdads calendar contest and in addition, their students designed a logo to benefit two children’s hospitals.HCAM students won the “Distracted Driving Contest” •for Catawba County.Dr. Denise Patterson, chief academic advisor and •her team, Jennifer Griffin and Dr. Bobbi Siefert – presented on Collaborative Walkthroughs at the ASCD Pinehurst NC Presentation; in addition, Dr. Patterson has presented with Caroline Lovette and Stephanie Dischiavi.For the 23rd consecutive year, the HPS Finance •Department, led by Adam Steele, director of finance, earned the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial

Reporting and the Association of School Business Officials Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting Award. The system was also cited by the State Board of Education for excellence in management of the NC Public School Fund.Beverly Snowden, HPS public information officer, •received nine awards from NC School Public Relations Association for “Excellence in Writing” and two Awards of Merit from the National School PR Assn for Excellence in Writing.Congrats to the HPS 2013-2014 Principal of the Year – •Jeff Hodakowski.Congrats to the HPS 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year – •April Nicole Icard.Alice Averitt from HCAM presented on “Practices for •At-Risk Students” in CA, SC and CT.Alison Milstead, Viewmont teacher, won the Wells •Fargo Outstanding Educator Award.Several community volunteers were recognized at the •close of the last school year for their contributions to HPS. Mike Johnson of Mike Johnson Toyota of Hickory was recognized as the Business Partner/Volunteer of the Year.Students are beginning to accept new foods that are •offered during school meals including more whole grains, more fruits and a variety of vegetables. HPS feeds approximately 2,800 students a day at lunch, with more than 63 percent of our students qualifying for free or reduced meals.HPS is using a new website to enhance communication.•HPS is actively recruiting minority teachers and staff.•And more important than ever, HPS continues to •effectively communicate the quality of public education!

“A teacher has two jobs: fill young children’s minds with knowledge, yes, but more important, give them a compass so the knowledge doesn’t go to waste.” - Principal Jacobs, Mr. Holland’s Opus

Dr. Walter HartSuperintendent


HPS fAMily STArS

2013-2014 HPS TeacHer of THe Year! 2013-2014 HPS PrinciPal of THe Year!

April Nicole Icard Jeff Hodakowski“I believe teaching to be one of the greatest and most important careers a person can have. Teaching is not easy and brings great responsibility, but the reward is wonderful! Teaching is what I am privileged to say that I do and who I am. All children are of value and can learn. They deserve the best we can give, despite all the hurdles we are made to jump. But all teachers are of value, too. ” -April

“I think the community sees that we are committed to our children. I believe that they also see that we are dedicated to education and will do what is best for students. There has been a big push for technology in our schools and I think the public is proud to see the growth and the focus on our students’ well-rounded development as we prepare them for a solid future.” - Jeff

HPS Teacher of the Year, April Icard with keys to a new car to use during her special year,

courtesy of Mike Johnson’s Hickory Toyota.

HPS Principal of the Year, Jeff Hodakowski, is surrounded by students from Viewmont!

2013 HPS Teachers of the year!

HPS classified Employees of the year—2013Alison Milstead - Winner of Wells Fargo Outstanding Educator Award


MorE HPS fAMily STArS!

Viewmont Elementary –REWARD School! Band Teacher of the Year for all of Catawba County!David Wortman, band conductor at Northview Middle School with some of his award-winning musicians.

Hickory High’s “No Excuses” recognized by the HPS Board of Education HCAM SkillsUSA Win State Awards!

HCAM inducts new members to AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination)!

Students at Longview receive a letter from President Obama.

Zane McPherson, Oakwood Elementary DAR Essay Winner!



Winners! 2013 Battle of the Books—Grandview Middle School 2013 Battle of the Books Regional Winners! Jenkins Elementary

Hickory High Award Winning Choral Honors Ensemble—directed by Donna Wiles

HHS Musicians Achieve EXCELLENCESally Ross directing Northview Orchestra at Conover School

Dennis Young - Golden Apple Award Winner

Elementary NC Honors Chorus: (Left) Oakwood Elementary and Jenkins Elementary

School Nurse, Ginny Beisler, winner of the NC PTA School Nurse Award

Claire McCrea - Northview Middle School: school, district and regional Spelling Bee Winner! Claire attended Nationals in Washington, D.C.!

Michael Vezmar, Northview Middle School, Math Contest Finals in Geometry, placing 5th in the western region.

Dawson Taylor’s winning illustration was printed on 40,000 program covers for the 2013 Hickory Crawdads!



Northview Middle MathCounts Winning Team!

Recognition: Grandview Middle / Elks Lodge Essay Winners

HPS Students Selected for NC Governor’s School

New eLeaders! HPS tech-wizards!

HPS Science Fair School Winners!

HHS Band on Air at WHKY First Talk!


$ OPERATING COSTS $$37.8 Million

How Your School Dollars are Spent

Use of Resources 2012-2013 Budget

Hickory Public Schools 2012-2013 Operations Budget

Growth & AccountabilityHow do we measure up?

HPS growth status and percent of state Annual Measureable Objectives (AMOs) met.

School Growth Percent of State AMOs Met

Hickory High Did not meet 83.3%HCAM Did not meet 66.7%Grandview Met 95.7%Northview Exceeded 100%Jenkins Met 100%Longview Met 69%Oakwood Met 93.1%Southwest Met 77.8%Viewmont Did not meet 89.7%

The table indicates that Grandview, Northview, Jenkins & Oakwood met the criteria.

Colleges/Universities Accepting HPS Graduates!Appalachian State UniversityAverett UniversityBarnard CollegeCatawba CollegeCentre CollegeBerea CollegeBrigham Young UniversityCampbell UniversityCatawba CollegeCentre CollegeCharleston Southern UniversityCollege of CharlestonColumbia UniversityDavidson CollegeDuke UniversityEast Carolina UniversityElon UniversityEmory & Henry CollegeFashion Institute of Design and Merchandising - Los AngelesFayetteville State UniversityFurman UniversityHoward UniversityLees-McRae CollegeJohnson & Wales UniversityJohnson C. Smith UniversityLees-McRae CollegeLenoir-Rhyne UniversityLiberty UniversityLivingston CollegeLouisiana State UniversityMarietta CollegeMars Hill University

Midland UniversityMontreat CollegeMorehouse CollegeNorth Carolina Agricultural & Technical UniversityNorth Carolina State UniversitySavannah College of Art and DesignShaw UniversityShenandoah University - Conservatory of Music Tulane UniversityUnited States Military Academy - West Point University of AlabamaUniversity of FloridaUniversity of GeorgiaUniversity of MexicoUniversity of North Carolina - Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina - CharlotteUniversity of North Carolina - GreensboroUniversity of North Carolina - WilmingtonUniversity of South CarolinaUniversity of VirginiaVanderbilt UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityWake Forest UniversityWashington & Lee UniversityWest Virginia UniversityWestern Carolina UniversityWingate UniversityWinston-Salem State University

Wofford CollegeCommunity Colleges Art InstituteAsheville-Buncombe Technical Community CollegeBroward Community CollegeCaldwell Community College and Technical InstituteCatawba Valley Community CollegeCentral Piedmont Community CollegeGaston CollegeGuilford Technical Community CollegeHaywood Community CollegeHillsborough Community CollegeKing’s CollegeMitchell Community College - MooresvilleRaleigh Art SchoolUniversal Technical Institute

**(This list is a work in progress. If your college is not included, email: [email protected])


Changes have occurred within accountability over the last two years. Beginning in 2012-13, students were taught and assessed on a new curriculum, the national Common Core State Standards in reading and mathematics. The NC Essential Standards were used for all other subjects. Implementation of the new standards required students to utilize higher order thinking skills.

Unfortunately, with new assessments there is usually a decline in student performance.

HPS was not immune. As teachers continue to delve into the new curriculum and assessments, we expect to see proficiency scores rise. Even though proficiency scores declined, student growth increased. Most teachers exceeded expected growth or achieved expected growth with their students. Two schools exceeded expected growth with students overall and four schools achieved expected growth with students.

2

Accountability Overview

There have been quite a few changes within Accountability over the last two years. Beginning in 2012-13, students were taught and assessed on a new curriculum.

Students were taught on the national Common Core State Standards in Reading and Mathematics. The North Carolina Essential Standards were used for all other subjects. Implementation of the new standards required students to utilize higher order thinking skills. The new assessments contained questions requiring students to think at a higher level than previously assessed. Online assessments contained not only multiple choice questions, but questions that required students to answer with a short essay, order and classify items.

Unfortunately, with new assessments there is usually a decline in student performance. Hickory Public Schools was not immune. As teachers continue to delve into the new curriculum, understand what is expected of students and the makeup of new assessments, we will see student proficiency scores rise. Even though student proficiency declined, student growth increased. Most teachers exceeded expected growth or achieved expected growth with their students. Two schools exceeded expected growth with students overall and four schools achieved expected growth with students. Teachers continued to work hard with their students and maintained high expectations. We expect to see the reward of increased student proficiency and continued growth.

NC DPI, March 27, 2013

Accountability Overview

Growth

EVAAS (Educator Value Added Assessment ) released growth data for districts. There is no growth data for 3rd grade as this is their first year of

summative assessments. The tables below show growth for EOG Reading, EOG Math, EOG Science, EOC Math I, EOC Biology and EOC English II.

11

Growth With the new curriculum and new assessments introduced in the 2012-13 school year and a decline in proficiency, students met or exceeded growth in many grade levels and areas. EVAAS (Educator Value Added Assessment ) released growth data for districts. There is no growth data for 3rd grade as this is their first year of summative assessments. The tables below show growth for EOG Reading, EOG Math, EOG Science, EOC Math I, EOC Biology and EOC English II.

Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Overall

HPS Reading Growth Met Met Met Exceeded Exceeded Met

HPS Math Growth Not Met Not Met Exceeded Exceeded Exceeded Met

HPS Science Growth Not Met Met

A majority of teachers met or exceeded growth with their students.

Growth Status

Math I Growth Not Met

Biology Growth Not Met

English II Growth Met

11

Growth With the new curriculum and new assessments introduced in the 2012-13 school year and a decline in proficiency, students met or exceeded growth in many grade levels and areas. EVAAS (Educator Value Added Assessment ) released growth data for districts. There is no growth data for 3rd grade as this is their first year of summative assessments. The tables below show growth for EOG Reading, EOG Math, EOG Science, EOC Math I, EOC Biology and EOC English II.

Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Overall

HPS Reading Growth Met Met Met Exceeded Exceeded Met

HPS Math Growth Not Met Not Met Exceeded Exceeded Exceeded Met

HPS Science Growth Not Met Met


Growth Status

Math I Growth Not Met

Biology Growth Not Met

English II Growth Met


Cohort Graduation Rate (CGR)

The 2012-13 four-year (standard) graduation rate consists of students who entered ninth grade during the 2009-10 school year and graduated during the 2012-13 school year. The five-year (extended) graduation rate consists of students who entered 9th grade during the 2008-09 school year and graduated during the 2012-13 school year. HPS continues to increase its graduation rate and produce College and Career Ready students. The tables show the standard and extended graduation rates for the last two years.

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Cohort Graduation Rate (CGR) The 2012-13 four-year (standard) graduation rate consists of students who entered ninth grade during the 2009-10 school year and graduated during the 2012-13 school year. The five-year (extended) graduation rate consists of students who entered 9th grade during the 2008-09 school year and graduated during the 2012-13 school year. HPS continues to increase its graduation rate and produce College and Career Ready students. The tables below show the standard and extended graduation rates for the last two years.

All Black Hispanic White EDS SWD AIG LEP 2011-12 Standard CGR 82.2% 78.4% 77.8% 84.9% 79.2% 67.7% No Info 73.3%

2012-13 Standard CGR 82.8% 75.0% 83.7% 86.4% 78.8% 72.2% >95% 80.0%

All Black Hispanic White EDS SWD LEP 2011-12 Extended CGR 77.5% 71.4% 66.7% 81.5% 73.0% 60.0% 60.0%

2012-13 Extended CGR 84.4% 84.3% 81.5% 84.9% 83.6% 74.2% 80.0%

In 2012-13, greater than seventy percent (70%) of all subgroup of students graduated in four years! The graduation gap among students graduating in four years decreased for most students as the table below indicates. HPS has noted that for the Black student subgroup, Black females graduate at greater than 90%, however the same is not true for Black males. The district is researching ways to help Black males reach their full academic potential.

In 2012-13, greater than seventy percent (70%) of all subgroups of students graduated in four years! The graduation gap among students graduating in four years decreased for most students as the table indicates. HPS has noted that for the Black student subgroup, Black females graduate at greater than 90%, however the same is not true for Black males. The district is researching ways to help Black males reach their full academic potential.

HPS Dropout Rate Historic Low!

The 2012-13 school year reflected a record low for the number of HPS students dropping out of high school.

HPS reports a dropout rate of 3.72 percent, accounting for 45 students. This number represents a significant drop from 2011-12 with a 4.85 percent dropout rate, representing 61 students.

These numbers reveal that 16 fewer students dropped out of HPS during the past year.


coMMUNiTy ExcHANgE

fivE ScHoolS wiN grANTS froM corNiNg!

Kids’ Connection Principal of the Year—John Black, Jenkins Elementary

HPS Principal of the Year, Jeff Hodakowski, welcomes Kiwanis to Viewmont. Kiwanis provided dictionaries to every 3rd grade student!

Grandview Middle School students recognized for their contributions to Rotary’s Carolina Cycle Challenge – to benefit pediatric cancer.

Donna Flowers, teacher at Jenkins, was awarded a service package of gifts from Clark Tire & Auto Service (through the Rubber Meets the Road program) in recognition for her teaching excellence!

Oakwood: Dena Nigrelli, Gina Sain Jenkins: John Black, Donna Flowers, Robin Rash, Erica Greer, Craig Weaver, Laurie Ferguson

Southwest: Anna Shook, Kim Heckler, Jenny White

HHS: Gena Barnhardt

HPS and Frye Regional Medical Center – Community Partners!

Longview: Caroline Brown


coMMUNiTy ExcHANgE

Rotarian Bill Shillito presents check to Grandview Middle (Dr. Howerton, principal)

HHS Media center gets a Make-over!

With a financial gift from the Beaver family foundation and the support of community volunteers and businesses (steered by volunteer leader, Neal orgain), the HHS Media center was completely renovated. The upscale site now includes the latest technology and comfortable “Tornado” upholstered seating!

Elks Lodge supports HHS JROTC

HPS Volunteers of the Year—2013(center) Mike Johnson—Mike Johnson’s Toyota—Business Partner/Volunteer of the year

HHS & HCAM STAY / Sustained Training All Year—worked with the Community Garden

Longview Elementary partners with Rack Room Shoes to benefit the children.

Thank you Hickory Police Department!The HPS School resource officers place the safety of our students as their first priority.

The school resource officers are assigned to Hickory Public Schools. Each high school has one school resource officer who patrols his or her school as his or her primary assignment. In addition, each middle school is assigned a school resource officer who rotates his or her duties to cover Hickory’s elementary schools.

(L-R) MPO Anthony Walker (Northview Middle), MPO Matthew Rosenbalm (Grandview), Lieutenant Vidal Sipe, P.A.C.T. Commander, MPO Josh Parker, (Hickory High), and MPO Joel Woodruff, (HCAM).


“I Choose Public Schools”

Emily PerryHickory High • Class of 2013

Hickory Public Schools

Morehead-Cain Scholarship WinnerFreshman, UNC-Chapel Hill

My Story:“I started making some changes in my education journey during the eighth grade when I heard about the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) at Hickory High School.I enrolled at HHS for the ninth grade. The IB program is very rigorous, one that offers in-depth study versus a broad approach. There’s a great deal of writing and research; but the knowledge that I’ve gained has been tremendous. For me, this was the right decision.”

- Emily

L E A R N


Fit for Motion—Partnering with YMCA and Lenoir-Rhyne University

groundbreaking of “New” longview Elementary School Scheduled to open fall 2014

Hickory Rotarians & Hickory Crawdads support the Student Council at Southwest Elementary

Like New! Refurbished computers (48) were purchased (with funds from PTA/Book Fair) for Jenkins Elementary from United Way of the Greater Triangle through a program called Teaming For Technology (T4T). John Black joins members from the HPS technology team --Wayne Alexander (center) and Rick Cook.

HPS Partnering with the Catawba Science Center & Hickory Museum of Art


DID YOU KNOW?

Our smaller district allows us to embrace a diverse student population.•Our smaller schools help students to feel safe & known.•We connect! We value our strong business & community partnerships!•Our size allows for greater visibility & support from our Superintendent, Central Office •Staff & School Board.Our size opens doors for enhanced collaboration with all stakeholders.•HPS employs 350 licensed educators and a total of 600 employees.•4,400 students attend Hickory Public Schools.•HPS includes nine schools with Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High (HCAM) as the •newest addition. HCAM serves students throughout Catawba County and beyond.Hickory Public Schools is fully accredited through AdancED Accreditation •Commission.More than 2,000 volunteers contribute time or material to our schools each year, •creating an energetic climate that promotes lifelong learning opportunities!HPS has implemented the Olweus Program – a bullying prevention initiative.•90 percent of our graduates continue with higher education.•The “new” Longview Elementary School will open Fall 2014!•

“We Choose Public Schools”

Our Stories:“I believe that the diversity in public schools is an important part of any child’s education. Attending school with a blend of different cultures and backgrounds helps to better prepare our children for working with others.” --Taj

“My husband and I grew up in the north—and in many ways, Hickory Public Schools reflects our wonderful experiences in education. We greatly appreciate and value the excellent education offered at HPS. The broad scope of offerings through public education is truly a gift to our community—from speech therapy services to performing in orchestra!” --Tyneka

“I am very appreciative of the community connections that I established through my education. Public schools have helped me to succeed.” –Taj, Jr.

“I love attending public schools! I am studying violin, I am a cheerleader, and I have really strong academic teachers. And I love the NY style pizza served in the school cafeteria!” -- Taelor

“HCAM is the perfect fit for me! I enjoy the smaller setting and the individual help that I receive from the faculty. The Acting Academy is both challenging and fun—as I prepare for a performance career. Not only have my test scores improved, but my grades are up, and my interpersonal skills have strengthened.” -- Trevon

L E ARN

The McGlone Family: (Front, L-R) Taj, Jr., Taelor, Trevon (back) Taj and Tyneka

Taj and Tyneka McGlone are the parents of Taj, Jr., (college student studying computer science); Trevon (a sophomore at HCAM in the Acting

Academy); and Taelor (an 8th grade student at Grandview Middle).

Hickory Public Schoolswww.hickoryschools.net

Jenkins Elementary Celebrates Bullying Prevention!


TORNADOES BRING IT!

The HHS Top 5 Student-Athletes (athletic and academic excellence)! Mike Helms—(New) Head Football Coach

in Memory of ray Hokeclass of 1961

(HHS football Program Honored)

Members of the Hickory High Class of 1961 award a memorial gift to the HHS Football Program in memory of their classmate and HHS quarterback, Ray Hoke.

Andy Poplin - (New) Head Boys’ Basketball Coach


David Craft, Athletic Director & Head Coach Baseball, Awarded NCHSAA “Eight Who Make a Difference”

Lisa Clark, Co-Head Coach, Cross Country, Conference Coach of the Year

Jason Stephens, Head Coach, Volleyball, Conference Coach of the Year

John Hamilton, Co-Head Coach, Cross Country, Conference Coach of the Year

Rom Teague, Head Coach, Women’s Tennis, Conference Coach of the Year

HHS Head Soccer Coach, Brian Jillings, was inducted in the high school Hall of Fame in Canada


“We Choose Public Schools”

Our Stories:“Hickory High School put me in a good position with the college application process. International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and Advanced Placement (AP) tests allowed me to show colleges that I was ready for the challenge of a college course load. Extracurricular opportunities at Hickory High allowed me to be a servant leader for the community and the school.

My teachers made a huge difference. They were incredibly supportive of students who demonstrated the initiative to start a service project or seek leadership opportunities in clubs and sports teams. Above all else, public schools gave me the best group of friends that I could ask for. I know that I was truly blessed. Public schools not only surrounded me with the best possible group of people—but also the best possible opportunities in preparing for my future.” - Cadet Auten

“Hickory High School offers a real-world education. The academic course load is rigorous. I never found myself wishing there were more difficult classes for me to take, and I was never bored. The teachers at Hickory High challenged me daily and pushed me to be a better, more rounded thinker. Furthermore, the diversity of thought and background of the students expanded my mind to new possibilities that I may have otherwise overlooked.

The distractions are real. As a student in the Hickory Public School system, my hand was not held. I learned to prioritize. I learned to adapt. I learned to succeed. Our education should emulate our reality. I would not trade the first 18 years of my life for any other experience. I am Public School-educated, and one day my children will be too.” - Cadet Trollan

L E ARN

Photo (L-R): Cadet Michael Auten, Hickory High School Class of 2011,United States Military Academy - West Point Class of 2016

andCadet Jim Trollan, Hickory High School Class of 2012,

United States Military Academy - West Point Class of 2016

Hickory Public Schoolswww.hickoryschools.net


“once in a lifetime Experience”for ridgeview Panthers

It’s been 47 years since the athletes of the former Ridgeview High have been on the field together. With the integration of schools, Hickory’s Ridgeview High closed in 1966. Prior to closing, the highly-regarded Ridgeview Panthers achieved significant status during their reign of sports.

As most of the school facility was eventually demolished, it seemed that the championship trophies were lost in the rubble. However, several of the Ridgeview Panthers’ trophies were recently discovered in basement boxes at the current recreation center; and thanks to Ace Awards, the trophies now radiate a new luster—worthy of celebration.

So a night of celebration was planned, dedicating the evening to honor the Ridgeview Panthers and to celebrate their history. With nearly 50 Ridgeview alumni and athletes gathering on the field during half-time at Hickory High’s Frank Barger Football Stadium, HPS Superintendent, Dr. Walter Hart and HHS Principal, Dr. Ann Stalnaker, presented the trophies to members of the Ridgeview alumni – with tribute to the Ridgeview community and heritage.

Prior to the half-time presentation, the Ridgeview alumni attended a special reception held in the HHS media center. The refurbished trophies were on display for all to enjoy.

The Ridgeview Panther celebration held at Hickory High was an emotional one, according to Walter Witherspoon, 76, who is a member of the Ridgeview class of 1956. “It was a remarkable experience—one that brought forth tears,” said Witherspoon. “This was a once in a lifetime experience that I never imagined would happen.”

The Ridgeview Panther trophies are now on permanent display in the media center of Hickory High School. If anyone knows of additional Ridgeview trophies that have not been refurbished for the new display case, please contact Hickory High School: 828-322-5860

REMEMBERING RIDGEvIEW HIGH...

Celebrating Black History Month at Hickory High & Remembering Ridgeview High School!

Athletes from Hickory’s historic Ridgeview High School (which closed in 1966) are recognized on the football field at Hickory High. Dr. Hart, superintendent and Dr. Stalnaker, HHS principal, share the refurbished trophies with the alumni Panthers from Ridgeview High!


PARTING SHOTS…

CONTACT INFORMATION for Hickory Public Schools

Website: www.hickoryschools.net

Hickory Public Schools is on FACEBOOK!

For more details, contact: Public Information Officer—Beverly Snowden

828-322-2855 or [email protected]

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