Alembhert Lopez, fifth-grade student, Lookout Valley Elementary School, at the Operation Get Active spring end of season tournament at Finley Stadium.
photo by Ray Soldano
The Chattanooga Football Club is partnering with Hamilton County Schools to celebrate the success of their students and schools by offering 555 free tickets to teachers and staff members. The tickets are for the Chattanooga FC game against Detroit City on Oct. 5 at Finley Stadium.
The offer is part of the school district’s Celebrate Excellence Month, which included teacher appreciation days offered by the Tennessee Aquarium and the Creative Discovery Museum, to honor staff for their work to make Hamilton County Schools a Level 5 district and propel the district to be the fastest improving school district in Tennessee.
"The game at Finley Stadium on Oct.
5, will also launch a new opportunity for the community to get involved in providing exciting learning opportunities for children in Hamilton County Schools. The new initiative will enhance innovative programs such as eLabs, robotics, and project-based learning in our schools.," officials said.
“We appreciate the Chattanooga Football Club for stepping up to help us honor our teachers and staff in an excellent way,” said Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent, Hamilton County Schools. “CFC is helping us to celebrate 5s with their 555 free tickets for staff to attend the game.”
Staff members can get one free ticket each and purchase tickets for the entire family at $5 each. The community commitment from Chattanooga Football Club with the ticket offer is over $30,000. Chattanooga FC has challenged each school to show its support by having as many teachers and staff as possible attend the match on Oct. 5.
Hamilton County announced historic progress in academic achievement in August with the release of local district student growth data from the Tennessee Department of Education. Hamilton County Schools recorded a record Level 5 status in student academic growth in all five categories measured by the state. The district scored an overall Level 1 two years ago, Level 3 overall last year, and jumped to Level 5 across the board for student academic growth in 2019 state testing results. The district also earned a record number of Reward schools in 2019. Thirty-two schools earned Reward School status, which is up from 17 last year.
“We are thrilled to offer teachers and staff in Hamilton County Schools these tickets as a thank you for all the hard work that has gone into the Level 5 achievements,” said Tim Kelly, chairman, Chattanooga FC.
"The ticket giveaway by Chattanooga FC is not the only way the team partners with Hamilton County Schools," officials said. "Chattanooga FC and the Chattanooga FC Foundation have built a strong, lasting relationship over the years with the school district with the 'Get Kids Moving' program after school in conjunction with Operation Get Active. Operation Get Active is now teaching soccer and life skills is 20 Hamilton County Schools."
"The Chattanooga FC game will conclude a month of Celebrating Excellence in Hamilton County Schools," officials said. "The month-long celebration honored Hamilton County teachers and staff for moving the district from #130 to #2 in the state in students gains and making Hamilton County Schools the fastest improving school district in Tennessee. The Celebrating Excellence month was possible due to the generous support of more than 34 businesses, and organizations providing discounts, special experiences, and giveaways for teachers and staff. The Tennessee Aquarium held a teacher appreciation day providing free admission for a teacher and one guest, and the Creative Discovery Museum provided free admission for teachers and three guests on two special days."