Hamilton County Schools invites the community to join their Better Together district-wide service day this Saturday to help ensure students walk into facilities that are ready to welcome them andtheir excitement on the first day of school.
Volunteers will help complete campus beautification projects such as landscaping, painting and pressure washing, as well as organizing classrooms. Volunteers can sign up at www.hcde.org/bettertogether and choose how and where they’d like to help.
Over 30 schools across Hamilton County have submitted projects and are seeking volunteers, and there are more than enough opportunities for everyone who wants to participate.
"Thanks to sponsorship from the HCS Foundation in partnership with Elder’s Ace Hardware and Black Creek Chattanooga, supplies, including paint brushes, cleaning supplies, mulch, tools and other items, have been donated to make these projects possible," officials said.
Better Together is part of the district’s Opportunity 2030 commitment Every Community Served and First Day Ready initiative to make sure students, families and schools are prepared for the first day of school.
"We want kids to walk in on the first day and be proud of their school and excited for the first day of learning." said Kate Skonberg, family and community engagement coordinator for the district. "This annual event gives our community an opportunity to come together to support our schools and students. It is imperative to student learning to start the year right and provide a sense of connection for our students, families and community.”
“We know we are better when we connect with our students and families,” said HCS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sonia Stewart. “Our community’s support of this initiative over the past few years has helped create a welcoming space for our students. I am grateful for a community that is dedicated to providing for our kids in all ways.”
For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, visit www.hcde.org/bettertogether or contact Ms. Skonberg at skonberg_kate@hcde.org, 423-498-7188 or 423-708-3543.
Participating schools with volunteer opportunities:
School Time Notes
Allen Elementary 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Needs volunteers!
Alpine Crest Elementary 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Bess T. Shepherd Elementary 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Brainerd High 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Brown Middle 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Needs volunteers!
Calvin Donaldson 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Needs volunteers!
Clifton Hills 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
East Brainerd Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
East Ridge Elementary 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
East Side Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Needs volunteers!
Hardy Elementary 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hixson Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hunter Middle 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Needs volunteers!
Loftis Middle 8 a.m. -1 p.m. Needs volunteers!
Lookout Valley Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Needs volunteers!
Nolan Elementary 8:30 a.m. -10 a.m.
Normal Park Lower 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Normal Park Upper 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Ooltewah Elementary 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Orchard Knob Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Orchard Knob Middle 8 a.m. -1 p.m. Needs volunteers!
Red Bank Middle 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Needs volunteers!
Red Bank Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Rivermont Elementary 8 a.m. -12 p.m.
Soddy Daisy Middle 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Needs volunteers!
Spring Creek Elementary 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thrasher Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tyner Academy 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Wallace A Smith 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.