Hampton, Colfax schools do an exemplary job
Regarding Donna Brown's letter, "Clean Hampton even when governor isn't looking" (March 7), I have worked with some of the best administrators and teachers in North Carolina. Recently, I have had the privilege of working as a reading tutor at Hampton Leadership Academy and as a volunteer at Colfax Elementary. Hampton and Colfax both have excellent administrators, dedicated teachers and intelligent students. One difference is the physical facilities. While Hampton's building is very old, Colfax has a newer building.
Hampton requires extra custodial effort to maintain a good learning environment. Utilizing all space for educational opportunities, the 2006 Hampton students produced on the sturdy old stage the hit play, "The Wiz." Mindful of providing the safest environment, Principal Michelle Thigpen has had asbestos removed. Recently, as host to the governor, Hampton had assistance from the Guilford County Schools custodial staff to spruce up. As you know, guests in our homes require a spruce up.
If I had Oprah's resources, I would build a new school for Hampton and give raises and cruises to the Colfax and Hampton faculties.
Michelle Thigpen, Hampton's outstanding leader, will replace the retiring Dr. Mary Hamlin, Colfax's outstanding principal. As we know, good leadership is critical to school successes.
Dorothy E. Walker
Greensboro
Comments (6)
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If Michelle Thigpen is such an outstanding leader at Hampton, why is she being moved to Colfax?
Posted on April 5, 2007 8:16 AM
Could it be that Colfax needs an outstanding leader? That is the problem with GCS, things that are NOT broken get fixed (read this as BREAK THEM)!
Shalom
Posted on April 5, 2007 10:03 AM
Amen, Darryl.
Take a look at the test scores at Colfax compared to those at Hampton. I think you'll see that Colfax isn't the one who needs help.
And I doubt seriously that the test scores have anything to do with the newness of a building.
Posted on April 5, 2007 10:25 AM
FYI, state principal salaries are based, in part, on size of the school.
Colfax is about 3 times the size of Hampton (991 students compared with 329, according to 2006-07 enrollment data).
Posted on April 5, 2007 11:28 AM
Colfax will take a big enrollment hit this fall with the new elementary school on Pleasant Ridge coming online.
Personally, I dont think the problem with GCS lies in the elementary system. At least from a parents standpoint. Our experiences at Brooks Global and then Colfax over the last 9 years have been to the good for the most part.
Posted on April 5, 2007 12:13 PM
In all fairness the asbestos should have been removed, it is part of her job to ensure a safe learning enviroment. And yes we all "spruce up" for guests, but the work done at Hampton was a major overhaul.
Good luck to the Colfax parents-but they won't need it. I am sure that they are paying attention and will continue to do so. For Hampton students and parents relief is on the way (Your NEW PRINCIPAL). But it must be a team effort.
Posted on April 5, 2007 5:19 PM