Supporting the Grady Cluster Schools

Supporting the Grady Cluster Schools
By the Inman Park Education Committee

Incredible things are happening in the schools that are part of the Grady Cluster. Inman Park children attend Mary Lin ES, Samuel Inman Middle, and Grady High and more than ever, these schools are offering outstanding education opportunities both inside and outside the classrooms. These programs often require community support and the education committee hopes that IPNA will agree with the funding requests we have made for fiscal year 2016-17. Our schools are one of the best reasons to live in Inman Park and the school's continued success means the success of all the children.

At Mary Lin, the new addition and renovation completed last year relieved the overcrowding and gave the students and teachers some much needed space. The front of the school (where the teachers and staff manage the car pool line) is in full sun so the school would like to install sail shades (much like those over the baby pool) to bring some welcome relief. Additionally, the original outdoor classroom created many years ago was lost when the school footprint was expanded. There are plans for a new outdoor classroom to foster interest in the environment and the school would be very grateful for funding to help with this.

Inman Middle School, through Dr. Betsy Bockman’s award winning leadership and the teacher’s hard work, the school is considered one of the best middle schools in the state of Georgia. Offering a diverse array of connection classes including language, music, art, and JROTC, the school works hard to create an academic and culturally rich student body. The science program is one of Inman’s best-kept secrets. Each year the 7th grade students go on a field trip to understand the ecology in our ocean and rivers. In past years, the students went to Cumberland Island but the education cabins and classroom is being renovated so they now go to the Coosa River School of Science. It’s an extraordinary trip and Inman leaves no child behind so funds to support those students who cannot afford the $200 are desperately needed.

Grady High School is the jewel in the crown of the cluster. With 27 different pathways and more Advanced Placement Courses than any high school in Georgia, its reputation for academic excellence and college preparatory success is well known. One of its greatest pathways is the Theater Arts program. The quality of the productions at Grady is outstanding including the play W;t by Pulitzer prize winning author Maggie Edson (also an Inman Middle school teacher!). The theater where these productions are held and many community meetings also take place is in serious need of upgrading. The audio-visual equipment is well beyond needing replacement and APS simply does not have the funds for this. The cost to remove and install all new equipment is around $52,000 and the Grady Foundation (started by Inman Park residents John and Midge Sweet) is raising money to help with this effort. We are also asking for money to continue our support for the Grady College and Career Connection center.

We also believe that Inman Park should support its neighboring elementary school Hope Hill Elementary. At Hope Hill, 98% of the student population is eligible for free and reduced lunch. Many of the children arrive woefully behind in academics and bringing them up to appropriate grade levels is a big effort. The Hope Hill Foundation is raising money to purchase a mini bus to transport children home from afternoon tutorials that will help tremendously with the academic success for these students who meet our children when they arrive at Inman Middle School and then move onto Grady High School.

The education committee is very grateful for the support from IPNA for our schools and all of the children that attend the Grady Cluster. We know there are many worthy projects to fund so thank you for your consideration and support.

-Regina Brewer

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Comments on "Supporting the Grady Cluster Schools"

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Jay Sullivan - Sunday, August 21, 2016
1000556134

That would be yummy food,I'm not sure you'd want yummy foos!

Jay Sullivan - Sunday, August 21, 2016
1000556134

What a wonderful endorsement of our schools,thank you Regina! Just a quick heads up for a really great way to support our kids theatre/music departments at Grady is by attending our 4th annual cabaret night held at Metro Fresh across from Grady High,next to Trader Joes. We have set the date for OCTOBER 20th 2016 and I will give times, program list etc when we nail it all down. Mark your calendars for an evening of amazing talent,fabulous music,yummy foos and an incredible auction that gets more and more incredible every year!

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