Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year! I anticipate a wonderful school year filled with golden opportunities. I look forward to staff, parents, and the community continuing to work together to ensure that Hattie Cotton is a safe, caring place where all students have the opportunity to learn.

Hattie Cotton staff consists of dedicated, committed members who work diligently to meet the needs of our students and families. Last school year Hattie Cotton made Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) in Reading and Attendance; however, students’ test scores on TCAP in Math fell a little short and we did not make AYP in Math. Therefore, this year Cotton is highly focused on Math interventions to ensure that TCAP Math scores increase immediately to reflect the ongoing achievement of our students across the curriculum.

Hattie Cotton’s Parent Group was 2006 National PTO of the Year and Hattie Cotton will continue to offer parents grand opportunities to participate in their child’s education and to enhance their own skills to help their children do well in school. Hattie Cotton is also excited to continue our relationship of twenty - four years with our PENCIL Partner, Dollar General Corporation. Together we are striving for excellence!

The staff and I are committed to making every minute count. During the year a lot of wonderful learning experiences will take place to help every child reach his or her potential including, but not limited to the following: Teachers teaching standards based lessons across the curriculum, field trips, computer lab, participation in the Accelerated Reading Program, before, during and after school tutorials, and library services.

This year we have added a Math Specialist and a Math Tutor in addition to our Reading Specialist and Reading Teacher. We will continue to communicate with families using Tuesday Folders and we will continue to have Academic Family Nights and Family Fun Nights. This year we are also the recipients of a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant and we will provide a daily healthy snack for all students.

We will continue to focus on Character Development and for the second year we have a Behavior Specialist. We are also fortunate to have a Vanderbilt Therapist and Vanderbilt Medical Services in addition to our School Counselor. We are delighted to have a Registered Nurse as well. Students will continue to have recess, buddy classes, school wide rewards, incentives, and consequences. We are a Positive Behavior Support School for the third year and we are committed to servicing the whole child.

I am delighted to be the principal at Hattie Cotton Elementary School for the sixth year and I invite you to visit or volunteer regularly.

Sincerely,

Dr. Karen Hamilton

Principal