Written by Laura Lawley on February 1, 2011.
Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News Demolition work continues on Franklin Middle School Friday, Jan. 28, 2011.
Demolition of Franklin Middle School should wrap up in the next two weeks, making room for a new elementary school at the site. However, flattening the old structure has not come without a few surprises.
“Try as hard as you can and you still come across delays,” said Joe Humphrey, Abilene Independent School District construction coordinator.
Asbestos had to be removed from the building before demolition could begin and that took longer than expected, Humphrey said. Demolition started at the beginning of December on the structure built nearly 70 years ago. Over the years, the building had undergone multiple renovations, making it difficult to know what might be below the surface of the structure.
Asbestos-wrapped pipe was discovered underground early in the demolition, Humphrey said, setting the project back at least a week.
The demolition has been mostly handled by local labor, he said.
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Written by admin on December 6, 2010.
Traditional public schools often fail to supply the assistance and resources required to help troubled teens. Their inability to deal with various challenges which has been facing by these students is one reason, why, many parents consider various other available options?
Teenagers life often revolve around school. They spend their maximum time out there. In many cases, it is the centerpiece of their lives. I such condition, the school environment will inevitably be a main factor in their overall well -being. In the case of troubled teens, who require additional dimension of significance. Parents want their children to get the support which they require in order to make positive changes and to turn things in more favorable and positive direction.
Unfortunately, many public schools are not up to the mark. The remain fail to provide the kind of support and constructive environment which is required by those challenged students. troubled teens pose a challenge that don’t match up with the organization and teaching structure of the institutions. Read more…
Written by Gabrielle Batchelor on August 30, 2010.
HOUSTON – Parents are still totaling the cost of school supplies and uniforms. And for some, it’s a struggle to make everything add up.
How’s this for a math problem: divide four kids, their mom and grandmother among three bedrooms. Now factor in the broken air conditioning.
Lashawnda Sims can’t seem to solve it.
The single mother feels like “almost, I would say, the old woman in the shoe,” she says. “Except I’m not that old. And I don’t have that many children.”
After losing her job, Sims had to move back in with her mom. Now, while looking for work, she must outfit her brood for the classroom.
Back to school time costs the average family about $424, according to the National Retail Federation.
That includes $225 for clothing, $103 for shoes and $96 for school supplies.
One of Sims’ daughters, Germani Smith, has most of what she needs for Ms. Scott’s second grade class.
“I have pencils, a folder, some scissors and crayons and some glue,” says the 7-year old girl. “And all I need is 2
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Written by Laura Lawley on August 8, 2010.
McMillon’s vision for the school includes an advanced curriculum for all ages.
Rebecca McMillon, the recently appointed head of school for St. John’s Episcopal School in Abilene, officially began her duties last month, but she has served the school in other capacities for more than a decade.
“I spent 11 years in the preschool department as a classroom teacher,” McMillon said. “For the last couple of years I served as a part-time administrator as well.”
Hard work and dedication to the students and school including expansion to incorporate a program for 2-year-olds — earned McMillon a promotion to director of preschool in 2007. She said she also was able to obtain state licensing and accreditation for the preschool.
St. John’s, located at 1600 Sherman Drive, began as a kindergarten in 1952, with 18 students. The school has since expanded to include classes for students through fifth grade, with a current enrollment of 133. There are 36 em
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