THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 28, 1996 TAG: 9602270108
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
We, the Hardy Elementary School faculty and staff, feel we must respond to comments made at the last School Board meeting regarding the issue of rezoning. The comment made by the Waterford Oaks resident, ``Hardy has nothing to offer our children,'' offended us tremendously. Hardy has a loving and nurturing academic atmosphere, and our children are important to us.
We are a modern, ``old-fashioned'' school. We teach reading, writing and math along with respect for adults and one another. We try to challenge every child to reach his or her fullest potential. Each grade level works as a team with goals and high expectations for all students. Our children are greeted each day by smiling, excited people who truly love what they do.
At Hardy Elementary, we have much to offer children. To name a few, our new Media Center provides state-of-the-art technology and tools for academic research. We have an active Computer Challenge Team.
Hardy is the first and only school (elementary, middle or high) in Isle of Wight County to have an electronic bulletin board, which allows students with home computers to interact directly with school and other students 24 hours a day.
Our 1995 Academic Challenge teams received first- and second-place awards above all other schools in the area. Numerous Hardy students have placed at the county, regional and state levels in the PTA ``Reflections'' cultural arts contest.
During the entire academic year, schoolwide reading activities develop skills that build self-esteem and promote a lifelong love of reading.
We have an outstanding and active PTA that supports students and teachers and provides the children with educational programs and theatrical presentations.
All Isle of Wight County schools operate under the same county and state guidelines. The qualifications for all teachers are the same. Our sister school, Carrollton Elementary, was largely created from Hardy staff when construction of the school was completed.
A dedicated, empathetic Hardy faculty works together to provide a positive and academically challenging atmosphere. Our vision is to provide all children a keen awareness and an appreciation for acquiring knowledge in their changing world. Our newly renovated school is open to the public, and we encourage visitors.
As the saying goes, before you judge a book by its cover, check out all the pages. We invite the public to check out the facts first, then make your decision. We are proud of our school, our students, our administrators and our faculty and staff. We welcome your children and you with open arms!
Hardy Elementary School
Faculty and Staff
Hardy Circle
Smithfield by CNB