HCPS Recognizes the Addition of 6 Foster Grandparents in Potter Elementary
TAMPA, FL [May 10, 2017]— In an article posted on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/newsdesk/article/511/grandmothers-sign-up-to-serve-at-potter-elementary) 6 newly trained Foster Grandparents are acknowledged for joining Potter Elementary.
Students have responded very well to their foster grandparents according to assistant principal Emily Tirelli. “This program has been so amazing for our students and staff. The kids have a great level of respect for the grandparents. They know they can lean on them for support when they are having a rough day or experiencing challenges with their school work,” said Tirelli.
The Tampa Bay Times published an article on March 11, 2017 chronicling that challenges at Potter Elementary this school year (http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/despite-grand-promises-change-comes-slowly-to-tampas-four-time-f-school/2316060). The article cited major behavioral issues for the school. On March 17, 2017, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public School’s Jeff Eakins responded to the article in a 2 page letter sent to all the parents in the district and cited in this follow-up article from the Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/despite-grand-promises-change-comes-slowly-to-tampas-four-time-f-school/2316060). In the letter, Superintendent Eakins praises the staff at Potter Elementary and stands behind the work and progress going on there. The Times article also quotes, “Other readers, in story comments and emails, noted the role parents play in their children’s lack of success at school. “A teacher/school can only do ‘so much’ and as a community we should all be responsible for success and failures of students, one parent wrote.”
And, when it comes to community, Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay and its volunteers are proud to be a positive influence for the school and its kids. We hope to continue to provide devoted, caring Foster Grandparent Tutors to continue the support and nurturing the students of Potter Elementary need.