FRANKLIN
Franklin City Public Schools Supt. Tamara Sterling and staff unveiled a plan on Thursday evening to enhance the courses of study for the elementary, middle and even high school levels, all for the purpose of preparing the students for higher education or military service or vocations. The assembly was titled “A Night of the Stars.”

Speaking from the stage of the auditorium at Franklin High School, Sterling spoke to a nearly full house of parents, students and teachers. They frequently responded enthusiastically with applause to her words and those concerning the upgraded curriculum.

“When I think of the students, parents, teachers and community, two things keep coming to my mind: ‘I am committed to greatness’ and to the children, ‘You are greatness,’” she said. “We have the distinct privilege to help them achieve greatness.”

Beginning next school year, students at S.P. Morton Elementary School will see the implementation of computer coding, advanced courses in technology, science and math, educational field trips, one-on-one computer initiatives, project-based learning and leadership courses through the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and the Parent Academic Academy.

All this is to help prepare them for life at J.P. King Jr. Middle School. The plan is to increase the number of advanced courses on that level such as Algebra I, geometry, Spanish I and II, coding, earth science, Art I, health and physical education and coding. More fine arts, college tours, field trips and career and technical education opportunities are also in the works.

This, in turn, is to help them when the students begin their high school lives. That will eventually include the restoration of dual enrollment course offerings, year-long intern and externships, an increase in state and cultural experiences, college tours and mandatory community service. Sterling said, “Everyone has to help someone.”

Travis Parker of the Upward Bound program at Paul D. Camp Community College said the college will be working “side by side” with the school division to “raise the bar. If you raise the bar, they [the children] will reach for it.”