High Point Central Wins Hubert B. Humphrey Award
High Point Central High was announced as this year’s winner of the Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. School Improvement Award on Wednesday during the annual State of Our Community event sponsored by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.
The Humphrey Award is designed to recognize a school that designs and implements “a comprehensive school improvement plan that supports collaboration and leads toward improved student achievement.” A selection committee reviews certain academic metrics and considers how each school plans to engage the community, serve diverse student populations and improve student outcomes.
High Point Central’s catchphrase is “Believe in the Bison.” The school’s principal, Mike Hettenbach, says the only way for people to do that is by creating a space where students feel seen, and teachers are valued. Last year, the school implemented changes to perfect basic instructional practices and improve student achievement. These strategies included playing music through the halls and cafeteria to set a mood of positivity and excitement for learning each morning. Students could catch up on work if they missed class by accessing materials online.
“Some may wonder if a simple good morning or music can change culture and improve instruction…this year it did,” Principal Mike Hettenbach said. “A good morning and fun music may be just a welcome to some, but to a student it can be the bridge from hating to get up in the morning, to “I wonder what silly dances Ms. Hylton is going to be doing in class today.” This year, the school improvement in the Bison Nation was a product of good customer service, compassion and an awareness that learning starts at the front door with a good morning.”
The school also focused on building capacity beyond district-offered training so teachers can create learning environments that make all students feel like they belong. These strategies were tailored based on feedback from six staff-led committees. The strategies played a role in improving student proficiency, discipline and community involvement.
“I am proud of the High Point Central School team and the leadership of Principal Hettenbach. Over the last year, they have implemented a robust set of strategies to improve academic performance while supporting the well-being of students,” Superintendent Whitney Oakley said.
The school will receive $12,000, which it will use to focus on student support. The school plans to use the money to pay for End of Course (EOC) teacher professional development and cover the costs of substitutes for teachers who attend the training. It also plans to launch a Bring Back the Bison campaign to reach out to neighborhood families about getting engaged with the school community.
Hubert B. “Hugh” Humphrey was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation from 1981 until he passed away in 2003. Revered by fellow trustees and staff, Humphrey also served as legal counsel to the foundation. In November 2003, the trustees created the Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. School Improvement Award to honor his dedication. The Foundation established a fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, which is used each year to support the cash award.
About Guilford County Schools
Guilford County Schools, the third largest school district in North Carolina and among the largest of more than 14,000 in the United States, serves nearly 70,000 PK-12 students at 120 schools. With approximately 9,800 employees, GCS works in partnership with parents, businesses, colleges and the community to deliver an education that connects student interests and skills with the careers and economy of our future here and around the world. We provide educational choices to meet individual student needs in a culturally diverse citizenship and new opportunities to help our students grow. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.gcsnc.com.