Harrison looking ahead to 2024-25 school year

Harrison Central is out for the summer but that doesn’t mean administrators and the board of education have stopped working. Despite summer break, teachers, board members, administrators, and superintendent Duran Morgan, are still putting in hours to make sure they’re prepared for the 2024-25 school year.

High school students ended this year with their graduating class receiving over $154,000 in local scholarships and over $1.8 million in university monies. Twenty-six students met state requirements for an Academic Honors Diploma. In addition to this, the academic challenge team finished runner-up in the Jefferson Educational Service League.

A second token book machine will soon be added to the halls of the high school, which is used as a behavioral reward and is focused on language arts. The staff at the school has been dedicated to college and career planning as well, showing this through readiness planning and student pathways planning for next school year along with adding College Credit Plus courses for next year, too.

There are plans for a Career Symposium to explore career paths through local businesses and professionals to support extension services for gifted and talented students.

On the elementary side, the extended summer learning program for students in K-8 grade is in full swing. This program focuses on personal instruction in math and reading but also encourages social development and offers other forms of social support as well.

Highlights from the previous school year included the fourth grade wax museum presentation when students dressed up as a historical figure and were able to share their research on those figures with community members and fellow students. There was also an end of year concert that included both vocal and instrumental talents. The spelling bee was a big deal as well with Evan Johnson winning District Champion. Regional runner-up was Lucas Wood.

The back to school rally will be Aug. 13 from 3-5 p.m. at the Stephenson Center. Meet the Teams will take place at 6 p.m. at Wagner Field. There will be an open house at the school campus on Aug. 24, with the time to be announced.

Of course, be on the lookout for fall sports beginning mid to late August, apart from golf, which begins Aug. 5.

Board of Education President D.J. Watson shared his excitement in looking ahead. “The Board of Education is proud of the students, staff, faculty, and administrative team of Harrison Central on the successful completion of another school year. The focus of our schools on providing not only a quality education but also support for students and families is to be proud of. We look forward to a strong start again in August.”