A Message from Mary Harper, Principal

On behalf of the Hendricks Elementary community, welcome to our school! Our mission here at Hendricks is to provide quality education to over six hundred students.  As a principal, I am honored to work with such a caring and dedicated staff. I am very proud of the accomplishments of our students and the wonderful support we have from our parents and community. Our primary goal at Hendricks Elementary is to cultivate an enthusiasm for learning in a safe and caring atmosphere; to challenge all learners; and to encourage students, staff, parents and the community to share the responsibility for our children’s education.  Helping children fulfill their hopes and dreams can be achieved by a joining the Hendricks Elementary family.

        Shelbyville Central School Corporation decided in the spring of 2004 to set an ambitious reading goal that involve students, parents, grandparents, teachers, support staff and administrators.  Knowing the importance of reading and how it could impact a child’s entire educational program, we set a goal that 90% of our 3^rd graders would be reading at or above grade level by the end of 3^rd grade.  (Target date: 2008)

        At Hendricks, we are taking this initiative very seriously. Our school staff is already working with a reading coach and attending a variety of reading workshops.  In order for your child to read at or above grade level, we need you to read aloud with your child at least 20 minutes a day.   We understand that juggling work, sports, clubs, dinner and other commitments, causes school time to fly by quickly.  BUT, research has shown the 20 minutes a day reading at home makes a tremendous amount of difference in the ability for a child to read at or above grade level.

Throughout the year, we will be communicating activities to encourage reading and reporting the percentage of students meeting the reading goal.  Together, we will meet our 90% goal.