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Harmony Wins Race To The Top Grant
Harmony Wins Race To The Top Grant 12/17/12
amelnick@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News
December 17, 2012
ODESSA-Charter schools are known for their private school amenities without the expense, and that luxury can sometimes burden schools.
Recently, the U.S. Education Department awarded the Texas-based Harmony charter schools $30 million dollars through the competitive Race to the Top grant.
Harmony is a nationally recognized program known for its hands-on experience and challenging math and science curriculum.
Sunny Busby, Literacy Mentor, at the Harmony Science Academy in Odessa said they could further personalize each student’s success with enhanced technology.
“The more technology we have available for our students, the more we can prepare them for the real world,” Busby said. “The reality is we’re going to a paperless society and we live in a technology-driven society, and because of that our children learn differently.”
Although grant distribution has not been finalized, the Odessa campus could potentially build three new science labs and provide smart boards and document cameras in every classroom.
In addition, Harmony hopes to enhance their parental portal, an online program and app that proves grades, when assignments are due and even send alerts about disciplinary actions.
Nancy Fox, a parent at Harmony, said her daughter even uses the app.
“She can look up her grades, and she can even look up if she won the science fair—it’s great,” said Fox.
Harmony, along with 16 other programs across the nation, was recognized.
Busby said the award was a team effort.
“In order for us to apply for this grant, we collected letters from community leaders, and from parents who attend our school. We’re community involved—it’s a huge part of the Harmony program and without their help, we wouldn’t be able to quality and win this grant.”