A new mission for Jones Elementary School?

GAINESVILLE - Hall County school officials think they've come up with a use for the now-vacant Jones Elementary School building.

The school board could be asked as early as Monday night to approve a new literacy program at Jones site.

"We are on the verge of recommending to our board a partnership with two local colleges to form the Sylvester Jones Early Literacy Program at Jones Elementary," Supt. Will Schofield said. "This initiative has the potential to be Hall County's next beta site, focusing on the paramount issue of Early Literacy. "

Schofield said he environs "four-to-six year olds having the opportunity to participate in this best practices literacy rich environment and professional learning opportunities to be provided through the center for both teachers and paraprofessionals."

He says the initiative would allow the school system to utilize the now vacant space at Jones for an opportunity that will cost no additional local dollars and simultaneously provide early literacy support for the county's 20 elementary schools.

"In the very near future," he said, "we may be taking applications from our elementary staff, redeploying four of our own teachers to lead this effort. "

Schofield said the program will likely serve about 100 four-to-six year olds.

He added the initiative would serve some of the county's "most fragile" students - those who need help reading at or above grade level by the end of the third grade.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/6/230345