“ST.PETERSBURG – A school formerly labeled as a double F kicked their efforts into high gear and earned a D. While a D might not seem like much to gloat about, it shows that things are headed in the right direction. A school predicated on choice seems to have made the right choice and looks ahead to make more improvements. Terrance Tomplin, enrollment coordinator and senior staff since the inception of Imagine School at St. Petersburg, comments, ‘We have made a larger tangible difference than what grades would show.’
Imagine School is known for valuing hands-on learning, where students are actively engaged in the daily activities and choices of the day. The learning environment is one where the students’ feel that they have a vested interest in what they’re learning. They also provide a cooperative learning environment where students have a voice, participate with others, and learn how to be citizens in a global society.
This year was a time for unsettling pressure with the presence of 2 F’s looming, but the atmosphere at Imagine School was of high spirits and a loving community. Lasting memories were made as the future of Imagine School was uncertain. Regardless however of the negative, retention rates are high and students and families still see the value and the promise in Imagine School.
With the leadership and guidance of Principal Prince, the school is headed in the right direction. ‘The concept has always been solid, but we just needed the right guidance to put us in the right direction,’ says Tomplin. Prince is known to be an even-keeled leader who sets high expectations for herself, staff and students. In turn, she expects the students to set high expectations. She is the first one to arrive and the last one to leave, and emanates caring for each student and the desire to see them succeed.
With the new school year approaching, there are many good things for the students and staff of Imagine School to look forward to doing. A 3rd grade Book Club named ‘I can see Paris in Midtown’ created in memory of the young girl Paris Hamilton who was killed, seeks to encourage reading among 3rd grade girls. An increase in sports teams is on the horizon, giving students physical activity but also a lesson in competition and camaraderie. The young men also have the program Imagine Men. This program was designed around the concept of preparing our young boys to see themselves as men. They’re mentored and provided with skills and strategies to guide them on the way of becoming individuals with values and good character.
With the dedication and commitment of the Imagine Schools Team, the faculty hopes to forego a C and earn a B. The belief is strong that it will happen. This school can show you that anything you can imagine can be possible.”
Article published on July 15, 2011 by The Weekly Challenger