Live Chat Alert - Here's your chance to quiz school officials before classes resume

Wednesday, 18 August 2010 15:23

Tweet This Tuesday, Mayor Molly Ward will turn her  live chat session, "Virtual Lunch with Mayor Ward" over to representatives from Hampton City Schools.

The weekly live online chat takes place from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday on the Hampton Commons website, http://hamptoncommons.com.

With Labor Day just around the corner, there's probably little that parents have more on their minds than the prospect of their kids heading back to school. As that date gets closer, local media will provide lots of good general information about local school systems, as well as telling stories about how kids and their families are getting ready and offering consumer tips.

But the city of Hampton also wants to provide its residents with an opportunity to directly ask school administrators any questions they might have.

Dr. Patricia Leary	Dr. Mildred Sexton

So on Tuesday, Executive Directors for Elementary School Leadership, Dr. Patricia Leary and Dr. Mildred Sexton, with support from knowledgeable staff members from all the divisions, will co-host the live online discussion about Hampton's schools.

Representatives pointed out that it's a big year for city schools, with the Hunter B. Andrews School and the George P. Phenix School, the city's two new state of the art pre K-8 facilities opening.

And as with all city departments, the school system has had to adjust to the realities of a struggling economy. But while budgetary constraints have led to some tough decisions, school officials expressed confidence that they've made these adjustments while maintaining the system's integrity and high standards.

They said they hope the opportunity for the public to chat live with school officials will result in their sharing that confidence. "The Division Leadership Team is excited about the chance to share important information relative to preparation for 'back to school' and a successful school year for all," said schools spokesperson Ann Bane.

 
While the "Virtual Lunch with Mayor Ward" online chats are primarily for Hampton residents, anyone can "sit in" by browsing to http://hamptoncommons.com. Also, anyone can send ideas for chat-session guests or topics by participating any Tuesday.

Previous chat sessions are available HERE. Readers will find them to be entertaining and informative.