Annual Impact Report 2021-22 School Year | Page 15

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says Richard Thompson (Mr. T), Principal at Greater Heights Academy in Flint, Michigan. Not only has Mr. Thompson built partnerships with families, he has also collaborated with over 30 community organizations with donations ranging from material donations to support services to event tickets and tacos. On June 10th, the scholars and their families gathered for the first Family Celebration Ball. Gowns, dresses, and suits were donated so that everyone could enjoy the ball.

Mr. Thompson said, “Donations came in from across Flint, including former Prom Queens donating their dresses. We want to empower with integrity; everyone got to “shop” for their formal wear, including some parents that never got to attend their own proms. This Family Celebration Ball is a culmination of our monthly family activities.” 

Previous family gatherings have included activities such as blues concerts, cook outs, and Scholars of the Month; who are recognized for not only their academic successes but also for their character growth. Central Michigan University (CMU) has honored GHA as a finalist in their Innovation and Vision Awards for their creative pep rallies prior to high stakes testing.

“Building partnerships is how you build trust. I started by including the whole family, whatever that family is. That’s how we do things at GHA,”

BUILDING AUTHENTIC PARTNERSHIPS AT GREATER HEIGHTS ACADEMY