VETERAN EDUCATOR DRIVES GEAR UP
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In her 16th year as an education professional , Angele Hodges is mapping the course for the new Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs ( GEAR UP ). The district received program funding , a $ 6.3 million federal grant , in October 2017 . Hodges joined the district in November after serving as the principal at Glencrest 6th Grade School in Fort Worth .
The grant is designed to help sixth- and seventh-graders at Bessie Coleman and W . S . Permenter middle schools be college and career ready when they graduate high school . Hodges says the program is unique because the money can be used to support students ’ academic needs through their first year of college .
“ GEAR UP covers everything under academic readiness ,” she says . “ We have the opportunity to build long-term relationships with students and see outcomes .”
Two site coordinators , a family and financial coordinator , a science coordinator and a staff assistant complete the GEAR UP team . They will help teachers and principals improve student performance and build relationships with parents ; assist families with developing college-readiness plans ; and schedule college tours .
Each campus will host a daylong pep rally-themed open house for parents and the community the week of Jan . 29 . Find details at chisd . net / gearup .