History of the Founders' Fund
In 1959, a group of
Signal Mountain parents met to discuss the idea of building a public high
school on Signal Mountain. Today, nearly fifty years later, that vision has
become a reality; a tribute to the dedicated effort of the mountain community.
Opening in the
Fall of 2008, the new Signal Mountain Middle/High School (SMMHS) is the result
of decades of endeavor:
·
1959- First
meeting of concerned parents
·
1998- Friends
of Signal Mountain High School formed
·
1999- Signal
Mountain and Walden pass sales tax for SMMHS
·
2004- SM and
Walden voters approve $10 million bond issuance
·
2005- Hamilton
County Commission approves remaining funds for new school
·
2006-
Founders’ Fund established
·
2006-
Groundbreaking for new facility
·
2008- The
Signal Mountain Middle/High School opens
The Mission and Goals of the Founders’ Fund
Mission:
Established by a group of Signal Mountain parents to help bridge the gap
between what the Hamilton County Department of Education will provide and what
is needed for a superior college preparatory school, the Founders’ Fund has as
its mission:
To provide a non-profit fundraising platform that
will ensure the new Signal Mountain Middle/High School achieves the highest
standard in public education
Goals:
1. Raise the funds needed to ensure the
new school opens with and maintains the highest standards and top national
programs
2.
Raise the funds necessary to ensure that the new school opens with the
equipment, technology, and supplemental teacher training to support academic,
art, and athletic programs (not normally supplied by Hamilton
County)
3.
Promote strong community support, integration, and confidence in the
school
Founders’ Fund Academic Goals
1.
Provide a
superior educational experience for students of ALL achievement levels
a.
95%
matriculation to 2 or 4 year college
b.
25% acceptance to
top tier universities
c.
Top 1% on state
tests (e.g. TCAP)
d.
Average SAT/ACT
score in top 15%
e.
Average of 2
college prep classes (e.g. AP/IB) before graduation
f.
Exceptional
Teachers
g.
Leadership
Training
h.
Special Needs
2.
Provide a broad
array of activities that encourages ALL students to participate and excel
a.
Fine Arts
programs and facilities
b.
Clubs and
academic teams
c.
Sports programs
and facilities
d.
100%
participation
e.
Encourage 2
activities during high school
3.
Foster a shared
commitment to education and service that benefits ALL residents of Signal
Mountain
a.
Service &
volunteer opportunities
b.
Local
internships
c.
Local business
program sponsorship
d.
Encourage 100%
participation
http://www.mountaineducationfoundation.com