Principal
Lawrence Walker
Assistant Principal
Tara L. Grace-Wilson
Instructional Facilitator
May 22, 2013
Dear Hillcrest High School Community,
First, allow me to thank everyone for a successful year. I truly appreciate everyone’s diligence and ultimate understanding in support of our transformation efforts. Change is hard, but I assure you that it is necessary for the economic and social advancement of everyone we serve. The 21st Century workplace seeks individuals who are able to think critically and conceptualize new ideas. Twenty-first century workers are highly skilled, possess optimistic attitudes, and strong work ethic. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us at Hillcrest that all students enter a building where the atmosphere is conducive to learning and safety/security is paramount.
As I reflect on this year, Hillcrest remains to have tremendous potential for re-establishing a strong school culture characterized by high academic achievement and passionate school spirit. My strong desire is for Hillcrest High School to be a place where students want to attend for our augmented academic programs and expanded athletic programs. Hillcrest High School will become a school of considerable choice, in which every parent and student in the Whitehaven community place Hillcrest at the top of the list of schools to attend and receive an excellent education.
As we work to build and establish a new culture at Hillcrest High School, we will work hard to transform Hillcrest High School into a liberal arts school that offer our students’ instruction in economics, fine arts, government, public service, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – concepts and skills required for careers of the 21st century. My drive is to educate and shape global leaders, urban entrepreneurs, and economic innovators. I foresee Hillcrest students attending colleges and universities across the United States and the world. Most of all, I want Hillcrest to be a school in which students enjoy and are excited about. Yet, before we can begin transforming Hillcrest into an exceptional/model school, some hard work must occur.
The hard work in which I am referring involves us working to make Adequate Yearly Progress and move into good standing status with the district and the state of Tennessee as it relates to student growth and achievement. Our mission will require a concerted effort of everyone’s part (i.e., students, teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, and community leaders/organizers) in cultivating Hillcrest High School into a Results Oriented Learning Environment. What is your R.O.L.E. in transforming Hillcrest into a prominent learning organization?
Before I wrap up, I would like to talk about school safety, which is a paramount concern for me and others in our school community. According to Board Policy 6.310 regarding School Uniforms and Dress Codes states in Section III, “…principals shall have the authority to place restrictions on the Basic Uniform for safety reasons including gang-related activity.” A detailed copy of Board Policy 6.310, is available on-line at or in the Main Office at Hillcrest High School. Therefore, our school uniform policy is as follows:
Female Students Uniform:
–White or hunter green polo shirt without logo and black or khaki pants or shorts.
–Nothing low, short, and/or tight in terms of clothing; knee-length skirts or capree pants/shorts; no six inch high heel shoes; no lace or fish-net stockings; black or brown belt must be worn with pants or shorts with loops; white collar or hunter green shirts without logo; white t-shirts without logos.
–All white undershirts.
–Only white, black, or brown shoes are to be worn (solid colors preferably).
–Only white, black, or brown belts are to be worn.
–No bonnets or bows worn (students will be asked to remove such apparel). Absolutely no exceptions!
–No denim or blue jeans (will result in In-School Suspension and other disciplinary measures).
–Absolutely no rosary beads, no exceptions.
Male Students Uniform:
–White or hunter green polo shirt without logo and black or khaki pants or shorts.
–Shirts tucked inside pants or short pants, black or brown belt only, white collar shirts without logo, black or brown shoes, white undershirt only.
–No sagging pants (will result in a warning and then if continues will result in other progressive disciplinary measures).
–Only white, black, or brown shoes are to be worn (solid colors preferably).
–Absolutely no rosary beads.
–All white undershirts.
–Only white, black, or brown belts are to be worn.
–No hats of any kind worn in the building (they will be confiscated). Absolutely no exceptions!
–No denim or blue jeans.
–Absolutely no rosary beads.
The Board of Commissioners for the Unified School District has all agreed to continue the uniform policy for the coming school year. Should anyone want to meet with me before the start of school, please feel free to call the school at 901-416-3104, and I will meet with you personally to share your expectations of me as your new instructional leader. Lastly, school will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. Students are expected to be in their 1st period class, seated and ready for instruction at 7:00 a.m. I look forward to a positive transforming 2013-2014 school year.
In partnership for student growth and achievement,
Eric D. Moore, Principal