Exciting Changes Ahead for Ridgeland’s New School!
Welcome to Heartwood Community School!
Ridgeland is buzzing with excitement as a local school, which just opened its doors last year, is set for a fresh start under a brand new name! Starting next school year, Meeting Street Jasper & Beaufort will transform into the Heartwood Community School. This name change comes as the school continues its mission of providing a supportive and innovative learning environment for its kindergarten and first-grade students.
A Commitment to Excellence Remains
Despite the changes, one thing that won’t shift is the school’s dedication to its students and families. Kelley Marsh, the spokesperson for Heartwood Community School, emphasized that their commitment to providing a dynamic and inclusive educational experience remains as strong as ever. “We strive for academic and personal excellence,” said Marsh. She explained that the school aims to nurture creativity, inclusivity, and resilience, preparing students to become the leaders of tomorrow.
What’s in a Name?
The inspiration for the school’s new name came from the term “heartwood,” which refers to the sturdy, supportive core of a tree. It represents the school’s mission to foster a place of stability and nurturing so that students can truly thrive. “This mirrors the school’s mission of fostering stability, strength, and nurturing a vibrant community where students can flourish both academically and personally,” Marsh remarked, pulling on the tree analogy to explain the ethos of the school.
Insights from the Heart
The new name was conceived by board member Any Dungan, who has extensive experience as a teacher and training as a Master Naturalist. She noted that just like heartwood serves a pivotal role in a tree’s structure, the school aims to play a crucial role in the academic and personal development of every student. “Its purpose parallels that of the school,” Dungan stated, highlighting the importance of a strong foundation in education.
Focus on Personalized Learning
Heartwood Community School continues its legacy of offering small class sizes, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention with two teachers per classroom. Principal Jennifer Brown shared, “At Heartwood, we are reminded of the strength and resilience at the core of every child, much like the heartwood at the center of a tree.” This focus on tailored educational experiences means students will not only achieve academic success but also receive support for their emotional well-being.
A Bright Future with New Facilities
Looking ahead, the school is excited to announce that a brand new, state-of-the-art facility is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by Fall 2025. This new hub will feature modern classrooms tailored for both elementary and middle school students, creative spaces for music and the arts, and inclusive, tech-enabled areas. Additionally, students can look forward to a commercial-size kitchen, gymnasium, and even an interactive nature trail as part of the outdoor spaces.
Building Community Connections
Heartwood Community School’s vision extends beyond academics. School Nurse Sydney Lubkin mentioned her eagerness to develop programs connecting health and wellness into the school curriculum. “I am looking forward to expanding our school garden to promote a healthy lifestyle for our scholars,” she noted, showcasing the school’s holistic approach to education.
Joining Forces for the Future
Physical Education teacher Jeremy Hardy chimed in, “Heartwood Community School will be a great asset to our community.” He firmly believes it will provide transformational experiences, setting a new standard in the area. “It’s going to offer opportunities like no other school in this area,” he added, portraying a bright outlook of what’s to come.
Enrolling for the Future
Heartwood Community School is set to continue expanding its offerings, adding one grade level each year, starting with kindergarten through third grade for the upcoming school season. To find out more about enrollment opportunities or to learn more about this innovative school, visit heartwoodcommunityschool.org.
As Ridgeland prepares for this exciting transition, the Heartwood Community School is poised to be a cornerstone in nurturing the next generation of leaders, creators, and thinkers for our communities!
