July 18, 2012

Class will soon be back in session for some Guilford County Schools (GCS) students. Hampton Elementary University Partnership Magnet will open its doors on Friday for the start of the new school year.

As the only GCS school following a year-round calendar, Hampton gets an earlier start to the year than most. Schools on the extended year calendar and the district's early and middle colleges start in early August. Schools on the traditional calendar start Aug. 27. 

Hampton teachers have been preparing for the new school year and are ready to greet students and families, first at the school's open house today from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and again on Friday, says Principal David Jarmon.

"We are always excited about the first day of school when we get to meet new students and parents, as well as those returning," Jarmon said. "When I see the smiling faces of our students, ready for another year of learning, it warms my heart. We have several new staff members, and we're looking forward to one of our best years at Hampton."

Hampton, one of the district's 52 magnet and choice programs, is supported by a partnership with North Carolina A&T State University. Jarmon says his students can look forward to attending Hampton Day at A&T, when all third- through fifth-graders will spend a day on campus participating in hands-on learning activities with university professors. In addition, college students from A&T will provide free afterschool tutoring to students throughout the school year. The partnership also provides professional development opportunities for Hampton staff.

Like the traditional calendar, Hampton's year-round calendar includes 180 days. School is in session about 44 to 48 days every quarter followed by a break. The school year ends in June, with a summer break of approximately five to six weeks.