Walls – not curtains – now separate classes at Eastside Elementary School.

During the summer, walls were erected and old curtains removed as part of an electrical upgrade at the school.

Eastside is the oldest facility in the school system since new elementary buildings have been erected and Westside and Northside have been upgraded. The school was built when the pod learning system was the trend and curtains were used to divide classrooms.

Principal Mark Lumpkin said the curtains have been an issue with parents for several years. “We can now handle the capacity of new computers and SMART boards due to the electrical upgrade,” he said.

Bridgett Kirsch, assistant principal, said that even the kindergarten and first grade classrooms now have access to this technology.

“We are excited that all our classes now computers - even first grade and kindergarten. This will allow students to be more interactive and complete hands on work in the classroom,” she said.

Title 1 money is also being used to purchase materials for students. This includes flash cards and other resources to build on basic math knowledge now that every child will receive more than an hour of math instruction daily. Although the focus is on math, teachers will also work with children to improve reading skills.

Tutoring is available to students after school to continue the focus on math, described as a general area of weakness at Eastside. Hopes are to use Title 1 money to make transportation available to students taking part in the tutoring program.

The Renaissance program will continue this term and will follow the theme, “Bee All You Can Be” in recognition of the Yellow Jacket, which is the school mascot. Awards will be given in the following categories: A, A-B, passing, perfect attendance and others. Parents are invited to attend the ceremony.

“We want to recognize the achievement of every child,” Kirsch said.

The awards program will be held at the end of each semester and children recognized can participate in special fun day activities.

Lumpkin said an academic pep rally has been scheduled for 1 p.m. September 17. “We want to get the kids excited about learning and making good grades,” he said.

He emphasized that every teacher will be challenged to complete required instruction before the CRCT period begins.

“We encourage parents to get on board to help us,” he said. “We want them to volunteer and become involved in their child’s education.”

Parents who wish to volunteer are asked to contact Donna McClure, Parent Involvement Specialist.

A Title 1 parent meeting will be held at 6 p.m. September 16 to explain the AYP status at Eastside. The Title 1 program and parent involvement will also be discussed.

New teachers greeting students at Eastside for the 2010-2011 term are Jon Coley, Beverly Birdyshaw, Michelle Thaxton and Janice Duvall.

Lumpkin said the new road allowing parents to drop off or pick up their children at the back of the school has been a success.

“I no longer receive calls about traffic congestion on New Prospect Road,” he said.