Rogers State University will announce its adoption of Claremont Elementary School, which will include tutoring, supply drives and educational and social programs for Claremont students, at a ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 26.
RSU and Claremont Elementary School will announce the new partnership, known as the Hillcub Program, at 10 a.m. at the main entrance of the school, located at Seventh St. and Choctaw Ave. The public is invited to attend.
“The entire RSU family, including students, faculty, and staff, is very excited to establish this new partnership with Claremont Elementary School,” said RSU President Dr. Larry Rice. “Adopting an elementary school is a natural extension of our mission as an institution of higher learning, and RSU has always had a very special relationship with Claremont.”
More than 100 years ago, the institution presently known as RSU was established at the current site of Claremont Elementary School. In 1909, Eastern University Preparatory School, which prepared young people for college, began operation in the old Claremont Building at that location. The school later moved to its present location on “College Hill.”
“We are so pleased that RSU reached out to establish this partnership,” said Kellye Schuck, principal of Claremont Elementary School. “Our students will benefit from exposure to RSU students and faculty and the assistance programs provided by the university.”
This summer, RSU students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the local community, are conducting a fundraising drive to provide Crayola products to all Claremont students. The Crayolas will be provided to Claremont families during the school’s annual supply night on Aug. 17.
“It’s important to provide parents assistance in purchasing back-to-school supplies, particularly during tough economic times,” Shuck said.
The mission of the new Hillcub Program is “to enhance the educational attainment, social awareness and quality of life of Claremont Elementary School students.”
“We believe we can enhance the social and cultural development of Claremont students through exposure to a university environment and interaction with college students and faculty,” said Marisa Littlefield, chairperson of the RSU-Claremont Adoption Committee. “We want to make a difference in their lives and help them discover what they have the ability to achieve.”
Through the program, the university will attempt to raise the test scores and increase the number of Claremont students who graduate from high school and enroll in college, Rice said.
The Hillcub Program will include initiatives such as:
- Lunch Buddies: RSU students will have lunch with Claremont students to encourage them to focus on their studies and prepare for college.
- Maintenance Day: RSU physical plant employees will assist Claremont school with grounds maintenance and building repairs.
- Tutoring Programs: RSU students and faculty will provide one-on-one tutoring in math and reading, disciplines in which Claremont students need assistance.
- Gym Days: RSU student-athletes will instruct Claremont students in athletics, including basketball, soccer, baseball and other sports.
- Elementary Education Observation Program: RSU and Cameron University elementary education majors will fulfill requirements for their degree at Claremont.
- Supply Drives: Back-to-school supplies and holiday food assistance.
- RSU Day: Claremont students will spend time on the RSU campus, touring biology labs, RSU Public Television and RSU Radio stations and other academic facilities.
- RSU Game Night: Students and families of Claremont Elementary School can attend designated RSU men’s and women’s basketball games free of charge.
- RSU participation in Claremont events, including school carnivals, kickball tournament and track and field days.
- RSU student organizations will adopt Claremont classes to provide any assistance needed.
The Hillcub Program will continue to add services and evolve over time to meet the needs of Claremont students, Littlefield said.
“The program doesn’t just benefit Claremont students,” Littlefield said. “I suspect RSU students and faculty will learn a lot about themselves through this partnership.”