This past year, the Heart of the School Fund supported schools’ COVID-friendly projects and site enhancements such as outdoor classrooms and technology to support remote learning.

In order to address COVID learning loss, National Academy Foundation’s Principal Lampkin applied for and received grant funding to support a staff professional development retreat entitled “The Path Forward,” which focused on increasing student achievement and included planning for how NAF will provide remediation and interventions following school closures. The goal of the retreat was to enable educators the space to brainstorm with other leaders in the educational field and analyze reading, math, CTE data and successful SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) practices to develop and implement whole group and individualized plans to raise student achievement at all grade levels and prepare students to be college and career ready.

Check out what Principal Lampkin and a teacher participant had to say about the professional development opportunity:

“We had time to bond as a team as we identified norms, analyzed data, learned about how to establish the path forward with accelerated learning and Targeted Leadership. Most importantly, we were able to envision a new NAF after we return from COVID closures focused on closing the achievement gap. The photos couldn’t capture the gratitude for being treated as highly respected professionals, but I hope this testimonial feedback does.” -Principal Lampkin

“This was the best professional learning experience in my entire career!” - LaWanda Wilson