By Staff
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
Barkley Bridge Elementary School has been chosen as the pilot for a new program instituted by the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce to partner education and industry for improved instruction throughout Hartselle City Schools.
Copeland/Emerson Climate Technologies has agreed to partner with BBES to fulfill the school's needs and vision through industry personnel, talent and resources. Company representatives Max Banning, Mike Tapp and David Jones met with BBES Principal Susan Hayes and Guidance Counselor Charlotte Riddlehoover before the academic year began last month to solidify the partnership.
"Though both parties are still in the brainstorming stage regarding the ways in which both can benefit from this partnership, it is certain that Barkley Bridge children will feel the trickle-down effects of the kindness," Hayes said. "As the partnership grows, Barkley Bridge stakeholders will be made aware of the direction it is taking. For now, Barkley Bridge is basking in the possibilities."
Susan Hines, Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce president, said the idea for the initiative emerged when she heard of a similar program implemented by the Decatur/Morgan County Chamber of Commerce at work force development meetings.
"Copeland/Emerson Climate Technologies is the first in what will hopefully be a great program for Hartselle schools," Hines explained. "Their participation could range from volunteering time to meeting supply and equipment needs at Barkley Bridge. I think it's a wonderful partnership between the school system and our industries, and we are all eager to make it work and bring more companies into the program."
Representatives of Copeland/Emerson Climate Technologies met at BBES Sept. 2 for a brief tour of the school, which included preparations for the school's upcoming book fair and a robotics demonstration.
Hayes said the pilot program is just one of many examples of the Hartselle community's support.
"Hartselle takes care of its little ones," Hayes explained. "Copeland/Emerson Climate Technologies is building on that tradition."