FLINT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
923 E. Kearsley Street Flint, Michigan 48503 Email: [email protected]
July 6, 2023
Dear Flint Families,
I am reaching out today with important news about the upcoming school year for you and your family. Following comprehensive discussions with our principals and careful planning, we have made the strategic decision to relocate scholars from Holmes STEM Academy to Southwestern Classical Academy for the 2023-24 academic year. This temporary move will allow for extensive renovations to be carried out at Holmes, with completion expected by August 1, 2024.
We understand that change can be challenging, and we wish to reassure you that the educational standard and level of care that our scholars currently enjoy at Holmes STEM Academy will be upheld. Our scholars' academic experience is our top priority, and this transition has been designed to ensure the quality of education and the degree of attention they receive are not compromised. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding during this temporary transition.
To facilitate this relocation, we have allocated a separate wing at Southwestern Classical Academy solely for Holmes scholars. This area will include all necessary facilities, including a dedicated principal's office, and will provide a familiar environment that is conducive to our scholars' growth. Holmes will have its own team of safety advocates, overseeing the building alongside the team at Southwestern. Transportation will be provided to Holmes families comparable to their current route. A bus route from Holmes to Southwestern will be added for scholars who walk or are dropped off at Holmes. In addition to creating a continuity of learning, this arrangement will also offer Holmes scholars a firsthand look at their future high school.
This transition draws on the successful temporary consolidation of Doyle-Ryder Elementary and Potter Elementary during the 2022-23 school year. The seamless continuity of high-quality instruction during this temporary consolidation helped guide us with a clear roadmap for the current plan. We could not be happier with the results of the Doyle-Ryder Elementary renovations, and we look forward to a similar transformation at Holmes.
We firmly believe that this move, while maintaining each school’s distinct culture, is a necessary step in our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, essential support services and the creation of improved learning spaces.
We are excited for these renovations, enhancing our learning environments and furthering our commitment to our scholars. We appreciate your flexibility, understanding and shared commitment to our scholars, teachers and staff.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. We hope that you have an incredible summer and look forward to the first day of school on Wednesday, August 9.
Sincerely,
Kevelin Jones, Superintendent
Flint Community Schools