Articles to read:

May 2008 Events

Golf Scramble

Tennis Tournament and 5K & Fun Run

$2 million dollars

Walk-in Registration for Rising 10th & 11th Graders

Buy a Brick!

Difference between Founder's Fund and MEF

The special events committee of the Founders’ Fund recently announced plans for a weekend celebration of community events, May 3rd-5th.

“A special logo has been created for the alumni weekend and celebration of Signal Mountain Middle School and the much anticipated opening of the new 6-12, Signal Mountain Middle/High School”, according to event Chairperson, Rae Moon. “The three day long celebration should offer something for just about everyone. We have dozens of volunteers working hard to create a selection of sporting and social events for the entire community. We look forward to sharing all the details in the next couple of months leading into the first weekend in May”.

The Founders’ Fund was established by a group of Signal Mountain parents to help bridge the gap between what the Hamilton County Department of Education will provide and what is needed for the new Signal Mountain Middle/High School to open this fall as a superior school, with the highest standard in public education.

To become involved, log on to www.signalmountainhighschool.com or contact Rae Moon at 886-6118.

2008 Signal Mountain Scramble
Benefits Signal Mountain Middle/High School

Volunteers are needed to assist on Monday, May 5 with the Signal Mountain Golf Scramble. Contact Bob Linehart if you can volunteer for at least 2 hours.

For the past several years, as a good community neighbor, the Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club has graciously offered its golf course each year free of charge to a Signal Mountain community group for the purpose of raising funds via a golf event. The SMGCC Board of Directors named this event, "The Signal Mountain Scramble" and since the inaugural Scramble in 2003, the event has helped raise more than $125,000 for mountain top charities. Among the charities benefiting from the Scramble has been the Dressler Gymnasium at Thrasher Elementary School, the Mountain Education Fund, and the Mountain Arts Community Center. This year, SMGCC is offering the Scramble to the Founders' Fund to help raise funds for the new Signal Mountain Middle/High School.

The Founders’ Fund is an organization of parents, teachers, and active citizens who are committed to building a fundraising platform from which the new Signal Mountain Middle/High School will achieve the highest standards in public education. The fund will provide financial support to programs, curriculum and facilities beyond those traditionally provided by the county educational system.

This year's Signal Mountain Scramble will be held on Monday, May 5. It will be the concluding event of a series of activities and socials in a special and landmark weekend the Founders' Fund is planning to celebrate the opening of our new school. The Scramble is always a great time with plenty of prizes and contests for the experienced and novice golfer alike. It is also a great social event and a great opportunity to meet new friends and neighbors. Four-person teams are $500 and there are several different levels of sponsorships available.

If you are interested in purchasing a team, sponsoring the event, or volunteering, please contact this year’s chairman, Bob Linehart, at 886-1207 or email him.

Founders’ Fund Announces Tennis Tournament and 5K & Fun Run

In conjunction with the recently announced May weekend celebration, Founders’ Fund officials announce two sporting events, a 5K and Fun Run along with a Tennis Tournament, to be offered to the community on Saturday, May 3rd.

“Whether you are young or just young at heart, experienced or a novice, come enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the new Signal Mountain Middle/High School”, according to Candy Clark, 5K and Fun Run Chair. “We will kick off the race at 8 am on Saturday morning, May 3rd at the Soccer Field Pavilion in Shackleford Park”.

Entry fee for the 5 km and 1 mile Fun Run is $15 and all participants will receive a special commemorative t-shirt. The top three finishers will be awarded trophies in a ceremony at the completion of the race. For more information, or to register for the 5K or Fun Run, contact Candy Clark at 886-4515.

The Tennis Tournament will also kick-off early Saturday morning, May 3rd at the Signal Mountain Town Hall Courts. “We encourage all ages and levels of players to join in what is sure to be a fun and competitive day of tennis. Matches will be played from 9 AM until around noon and from 1 until 4PM,” according to Dr. Keith Dressler, Tournament Director and active supporter and instructor for the SMMS Tennis Team. “We look forward to what I hope will be an annual event and I feel confident that we will quickly fill the 48 player maximum”.

The cost is $30 per person and all participants will also receive the special t-shirt created for the May Celebration weekend. Trophies will be presented to winners and runners-up in both the child and the adult categories and for both males and females. Tennis balls and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact the Tournament Director, Dr. Keith Dressler at drdressler@comcast.net or 423-505-7712.

We would like to thank our generous weekend sponsors; Pruett's Signal Mountain Market, Alexian Village and Sparta Homes/Dogwood Grove and our Race sponsor, Chambliss, Bahner, & Stophl. If you would like more information on how your company can partner with this event, please contact Rae Moon at 886-6618.

The Founders’ Fund was established by a group of Signal Mountain parents to help bridge the gap between what the Hamilton County Department of Education will provide and what is needed for the new Signal Mountain Middle/High School to open this fall as a superior school, with the highest standard in public education.

For more information regarding the May Celebration weekend of events, or to become involved, log on to www.signalmountainhighschool.com. or contact Rae Moon at 886-6118

Principal Gravitte and Founders’ Fund Set to Spend Nearly $2 Million

How do you spend a few million dollars? At the new SMMHS, it’s spent on excellence! Principal Gravitte and the Signal Mountain Founders’ Fund are poised to begin spending almost two million dollars to enhance SMM/HS’ academic, arts, and athletic programs. The school’s media center, or library, will receive $400,000. Another large portion will go to enrich academics.
“I can tell you that 100% of the academics priorities are now fully funded,” Mr. Gravitte said. “Thanks to the generous contributions from individuals and businesses in this community, we can offer top-notch programs our first year.” Arts and athletics will receive about $200,000 each. “It’s important to offer a wide range of classes in order to create a well-rounded student,” he said.

Most of the proposed elective courses have been chosen based on students’ pre-registration selections. These include: Yearbook, Spanish, French, Biology 2, AP Biology, Chemistry 2, AP Chemistry, Physics, AP Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, AP Environmental Science, AP US History, AP Art, Band, Chorus, Accounting, Financial Planning, Computer Applications, Business Management, Keyboarding, Multimedia Design, and Web Design (just to name a few).
Mr Gravitte has already hired most of the school teachers in English, Math, Science, Spanish, French, chorus, physical education, art, library, guidance, business technology, and exceptional education. Pre-registrations for grades 9-11 total about 230, and more are expected as opening day approaches.

SMMHS received $1.27 million from a HCDE account for new county schools. The money from the county plus community pledges totals about $3 million, of which almost $2 million is available to spend now.

However, the goal is still short by a million dollars. “Without that last bit, we can’t build an athletic stadium or fund some other sports-related activities,” Mr. Gravitte said. “I’d just love to see more Signal Mountain families step up and make a donation.” It is hoped that football, sports, and marching band fans will come through to make the stadium a reality.

Every penny donated to the Founders’ Fund is an investment in our community and in our children’s future. Please go to signalmountainhighschool.com to learn how to make a tax-deductible contribution to our outstanding new school.

Here’s how the initial Founders’ Fund contributions will be distributed:

Media Center (library) $400,000
Academic Programs $305,000
Classroom Equipment $263,000
Science Labs $250,000
Athletics $204,000
Band, Chorus, Arts $200,000
Classroom Technology $175,000
Computer Labs (2) $100,000
Special Needs $27,000*
*Federal funds cover the majority of expenses for Students with Special Needs.

Attention all Signal Mountain Rising 10th & 11th Graders

Eddie Gravitte, Principal of the new Signal Mountain Middle/High School, announced today plans for walk-in registration for the 2008-09 school year.

According to Mr. Gravitte, “A parent or guardian of rising 10th and 11th graders who plan on attending the new school should come to walk-in registration on one of the following days; March 25th, 27th, April 1st, or 3rd. Registration will be held in the cafeteria at SMMS from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. each night. During the registration process, students will choose their courses for next year and indicate their interest in various sports and clubs.”

“Even if students have pre-registered, we need them to come in and officially register. In the near future, rising 9th graders who are currently at SMMS will have the ability to register during regular school hours.”

“Pre-registration has picked up dramatically during the last few weeks and we look forward to a large turnout for this formal registration. The new school will be second to none and will greatly enhance the long tradition of educational excellence that has been offered on Signal Mountain.”

For more information, visit the website at www.signalmountainhighschool.com.

Be part of the foundation of the new Signal Mountain Middle High School!

The possibilities are limitless for becoming involved in Signal Mountain’s much anticipated community school. Today, Founders’ Fund officials announced a new opportunity for those members of the community who truly want to be “part of the foundation” of Signal Mountain Middle/High School.

“The Brick Sales campaign is a wonderful way to commemorate a special individual or group,” according to Campaign Co- Chair, Jamie Brock, “and we anticipate that the community will be eager to place their mark on the new school in such a long lasting and unique way.”

The commemorative bricks will be placed in the entryway of the new Signal Mountain Middle/High School with several options for inscriptions including:
• Recognizing a family member or honoring a special friend by purchasing a brick in their names.
• Giving multiple bricks in honor of an entire family.
• Businesses showing their support for the new school by having their logo engraved.

Two sizes of bricks are available for purchase, including a 4” by 8” at $75 each and a 12” by 12” paver at $350 each. A company logo can be included on the paver for no additional charge. All proceeds will go to the Founders’ Fund to support SMMHS and all donations are tax deductible. The deadline for placing an order is June 30th.

The Founders’ Fund is an organization of parents, teachers, and active citizens who are committed to building a fundraising platform from which the new Signal Mountain Middle/High School will achieve the highest standards in public education. The fund will provide financial support to programs, curriculum and facilities beyond those traditionally provided by the county educational system.

Interested community members and business owners who would like to become “part of the foundation” of SMMHS can log on to www.mountaineducationfoundation.com or contact Campaign Co-Chairs, David and Jamie Brock at 886-9984 or pick up an order form at Signal Mountain Middle School.