News Summary
Sabal Palm Elementary School has dramatically improved its grade from a D to an A under Principal Latoyer Hankerson’s leadership. This turnaround, achieved in just one school year, highlights successful reforms in educational methods and community involvement. The school implemented motivational strategies to foster a positive environment, resulting in increased student attendance and engagement. With plans to welcome over 100 new students due to rezoning, Sabal Palm is poised for further growth while navigating funding challenges as it continues to serve its community effectively.
TALLAHASSEE — Sabal Palm Elementary School has achieved significant transformation, rising from a D to an A grade within just one school year under the leadership of Principal Latoyer Hankerson. This remarkable turnaround makes Sabal Palm one of only four schools in Florida to accomplish such an improvement, indicating a successful reform in its educational approach and environment.
Principal Hankerson took the reins in May 2024 when the school was faced with low performance metrics that included English Language Arts (ELA) scores of only 27%. Her ambition was to elevate these scores to a B grade. Through targeted strategies and community involvement, the school soared to achieve an A grade by the end of the academic year.
To foster a positive atmosphere and encourage enthusiasm among students and staff, numerous motivational strategies have been implemented. These include playing inspirational music, delivering engaging announcements, and sharing weekly motivational quotes. This shift has led to increased student excitement and attendance, contributing to a happier and more community-oriented school environment.
The upcoming school year anticipates welcoming more than 100 new students due to a major rezoning effort, which is expected to further enrich the school’s community. With a capacity for 695 students, Sabal Palm has averaged only 450 enrolled over the past five years, indicating the potential for growth in its enrollment numbers.
Hankerson’s approach includes modeling effective teaching behaviors by personally teaching a third-grade class. She emphasizes collaboration among staff, holding weekly meetings to analyze student progress and identify individuals who may need additional support. This methodology promotes a culture of accountability and shared responsibility for student success.
Instructional coach Fredericka Davis has played a vital role in the transformation by underscoring the importance of explicit instruction and integrating real-world applications into lessons. For instance, hands-on examples like sharing fruit for math lessons have been utilized to enhance engagement and comprehension.
Teachers have dedicated extra hours to tutoring, often working after school and on Saturdays, to ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed. The school has previously benefited from additional funding for after-school tutoring due to its low-performance status; however, this funding will cease following its grade improvement.
As the Leon County School District grapples with a projected $12.5 million budget shortfall, there are concerns regarding the future of professional development and after-school programs. In light of this, Hankerson is actively seeking community support to sustain tutoring services now that state funding has ended.
Sabal Palm Elementary holds the distinction of being the district’s only community partnership school, which is designed to provide vital services to students, especially those from low-income households. The surrounding neighborhood, Mabry Manor, is noted for having one of the highest poverty rates in Tallahassee, underscoring the importance of these partnerships in meeting students’ needs.
Community partnerships play an essential role by offering resources such as a dental clinic and a food pantry located directly on campus. Florida State University is one notable partner, contributing health services and volunteer efforts to support the school community.
Additionally, students in grades 3 through 5 have been provided with opportunities for field trips to local universities, as well as participation in sports and arts programs, broadening their educational experiences. Principal Hankerson continues to promote community involvement, encouraging parents and local residents to volunteer and mentor, highlighting the shared responsibility of education between the school and the community.
The transformation at Sabal Palm Elementary stands as an inspiring example of how focused leadership and community engagement can effectively enhance student performance and overall school culture.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com
- Wikipedia: Sabal Palm Elementary School
- Tallahassee.com Video
- Google Search: Sabal Palm Elementary
- WTXL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sabal Palm Elementary
- AOL News
- Google News: Sabal Palm Elementary
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
