Morristown-Hamblen High School East
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School Information
School History
Morristown-Hamblen
High School East has a tradition spanning over a century of service.
Organized
in 1892, the school was first situated in the present Rose Center
building.
In 1916 the school was moved to the James A. Carriger School building
which
was later used as the junior high school. The central section of the
present
plant was opened for the tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades in 1923.
Under
the principalships of Carl T. Vance, H. G. Bray, Charles Ross, Charles
Strange, Ronald Briggs and Jerry T. Williams the building underwent
many
expansions. An annex housing the agriculture classroom was built in
1942.
Construction began on the front section of the gymnasium in 1953 with
the
main part being completed the following year. In 1955 the cafeteria and
library sections replaced the old gym, and a large study hall was
provided.
A second and then a third floor of classrooms were added to the front
of
the gym, and a guidance suite occupied the space of the main office
which
was located in a larger, more central area.
During
1967-1968 the office was again expanded in a renovating and building
program
that included a refurbished auditorium, enlarged cafeteria and library,
expanded science laboratories, and new business education and home
economics
classrooms. This building program also provided additional workrooms,
language
lab, bookstore space, auditorium and stage facilities, publications
room,
and print shop. Additional space has been provided since with
utilization
of the old junior high building and a mobile classroom.
Steadily
increasing enrollments have kept pace with these expansions. Due to
crowded
conditions in the lower grades, the ninth grade was moved to the high
school
building in 1954 while the sixth grades occupied the junior high along
with the seventh and eighth grades. The sixth grades were later
returned
to the elementary schools, but the ninth grade has remained in the high
school building.
In
1965 when students at the all-black West High School were given the
option
of attending Morristown High School, some 19 did so. In 1966 old West
High
School was dissolved, and Morristown High School became fully
integrated.
In 1967-68 it had some 1,800 students.
In
the fall of 1968 a new high school was opened in the western part of
Morristown,
and a zoning line was drawn north and south along highway US 25E. The
student
body at Morristown High School was divided with those residing east of
the line remaining at what became Morristown-Hamblen High School East.
Whitesburg High School, which had been operated by Hamblen County, was
dissolved and it's students included in Morristown- Hamblen East,
giving
it in the fall of 1968 a student body of 1,088, equal to the number at
Morristown-Hamblen West.
In
1975 many special education students were mainstreamed into the student
body. Since 1976 a program has been implemented at Carriger Center
providing
special classes for some of the students part of the day. With the
expansion
of the State Area Vocational School in 1976 more classes were offered
to
more students in vocational courses. Shuttle busses take these students
cross town to the Area School and to other vocational classes at West
High.
West High students come to this campus to participate in the Naval
Junior
Reserve Officers Training Corps which was instituted here in 1973.
Morristown
High School became in 1921 one of the first public high schools in the
state to be accredited by the Southern Association on Colleges and
Schools.
It was evaluated in 1956, 1961, 1969, and 1974.
Construction and renovation began again in January 1989 at
Morristown-Hamblen High School East, adding 55,828 square feet of new
construction and renovation of an existing 140,000 square feet. The new
construction added fifty-four new rooms consisting of classrooms,
laboratories, offices, storage areas, work areas, and restrooms, as
well as additional parking space. Along with these improvements a new
heating and air conditioning system has been installed in both the new
and existing buildings. The auditorium was completely renovated and the
cafeteria has a totally new preparation area with all new equipment.
This new construction has been well planned and provides an environment
that is safe and conducive to teaching and learning.
A dedication ceremony was held on
August 8,
2003, for the newest addition to Morristown-Hamblen High School East.
The beautiful 10,000 square foot library facility has stations for 26
student computers, 4 card catalog stations and sections for three
classes with a computer and TV for presentations. The wooden
columns and wooden shelving add to the beauty of this state-of-the-art
design. The library is named for the late Dr. Joe E. Gibson, Sr. who
was a long-time member of the Hamblen County Board of Education and
East High School supporter.
The "Goose" fountain was returned to East
High during the summer of 2003. The new statue is copy of the old one
that many alumni remember from Morristown High School. Many alumni
contributed to the fund to replace the Goose. The lead statue was cast
from the original mold which was from Italy. The statue is surrounded
by a lighted pool with the water spouting from the beak of the goose.
Although the bird is not really a goose, that is what it has
always been called. The goose which was paid for by private funding,
was completed in conjunction with the new library addition.
School Profile
MISSION STATEMENT
Morristown-Hamblen High School East exists as a safe environment that
makes comprehensive learning the primary focus by offering an exemplary
curriculum, promoting excellence in student performance, and
encouraging personal development.
VISION
STATEMENT
Morristown-Hamblen High School East will
be a flagship of excellence in the district, state, and region in
academics, instruction, and the development of empowered learners who
optimize academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Morristown High School was built in 1923 and was admitted to the
Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools. Isenberg-Siler Gymnasium was
added in 1954 and the third floor was added in 1955. The south wing was
added in 1968. A major renovation occurred in 1989 at a cost of
8.9
million dollars. A 1.3 million dollar library was opened in 2004
and was named in memory of Dr. Joe E. Gibson, Sr., former School Board
Member and East High supporter.
The school changed names in 1968 and has been known as Morristown-Hamblen High School East since that time. The building is of traditional style and is located approximately one-half mile from the center of downtown Morristown. Morristown High School was known originally as the Golden Hurricanes. In recent years, the mascot name was changed to the Hurricanes. The symbol used in earlier years was a tornado. However, our newest logo is that of a hurricane, created especially for East High School by a design artist from New Jersey. The main building at Morristown East has sixty eight classrooms, a cafeteria, an auditorium, and a gymnasium. There is also an annex at the rear of the building that has three classrooms.
The school changed names in 1968 and has been known as Morristown-Hamblen High School East since that time. The building is of traditional style and is located approximately one-half mile from the center of downtown Morristown. Morristown High School was known originally as the Golden Hurricanes. In recent years, the mascot name was changed to the Hurricanes. The symbol used in earlier years was a tornado. However, our newest logo is that of a hurricane, created especially for East High School by a design artist from New Jersey. The main building at Morristown East has sixty eight classrooms, a cafeteria, an auditorium, and a gymnasium. There is also an annex at the rear of the building that has three classrooms.
At present, the school population is 1,422 students which includes 384
freshmen, 403 sophomores, 267 juniors, and 261 seniors. There are 659
male students and 656 female students. There are currently
446 students who receive
assistance from the free or reduced lunch program. At present,
there
are 166 students who qualify for special education services. Our
student enrollment is comprised of 1,218 white, 104 Black, 92 Hispanic, 6
Asian and 1 American Indian, and 1 Pacific Islander.
Morristown East is served by 4 administrators and 87 teachers, of which
100% have a B.A. degree, 42% have a M.A. degree, and 13% have an Ed.S.
degree and 1 has a Ph.D. The
faculty is composed of 63% female teachers and 37% male teachers.
Morristown East has had several Adopt-A-School sponsors over the
past few years. The current sponsors include
Coca Cola, First Tennessee Bank, Jefferson Federal Bank, Mahle,
Morristown Rehab, O'Charley's, Sports Page, Union Planters Bank, UT
Surgical Associates and Woodcraft. The East High
sign at the corner of James Street and Morris Boulevard was purchased
by
the sponsors. The most recent project involved the building and
installation
of the trophy cases in the lobby of the Isenberg-Siler Gymnasium.
The gymnasium floor was replaced several years ago by the owner
of Woodcraft. Supporters of East High also donated new
stage curtains and a new grand piano to support our theater arts
program. Additionally, friends of East High School purchased four
portable basketball goals at a cost of more than $12,000.
Supporters
also raised the funds to build an inside batting cage for
baseball.
A former mayor donated $14,000 to establish an athletic training room
for
East High.
The Special Services Department at East High School serves 112 resource
students and 56 students in LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)
classes.
East High has the capability of serving students from mental
retardation
to those who are classified as learning disabled. The school has
served students who are totally blind, deaf/mute, bed ridden, wheel
chair
bound, down syndrome, autistic, and a variety of other disabilities.
East
High has peer tutors who work with special students who need one on one
assistance. The Special Services staff consists of 9 certified
teachers
and 9 teacher assistants. The students have access to a home
living
area which has a kitchen, living/dining room combination, bedroom, and
complete bathroom, where they are taught home living skills by the
staff.
In addition, students are taken to job sites in order to get them
acquainted
with the world of work and prepare them for the transition after high
school.
Students with disabilities are well accepted by the entire student body
at East High School.
East High School is well equipped with the latest in technology.
There are approximately 320 computers in the building. There is
one
full time computer technician assigned to and based at East High
School. There are four fully equipped computer labs, as well as 26
student computers, presentation stations and 4 catalog access stations
in the library . Many of
the teachers have
at least one teacher computer station, while some also have a
Twenty-First Century
classroom set of computers. Computers are used for attendance, grade
reporting, discipline and other student information throughout the
school. Teachers also make use of such
equipment
as VCRs, graphing calculators, and cable television. East High is
also provided with assistance from the Central Office Technology staff.
The curriculum at East High covers a wide array of subjects and
educational levels. The curriculum in all courses is aligned with goals
and objectives from state academic content standards and state
assessments. The courses offered meet state requirements for students
in LRE, resource, regular, advanced (honors), Advanced Placement (AP),
and elective classes. Core academic classes include English,
mathematics, social studies, science, agriculture,
cosmetology, child care, family and consumer science, business, visual
art, marketing, driver education, theatre arts, weightlifting,
instrumental music, vocal music, foreign language and a variety of
vocational-technical classes. When placement decisions must be made for
particular courses, criteria include testing, standardized test scores,
teacher recommendation and parent requests.
East High School welcomes community and parental involvement. The
School Improvement Committee receives input from parents and business
leaders
in an effort to continually improve all areas of the school
environment.
Parents are afforded the opportunity to attend parent/teacher
conferences
so that they may be kept informed regarding their child's
progress. Hurricane Spirit Rewards recognition programs are held
three times each school year. The evening includes a supper sponsored
by the baseball boosters, a special program which rewards students who
demonstrate excellence in grades, attendance, or who have received
special awards, and a financial aid workshop for the parents of
seniors. Booster
parents supplement athletic programs by
purchasing
items that are normally not purchased by the school. The community is
very supportive of our school and we appreciate their assistance.
STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
East High School supports a number of student clubs and organizations
so
that our students have a variety of opportunities to participate in
non-academic
activities. The Student Council represents the student body and
gives
them a channel through which their opinions may be expressed and
considered
in the policy making of the school. A variety of clubs and
organizations
are active on campus. Each group encourages students to get
involved
and participate. Active involvement enhances a student's high
school
career. Clubs include the Beta Club, DECA, Environmental Club,
FBLA (Future Business
Leaders of America), FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), FCCLA(Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America), First
Priority,
French Club, FFA, Forensics Team, FTA, German Society, HOSA, Interact,
Key Club, NAC, Pep Club, Red Cross, Scholars Bowl Team, Skills USA, Spanish Club, Student Coucil,
and Quill and Scroll. East High School sponsors all athletic programs that
are offered by TSSAA. Athletic programs for boys include
football, basketball,
baseball, wrestling, golf, tennis, soccer, track, and cross country.
Sports programs for girls include soccer, basketball, golf, volleyball,
tennis, track,
and cross country.
POINTS OF PRIDESeveral new programs were implemented
during the 2004-05 school year.
The Freshman Academy is a small learning community at East High. It is designed so that the freshman students will interact primarily with a core group of teachers and peers. The goals of the Freshman Academy are to promote more focused learning, to decrease absenteeism, to identify and provide assistance to at-risk students and to encourage appropriate, mature behavior.
The Freshman Academy is a small learning community at East High. It is designed so that the freshman students will interact primarily with a core group of teachers and peers. The goals of the Freshman Academy are to promote more focused learning, to decrease absenteeism, to identify and provide assistance to at-risk students and to encourage appropriate, mature behavior.
The Hurricane Spirit Reward is presented during a special program to students whose grades are least all A's and only 1 B. The students must have a clear discipline record for the reward period. The student must have no more than 2 excused absences and no unexcused absences.
School-Wide Positive Behavior Support is a program where appropriate behaviors are stated in three or four simple statements, are taught to all stakeholders and are rewarded. The SWPBS team is currently comprised of 20 members ranging from Central Office personnel, administrators, parents, community members, non-certified and certified staff and students.
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East High was also recognized by U.S. News and World Report in their annual America's Best High Schools issue in 2007.
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East High was a National Blue Ribbon School for 2005.
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East High School had the highest percentage of students who passed the Algebra I Gateway test at the advanced level in the State of Tennessee the first term of the 2002 school year.
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East High Scholar Bowl team has won the Channel 2 contest at the district and regional level in the same year.
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East High School has an Alumni Association with 55 members inducted into the Hall Of Honor.
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East High School won the first TSSAA softball championship in 1980.
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East High School won the first TSSAA football championship in 1969.