Welcome to the Hornets' Hive
Welcome to Harper Elementary School’s website. Harper is a K – 5 school with approximately 500 enthusiastic boys and girls located at 21 S. Alvord Blvd. Harper is a part of the BEST (Bosse Exemplary School Team) District. Our students move on to Washington Middle School and Bosse High School. The other schools in the BEST district are Dexter, Glenwood Leadership Academy (GLA), and Lodge Community School.
Harper was built in 1950 and had the largest playground in the city with many afterschool programs. The tradition of afterschool programs is continuing with the acquisition of a physical education grant with St. Mary’s Foundation and support from our school community. Harper works with the University of Evansville, University of Southern Indiana, Girl Scouts, staff, and parents to provide afterschool programs for our students. We’re always searching for ways to expand our programs.
High expectations are set for all students both academically and behaviorally. HIVE is our goal which is: Healthy Choices, Integrity, Value Learning, and Excellence. We focus on those standards for all areas in our lives whether we’re at home, school, or in the community.
In the classrooms our students are continuing to use “a hands on” approach to science. Harper participated in the Indiana State Science Initiative last school year and for the 2nd Science cycle we have elected to continue using the interactive approach to science. Over the years we have seen the number of girls who enjoy science increase along with the males. Math is taught for at least an hour and reading is taught at least an hour at all grade levels. We’re excited to have instrumental music for our 5th graders and our 3rd & 4th graders will learn about the recorders in their vocal music class.
We strive to differentiate the instruction for all our students, and we are fortunate to have a partnership with Indiana University to assist us in our professional development activities. Through this partnership we are able to meet the needs of all our students. Students from the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana also assist us in the classrooms. We also have members of Carver Community Organization and other volunteers work with our students. Harper students are truly blessed to have others working with them.
Harper continues to have daily communication with our parents with the use of our agenda books at all grade levels. Beginning this year parents at all grade levels will be able to access the Parent EdEase system to monitor their child’s school work.
Our parent & community involvement is second to none. We have a great parent/community support system which works with us to ensure success for all students. Our parents and community are willing to assist in any ways they can. In years past they have assisted us in purchasing collapsible basketball goals so we can have intramural basketball for students in grades 1 – 5, a climbing wall in our gym for all students , a sound system in the auditorium, afterschool programs, activities for students, tutoring, assisting with our Field Day, classroom materials, and many other activities. Our holiday and spring programs have outgrown our auditorium that we have to move to Bosse High School. That is a great opportunity for our students to perform in front of hundreds of people. We’re grateful for our partnership with our sister school, Bosse.
Harper students participate in community service such as giving back to community organizations such as the Rescue Mission, Area Council PTA Clothing Bank, Ronald McDonald House, and beautification of our school to name a few.
Thanks for visiting our site.