Hendley to open a private school in Cherokee County

A new, tuition-based elementary school, for students ages 5-10 years, is coming to the Cherokee County.

Karen Hendley, local educator, is looking for interested, founding families who would like to be a part of the establishment of the school.

Hendley is actively seeking an appropriate school site and welcomes suggestions from the community.

An informational meeting open to the public is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3 at the Jacksonville Public Library auditorium.

All interested persons are encouraged to attend.

The Learning Exchange will be a small, respectful, child-centered environment that will foster skills needed to function in the 21st century: cooperation, creativity and critical thinking.

Hendley said it is designed to be a humane environment where students learn independence and responsible decisionmaking in a positive setting.

It is intended for students who can work independently and who would benefit from opportunities to make choices, to have a voice in their education, to develop a portfolio of their learning and to participate in group and community experiences.

Basic academic skills will be embedded in hands-on, realworld experiences to which students can relate.

Students will have the opportunity to express themselves through a rich, arts and sciences based program.

Organized around democratic principals, the school will foster skills that contribute to active citizenship.

The Learning Exchange curriculum framework is available on the website, www.learningexchangetx. org.

Hendley began her teaching career while playing school as a child and has continued as an educator for 30 years.

As a public school teacher and homeschooling parent, Hendley has participated in the education of, not only her own two children, but also hundreds of young people.

A passionate advocate for children, Hendley is known for her ability to work effectively with young people.

She has experience working as a church youth director, civic theatre director and has served on the Cherokee County Child and Family Service Board.

Most recently, she worked for seven years at Joe Wright Elementary School in Jacksonville as a special education consulting teacher.

She completed her Master of Education in Educational Administration in May of 2007 at University of Texas at Tyler.

View The Learning Exchange website at www.learningexchangetx.org or call Hendley at 903-795-3779 for more information.