Dear Hartfield Parents:
Over the past four months, I have had the privilege of meeting and getting to know the staff, many parents, and the students of Hartfield Academy. Much has happened in that time, and I have seen the Hand of God active and alive at our school. There are 62 men and women who have been asked to be part of Hartfield Academy. At this time, however, I need to let you know that Mr. Greg Self has decided to stay at Madison Ridgeland Academy. I am deeply indebted to him as he helped to shape the curricular choices in our high school and recommended the hiring of many superb staff members. We wish him well as he continues to be a blessing to MRA.
Moving forward, I now have the opportunity to take on the dual role as principal and headmaster. Combining these two roles will allow me to be more involved with the students and the staff, which I thoroughly enjoy! The leadership team consisting of Ms. Fletcher as the middle school lead teacher, Mrs. Martin as elementary principal and Mr. Davis as the Athletic Director has already been in place. We will immediately pursue filling the position of Dean of Students who will assist with the student leadership culture of our middle and high school students.
I am continually reminded of God’s goodness as we are finalizing the summer renovation plans. We are ordering textbooks for our elementary reading and math program, as well the honors and advanced placement level courses and planning various technological upgrades. Enrollment keeps growing and enthusiasm for Hartfield Academy keeps spreading. God is faithful!
Many of you have asked how you might help with the renovation projects. I will be sending out what I call a “barn-raising” request for help. We will need a lot of painters and demolition experts – those who are better with a sledge hammer versus a hammer in moving walls and taking out old fixtures and tables. Also, we will be sending regular emails concerning booster club meetings, as well as parent-teacher organizational (PTO) meetings.
I leave you with the scripture found in Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!”
Amen!
In Him to serve you,
Richard Burslem
Headmaster