Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
Donald Hense, the founder of Friendship Charter School, emphasizes the mission of fostering ethical, literate, and well-rounded students who contribute to their communities. The school, chartered as a multi-campus institution, aims to educate students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a high graduation and college matriculation rate. Hense’s leadership is praised for its passion, humility, and forward-thinking, creating a family-oriented environment that encourages students to stay engaged in various activities. Parents appreciate the resources provided, and the school’s success is measured by its contribution to a good community, which Hense believes requires good housing, jobs, and schools.
Transcript
Outline
Donald Hense’s Vision for Friendship Charter School
- Donald Hense emphasizes the mission of Friendship Charter School to develop ethical, literate, and well-rounded students who actively contribute to their communities.
- The school was chartered as a multi-campus charter school, aiming to educate students from kindergarten through the 12th grade.
- Hense highlights the importance of students staying with the school for a longer period to increase their likelihood of graduating from high school and matriculating through college.
- Rashad Price shares his personal experience, noting that Hense’s pride in students and his vision for their future is evident in his interactions.
Leadership and Community Impact
- LaMika Robinson describes Hense as a leader who embodies the spirit of great civil rights leaders, characterized by passion, humility, forward-thinking, and unrelenting determination.
- Hense’s leadership sets a standard and foundation that defines the essence of Friendship Charter School.
- Joseph Speight mentions that parents frequently express their gratitude for the opportunities and resources provided by the school, which lacks nothing in terms of infrastructure and educational tools.
- DeAnjillo Platt-Friday describes the school as family-oriented, where students feel supported and comfortable, leading to high participation in various activities.
Student Perspectives and College Preparation
- Student Lisa Hubbard shares that Friendship Charter School reinforced the importance of going to college, making it seem like a crucial part of life.
- Hense reiterates the school’s goal of producing successful students, indicating that by all measures, they have achieved this.
- He emphasizes the three essential elements of a good community: good housing, good jobs, and good schools, and the school’s efforts to improve the part they could change.
- Hense’s focus on making the school as good as possible reflects his commitment to the community’s well-being.
