Allan Davenport of Hill Middle School
"My motto is that it is impossible to fall through the cracks at Hill Middle School," says Allan Davenport who is serving his third year as principal of the school. "We do a great job taking care of every student here." Allan credits his staff for going above and beyond their job descriptions to provide quality educational opportunities for all students.
About two years ago, Davenport founded an innovative program designed to help students succeed. He formed a partnership with North Central College to create the "Extra Mile Club." This extended school day program is offered to 48 students and is led by four staff members along with graduate and undergraduate students from the college. The program provides the college students real-life experiences with teaching and provides the middle school students the help they need to be successful. "We offer incentives like drawings for gift cards or other items to kids who have good attendance and complete all the assignments in the program. We try to keep it fun and there are students who ask if they can come." The Great American Bagel Company provides a bagel for an opening snack time and then the students meet in small groups of 3 to 9 to work on specific skills. Davenport is pleased with the positive impact of the program.
Davenport taught language, literature, reading and social studies for several years before becoming a principal. He says that each day of teaching "felt like putting on a show. I tried to excite kids about learning." In order to spice up a history lesson, Davenport would dress up as King Tut and present a lesson about life during the golden age of Pharaohs. He offered his King Tut lesson to sixth grade teachers at Hill and they were happy to welcome the special visitor to their classroom. "I miss the classroom," says Davenport, "but I feel I can impact more students' lives as an administrator."
One of his favorite activities at the school is the monthly Hilltopper evening when students gather to dance, play games and socialize. "I am known as the principal who can breakdance," says Davenport. "Students are always asking me to breakdance at the Hilltopper."
Davenport says he is very happy to be at Hill Middle School. "This is a place where students, teachers and parents can learn, grow and work together" he explains. "The teachers are great. The parents are great. This is a great school." –Judy Buchenot
