"We would like our students to develop a deep appreciation for life, as they will be called upon to make critical decisions in the future," says Hortense Harrison, principal of Trailwood Elementary School in Shawnee Mission. To help students gain a sense of community awareness and environmental stewardship, Dr. Harrison introduced a number of academic and non-academic programs and activities. Under her leadership, the school developed MASCAT (Math and Science Center at Trailwood), a program that incorporates features such as a simulated rain forest, a blackout room for the study of light and a ceiling replica of the solar system. She is currently developing an outdoor environmental center to complement the indoor MASCAT facility. Beyond upgrading and continually improving the school's well-integrated technological education program, Dr. Harrison's School Improvement Plan also includes ongoing development efforts for the integration of math and science instruction.
1978 University of Missouri - St. Louis, B.A.
