Rendering of Adum K-8 in Tampa.

All About Adum K-8: The Hype Surrounding Hillsborough County Schools’ Newest K-8 School

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There’s always a lot of excitement when a new school opens. However, the hype surrounding the new Kenneth E. Adum K-8 surpasses all expectations!

Maybe that’s because of its location. Maybe it’s because it’s going to be a Magnet School. Or maybe it’s because it’s a K-8.

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Maybe it’s all the above.

However, one thing we do know is there is a lot of curiosity about the school and a lot of interest in applying.

The school is under construction right now, and, in full transparency, a lot of decisions about the school will be made in the coming months since the school now has a principal, who was named at the Nov. 14 board meeting.

However, here is what we do know about Kenneth E. Adum K-8, and how to apply:

When will Adum K-8 open and who will it serve?

Adum K-8 will open in August of 2024 with grades kindergarten through seventh grade to start with. That means Adum will not start its first year with an eighth-grade class.

Who can attend Adum K-8?

There is no school boundary for Adum K-8. It is a magnet school, and you must apply to be accepted. The first Magnet and Choice Application Window closed on Dec. 15 and offers are now out to families. They have until January 30, 2024 to accept or decline. Additional application windows will open on February 26, 2024 for about two weeks. A third application window date is TBA. You can learn more about the application process and apply at HillsboroughSchools.org/Magnet.

Who is the principal of Adum K-8?

The School Board named Scott Weaver as principal of Adum K-8 effective in February 2024. He is currently the principal at Roland Park K-8 which is an IB World School.

What is Adum’s Magnet Program?

Adum K-8 will apply for IB World School status (International Baccalaureate). According to Robert Cox, Supervisor of Magnet Schools and Programs, “While curricular decisions are pending, Adum K-8 will feature electives that will enrich students’ educational experience during their time at this magnet school and which are in alignment with the International Studies pathway that is implemented”.

Here is what the new principal Scott Weaver says we can expect:

  • International Studies: A comprehensive international studies program that focuses on global awareness, cultural understanding, and language proficiency. Students will have the opportunity to explore different cultures, learn foreign languages, and engage in international projects.
  • Language Immersion: We plan to offer a Spanish language immersion program that allows students to become bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish. This program provides a rich learning experience and promotes cross-cultural communication.
  • Unique Elective Course Opportunities: For our middle school students, we will offer a wide variety of elective courses. These courses will provide a challenging curriculum, with some courses giving students the opportunity to earn high school credits while still in middle school. In elementary grades, students will also receive a variety of “Related Arts” options including foreign language and visual and performing arts in addition to physical education.
  • Enrichment Activities: Adum will provide a wide range of before and after school enrichment activities, including clubs, sports, and community service opportunities. These activities help students develop their interests, talents, and leadership skills outside of the classroom.

“These are just a few examples of the unique programs and opportunities that await your child at Kenneth Adum K-8 Magnet School. We believe that these programs will provide a well-rounded education and prepare students for success in a global society,” said Weaver.

There will be a public info session at Plant High School Auditorium on Monday, January 29 at 6 p.m. to learn more about these programs and opportunities. Weaver will be there to answer any questions you may have. You will want to enter the school through the Dale Mabry entrance and look for the signs for the auditorium.

The school district will stream the meeting live on Microsoft Teams if you cannot attend in-person. The link is being shared on the distrcit’s Facebook page.

What is Adum K-8’s start time?

The district is recommending Adum K-8 starts at 8am. However, start times must go before the School Board for approval in the spring.

Will there be a gifted program?

Yes, Adum K-8 will offer AGP services to its gifted students.

Will Adum K-8 offer Exceptional Student Education services?

HCPS’s ESE department is excited to offer Special Education Services at Adum K-8. The full-time programs from Lanier Elementary and Monroe Middle schools will be moved to Adum K-8. Specialized transportation will be provided for students in the full-time program. Adum K-8 will also have VPK/ESE blend classroom with special education services as well for typical peers.

Who was Kenneth E. Adum?

The process of naming a school is a very tough decision for our school board. According to board policy, school sites and facilities can be named for individuals who have rendered outstanding public service to public education. That very accurately portrays Kenneth E. Adum, who worked in Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) for 37 years, starting in 1970 as a social studies teacher at Booker T. Washington Junior High, and working his way to principal of Gaither High School.

Former colleagues and friends describe him as a “true servant” and a “compassionate leader,” and friends and family campaigned heavily for this school to be named in his honor.

He sadly passed away from cancer in April 2021.

Kenneth Adum with friends and family and Hillsborough County Schhool Board.
Friends and family of Kenneth Adum with Hillsborough County School Board members.

How to get a spot at Adum K-8.

Applications are chosen based on a lottery system, and results will be sent in late January to early February. If you believe you may be interested in sending your child to Adum K-8, it doesn’t hurt to apply. You can always decline your invitation if you decide on another school. Remember to apply before the deadline December 15th for the first round. There will be additonal application windows this spring and summer.

You can learn more about Adum K-8 by visiting hillsboroughschools.org/adum.

*We will continue to update this story as new information about Adum K-8 is released.

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