History

School’s Namesake:

Mrs. Grace Hartman began her teaching career in Rockwall ISD in 1917. She was the epitome of the teacher, with her bright, inquisitive mind, her love for learning and for teaching led others to pursue academic study throughout her life. Grace Hartman was instrumental in establishing the Rockwall County Library in the 1940’s. She was known for her gentle spirit, her strength, and her ability to awaken in her students the thirst for more. She is remembered by them for her ability to awaken in them untapped resources that gave them more purpose in their lives. She impacted countless lives in the city and county of Rockwall, Texas.

School History:

Grace Hartman Elementary School opened in August 2002 with 300 students and 34 staff members. The school was named in remembrance of Mrs. Grace Hartman. Mrs. Hartman taught in the Rockwall County School system and Rockwall ISD from 1917 through 1959. Mrs. Hartman had a love of reading and was an accomplished painter. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Rockwall County Library.

Dr. Peggy Dickerson was the first principal at Hartman Elementary. Dr. Dickerson and her staff were committed to honoring the legacy of Grace Hartman by embracing the following dreams and goals: Creating a school where children feel safe, where children come first and are included and successful, where families act as partners, where pride in accomplishment is celebrated, and where teachers and staff care deeply for one another. These goals and dreams have been realized over the years and continue to be embraced today. Dr. Dickerson served as principal at Hartman from its opening in 2002 until 2006. Mrs. Sandi Whitley served from 2006 until 2008. Mrs. Rebecca Reidling became principal in 2008 and remains in that role.

Grace Hartman Elementary students perform at high levels academically. The school has earned the highest possible Texas Education Agency rating, Exemplary, each year since opening. The school was named a Texas Business Education Coalition Honor Roll Campus, the highest honor given by the organization, in 2006 and 2007. Additionally, Hartman has received numerous Texas Education Agency Gold Performance Acknowledgements for high commended performance rates in reading, science, math and writing. Teachers and staff are deeply committed to educating the whole child while setting high standards for both academics and personal responsibility.Character development is viewed as an integral part of the educational experience of Hartman students. Hartman staff members applied for, and received, three National Schools of Character Promising Practices Awards from the Character Education Partnership. The awards were earned in 2005, 2006 and 2007 at the Character Education Partnership’s national conferences. Hartman Elementary has embraced Rachel’s Challenge with numerous examples of service projects reaching out to others in need. The Kindness and Compassion Club, made up of students from all grade levels, is committed to sharing kindness among the campus and the community. Hartman students and families give generously of their time, talents, and resources.