BY KARISSA MILLER
Cool Spring Elementary School teachers and staff believe in the potential of all students and maintain positive, consistent expectations, which has resulted in higher student engagement and gains on annual assessments.
“Since my short time at being at Cool Spring since July, I have learned that Cool Spring is a family,” said Principal Marissa Holbrook. “The dedication of our staff members shows in the results of our school.”
For the past three years, Cool Spring, which has around 455 students and about 60 staff members, has had a state report card letter grade of B and moved from “not met” to “met growth.”
Teachers have high expectations for students and encourage them to reach their potential, Holbrook said.
The students feel supported.
“My favorite thing about being a Cool Spring student is that my teachers are kind. The things they have taught me is good for me and other people. When they teach, they make it easy to memorize things,” said fifth-grader Valeria Aguilar.
Aguilar has attended Cool Spring since kindergarten and is involved in the Abby SMART Girls Club, archery and soccer.
Andre Jones, a fourth-grader, said what he loves about Cool Spring is the friendly environment.
“The teachers are always there to greet me with a smile, encourage me and build me up in my journey to one day be the mayor,” he said.
Jones is challenging himself this year by participating in Math Club. Next year he wants to join the Robotics team.
“I truly love my school and I’m proud to call myself a Cool Spring Hawk,” he said.
Emmalyn Blackwelder, 10, said the teachers and her friends make Cool Spring a great school. She said her school provides many opportunities to be a part of clubs. She was part of Girls on the Run and participated in Battle of the Books.
Another thing she loves about Cool Spring is the enhancement classes.
“I love all of the activities that we do in enhancements because they are hands-on and fun,” she said. “The teachers, even though there’s a lot of us, take time to notice us.”
Edwin Torres, a fifth-grader, agreed.
“What I love about Cool Spring is that I’m in a fun, safe place with a lot of friends,” he said. “I know if I follow all the rules, it will be fun and I won’t be in trouble.”
Second-grade teacher Stephanie Krall, who has taught more than 20 years, said Cool Spring teachers are connected to families, sometimes teaching multiple generations and interacting with families outside of the school.
“Cool Spring has become a second home and the people within it a second family,” Krall said.
She said that she loves watching her students be successful in their learning and believes that “education changes lives and shapes future.”
Third-grade teacher Pam Long said she moved from Ohio to teach at Cool Spring.
“The staff and families at Cool Spring became my family since many of them have been there as long as I have,” Long said.
Various local churches and organizations support the school. There is also strong parent involvement in their schools.
“We push each other to the best we can be. It shows not only through quantitative data, but though the smiles as you walk through the door,” Long said.