Submitted by class member Chrissy Henderson
Education Day – Leadership 2024 began our day at Riverside Academy. Employees of the Board of Education, Wendy Cox, Human Resources/Student Services/Policy Supervisor, Tim Adkins, Communications Director, Dr. Beck, Director of Schools and Chris Cooper, STEAM/CTE Coordinator, greeted us and shared an exceptional breakfast prepared and planned for us by Resha Garrison, School Nutrition. We were introduced to this mini dream team, and just so happens, some of whom are Leadership Alumni. We were given a chance to learn about their education, background and ask questions. We also learned a little about the school budget
and just how many thousands of dollars it takes to run the schools of Cheatham County from Dr. Tara Watson, Chief Operations Officer.
Our first stop for our day was at Ashland City Elementary STEM Academy. There are many opportunities afforded to the children who attend (the once upon a time ACES that most of us were familiar with), beginning as young as Pre-K. We were shown an abundance of project that the children prepared for in a “Shark Tank” type presentation that each age/grade level child took part in. We also got to see a lot of different projects going on in the school, including hydroponic experiments that the children were also taking part in and learning about. We got to interact with some of the children and see all the many stations they got to rotate,
including music, art, technology, etc., and some of our Leadership group were able to read to some of the children. Some of us even got to take a moment and reflect on our very own Pat Head Summit who began her basketball career on this very campus.
We then loaded up and traveled to Cheatham County Central High School. We were greeted by Principal, Steve Wenning. We were given a brief overview of the mission at CCCHS. We were then taken around to some of the classrooms where we got to sit in on some classes and every day training of career paths that are available to the students. We visited classes in the medical, vocational and culinary fields. It is quite impressive to see where public education has gone over the last several years.
We then continued our Education Day over to Sycamore High School and Sycamore Middle School. It was very impressive to pull up to the back of the school and see the large solar panels that have been installed at Sycamore High School. The solar panels generate enough power to completely supply the cafeteria, should our area need it in a crisis/shelter situation. We were shown around in both schools by Chris Cooper, who has been so instrumental in implementing many advantages into our local school systems in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and math. The focus on career paths is NOT beginning at the high school level!
Our children in ‘public’ middle schools are learning trades. Should they continue on the paths they have elected, they could feasibly graduate from high school with an Associates Degree, before ever stepping a foot into college.
Principal of Sycamore Middle School, Robyn Miller was so excited to show us around her school. She is very hands-on, so supportive and encouraging of the students. Impressively, Ms. Miller has been in the education field for over 25 years . . . all of which have been at Sycamore Middle School. Ms. Miller is very proud of her school, faculty, students, and the improvements that continue to be made every year, both to the curriculum and to the physical school itself. Sycamore Middle School (and all involved) are very impressive.
We returned to the Board of Education Annex where monthly BOE meetings are held. We were graciously welcomed by our Board of Education members, John Patrick, 1st District, Amber Locke, 2nd District, Dale McCarver, 3rd District, and Chairman David Risner, 6th District. Also joining us for a round table discussion. Also joining us were Shelley Duke, Health Services Coordinator, Judy Bell, Supervisor of Federal Projects and Pre-K and Kristian Dennison, Secondary Academic Coordinator. We were able to ask questions and offer our
input as well as give our views on things we had experienced throughout our Education Day. I think it is safe to say, so much more thought, time, money, effort and love is put into public education than ever before!
Leadership Cheatham County 