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Chapter 7. An entire chapter contributed to changing lives in education by sharing experiences, insights, and strategies aimed at strengthening leadership and inspiring others in the profession.

Mentors serve as influencers in our lives. We gravitate towards their energy, their thoughts, and the principals they build their character on. They are like-minded individuals that we somehow identify with. For Central Elementary Principal, Ms. Keri Cornwell, what began as a professional connection rooted in mentorship has now become a shared accomplishment in written form.

Mr. Robert Hinchliffe, administrator and principal at Tyrone Thompson Elementary School in Las Vegas, NV, struck a similarity in the life of Ms. Cornwell. Determined and passionate leaders of their schools, Cornwell joined Hinchliffe and 15 other dynamic principals from across the United States to pen “More Than Just Principals: Real Principals. Real Advice. Real Results.” Each chapter, a contribution by award-winning, nationally recognized administrators from schools of every size and type, educators offer practical advice, encouragement and a gentle reminder that leadership falls well beyond just managing all the moving parts within your building.

Intrigued by the electric and inviting culture and climate within Central Elementary School, Cornwell explains the importance of pouring into “your people.” Your students. Your families. Your community. They all play a role in the success of your story, but most importantly they heavily influence the outcome of a student’s educational journey. At the root of her hospitality and relationship building are the little faces that are following the leadership in the building. A culture of gratitude, initially an initiative of the district, spilled into every facet of her day, as well as those who she leads. Hot chocolate for the parents dropping off precious cargo in bitter temps, a pretzel bar for staff to emphasize that “school would KNOT be the same without you”, and notes of gratitude proudly displayed in each classroom are just a few of the simple, effective ways Cornwell explains within her chapter.

“This is a life changing work. …Leadership is a calling. …Small steps equal big gains. Never stop reflecting and trying to get better. Never ask staff to do anything that you are not willing to do. Listen to your people. Take time to get everyone in the right seat to help them develop their talents. Laugh and smile daily. Have fun with kids every single day.”

At the heart of the book, there seems to be an underlying theme…a commonality and strong desire amongst educators that serve across the country…shaping strong schools and communities. Through the guidance of a mentor and the collaborative work of dedicated principals, that commitment is now visible not only in their work, but also within the pages of a book created to inspire others.

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

As a Kagan district, our educators, in a united effort have made the commitment to transform our classrooms into environments that encourage student engagement and participation.

After extensive training, GC teachers began implementing structures that create a climate in the classroom that catapults the traditional classroom into a safe space where students engage freely without the fear of ridicule.  However, with any teaching method, the fate of the curriculum lies completely in the hands of the educator.  Are they teaching it with fidelity? 

Across our district, we are seeing that our students are authentically engaged, participating and excited about learning.  Transitioning from one grade to the next, is proving to be a seamless experience as our educators have all implemented Kagan structures in their classrooms, and the expectations are established.

Graves County Schools are proud to celebrate Ms. Jade Miller, 5th and 6th grade Wingo Elementary teacher for earning the distinguished title of Kagan Exemplar Teacher.  This honor is awarded to teachers who demonstrate the highest level of Kagan implementation...those who make engagement, collaboration, and student ownership part of their classroom DNA.  Ms. Miller exemplifies that standard every single day.

Jade shares the impact that Kagan has made in her class, "I believe in Kagan because every child deserves a voice, a partner, and a chance to shine. In my classroom, Kagan isn’t just a strategy, it’s the structure that ensures every student is actively engaged, accountable, and connected. It transforms learning from something students watch into something they do together. Because of Kagan, I see higher engagement, stronger collaboration, deeper understanding, and increased confidence in even my quietest learners. My classroom feels energized, inclusive, and student-centered. "

Thank you Ms. Miller for being a classroom that SOARS and leading by teaching with fidelity.  The impact of Kagan structures in your classroom is evident!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

Move the body, grow your mind. Studies show that there is a direct correlation between physical activity and cognitive function.  Central Elementary educators and students are putting that theory to the test with “The Walking Classroom.”

The national, award-winning Walking Classroom program provides students and teachers with an innovative way to increase movement without sacrificing instructional time. The evidence-based program’s “Walk, Listen, and Learn” methodology capitalizes on the correlation between exercise and cognitive function.

With 20 minute sessions, students walk as a class while listening to the same kid-friendly educational episode that is preloaded on their WalkKit.  Each podcast episode begins with a brief health literacy message and includes a character value woven throughout the narrative. Aligned to state standards, the episode topics are appropriate for students in grades 3–8. Episode topics include English language arts, social studies, science, and more.

Central Elementary teacher, Ms. Kaylin Reed has been currently covering The Boston Massacre in her 5th grade social studies classes.  To enhance her students' understanding of the March 5, 1770 battle between the American colonists and British soldiers, students took a stroll and listened to the captivating story of the event that built momentum towards the American Revolution. As students walked and listened, they strengthened both body and mind…gaining physical activity, fresh air, and mental clarity. Just as importantly, the lesson underscored themes of acceptance and peer pressure, challenges that naturally emerge as students grow.

“As educators, we are always looking for fresh, new, innovative teaching methods that offer a unique experience for the student, but we also want to increase the amount of information they retain.  The Walking Classroom provides the perfect balance between resetting their brain with the physical movement while ingesting important information.  We as adults even struggle with our attention spans when sitting still for long periods of time.  Every student needs movement, but this particularly meets the needs of the student who may struggle with ADHD, dyslexia, autism….etc. We strive to meet the learning styles of every child.  This is just another resource available to us to achieve that.”

The Walking Classroom also provides post discussion questions, quizzes, and vocabulary words to focus on. 

Learning on the move keeps minds from standing still. Let’s take a walk! 

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether