Page 18 - August 2019

elementary schools. While in a teaching “Many of the faculty
capacity Melissa says she focused her and staff have worked
efforts on, “Being a teacher and working together for years, and
closely to build relationships with students, we are welcoming to all
families, and my colleagues.” More recently, new faculty and staff
“Being an assistant principal involved members. We consider
building these same relationships, just on a and refer to ourselves as
larger scale, along with more a family, a family that I
responsibilities. Moving into the role of have been fortunate to
principal was the next natural step for me. I be a part of for the
am looking forward to broadening these majority of my
relationships and assisting with moving our educational career. I’m
students forward academically, socially, and confident that the faculty
emotionally.” and staff at CES feel the
same way as I do!”
Habit 3: “Put First Things First”
“Let me start by saying, I love Coosa Habit 5: “Seek First
Elementary! I love the faculty, staff, students, to Understand, Then
parents and community members! At Coosa, to be Understood”
we focus on the ‘whole’ child; academics, Coosa Elementary
social and emotional needs.” Melissa serves a diverse
Pender wants to see everyone under her population. Of the
watch succeed and go on to reach their student population,
fullest potential. approximately 30%
come from military
Habit 4: “Think Win/Win” families. There is a
When asked to discuss her hopes for certain responsibility for
bridging the gap between administrators schools in large military
and faculty/staff, Melissa proudly asserts communities, in general,
that the word “gap” doesn’t belong in the to bridge learning gaps,
same sentence with administration and be sensitive to the Covey’s 6th habit is to “Synergize,”
teachers at Coosa Elementary School, challenges of the military life and its effects meaning creatively cooperate. Through
on children, and provide open-minded teamwork and cooperation,
a new inviting atmosphere students are challenged to find new solutions
for the child that is to old problems. This is the exact mindset of
constantly moving and the Coosa “community” that has contributed
adjusting to new school to the success of the school. Melissa
situations every few years. remarks, “The success of Coosa Elementary
Melissa assures, “Coosa is demonstrated through the involvement,
provides that support collaboration, and participation of our
through the Multi-Tiered students, staff, parents, and community
System and Supports, as members. By building strong relationships
well as providing a with all stakeholders, our students see the
challenging curriculum for value in education and strive to do their best.
those students who are Our faculty and staff spend time building
involved with the gifted relationships with the students so they feel
and talented program.” secure, safe and willing to be risk takers in
the classroom.” In order to “Synergize”,
Habit 6: “Synergize” Melissa’s advice is to encourage students’
“Synergy is what parents to, “Remain involved. I hope to
happens when one plus always maintain an open line of
one equals ten or a communication with our parents.”
hundred or even a
thousand! It's the profound Habit 7: “Sharpen the Saw”
result when two or more “By allowing our students to showcase
respectful human beings their individual talents and strengths, I hope
determine to go beyond that they remain excited learners and
their preconceived ideas leaders that will continue to strive for success
to meet a great in all their future endeavors…”
challenge.” Stephen R. - Melissa Pender, Principal
Covey Coosa Elementary School