same information and results. Twice each year,
before report cards are out, parent-teacher conferences are held with the binders as a centerpiece.
Students lead the discussion, writing down goals
and what they can do to fulfill them. Parents bring
home a list of actions they can take to help. Fourthgrade student Tanner Thomas appreciates being
able to show his parents the full scope of his work.
“I love the student data binder,” said Tanner. “I get
to see how I am really doing, and I love showing
my parents all of my growth and progress.”
“I know my strengths and weaknesses. I can make
new goals for myself that I know I can achieve,”
added fourth-grader Kaci Finney.
At Dresden, close relationships with students and
high expectations go hand in hand. There’s a sense
of camaraderie in classrooms, Ms. Cantrell says.
Kids are happy and excited about learning, unafraid to ask questions.
“
THERE’S NO DOUBT
THAT WE CARE
ABOUT THEM.
EVERYONE KNOWS
THAT THEIR
TEACHER LOVES
THEM. IT’S A FAMILY.
IT’S A COMMUNITY.
“
-Honey Cantrell
13
“There’s no doubt that we care about them. Everyone knows that their teacher loves them. It’s a
family. It’s a community,” Ms. Cantrell said. “If we
seem to be hard on them at times, they know that
it’s out of love. We won’t let them not succeed.”
Sometimes that means taking a pie in the face a
few times each year. Mr. Laughrey says that’s part
of the job description for elementary principals.
“They have to see me not only as their principal,
but also someone who’s willing to do those kinds of
things,” said Mr. La