Dear editor: I am writing to you in regard to the ongoing onslaught of rant and raves that have been put in your paper concerning Cox Elementary.  

I have had the privilege of working at Cox for the past  3 1/2 years.  During this time, I have never seen a more dedicated, hard -working staff.  Not only do these teachers strive to meet the physical and emotional needs of the students, they also work hard to instill values that will positively affect these students for years to come.  In addition, they spend every hour of the day teaching standards to support academic learning.  Though our state test scores don’t always reflect this dedication, if you would care to look at our data, you can see a growing trend in student growth.  

To mention just a few of the positives, our school has been praised for its outstanding implementation of PBIS. PBIS is a behavior intervention program we are using with students to teach respect, responsibility and readiness to learn. Regarding academics, we had the privilege of having Walpole and McKenna visit our school this year.  These two scholars designed the curriculum for Language Arts that our county is currently using for ELA.  The comment was made, that with just a few minor tweaks, our school could be a model for their design.  Walpole and McKenna was very impressed with the “teaching” they saw taking place. Focus walks, by county leaders, has shown evidence of the same.

If you, or any of your staff, would care to visit our school, I think you would be surprised to see just how on task and rigorous our expectations are regarding academics and behaviors.  Though we understand there are always going to be complaints, for all schools I’m sure, we feel that our school is being singled out.  As a vital part of this community, our school should be supported.  

The majority of rants that have been put in your paper are lies or exaggerations.  Though strong, those are the only terms I can use.  And I know for a fact, there have been a number of very positive things written by community members which were never acknowledged.  I guess this doesn’t sell papers.  But my opinion is, that selling papers is not worth the demoralizing effect the rants are having on the students, teachers, and parents.  The principal, myself, and the staff have worked hard to build relationships over the last few years.  In just a short time, you are slowly destroying this trust. Without the support of the community and all stakeholders, this school will never succeed. 

Please reconsider what you choose to put in your paper.  Surely there are other subject areas that would sell a paper instead of having to constantly belittle an elementary school in your county.  I can assure you, not only do we at Cox not appreciate your efforts, but our fellow teachers throughout the county don’t appreciate it either.  Unlike other entities, we support one another.

If those who write the rants would put as much effort into offering support, rather than tearing down, tremendous things could take place. It is sad, that we live in a time, where people would rather destroy than build up.  And sir, that includes the news media as well.  Enough is enough!

Teresa Willis

Moultrie