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Stuart Elementary Mascot Gets Makeover Thanks to Mars Wrigley Volunteer At Stuart Elementary School, one beloved member of the campus has been quietly cheering on students for years—George, the school’s faithful mascot statue. Though George has seen better days, he’s always stood tall as a symbol of school pride. But recently, time had taken its toll on him. Faded paint, cracks, and wear made it clear: George needed a little help. That help came in the most unexpected—and heartwarming—way. This summer, employees from Mars Wrigley volunteered their time as part of their community service hours to help spruce up the school. They painted, cleaned, and helped beautify the campus. But one volunteer noticed something more—George. Worn but still full of character, the mascot caught the eye of someone who saw more than just an old statue. They saw potential. That employee, Pete Nicodemus (right), took it upon himself to give George the TLC he deserved. With care and craftsmanship, George was patched up, given a fresh coat of paint, and proudly fitted with a brand-new collar bearing his name. Today, he stands gleaming and proud once more—ready to greet students, staff, and families for the new school year. “It was truly a joy to help bring George back to life,” said Nicodemus, a Cleveland Mars Wrigley employee whose son attended Cleveland High School. “I kept thinking about how many students and families walk past him every day. I wanted them to feel pride in their school and smile when they saw him standing there.” Pete is no stranger to giving new life to beloved figures. At the Cleveland Mars Wrigley facility, he’s also the one who cares for the iconic red and yellow M&M character statues that greet visitors. He patches them up from time to time, making sure they stay bright, welcoming, and full of personality—just like George. For Principal Kim Bradford, these acts of kindness meant everything. “I’ve always wanted Stuart to feel like a true community school,” she said. “And this—someone from the community seeing a need and stepping up to help—it’s exactly what that means.” George’s makeover is more than just a fresh look. It’s a reminder of the power of partnership, pride, and what can happen when people come together to make a difference.

Stuart Elementary Mascot Gets Makeover Thanks to Mars Wrigley Volunteer

July 30, 2025
At Stuart Elementary School, one beloved member of the campus has been quietly cheering on students for years—George, the school’s faithful mascot statue. Though George has seen b...
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Cleveland City Schools Celebrates Historic Academic Growth and Looks Ahead Cleveland City Schools is proud to share historic student achievement as reflected in the 2025 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) results. Students across the district reached five-year highs in multiple subject areas, including math, science, English language arts (ELA), and social studies—a clear sign that the district’s long-term academic strategies are working. “This is more than a moment to celebrate—it’s a foundation to build on,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “We’ve seen what our students are capable of, and now we’re focused on creating even more opportunities for them to grow. The future is bright in Cleveland City Schools.” Central to this success is the district’s strategic emphasis on STEM and STEAM learning. This includes expanding access to science, technology, engineering, and math opportunities for all students, while also integrating creativity and the arts to foster innovation and deeper learning. In 2025, districtwide math and science scores reached their highest levels in five years, while achieving STEM designation in multiple schools. These outcomes reflect the district’s investment in high-quality resources, professional development, and hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world challenges. “We’ve been intentional in designing a future-ready learning environment,” said Dr. Leneda Laing, Supervisor of Secondary Education. “These scores show that our students are not just learning content—they’re learning how to think critically, collaborate, and solve problems that matter.” Alongside STEM success, the district continues to see growth in foundational academic areas. Both ELA and math scores hit five-year highs at the elementary level, evidence of the district’s core focus on literacy and numeracy. “This kind of growth doesn’t happen overnight,” said Kellye Bender, Supervisor of Elementary Education and School Counseling. “It takes years of dedication to early literacy, foundational math skills, and ensuring our teachers have the tools and support what they need. We’re seeing the payoff now—and we’re not done.” The 2025 TCAP results are not the finish line—they’re a launching point. Cleveland City Schools is using this momentum to guide the next phase of its work: expanding STEAM programming, deepening academic interventions, investing in teacher development, and preparing students for success in college, career, and life. “This is why we say we’re building champions,” said Dr. Elliott. “Not just champions in academics, but champions in character, leadership, and resilience. We’re building a school system where every child can thrive—not just this year, but every year that follows. This would not be possible without the expertise of our teachers.” With a strong foundation in place and a clear vision for the future, Cleveland City Schools is more committed than ever to student growth, innovation, and opportunity.

Cleveland City Schools Celebrates Historic Academic Growth and Looks Ahead

July 25, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is proud to share historic student achievement as reflected in the 2025 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) results. Students across the distr...
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Cleveland High School Awarded $49,932 Welding Workforce Grant from AWS Foundation Cleveland High School is proud to announce it has been awarded a $49,932.53 Welding Workforce Grant from the American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation. This significant grant will support the continued growth and success of the school’s Welding Technology program, which is led by instructor Michael Ritchie and prepares students for high-demand careers in skilled trades. The funding will be used to enhance training equipment, expand certification opportunities, and improve student access to real-world welding experiences — all of which contribute to workforce readiness. “We are so excited about the possibilities this grant affords our students,” said Randall Stephens, Career Technical Education Supervisor for Cleveland City Schools. “Mr. Ritchie has built a top-tier program, and this award supports our shared vision to prepare students for career success right here in our community.” The AWS Foundation’s Welding Workforce Grant is designed to strengthen secondary and post-secondary welding education programs across the country to help close the growing skills gap in the trades. For more information about the Cleveland High School Welding Program, please contact Michael Ritchie at mritchie@clevelandschools.org.

Cleveland High School Awarded $49,932 Welding Workforce Grant from AWS Foundation

July 22, 2025
Cleveland High School is proud to announce it has been awarded a $49,932.53 Welding Workforce Grant from the American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation. This significant grant will...
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Cleveland High School Aviation Program Awarded $22,000 from TDOT Aeronautics Cleveland High School’s Aviation Program has been selected to receive a $22,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Aeronautics Division as part of the 2025 Aviation Education Grant cycle. The funding will support introductory and training flights for students, expanding access to immersive, real-world experiences in the aviation field and helping prepare future pilots, engineers, and aerospace professionals. “This grant is a game changer for our students,” said Cleveland High School Principal Bob Pritchard. “Aviation is a career path that ignites passion and purpose, and this investment helps us bring those possibilities within reach for more young people. We’re grateful to TDOT Aeronautics for believing in what we’re building here at Cleveland High.” Jeffrey Garrett, who leads the aviation program at CHS, added, “This opportunity allows students to go beyond the classroom and into the cockpit. For many of them, this will be their first time in the air—and that kind of experience can inspire a lifelong passion and even a career in aviation. We’re thrilled to take this next step.” The aviation program is one of dozens of innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings at CHS, designed to equip students with the skills, certifications, and confidence they need to soar into high-demand fields. With this new grant, students will take to the skies—some for the very first time—bringing classroom learning to life in ways that are both thrilling and transformative.

Cleveland High School Aviation Program Awarded $22,000 from TDOT Aeronautics

July 17, 2025
Cleveland High School’s Aviation Program has been selected to receive a $22,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Aeronautics Division as part of the 20...
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Cleveland Middle School Beta Club Earns National Championship at BETACON 2025 Students claim 1st in the nation for Project Proposal, place 2nd in Robotics, and secure multiple Top 10 national finishes Cleveland Middle School is proud to announce that its Beta Club students brought home top honors from the 2025 National Beta Convention (BETACON), held in Orlando, Florida. Competing against students from across the country, the CMS Beta Club earned a 1st place national title in Project Proposal, along with 2nd place in Robotics and several other Top 10 national recognitions. The Project Proposal team earned national champion status with their original initiative, the AdvICE CREAM Podcast, a collaborative effort with residents of Avail Senior Living. Through a series of thoughtful interviews and audio storytelling, students highlighted the wisdom and life experiences of senior citizens, sharing their insights with younger generations in an innovative and impactful format. Additional honors earned by Cleveland Middle students at the national level include: 2nd Place – Robotics 10th Place – Lead Outside the Box Featuring the student-designed app concept “Hey Raider!”, focused on peer support and student engagement 9th Place – Collaboration Connection Team 7th Place – Academic Social Studies Test 7th Place – Duo Variety Performance “These students exemplify what it means to lead, serve, and innovate,” said CMS Principal Nat Akiona. “We are incredibly proud of their dedication and creativity, and grateful to our faculty sponsors, families, and community partners who supported their journey.” The National Beta Club promotes academic achievement, character, service, and leadership among students across the United States. Cleveland Middle School has consistently demonstrated excellence in these areas, and this year’s achievements further reflect the strength of its student leaders and educators. As the new school year approaches, Cleveland Middle School celebrates not just the trophies and rankings, but the collaboration, community impact, and real-world learning that these projects represent.

Cleveland Middle School Beta Club Earns National Championship at BETACON 2025

July 9, 2025
Cleveland Middle School is proud to announce that its Beta Club students brought home top honors from the 2025 National Beta Convention (BETACON), held in Orlando, Florida. Compet...
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Cleveland City Schools’ Laura Stilltrotter Named 2025-26 Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year Honoree FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce that Laura Stilltrotter, a teacher at Blythe-Bower Elementary School, has been selected as the 2025-26 Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year for the Southeast CORE Region by the Tennessee Department of Education. This marks the second year in a row that a Cleveland City Schools educator has received this distinguished recognition, reflecting the district’s continued commitment to fostering and supporting exceptional new teachers. Stilltrotter is one of only eight educators statewide to be named a 2025-26 Novice Teacher of the Year. This annual award honors outstanding first-year teachers who demonstrate instructional excellence, a passion for student growth, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Honorees are selected from each of Tennessee’s Grand Divisions and CORE regions. “Laura embodies the spirit and dedication we strive for in Cleveland City Schools,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “Her impact at Blythe-Bower Elementary has been profound and meaningful, and we are thrilled to see her talent and hard work recognized at the state level.” Stilltrotter and her fellow honorees will be recognized at the Excellence in Education celebration in August at the Noah Liff Opera Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Cleveland City Schools’ Laura Stilltrotter Named 2025-26 Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year Honoree

July 1, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce that Laura Stilltrotter, a teacher at Blythe-Bower Elementary School, has been selected as the 2025-26 Tennessee Novice Teacher of the ...
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Allison Ready completed the Grow Your Own Program through UTK.

Allison Ready Becomes Cleveland City Schools’ First Grow Your Own Graduate

June 26, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is proud to celebrate Allison Ready as the district’s first-ever graduate of the Grow Your Own teacher apprenticeship program, an initiative designed to hel...
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Cleveland High School Names Coach Howard Pride as New Head Boys Basketball Coach Cleveland High School is proud to announce the hiring of Coach Howard Pride as the new Head Coach of the Blue Raiders Boys Basketball team. Coach Pride brings with him more than 18 years of high school coaching and teaching experience, a deep understanding of player development, and a strong commitment to community and academic excellence. A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Coach Pride was named Alabama’s Mr. Basketball in 1993 after an impressive multi-sport career at Butler High School. He went on to play as a scholarship guard at Vanderbilt University, where he served as a multi-year starter and team captain, earning SEC All-Academic honors. Despite being drafted by the California Angels for professional baseball, Pride chose to pursue collegiate basketball and later earned his Master’s degree from Trevecca University. Coach Pride has led and developed basketball programs across Alabama and Tennessee. At the collegiate level, he served as an assistant coach at Tennessee State University (TSU), Howard University, and Belmont University. He worked as Director of Basketball Operations at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He most recently served as the head coach at East Hamilton High School. “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Pride to Cleveland High School,” said Principal Bob Pritchard. “His reputation as a leader, mentor, and motivator aligns perfectly with the values of our school and athletic program. We look forward to the impact he will make on our student-athletes and the broader Cleveland community.” Coach Pride will begin preparing the team for the upcoming season and looks forward to building a strong and competitive program rooted in excellence. His arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Blue Raider basketball.

Cleveland High School Names Coach Howard Pride as New Head Boys Basketball Coach

June 18, 2025
Cleveland High School is proud to announce the hiring of Coach Howard Pride as the new Head Coach of the Blue Raiders Boys Basketball team. Coach Pride brings with him more than 1...
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Dr. Alicia Kahrs Returns to Arnold Memorial as Assistant Principal Cleveland City Schools is excited to welcome back Dr. Alicia Kahrs as Assistant Principal at Arnold Memorial Elementary School, effective July 1, 2025. With over 15 years of educational experience and a heart deeply rooted in the Arnold community, Dr. Kahrs brings a strong blend of instructional leadership, student advocacy, and relationship-building to her new role. “Returning to Arnold feels like coming home,” said Dr. Kahrs. “I’m honored to be re-rooted in a community that has always meant so much to me, and I’m excited to support the incredible work of our students, staff, and families in this next chapter.” Dr. Kahrs previously served as Assistant Principal at both Arnold and Stuart Elementary Schools from 2017 to 2022. She began her Cleveland City Schools journey at Cleveland High School, where she taught science, and later served as the K–5 Instructional Coach at Stuart Elementary. Most recently, she served as the District Well-Being Specialist for Cleveland City Schools and as a Special Education Consultant for the Tennessee Department of Education. Principal Michael Chai expressed his excitement about her return to Arnold: “We are thrilled to have Dr. Kahrs returning to Arnold in the Assistant Principal position. She has a passion for Arnold students. Both students and teachers will benefit from all she will bring to our school. Welcome back, Dr. Kahrs!” Dr. Kahrs holds a doctorate in Community Care and Counseling with a focus in Traumatology from Liberty University, along with multiple degrees in school leadership, curriculum, and secondary science education. Her work in trauma-informed practices has been published and presented across the state. She is passionate about creating school environments where students feel safe, valued, and challenged to grow—and where teachers feel supported and empowered. Her background in both elementary and secondary education gives her a unique perspective on what students need to succeed at every level. Arnold Memorial Elementary, a K–5 school in the heart of Cleveland, continues to focus on academic excellence, inclusion, and building strong partnerships with families. With Dr. Kahrs returning to the team, the school is entering the new year with confidence and momentum.

Dr. Alicia Kahrs Returns to Arnold Memorial as Assistant Principal

June 18, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is excited to welcome back Dr. Alicia Kahrs as Assistant Principal at Arnold Memorial Elementary School, effective July 1, 2025. With over 15 years of educa...
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CHS 2025 Graduates

Cleveland High School Celebrates Record-Breaking Class of 2025 with Achievements in Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Service

May 21, 2025
As the 2024–2025 school year officially wraps up, Cleveland City Schools is reflecting on a year full of proud moments, student accomplishments, and historic firsts. From academic...
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Cleveland City Schools Proposes Two New Community Schools to Keep Pace with Growth

Cleveland City Schools Proposes Two New Community Schools to Keep Pace with Growth

May 16, 2025
As Cleveland continues to grow, Cleveland City Schools is taking a strategic and proactive step forward with a proposal to build two new community elementary schools - one in the ...
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2025 CHS Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees

2025 CHS Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees

May 14, 2025
Cleveland High School 12th Annual Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees Mike Ragsdale, Class of 1971 Public Service Former Knox County Mayor, President, Tennessee Strategies ...
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Tennessee Department of Education Honors Stuart Elementary with STEM Designation and Mayfield Elementary with STEAM Designation

Tennessee Department of Education Honors Stuart Elementary with STEM Designation and Mayfield Elementary with STEAM Designation

May 9, 2025
At its annual awards ceremony, the Tennessee Department of Education proudly awarded Stuart Elementary School with STEM Designation and Mayfield Elementary School with STEAM Desig...
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Four Cleveland City Schools Named Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce that four of its elementary schools - Arnold Memorial Elementary, George R. Stuart Elementary, Mayfield Elementary, and Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary - have been named 2024-2025 Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools. The Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools award recognizes schools across the country that demonstrate exceptional commitment to building a positive school culture through relational and emotional safety. Schools are selected based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes measurable outcomes in academic performance, attendance, and discipline, as well as the school’s implementation of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts framework. “This is an incredible honor that reflects the hard work and dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “We are deeply committed to creating safe, supportive learning environments where students thrive not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. Congratulations to these four schools for their outstanding achievement.” This accomplishment would not be possible without the efforts and commitment of our dedicated teachers and support staff, whose daily work ensures that every child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn. Capturing Kids’ Hearts is a nationally recognized program designed to strengthen student connectedness and engagement, with a focus on relationship-building and fostering a positive school culture. Being named a National Showcase School places these CCS schools among an elite group leading the way in transforming educational outcomes.

Four Cleveland City Schools Named Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools

May 8, 2025
Four Cleveland City Schools Named Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce that four of its elementary schools - Arnold Memori...
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PowerSchool update for families

Update on PowerSchool Cybersecurity Incident: Ongoing Monitoring and Support

May 8, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is committed to keeping our families and staff informed of important developments that impact our community. We want to provide an update regarding the cybe...
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Cleveland City Schools Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Barbara’s Market, Honoring Beloved Educator Barbara Ector

Cleveland City Schools Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Barbara’s Market, Honoring Beloved Educator Barbara Ector

May 6, 2025
Cleveland City Schools proudly hosted the ribbon cutting for Barbara’s Market, celebrating the legacy of Barbara Ector, a beloved educator at Cleveland High School who dedicated h...
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CHS Class of 2025

Cleveland High School 2025 Graduation Information

May 5, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is pleased to host the Class of 2025 graduation ceremony at Cleveland High School’s Raider Arena at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9. Please read important info...
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A Wall of Dreams: Cleveland High School Seniors Celebrate Post Graduation Plans in a Meaningful Way Tucked away in Room 901 of the West Wing at Cleveland High School, a classroom wall has become a powerful symbol of hope and achievement. It’s not covered in posters or charts — it’s lined with dreams. Mr. Kyle Gilpin, who teaches U.S. Government to seniors, invites his students to bring in a copy of each acceptance letter they receive. He rewards them with extra credit - and proudly posts each letter on the wall behind his desk. “I tell them on day one: bring me an acceptance letter, and I’ll hang it up and celebrate you,” Mr. Gilpin explained. “It started as a motivator, but now it’s something far more meaningful. This wall tells the story of their futures.” True to his word, Mr. Gilpin has built a culture of recognition that goes beyond college. Alongside college acceptance letters, the display also includes military enlistment orders and employment confirmation letters from students preparing to enter the workforce in skilled trades, healthcare, and more. Just this week, the 50th acceptance letter was added to the wall. “I had a teacher my senior year who did this, and I never forgot the way he lit up when someone brought in a new letter for the wall,” Gilpin shared. “I told myself that if I ever became a teacher, I’d do the same.” The wall has grown so full that Mr. Gilpin has run out of space on the original section he selected - but he’s more than happy to keep expanding. “I’ll keep making space,” he said. “Every letter matters. Every future deserves to be seen.” Cleveland High School Principal Bob Pritchard shared his appreciation for the tradition. “Mr. Gilpin is the kind of teacher who goes above and beyond — not just in instruction, but in inspiration. His wall is more than decoration. It’s a daily reminder that our students are capable, ambitious, and going places. What he’s created is something these students will remember for the rest of their lives.” With graduation approaching, the Wall of Acceptance stands as a tribute to the hard work and resilience of the Class of 2025 — and to the educators who cheer them on every step of the way. “I’ll never stop making room for a student’s future,” Mr. Gilpin said. Neither will we.

A Wall of Dreams: Cleveland High School Seniors Celebrate Post Graduation Plans in a Meaningful Way

April 22, 2025
Tucked away in Room 901 of the West Wing at Cleveland High School, a classroom wall has become a powerful symbol of hope and achievement. It’s not covered in posters or charts — i...
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Cleveland City Schools’ band programs have a lot to celebrate this spring! From middle school to high school, student musicians brought home top honors at the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (ETSBOA) Concert Festivals—earning recognition for their talent, discipline, and hard work. Leading the way, the Cleveland High School Band earned Straight Superior ratings and received the elite ASBDA Band of Distinction Award—an honor only granted to ensembles that achieve superior ratings in every subcategory from every judge. This remarkable accomplishment places the CHS Band among the top-performing programs in the entire region. “We are incredibly proud of our students,” said CHS Director of Bands, Jim Burton. “This year’s group has really set the standard high—not only in their musical performance but in how they represent our school and community. Receiving the ASBDA Band of Distinction award is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and musical maturity.” The success didn’t stop at the high school level. The Cleveland Middle School 8th Grade Band performed at Farragut High School and received Superior ratings from all three judges on their stage performance, as well as an Excellent in sight reading. Meanwhile, the 7th Grade Band took the stage at UTC and delivered an outstanding performance that earned Superior ratings across the board in both stage performance and sight reading. “Our students rose to the occasion and gave some of their strongest performances of the year,” said Caleb Bolaños, Director of Bands at Cleveland Middle School. “We emphasize growth, teamwork, and discipline, and to see their hard work rewarded in this way is incredibly meaningful. These students continue to make our school proud.” These awards reflect the strength of the district’s music program, the passion of its directors, and the unwavering support of families and the community. Cleveland City Schools continues to invest in arts education as part of its mission to build champions—on stage, in the classroom, and beyond.

Cleveland City Schools Bands Bring Home Superior Scores and Prestigious Award

April 21, 2025
Cleveland City Schools’ band programs have a lot to celebrate this spring! From middle school to high school, student musicians brought home top honors at the East Tennessee Schoo...
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Dr. Elliott provides words of encouragement and motivation during testing season

A Special Video Message from Dr. Jeff Elliott – You’ve Got This!

April 11, 2025
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