Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce that Allan DiSiena has been named the new Assistant Principal of Arnold Memorial Elementary School. DiSiena brings a strong background in special education, instructional leadership, and professional development to his new role. He currently serves as a Special Education Teacher at Ross Elementary. DiSiena is a graduate of Lee University. His experience spans working with diverse student populations, collaborating with families, and helping educators grow through meaningful professional learning opportunities. DiSiena began his career in education as a Special Education Teaching Assistant, supporting high school students with a wide range of needs. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for strong relationships, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to doing what is best for students. “I am excited to welcome Mr. DiSiena to the Arnold family,” said Dr. Alicia Kahrs, incoming principal of Arnold Memorial Elementary School. “He brings a strong background in special education and behavioral support, along with a deep commitment to serving students and their families. His passion for education is evident in the relationships he builds and his advocacy for students. I am confident he will bring positive energy and a strong sense of care to our team, and I look forward to partnering with him as we continue building a strong and supportive school community.” “I am incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as assistant principal at Arnold Memorial,” said DiSiena. “Arnold is a truly special place for me, as my oldest son attended here, and I have a deep appreciation for the pride and sense of community that make this school so unique. I am passionate about supporting families, students, and staff and building strong relationships. I am especially excited to work alongside Dr. Alicia Kahrs and support her vision as we continue to build on the strong foundation that makes Arnold so special.” DiSiena will begin his new role at the start of the upcoming school year.

Cleveland City Schools Names Allan DiSiena as Assistant Principal of Arnold Memorial Elementary School

May 5, 2026
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce that Allan DiSiena has been named the new Assistant Principal of Arnold Memorial Elementary School. DiSiena brings a strong background...
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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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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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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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Picture Information

Picture Day at Arnold

September 18, 2024
Arnold Families, Picture Day is coming in October. More information will be emailed to families and sent home with students. Please look for this vital information. Thank you, ...
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Cleveland City Schools Receives National Recognition for Excellence in Communication

June 26, 2024
Cleveland City Schools has been recognized by the National School of Public Relations Association (NSPRA) with the prestigious Golden Achievement Award. This honor was awarded for...
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Randy Stephens Chosen as Next Supervisor of Career and Technical Education

June 21, 2024
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Randy Stephens as its next Supervisor of Career and Technical Education. Mr. Stephens’ extensive experience as a...
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Cleveland City Board of Education Meeting June 10

June 9, 2024
The Cleveland City Board of Education will meet on Monday, June 10th at 5:30 p.m. at the Administrative Office Building (AOB). You can view the full agenda here.
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Students giving a presentation on Blind, Deaf, and Mute Cooking

Cleveland City Schools CTE Newsletter

June 3, 2024
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.
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Supporting Student Mental Health in Cleveland City Schools

May 15, 2024
Supporting Student Mental Health in CCS The month of May is Mental Health Awareness month, a national observance that started in 1949 by Mental Health America to bring attention...
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Cleveland City Board Names Dr. Jeff Elliott as Next Director of Schools

May 7, 2024
Following a special-called meeting on Tuesday, the Cleveland City Board announced the appointment of Dr. Jeff Elliott as the next Director of Schools for Cleveland City Schools. D...
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Cleveland City Board of Education Approves 2024-2025 Budget, Includes 5% Salary Increase for Full-Time Staff

May 7, 2024
During its monthly board meeting on Monday, the Cleveland City Board of Education approved the budget for the 2024-2025 school year. Notably, this budget includes a 5% pay increas...
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Cleveland City Schools Named 2023-2024 Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase Schools® District Award Winner

May 6, 2024
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce its recognition as a 2023-2024 Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase Schools District award winner. Cleveland City Schools is the fi...
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Universal Screening for Behavioral, Social, and Emotional Support for Students

April 23, 2024
Universal Screening for Behavioral, Social, and Emotional Support As part of our commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, Cleveland City Schools wi...
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Cleveland City Board of Education Announces Three Finalists for Director of Schools Position

April 22, 2024
The Cleveland City Board of Education is pleased to announce the selection of three finalists for the role of Director of Schools. After an extensive search process, the Board ha...
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Universal Screening for Social and Emotional Learning & Support

April 17, 2024
As part of our commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, Cleveland City Schools will implement a universal behavior screener that will support behavio...
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Launch into Learning: Cleveland City Schools Opens Enrollment for 2024 Summer Programs

April 1, 2024
Did you know Cleveland City Schools offers a fun summer curriculum and learning for students at many grade levels? It's a great opportunity to make sure students are ready for su...
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Enrollment Now Open at Discovery PreSchool at Stuart for the Next School Year

March 18, 2024
Great news for parents looking for a fantastic preschool for their little ones! Discovery PreSchool at Stuart Elementary is excited to welcome new students for the upcoming school...
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Cleveland City Board of Education Opposes School System Consolidation

Cleveland City Board of Education Opposes School System Consolidation

March 5, 2024
During their board meeting on Monday, March 4, the Cleveland City Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution expressing opposition to the concept of school system consolid...
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Cleveland City Schools to Host Kindergarten Registration Event Saturday, March 23

Cleveland City Schools to Host Kindergarten Registration Event Saturday, March 23

March 4, 2024
Cleveland City Schools is excited to announce the Kindergarten Registration Event, an essential milestone for families with children ready to embark on their educational journey....
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