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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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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Stuart Elementary School Honored Once Again As Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School

May 8, 2025
[Cleveland, TN] — [May 6,2025] — Stuart Elementary School is proud to announce its recognition as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School for the fourth consecutive year...
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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
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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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Cleveland City Board of Education Meeting - Monday, March 4

Information from Cleveland City Board of Education Meeting - Monday, March 4

March 1, 2024
The Cleveland City Board of Education had a full agenda at their monthly board meeting at Cleveland High School last night. Resolution to Oppose School Consolidation The Cl...
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