I am beyond thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you: for a third year in a row, Smoky Mountain Elementary has been named a Tennessee Reward School! Only 377 out of more than 1,700 public schools in Tennessee earned this distinction for the 2023-2024 school year. This is not only an outstanding reflection of our students’ hard work and growth, but rather one to celebrate the coming together of the entire family of Smoky Mountain to make such success possible.
This honor is based on three crucial cornerstones: attendance, growth, and academic achievement. Behind these words, however, is the heart and soul of our community-what each teacher, each student, every single member of the staff, and each family together strives to achieve, day after day, building that place where learning thrives and the child feels safe and valued.
The students at Smoky Mountain Elementary are its heartbeat, and this achievement by Smoky Mountain Elementary reflects commitment and perseverance right back to the student. Every time they walk into a classroom, ask a question, push through a challenge, or celebrate success, they are making a difference. We feel fortunate and proud of their growth, curiosity, and hard work that inspire each and every one of us with everything they have done.
It is the passion and commitment of our teachers to the students that makes this school special. Much more than teaching, they mentor, encourage, and build an environment where every child is seen and supported. They go above and beyond each and every day to help our students be successful, and that love shows in everything they create for them. We truly cannot thank them enough for such relentless dedication.
Each of our school staff members plays a vital role in our success. Whether they answer phones, keep our school sparkling clean, serve food, or support students in the classroom, they make Smoky Mountain Elementary a place where kids feel safe, cared for, and excited to learn. While their work may be behind the scenes many times, it is never unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for what they do.
We would also like to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to our families and the wider community. Your support at home, your involvement in activities at school, and your belief in our school make all the difference. We really are family here, and this recognition wouldn’t be possible without your encouragement and collaboration.
Smoky Mountain Elementary is so much more than a school; it’s a community, a place where we come together to uplift and support one another in pursuit of common goals. This award is not just a reflection of what we’ve accomplished but testament to the amazing bond we share as a school family. Together, we are building a future our children will shine in, and that is something quite special.
So all of this sets our school up quite well to make another run at a fourth Reward School designation. I am really looking forward to the accomplishments that lie ahead.
Smoky Mountain Elementary School
Jordan Williams, Principal
williamsj3@cocke.k12.tn.us