Principal Renee Garriss

Office Phone:  472-4302

Email

WCS Vision and Mission

Dear Families,

It was a splendid day on February 5, 2007 when Dr. Sharber called and informed me that I had the privilege of being named the principal of Chapman’s Retreat Elementary School.  I have been the assistant principal here since October 2004 and I am so blessed to be a part of such a terrific school, community, and district.  I am humbled to know I have been entrusted with the awesome responsibility of serving as Principal to your children.  I am also energized when I reflect on the wonderful administrative team, highly qualified faculty, and dynamic staff who are also part of the Chapman’s Retreat team. Together we say, Welcome Back!

I began my education career as a second grade teacher in 1990 in Georgia.  I was a classroom teacher for fourteen years and taught kindergarten, second, and third grade in Cobb County, GA and Williamson County, TN.  I became an Assistant Principal in 2004 at Chapman’s Retreat and Kenrose Elementary Schools; from 2005-2007 I was the full-time Assistant Principal at Chapman’s Retreat. 

I married my best friend, Waldon, in July 2000 and moved to Nashville, TN.  I absolutely love living in middle Tennessee and the people that make up this wonderful community.  I am currently working on my doctorate degree at Trevecca Nazarene University and plan on graduating in May 2008.  What a grand and glorious day that will be for me!

 We are all looking forward to a very exciting and rewarding school year.  Classes begin on Monday, August 13^th for all first – fifth grade students at 8:35 A.M., we will dismiss on that day at 12:05.  Our first full day of school (8:35 – 3:35) will be on Tuesday, August 14^th.  Our kindergarten students will join us for their first full day of school on August 27^th. 

In order to create a “great” school, the school’s vision and mission must be the result of the collaboration of all the stakeholders within the school community.  It will take all of us – you, me, and our faculty and staff – to focus our collective energies on the work that needs to be done with every student to ensure success.  Below are the mission, vision, and beliefs we all hold dear at Chapman’s Retreat Elementary School:

The Mission

A Community United

Creating a safe and caring school environment

Respecting all individuals

Engaging all students through real life connections

Striving to reach all students through the collaborative efforts of home, school, and community

The Vision

Learners Today...Leaders Tomorrow

Beliefs

We believe:

• All students can learn when they are actively engaged in the learning process.
• Student learning is our top priority and will be the primary focus of all educational decisions.
• Students, parents, and faculty are informed of academic progress through valid, ongoing assessment measures which provide valuable data for improvement in curriculum, instruction, and modification.
• Varied research-based teaching methods and strategies, as well as technology enriched curriculum, are the basis for effective instruction that supports multiple learning styles.

• Education is the cooperative responsibility of parents, students, educators, and the community.  Involvement of all stakeholders in shared decision making is critical for educational success.
• A culturally diverse student body increases awareness and respect for all people and cultures, as well as appreciation for diversity in thinking.

We welcome your involvement in what we do and will continue to communicate ways for you to be involved.  Together we make a positive difference in the lives of our children!  I look forward to seeing each and every one of you in the upcoming days. 

Below you will find a poem that represents my philosophy of home and school relations as well as a brief outline of some important events happening at Chapman’s Retreat.  I know that we will soar to great heights this school year.

I dreamed I stood in a studio

And watched two sculptors there.

The clay they used was a young child’s mind

And they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher –

The tools he used were book, music, and art.

The other, a parent, worked with a guiding hand

And a gentle, loving heart.

Day after day, the teacher toiled with touch

That was careful, deft, and sure.

While the parent labored by his side

And polished and smoothed it o’er.

And when at last their work was done

They were proud of what they had wrought.

For the things they had molded into the child

Could neither be sold nor bought.

And each agreed they would have failed

If each had worked alone.

For behind the parent stood the school

And behind the teacher, the home.

                                                                   Unknown

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at reneeg@wcs.edu or at 615-472-4300.

Most sincerely,

Renee I. Garriss