Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary School has been named a 2025-2026 Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation, a recognition that celebrates the school’s commitment to trees, environmental education, hands-on learning, and community engagement. This recognition is a meaningful milestone for Candy’s Creek Cherokee and reflects the care, teamwork, and community partnerships that continue to help the campus grow as a beautiful and welcoming place for students, staff, families, and visitors. Mrs. Rebecca Lay, an educator at Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary School and leader of the school’s PTO, helped guide the effort to earn Tree Campus recognition. Through her work with students, families, staff, and community partners, Mrs. Lay supported the application process and helped champion the school’s continued focus on environmental education, outdoor learning, and campus beautification. “The young people of today are the environmental stewards of tomorrow. By nurturing an appreciation for trees in its students, schools like Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary School are helping shape a better future for all of us,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “We’re proud of Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary School’s dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for students to interact with trees and help cultivate a lifelong respect for nature.” Trees on school grounds provide more than beauty. They offer shade, help reduce extreme heat, improve air quality, support physical health, and contribute to students’ mental and cognitive well-being. “This is such exciting news for Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary School,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Cleveland City Schools. “The trees on this campus make it a beautiful place to learn and grow, but this recognition is really about much more than that. It reflects the hard work, creativity, and partnerships that are helping students connect with nature in meaningful ways. We are especially proud of Mrs. Lay for her leadership as both a teacher and PTO leader, and for the heart she has put into making this recognition possible.” To earn Tree Campus recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation, schools must uphold four core standards. These include maintaining a tree campus team, creating an education plan that connects students to trees and their benefits, offering a hands-on experience that engages students with trees and the community, and holding an Arbor Day celebration. The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus program is operated in collaboration with Project Learning Tree and Sustainable Forestry Initiative. To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit arborday.org.

Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary Earns 2025-2026 Tree Campus Recognition from Arbor Day Foundation

June 10, 2026
Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary School has been named a 2025-2026 Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation, a recognition that celebrates the school’s commitment to trees, enviro...
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Cleveland City Schools Recognized as a Reward District

Two Cleveland City Schools Earn Tennessee Reward Status

December 8, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce that E.L. Ross Elementary and Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary have earned the state’s highest distinction as Tennessee Reward Schools...
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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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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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Ryan Swartzentruber Named Next Assistant Principal of Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary School

May 17, 2024
Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary School is proud to announce Ryan Swartzentruber as its next Assistant Principal. Mr. Swartzentruber, who currently serves as the Operations Coord...
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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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Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School Earns STEM Designation Status

May 9, 2024
We're thrilled to announce that Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School has been officially recognized as a Tennessee STEM Designated School! This recognition by @TennesseeEd...
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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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Sara Whitener Named Principal of Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School

April 18, 2024
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Mrs. Sara Whitener as the new principal of Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School. Mrs. Whitener's extensive exper...
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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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Lisa Earby, Principal of Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary, Announces Retirement after 31 Years of Dedicated Service

March 22, 2024
After a remarkable career spanning over three decades in the Cleveland City Schools system, Mrs. Lisa Earby, the principal of Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School, has announc...
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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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