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By Mike Barnhardt
Enterprise Record

COOLEEMEE – At the elementary school here, students are taught more than typical subjects.
They are encouraged to learn. They are encouraged to lead.
Last week, the school held the “Cooleemee Showcase,” when parents and other family members were invited as each class sang a song emphasizing some of the character traits the school teaches.
No, the school isn’t resting on its top 5% state ranking for exceeding growth expectations.
“Every student has a classroom leadership role in the classroom and/or school,” said Angela Burgess, principal. “We encourage our students to keep growing.”
Every grade had a service project for the year, helping to give back to the people who have helped them.
“We wanted to invite the community to see students in action, not just make it about what happens in the classroom. CES students have the ability to lead and shine in and out of the classroom,” she said.
The Serve and Shine Action Team, along with music teacher Misty Byerly, got suggestions for songs from students. They had to promote the CES Mission and have a positive message.
Artwork was displayed in the halls, so visitors could heck out students’ artistic abilities.
“The end of the year can be stressful for students and staff, as it often is about what all needs to be done and all of the testing. I wanted to have a day where we give a smile, show students’ amazing talens and where the stress of testing is not thought of, but rather a motivation to keep pushing forward,” the principal said.
Self-contained K-2 students performed a version of “If You’re Happy and You Know It” in which students names were in the song while they performed familiar activities.
Kindergarten students sang “Dream Big”; first graders “My Own Super Hero”; second graders “Unstoppable”; third graders “Can’t Stop the Feeling”; fourth graders “Sweet Child of Mine” and fifth graders, “Try Everything.”