Principal's Message

Welcome to Calhoun Early Learning Academy!

 

I am honored to serve as the principal of the new Calhoun Early Learning Academy, where the Jacket Journey begins! 

Just like our students at CELA, my journey as a Calhoun Yellow Jacket began on these same grounds where I attended Eastside Elementary School as a kindergarten student. I continued my education in Calhoun City Schools and am a proud graduate of Calhoun High School, Class of 1993. Go Jackets! I rejoined CCS in 2002 as a classroom teacher. During my time with Calhoun City, I have taught kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and ESOL. I served as an instructional coordinator and assistant principal at Calhoun Primary School and worked at the district level as Teacher/Leader Development Specialist. As I begin my 25th year in education, I couldn’t be more excited to open the doors of this remarkable learning environment to our youngest Jackets.

Calhoun Early Learning Academy will house students in Pre-K and Kindergarten, as well as our two Junior Jacket Academy preschool classrooms. The new facility is a perfect environment for early learning and has been designed to meet the needs of our youngest Jackets. 

Early learning and development is not only about learning foundational academic skills, but also social/emotional skills, and developing a partnership between students, parents, and teachers that will ensure continued school success. Research shows that children who take part in early learning programs have improved social skills and do better in school, as well as learn essential life skills that stay with them forever. Calhoun City Schools is committed to providing these opportunities for our students starting at a very young age. We want to see our children succeed from crayons to careers, and feel that early learning is essential in laying the groundwork for success throughout school and life. 

Our mission is to inspire all students to become lifelong learners in the pursuit of excellence. The faculty and staff at CELA work tirelessly to ensure every student receives the highest quality education possible by providing developmentally appropriate instruction and learning opportunities in an environment geared specifically toward our youngest learners. We are the beginning of the tradition of excellence that will continue throughout your child’s experience in Calhoun City Schools. 

At Calhoun Early Learning Academy, we believe in partnering with our parents and community to support our mission. We value family and the importance of the connection between home and school. I encourage you to explore our website or stop by and visit our school to see all the exciting and fun things taking place. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you. We hope to see you soon. Let the Jacket Journey begin!

 

Sincerely,

Susan Bennett