SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: Creech Road Elementary School

To say Creech Road Elementary is rich in history is an understatement. The school opened its doors over thirty years ago. Yet, despite the years, the school leadership and staff have integrated modern leadership and teaching techniques and broadened community connections. In 2021, the Garner Recreational Center connected to the school, offering walking trails, a picnic shelter, sports fields, and a connection to nature.

Through the years, Creech Road Elementary has had exceptional leaders. Two years ago, Dr. Ralph Chew became the principal. When asked, he gave his impression of the school.

"My impressions are that we are a supportive school community. Our teachers and staff support one another and our families. Our families support our school and the work we do each day. We work very hard to provide for the needs of our students in collaboration with our many community partners. We have the sweetest and most talented students in the world. I love Creech Road Elementary School and seeing the growth in our students in the work we do each day."

That work includes offering many academic and extracurricular programs. In the spring, grades three through five are offered tutoring to review and enhance the skills they have learned. This option has been very successful for the students who participate. STEAM Night is another academic initiative that has grown in popularity over the years. The night includes partnering with local universities, banks, and others to provide engaging and enriching opportunities for the students.

In addition to the academic programs, the extracurricular programs include sports and various clubs. A few include First Tee, Basketball Club, Soccer Club, Girl Scouts, and Spanish Club for Native Speakers. The benefits for the club students include building strengths and skills in teamwork, collaboration, and communication.

A typical day for a student goes beyond the academic classes. Every morning, students participate in a morning meeting with their class, during which teachers connect with the students using culture‐building activities and social‐emotional check‐ins.

Community‐building within the school is also essential to the school leadership, parents, teachers, and staff. One way this is accomplished is by placing the students in their own red, green, yellow, or blue houses. The house groups build a sense of community through school‐wide competitions, spirit days, and other activities.

Dr. Chew describes Creech Road Elementary School parents as involved and caretakers of the teachers and staff. The school Parent and Teacher Association and volunteers involve themselves in various ways. One parent supports teachers' instruction through a reading group. Others provide support by assisting in large events such as field day. The list goes on and on.

A result of increased involvement is building relationships within the school. A recent example includes a previous student who had a comical personality that was well‐liked. Yet, at times, his humor hindered his ability to complete his assigned work. One year, he connected to a caring teacher who quickly became his favorite. By the end of the year, that positive rapport with his teacher contributed to him achieving a level five on his end‐of‐grade exams. There are many more success stories like this one.

If you are interested in learning more about the school, you can contact them by calling (919)662‐2359.