By GRAYSON LEE MAXWELL
Rutherford County Schools
Rock Springs Elementary Principal Stephen Lewis speaks highly of former teacher Holly Pearson, who passed away a few days ago.
It’s not simply sentiment for a former co-worker. Lewis says Pearson was the “epitome” of what a Rock Springs teacher is.
“She loved the challenge of kids who came and couldn’t yet speak the language, or who may have come from a different background than she did,” Lewis said. “She did a wonderful job. As a kindergarten teacher she was on the front end of teaching them how to read and write and everything.”
Much has changed during the past 25 years since Rock Springs Elementary School first opened its doors.
One of the biggest changes is the student diversity, which makes the school strong, Lewis notes.
“This was almost a rural school because there was no building around us. We were just sitting next to a farm. When I started here, we had nine English language (learner) students. And we had one teacher. Now we have eight English language teachers and around 200 EL learners,” said Lewis.
Through all the changes, Lewis has served as principal for 20 of the school’s 25 years, and during that time, he has built a devoted group of teachers and staff members.
As the community around the school has grown and become more diverse, so has the student body, challenging the staff to innovate and expand as the farm around them slowly vanished — replaced with new communities.
“We hire people who are enthusiastic and love teaching, but also we want people to know going in that they’re going to be teaching in a school that is very diverse,” Lewis said. “You’ve got to want to deal with the challenges that diversity brings, including knowing you’re going to have students in your classroom who may not speak English. We want to know the people we have here at Rock Springs are excited about the opportunity to be at the front of kids who are going to learn our language.”
Deidra Kimbrough serves as the attendance secretary of Rock Springs. She, as well as other office staff noted how Lewis’ leadership, and the incredible teachers and staff throughout the building, have made all the difference in the culture and success of the school.
“Everyone is great — really supportive — always backing us whenever there’s anything we need. The teachers and staff are so giving and generous,” Kimbrough said. “I love working for Mr. Lewis, Ms. Holland and Ms. Gonzalez. Our students are really diverse which is such a strength to have in the school. It’s just a blessing to work here, it really is. Even when things might be a little crazy it’s all good. Everyone is just so supportive of each other.”
The school’s connection to community has also grown during the past quarter century.
Recently students in grades K-3 put on a massive Veteran's Day program, honoring parents and community members who have served our country. The school’s PTO also hosted a trick-or-treat event in October to draw more families to learn about the organization and how to get involved.
The commitment to the school and the Principal Lewis’ leadership is evident when speaking to the staff.
Becky Ray has served as the school secretary for “many years.”
“He always sees the light of everything,” Ray said of Lewis and his leadership style. “I mean I can’t tell you enough good things about him. I’ll be very sad when he retires, and when he does, it’ll be sooner than we want it to be. The teachers and the staff here, they are phenomenal. They really are.”