A Wall of Dreams: Cleveland High School Seniors Celebrate Post Graduation Plans in a Meaningful Way Tucked away in Room 901 of the West Wing at Cleveland High School, a classroom wall has become a powerful symbol of hope and achievement. It’s not covered in posters or charts — it’s lined with dreams. Mr. Kyle Gilpin, who teaches U.S. Government to seniors, invites his students to bring in a copy of each acceptance letter they receive. He rewards them with extra credit - and proudly posts each letter on the wall behind his desk. “I tell them on day one: bring me an acceptance letter, and I’ll hang it up and celebrate you,” Mr. Gilpin explained. “It started as a motivator, but now it’s something far more meaningful. This wall tells the story of their futures.” True to his word, Mr. Gilpin has built a culture of recognition that goes beyond college. Alongside college acceptance letters, the display also includes military enlistment orders and employment confirmation letters from students preparing to enter the workforce in skilled trades, healthcare, and more. Just this week, the 50th acceptance letter was added to the wall. “I had a teacher my senior year who did this, and I never forgot the way he lit up when someone brought in a new letter for the wall,” Gilpin shared. “I told myself that if I ever became a teacher, I’d do the same.” The wall has grown so full that Mr. Gilpin has run out of space on the original section he selected - but he’s more than happy to keep expanding. “I’ll keep making space,” he said. “Every letter matters. Every future deserves to be seen.” Cleveland High School Principal Bob Pritchard shared his appreciation for the tradition. “Mr. Gilpin is the kind of teacher who goes above and beyond — not just in instruction, but in inspiration. His wall is more than decoration. It’s a daily reminder that our students are capable, ambitious, and going places. What he’s created is something these students will remember for the rest of their lives.” With graduation approaching, the Wall of Acceptance stands as a tribute to the hard work and resilience of the Class of 2025 — and to the educators who cheer them on every step of the way. “I’ll never stop making room for a student’s future,” Mr. Gilpin said. Neither will we.

A Wall of Dreams: Cleveland High School Seniors Celebrate Post Graduation Plans in a Meaningful Way

April 22, 2025
Tucked away in Room 901 of the West Wing at Cleveland High School, a classroom wall has become a powerful symbol of hope and achievement. It’s not covered in posters or charts — i...
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Cleveland City Schools’ band programs have a lot to celebrate this spring! From middle school to high school, student musicians brought home top honors at the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (ETSBOA) Concert Festivals—earning recognition for their talent, discipline, and hard work. Leading the way, the Cleveland High School Band earned Straight Superior ratings and received the elite ASBDA Band of Distinction Award—an honor only granted to ensembles that achieve superior ratings in every subcategory from every judge. This remarkable accomplishment places the CHS Band among the top-performing programs in the entire region. “We are incredibly proud of our students,” said CHS Director of Bands, Jim Burton. “This year’s group has really set the standard high—not only in their musical performance but in how they represent our school and community. Receiving the ASBDA Band of Distinction award is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and musical maturity.” The success didn’t stop at the high school level. The Cleveland Middle School 8th Grade Band performed at Farragut High School and received Superior ratings from all three judges on their stage performance, as well as an Excellent in sight reading. Meanwhile, the 7th Grade Band took the stage at UTC and delivered an outstanding performance that earned Superior ratings across the board in both stage performance and sight reading. “Our students rose to the occasion and gave some of their strongest performances of the year,” said Caleb Bolaños, Director of Bands at Cleveland Middle School. “We emphasize growth, teamwork, and discipline, and to see their hard work rewarded in this way is incredibly meaningful. These students continue to make our school proud.” These awards reflect the strength of the district’s music program, the passion of its directors, and the unwavering support of families and the community. Cleveland City Schools continues to invest in arts education as part of its mission to build champions—on stage, in the classroom, and beyond.

Cleveland City Schools Bands Bring Home Superior Scores and Prestigious Award

April 21, 2025
Cleveland City Schools’ band programs have a lot to celebrate this spring! From middle school to high school, student musicians brought home top honors at the East Tennessee Schoo...
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Dr. Elliott provides words of encouragement and motivation during testing season

A Special Video Message from Dr. Jeff Elliott – You’ve Got This!

April 11, 2025
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Chris Brown Returns to Lead Cleveland Blue Raider Football

Chris Brown Returns to Lead Cleveland Blue Raider Football

April 7, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is excited to announce that Chris Brown has been chosen as the next leader of Cleveland High School Football. Coach Brown returns to Cleveland High, where h...
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Cleveland High School Seniors Accepted to Ivy League Universities

Cleveland High School Seniors Accepted to Ivy League Universities

March 31, 2025
Cleveland High School is proud to announce that two of its seniors, Jackson Aseron and Evan Bonilla, have been accepted to some of the most prestigious universities in the nation....
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Cleveland High School is celebrating THREE incredible student-athletes who have committed to prestigious U.S. Service Academies as recruited athletes! 💙💪🎖️ 👏 Cy Fowler – U.S. Air Force Academy (Wrestling) 👏 Samuel Sartin – U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Football) 👏 Tyson Russell – U.S. Naval Academy (Wrestling) #BuildingChampions #BuildingCommunity

Cleveland High Athletes Commit to Prestigious U.S. Service Academies

March 19, 2025
Cleveland High School is celebrating a historic achievement as three standout student-athletes commit to U.S. military service academies as recruited athletes. Samuel Sartin, Cy F...
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Cleveland High School Students Take to the Skies in Introductory Flight Experience Cleveland High School students recently had the thrilling opportunity to step into the world of aviation, both in the classroom and in the sky. Through the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Aviation Program, students AJ Westfield, Rylee Hayden, and Avery Brice participated in an introductory flight experience, taking a hands-on approach to learning about aerodynamics, flight controls, and aircraft operations. The students’ journey into aviation begins in the classroom, where they use a state-of-the-art flight simulation system to familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of flying. This immersive experience allows them to practice takeoffs, landings, and flight maneuvers before stepping into an actual aircraft. The simulations provide a strong foundation, making their first real flight even more meaningful. Under the guidance of Certified Flight Instructor Daniel Bowles, the students transitioned from virtual to real-world flying this past weekend. They completed a preflight inspection, reviewed safety procedures, and took to the skies for their first introductory flights. For AJ and Avery, it was their first time flying, while Cameron McDaniel accompanied them in the back seat and plans to take the controls in an upcoming flight. This exciting opportunity will continue each weekend with three to four students taking flight until 50 students within Cleveland City Schools have completed an introductory flight. The initiative aims to provide real-world aviation experience and inspire students to consider careers in the field. "The full motion flight simulator that our aviation program has been able to incorporate with class has been a defining part of our aviation classes at CHS. These introductory flights in and around Cleveland truly take the program to the next level though. I’m hoping to instill in my aviation students a love of flying and possibly create a spark that initiates a drive to continue on to one of the many careers available within the field of aviation," said Jeffrey Garrett, Cleveland High School’s CTE Aviation instructor. Cleveland City Schools remains dedicated to expanding opportunities for students through innovative, hands-on learning. "Providing students with real-world experiences like this is essential in preparing them for future success," said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools for Cleveland City Schools. "By combining classroom instruction with practical application, our students gain valuable insights into career fields they may not have otherwise considered. The CTE Aviation Program is just one example of how Cleveland City Schools is equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to achieve their dreams." Cleveland High School’s CTE Aviation Program is designed to introduce students to the principles of flight, aerodynamics, and aircraft operations. By integrating technology, simulations, and real-world experiences, the program prepares students for potential careers in aviation, aerospace engineering, and aeronautics. Thanks to a grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (aeronautics), these introductory flights are just getting started and we look forward to seeing this program grow and build each school year. For more information about Cleveland High School’s CTE programs, visit https://www.clevelandschools.org/page/department-info.

Cleveland High School Students Take to the Skies in Introductory Flight Experience

February 26, 2025
Cleveland High School students recently had the thrilling opportunity to step into the world of aviation, both in the classroom and in the sky. Through the school’s Career and Tec...
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CCC Expansion Celebration

Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary Celebrates Expansion with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

February 25, 2025
Excitement filled the air at Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary as students, parents, teachers, Board members, and community members came together on Tuesday, February 25, to celeb...
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Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary School, located at 4445 Georgetown Rd. NW, is thrilled to invite the community to celebrate the completion of its long-awaited expansion! Join us this Tuesday, February 25th, for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. We want to share this exciting milestone with you. Come explore the newly expanded spaces, meet our incredible teachers and staff, and see how these improvements will provide much needed space to create even more opportunities for our students to thrive. “This expansion means so much to our students, teachers, and families,” said Principal Sara Whitener. “We’ve been dreaming about this day for a long time, and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone who has supported us along the way!” Cleveland City Schools Director Dr. Jeff Elliott added, “This project is all about investing in our children and their future. We’re so proud of what’s been accomplished with this addition, and we hope the community will join us to celebrate our school’s and city’s growth and progress.” We can’t wait to welcome you to Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary for this special day.

You’re Invited: Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary Expansion Celebration!

February 23, 2025
Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary School, located at 4445 Georgetown Rd. NW, is thrilled to invite the community to celebrate the completion of its long-awaited expansion! Join us...
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CMS Mural Unveling

Cleveland Middle School to Unveil Mural Celebrating Global Connections

February 14, 2025
Cleveland Middle School invites the community to a special event unveiling its new mural on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the school. This mural represe...
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On Monday, January 27, Cleveland High School senior Trent Collins stepped into the world of local government, serving as Councilman for the Day during the Cleveland City Council work session. Trent filled in for District 3 Councilman Tom Cassada, gaining firsthand experience in civic leadership and decision-making. A standout both in the classroom and on the football field, Trent enjoyed meeting city leaders and gaining insight into how local government operates. “It was a great experience to see how our government works and meet everyone involved in making decisions for our community,” Trent shared. In addition to his interest in leadership, Trent is an accomplished football player with aspirations to continue his athletic career at the next level. He is currently considering Davidson College, Morehead State University, and Cumberland University as he prepares for his future. Cleveland City Schools continues to support hands-on learning experiences that connect students with real-world opportunities. Trent’s role as Councilman for the Day is a great example of how students can engage with their community in meaningful ways, preparing them for bright futures both on and off the field.

CHS Senior Trent Collins Serves as “Councilman for the Day”

January 30, 2025
On Monday, January 27, Cleveland High School senior Trent Collins stepped into the world of local government, serving as Councilman for the Day during the Cleveland City Council w...
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CMS Wrestlers Receive Mayoral Proclamation

Cleveland Middle School Wrestlers Make History and Earn Mayoral Recognition

January 29, 2025
The Cleveland Middle School Wrestling Team and their coaches were celebrated on Monday, January 27, 2025, as Cleveland City Mayor Kevin Brooks issued an official proclamation decl...
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Decorative Image: Cleveland City Schools

Cleveland City Schools Board of Education Opposes School Voucher Programs

January 21, 2025
The Cleveland City Schools (CCS) Board of Education has officially announced its opposition to school voucher programs, including those outlined in the Education Freedom Scholarsh...
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Cleveland High School’s Lauren Hurst Nominated for 2025 McDonald’s All American Games

Cleveland High School’s Lauren Hurst Nominated for 2025 McDonald’s All American Games

January 16, 2025
Cleveland High School senior and standout basketball player Lauren Hurst has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 McDonald’s All American Games, a showcase of the nation’s top ...
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PowerSchool Cybersecurity Incident Updates and FAQs

Important Information about a PowerSchool CyberSecurity Incident

January 15, 2025
PowerSchool has published a Public Statement and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) . Cleveland City Schools’ student information system provider, PowerSchool, notified the distr...
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CMS is hosting TMSAA Wrestling Championship

Cleveland Middle School to Host Historic First TMSAA Wrestling State Championship

December 12, 2024
Cleveland Middle School is proud to announce that it will host the first-ever Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association (TMSAA) Wrestling State Championships on December 13th a...
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CTE Newsletter

Cleveland's CTE Newsletter is now Available!

December 11, 2024
Check out the Latest CTE Happenings !
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PRESS RELEASE: Cleveland City Schools Announces Principal of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, and Classified Staff of the Year for 2024-2025

Cleveland City Schools Announces Principal of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, and Classified Staff of the Year for 2024-2025

December 5, 2024
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Principal of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, and Classified Staff of the Year awards. These distingui...
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Blythe-Bower Elementary Shines as a Tennessee Reward School! We’re thrilled to share some incredible news: Blythe-Bower Elementary has been named a 2023-2024 Tennessee Reward School! This recognition, given by the Tennessee Department of Education, highlights the hard work and dedication that make Blythe-Bower a standout in our community. Being named a Reward School is the highest honor in Tennessee’s accountability system. To earn this distinction, a school must achieve an overall federal accountability score of 3.1 or higher out of 4.0. This score reflects strong performance in student achievement, academic growth, attendance, and progress for historically underserved student groups, including English Learners, Economically Disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, and staff," said Dr. Joel Barnes, Principal of Blythe-Bower Elementary. "Our collective efforts have fostered an environment where every student can thrive, and this honor reflects our commitment to excellence." Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools, added, "Blythe-Bower's achievement underscores the power of collaboration and a shared vision for student success. We are immensely proud of this accomplishment and the positive impact it has on our community." What It Takes to Be a Reward School Reward Schools are recognized for outstanding academic performance and growth. Here’s a look at what goes into this special achievement: Achievement and Growth: Measures how well students are meeting or exceeding academic standards and making progress. Attendance: Tracks how many students are attending school regularly. English Language Proficiency: Assesses how well students learning English are improving their fluency. High School Indicators: Looks at graduation rates and whether students are prepared for life after high school. This recognition is a celebration of the collaborative efforts of students, teachers, families, and the entire Blythe-Bower community. It’s a reminder that when we work together, great things happen. Please join us in celebrating this incredible milestone for Blythe-Bower Elementary!

Blythe-Bower Elementary Shines as a Tennessee Reward School!

December 2, 2024
We’re thrilled to share some incredible news: Blythe-Bower Elementary has been named a 2023-2024 Tennessee Reward School! This recognition, given by the Tennessee Department of Ed...
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Dr. Elliott Wishes Everyone a Joyful Thanksgiving!

Dr. Jeff Elliott Shares Warm Thanksgiving Wishes with Cleveland City Schools Community

November 22, 2024
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