• Category 1

    Selected in 2022

  • Grades: k - 5
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 405
    Student Enrollment: 136
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 1.5%
    White/Caucasian: 89%
    Hispanic: 6%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 1.5%
    Native American: 2%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:18
    % Reduced Lunch: 42%
    % ELL Learners: 6%
    Founded: 1953
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Bryant Brewer
  • CONTACT:
    3323 Highway 76
    Cottontown, TN 37048
    615-325-5313
    bryant.brewer@sumnerschools.org
Oakmont Elementary School
Cottontown, TN
"Oakmont believes in collaboration to help support student success."
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Oakmont Elementary serves a rural community in Cottontown, TN. Oakmont serves a diverse economic population in kindergarten through fifth grade. Oakmont was one of the first groups of schools to go through the STEM designation process for the state of Tennessee and actively integrate Stem activities within the curriculum daily. With a clear and unified school vision, intentional initiatives brought about higher achievement in both ELA and Math for all demographic areas. This has resulted in being recognized as a TN Reward School five times within the past 9 years. Oakmont has been a Level 5 school because of growth and achievement. We are the first school in the county to be a one-to-one school in the use of technology. Our motivational activities, open door policy, and collaboration with staff members is evident in our daily learning.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
At OES we strive to succeed in student learning by having regular vertical PLCs, using data to support instruction, and having intentional RTI groups. Another contributing factor that promotes positive change is differentiated instruction based on student needs. Teachers are intentional with aggressive monitoring which allows them to guide instruction or modify based on individual student needs.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
OES strategically utilizes Title 1 funds to support student achievement, Professional Learning, daily instruction, and parent engagement. We also use funds to hire a full-time paraprofessional who supports RTI with targeted instruction within the classroom. The funds are also used to support parent engagement programs that provide academic resources to be used at home with their students.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
All teachers and paraprofessionals participated in professional development around school culture and community when they attended the Ron Clark Academy. This professional development allowed OES to grow school wide in building culture within the classroom and school. In addition, it has created more community involvement that supports our school success. OES teachers have participated in STEM conferences where they are able to gain a better understanding of how to successfully incorporate STEM into Tier 1 instruction that supports student achievement.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
Oakmont believes in collaboration to help support student success. Our school has a warm and inviting environment that encourages student confidence and leadership. Through community and parent involvement Oakmont strives to provide an environment that motivates and empowers student leadership and compassion for all students. Teachers encourage students to take responsibility for their learning through personal goal setting and risk taking. Teachers track student progress through a collection of data that guides instruction. Oakmont continues to increase the rigor of instructional practice. Oakmont strives to help students develop lifelong problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills. It is our hope that these skills prepare our students for a successful future.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Oakmont has an open-door policy which embraces parent and community involvement. Small local businesses partner with the school to support student learning and academic achievement. OES hosts school wide events that include Spring Carnival, college and career events, and many other activities that welcome parents and family members to visit the school. Family members are encouraged to visit their students for lunch, special parties, and programs. Oakmont has quarterly Title1 parent meetings that focus on specific topics, such as Math, ELA, testing, etc. During these events parents can gain an understanding of the learning happening during school hours and apply this knowledge in their homes. Students have the opportunity each year to give back to the community by collecting cans and dry foods to support those in need. This is a great experience that students participate in that helps them understand the importance of being a good citizen.
Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2022

  • Grades: k - 5
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 405
    Student Enrollment: 136
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 1.5%
    White/Caucasian: 89%
    Hispanic: 6%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 1.5%
    Native American: 2%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:18
    % Reduced Lunch: 42%
    % ELL Learners: 6%
    Founded: 1953
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Bryant Brewer
  • CONTACT:
    3323 Highway 76
    Cottontown, TN 37048
    615-325-5313
    bryant.brewer@sumnerschools.org