Crellin Elementary School

Learn. Explore. Experience

ETWC Report Summary: It is not difficult to see why parents move to this community so their children can attend this remarkable school. The extremely unique experiences provided here, the strong connection to the community, both in receiving and providing help, the adherence to every principle one would expect in a whole child school, and the multiple awards and recognitions it has received, all make this school one that could be a model for every public school in the country.

The first distinctive element is its inspiring leader of 23 years, Dr. Dana McCauley, who functions as a teacher principal, spending part of every day teaching students and devoting the remainder to administrative tasks. Dana’s leadership capitalized on the school’s location and the ease with which students could connect to the natural environment there. Her vision for a true community school has come to fruition as the community participates and volunteers their time, work and expertise, while students devote time to participating in and helping the community. An example is the building of a history-themed playground that connects students to the roots of the community's long history of mining and logging. The story of Crellin truly is a story of its unique leadership.

The second distinctive element is the use of the extensive school grounds as an Environmental Education Laboratory and outdoor classroom. The former county-owned grounds behind Crellin contained a former coal mine, and the water in the creek was orange from the polluted run-off . Dana McCauley encouraged parents in the community to petition for the property, which now belongs to the school. An association of students, teachers, community members, nonprofits, and state and federal agencies worked on a restoration project to rid the creek from the acid run-off. Students also engage in learning opportunities in the Hemlock Forest, raise trout to repopulate the stream, and spend a great deal of time outdoors, climbing trees, or visiting the school’s outdoor amphitheater.

The third distinctive element is the use of the school as a farm. On the school property is a barn that houses two sheep, which were both due to deliver lambs shortly after our visit. Students walk chickens on leashes during recess and socialize with the school’s goats. Students clean the barn, water and feed the animals, and collect eggs from the chickens. Students also tend the community vegetable gardens and learn about beekeeping on the school grounds.

A fourth distinctive element is the integration of the arts. An example of this is the Steel Drum Project, which was the subject of the film, Wings of a Dove, which documents how students were taught to make steel drums hammering and shaping metal barrels into working
musical instruments and performing in a culminating concert. The lessons incorporated math, science, history of the instruments, use of tools, cooperation, innovation, and problem solving.

Contact to request the full report: tomprnny@gmail.com