Waterloo’s Dr. Walter Cunningham School of Excellence, celebrates its 20th year in 2022, recognizing its staff members, community, and continued passion for innovation.
The school was started in 2002, and named after Dr. Walter Cunningham, East High School’s first Black principal. When he passed away in 2000, the Waterloo Community School District decided to honor his legacy in education, naming the new elementary school in his memory.
Originally, the school operated on a year-round schedule, with three week breaks in October and March, along with six weeks in the summer. Some classrooms were also segmented by gender to help optimize the students different learning preferences. These practices along with the district’s first school dress code helped Cunningham stand out early on.
Today, Cunningham operates on the same district schedule as the rest of the elementary schools, while keeping students of all genders together in their assigned classroom. However, their dedication to innovation continues to thrive as they work to create ideal learning environments for each of their students.
According to Neldrekka Whitaker, head principal of the school, the constant integration of community and innovation within the building was a key factor in her desire to work there.
“Prior to working at Cunningham, it was well known throughout Waterloo Schools that Cunningham was an innovative school that piloted research-based education practices ahead of other schools in the district and the state,” said Whitaker. “In the last five years that I have been here, we have tried to reconnect to the foundation and traditions that originated here at Cunningham.”
Thankfully, Whitaker works alongside a group of staff members who have been with the school since day one. Skip Abbas, Brad Cross, Hattie Graves, Lissa Meeks, and Willastine Parker joined Cunningham’s staff in 2002 for its inaugural school year, and have stayed with the building ever since.
According to Parker, teachers who worked for McKinstry elementary school in 2002 were given the option of transferring to Cunningham after construction was completed. She decided to volunteer and start a new adventure alongside the blossoming legacy of the elementary school.
“I was one of the teachers who decided to volunteer to be transferred, thinking about a brand new school and the fact that I could choose the grade that I would love to teach.” said Parker. “As of today, I love being here as a part of this family, making a difference in the lives of so many young people.”
Lissa Meeks, office secretary at Cunningham, says that she has made countless connections with students over the past two decades.
“Although I’m not directly in the classroom, I can still help children with their academic needs,” said Meeks. “I am sometimes used as an intervention when a child has chosen me as their preferred adult. I’m able to comfort and give the child a sense of security during their visit as I assist them with their school work.”
Over the years, many Cunningham staff members have felt an increase in support and recognition from their surrounding community regarding students’ academic achievement and behavioral growth.
“In the beginning the school was not looked upon as being a great place, but now we have the community looking at us in a positive light,” said Cross.
“I enjoy working here now because of the support from administrators, respect from parents, and how the staff works well together,” said Graves. “I love to see the growth in my students from year to year and it makes me so proud.”
Assistant principal, Mikayla Montgomery joined the Cunningham team in 2012, and now enjoys walking the same halls as her daughter who is in first grade at the school.
“From the time I started one of the biggest changes I have seen is the focus on living on our school name and how we demonstrate pride and excellence in everything that we do,” said assistant principal Mikayla Montgomery.
According to Neldrekka, Montgomery, and the rest of the Cunningham team, their 20 year legacy is only the beginning.
Waterloo Schools Mission:
The Waterloo Schools community commits to a comprehensive system of education and support to assure that each and every student will graduate prepared for college, career, and citizenship as evidenced by continuing education, pursuing a career path, and contributing to a community.
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