C.F. Pope Elementary School is once again celebrating excellence and achievement, as its 2026 Teacher of the Year and Physical Education teacher continues to make a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom.
The school proudly recognizes its outstanding PE teacher, Tina Croom, recently named 2026 Te acher of the Year, for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to student wellness and engagement. In addition to this well-deserved honor, Mrs. Croom has played a key role in securing yet another grant opportunity that will benefit the entire school community.
C.F. Pope Elementary was recently notified that it has been selected as a recipient of the Spring 2026 Going Local Grant. This funding will support the school’s innovative Garden of Inquiry and Learning Project, an initiative designed to provide hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for students across all grade levels.
The Garden of Inquiry and Learning will serve as an outdoor classroom where students can explore science, nutrition, environmental stewardship, and physical activity in a meaningful and engaging way. The project aligns with the school’s commitment to fostering whole-child development by integrating academics with health and wellness.
School leaders credit the success of this grant award to the vision and initiative of the Teacher of the Year, whose passion for promoting active, healthy lifestyles extends beyond the gymnasium and into creative, school-wide opportunities.
“This achievement reflects not only the dedication of our Teacher of the Year, but also the collaborative spirit of our entire school community,” school administrators shared. “We are excited to see how the Garden of Inquiry and Learning will enrich student experiences and inspire a love for learning in new and innovative ways.”
The grant marks yet another milestone for C.F. Pope Elementary, reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities and fostering an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and physically.
As the school looks ahead, the Garden of Inquiry and Learning Project promises to be a vibrant addition to campus—one that will cultivate curiosity, growth, and success for years to come.