Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence

Cunningham , full of staff and students, representing at the My Waterloo Days parade! Livin’ that ‘Ham Fam life! 😎

Check it out!

A few more to wrap up a great year!
MY WHY #17: Instructional Strategist Elyssa Hall says “Dai’Ryis walks into the doors with a smile on his face and is always ready to start his day. He walks down the hallways with such pride and excellence and always makes sure to say hi to staff and peers in such a joyful way. He is one of the most helpful students I have had the pleasure of working with and he never lets bad situations get him down. He is one of the most positive students and he makes sure to spread that positivity around to everyone!”

And that’s a wrap on the 2023-2024 school year! From all of us at Cunningham, we wish you a great summer! ☀️

MY WHY #16: Theron Montgomery, at-risk coordinator, says “I have known this young lady her whole Cunningham career and have watched her grow and mature over the years into an amazing person with a beautiful smile. It can be difficult to stick with students that challenge us, but I know we are all better for it, and Sionna is going to do amazing things!”

MY WHY #15: Michelle Weller, first grade teacher, says “When I think of my why, I think of Ameer. Even on my toughest days, he finds a way to make me smile. His growth from the beginning of the year to now is outstanding. He is such a fun loving kid and I cannot wait to see his success in future years!”

MY WHY #14: Chrys Hulton, literacy coach, says “Evonne is awesome to work with! She has a wonderful smile, positive attitude, and is so kind. Evonne is a hard worker and always applies the feedback she receives from her teachers. She strives for excellence everyday and has grown as a reader. Evonne is destined to do great things!”

MY WHY #13: Hannah Fuhs, third grade teacher, says “Ashton is the most caring and loving person you’ll meet! She loves dinosaurs, graphic novels, and cats. We share a love of all those things! She always has a positive attitude and is an AMAZING artist! She is such a joy to have in class and has grown so much this year academically! Today she joked about coming to school on her first day of summer break! I will miss having her in class but will know she will do amazing things in 4th grade!”

Congratulations to these students who achieved perfect attendance this year: Dae’Nahla, Nalayah, Nalah, Travelle, Alanna, Heilani, Ingrid, Novalie, and Ephraim! All took home a new scooter!
An extra woohoo for Ivan and Josseline, who achieved perfect attendance ”bell to bell” all year long and took home new bikes for their efforts and hard work!

Lunch on the lawn locations!

The look of a 5th grader pretty sure he’s gonna win the annual staff vs 5th grade kickball game….

MY WHY #12: Bridget Brandt, second grade teacher, says “Dylan comes to school every day and stops in my room before he goes to class. He asks about how my children are doing, we talk about what we did the night before, and always asks if everything is okay if I was gone the day before. I love how we still have a strong relationship even though he is not in my class this year. Thank you for filling my bucket every morning!”

Book giveaways are the best days! Ready for reading success over the summer!

MY WHY #11: Lindsay Heying, assistant principal, says “LaMarion is always upbeat, energetic and smiling. He wants to do well at school even when it is hard for him. He frequently looks to me for reassurance that he is following STAR expectations! Every time I see LaMarion, he brings a genuine smile to my face!”

MY WHY #10: Extended core instructional assistant Amy Card says “Ja’Carri is awesome! I love making sure he has a great day!”

MY WHY #9: Katie Tims, fifth grade teacher, says “No matter what happens during the day, Manijen has a positive attitude. She works hard and tries her best in everything she does. She is always checking on me and has a funny comeback or nickname to make me laugh. She is a good friend to everyone in her class. Manijen really brightens my day and makes sure to let me know she appreciates me!”

Fifth grade, second grade, and kindergarten all had fun-filled field days today! Stay tuned for more tomorrow! ☀️

Last week vibes 💪

MY WHY #8: First grade teacher Maddie Mulford says “Xamir starts off his day with a positive attitude. When it comes to learning, he does not give up no matter how challenging it may be. He has grown SO much this year, both individually and academically, and I am so proud of him and everything he’s achieved!”

Last few dress up days! 😎

Donut worry, we made our reading goals! 👏🍩

Time to celebrate! Students gathered for a party to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! 🌸 thanks to Mr. Hartman for coordinating a great time!

That feeling when your outgoing principal and your incoming principal are clearly on the same wavelength

Our very last STAR breakfast of the year, recognizing students who show Cunningham PRIDE! Thanks to families for their support! ⭐️

The future is BRIGHT for these Cunningham Stars! 😎 Dress like your future day for letter F!

MY WHY #7: Angela Hotchkiss, extended core instructional assistant, says “Madiha is such a joy to be around! Seeing her progress from when I started in November to now has been amazing, she engages with learning material and anyone who hears her verbalize knows when she’s in a good mood! I love coming to work and seeing her smile!”

Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Month with music and interesting facts on daily morning announcements — Ally Mae is dressed up and ready to be a reader today!

MY WHY #5 and #6: Twin sister edition!
Title 1 teacher Korie Frazier says “Krystal has a beautiful smile and our mornings and frequent check-ins really boost my spirit. Having her in my life makes me smile every day!”

Tamika DuBarry, fourth grade teacher, says “Diamond makes me want to come to work every day because I know I will get to see her bright happy smile when I sing, “Shine bright like a Diamond” to her! She always finds a way to make me laugh with her silly personality and quirky jokes. She has worked on improving her behavior and academics all school year and has made incredible strides all around, never failing to show me that beautiful smile as she mastered new skills! Diamond makes every day worth it as she reminds me that growth is possible and is never out of our reach! Thank you, Diamond!”

Skip Abbas, Cunningham head custodian and Waterloo Schools’ current longest-serving employee, will retire following this school year after 48.5 years of service!

From food truck and bus services to custodial positions at Logan and Roosevelt to being one of the only remaining staff members to have been at Cunningham every single year since we opened our doors, Skip’s dedication, positivity, and willingness to go the extra mile are second to none, and he will certainly be missed!

Drop your congratulations and well wishes below, and stay tuned for a few more photos from the retirement party! Three cheers for Skip!

Say hello to the newest member of the Cunningham !
Henry Benjamin Andera was born May 17, 2024 at 2:14 AM, at 8lb 6oz and 21.5 inches long. Henry's parents are second grade teacher Daphne Andera and husband Ben, who teaches at Carver! Welcome to the , Henry!