Jim Cunningham Principal of Furneaux Elementary School

I began teaching in Oklahoma and am a biology teacher at heart. Seventeen years ago, I came to North Carrollton Junior High, now Dan F. Long Middle School. During my career with the Carrollton-Farmers Branch I.S.D., I have been involved with eight different schools within our district (Long, Newman Smith, Blalack, Rosemeade, McCoy, Central, Farmers Branch, Landry, and now Furneaux). I have been a professional educator for twenty years which encompasses four years in high school, four at middle school and twelve in elementary. I believe Furneaux Elementary and the communities that feed our campus holds a vast amount of potential. The resources in our area are tremendous.
 

The Furneaux mission references creating an environment that stimulates a love for learning. My philosophy centers around developing all children academically (content), creatively (fine arts), physically (health and physical education) and socially (behavior, cultural and character values). I believe we must provide opportunities in the classroom and thoughout the school that prepares our children for a future that will include a global interaction (relevancy). When my daughter started school in 1990, business magazine articles predicted 75% of the existing jobs would be eliminated by the time she graduates from high school. For children now entering kindergarten, those same articles state that 100% of the jobs today will be nonexistent by the time those students graduate. This generation will experience incredible change at a phenomenal rate. Many of the businesses today stress the importance of being good problem solvers and creative thinkers. Our children will more than likely have to create or develop their own jobs, since many of the jobs and careers that exist today will be obsolete by the time they enter the workforce. We must prepare them to handle these changes and technology provides some of the tools. The INTERNET and our web page are also a step in that direction.

Other areas of importance center around teaching our children to be more service oriented. Growing up in our society, we must raise our children to think about how they are going to give back to the schools, churches, and community that provided so much opportunity. Community service also opens the door for students to learn self-discipline and leadership skills along with another critical component of feeling connected to something important or worthwhile. We all want to feel like we belong to something positive, productive, and successful. Help us provide this attitude in our children.

Parents and local businesses can also support our teachers and students by investing in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD Education Foundation. The money given to this foundation will support scholarships and special initiatives in our district. We also have a Furneaux Campus Improvement Committee, or CIC. This committee is made up of parents, business partners and faculty. Our meetings center on school improvement.

We are proud to announce that Furneaux has been identified by the Texas Education Agency as an Exemplary campus. Congratulations to the staff and students, and thank you to all the parents who gave their support during the past year. I would ask that you find ways to get involved at Furneaux Elementary and C-FB ISD. There are many opportunities to volunteer on a regular basis, which include reading with students. Contact our office by calling (972) 323-5950. Patti or Donna can connect you with the right person to set you up with a child in need. You can make a difference.

For Kids,

Jim H. Cunningham