622 E Sunset Street
Springfield, MO 65807

As my daughter moves to middle school, I would like to thank the teachers and staff at Cowden Elementary for giving her the skills needed for this next step in her journey. The teachers took the time to build relationships with her that will last a lifetime. Thank you, Dr. Norman for leading your teachers and students. Cowden has instilled leadership skills, and given her the tools to be successful, not only in school, but in life. Thank you for everything. She misses Cowden already.

I am a current student in my sophomore year of high school. My freshman year was horrible until I got a 504 to let me listen to music during independent work and due to the cell phone law because put in place they made it to where I can't have wireless earbuds and I can only have noise cancelling headphones. For me the teachers were really great I love all my teachers and staff some might say otherwise but they are truly great. But back to the 504 it's hard with lunch and not wanting to set a playlist and just regroup and reset like this cellphone law is actually stupid. But with the caos of lunch I can barely stay in the lunch room without having a panic attack and that is just not the environment I want to be In. The bullies are horrible Im in the Snapchat story and I accidentally posted something one day and people just had so many rude things to say like that's not appropriate and not on the school story either. For learning there are some teachers that just don't care and let you goof off like they don't care cause they are getting payed. With the cellphone law they are just hurting students because they are more worried about devices and other things than actual threats like bullying break ins school shootings and the drug sales and they are worried about phones what the actual heck. But all I can say is they are creating an environment that is toxic full of bullies and fights. For the safety I was in general bio today and a fight broke out all because someone said shut up and another said what are you gonna do about it and a girl stepped in an tried to separate them trying to do the right thing and instead she got in trouble for not letting the teachers handle it like that's not right there was not a teacher in the room and she gets in trouble. And lastly the fact they are more worried about phones than actual threats and serious things is appalling and the school board needs to get their priorities straight and stop worrying about phones. Like yes you can limit them but their is no way that they are going to suspend you for having your phone eventually they have to give up on the law because I think it's absolutely stupid. Also kids with ieps and 504s will get accommodations after you literally have to fight with the school and even then teachers don't follow them at all like they just ignore them like last year I had my earbuds in during independent work mind you and the teach called me outDo not recommend send your kids somewhere else

I went to Phelps once a week throughout elementary school and, to this day, some of my best education memories are rooted here! If only every child could experience this type of learning! It was so very wonderful and educational.