Melissa Faklaris is the product of the Cobb County School System. She attended Still Elementary School, Pine Mountain Middle School, and McEachern High School as a Cobb student. She began her teaching career at her high school alma mater. In her 26 years as a Cobb Schools educator, she has served as an English teacher, cheerleading coach, softball coach, and assistant principal at schools around Cobb County, including McEachern, Kennesaw Mountain High School, North Cobb High School, Austell Elementary School, and most recently Frey Elementary School.  

Now, the Cobb County graduate and veteran educator is preparing to take on the role of Cheatham Hill Elementary School principal. In this new principal profile, learn more about Principal Faklaris and how she plans to continue Cheatham Hill’s legacy of excellence and community engagement. 

Question: Why are you excited about joining the Cheatham Hill Elementary School community? 

Answer: “Having grown up in West Cobb, this is a true homecoming for me! I look forward to meeting the families and business partners that help ensure Cheatham Hill is a school of excellence for all students. I will be attending our school and community events, and I look forward to being an active participant in the West Cobb area. A strong bond and clear communication between school and home is the most important aspect of a successful education for each student, and I look forward to partnering with our ‘Champion’ families. Above all, a safe environment for students to learn and grow is my number one priority. My litmus test for all situations lies in ‘is this good enough for my own girls’ as every child deserves the best we have to give each and every day.”  

Question: What can the school community expect to see under your leadership? 

Answer: “Under my leadership, the school community can expect to see a strong emphasis on relationships. I believe that building a positive and supportive school culture starts with strong connections between students, staff, parents, and the community. You can expect to see me actively present and engaged in the school community. I value visibility and believe being accessible to students, staff, and parents is crucial for building trust and understanding. Academically, I am committed to ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed. I believe in a comprehensive approach to education that focuses on both academic excellence and the well-being of each student. My goal is to create a school environment where every kid feels valued and supported every day. My educational mission is to lead with a servant's heart where relationships come first, all kids are treasured, and exemplary education is non-negotiable. My Core Values are Respect, Empathy, Trust, and Communication, which are the pillars of positive relationships. Every kid…Every day; Laugh every day; Show grace; Love one another; Above all else, be Kind 💚.”

Question: What does student success look like to you? 

Answer: “Student success, to me, looks like students who are confident and excited to learn. It involves teams of educators who collaborate at a high level to ensure that the best instructional practices are being used for all students. Student success includes an environment where mistakes are embraced as a part of learning, and students are encouraged to try again and persevere through challenges. Student success at an elementary school level can take many forms. It includes academic achievement as well as social and emotional growth, including developing empathy, resilience, and a positive attitude towards learning. Student success can be seen in creativity and critical thinking skills, as well as in the ability to work collaboratively with peers. It's important to recognize that each student is unique, so success can vary from student to student. Ultimately, student success at the elementary level is about equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need to succeed in later grades and in life.”

Question: What do you like most about being an educator?

Answer: “What I like most about being an educator is the kids! I love seeing them learn, giving hugs, hearing the funny things they say, and reading the funny things they write about. I believe in being a servant leader and doing whatever it takes to support my students and staff. Some of my favorite moments include attending graduations, seeing former students become teachers, and receiving messages from my former high school students telling me about what they are currently reading. It's also incredibly rewarding to watch elementary school kids as they grow and progress through high school. Knowing that you’ve made a lasting impact on a student is the most rewarding aspect of being an educator.”

Question: Outside school, where might students, parents, or staff members run into you? 

Answer: “Outside of school, you might run into me spending time with my husband, Jason, and my girls, Emma and Harper. I am a huge Georgia Bulldogs fan, so you might also see me cheering for my team on Saturdays in the Fall. I love traveling, so you might find me on a plane headed somewhere wonderful with my family. Closer to home, you can often find me at an Allatoona sports event cheering on my girls, at a country music concert, cruising around Lake Hartwell, or simply lying by the pool with a good book. I am definitely a family-first person.”