January Educator of the Month
To mark the one-year anniversary of Franklin County’s “Educator of the Month” program, Mrs. Melissa “Missy” Renforth is being recognized as January’s “Educator of the Month”. Mrs. Renforth is currently a fourth grade teacher at Laurel School.
After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University, Mrs. Renforth was hired by the Franklin County Community School Corporation to cover a maternity leave. The following school year, Mrs. Renforth was hired as a full time elementary teacher at Laurel School. Her teaching tenure at Laurel School spans 27 years, and she has taught third, fourth, and fifth grade.
Mrs. Renforth received multiple nominations for this recognition. One parent wrote, “I feel that Mrs. Renforth has put many years into our school and is a loyal educator. I have witnessed her show compassion, tough love, or just give a simple compliment to make someone’s day.”
According to Superintendent, Dr. Debbie Howell, “when the “Educator of the Month” recognition program was conceived, in addition to considering excellence in the classroom, we also wanted to recognize educators for their leadership and involvement in the school and in the community.” During her career at Laurel School, Mrs. Renforth has immersed herself in the school and in the community. She has served as both Jr. High cheer coach and girls basketball coach. She currently serves as the 5th/6th grade cheer coach and holds an office in Laurel’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).
In addition to serving the Laurel School community, Mrs. Renforth gives back to her own community. She grew up in Cambridge City, Indiana and continues to reside there with her husband and two sons. In her “home town” she serves on the Town Board, is a member of the Cambridge City Christian Church, and is active in the local Food Pantry and Clothes Closet.
Mrs. Renforth’s “free time” revolves around sports. She and her family are huge IU fans and love following the Indianapolis Colts. Her husband is a high school football coach and Missy is a loyal fan and avid supporter. Both her sons have been very involved in high school sports and are continuing at the collegiate level.
When asked to comment about her career at Laurel School, Mrs. Renforth stated, “I have been blessed in my 27 years at Laurel to have worked with wonderful and caring teachers and students. Teachers like Ken Handley, Sharon Bryant, and others mentored me and taught me how important it was to not just teach the kids but love them and form relationships with them.”
Parents and students are encouraged to nominate outstanding educators for this monthly recognition. Nomination forms for “Educator of the Month” can be found on the school corporation website at www.fccsc.k12.in.us.