In year 15 of the school being open, there are 15 original staff members left. Art teacher Chelle Cox is one of the last 15.
Staley Original: Chelle Cox
15 Original Staff Members Left In School's 15th Year
Art teacher Chelle Cox is another of the Staley Originals who helped create the school community that exists today. While the school is established in many ways, it looked very different in the beginning.
“The first year was difficult because we didn’t have any traditions or set procedures yet,” Cox said. “We were building everything from scratch.”
As the school has evolved, the way that Cox taught changed with it. While the subjects she taught have remained mostly the same, digital programs have become more prominent in art classes over time. Reflecting on all the classes she had taught, Cox said AP Art and Design was particularly special to her. The rigor of the course was something that bonded students together.
“It builds a community,” Cox said. “We share a lot, and having that pressure of turning that work out for a grade is different than in a regular classroom. They get really close, and we celebrate together when we’re done and go to d’Bronx pizza.”
The friendships that Cox created with her students made graduations something very emotional for her.
“Every year I cry at graduation because I don’t want to lose those that I’ve gotten so close to,” Cox said. “I’m so excited for what they’re doing, but it’s also sad to know that it’s all changing.”