In Cumberland County Schools (CCS), excellence is shaped over time through the people who commit their lives to students. That belief is at the heart of What’s Right with CCS, a district initiative designed to spotlight the individuals, programs and partnerships that reflect the positive work happening across CCS every day. This month’s feature highlights one of those stories.
For more than 40 years, Mrs. Janice Swoope has served students in CCS as an educator, supporting generations of young people through music, mentorship and meaningful relationships. At Reid Ross Classical School, her classroom has been a place where students develop confidence, discipline and a belief in themselves that lasts well beyond their time in school.
For Mrs. Swoope, success has never been about recognition or accolades.
“True excellence in education is not defined by test scores or awards,” she shared, “but by the meaningful relationships we build with our students and our intentional commitment to their growth, academically, personally and socially.”
Over decades of service, those relationships have remained central to her work. She says the moments that stay with her most are when students realize they are capable of more than they once believed.
“Wow, the AHA moment… I see those just about every day,” she said. When students say, “I got it” or “I can do it,” she describes those experiences as “a beautiful testament to the joy of learning.”
Mrs. Swoope credits her students for sustaining her passion and growth as an educator.
“My students don’t just learn from me,” she said. “They shape who I am as a teacher.”
Her longevity reflects more than time spent in the classroom. It reflects a sustained commitment to CCS and to the students and families the district serves. Her story is representative of the premier professionals across CCS who show up year after year to support students, strengthen schools and build trust within the community.
What’s Right with CCS exists to elevate those stories. The initiative highlights excellence wherever it is found, whether through an inspiring student, a dedicated staff member, an exceptional educator, a school-based program, an alumni success story or a community partner making a difference.
Mrs. Swoope’s journey reminds us that excellence is not built overnight. It is built through consistency, care and decades of commitment to students.
Watch the Preview and Tune In for the Premiere
The community is invited to watch a preview of Mrs. Swoope’s story by clicking the link below.
Video: Meet Mrs. Swoope
Then, join us on Thursday, February 12, at 6 p.m. on the Cumberland County Schools Facebook page for the premiere of the full-length interview featuring Mrs. Swoope.
Snapshots of Mrs. Swoope and the Students She’s Inspired
Help Us Highlight What’s Right with CCS
CCS encourages students, families, staff members, alumni and community partners to submit nominations for future What’s Right with CCS highlights.
Nominations may include individuals or organizations whose work reflects excellence, opportunity and student success across the district.
To submit a nomination, visit: https://bit.ly/whatsrightccs
Because stories like Mrs. Swoope’s remind us that the strength of CCS lives in the people who continue to believe in students and invest in their success.