Principal's Message
Dear Cogburn Woods Families and Community,
It is truly an honor and privilege to serve as the Principal of Cogburn Woods Elementary School. From the moment I joined this incredible community, I have been inspired by the students, families, teachers, staff, and community members who make Cogburn Woods such a special place. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a school with such a strong tradition of excellence, and I am excited about all that we will continue to accomplish together.
I am beginning my 21st year in education, and throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to serve students and families in a variety of roles. I began my career as a fourth-grade teacher in Phenix City, Alabama, before moving to Fulton County Schools, where I taught first and third grades at Lake Windward Elementary School. I later served as a Curriculum Support Teacher and Assistant Principal at Manning Oaks Elementary School and as an Assistant Principal at Ridgeview Charter Middle School. Each of these experiences has shaped who I am as an educator and leader and has strengthened my belief that great schools are built through strong relationships, high expectations, collaboration, and a relentless focus on students.
At the heart of my leadership philosophy is a simple belief: Every child known. Every teacher supported. Every day purposeful.
I believe every child who enters Cogburn Woods deserves to be known not simply by name, but for who they are as a learner and as a person. Our students should know that there are adults in this building who believe in them, challenge them, celebrate them, and will do whatever they can to help them grow.
Academically, we will maintain high expectations for every student. Our teachers work collaboratively to provide engaging, rigorous, and intentional instruction while using student data to understand individual strengths and needs. We believe that when we know what our students need, plan with purpose, and teach with intention, growth follows.
Supporting our teachers is equally important. I believe that when teachers feel valued, supported, and empowered, they are able to do their very best work for students. As a principal, I am committed to being visible, accessible, and actively engaged in the work of our school. You will frequently find me in classrooms, hallways, at arrival and dismissal, attending school events, talking with students, collaborating with teachers, and connecting with families. I believe leadership happens alongside people, not from behind a desk.
Relationships will always be at the center of our work. Academic achievement is incredibly important, but children thrive when they feel safe, valued, challenged, and connected to their school community. We want Cogburn Woods to be a place where students are excited to come to school, teachers are proud to work, and families know they are valued partners.
Our families and community play an essential role in that work. Open, consistent communication and meaningful partnerships between home and school are critical to student success. I encourage our families to stay connected, participate in school events, support our PTO, communicate with teachers, celebrate our successes, and partner with us when challenges arise. We may not always agree on every decision, but we can always work together with the best interests of our children at the center.
As we continue building the future of Cogburn Woods, we will also honor the strong foundation and traditions that have made this school successful. My goal is not simply to lead a great school, but to work alongside our students, staff, families, and community to make an already special school even stronger.
That is what One Cogburn represents to me. It means that regardless of our role—student, teacher, staff member, parent, or community partner—we are connected by one shared purpose: helping every Cougar reach their fullest potential.
Outside of school, I am also a husband and proud father of three children. Being a parent has had a tremendous influence on the way I approach school leadership. I understand the trust families place in us each morning when they send their children through our doors. I want every decision we make to reflect the same level of care, expectation, and opportunity that I would want for my own children.
I am incredibly grateful to serve as your principal and excited about what lies ahead for Cogburn Woods. Thank you for welcoming me into this community, for trusting us with your children, and for partnering with our teachers and staff.
Together, we will continue to Engage, Empower, and Excel while ensuring that every child is known, every teacher is supported, and every day is purposeful.
One School. One Community. One Mission. One Cogburn.
With Cougar Pride
Principal Wright