| Ripley Elementary School 100 Hwy. 19 East
Ripley, TN 38063
Phone - 731-221-3066
Fax - 731-221-3055
Principal: Phyllis Elkins
(pelkins@mail.lced.net
)
 Mrs. Elkins’ teaching career began in 1986 when she moved from
Obion County to Lauderdale County. She began teaching fourth
grade at Henning 4 and 5. Later at Lauderdale Middle School, she
taught fourth and sixth grades. When Ripley Elementary School
opened in 1996, she became the curriculum coordinator and served
seven years in that position before becoming principal in 2003.
She holds a bachelor of science degree and a master’s degree in
education from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She and
her husband, David, have one child.
Assistant Principal: Texas Culver
(tculver@mal.lced.net
)
Mr. Culver began his teaching career in the Memphis City
Schools. He taught American history and math for two years and
coached football, baseball, and girls basketball. He has been in
Lauderdale County for 14 years. He taught history and was head
football coach at Lauderdale Middle School for four years, and
while there, he was on the Superintendent’s Study Council and
was a 21st Century Classroom recipient. When Ripley Elementary
School opened in 1996, he became the assistant principal. He has
held that position for 10 years. During that time, he has been
involved in getting a million-plus dollars in grants for Project L.E.A.D. and the Comprehensive School Reform/Fast Forward
Project. He holds a bachelor of science degree in American
history from Union University, and a master’s degree in
educational administration and supervision from the University
of Memphis. He and his wife, Samantha, have five children.
Curriculum Coordinator: Memory Gaines
(MGaines@mail.lced.net) 
Spanish in Spring
Students in Katie Dratnol’s class at Ripley
Elementary School were recently treated to a spring Spanish
fling with a visit from Ripley High School Spanish teacher
Melody Berry. Ms. Berry taught the students how to say the
colors and how to count to 10 in Spanish and read the book,
“Skippy Jon Jones,” to the students while they participated and
clapped along. The students really enjoyed their time with Miss
Melody.
Tessellation Test
Students in Mrs. Milan’s fifth-grade math
classes at Ripley Elementary School recently completed a unit on
geometry. As a final project they had to create a tessellation,
a pattern of shapes that do not gap or overlap.
Fabulous Fridays
Each Friday, Ripley Elementary students, who did
not receive a disciplinary referral or pink slip for the week,
are treated with something special. This successful rewards
program honors the largest portion of RES students who have had
wonderful behavior. It may also help encourage others to choose
good behavior.
Marshmallow Math
Students in Mrs. Billie Kissell’s fourth-grade
class at Ripley Elementary recently completed a study on 3D
figures. As a part of the lesson, students created shapes such
as pyramids, cubes, and other 3-dimensional shapes using
toothpicks and marshmallows.
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