James Cole Elementary School

Raw Childhood

Occasionally a moment comes my way at school or in a shared photo that perfectly captures raw childhood. These two sisters decided to just jump into their backyard pool this afternoon and swim while rain came down around them. Their mother captured this moment and shared it with me. I am grateful.

Childhood is fleeting. It is here and before you realize, it disappears. It is always our hope at James Cole Elementary that when possible, we will cultivate childhood. We encourage play and friends and dirty hands and laughter and even on occasion - silliness like jumping in the pool during a rain in your clothes.

We begin school on Thursday. We will be building relationships and we will be educating and stretching your child to new heights. We will also be celebrating childhood every time we can. Because we know how fortunate we are to be in the business of children. We also know that childhood is fleeting. We appreciate that you entrust us to grow your children, keep them safe, love them, and also acknowledge them as children. At Cole Elementary, when you’re here; you’re home. I can guarantee we won’t be jumping into the pool with clothes on in the rain, but maybe that’s because we don’t have a pool on the school’s campus. What we do have is a building full of dedicated adults who will work to their potential to educate your child, but who will also laugh along the way and celebrate moments like this of raw childhood.

Mike Pinto
Principal

We are looking for a 30 hour per week instructional assistant to work with students in one-on-one support as well as a lunch and recess duty.

Pay range depending upon educational background is $15.62-$16.12 an hour. No benefits.

Work 180 days following the school calendar.

Join an amazing team of educators supporting children. Contact Mr. Pinto if interested

Look at these ball fields! Thank you, Chris Brown! The place looks super. Now, let’s get some children playing on them this fall and spring. We can do this!

Rising 6th graders, take advantage of the open building times at Wainwright to walk your schedule and master your locker. Mr. Lowrey always says, “Come as much as you want. Confidence is built through practice.”

Wainwright Open Building Days and Times

Below are the days and times the building will be open for students and parents to practice locker, walk the student’s schedule, put items in locker, and get familiar with the building.

We will not print schedules for this. Use PowerSchool to view your student’s schedule if wanting to walk student schedule and/or the student’s locker number and combination.

Please consider completing the Free and Reduced Lunch application so your child, if eligible, will have breakfast and lunch service without entering paid status

The 2026-27 Free and Reduced Meal Application is now available.

Even if you're unsure whether your family qualifies, we encourage you to apply. A new application is required each school year.

Access the application through the PowerSchool Parent Portal or visit the Nutrition Services page on our website.

https://tscschoolnutrition.mealviewer.net/

Cole Staff Wish Lists

Our teachers and staff pour so much of themselves into our students each year. Let's help them start the year off by fulfilling some of their classroom wishlists! We appreciate any support you are able to give! Cole staff-please post your wishlists in the comments 💚💛

Attached is the flyer and the link for the online store for Cole Elementary School.

Cole Elementary Fall Spiritwear 2026 Online ordering for Cole Elementary Fall Spiritwear 2026 ends on Mon, Aug 31, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)

Thursday at the Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair