BY DEBBIE PAGE

The Mooresville Graded School District Board of Education approved plans for summer enrichment and retesting opportunities for EOG/EOC testing outside of the traditional school calendar at its meeting on Tuesday night after consideration of the plan since staff presentation at the February board meeting.

The State of North Carolina allows school districts to provide additional summer EOG/EOC testing opportunities, with district board approval, to allow students close to proficiency to attend a multi-day remediation and retest.

While it does not count for the school growth measure, the student retest score does count for school and district proficiency calculations.

High school summer school students who did not receive course credit can also take classes for credit recovery as well as take new courses online for course credit. The NF Woods MIWAYE program will host its own summer school.

Summer CTE Camps Career Camps will also be offered, providing hands-on skills and project-based learning in STEM for rising sixth- through ninth-graders.

The district will also offer 72 hours of Read to Achieve Legislation literacy instruction to grades 2 and 3 students who are demonstrating reading difficulty. For younger students, the YReaders program will help at-risk kindergarten and first-grade students to improve their reading skills through a partnership with the Lowe’s YMCA. This six-week camp also has off-site field trips.

Support will also be offered in a two-week intensive camp to multilingual newcomers in grades 3-6, and extended school opportunities are available over the summer to students in the Exceptional Children program.

Secondary JumpStart will be offered to rising sixth-graders (WEB) and rising ninth-graders (LINK).

Transportation and meals will be provided for summer programming, which will operate on Monday through Thursday, with a holiday on June 19. Start times are staggered to accommodate multiple bus runs.

Though much of the focus in the fourth quarter is on the ten days of testing in May, MGSD Superintendent Jason Gardner asked parents and the community to also enjoy the other student talents that the district helps develop, including in athletic competitions, dance, music, and choral programs, CTE competitions, art shows, science exhibitions, and other events as the school year comes to a close.

Gardner also thanked the administrators and staff members who have to quickly sift through the May test data, determine which students need additional summer support, and then contact parents to offer the remediation and retesting opportunities.

“They spend some long evenings during that time trying to put together all the pieces to make that work,” said Gardner.

Programming Dates to Facilitate Parent Planning:

♦ K – 1 Y Readers Camp – 6/2 – 7/10 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

♦ 2nd – 3rd grade Read to Achieve Camp – 6/2 – 7/3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

♦ 3rd – 6th grade Multilingual Newcomer Camp – 6/2 – 6/12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

♦ 6th – 9th CTE Career Accelerator Session 1 – 6/9 – 6/12, Session 2 – 6/16 – 6/18. Instruction occurs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

♦ 9th – 12th Summer School – 6/9 – 6/18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

♦ 9th – 12th NFW Summer School – 5/27 – 6/26 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

♦ Rising 6th graders Jump Start – 7/21 – 7/22 (Training) 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 7/23 (Students) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

♦ Rising 9th graders Jump Start – 7/28 (Training) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 7/29 (Students) 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Additionally, summer high school graduation is scheduled for June 26 at 8 a.m.

Summer Testing

The summer testing opportunity is for students who were not proficient on state tests to receive remediation and test again. This opportunity applies to EOG tests in grades 3-8 and high school EOCs (excluding science because this year was a test re-norming process and test scores will not be back in time for retesting dates).

Students will attend several days of in-person remediation lessons and then take the EOG/EOC exam to attempt to show proficiency in math and reading/ELA.

Parents will be notified about programming dates in March, with individual invitations issued to eligible students in May.

Priority invitations will be for students within 5 scale points of proficiency on the state testing or for those recommended by teachers or administrators from available data. Testing will be done online.

Summer testing dates are:

♦ Grades 3rd – 5th EOGs – 6/2 – 6/5 (ELA 4-5), 6/9-6/12 (Math 3-5) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m..

♦ Grades 6th – 8th EOGs – 6/2 – 6/3 ELA 6-8) 6/4-6/5 (Math 6-8) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

♦ High School EOCs – 6/2 – 6/3 (Eng 2) 6/4-6/5 (Math 1/Math 3) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

GRANT ANNOUNCED

Chief Operations Officer Scott Smith announced that the district has just been awarded a $294,507 Safe Schools Grant. The district plans to invest $165,000 in equipment, $90,000 to help students in crisis, and $39,507 for training to increase school safety.

This grant is in addition to a previous Safe Schools grant of $109,998 the district used to employ additional school resource officers.

DANGERS OF VAPING WORKSHOP

Smith also announced a community workshop at Selma Burke Middle School on the dangers of vaping conducted by Southern Family Medicine at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10.

RECOGNITIONS

Student of the Month

Rocky River Elementary School’s Lily Williams was nominated by the school’s Instructional Leadership Team as the March Student of the Month. She was unable to attend the meeting but will receive her certificate personally this week when school board members visit the school.

Lily was described by nominators as “a shining example of perseverance, positivity, and school spirit. No matter the challenge, she faces each day with a radiant smile and an unwavering determination to succeed.”

“She eagerly participates in every school event, always dressed to the nines, bringing energy and enthusiasm wherever she goes. In the classroom, she is a dedicated and engaged learner who collaborates seamlessly with her peers.”

“She not only encourages those around her but also graciously welcomes support, creating a class culture of kindness and mutual growth. Her resilience and uplifting spirit make her a true inspiration to our school community.”

Artist of the Month

Rocky River Elementary School student Sloan Crenshaw was nominated by her music teacher Kelly Nelson and art teacher Stephanie Sossamon for March Artist of the Month.

Nelson said that Sloan’s “passion for music shines through in everything she does. She is a dedicated learner who encourages others to participate alongside her. She applies her knowledge creatively when composing and creating her own music.”

“With a love for drumming and a strong sense of rhythm and musicianship, Sloan brings energy and skill to every musical activity.”

Sossamon commended Sloan as “a sweet and conscientious student. She always works hard to do her best work. She is personable and gets along well with other students and is a big help whenever one of her classmates or I need help.”

“She’s both witty and kind at the same time and is a true pleasure to teach.”

ABCD Award

Maintenance staff member Tommy Clark was nominated by Rocky River Principal Kaylor Kaemba and Assistant Principal Lani Earnhardt and MGSD Director of Maintenance Todd Neel for the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award for March.

In nominating Clark, Ms. Kaemba and Ms. Earnhardt said that he “brings purpose, kindness, and a solution-oriented mindset to everything he does, making a tremendous impact on the Rocky River community.”

As a plumber, keeping the school safe and clean is a top priority for Clark. “We’re so grateful for his dedication. Whether addressing a leaking water bottle refill station or unexpected issues like a rock in a toilet or stepping outside of his normal duties to hang an AED or replace a burnt-out showcase light, Tommy consistently goes above and beyond.”

“His thoroughness ensures every task is completed to the highest standard, and his friendly demeanor brings joy wherever he goes. We’re lucky to have Tommy as part of the Mooresville Graded team. His hard work and positive spirit make a big difference every day.”

Neel echoed that sentiment, sharing that Tommy “has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering willingness to go above and beyond.”

“His commitment to assisting others is truly commendable. He is always ready to lend a hand, no matter the complexity or scope of the task at hand. Whether it’s during regular working hours, after hours, or on weekends, Tommy consistently offers support without hesitation.”

“Beyond his selflessness, Tommy is also a proactive and enthusiastic contributor. He often leads the charge by volunteering for new projects, showcasing his eagerness to learn and tackle new challenges.”

“His professionalism is evident in everything he does—from his meticulous attention to detail to his respectful and courteous interactions with colleagues and staff alike.”

“A true expert in his field, Tommy possesses a wealth of knowledge and skill that he generously shares with others. He is a respected mentor and guide, always ready to offer support and insight to his colleagues.”

Neel added that Clark “is an extraordinary individual whose dedication, professionalism, and willingness to assist others make him an invaluable asset to the MGSD community.”

SPOTLIGHT ON PEOPLE

Middle School Basketball Champions

The board recognized the Selma Burke Middle School Lady Bears Varsity Basketball Team for earning both conference and tournament champion titles. The team, like last season, remained undefeated (15-0), taking home the Tri-County Athletic Conference trophy.

Team members include Kensley Hoover, Kayden Jones, Nevaeh McCorkle, Kalaya McLaughlin, Aubree Paige, Nya Parker, Khloe Ratliff, Cadence Roberts, Grace Robinson, and Raziyah White. The team is coached by Lucy Mitchell and Shawna Gallmon.

At every practice and game, the team worked together, lifting each other up and never backing down. In their JV season last year, the team was at a brand-new school and the only JV team of all sixth-graders. However, the underdogs surprised everyone with their skill and work ethic.

They made a name for themselves and their school, going undefeated (16-0) and winning the trophy.

This year, the girls scored a total of 617 points and defensively allowed an average total of 24 points per game from their opponents.

Over the last two seasons, the team is now 31-0. Most of the team members are seventh-graders, with only three players moving up to the high school.

MHS State 4A Wrestling Champions

The board also recognized Mooresville High School wrestlers Jace Barrier and Austin Green, who both claimed regional and state championships in their respective weight classes.

Jace Barrier, the 120-pound class champion, put together a near-perfect season, showcasing his relentless work ethic and technical mastery on the mat. He steamrolled through the competition at the regional tournament, securing his championship and earning the top seed at states.

At the NCHSAA 4A State Championships, Barrier continued his dominance to clinch the 120-pound title. His tournament run included a technical fall victory in the quarterfinals, reinforcing his status as one of the top wrestlers in the state.

Barrier’s season was defined by precision, endurance, and control, as he consistently outscored opponents and dictated the pace of every match. His ability to adapt to different wrestling styles made him nearly unstoppable.

Austin Green won the 138-pound class championship in a testament to his grit, strength, and perseverance. As a leader on the team, Green dominated throughout the regular season and continued his momentum into the postseason.

He captured the regional championship and entered the state tournament determined to claim gold. In a thrilling championship match at the state finals, Green secured the 138-pound title. His road to victory included a tough semifinal win where he showcased both strategic wrestling and physical endurance.

Green’s success this season was built on his aggressive style and relentless attack. His ability to push the pace and wear down opponents played a crucial role in his championship run.

With Barrier and Green leading the way, Mooresville High School’s wrestling team established itself as one of the strongest programs in the state. Their individual titles will inspire younger wrestlers to strive for excellence.

National Board Certified Teachers/Staff

The board also congratulated nine MGSD educators who either attained or renewed their National Board Certification in 2024.

As part of the certification process, candidates build a portfolio that includes student work samples, assignments, video samples, and a thorough analysis of their classroom teaching. This is a year-long process that requires a significant investment of time and energy by each participant, whether a first time applicant or a recertification.

Certification by the National Board is considered to be the highest credential in the teaching profession.

Those earning NBCT renewals included Erin Anders from Selma Burke Middle School; Caitlin Carmendy, Amy Harris, Deborah Hauff, Christina Nuss, and Amy Ward from Mooresville High School, and Stephanie Roseman from Mooresville Middle School.

NBCT first time recipients were Robert Fanzo and Mary Royal from Mooresville High School.

INSTRUCTIONAL SPOTLIGHT

In the Instructional Spotlight, Rocky River Elementary Principal Kaylor Kaemba and Assistant Principal Lani Earnhardt provided School Improvement Plan updates to the board.

Kaemba noted that Rocky River historically has been known for open doors and close-knit relationships between staff and families. The leadership committed to increase the number of volunteers at Rocky River by 20 percent from 51 during the 2023-2024 school year to 61 this year.

The school has surpassed this goal with 210 individual volunteers serving at the school already this year just prior to spring break. 

Volunteers have both school day and evening opportunities as well as working with or without children. Volunteers decorate, greet students, tutor students in reading and math skills, perform as mystery readers, field trip chaperones, and preparing materials for various activities.

Earnhardt keeps track of volunteers and makes sure that each get a note of appreciation for their time.

Since Rocky River Staff knows that if better is possible, then good is not enough. Kaemba said the staff committed themselves to increase the percentage of teachers who believe they can meet their students’ unique and diverse needs from 48 percent in September to 80 percent in May 2025.

At the mid-year check-in in early December, 68 percent of the staff agreed with this perception, and the administration and staff has been work to meet this year end goal by the end of the school year.

The staff has had purposeful 30-minute staff meetings, with three minutes dedicated to staff shout-outs, five minutes to full staff professional development (PD), and 20 minutes to staff-led, staff selected mini-PD breakout sessions that meet a teacher’s specific needs to build their belief in their abilities to meet students’ unique and diverse needs.

Mini-PD sessions included Leveraging University of Florida Literacy Institute Data, Self-guided Classroom Tours (to seek new ideas), 4 Pillars of a Healthy Life, Brainingcamp Live, Trauma & the Brain, The Rigid Child, and Building a Classroom Library.

NEXT MEETING

The board’s next regular meeting is on April 8 at 6 p.m. at the Mooresville Town Hall at 413 North Main Street.