Rocky River Elementary School proudly recognized Charbel Awad for MGSD Student of the Month - February 2026. Charbel consistently demonstrates kindness, thoughtfulness, and a genuine love for learning that shines through in everything he does.

From an early age, he has shown an impressive thirst for knowledge. He is inquisitive, attentive, and deeply engaged in his learning. In first grade, he began participating in our DI program after it became evident that he had a strong desire to speak more languages than the two he already spoke fluently—Arabic and English. This curiosity and drive continue to motivate him as he takes responsibility for his own learning each day.

Beyond his academic dedication, he is a supportive and helpful classmate. He willingly assists others and contributes positively to the learning environment. He especially enjoys sharing what he is learning with Mrs. Earnhardt and Mrs. Kaemba whenever we visit his classroom or see him in the hallways. He also demonstrates strong character outside the classroom. At school events, he is attentive and caring toward his younger siblings and consistently shows respect toward his parents. These qualities reflect the values we hope to instill in all of our students.

We are incredibly proud of his diligent efforts, his positive attitude, and his strong Racer Spirit. He is truly deserving of this recognition as MGSD Student of the Month.

PVES recognized Kiyan Witherspoon as the Student of the Month - March 2026. Kiyan exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a Park View Patriot. He consistently demonstrates kindness, safety, respect, and responsibility in his daily actions. Kiyan arrives at school prepared and eager to learn, approaching challenges with determination and perseverance, never allowing difficult tasks to stand in his way.

What truly sets Kiyan apart, and the reason he is being recognized as a standout student, is that he truly has the heart of a Patriot. His compassion and integrity, which he models toward others, are like no other. Without being asked, Kiyan has taken it upon himself to support a classmate who faces physical challenges. Each day, he helps his friend pack and unpack belongings, assists with putting on a coat and hat for recess during the colder months, and offers his hand while walking through the hallways to provide extra balance and reassurance.

These acts of kindness are not prompted or expected; they are simply a reflection of Kiyan’s character. His thoughtfulness has been an incredible support to both his classmate and his teacher, and more importantly, it has provided a student who sometimes struggles to make connections a genuine friend and trusted companion.

Kiyan’s actions demonstrate empathy, leadership, and a strong sense of community. He is a remarkable role model for his peers and a true embodiment of the values we strive to instill in our students. Kiyan is, without question, a truly exceptional and one-of-a-kind student.

Ms. Taylor Evernham’s class has been selected as our Artists of the Month for February 2026 for their creativity, teamwork, and joyful commitment to the performing arts. Over the past several weeks, these students have worked together to bring a story to life through expressive acting, careful listening, and thoughtful use of classroom instruments. They practiced their parts, supported one another, and learned how to function as a true ensemble.

Many of these students were also dedicated members of our acting club, where they consistently demonstrated responsibility, cooperation, and a genuine love of performance. Their Storybook Theatre presentation reflects not only their growing musical and dramatic skills, but also their willingness to take brave risks and share their learning with others. We are proud to celebrate their hard work and are excited to present Ms. Evernham’s class as our Artists of the Month.

Mary Umberger from Park View Elementary School was recognized as the Artist of the Month - March 2026. In addition to her artistic talent, Mary exemplifies what it means to be a Park View Patriot. Mary consistently shows kindness towards others and demonstrates respect for teachers, peers, school property, and herself. She is also highly responsible in class, completing assignments, managing her time effectively, and following directions with care.

The artwork Mary has showcased this month is inspired by Mexican Amate paper art. Through this project, Mary and her fellow second-grade classmates learned about Amate as a traditional and ancient art form made from the bark of fig and mulberry trees. Students explored how the process has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, involving soaking the bark, boiling it with lime, and beating it into pulp to create paper with a distinctive rustic texture. They then used bright, vivid colors to paint imagery often depicting the sun, birds, flowers, and scenes from daily life.

Ms. Ella Donahue, EC Instructional Assistant at Rocky River Elementary School was presented with ABCD Award - February 2026. Ms. Donahue was nominated by RRES Principal, Kaylor Kaemba, and Assistant Principal, Lani Earnhardt.

Ms. Kaemba and Ms. Earnhardt shared, "What a ray of light Miss Ella has been since her arrival at Rocky River! We needed a special individual to join one of our significant population classrooms and she continues to bless us with her spirit, love, knowledge, care, and willingness each and every day. With students who change minute to minute (verbal and nonverbal, have toileting & eating needs, behavior concerns, safety concerns) Miss Ella doesn't miss a beat with supervision and teaching. Her bright spirit shines when she welcomes her students off the bus And boy are they just as eager to get to her!  

"She has quickly learned each child's interests, patterns, triggers, and needs working alongside her colleagues and through the guidance from her teacher. Miss Ella strives to further her education to work with students with special needs and is gaining a better understanding with her current role. Her calm and positive demeanor helps her students thrive in their learning environment and her approach in working with our students is wonderful to see. Miss Ella has so many talents and wonderful characteristics - our students and school are better because she is a member of our team. We are grateful for her commitment to our students and staff. Her professionalism, care, and attitude is appreciated and does not go unnoticed."

Ms. Keona Foye, Therapeutic Support Classroom Teacher Assistant at Park View Elementary School was presented with ABCD Award - March 2026. Ms. Foye was nominated by PVES Principal, Dr. Misha Rogers, and Assistant Principal, Jen Marshall.

Dr. Rogers and Ms. Marshall shared, "Ms. Foye serves as the instructional assistant in our Therapeutic Support Classroom (TSC), but her impact reaches far beyond that role. She is a true example of Authentic Relationships in action. From the moment a student qualifies for TSC and is scheduled to transition, Ms. Foye begins preparing a welcoming, supportive space. She collaborates with the teacher and administrative team to review student information so she can understand their needs before they even walk through the door. When students and families arrive for their first day at Park View, they are greeted not just with a plan but with genuine care, warmth, and intention.

"Ms. Foye immediately begins building rapport with students, using thoughtful strategies to help them feel safe, supported, and part of our school family. She reaches out to parents, opens lines of communication, and fosters ongoing problem-solving partnerships. Because of these efforts, students and families experience success rooted in trust and connection.

"Her work reflects our district’s core belief in creating an environment that is welcoming to all, where every voice is valued, and every person knows they belong. Ms. Foye is deeply invested in each student’s growth and their ability to confidently transition back into a full classroom environment. She doesn’t just support students; she ensures they feel seen, valued, and truly connected to our Park View community.

"Beyond the TSC classroom, Ms. Foye willingly steps in to assist in other areas of the building and is always ready to lend a hand during school events. Her presence, positivity, and willingness to serve wherever needed further strengthen the sense of community that defines Park View."

Tonight we proudly recognized and congratulated the MGSD educators who either attained or renewed their National Board Certification in 2025. 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. Certification by the National Board is considered to be the highest credential in the teaching profession.  

NBCT Renewals: Angela Johnson, SBMS; Tonya Kepley, EMIS; and Deborah Welborn, PVES

NBCT First Time Recipients: Jessy DeFrancisco, PVES; Cynthia Hamilton, SBMS; Alison Joy, MHS; and Lindsay Stowers, SES

The MHS Competitive Cheer team has had a record-breaking season. They won 1st place at two regional competitions in Concord & Greensboro in the D1 Large Varsity division, securing "bids" to two different National competitions, one in Texas and one in Florida. 

The team accepted the invitation to Orlando and had the opportunity to compete against top teams in the Nation in the D1 Large Varsity division at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports. 

In addition to their Regional wins, the team also won the NCHSAA D1 Large Varsity Division at the annual invitational event, bringing home Mooresville High School's first ever championship at this event for competitive cheerleading! 

This team overcame many obstacles this season with several injuries, the invitational event being rescheduled due to a fire, redoing routines for nationals and then missing key practices leading up to Nationals. These girls have risen to every challenge they have faced and done it with a positive attitude and a determination to prove they are at the top of their sport.  

These athletes have worked hard every week since June to perfect their craft and that drive paid off this season with many victories and firsts for Mooresville Competitive Cheer.