Rachel Leonard named Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for September

Earlier this month, Rachel Leonard received the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award for her outstanding work as the second grade teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. Her encouragement and enthusiasm in the classroom keeps her students engaged and excited about learning. Rachel goes out of her way to challenge all students and provide them with opportunities for growth.

One of the parents that nominated Rachel gave several examples of how Rachel promotes learning in her classroom. Among other things, the parent said Mrs. Leonard went the extra mile to provide supplies for the classroom and math workbooks for students to use for practice at home. The parent also said that Rachel helped meet her son’s need for more challenging literature by bringing in a book series for him to use in the classroom and sharing resources that would be beneficial for him. Rachel is always encouraging to students and parents, and she is always available to listen and offer support.

"We are extremely proud that Rachel is part of our Kannapolis City Schools’ family, and we are delighted that Hilbish Ford is honoring her excellence with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award. Congratulations!" said KCS.  The Hilbish Ford family also wants to congratulate Rachel and thank her for going above and beyond for her students.

Click here to nominate a Kannapolis City Schools teacher for the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award.

Four Ways to Make the Most of Your Test-Drive

When it comes to cars, it’s easy to fall in love at first sight. For many, all it takes is one long, lingering look at those curves, that grille and the great technology to make you seriously consider signing on the dotted line right then and there. If you really want to get to know if that Ford is the perfect fit, though, you’ll want to take it out for a test-drive.

Ready to roll? Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your test-drive and truly get to know your could-be new car:

1. Grab Your Gear – How many times do you just jump in your car and drive? Probably not many. Chances are you’ve got backpacks, briefcases, purses, phones, wallets and a whole host of stuff you’re hauling. Don’t be afraid to bring it with you when you take your test-drive. Does the car have the space and a place for everything you need?

2. Time to Settle In – Think of all the time you’ll be spending behind the wheel. Your comfort is important. Take a moment to find a seat position that works for you. Learn how all the controls work and how easy they are to operate. Adjust the steering wheel, mirrors, and get ready to hit the road.

3. The Daily Grind – A trip to the corner and back probably isn’t enough for you to get a good feel for the vehicle. Do what you can to mimic your routine and the types of driving you experience regularly.

4. Get Personal – People use vehicles in different ways. Once you’ve had a chance to see how it performs on the road, turn your attention to its features. You might have different needs depending on whether you’re trying out a car, truck, crossover or SUV, so don’t be afraid to be picky here.

Once you think about all the different ways you’ll use a new car, you’ll probably think of other items to investigate during the test-drive. Be prepared with a list of items to check and questions you might have during the test-drive. When determining the right car for you, it’s better to ask too many questions rather than not enough.