Tammy Currie Wins Hilbish Teacher of the Month Award - December 2019

Congratulations to Tammy Currie for earning the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award for December 2019

"Tammy Currie is an amazing third grade teacher at Jackson Park Elementary. She not only is a remarkable educator for her students but also a shining example of how to cultivate parent involvement. The parent who nominated Ms. Currie praised her ability to keep all parents informed about what is happening in her classroom as well as at Jackson Park. The parent said that Ms. Currie is always available to answer questions and lets her know on a regular basis how her child is doing. She also said that Ms. Currie is extraordinary in dealing with students. The parent said that when her daughter had an incident with another student in the class, Ms. Currie handled perfectly. She said Ms. Currie responded in a way that did not disrupt either child’s learning. In the words of the parent, “Ms. Currie wants to see her students not only as good students but as good people.” She also said that Ms. Currie has helped to make this a fantastic school year!

We’re proud that Tammy Currie is part of our KCS family and delighted that Tim Vaughn of Hilbish Ford honored her excellence with the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher Award for December. Congratulations!"

Click here for the original story by Kannapolis City Schools.

Nominate an outstanding KCS teacher for this award here.

Kannapolis City Schools Teacher of the Month - November 2019

“Michelle Connell is an amazing teacher!” That’s the first line of the nomination recommending Ms. Connell for the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award. Ms. Connell teaches 5th grade at G.W. Carver Elementary School.

The parent who nominated Ms. Connell went on to say that her son has high functioning autism as well as ADHD. She said Ms. Connell had been wonderful with her son as well as all of the children in the classroom. The parent explained that her son’s autism and ADHD can make for some rough days but that Ms. Connell always finds ways to keep him on task and pushing to succeed. In the words of the parent, “Ms. Connell has her own unique way of teaching students and making learning fun. She deserves this award because she is the kind of teacher every parent would want for their child.”

We completely agree, and we’re proud that Michelle Connell is part of our KCS family. We’re also delighted that Hilbish Ford is honoring her excellence with the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher Award for November. Congratulations!

Click here to nominate an outstanding Teacher of the Month from Kannapolis City Schools!

Read the original article by Kannapolis City Schools here.

Vanessa Arellano Earns Hilbish Teacher of the Month Award for Kannapolis City Schools!

Vanessa Arellano is a very special teacher at Fred L. Wilson Elementary. She was the school’s very first foreign language teacher, and she’s changing lives in profound ways. She came to Fred L. Wilson from Lima, Peru and helped to make Kannapolis City Schools’ Spanish Language Immersion program a reality.

The parents who nominated Ms. Arellano said that she has helped to bring a world of diversity to her students. They praised her ability to give students a great foundation for learning not only a new language but also a new culture. They love the thoughtful instruction Ms. Arellano brings to the classroom and the way she combines her curriculum with incredible caring. In their words, “She truly loves her students and families and supports her students in every possible way.”

We’re very proud that Vanessa Arellano has come to Kannapolis to be part of our KCS family, and we’re delighted that Hilbish Ford has honored her excellence with the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher Award for October. Congratulations!

Click here to nominate an outstanding KCS teacher for the Hilbish Teacher of the Month Award.

View the original article by KCS here.

Tara Copeland Recognized as KCS Teacher of the Month for September 2019

Congratulations to the September Teacher of the Month for Kannapolis City Schools, Tara Copeland!

Tara Copeland is an amazing Pre-K teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary. She is also one of the rare teachers who has received multiple nominations from parents and students to be the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month.

Ms. Copeland makes a lasting impact not only on her students but also on their parents. One parent that nominated Ms. Copeland has had two children come through her classroom. She said, “Mrs. Copeland is an amazing person and a wonderful teacher. She loves her job and treats each one of her students as if they were her own. She puts her all into making sure her students are successful, and both of my children love her.” Another parent sent in a nomination on behalf of her son who is now five years old but still remembers Mrs. Copeland fondly. The parent wrote in her son’s words: “Mrs. Copeland was super fun when I was in pre-K and helped me learn things to make me smart. She always made me laugh, but she still won’t eat sushi!”

That pretty much sums up the life of an A-1, super-fantastic pre-school teacher, and we’re extremely proud that Tara Copeland is part of our KCS family. We are delighted that Tim Vaughn of Hilbish Ford has honored her excellence with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award. Congratulations!

Click here to view the original article by Kannapolis City Schools.

Nominate an outstanding KCS teacher by clicking here.

Celeste Kirkman Earns Hilbish Teacher of the Month Award for KCS

Congratulations to Ms. Celeste Kirkman for earning the Hilbish Teacher of the Month Award for Kannapolis City Schools!

KCS shared: "Celeste Kirkman teaches special needs students at A.L. Brown High School, and she has made a wonderful, positive, and lasting impact on her students. The parent that nominated Ms. Kirkman wrote about his daughter’s remarkable transformation thanks to Ms. Kirkman’s amazing influence. The parent wrote that his daughter’s middle school years were very difficult but that it all changed when she started at A.L. Brown and had Ms. Kirkman. The father said in his nomination, “Catherine has received straight A's since starting high school. She loves getting up and wanting to go to school. She loves Ms. Kirkman, and every night when she does her prayers, she says her name. Catherine has really excelled this school year, and I truly feel it is because of her teacher. I even get progress notes every day in Catherine's backpack. For her first year, Ms. Kirkman has made a big difference with my daughter, and I will always be indebted to her for what she has done for my Catherine.”

That is a wonderful tribute to Ms. Kirkman, and it shows why public education is so special. We are extremely proud that Celeste Kirkman is part of our KCS family, and we’re delighted that Hilbish Ford and General Manager, Tim Vaughn, are honoring her excellence with the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher Award for June. Congratulations"

Click here for the original article by KCS.

"One of a Kind" Teacher Earns Hilbish Teacher of the Month Award

Congratulations to our Hilbish Teacher of the Month for Kannapolis City Schools, Ms. Sonya Allman!

Here's what KCS shared about Ms. Allman:

"Sonya Allman teaches four-year-old students at McKnight Head Start. She is a very special teacher and the first person from McKnight to win the Hilbish Teacher of the Month Award.

The grandparent who nominated Ms. Allman called her “one of a kind” and praised the incredible caring that she showed to her grandchildren when they were students at Head Start. Here is part of what the nomination said. “Ms. Sonya went completely above and beyond for my grandchildren. She was the teacher for both of my granddaughters, and she stays in touch with them both even though they are now in kindergarten and first grade. She went out of her way to spend some time with them over the summer as I had to take custody of them, and she wanted to make the transition easier. Teachers receive so little recognition, but if anyone deserves a moment of gratitude and recognition for the love and care they provide for these children, it is Ms. Sonya.” The grandmother’s nomination went on to say that she has two little girls who are prime examples of what a loving teacher can do to give them a great start in their educational careers.

Sonya Allman epitomizes what it means to be a great teacher, and we’re extremely proud that she is part of our KCS family. We’re delighted that Hilbish Ford is honoring her excellence with the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher Award for May. Congratulations!"

Click here to nominate an outstanding KCS teacher for this award.

Doug Byrnes of Kannapolis Middle School Earns Hilbish Teacher of the Month Award

Congratulations to the Hilbish Teacher of the Month, Doug Byrnes!

Tim Vaughn, General Manager for Hilbish Ford, presented the award to Mr. Byrnes during the recent Kannapolis City Schools Board of Education Meeting. KCS shared this message:

Doug Byrnes teaches social studies at Kannapolis Middle School. Besides inspiring students inside the classroom, Mr. Byrnes leads the KMS Quiz Bowl Team.

The parent that nominated Mr. Byrnes praised his unique ability to teach students life lessons that go beyond the standard curriculum. The parent observed Mr. Byrnes at the Reed Gold Mine Quiz Bowl competition and said this, “His love for teaching and his passion for history was evident. He encouraged the students and made sure they knew how proud he was of them for trying their best. He also made sure they understood that good sportsmanship was just as important as winning. One thing my son learned from Mr. Byrnes is that you can always be first at something, even if it is “first at the handshake” to congratulate the team or person who won. Mr. Byrnes has made learning social studies fun for my son this year. He has found a new passion for history that he has never had before. Mr. Byrnes is the type of teacher that leaves a lasting impression on his students. He challenges them but also motivates them to leave his classroom as a better student and person than they were before they came.”

Doug Byrnes epitomizes what it means to be a great teacher, and we’re extremely proud that he is part of our KCS family. We’re delighted that Hilbish Ford is honoring his excellence with the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher Award for April. Congratulations!

Click here to nominate the next Teacher of the Month for Kannapolis City Schools.

A.L. Brown HS Teacher Earns Hilbish Teacher of the Month Award for March 2019

We would like to congratulate Mr. James Busse for earning the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award for Kannapolis City Schools! We are so proud of your achievements and we're thankful to have teachers like you in our community! 

Kannapolis City Schools shared this message: 

"James Busse is an amazing, versatile, and dedicated teacher at A.L. Brown High School. He is the school’s Carpentry teacher, and he helps coach the Wonders’ championship cheerleading squad. Mr. Busse makes a positive impact on students all across A.L. Brown.

The parent who nominated Mr. Busse praised his patience and excellence in teaching her son with special needs. She said, “My son, who is in the Occupational Course of Study Program with high functioning Autism, had Mr. Busse for Carpentry during the first semester of this school year. My son absolutely loved this class and loved Mr. Busse. While using caution with specific tools, Mr. Busse allowed my son to learn and participate in class just like the rest of the students. The self-confidence my child gained from being in the class has been fantastic. Mr. Busse always provides a huge smile, a warm welcome into his classroom, and positive attitude. He mailed postcards to my child congratulating him on passing his exam, his hardworking attitude, and his willingness to try new things. Mr. Busse is an outstanding teacher. His kindness has been heartwarming, and he is a true asset to A.L. Brown High School.”

James Busse epitomizes what it means to be a great teacher, and we’re extremely proud that he is part of our KCS family. We’re delighted that Hilbish Ford is honoring his excellence with the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher Award for March. Congratulations!"

Click here to nominate the next Teacher of the Month for Kannapolis City Schools!

Rolonda Morgan is February's Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher for Kannapolis City Schools

Congratulations to our February 2019 Teacher of the Month for Kannapolis City Schools, Rolonda Morgan!!

Kannapolis City Schools shared this about Rolonda:
"Rolonda Morgan is a native of Kannapolis, a product of Kannapolis City Schools, and an amazing special education teacher at Shady Brook Elementary. She is one of the rare winners of the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award who earned nominations from three different families. All of the nominations touched on Ms. Morgan’s incredible love and patience with her students and her willingness to do whatever is necessary to meet their needs. They also talked about how she makes parents part of their children’s education. One of the nominations said, “Mrs. Morgan truly understands her students and what they need to help them learn. She understands they will have bad days, and she somehow makes it better. My son and I have been blessed with her for kindergarten and first grade. He truly loves school and can’t wait to see his teacher.” Another nomination praised her communication with parents, and the third nomination said in part, “Above all, she is patient with special children.” One of the nominations summed it up when it said, “She loves what she does, and the kids love her too!”

We’re extremely proud that Rolonda Morgan has remained part our KCS family from her time as a student to becoming an outstanding teacher, and we’re delighted that Tim Vaughn of Hilbish Ford has honored her with the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher Award for February. Congratulations!"

Click here to nominate the next Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for KCS.

Courtney Ryczek Earns Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher Award

Earlier this month, the Teacher of the Month Award for Kannapolis City Schools was awarded to Courtney Ryczek of Forest Park Elementary!

Kannapolis City Schools shared: 

"Courtney Ryczek is an amazing and versatile 5th grade teacher at Forest Park Elementary. Until recently, Mrs. Ryczek taught second grade at Forest Park. Her nomination came from a parent whose son had her in second grade. The parent said Ms. Ryczek made an incredible difference in her son’s life. According to the parent, her son left first grade without a love for school. However, they enrolled him at Forest Park, and her son had Ms. Ryczek in second grade. The parent said that with Ms. Ryczek, her son started to love school and learning. He never wanted to miss school because he would miss his teacher. She said that Ms. Ryczek stimulated her son’s heart and his brain, and he is now thriving in third grade. In her words, “Because of Ms. Ryczek’s authentic love for her students, our son’s educational track was changed. We will always be grateful for Ms. Ryczek!”

We’re extremely proud that Courtney Ryczek is part of our KCS family, and we’re delighted that Hilbish Ford has honored her with the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher Award for January. Congratulations!"

Click here to nominate the next outstanding Teacher of the Month for Kannapolis City Schools!

Emanuel Gonzalez Honored as Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month - December 2018

Congratulations to Emanuel Gonzalez for earning the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for Kannapolis City Schools in December 2018!

Kannapolis City Schools shared this message about Emanuel: 

"Emanuel Gonzalez teaches math at A.L. Brown High School. He is the kind of teacher that all parents want their children to have. The parent who nominated Mr. Gonzalez praised him for helping her son after an injury caused her son to miss two days of school. She said that not only did Mr. Gonzalez make sure the make-up work was delivered but he also included a get well card, a smiling photo of himself holding the make-up work folder, plus several tickets that he gives to students as encouragement or rewards. On another occasion, her son used the “Remind” app to contact Mr. Gonzalez with a question about homework. Mr. Gonzalez responded immediately. The parent said Mr. Gonzalez has an amazing teaching style that goes beyond expectations to meet all of his students’ needs. His lessons are exciting, engaging and help his students not only learn high school math but also remember and internalize it. The parent put it this way: “Students love Mr. Gonzalez and students learn from Mr. Gonzalez. He certainly deserves to be the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month!”

We agree, and we’re extremely proud that Emanuel Gonzalez is part of our KCS family. We’re delighted that Hilbish Ford has honored him with the Hilbish Award for December. Congratulations!"

Click here to nominate the next teacher of the month for Kannapolis City Schools.

Read original article by KCS here.