A Message from our Principal
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” --Albert Einstein
Do you remember learning how to ride a bicycle? You needed constant encouragement, coaching, and even someone who held on until you found your balance. There were skinned knees, choice words, and even tears at times, but we were encouraged to get back up, get back on, and keep moving forward. The teachers and staff at CREC are here to coach, encourage, and even hold you up when you need it. Our goal is to see you find your balance and to become a successful person, whatever that means for you. Will you fall down? Probably, but the greater question is will you get back up, get back on, and keep moving?
Meet our Administrative Team
Principal
Meet Timothy Adams, Principal
Joined Team CCS - July 2006
Experience
I have worked in public education in many different capacities over the past 20 years. I started my career after serving 4 years in the United States Army, being an independent business owner, and completing an M.A. in Secondary Education with a teacher licensure add-on. My first teaching position was as a full-time substitute at Muncie Central High school, where I also coached Track and Field, and weight lifting. I came from Indiana to Newton-Conover High School, where I taught Science and coached Track, Cross Country, and Volleyball. I taught Science and Math at Hudson Middle School and coached wrestling for one year. I then spent the next 7 years teaching Earth and Environmental Science as well as Global Impact at Challenger Early College, where I coached Wrestling, Cross Country, and Track. I was the teacher of the year at Challenger in 2007, and I served on the BLT from 2006-2010. I was a Project-Based Learning teacher, and I worked with Catawba Valley Community College on their SACS Accreditation as they worked to study the influence of critical thinking on the classroom and adult learning. I served at Catawba Rosenwald Education Center for 2 years as the Assistant Principal as well as their lead for Project ESTEEM, and the principal representative for the middle school. I also helped the PE teacher and staff create a comprehensive Intramural program that helps students work on social-emotional, physical, and mental skills. In the last 5 years, I have served at Oxford Elementary as their Assistant Principal. I have served on all committees and in all aspects of the school domain. I have also worked with the Chamber of Catawba County in creating a transition pipeline and support system for veterans moving out of the military and into the civilian world, with a focus on finding them jobs and housing in Catawba County. I am also working with the Chamber on telling Catawba County's Education Story and with their Leadership Catawba program that I graduated from in March of 2020.
Education
B.S. Chemistry and Life Sciences, United States Military Academy (West Point)
M.A. Secondary Education, Ball State University, M.A. School Administration, Appalachian State University
Ed.D. Curriculum and Instruction (Currently Enrolled), Gardner-Webb University; ESL Certificate, Lenoir-Rhyne University; Driver's Education and School Safety Certificate, East Carolina University; AP Physics Certificate, Ball State University
Why I Became an Educator
Just like many other teachers, I had great teachers who influenced and persuaded me throughout my life and career choices. Yet, it was not my burning ambition to become a teacher as a child. I wanted to be a scientist or a military officer. I pursued both of those avenues in attaining a science degree while at the United States Military Academy. God had different plans, and after being discharged from the military for an extreme case of ulcers, I found myself searching for a way to serve the community and country that had given me so much. After years of soul searching, praying, and fretting over where my life was headed, I had a dream that clearly showed me that I should become a teacher. The very next day, I applied to a graduate program for a master's in education and a teaching license. This may seem very impulsive, but my ulcers had not only sidelined my military and science career, they had also hospitalized me multiple times. Two years later, I graduated with a degree in education and a teaching license, as well as a diagnosis of being in remission for my ulcers. You see, shortly after starting my student teaching, I went to the doctor for a check-up and he ordered tests. At that time, he found that my ulcers of 7 years had gone into remission. I have pursued education and teaching ever since as one given a divine gift, bearing the burden of repaying that gift through dedicated and devoted service to the One who bestowed it. That is Who and What influenced my decision to pursue education. He drives me every day to be and do my best for children so that they have the opportunities to make their own mid-life corrections one day!
Favorite Place in Catawba County
I would have to say it is home. My family enjoys traveling and seeing the world, but there is nothing like coming home to Catawba County. Sometimes I feel like we travel just so we can look forward to coming home. We enjoy the trails and the parks, the opportunities to enjoy cuisine choices from around the world, the friendly and familiar faces, being an hour from the mountains and a few from beautiful beaches. After 20 years of living in Catawba County, it has become a part of my heart, and they say, "Home Is Where the Heart Is!"
Favorite Activities
I enjoy church, mission trips, gardening, eating, camping, hiking, kayaking and fishing.
Something Unique About Me
I have taken classes in Spanish, French, German, and Chinese. I have come to the conclusion that I was interested in the languages but more interested in the cultures and the foods!
I became a member of the CCS family because of their focus on rigorous education; their devotion to students, family and community; and their desire to change the world through every child's success story. That was not a place to work, but a place to live and help Make Education Better!
Assistant Principal
Meet Robin L. Harvey Ed.D, Assistant Principal
Joined Team CCS - August 2016
Experience
I began my career as an elementary teacher in the seventh and eight grade. While in the elementary schools, I moved into the role of countywide math coordinator and then as an elementary assistant principal. Eventually I moved from elementary to high school, serving as assistant principal once again. Eventually I became curious about other aspects of education. After several years in public schools, I ventured out and served as a teacher and counselor in a group home for troubled adolescents. I then served as a teacher in a hospital setting, working with adolescents who were committed in a locked psychiatric unit. After a number of years serving in psychiatric services, I returned to public schools once again as a high school assistant principal before eventually being promoted to principal of a junior high school. While in the position, I managed a high school curriculum as well as a middle grades curriculum. During my time serving as principal, I was recognized as the Wachovia Principal of the Year. Once again, I ventured away from public schools and explored life in the college setting. While working in the college system, I served as an adjunct instructor in the community college, professor in the university setting, Director of the Winston Salem Teacher's Academy and finally as Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences at Forsyth Technical Community College. While in that position, I served with the North Carolina State School Board developing a plan to retain teachers in North Carolina. I now have come full circle, returning to North Carolina Public Schools serving as assistant principal at Catawba Rosenwald Education Center.
Education
B.S. Elementary Education, Appalachian State University
M.A. Middle Grades Education Appalachian State University
Ed.S. Educational Administration Appalachian State University
Ed.D Educational Leadership NOVA Southeastern University
Why I Became an Educator
My seventh grade social studies teacher influenced me to pursue education. I remember thinking how neat it would be to have a job where you could have as much fun as he had all day and call it work!
Favorite Place in Catawba County
I love to go to Lake Lookout on the 4th of July, go out on a pontoon boat and watch the fireworks show over the water. I do this every year!
Something Unique About Me
When I was born, my mom and dad had four girls. They naturally figured #5 would also be a girl so they picked out the name Robin. Were they ever so surprised when I turned out to be a boy! At the time I was born Robin Roberts was a famous baseball player in the major leagues so the name stuck with me! I have forever been a "Boy Named Sue!"
Anything Else You Want Us To Know?
I am the first college graduate in my family.
I came to Catawba Count Schools (CCS) when there was an opportunity to join the leadership team at Catawba Rosenwald Education Center (CREC). I was sold on CCS by the friendly and outgoing interview team. I was made to feel "at home." I have never looked back, and I still feel "at home." CREC has given me the opportunity to enhance my career and help children at the same time. CREC is my family away from home.