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 Erin Gates, Assistant Principal
Joined Team CCS - August 2019
Experience
I began my career as a Pre-K teacher in Caroline County, Maryland and then Norfolk, Virginia. While teaching in Maryland, I received my Master's in Reading Education. After teaching Pre-K for seven years, I moved into a reading specialist role and spent eight years as a reading specialist in Virginia, Gaston County Schools and Alexander County Schools. In 2019 I felt the desire to do something different in my career and became the academic facilitator at Catawba Rosenwald, working with middle and high school students for the first time in my career. During that time I completed my Graduate Certificate in School Leadership from Appalachian State and became the Assistant Principal at Catawba Rosenwald in 2022.
Education
B.S. Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Grove City College (PA)
M.Ed. Reading Specialist, Salisbury University (MD)
Graduate Certificate School Leadership, Appalachian State University
Why I Became an Educator
I cannot remember a time in my life when I did not want to became a teacher. I have always loved learning and experiencing new things and everyday I get to share that same joy with students.
Favorite Place in Catawba County
I love to hike Bakers Mountain with my daughters and our family loves to go kayaking on Lake Hickory.
Something Unique About Me
I have visited 29 of the 50 states and would love to visit every state in my lifetime.
Joining the team at CREC was a big change for me, having spent 15 years working at the elementary level. From day 1, however, I knew this was the right place for me and I am so glad I took the leap and now have the opportunity to work with the most amazing staff and students everyday.