Meet Dr. Rene Spry, Principal

Joined Team CCS - July 2018                                                   

Experience 
I have had the honor of being an educator for 25 years. I have a bachelor’s and master’s  degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in School Leadership. I received my Doctoral Degree in 2018 from Gardner-Webb University.  I spent the first 10 years of my career teaching in Burke County. I was blessed to teach 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades, where I was honored to receive the 2006 Burke County Teacher of the Year. I became an Assistant Principal in Catawba County in 2007 and served at Maiden Middle School, Catawba Elementary, and Banoak Elementary. In 2012, I began my first principalship in Alexander County Schools at Hiddenite Elementary, where I was honored as Principal of the Year in 2018. After 6 years at Hiddenite, I came back home to Catawba County and began my tenure at Oxford Elementary.  I am excited to begin a new chapter now in 2023 as I take the helm at Challenger Early College High School.

My educational experiences have afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. My educational philosophy is based on my belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family. I believe that as educators, we have a responsibility to educate the whole child, socially, emotional, and academically. I believe that students are capable of achieving any goal they set their mind to, and by giving them the skills that they need to be good citizens in our community, we are creating a bright future for our world. 

Education 
B.S. Elementary Education, West Virginia University
M.A. Elementary Education, Gardner-Webb University
Masters of School Administration, Appalachian State University
Doctor of Education, Gardner-Webb University

Why I Became an Educator
As the oldest of 8 grandchildren, I have always had a love for children as I "mothered" my siblings and cousins. As I grew, I knew that I wanted to spend my life working with children. Becoming a teacher was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It is a calling, a passion, and one of my greatest accomplishments.  

Favorite Activities
My favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends.I have two children, Kennedy, who is 19 and a sophomore at Western Carolina University, and Payne, who is a senior at East Burke High School. Family time and loving on my 4 legged pals, Rilee, Minnie, Pumpkin, and Simba is by far my greatest joy. 

Something Unique About Me
I am originally from West Virginia and a proud alumni of West Virginia University. I bleed Blue and Gold. Go MOUNTAINEERS!

I joined Catawba County Schools to be a part of a community of leaders and learners dedicated to improving the lives of students through educating the whole child. 

Meet Brigette DeArman, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director 

Joined Team CCS - July 2000

Experience 
I have worked in public education for nearly 30 years with 23 of those years in NC and 20 of those years for Catawba County Schools. I have taught ELA, NC Social Studies, and reading at the middle school level and English at the high school level; developed my own writing curriculum while teaching at the Early College - during which my students earned the highest writing proficiency in this region; and served as the secondary education mentor for beginning teachers. I am currently the AP at the Early College, in which I used to teach. I served as the vice president for three years and as the president for five years for the Catawba County chapter of NCAE. 

Education 
B.S. Secondary Education English, Edinboro University of PA
M.A. in Education Administration and Supervision

Favorite Teacher
I knew at the age of 5 that I wanted to be a teacher. I attribute that to my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ralph.  She, my second grade teacher, Mrs. Eckart, my 6th grader teacher, Miss Simmons, and my 9th and 10th grade English teachers, Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Amendola, all had a huge impact on me through their willingness to wait on me to overcome my shyness when called on in class to just believing in me. They listened to their students and showed them they mattered and were important.  

Favorite Activities
I absolutely love going to the beach, regardless of the season or weather. I prefer the beaches of NC and those on the Gulf Coast, and, of course, any Caribbean beach. Walking, relaxing, reading by the water, or watching the waves makes my soul happy. 

Anything Else You Want Us To Know?
I have an adorable fur baby, Samantha Marae. She is the sweetest, smartest, and prettiest kitty. I also have an amazing husband and best friend, Steve, who takes me to the beach whenever I feel the need to go, except on school nights (haha!).  

I joined CCS because of the commitment to students and employees. There is a true sense of family within the school system that makes people feel welcomed and valued.

Meet Lori Hoffa, CVCC Director of Early Colleges

I have worked a variety of jobs throughout my life – newspaper route (long before computers and digital
media), lifeguard, purchaser, interior designer, mother. I entered the field of education in 2004 at St.
Stephens Elementary. After spending four years in fourth grade, I began my career as a college
advisor/liaison at Caldwell Community College and have been a college advisor/liaison for 13 years. My
favorite time of the school year is graduation, when I get to see students complete their high school
journey and move on to their next endeavor whether it is college/university, trade school, work or the
military.
Reading is one of my all-time favorite past-times. . . reading in the hammock on a spring day is the BEST!
Add a little music, the sound of a waterfall and a gentle breeze, it’s most relaxing. My husband and I
enjoy creating beautiful and unique places in our yard with flowers, patios, rock walls, water features,
etc. I also enjoy photography, scrapbooking and being creative. I collect nativities from around the world
and currently have approximately 500 (yes, that’s two zeros.)