Gaston County’s
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Thursday, May 6, 2021
FREE! www.HolyAngelsNC.org/careers
Good news for great people! Volume 87 • Issue 18
Thursday, May 6, 2021
• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
Teachers earn National Board Certification, rank among the best in the nation Twelve outstanding teachers in Gaston County Schools have earned National Board Certification, which is the highest standard for the teaching profession. The certification is made available through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). To rank among the best in the nation, teachers earning National Board Certification must demonstrate their knowledge and skills through an extensive series of performance-based assessments. The teachers spend time examining and reflecting on all aspects of their teaching methods and classroom management. Going through the National Board Certification
process is one of the most difficult things a teacher can do. “Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher was a rigorous, but rewarding experience,” said Sara White of Southwest Middle School. “The process allowed me to show my students firsthand the importance of one’s education and achieving longterm goals. Throughout my journey, I became a stronger teacher, leader, and mentor for my students.” White added, “Being a teacher is an important part of who I am. The certification process helped me to refocus and ensure I give 100 percent to my students daily.” Teachers pursuing National Board Certification
Kerri Luksa
Kody Kubbs
Natalie Mackey
Angela Molla
have three years to complete four different components. One component is a computer-based assessment on the content knowledge within the certification area. The other three components are portfolio requirements. Teachers submit written re-
flections, student work samples, two videos of teaching and student interaction, and evidence of accomplished teaching in the areas of differentiation in instruction, teaching practice and learning environment, and being an effective and reflective
practitioner. For Angela Molla of Catawba Heights Elementary, obtaining National Board Certification was the next step for her in the teaching profession. “I pushed myself to achieve this goal through
hard work and reflection so that I could be a better educator for the students I teach,” explained Molla. “The pandemic delayed my opportunity to submit my portfolio components in the spring, but See TEACHERS, Page 5
Mt. Holly to showcase local arts scene By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info
Mt. Holly PD issues annual report By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info
The Mt. Holly Police Department has issued its 2020 Annual Report. The information is in the form of a colorful and informative 29-page booklet that lays out not only statistical information about
the department’s activities last year, but also states its philosophy and approach to community law enforcement. Chief Don Roper explained how the report came about. See REPORT, Page 4
The already lively Mt. Holly cultural scene is going to get even livelier on Friday, May 21 when “The Art of Mt. Holly: A Collaboration!” event kicks off at 6pm. The evening will feature a variety of fun and fantastic activities along Central Ave. and Main St. in the downtown district highlighted by an art gallery crawl. Galleries open for visitors to view incredible art works in a variety of genres will include Awaken Gallery that will be celebrating its third anniversary, the See ARTS, Page 6
This artwork by Emily Andress “When Masks Were Still Fun” is just one of the ones that folks will see at the gallery crawl event. Photos provided
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