Everyday Heroes
Rowland Norment Elementary School Faculty/Staff
From the Principal's Desk...
I am Dr. Tara Bullard, principal of Rowland Norment Elementary School. It is my absolute pleasure to serve the students, parents, community, and faculty/staff of Rowland Norment school beginning this 2018 school year. I thought it would be a great idea to start things off with some introductions! Featured in this newsletter are the Everyday Heroes that teach and inspire our DinoMite students! We hope you enjoy!
Dino-Mite Kindergarten Faculty/Staff
Mrs. Tara Bullard
Hello Everyone!
My name is Tara R Bullard. I am a Kindergarten Teacher at Rowland Norment Elementary. I have been working for the Public Schools for 15 years. I believe that every child can achieve at their own pace to become successful in life. I adore teaching our little ones. I have always had a passion as a young child to teach. My desire is to continue to mold our future leaders of tomorrow by starting with building on their foundational skills.
Mrs. Sharon Walker, TA
Mrs. Lorna Gibson
Welcome to Kindergarten!
My name is Lorna Gibson I have served as an educator in the public schools of Robeson County for twenty-eight years.
I love teaching at Rowland- Norment Elementary. I have seventeen years of experience as an Early Childhood Instructor at Robeson Community College. I am always seeking to maintain effectiveness as an educator. Through this effort I have obtained several degrees and certificates.
Among them are: Associate In General Education, Bachelor of Science, Master Of Arts in Education, Completion of Coursework for Graduate Certification in Special Education, Participant of the North Carolina Teacher Academy, Participant of the North Carolina Advancement for Teachers, Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction, Enrolled into Doctoral Studies, Certificate in Preschool, Certificate in Autism, Certificate in Theology.
I love my family. I love teaching and most of all I love the Lord!
We are going to have a wonderful year.
Ms. Rebecca Sampson, TA
Hello Rowland Norment Elementary Family & Friends! My name is Rebecca Sampson. I am a Kindergarten Teacher Assistant. I have been at Rowland Norment for 12 years now!! I love this school. It truly is home to me. I finished my Bachelor's in Sociology back in the summer and I am working on my Master's now in Elementary Education at UNC-Pembroke. I hope to be teaching next school year & have my very own class! I absolutely love my job, my students and my coworkers. Some of my hobbies are shopping, planning for my upcoming classroom and decorating my home for the holidays. I hope we all have a Dino-mite school year!!!
Mrs. Kimberly Branch
Hi everyone
My name is Kimberly Branch I am currently in my fourth year as a Kindergarten teacher, previously I was an assistant for six years. I am a graduate of Fayetteville State University and Robeson Community College. At this time I am pursuing a Master's degree from the UNCP.
Family is of upmost importance to me. With that being said I have been married for 32 years to my wonderful husband, Alex and we have a twenty-six year old son, Josh. He has a daughter Aubreigh, who is three and brings the greatest joy to our lives. I am an avid animal lover who has 3 dogs and 2 cats. I volunteer at our local Humane Society.
One of the many things I like best about teaching is when I can see that light bulb moment. When my students come to the realization that they are doing a task independently and are so proud of themselves I become overjoyed for them. I hold all my students to high expectations because I believe every child has the potential to be an outstanding student.
Mrs. Sonya Murray, TA
Hi! I’m Sonya Murray and have been at Rowland Norment for 24 years. I love my job and being a help to whoever needs it. I’m honored to represent RNES as the TA of the year.
Mrs. Crystal Lambert
Hello, my name is Mrs. Lambert and I am a Kindergarten teacher here at Rowland-Norment Elementary. I spent three years as a teacher assistant and decided to expand my role at RNES and now I am working on my second year as a teacher.
I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2017 and immediately decided to pursue a master’s degree in education.
I enjoy every aspect of teaching and I have realized that children can teach us as much as we teach them. This is one of my favorite things about teaching. I really do enjoy children and the opportunity to watch them grow and flourish very much.
Another one of my favorite things about teaching is that I get to work with a great team that has an incredible passion for each child. I feel very proud and lucky to be part of such a great group of teachers.
Mrs. Michelle Kline, TA
Ms. Gabrienne McClain
Hello all! I am excited to represent Rowland Norment as a kindergarten teacher. I have proudly been representing this school for 2 ½ years. Before moving to kindergarten, I worked as an EC assistant for Scotland County Schools. I am a graduate of UNCP, class of 2016, majoring in Sociology. Currently, I am obtaining a Master’s Degree in Teaching Elementary Education. What I like best about teaching is that I have the ability to give back to our community by educating our children.
Mrs. Sonya Parrent, TA
I have been happily married for 22 years to my husband Michael. We have two wonderful sons and three fur babies.
Ms. Serena Strickland
Hi, my name is Serena Strickland and I am a Kindergarten teacher at Rowland Norment. I have been teaching Kindergarten for 10 years. I was born in Lumberton and attended kindergarten at Southside Ashpole Elementary. I attended UNCP where I earned my Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education. What I love most about teaching is watching my students learn and grow academically .
Lynn Harding, TA
Dino-Mite First Grade Faculty/Staff
Mrs. Hannah Perdue
My name is Hannah Freeman Perdue, and I teach first grade at Rowland Norment Elementary. I graduated from Pembroke University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and this will be my third year teaching. I believe that all children deserve and are capable of learning. I believe that this can be accomplished with the use of various strategies to accommodate the different learning styles of students along with the mutual respect, hard work, and love between the teacher, students, and parents. I value and advocate parental involvement and believe that student achievement highly depends on that support at home as well as at school. My favorite part about teaching is the relationships that I build with my students. I like to get to know my students on a personal level. I feel that making a connection with the students is the most important thing I can do to create a safe and loving atmosphere that will support their desire to learn. Rowland Norment has been that safe and loving atmosphere for me, and it has undoubtedly supported my desire to continue teaching.
Mrs. Joy Hickman
Mrs. Kelli Johnson
My name is Kelli Johnson. I am a 1st grade teacher at Rowland-Norment. I was born and raised in Lumberton. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from UNCP in the spring of 2016. I decided to become a teacher when I was in high school. I participated in Teacher Cadet, and I realized, at that time, my love for helping children learn. The past two years at Rowland-Norment have been so much fun, and I am excited to continue to help our students grow every year!
Mrs. Shannon Strickland
Mrs. Theresa Thompson
Hello everyone! I’m Theresa Thompson, a 1st grade teacher here at Rowland Norment. I begin as a substitute teacher for PSRC in 1999.I became a teacher assistant in 2000, and began teaching in 2014. My journey does not stop there. I am currently attending GCU to become an educational administrative leader. My goal is to be an effective leader, promoting the academic growth of our children, preparing them to be college and career ready for the 21st century. I believe that all children can learn, and that teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where there influence stops. What I love best about teaching is making my children feel loved and confident about their ability to learn. What I love best about RNES is our ability to come together as a team to support the vision and mission of our school.
Ms. Gwyneth Vargas
I have always had a passion to teach! Once I learned how to write, I enjoyed writing my version of Math lessons on the doors of my childhood home. Although I teach all subjects as an Elementary Educator, my favorite subject to teach is Math.
What I like best about teaching are the different ideas that are presented from both the staff and my students. Children have AMAZING minds and they never cease to amaze me with the ideas they come up with!
What I like best about RNES is how encouraging and supportive our staff is.
"I facilitate thinking, I engage minds, I listen to questions, I encourage risk, I support struggle, I cultivate dreams, I learn everyday, I TEACH."
Mrs. Michelle Ivey, TA
I have been working at RNES since 2007. I first started as an office assistant ½ day and a media assistant ½ day. I went full time in the media center until all media assistants were taken out.
Currently I serve as the PTA president of our school. I am currently the CTAP program manager.
I had the privilege of being the District 4 and North Carolina Association of Teacher Assistants State TAOY for 2017-2018. During this time, I was asked what my Philosophy of Education is? As an Instructional Assistant, I see a great need in the diverse cultural we have in our schools. I see a great need of learning and wanting love and attention. I believe every child can learn no matter who they are or what background they come from. I have worked with Special Needs Children who are Hispanic and started out not talking and left my classroom knowing their ABC’s, 123’s and kindergarten word list. I see growth in children who believe at first that a task is too hard, and eventually gain confidence and start believing in themselves. Just recently a student told myself and the teacher in my first-grade class that he and another student were doing a math test. He was learning what 100 + 100 is. His answer was “A Zillion.” It was a priceless moment. If you encourage a child to try, they will give “A Zillion”. Implementing strategies and different learning techniques based on each child needs and abilities is much needed I today’s classrooms. I love seeing a child achieve success through personal educational goals that are set for them. With standards changing and the diverse culture we have, I value time well spent educating a child. Many times, we are the only positive adult influence in their lives that they have. I believe that if you train up a child, and touch them with love they will grow and succeed in life. Behind every school is a great Principal. Behind every Principal is a great Teacher. Behind every Teacher is a great Teacher Assistant. Behind every Teacher Assistant is a great student. A philosophy of education represents answers to questions about the purpose of schooling, a teacher's role, and what should be taught and by what methods. Our students are our future leaders of tomorrow, and we owe it to them to give them our very best each day.
Mrs. Avlean Locklear, TA & Bus Driver
Dino-Mite Second Grade Faculty/Staff
Mrs. Angela Wilkerson
Ms. Veronica Hatton
Norment elementary school. Since I was a youth, I have enjoyed working with children. I like helping others and I have been employed helping children, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. I have a degree in Psychology with a minor in American Indian studies from UNCP. My college studies also include education, elementary education, and special education. Iam a child advocate and I have lobbied for children in Washington D.C. I think it is very important for parents and teachers to work together to help children to be successful. I have high expectations for my students and Iam blessed to work with your child.
Mrs. Shelly Lowry
Ms. Dana Mack
My name is Dana Mack. I was born and raised in Grenada, MS where I lived until Jan. 2017 when I moved to NC to live with my sister.
I have three daughters and five grandchildren all of whom live in Grenada, MS. I love education, and I believe that all children can learn regardless of any issues they might endure. I have an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Holmes Community College, a Bachelor's Degree in General Studies from Ole Miss University and I am presently working on a Master's Degree in education at UNCP.
Email: dana.mack@robeson.k12.nc.us
Ms. Andrea Mantovani
Mrs. Sharon Prevatte
This is my 29th year of teaching. I graduated from Campbell University and received my masters degree from UNCP. This is my 16th year at Rowland-Norment. I love being here because we are a family here, and as a little girl I started school at Rowland-Norment. My hobbies are reading, cooking, and cross stitching. I have two wonderful children, and one grandson.
I look forward to having a wonderful year with my students. Learning should be a fun experience, and I try to incorporate as much fun as I can in my lessons.
Mrs. June Hunt
I absolutely love my career in education. This is my 15th year teaching. My professional degrees consist of a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education as well as a MAEd from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. I am currently teaching 2nd grade for the 2018-19 school year. I strive to be a positive role model for my students and to provide them with a great education. I also enjoy working with my coworkers who share a vision with me for the success of our students.
Email: june.hunt@robeson.k12.nc.us
Mrs. Janet Hester, TA
Ms. Lisa Revels, TA
Dino-Mite Third Grade
Mrs. Denise Parker
Ms. Kristy Phillips
Hello my name is Kristy Phillips and I am a Third Grade teacher. I have a Bachelor's degree from University of North Carolina at Pembroke in Elementary Education and Sociology. I am currently working on my Masters at Liberty University for School Counseling. I have been teaching at Rowland Norment for six years. I also was a teacher assistant at East Robeson for eight years. My philosophy of teaching is that it's very important to build a good relationship with your students and a support network between school and home. I think it's also important to have enthusiasm and passion for learning with my students on a daily basis. I love teaching at Rowland Norment because we have a very caring staff and my colleagues work very well as a team to help me grow in my profession. I feel like we are a big family at Rowland Norment!!!
Mrs. Seauna Richardson
My name is Seauna Richardson. I was born and raised in Lumberton, NC where I reside with my husband Quentin and our four children, Elijah, Eden, Emory, and Emon. For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I am grateful that even after some detours, God gave me the desire of my heart. My philosophy on teaching is that everyone in the classroom contributes as a student, teacher, and thinker. I learn from students as much as they learn from me and I enjoy that. I always want my students to know that the classroom is a safe place for learning through sharing, discussing and exploring with one another.
Ms. Gwendolyn Rogers
Hello, my name is Gwendolyn Rogers. I am a 3rd grade teacher. I graduated from Fayetteville State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education.
One inspirational quote is “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” Maya Angelou
What I like best about teaching is making a difference in the life of a child.
I enjoy working at RNES because it where the path for this journey in my life started as a teacher as well as working with a group of great teachers.
I am currently pursuing a degree in Master of Education in Educational Administration at Grand Canyon University.
Ms. Mary Watson
Mrs. Charlene Whitted
Hello, my name is Charlene Whitted and I am a Third Grade teacher here at Rowland Norment Elementary School. I attended N.C. A&T State University in Greensboro, NC and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. I also attended UNC-Pembroke in Pembroke, NC and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (K-8) degree. I have always enjoyed helping children. I love to teach students and watch the “light bulb” come on; it is such a fulfilling moment. I have enjoyed working at RNES. We are a family and we are just DINO-mite!!!!
Dino-Mite Exceptional Children Faculty/Staff
Mr. Charles Hunt
My name is Charles Hunt. I am an Exceptional Children's (EC) teacher at Rowland Norment. I have been teaching for four years now all at Rowland Norment. Prior to that, I served 20 years in the Navy where I retired. I am originally from Rowland and graduated from South Robson in 1986. I love teaching because my belief that all children can learn inspired to become an EC teacher. If anyone has questions about the EC program at Rowland Norment, please give me a call.
Mrs. Lisa Risen
Hello Dino-mite Parents!
My name is Mrs.Lisa Risen and I am an Exceptional Children’s teacher here at R.N.E. school. Previously, I have been employed with the P.S.R.C. as an Exceptional Children’s Teacher assistant, as well as former member of the PRC-29 Behavioral Management team before acquiring my teaching position here at our wonderful school. I am a graduate of Robeson Community College with an Associate Degree of Arts and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke having obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. I am currently working towards my Master’s degree in the Science of Mental Health with an Emphasis on the Family Dynamic. I am a wife and mother of three wonderful daughters, one of which has gone into teaching as well. I look forward to being in my classroom each day and engaging my students in creative, cognitive learning which is both individualized and formative, implementing a safe and structured learning environment where my students may gain the tools needed to perform up to their highest potentials, socially, behaviorally and cognitively.
Ms. Paula Britt, TA
Mrs. Katrina Culbreth
Ms. Mary Walters, EC TA
Mrs. Teresa Baker, TA
Current Status: TMH assistant teacher (Rowland Norment School), Office Manager (HR Block)
Education: Associate Degree (UNCP),( Robeson Community College) Early childhood education.
Bachelor Degree in Accounting, (UNCP)
Years of Service: 2 years Full time Assistant
5 years full time sub various classes
Prior Years: Claims supervisor (Wal-Mart) 25 years retired.
Always enjoyed working with children, Volunteered as various schools while working at Wal-Mart
My belief is children always come first, that's why we are teachers.
Mrs. Lauren Little, TA
The education, social and emotional opportunities for people with disabilities is a subject that is very close to my heart and I will always work to be their biggest advocate. My future goal is to become a Special Education teacher. I couldn't imagine doing anything else. Throughout the year, I volunteer at several social events and camps for people with disabilities. At my church, I assist in our Friends of Jesus sunday school class that allows adults with disabilities from Robeson County and surrounding areas the chance to attend every sunday morning worship and learn about God.
I am the mother of three children, 2 boys who attend Tanglewood Elementary School and a 16 month old little girl. My husband is a science teacher at Lumberton Senior High School and coaches the wrestling team. We are a huge wrestling family. I come from a family of wrestlers and now am raising my own wrestlers! You can almost always find my children and I at the LSHS wrestling events supporting the Pirates from September to April. My husbands athletes become my babies just as much as the students in my classroom.
Dino-Mite PreK
Ms. Christine Harriger
Ms. Amanda Pate-Pope, TA
My name is Amanda Pate Pope. This is my 5th year with Rowland Norment. Prior to starting my journey at Rowland Norment I was a Field Sales Major with Great American Senior Benefits, specializing in the senior market and was previously the Natioanl Accounts Advertising Representative with Heartland Publications. I graduated from Campbell University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. I'm currently enrolled in graduate school working toward my Master of Education in Elementary Education, and will complete my last required class in June.. The children that come into our doors will shape our world. The little hands we help wash will grow and possibly become our doctors, lawyers, teachers, world leaders and so many more amazing things. The role that we as a school play in the students lives that we are fortunate enough to spend our days with helps mold them into successful adults. Rowland Norment is a very unified group of wonderful people that are all here for the same reason, the students. In addition to working with Pre-K here I also work nights and weekends with a marketing company. I have one daughter, Pateyn, who is in 5th grade this year and involved in every extra curricular activity she can find!
I wasn't sure what kind of picture you wanted so I've included one of my family, and then a few of my pre-K family.
Dino-Mite Resource Staff
Mr. Elpidio Razon, ESL
Before becoming an ESL/ELL Teacher, Elpidio acquired a BS Degree in Business Administration/Management and managed establishments in Houston, Texas and Lumberton, NC. Elpidio became an educator because he believes that ALL children-no matter their social economic status or race-should have the opportunity to receive the best education that this country offers (and of course, he was also inspired by his wife who has a passion for teaching!).
Elpidio is a dog-lover and enjoys traveling, horseback riding, painting/drawing, playing the organ for his church and volleyball.
Mrs. Jessica Marks, ESL
· ELL teacher
· 7th year in Education
· UNC-Pembroke Alumni
o Bachelors in Elementary Education
o Pursuing a Masters in School Administration
· I believe that each student is a unique individual who deserves a stable, caring, and inspiring atmosphere in order to grow and mature throughout their educational career.
“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean”
Mrs. Sally Mercer, Media
My name is Sally Mercer, I have been married for 22 years to my wonderful husband Jon. We have 3 daughters, 3 dogs, and 4 cats!
I have been teaching since 2004. I started my career teaching 3rd grade at Rowland Norment for 5 years and 2nd grade for 1 year. After that I became a Media Specialist.
It’s interesting that I also attended Rowland Norment as a child, Kindergarten through 4th grade! My sister, mother, aunts, and uncles were Dino-mite Dinosaurs also!
My Educational Achievements:
* Robeson Community College - Degree in Cosmetology
* The University of North Carolina at Pembroke - Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education
* East Carolina University - Master's in Library Science
* Rowland Norment Teacher of the Year 2009-2010
Mr. Trey Brown, PE
Trey Brown
Physical Education
B.S. Physical Education
M.A. Physical Education
Mr. Brown received a wrestling scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Mr. Brown continued to wrestle throughout his college career. While attending UNCP, Mr. Brown obtained a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Upon graduation Mr. Brown began his teaching career at Rowland-Norment Elementary School. Mr. Brown returned to UNCP to secure a Master of Arts in Physical Education. During his teaching career, Mr. Brown was able to add the Health Education certification to his license. Mr. Brown still continues to teach at Rowland-Norment Elementary School.
Ms. Nancy Beutler, Music
Ms. Eugenia ("Genia") Stephens
I have an Early Childhood Associate Degree. I attend classes and workshops to keep up with technology. Always excited to learn new things.
I have been married for 31 years, have a daughter and son-in-law and a Tiny Toy Poodle, named Bella.
I love crafting and reading!
DinoMite Cafetera Staff
Mrs. Tricia Goodman, Cafeteria Manager
Mrs. Wanda Hammonds
Ms. Candy Blackmon
Ms. Anya Chavis
DinoMite Custodial Staff
Dino-Mite Admin/Office & Support Staff
Mrs. Linda Leggett, Secretary/Bookkeeper
Ms. Kisha Ingram, Data Manager
Hey, my name is Kisha Ingram and I am currently the Data Manager at Rowland Norment Elementary School. I have 3 beautiful daughters, Shakaren Ingram, Jelicia Ingram and Khadijah Ingram. I have 2 wonderful grand kids. My hobbies are helping people, singing and watching tv. I’m proud to be a Dino mite dinosaurs. Hope it’s not too late. Lol
Mrs. Cynthia Hayes, AIG
My name is Cynthia Hayes. I am the AIG teacher at RNES, East Robeson and Deep Branch. I have been teaching for 31 years.i graduated from what is now UNCP in 1980 with a degree in Elementary Education. Then I graduated in 1985 with a Masters in Elementary Education. I later added on an AIG certification
I have always loved teaching. I am married with two grown daughters. I have 3 grandchildren, James, Bella.and Axl. I love RNES. I was a student here and so were my girls. It was my dream to teach at Rowland Norment Elementary School. I look forward to a great year with the students.
Mr. Larry Barnes, Youth Development Specialist
Ms. Jolunda Coe, School Social Worker
Ms. Katherine ("Kattie") Zimmerman, School Guidance Counselor
Dr. Tara Bullard, Principal
I began my career in Education as a 8th grade ELA/Social Studies teacher at Fairgrove Middle School. I taught for seven years before moving into a Curriculum Specialist position with the PSRC based at Fairmont Middle School. I was blessed to apply and become a member of the first cohort of Executive Interns in the Sandhills Leadership Academy where I served as a principal intern for a full year at Pembroke Elementary School. Upon completion of the executive internship, I earned an assistant principal position with the PSRC at Piney Grove Elementary School. I spent three years as an assistant principal at Piney Grove before being promoted to principal of West Lumberton Elementary School in 2015. I was principal of West Lumberton Elementary School for three years and learned lessons that had never been taught from a textbook!! Life and circumstances are sometimes are greatest teachers. I am honored and excited to have been given the opportunity to be your principal of Rowland Norment Elementary School for the 2018 school year!
I am happily married to my high-school sweetheart, who is also a dedicated educator with the PSRC. Together we have two beautiful and intelligent daughters. We are an active family, spending most of our time on basketball/volleyball courts as well as baseball/softball fields. I am a proud finisher of multiple 5k runs, 4 half marathons, one full marathon, and one triathlon. My greatest accomplishments are my children, and my prayer is to leave with them a legacy of service, love for their neighbor, peace, hard work, empathy, compassion, and GRIT.
Rowland Norment Elementary School
Email: webmaster.rnes@robeson.k12.nc.us
Website: https://www.robeson.k12.nc.us/rnes
Location: 701 Godwin Avenue, Lumberton, NC, USA
Phone: 910-671-6030
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/RNESDINOS/