Take a look back at some of the highlights in the Caldwell County Schools over the past 12 months, ranging from more than a million in grant funding to new resources and programs to statewide and national recognition:

Caldwell County Schools was awarded approximately $410,000 in grant funding for STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics engagement in digital learning, robotics, coding and mobile app development. Teachers were trained and became active users of the CCS Code on the Go Bus, an initiative supported by the Coding and Mobile App Development Grant.

Caldwell Online Academy became a successful, fully operational online educational option for students in grades 6-12 with more than 200 students enrolled. 

Caldwell County Schools received more than half a million dollars for safety equipment, school resource officers and services for students across the district, funded by the Department of Instruction’s Center for Safer Schools, which awarded school districts and charter schools across North Carolina more than $74 million in safety grants.

The completion of the new Granite Falls Middle School incorporated the newest construction features into the best of both worlds by structurally preserving historical significance and providing students and staff with an advanced learning environment.

The school district underwent a comprehensive accreditation process through Cognia, which identifies schools and systems that best exemplify excellence in education and stand out in their service to learners. Based on the results of the rigorous accreditation process, Caldwell County Schools is accredited for the next six years with high marks of accomplishment.

Caldwell County Schools became one of the first school districts in North Carolina to be awarded a new, electric school bus provided by the state through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The school district also launched a new app that allows parents to monitor their students on the school bus ride to and from school, including where a specific bus is en route.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) expanded its high school culinary arts program and resources by adding a second food truck – the CTEatery Fresh & Fast #2 – that became student-manned and available to the public in 2022. CTE also ranked #1 in two statewide comparison categories: percentage of credentials earned in a credentialed pathway and percent of credentials earned based on student enrollment.

Rising sixth-graders, freshmen and seniors participated in a two-week Summer Bridge Academy, a program that enrolled more than 150 students and engaged them in the areas of academic acceleration, social interaction and leadership development, which led to a successful transitional experience in entering the 2022-23 school year.

Administrators participated in CARE (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education) professional development, an opportunity sponsored by Duke University. CARE is a mindfulness-based professional development program designed to reduce stress, promote social and emotional care, and improve teachers' performance and classroom learning environments.

In 2022, an opening ceremony was held at South Caldwell High School for the exclusive Brandon E. Church Softball Complex that was funded through the Brandon E. Church Legacy Foundation, thanks to the generosity and support of the Church family.

The new basketball court at West Caldwell High School was named the Anderson/Trivett West Caldwell Court in honor of Coach Karen Trivett and Coach Danny Anderson. Coach Karen Trivett coached the West Caldwell Women's basketball team for 15 seasons, winning two state championships (1985 and 1986). Coach Danny Anderson coached the West Caldwell Men's basketball team from 1992-2015 and played in three state championship games. 

It was an outstanding year for recognizing and honoring excellence within the cadre of staff and the CCS Board of Education:

Shea Bolick, South Caldwell High School Spanish teacher who was selected as the North Carolina Northwest Teacher of the Year  - one of the Top teachers in the State.

Elizabeth Walker, 3rd-grade teacher at Davenport A+ Elementary won the School Specialty's Crystal Apple Award for her passion, leadership, and ability to inspire others. 

Kelly Helton, Communities in Schools (CIS) site coordinator at Gamewell Middle School and CIS data manager, was selected as the recipient of the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, an annual statewide recognition program through the Office of the Governor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The governor’s office selected Helton as one of the two North Carolina nominees for this national award.

Darrell Pennell, School Board Chairman, was sworn in as the President of the North Carolina School Boards Association. He not only became the voice and advocate for Caldwell County Schools but also for all public schools in North Carolina.

Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps was named the prestigious 2023 NC Superintendent of the Year. 

The year 2022 was a successful and productive year for the Caldwell County Schools and more opportunities to shine and excel will present themselves in 2023!