Meet Michael D. Lee, Principal

Joined Team CCS - August 2009

Experience 
Schools and great teachers have had essential roles in my life. Previously, I lived one of my dreams of teaching Spanish and English as a Second Language and coaching at River Bend Middle and Bunker Hill High in Claremont. After graduating from Appalachian State University with my Educational Leadership certification, I began my administrative career at St. Stephens Elementary in Conover. I spent five truly memorable years there serving the students, staff and community to grow our students. I have worked with and learned from some of the very best. Currently, I am excited to join the team at Catawba Elementary to build a transformative learning environment in pursuit of taking kids higher, Ad Astra, with students at the core of everything we do.

Education 
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A. Spanish and Management double major
New York University, M.A.T English to Speakers of Other Languages
Appalachian State University, Educational Leadership

Why I Became an Educator
Schools inspired me to dream and think I could become something. Equally important, they also enabled me to pursue those dreams

Growing up, my parents worked long hours and did manual labor so we could go farther, do more, and fly higher. But, with their own very basic education and limited English, they couldn't ever help us in school. They would simply and frequently tell my siblings and me, "Go to school. Listen to your teacher. Do your work." They truly believed my teachers and our schools held the key to our success.  

I'm sure it wasn't easy for my teachers, but today I am here because of some truly caring teachers and the development platform schools gave me. I recognize all of that support, but also know that my story isn't unique. Our students still need us, teachers still matter, and great schools are still vital to our modern society. That's why I choose to serve in education.

Favorite Place in Catawba County
I grew up in a double-wide trailer with chickens, ducks and crayfish at the end of a tiny dirt road behind Blackburn Elementary. It is and will always be my favorite place in Catawba County.

Favorite Activities
When I am away from school, I enjoy exercising, writing and playing the guitar and piano. I believe learning should be a life-long journey. I strive for growth through conversation, reading, working on cars and tinkering with new technology.

Something Unique About Me
I am tri-lingual and am learning a fourth language, coding.

Anything Else You Want Us To Know?
I'm just very excited to start building something great with the team at Catawba Elementary!  Go Rockets!

Catawba County is a great place to live, and our schools play a vital role in our community. As a graduate of Catawba County Schools, I know where we have been and where we can go if we work together.

 Meet Bethany N. Settlemyre, Assistant Principal

Joined Team CCS - August 2000

Experience

I have spent the last 23 years teaching middle school language arts at Maiden Middle School. Having enjoyed such a wonderful teaching experience, I am excited to begin my administrative career with the Catawba Rockets as we learn and grow together.