A Message from our Principal
I believe ALL children can grow and deserve adults to believe in them and hone in on their strengths to see the amazing things they can do in life.
Meet our Administrative Team
Principal
Meet Jennifer Stodden, MA, NBCT, Principal
Joined Team CCS - August 2005
Experience
I began my second career as a 6th-grade teacher at Blackburn Elementary. In 2014 I began my administration path at Arndt Middle School where I've spent eight years growing and learning as a school leader and instructional coach. I am excited to have returned to elementary school where I began my teaching career.
Education
2005 College of Saint Rose, Albany, New York: BS in Elementary Education and Middle Grades.
2013 Graduate of Western Carolina, MSA.
Why I Became an Educator
I want to make a difference in children's lives. I believe ALL children can grow and deserve adults to believe in them and hone in on their strengths to see the amazing things they can do in life. Being an educator and working with students just makes me happy. I find joy in listening to their laughs, having fun learning, and growing relationships.
Something Unique About Me
I'm a Finlander and I love saunas...the hotter the better.
Anything Else You Want Us To Know?
I'm a proud mom of three amazing daughters. I've been married for 34 years to my best friend.
The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.– Dr. Seuss
Assistant Principal
Meet Paige Bagshaw, Assistant Principal
Joined Team CCS - 2016
Experience
Hi! My name is Paige Bagshaw. I am very excited to join the team as the Assistant Principal of Startown Elementary! I have been in education for 9 years. My first 3 years were spent teaching Math 1 at both Bunker Hill and Bandys High Schools. The past 6 years have been at Mill Creek Middle School where I taught 7th/8th grade math and Math 1.
Education
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Education from UNC-Charlotte, am a National Board Certified Teacher, and will complete my Masters of Arts in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University this school year.
Why I Became an Educator
I have always wanted to be in education from a young age. I had teachers who were encouraging and were always there for all students. They allowed me to feel safe, valued, and took an interest in my life to make school relevant to me.
I am excited to work with the staff, students, and families at Startown. I am grateful for this opportunity!
Meet our Office Staff
Secretary
Meet Tammie Marley, Secretary
Joined Team CCS - 1998
Experience
I have served as a Teacher Assistant, Office Assistant, Bus Driver, and Secretary
Education
Fred T Foard, CVCC
Why I Joined Education
I got into education because I had already been an assistant director of a daycare facility in the past and liked working around kids, but office work was my first job choice. The combination of office/kids in a school setting was perfect.
I had worked in grocery and had been an assistant manager trainee, while working in the customer service office helping out in combination with being a dairy/frozen food manager for years. Until Super K went out of business, I was their dairy/frozen manager too and seafood manager. I even won a corporate contest for creative display using ice to sculpture a scene with seafood! I had also worked in the cash office as the office manager when Walmart first came to Hickory and was located where Hamrick's is. Again, this wasn't first shift and became hectic with a swing shift and young kids. I loved the office setting there as well. A couple other retail experiences including an asst. bookkeeper while going to high school. I worked 32 hours a week and while attending school when I was 18 years old.
Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is at home with my dogs and grandkids.
Data Manager
Meet Jesse Starnes, Data Manager
Joined Team CCS - August 17, 2005
Education
BS in Accounting, Villa Maria College, Erie PA
Why I Became a Data Manager
I have always loved working with children, which is so much better than dealing with numbers.
Favorite Place in Catawba County
Sunsets from my back porch
School Nurse
Rebekah Herndon
School Nurse, Startown Elementary School
At Startown on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Meet Rebekah Herndon, School Nurse
Joined Team CCS- 2022
Experience
I have been a nurse for seven years, with experience in Hospice, Step-Down ICU, and Medical-Surgical units.
Education
I received my BSN from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, where I am originally from.
Why I Joined Education
I have always wanted to work with kids, and school nursing was the perfect opportunity! It gives me the chance to impact a lot of kids on a day-to-day basis and help improve the health of my community as a whole.
Favorite Place in Catawba County
I love to be in the woods on the hiking trails around Lake James.