A Message from our Principal

I love River Bend, the students, and the community.

Welcome! I am Tashanna Mays, Principal of River Bend Middle School. I am very thankful to be starting my third year as principal here! I love River Bend, the students, and the community.

River Bend Middle School is an amazing community of learners where we care about each other, our community, learning, and the future. At River Bend, we not only meet high expectations with academics and character but we also create lasting relationships. We serve our community often through school wide service projects. Our teachers have invested in and embraced the concepts of personalized learning, creating meaningful and engaging learning opportunities for all students. I love reporting to work in such an amazing environment!

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education from Lenoir Rhyne University and Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership from Gardner Webb University. I love everything about middle school students from their quirkiness to the moments where they become independent thinkers.

In my downtime, I love spending time with my family and friends. I am a doting wife and mother of three children! When my children started school, I realized that feeling confident that your child is loved and safe while at school is most important to parents. I have embraced this idea, made it my priority, and routinely nurture your children when you trust them with me!

I am excited to collaborate with you all to make 22-23 the best year YET for our students!

Best regards,

Tashanna Mays

Principal

Tashanna Mays

Principal, River Bend Middle School

Meet Tashanna Mays, Principal

Joined Team CCS - August 2016

Experience
While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I began my career in education by working in Before and After School Care. Upon graduation, I earned a position at the same middle school I attended as a student and have remained in middle school for the majority of my career. During my twelve year career, I have served numerous roles such as teacher, beginning teacher and mentor coordinator, alternative learning center lead teacher, assistant principal, and principal. During 2019, I was recognized as Catawba County Schools' Administrator of the Month.

Education
Middle Grades Education, Lenoir Rhyne University
M.A. Executive Leadership, Gardner Webb University

Why I Became an Educator
Education is my lifelong dream. I was created to work with children and to impact their lives. Fortunately, during my schooling, I was blessed with teachers (too many to mention) who impacted me and served as a testament for the genuine impact that teachers have on students. I longed to positively impact students like they impacted my life!

Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is River Bend Middle School. This place feels like home!

Favorite Activities
I enjoy visiting with students, attending sporting events, spending time with families, gardening and farming.

Something Unique About Me
When not at school, I enjoy a quiet life on my farm which is home to eight cows, five hogs, four miniature horses, three goats, two pot-bellied pigs, six chickens, two ducks, four dogs, five cats, and one rabbit. I play, or work (it's a state of mind), on the farm to relax. All of our forty animals have names, get petted, and are loved! The barn is my sanctuary!

I joined CCS to be part of a close-knit, dynamic team that makes strides for student learning.

Assistant Principal

Candall Hilton

Assistant Principal, River Bend Middle School

Meet Candall Hilton, Assistant Principal

Joined Team CCS - July 2022

Experience - I have 16 years experience teaching Middle school aged children. I taught all 16 years at North Lincoln Middle School in Lincoln County.

Education - I graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University with a Bachelors degree in physical education. I then pursued a masters degree in physical education from West Virginia University. Then completed my school administration degree from Gardner Webb University.

Why I Became an Educator - I chose education because I love school! I have loved school since the day I walked into Kindergarten, so much that I went years without missing a day of school. I have always enjoyed working with children and seeing children learn. I especially enjoy middle school aged children because of the potential for growth and change in the few short years they are with me.

Favorite Activities - My favorite activities are camping with my family and coaching my kids in youth sports!

Something Unique About Me - I grew up on a horse farm in Virginia and could ride a horse before I could ride a bike!

I especially enjoy middle school aged children because of the potential for growth and change in the few short years they are with me.

Meet our Office Staff

Secretary

Heidi Jones

Secretary, River Bend Middle School

Meet Heidi Jones, Secretary

Joined Team CCS - 2012

Experience I have been a parent, substitute teacher, substitute cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver and data manager in Catawba County Schools before I became River Bend's secretary.

Education
Central Piedmont Community College Catawba Valley Community College

Why I Became an Educator
I want to help make the world a better place.

Favorite Activities
Spending time with my grandchildren, the beach, sewing and crafting.

Something Unique About Me
I got my 1st job at 14 years old.

I want to help make the world a better place.

Data Manager

Karen Myatt

Data Manager, River Bend Middle School

Meet Karen Myatt, Data Manager

Joined Team CCS - January, 2000

I was born in Catawba County and have lived here all my life. I attended Balls Creek Elem. Then
graduated from Bandys High School in 1980. I have two sons, named Ryan and Zac. I also have
a little rescue dog, named Peanut.

In January 2000, I began working for Catawba County Schools as a Teacher Assistant at St. Stephens Elem. In
July 2002, I moved to the position of data manager at St. Stephens Elementary then transferred
to Mill Creek Middle School in July 2006. I decided to further my own education and went back
to school part-time at Catawba Valley Community College in January 2010 while continuing to
work full-time. I completed my studies in December 2015 and graduated in May 2016 with High
Honors in Accounting, AAS and Business Administration, AAS. In July 2016, I began splitting my
weeks between Catawba Elem and Mill Creek Middle Schools. And then in 2021 split between Mill Creek and River Bend Middle.

I love working at two Middle Schools. It's confusing sometimes but never boring!

I love working at two middle schools. It's never boring!

School Nurse

Chloee Johnson

School Nurse,

River Bend Middle School

Meet Chloee Johnson, School Nurse

Joined Team CCS - 2022

Education- I grew up in the Maiden area and attended Maiden High School. I graduated with my Associates degree in Nursing from Gaston College and am planning to pursue a Bachelors degree in the near future.

Favorite Activities- In my free time, I enjoy cooking, spending time with my loved ones, and traveling to new places.

I am very happy to be a part of the Pirate family and helping care for each and every student!

Receptionist

Angela Hood

Receptionist,

River Bend Middle School

Meet Angela Hood, Receptionist

Joined Team CCS - 2020

Experience - Worked for Rockingham County Youth Services for 2 years and then transitioned to the Rockingham County School System and worked there for 4 and a half years before coming to Catawba County.

Education - BA in Religious Arts & Christian Counseling, MA Biblical Counseling, Doctorate in Divinity

Why I Became an Educator: I became an educator because I have a heart for youth, their education and their well being. I felt that I could be that listening ear for them and encourage them no matter what they are going through.

Favorite Activities: Reading, traveling, motivational speaking, relaxing and spending time with family.

Something Unique About Me: I'm an aspiring candle maker

I have a heart for youth, their education and their well being.

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