And we are ready to Level Up our learning! Game On!
Mrs. Wright, 501
Math
My name is Jessica Wright, I am a McDowell County native but have called Burke home for the last 10 years. I love it here! I have been married since 2007 to my husband Cody. We have 2 children, Yael and Zeke, and 1 dog named Baron. I love to read, play pinball, and drink coffee.
I completed my undergraduate degree in Education at Central Christian College of the Bible in 2014. I am currently enrolled at Appalachian State University working to complete a Master’s degree in Special Education. This is my 10th year teaching but I also have a background in foster and group care. During my time in the classroom, I have taught many different subjects and grades. I love teaching and watching the moment when a concept clicks for a student.
Mrs. Walsh, 502
ELA
My name is Kandy Walsh. A little bit about me… I am a wife, and I am a mom of two spunky daughters, one cat and one gecko. I am an avid reader and live for my iced coffees and mountain dews. I am a Mountaineer for life and majored in middle school education . It is my fifth year at NDS. I have taught second grade, and 6th-8th grade in my 16 years of education. I have my masters in curriculum and instruction at AppState so my class is always trying new ideas and interventions. I am so excited to be back in 5th Grade teaching ELA. I love reading so much and hope to inspire this love with my students as well.
"If you can dream it, you can achieve it."
Mrs. Attaway, 503
Science
Hello! My name is Mrs. Attaway, and I’m so excited to be your teacher this year! I have a Bachelor's Degree from Western Carolina University and currently in their Master’s Program set to graduate in December. I also have my Emergency Medical Technician certification.
We are going to do so many FUN things! It’s going to be a great year full of new friends, new adventures, and new discoveries. I know you had a fabulous summer, and I can’t wait to hear all about it. This is my second-year teaching 5th grade Science at New Dimensions Charter School. This year we get to learn about force and motion, weather, energy, the human body, and so much more!
My husband Aaron and I have two Australian Shepherds and a sweet Babygirl! I enjoy spending time with my family, the beach weekend adventures, playing with my dogs, and gardening.
I can’t wait for this year!
Mrs. Strickland, 504
Social Studies
I grew up in Caldwell County and went to Appalachian State University, where I received my teaching degree. This will be my 14th year in the classroom, and my 9th year at NDS. I have a wonderful husband named Billy, and a beautiful daughter named Lucy. We love spending time together and have a mini-zoo (Full Moon Farzoom) at our house, mainly made up of reptiles. I am also in charge of our Yearbook and the Reptile Club here at NDS. I am also the 7-8 Grade Volleyball Coach. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year and I am excited to see what this year holds for everyone.
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." ~Elanor Roosevelt~
5th Grade Teacher Assistant
2025-2026
EUREKA Math² :
Module 1: Place Value Concepts for Multiplication and Division with Whole Numbers
Module 2: Addition & Subtraction with Fractions
Module 3: Multiplication & Division with Fractions
Module 4: Place Value Concepts for Decimal Operations
Module 5: Addition & Multiplication with Area & Volume
Module 6: Foundations to Geometry in the Coordinate Plane
SCIENCE (NCES) along with LearnEd Notebooks:
Ecosystems
Interdependence of Life (Plants & Animals)
Matter: Properties & Change
Energy: Conservation & Transfer
Forces & Motion
Structures & Functions of Living Organisms (Human Body)
Cells & Genetics
Weather
Language Arts/ Writing:
Novel Studies to include a variety of themes, time periods, etc.
Poetry
Writers Workshop: Narratives, Poetry, Opinion, Informative
Social Studies - Building a Nation
Chapter 1: First Peoples
Chapter 2: Newcomers Arrive
Chapter 3: A Revolutionary New Nation
Chapter 4: Expansion and Conflict
Chapter 5: War and "Peace"
Chapter 6: The Nation Grows
Chapter 7: Into a New Century
Chapter 8: The Fight for Equality and Justice
Chapter 9: The Modern Era
(Week at a Glance has up-to-date information)
Mrs. Jessica Wright, 501, jwright@ndschool.org
Mrs. Kandy Walsh, 502, kwalsh@ndschool.org
Mrs. MacKenzie Attaway, 503, mattaway@ndschool.org
Mrs. Erica Baston-Strickland, 504, estrickland@nds.org