Welcome to 4th Grade!
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Melissa Niehoff
Melissa Niehoff
828.437.5753
Math & Science Teacher
Hello, I’m Melissa Niehoff and this will be my 8th year at NDS. I have worked with all grade levels K-8, but I love being here in 4th grade where it all started for me! I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from ECU. My husband, Pete, and I have been married for 19 years and have two children, Julia and Lincoln who are previous NDS Warriors! We have two rescue pups and enjoy time on the lake and hiking in the mountains. I’m looking forward to a great year of learning and fun! Let’s go WARRIORS!
I am excited to be joining New Dimensions this school year! I retired this past year from NC public schools with 28 years of teaching. I am married and we have two children. Our son is a junior at UNC Chapel Hill and our daughter is a freshman there. I also have a german shepherd who makes sure I am never alone. In my little bit of spare time I enjoy anything from going to the gym to reading a good book!
Hello! I'm excited to be a NDS Warrior this year!
I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and master's degrees in Reading Education and Elementary Education from Appalachian State University. I am also a National Board Certified Teacher.
When I'm not at school, you'll usually find me relaxing on the porch with my husband, our dog, Millie, and our cat, Jello. I also enjoy visiting our adult sons in Boone and Raleigh. One of my favorite things about living in Western North Carolina is taking day trips to explore the beautiful mountain towns and still making it home in time for dinner!
I'm looking forward to a wonderful year in 4th grade. Go Warriors!
Hello NDS Warriors! I have grown up in Burke county, and I have been heavily involved with the community. I graduated from Jimmy C. Draughn High School and Appalachian State University, with my degree in Secondary Education English. I am very honored and excited to start off my first year teaching at New Dimensions! I believe every student has the ability to grow, succeed, and surprise themselves.
I have had the wonderful pleasure of working in Jenkins Elementary, Watauga High, East Burke High, Glen Alpine Elementary, and other Burke county public schools.
Outside of the classroom, you will find me doing craft projects, crocheting, reading, or helping dogs at the local animal shelter.
My goal is for every student who walks into my classroom to know that they belong, their voice matters, and that they are capable of much more than they realize.
Deborah McCurry
828.437.5753
Assistant Teacher
I am a Morganton native and graduated from Freedom High School and Appalachian State University, where I earned degrees in Housing and Interiors and Home Economics Education, along with a minor in Psychology.
After graduation, I spent two years as a Gallery Designer for Broyhill Furniture Industries and Drexel Heritage Furnishings, where I designed furniture galleries throughout the United States.
In 1989, I began my career in education with Burke County Public Schools. I have had the opportunity to teach at Oak Hill Junior High, Valdese Junior High, Table Rock Middle, Patton High, and Freedom High. I worked with students in grades 6–12, teaching Home Economics, Computer Applications, Parenting, Child Development, Personal Finance, Life Skills, Teen Living, Foods, and Interior Design.
For 17 years of my career, I was the Career Development Coordinator and Instructional Management Coordinator for BCPS. After retiring in 2019, I began missing working with students and joined the staff at New Dimensions. This year will be my 36th year in education.
When not teaching, you can find me spending time with my husband, Jim, our four children, and eight grandchildren.
What we will learn this year!
What we will learn this year!
In ELA we will be learning all about personal narratives, diving into poetry, doing class-wide novel studies, and so much more using our ELA curriculum SAAVAS.
In Math we will be doing large digit multiplication and division, working with fractions and decimals, and of course lots of word problems using our math curriculum OPEN UP Resources!
In Science we will be studying forces and motion, rocks, matter, phases of the moon, and animal adaptations.
In Social Studies we will be learning all about North Carolina geography and history.
Our Expectations
Our Expectations
Make Good Choices
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
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