Magnet Coordinator- Mrs. Helms
[email protected]
Hello there! I am thrilled to be entering my fifteenth year at Idlewild and my nineteenth year with CMS. I have taught in the magnet here at Idlewild for several years before taking the position as the Magnet Coordinator. I have an undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University in Elementary Education then I pursued my Masters in Literacy from Queens University, my Academically Gifted certification from UNCC followed by my National Boards certification in Middle Childhood. I love this school and all the wonderful things that happen here to challenge all students to be their best!
My husband and myself are Charlotte natives and attended CMS schools as well. We have two young kids; Alyssa who is 9, Grady who is 7, Addison who is 4, and Ansley who is 6 month old. We have three dogs as well. We love doing things as a family and anything outside!
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to work with your student!
Talent Development Catalyst- Mrs. Brodd
[email protected]
Hello! I've been working at Idlewild for 12 years. I'm so excited to be starting my 13 year of teaching, and 9th year as lead TD Catalyst teacher. I attended Appalachian State University where I obtained my degree in Elementary Education and then went on to Queens University to get my certification in Gifted Education. I am a nationally board certified teacher and learned a lot from the the certification process. Working at Idlewild has taught me to love my job as a teacher more and more each year. I work with a wonderful staff and the best students.
At home I have wonderful husband, of 12 years and counting! We have 2 rambunctious girls, Kinlee and Ellisyn, who are always keeping me on my toes! We also have a dog, Bo, and a cat, Willow, who are so loving, sweet and tolerant of my girls :-). I grew up in Charlotte and love this city, there are so many fun and exciting things to do here and I always feel like there is more to discover.
We look forward to working as a team to provide your student with a challenging and enriching school year.
Kindergarten:
Mrs. Rodriguez
I'm Donna Rodriguez. I have been teaching for 39 years and have been at Idlewild for 28 years. I graduated UNC at Pembroke and then went on to Queens University to get my certification in Gifted Education. At home, I have a wonderful husband David. We have 1 daughter, a great son in law and 2 fabulous grandsons that live in Miami. I love changing things up each year and trying new strategies and learning styles that work best for my group of kinders.
Ms. Henderson
First Grade:
Mrs. Sanchez
I have been teaching here at Idlewild Elementary for the past 25 years, both in Kindergarten and First Grade. I am originally from St. James, NY. I attended Adelphi University in Garden City, NY for my undergraduate degree, Long Island University (CW POST) for my master's degree. I received my certification for Gifted Education here in Charlotte at Queens University. I have been married to my husband Darrin for 17 years and am the proud mother of two daughters, Erin (24) and Kelsey (21), both have graduated from college and beginning their careers and both are alumni of Idlewild Elementary. I love working here at Idlewild. I get to work with some wonderful teachers, and spend my days with some awesome students. I am looking forward to another wonderful year.
Mrs. Busch
Second Grade:
Ms. Scott
Ms. Wiley
Third Grade:
Miss. Spears
Mr. Williams
Fourth Grade:
Miss. DeFazio
Hi, My name is Maria DeFazio. I'm from Bridgeport WV. I graduated from the one and only West Virginia University!! Go Mounties! I have a bachelors degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Early Childhood. I've been teaching in CMS for 15 years. I've taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade. I come from a family of educators. My mother is a retired Kindergarten teacher and my father is currently the principal at Bridgeport HS in WV. What I love most about teaching is building relationships with kids. Being around kids daily and seeing them grow into young men and women, is the most amazing thing. I'm grateful that I get the opportunity to change a child's life forever!
Miss. Michelino
Hello! My name is Kara Michelino. I'm from Long Island, New York. I graduated from St. Bonaventure University in Upstate New York. (Go Bonnies!) I have a bachelors degree in elementary and special education and I am currently studying gifted education. I've been teaching 4th grade at Idlewild for eight years and I absolutely love it here. I was a competitive cheerleader all my life and my enthusiasm definitely comes out while teaching. I believe that education should be an enjoyable process. I have never viewed learning as a chore, and I think that keeping the joy in the classroom is such a crucial aspect of teaching. Outside of the classroom, I love to cook, travel, laugh and spend time outdoors. I look forward to another great year!
Fifth Grade:
Mr. Burns
Miss. Dolan
Mrs. Waldrep
I was born and raised in Charlotte! I currently reside in Mint Hill with my husband of 34 years, Rohn who is a graphic designer. I enjoy working out, painting furniture in creative ways and periodic spirited driving weekends with similar enthusiastic friends. I am a National Board Certified Teacher, earned a master’s degree in education from Queens College and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and AIG certification from UNC-Charlotte. My passion is learning and seeking knowledge and hope to inspire this desire in my students! I hope to give my students experiences that I wish I had received when I was preparing for my educational journey. I believe lifelong curiosities feed the mind, body and soul.
Mrs. Rodriguez
I'm Donna Rodriguez. I have been teaching for 39 years and have been at Idlewild for 28 years. I graduated UNC at Pembroke and then went on to Queens University to get my certification in Gifted Education. At home, I have a wonderful husband David. We have 1 daughter, a great son in law and 2 fabulous grandsons that live in Miami. I love changing things up each year and trying new strategies and learning styles that work best for my group of kinders.
Ms. Henderson
First Grade:
Mrs. Sanchez
I have been teaching here at Idlewild Elementary for the past 25 years, both in Kindergarten and First Grade. I am originally from St. James, NY. I attended Adelphi University in Garden City, NY for my undergraduate degree, Long Island University (CW POST) for my master's degree. I received my certification for Gifted Education here in Charlotte at Queens University. I have been married to my husband Darrin for 17 years and am the proud mother of two daughters, Erin (24) and Kelsey (21), both have graduated from college and beginning their careers and both are alumni of Idlewild Elementary. I love working here at Idlewild. I get to work with some wonderful teachers, and spend my days with some awesome students. I am looking forward to another wonderful year.
Mrs. Busch
Second Grade:
Ms. Scott
Ms. Wiley
Third Grade:
Miss. Spears
Mr. Williams
Fourth Grade:
Miss. DeFazio
Hi, My name is Maria DeFazio. I'm from Bridgeport WV. I graduated from the one and only West Virginia University!! Go Mounties! I have a bachelors degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Early Childhood. I've been teaching in CMS for 15 years. I've taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade. I come from a family of educators. My mother is a retired Kindergarten teacher and my father is currently the principal at Bridgeport HS in WV. What I love most about teaching is building relationships with kids. Being around kids daily and seeing them grow into young men and women, is the most amazing thing. I'm grateful that I get the opportunity to change a child's life forever!
Miss. Michelino
Hello! My name is Kara Michelino. I'm from Long Island, New York. I graduated from St. Bonaventure University in Upstate New York. (Go Bonnies!) I have a bachelors degree in elementary and special education and I am currently studying gifted education. I've been teaching 4th grade at Idlewild for eight years and I absolutely love it here. I was a competitive cheerleader all my life and my enthusiasm definitely comes out while teaching. I believe that education should be an enjoyable process. I have never viewed learning as a chore, and I think that keeping the joy in the classroom is such a crucial aspect of teaching. Outside of the classroom, I love to cook, travel, laugh and spend time outdoors. I look forward to another great year!
Fifth Grade:
Mr. Burns
Miss. Dolan
Mrs. Waldrep
I was born and raised in Charlotte! I currently reside in Mint Hill with my husband of 34 years, Rohn who is a graphic designer. I enjoy working out, painting furniture in creative ways and periodic spirited driving weekends with similar enthusiastic friends. I am a National Board Certified Teacher, earned a master’s degree in education from Queens College and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and AIG certification from UNC-Charlotte. My passion is learning and seeking knowledge and hope to inspire this desire in my students! I hope to give my students experiences that I wish I had received when I was preparing for my educational journey. I believe lifelong curiosities feed the mind, body and soul.