Clyde Campbell Elementary

Meet our Team

A Message from our Principal

A smiling man in a red shirt stands in front of a school website.

Our goal, as a school, is to provide a quality education with the belief that all children can learn.

Welcome to Clyde Campbell Elementary and our website. Clyde Campbell Elementary is a dynamic, positive, fun, and rigorous learning environment for students. Our goal, as a school, is to provide a quality education with the belief that all children can learn. We are proud of the comprehensive, rigorous kindergarten through sixth grade academic programs we offer to meet the needs for all of our students. We have quality programs in regular education, gifted, special education, art, music, and physical education. We also offer several clubs and after school activities that our students enjoy with their friends. In addition, the safety of our students and staff is a priority, and we have clear procedures and processes to ensure that our school building is safe and secure at all times.
Most importantly at Clyde Campbell, we are a family. We have teachers who truly love kids, and they are experts in their respective content areas. We also have an excellent support staff that works hard to ensure that our students and teachers can be successful each day. Clyde Campbell is known for its family atmosphere, rigorous academics, excellent teachers, and supportive community.
At Clyde Campbell, we work hard each day to inspire, engage, and empower our students so they can reach their full potential academically and become leaders!
As your principal, I want all parents, students, and community members to know that my office door is always open. If I can ever be of assistance to your family, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Ryan McCreary, Ed.D.
Principal

Meet our Administrative Team

Ryan McCreary, Ed.D.
Principal, Clyde Campbell Elementary

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Meet Ryan McCreary, Ed.D., Principal

Joined Team CCS - September 2019

Experience
I have worked in public education for 17 years, and I have been blessed to serve as a high school math teacher, basketball coach, assistant principal, and principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Prior to becoming the principal of Clyde Campbell Elementary, I also worked for K-64 as a Career and College Advocate at Catawba Valley Community College, and I continue to teach at CVCC as a part-time math instructor. During my career, I have also completed the Distinguished Leadership in Practice program through the N.C. Principals & Assistant Principals’ Association.

Education
B.A. Mathematics, Lenoir-Rhyne University
B.A. Spanish, Lenoir-Rhyne University
M.A. School Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ed.D., Gardner-Webb University

Why I Became an Educator
I chose to be an educator because I had excellent teachers and principals who helped me and encouraged me growing up. My mom, who taught for 42 years, and my elementary principal inspired me to become an educator. I watched the tremendous positive impact that both of them had in the lives of students, fellow educators, and in the community. I wanted to be a difference maker for kids. Everyday I work hard to serve and lead with optimism, passion, love, and energy just like my mom and my elementary principal.

Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite places in Catawba County are Bakers Mountain, the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University, Backstreets restaurant, Windy City Grill, and Viewmont Baptist Church. I have many special memories with my family and friends at each of these awesome places.

Favorite Activities
I love being a dad and spending time with my family hiking, playing outside, swimming, and traveling. I also enjoy running and cycling whenever I have the opportunity.

Anything Else You Want Us To Know?
I am beginning to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. I have wanted to learn how to play the guitar since I was 16 years old, and I am excited about this new hobby.

I joined the Catawba County Schools team because I love helping students and teachers. CCS is a progressive school system that is constantly adapting and evolving to meet the individual needs of our students and prepare them for the future. We are a family in CCS, and I truly feel supported and encouraged every day
Karen Gruber
Assistant Principal, Clyde Campbell Elementary

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Meet Karen Gruber, Assistant Principal

Joined Team CCS - October 2016

Experience
I have worked in public education as an elementary teacher and administrator since 1985. Thirty of those years were in Ohio. The previous school where I was the principal was recognized as a 2015 National Title I Distinguished School and a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School. We were also recognized by the state of Ohio as a School of Promise and High Progress School.

Education
Associate's degree in Marketing at Terra Community College
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at the Ohio State University
Master’s degree in Supervision/Administration at the University of Toledo

Why I Became an Educator
There were two exceptional teachers that influenced me to pursue a career in education, my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Schmidlin and my 7th grade social studies teacher, Mr. Wyse.

Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is on Lake Hickory. I love spending time on the water kayaking, paddle boating and boating.

Favorite Activities
I enjoy running, being on the water, making puzzles, gardening, reading, exercising and spending time with my family.

Something Unique About Me
My husband and two children are all educators.

I was so excited to be able to join the CCS team because they set high expectations for themselves and their students. They work collaboratively with the community and parents to work toward goals that are communicated and shared. This helps to ensure outstanding educational experiences for the children.

Meet our Office Staff

Bryana Tipton
Secretary
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Meet our Secretary, Bryana Tipton!

Ms. Tipton attended Columbus State University as well as American Military University, and she earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Her previous work experiences include serving as a lifeguard and teaching swim lessons at a military base, restaurant management and most recently, working for American Airlines.

Ms. Tipton is originally from Ohio, but has lived in several states because her father served in the Army. Her family was stationed in Louisiana, Kentucky, and Georgia for most of her childhood. She enjoys playing with her dogs, painting, drawing, and hiking.
Yvette Grant
Data Manager

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Meet our Data Manager, Yvette Grant.

About Me
My family and I moved to Hickory from Florida in 2013. For 15 years I was a stay home mom to 4 wonderful children, 3 boys and a girl. When my youngest went to Kindergarten, I went with him. In Florida, I was part of the Clay County Schools as an attendance secretary and then a Media Tech Assistant. I joined the CCS team as a substitute teacher and then became the Office Assistant at St Stephens High School in 2017. In 2020 I became the Data Manager at River Bend Middle and Oxford Elementary. I am so excited to be a part of the Webb A Murray and Clyde Campbell School families.

Why I Became an Educator
I love working with students and their families as they navigate the enrollment process.

Favorite Activities
I love being with my children and grandchildren, running, camping, and especially THE BEACH!

Something Unique About Me
I have been running road races since the 5th grade. After a year of some serious training, I ran my first marathon in the hills of Todd, NC (New River Marathon) in 2019.
McKenzie Eastwood
School Nurse

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828.256.2769

Meet our School Nurse, McKenzie Eastwood.

I have been a Registered Nurse for 7 years with experience in Medical-Surgical and dialysis prior to joining the public health school nurse team. I enjoy exercising, reading, traveling and spending time with husband, family and friends. I am so excited to be a part of the Clyde Campbell family!