School News- 10/8/2025
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Welcome Back for Quarter 2! We are excited for another great quarter at CCS-America! Here are some important dates to remember:
Check out the full 2025-2026 CCS-America academic and sports calendars: *************
CCS-Leland’s Ella Norris wins National SAR History Award! Ella Norris, an eighth-grade student at CCS-Leland, has earned national recognition by placing fourth in the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) national brochure contest. The SAR is a non-profit organization committed to preserving American history, promoting patriotism, and educating future generations through educational contests and programs. Each year, it holds the Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure contest for students across the country. Ella’s award-winning brochure focused on the importance of the U.S. Constitution. After winning her school-wide contest, her brochure competed and won at both the local and state SAR chapter levels. It then represented North Carolina at the national competition. At each level, entries were judged on content, creativity, and accuracy. The results of the national competition were announced at the 27th annual SAR Youth Luncheon on July 15, where Ella was named the fourth-place winner nationwide. To celebrate her accomplishment, the Lower Cape Fear SAR chapter honored Ella at their chapter meeting on Sept. 27. She was treated to lunch, awarded a certificate from the National Brochure Contest Committee, and received a $100 prize. “We couldn’t be prouder of Ella’s achievement,” said Laurie Benton, Headmaster of CCS-Leland. “Our schools teach and emphasize the importance of patriotism and a strong understanding of our country’s history. Our annual Constitution Day celebrations help reinforce these values. Ella’s dedication and passion for history is evident in her hard work, and it’s great to see her scholarship and talents recognized nationally. It is both an honor to Ella personally, and a tribute to the strong history program at CCS-America.” Congratulations, Ella! Your CCS-America family is so proud! *************
CCS-America in the News A recent The Washington Times article discussing the important role of entrepreneurship in America highlighted CCS-America for its role in educational innovation based on tradition. In the piece titled “Entrepreneurship: The Underappreciated Economic Engine of America,” author Richard Lorenc mentioned CCS-America (along with other leading charter school networks nationwide) as an example of entrepreneurial success in education. Lorenc emphasized how CCS-America’s curriculum was “built upon time-proven curricula and teaching methods to produce top-performing schools.” He noted how CCS-America’s approach represents the same spirit of innovation that has driven America’s greatest inventors and entrepreneurs. CCS-America is and has always been committed to implementing innovations with the goal of enhancing safety, learning, and cost-effectiveness in education. To learn moreabout our specific process and product innovations, check out our Innovations Handbook. CCS-America is proud to be nationally recognized nationally for our commitment to a classical education model that includes academic rigor, moral virtue, and the pursuit of truth. Read the full article using the link below: *************
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National Beta Schools of MeritCCS-Leland and CCS-Whiteville have been named 2024-2025 National Beta Schools of Merit by the National Beta Club, the nation’s largest independent student honor society. The award honors Beta Clubs that include members from all eligible grade levels and reflect a strong commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service.Both schools also achieved top national rankings at the 2025 National Beta Convention in Orlando. CCS-Whiteville’s Elementary Robotics team (made up of Adam Ahmad, Caleb Hobbs, Hunter Thomas, Ryan Martin, and John Hudson Richardson) placed tenth, while CCS-Leland had two students place individually. Jace Granda placed tenth in 6th Grade U.S. History, and Alex Eaton placed ninth in 7th Grade U.S. History.”At our school, we strive to cultivate leadership, service, and academic excellence. National Beta embodies all of that and more,” said Laurie Benton, headmaster of CCS-Leland. “I couldn’t be prouder of our Beta Club students. Their achievements reflect not only their dedication and character, but also the spirit of our entire school community.”Kimberly Patrick, headmaster of CCS-Whiteville, echoed Benton’s sentiment. “Our Beta Club has continued to shine on the national level, and I am so proud of them. These students truly represent what CCS-America is all about.”
Staff Spotlight: Andrea VitoloThe Roger Bacon Academy is dedicated to internal growth and promotion. Our leadership works to recognize talent, nurture potential, and promote from within. Andrea Vitolo’s journey illustrates this commitment. Her dedication and drive have taken her from the classroom to a key role in the RBA Corporate Office.Andrea began her journey at RBA in August 2015 when she joined CCS-Leland as a substitute teacher, primarily supporting 3rd grade classrooms. Just one month later, she accepted a full-time position as a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant. She remained in this role for several years, building a strong foundation in early childhood education and experiencing firsthand the impact of an RBA education.In July 2021, Andrea advanced to the position of Kindergarten Interventionist, where she provided targeted support for students needing additional academic assistance. Her commitment to student success and her growing skill set did not go unnoticed. In November of the same year, she continued her professional growth by joining the RBA Corporate Office as a Finance Assistant. In this role, she continued to expand her knowledge and gained hands-on experience in financial operations.In 2023, Andrea was promoted to Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, her current role. She now manages payroll processing and employee benefits administration for RBA staff.Andrea’s journey is a testament to both her hard work and RBA’s strong culture of supporting and promoting talent from within. This month, Andrea celebrates ten years at CCS-America and RBA. We are proud to have her as a member of the RBA family and look forward to all she will accomplish in the years to come.*************
CCS-America Dresses for Success!CCS-America schools have Dress for Success Days throughout the year to help students build the habit of dressing in a nice and professional fashion. While participation is optional, these days are designed to give students the opportunity to experience the benefits of dressing professionally. Research shows that dressing professionally can boost confidence, improve performance, and strengthen communication skills.Dressing professionally is a lifelong skill, especially in situations where it is important to make a good first impression. Students will carry this habit into college interviews, job interviews, business meetings, and many other future opportunities.Students will have several chances to wear their Dress for Success outfits throughout the year. The first Dress for Success Day is tomorrow, August 28th. We encourage all students to participate!Upcoming Dress for Success Days:September 18thOctober 30thNovember 25thDecember 18thVisit the links below to get your student’s Dress for Success items:
