The Eagle's Call
North Hills Embraces Innovative Academics with Tailored Support and Collaborative Teaching
January 09, 2025
North Hills continues to strengthen its reputation for academic excellence through initiatives that emphasize collaboration, teacher training, and comprehensive support for every student, all within a strong Biblical worldview. These efforts underscore the school’s commitment to continuous growth and innovation while serving the whole child; mind, body, and soul.
One of the most notable and recent changes is the debut of an organic online curriculum platform that enables teachers to share lesson plans, track student progress, and adjust instruction collaboratively across all grade levels. “Our teachers have an incredible opportunity to learn from each other and streamline their approach,” says Rebecca Pierce, the recently appointed Curriculum Coordinator and Upper School AIM director. “By working together, we’re able to support each student’s spiritual and academic development more intentionally.”
To further enhance instruction, North Hills has introduced a robust teacher training initiative and ongoing instructional coaching. One popular feature is “Popcorn” Days, when teachers can “pop in” to colleagues’ classrooms for informal observations, gleaning fresh ideas for improved lesson delivery. Teachers also meet in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) for deeper discussions about challenges, refining curriculum, and aligning educational goals.
Academic assessment remains a key priority, with students taking the nationally recognized IOWA tests to measure their progress. Pierce also shared, “Our legacy students, those who begin at North Hills by third grade or earlier, are consistently performing one to two grade levels above the national average. That growth trajectory continues into high school, where 75% of our students are already at or above grade level, and a remarkable 90% reach proficiency in English Language Arts. These outcomes showcase the effectiveness of our holistic approach.” North Hills also offers Honors-level classes starting in the 5th Grade, an early opportunity for students to aim high. “Being able to start an Honors Math class in 5th Grade really inspired me,” says fifth-grade student Mattie Austin. “It’s challenging, but I love knowing my teachers and classmates are there to support me.”
A critical part of North Hills’ individualized approach is the Doris Plummer AIM (Academic Individualization and Modification) program, named after the program's originator and long-time former NHCS Instructor. This program assists students who need extra help in English and Math. Beginning in Kindergarten, each student in AIM receives an individualized profile, detailing learning needs and accommodations. Advisory times are also available for tutoring, test retakes, or extended study. For students requiring more significant academic or developmental support, the Victors Program offers a full-day track in Kindergarten through 12th Grade, balancing specialized instruction in small groups with opportunities to join peers in subjects like music, art, and physical education. “Our Victors Program empowers students to tackle academic and developmental challenges in a way that meets them where they are,” says Jessica Wright, Lower School AIM Director. “By providing small-group instruction and individualized support, we see tremendous growth in both their life skills and their confidence.”
By implementing these initiatives, an organic curriculum platform, teacher collaboration, early Honors courses, and the AIM and Victors support programs, North Hills is equipping every student for success, both academically and spiritually. With a renewed focus on innovation and shared learning, the school remains firmly committed to equipping the hearts and minds of students to impact the world for Christ.
North Hills Christian Students Serve Hot Meals to Hurricane Victims in Bakersville
October 31, 2024
Salisbury, NC – In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's devastation in Western North Carolina, the small community of Bakersville has found relief and hope through the kindness of strangers. The Troyer family from Johnson City, TN, arrived just days after the hurricane struck, setting up a food distribution site to serve hot meals to those in need. After a school family heard about the Troyer family's relief efforts, they connected NHCS with the Troyers. Students and staff from North Hills Christian School (NHCS) in Salisbury have since joined forces with the Troyers, embodying the school's mission to "equip hearts and minds of students to impact the world for Christ."
"Serving alongside the Troyer family has been an eye-opening experience for our students," said Shari Evans, NHCS's Spiritual Life Director, who led the volunteer groups. "It's one thing to teach about leadership through service, but it's another to see our students actively engaging and making a tangible difference in people's lives."
Earlier this month, in back-to-back weeks, a small group of NHCS students and staff traveled to Bakersville to assist at the food distribution site. Together, they helped serve over 2,000 hot meals to members of the Bakersville community each day they served. The experience not only provided immediate aid but also offered valuable life lessons for the students involved.
"Our hearts were filled as we talked with those we served," Evans reflected. "These interactions have a profound impact on our students, helping them put our mission and values into action."
North Hills Senior and President of the Jr. Civitans, Eden Gilbreath shared that the trip was humbling and highlighted the importance of compassion and service. "Seeing the gratitude in people's eyes reminded me why it's so important to help others," Gilbreath said. "It's an experience I'll carry with me for the rest of my life."
The school's commitment to service underscores one of its core values: leadership through service. Sophomore Penelope Lookadoo shared how witnessing the hurricane's impact firsthand emphasized the importance of this core value. "Seeing the devastation up close really drove home the need to step up and help," Penelope said. "It made me realize that being a leader isn't just about words, it's about living out our faith and making a positive difference in the lives of others."
The commitment of NHCS students and staff showcases the school's dedication to nurturing students both academically and spiritually. By continuing their support of the relief efforts in Bakersville, they are not only offering vital assistance but also living out their mission to impact the world for Christ.
North Hills Christian School Unifies to Combat World Hunger
February 13, 2024
Salisbury, NC – A beloved tradition that had been paused due to the COVID pandemic made a comeback this week at North Hills Christian School. Students, staff, and parents came together to participate in a school-wide fundraising campaign to help alleviate world hunger. A grade versus grade competition began two weeks prior to see who could raise the most money, culminating on Monday in a Feed the Hunger Packathon in the Helen Kelley Smith Gymnasium.
Through their efforts, the school raised enough money to pack an impressive 24,000 meals, highlighting the enthusiasm of the school community and underscoring their continued tradition of service. NHCS has been a longtime supporter of Feed The Hunger, a Christian ministry dedicated to feeding spiritual and physical hunger, especially in at-risk children. Prior to the pandemic, the school annually hosted Packathons, helping students live out one of North Hill’s core values, leadership through service, by exemplifying Christ-like servanthood.
"I am still overwhelmed by what we got to be a part of today. To do what we aim for every day, equipping our students to make an impact for Christ," said high school instructor and event organizer, Constance McGrail. The event brought together the entire student body, which numbers over 500, spanning from preschoolers to high school seniors, giving them a sense of unity and purpose while reinforcing the school’s mission and values.
The meals packed during the event are headed for families in need, both locally and internationally, providing assistance to those facing food insecurity. Feed The Hunger will distribute the meals, ensuring they reach the people who need them most. While addressing the students, Feed the Hunger staff member, Scott Hahn noted, “each box packed includes 240 meals, which can feed one boy or girl every day they go to school for one year.”
The success of the Packathon at North Hills is a testament to the power of community and the difference that can be made when people come together for a common goal. It is a wonderful example of how education extends beyond the classroom, teaching students valuable life lessons about kindness, generosity, and the importance of helping those in need.
As the school looks to the future, the hope is to continue this tradition for years to come, building on the success of this year's event and continuing to make a positive impact in the fight against hunger. The Packathon has not only provided much-needed meals to families but has also nurtured a spirit of service and compassion in the next generation, ensuring that the legacy of giving back continues long into the future.