COVID 19 Testing Opt-In Say Something

5621 Flagstaff Drive
Charlotte, NC 28210
Courier #: 344
P: 980-343-5820  |  F: 980-343-5850 
Principal: Dina M. Modine
LC: Southwest
Bell Schedule: 9:15 AM - 4:15 PM
Grades: K-8
Email School
Show School Information
Skip Navigation LinksCMS School Web Sites > Collinswood Language Academy > Principal's Corner -- Nuestra Directora
Principal's Corner -- Nuestra Directora
​​​
Carolyn Rodd, Principal
Carolyn Rodd, Principal

​​​ 

My "Why" and Core Beliefs
 
"I became a principal to help make the world a better place for all children. After serving in a variety of settings as a social worker and ultimately a school social worker, I realized that my impact could have a greater reach through service as a school principal.
I believe that having a high-quality, public education can be life-changing for children. And I wanted to be a part of positively shaping access and opportunity for families, particularly families with fewer resources.
I believe that all students can succeed and it is my job to create positive school environment where excellence abounds. Children (and grown-ups) will rise to our expectations and belief in their success.
As a social worker and a principal, I believe in a whole-child approach to teaching students and engaging families which drives our instructional framework, approach to school climate and family involvement.
School should be safe and fun, a place of inspiration and a center for the community. We need volunteers and our community as partners in educating our children.
I see the possibilities, rather than limitations and embrace diversity as strength. I believe that we are stronger together. Collaboration is seen in the daily fabric of our school day with both students and teachers.
I am a life-long learner, always growing. Mistakes are just opportunities for growth. Each moment is an opportunity to capitalize on learning. Brain research supports the power of movement to ignite learning.
My team nurtures an environment where learning risks are taken in an effort to explore, grow and become better. If our students are not learning, we must evolve and teach differently to ensure learning happens.  Our children depend on us.  
 
A reading foundation is fundamental so that children have access to better opportunities, establishing a foundation for a successful, productive and fulfilling life."
Work History

 
Ms. Rodd has worked at a variety of schools during her tenure in CMS.  From 2011 to 2018, Ms. Rodd served as the principal of Huntingtowne Farms IB/ Dual Language Spanish Immersion School. Previously she was the principal of the Business and Finance High School on the Garinger Campus. She has also worked in the district office of Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools as a Title I/McKinney-Vento Specialist where she coordinated the federal children's homeless services and oversaw implementation of Title I services of several schools. 
Previously, she worked at Garinger High School, Paw Creek Elementary and Monteclaire Elementary schools as a bilingual school social worker.
Prior to employment with CMS, Ms. Rodd served the students and families experiencing homelessness at Merry Oaks Elementary and Shamrock Gardens Elementary through her employment at A Child's Place and at the Salvation Army Women and Children's Homeless Shelter.
Ms. Rodd holds two master's degrees; one in educational leadership (Winthrop 2010) and social work (UNC-Chapel Hill 1999.)  She is a proud member of Charlotte Mecklenburg School/ Winthrop Leaders for Tomorrow Cohort I. Furthermore, Ms. Rodd is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed principal in the state of North Carolina.
Interesting Facts
Ms. Rodd was born in Nurnberg, West Germany, where her father served in the US Army. She grew up in Orlando, FL and Salt Lake City, Utah. 
Ms. Rodd also loves soccer as her favorite position is goalkeeper. She played soccer for 12 years as a child and was selected as the goalkeeper for both the Florida and Utah Olympic Development Soccer Teams. 
Ms. Rodd threw the shot put and discus in high school, placing 4th in the state of Utah.  She holds the discus record for her high school!   She sang in the school chorus and played the clarinet as a student.
She has a niece and nephew who light up her world!
Hobbies
Ms. Rodd is committed to serving others and helping people believe deeply in themselves and achieve at their highest level. She is a natural coach as she has worked for four years as a coach of a high school girls' soccer team. 
Also, Ms. Rodd is a founding board member of Tri It For Life, a local nonprofit that mentors women to complete their first sprint triathlon. She has completed numerous running and triathlon events, although she enjoys cycling most of all. 
In her personal time, you may see Ms. Rodd riding her bicycle, swimming or jogging since she is an avid tri-athlete.
P.O. Box 30035
Charlotte, NC 28230-0035
Phone: 980-343-3000
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools website (www.cms.k12.nc.us) is in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any website accessibility concerns may be brought via the following, Email the Web Accessibility Team at WebAccessibility or Call: 980.343.0115. In compliance with Federal Law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, may be referred to the District's Title IX Coordinator at titleixcoordinator or to the Office for Civil Rights, United States Department of Education.