Eighth Grade

David Downum
Teacher
Teacher
Bachelors degree in Political Science, SUNY Oswego
Masters degree in Adolescent Education, Suny Oswego
Masters degree in Adolescent Education, Suny Oswego
Social Studies, 8th
Work:
919-494-2971
David Downum is a proud graduate of The State University of New York at Oswego, with degrees in both Political Science and Education. Mr. Downum has 3 children and a wife who works in the district as well. In his free time, Mr. Downum likes to read, watch television, and spend time with his family.

Anna Frost
Teacher
Teacher
State University of New York at Oswego Bachelor of Arts Degree Secondary Education and English September 1992 – May 1996
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Masters of Education Degree MED for Experienced Teachers in Literacy January 2001 – August 2003
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Masters of Education Degree MED for Experienced Teachers in Literacy January 2001 – August 2003
English, 8th
Work:
919-494-2971
Anna Lea Frost earned a MED in K-12 Literacy from UNC Chapel Hill and a B.A. in Secondary Education / English from the State University of New York at Oswego. Anna Frost has served as a North Carolina educator since 1996. Since 2017, Frost has served as Literacy Coach at CCMS and FMS and now is the Grade 8 English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher at FMS.
Prior to joining FCS, Frost worked for the NC Department of Public Instruction Curriculum and Instruction Department as the Middle Grades ELA Consultant overseeing revisions to the ELA Standard Course of Study, creating instructional support documents aligned to the NCSCoS, as well as, providing professional development in all 8 regions to district C&I leaders and educators across the state.
She also served as an educator in various roles for 13 years in Durham Public Schools. As Director of Secondary English Language Arts and Literacy (21 Schools) and project manager for the DPS Strategic Plan, she managed the orchestration of a comprehensive Pre-K-12 Literacy Framework that included job embedded coaching and building a network of 21 literacy leaders. As a result of this work with data to support student academic gains, she received the National Scholastic Heroes Award from the Scholastic Inc. Book Publishers. The award was presented to Frost recently for her "support of literacy development and academic success for all students at the corporation's annual National Book Summit. Frost truly is a leader in the field of literacy and she and her team have been instrumental in our efforts to increase reading levels and overall student achievement," said Chris Bennett, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, in the written statement. "We are very proud of this national recognition, which is a testament to her hard work and dedication to our mission."
-DPS Media Advisory, Chris Bennett, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary C&I
In addition, over the course of her career in education she served in roles in DPS as the Middle School Literacy Coordinator (10 Schools), Literacy Specialist, and English Language Arts teacher at Neal Middle School in Durham, where she earned Teacher of the Year in 2002-2003 and was nominated as one of the top 10 teachers in the district, K-12. Her teaching career began in Hertford County Schools in Murfreesboro NC and Elizabeth City State University.
Ultimately, she is dedicated to providing ongoing support in adolescent literacy development to ensure that all students have opportunities to obtain academic growth across disciplines.
Once you learn to read, you will be forever free. ~Frederick Douglass
Prior to joining FCS, Frost worked for the NC Department of Public Instruction Curriculum and Instruction Department as the Middle Grades ELA Consultant overseeing revisions to the ELA Standard Course of Study, creating instructional support documents aligned to the NCSCoS, as well as, providing professional development in all 8 regions to district C&I leaders and educators across the state.
She also served as an educator in various roles for 13 years in Durham Public Schools. As Director of Secondary English Language Arts and Literacy (21 Schools) and project manager for the DPS Strategic Plan, she managed the orchestration of a comprehensive Pre-K-12 Literacy Framework that included job embedded coaching and building a network of 21 literacy leaders. As a result of this work with data to support student academic gains, she received the National Scholastic Heroes Award from the Scholastic Inc. Book Publishers. The award was presented to Frost recently for her "support of literacy development and academic success for all students at the corporation's annual National Book Summit. Frost truly is a leader in the field of literacy and she and her team have been instrumental in our efforts to increase reading levels and overall student achievement," said Chris Bennett, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, in the written statement. "We are very proud of this national recognition, which is a testament to her hard work and dedication to our mission."
-DPS Media Advisory, Chris Bennett, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary C&I
In addition, over the course of her career in education she served in roles in DPS as the Middle School Literacy Coordinator (10 Schools), Literacy Specialist, and English Language Arts teacher at Neal Middle School in Durham, where she earned Teacher of the Year in 2002-2003 and was nominated as one of the top 10 teachers in the district, K-12. Her teaching career began in Hertford County Schools in Murfreesboro NC and Elizabeth City State University.
Ultimately, she is dedicated to providing ongoing support in adolescent literacy development to ensure that all students have opportunities to obtain academic growth across disciplines.
Once you learn to read, you will be forever free. ~Frederick Douglass

Michelle Cunningham
Teacher
Teacher
BS Elementary Education, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
Math, 8th
Work:
919-494-2971
Meet Michelle Cunningham, our dedicated 8th-grade math teacher hailing from the picturesque state of Pennsylvania. With an undergraduate degree from Lock Haven University and the prestigious honor of being National Board Certified, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her classroom.
Beyond school, Michelle's personal life adds depth to her story. She's been happily married to her high school sweetheart and is a proud parent of two wonderful children. Her son, Caleb, an accomplished electrical lineman, has a loving family of his own, including his son Hudson. Meanwhile her daughter, Chelsey has pursued a fulfilling career as an emergency room Physician Assistant.
When Michelle isn't helping students unravel the mysteries of math, she's embracing the great outdoors. She finds joy in activities like jetskiing, kayaking, hiking, and biking. Above all, her favorite moments are those spent with her beloved family, making cherished memories together.
Beyond school, Michelle's personal life adds depth to her story. She's been happily married to her high school sweetheart and is a proud parent of two wonderful children. Her son, Caleb, an accomplished electrical lineman, has a loving family of his own, including his son Hudson. Meanwhile her daughter, Chelsey has pursued a fulfilling career as an emergency room Physician Assistant.
When Michelle isn't helping students unravel the mysteries of math, she's embracing the great outdoors. She finds joy in activities like jetskiing, kayaking, hiking, and biking. Above all, her favorite moments are those spent with her beloved family, making cherished memories together.