4TH GRADE

Paula Ray

Fourth grade is my jam! What a perfect age – kids who are curious and searching for independence are so enjoyable to teach.  I have been lucky enough to be a part of the Mangum family for my entire career.  Although I live in Creedmoor with my husband and 2 children, I feel very much like a member of the Bahama Community. My husband, Richard, is a Battalion Chief with the Durham Fire Dept and actively volunteers in the Creedmoor Fire Dept.  My daughter, Jenna, is in nursing school at Watts, and my son, Evan, is in college at UNCC. I am a product of Durham Public Schools and a graduate of East Carolina University where I majored in Elementary Education and Child Development.  My favorite things about teaching include making sure every child feels loved and valued,  helping each child recognize their unique strengths, and watching learning happen first hand. 

Christy Wright

Hi! I am Christy Wright, and I am proud to say this is my 15th year at Mangum and my 26th year of teaching in Durham Public Schools. There is nothing better than being a part of the Mangum family and community.  

I graduated from Northern High School. “Go Blue Knights!” I earned my bachelor’s degree from UNC-Greensboro and my master’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. After completing my National Board certification, I earned my AIG licensure at Duke. 

 My husband Steve and I have been married for 35 years and have two children: Zack and Bailey. My daughter, Bailey is also a 4th grade teacher.  

If you’ve ever walked by my classroom, you may have noticed my rather extensive Snoopy collection. It’s true; I do love Snoopy. But even more than that, I love teaching and learning with my 4th graders here at Mangum. It’s going to be a fantastic school year full of learning and fun times. I can’t wait to get started! 

Kimberly Carpenter

I have many fond memories of growing up in Durham County and Durham Public Schools. I absolutely loved school and playing sports at Oak Grove Athletic Association. As a youth, my days were filled with softball, volleyball, and basketball. I attended Oak Grove Elementary, Neal Jr. High, and Southern High School. I had many dedicated and loving teachers, coaches and principals that blessed my life.

I graduated from NCCU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, NC State with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, and earned an add-on to my teaching license as a Science Specialist while at NC State. This is my 18th year with Durham Public Schools and my 16th year at Mangum. My teaching experience includes K-5 Computer, K-8 Introduction to Spanish, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade, 4th grade Science, and 5th grade Science. Currently, I teach 5th grade Science and absolutely LOVE it!

On a more personal note, I am married to my love, Neal Carpenter, a retired Captain with the City of Raleigh Fire Department. We have two wonderful children, Collin and Chloe, both of whom attended Mangum. Collin will graduate from NC State this fall with a business degree. Chloe will also graduate this year from high school with long-term plans to either teach high school literature or work as a guidance counselor. We enjoy spending quality time together camping and skiing at Kerr Lake, relaxing at Myrtle Beach, as well as curling up to watch movies.