Second Grade
Mikayla Barnhart
My name is Mikayla Barnhart and am I so excited for this new school year! I am a York native and product of YSD1. After graduating from York Comprehensive High in 2016, I attended Winthrop University for my bachelor's degree in elementary education which I obtained in 2021. I have since gained certification in gifted and talented education as well as early childhood education. Currently I am attending Winthrop again working toward my master's degree. I have been teaching since 2021 in YSD1. I have taught kindergarten and second grade.
I live in York with my husband, Jeremiah, and our two boys, Gatlin and Hudson. I love to spend my time outside playing with my boys, reading a good book, or baking as well as traveling. I look forward to a great year!
Kimberly Dover
My name is Kimberly Dover and I have taught at Cotton Belt since 2006. I have taught 2nd and 3rd grades here, but I have been teaching 2nd grade since 2015. Prior to 2006, I taught second grade at Grassy Pond Elementary in Gaffney, SC, as well as 2nd and 3rd grades at Independence Elementary in Rock Hill, SC. I love second grade and everything about it! I enjoy watching the many milestones my students reach and the independence they gain throughout the year. It’s truly a year of growth as I help them to get ready for 3rd grade!
I live in York with my husband and 2 children. I enjoy drinking coffee, reading, shopping, and going to the beach. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Winthrop University – Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Gardner-Webb University – Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Solomon Eagles
My name is Mr. Solomon Eagles, Jr. Born into a military family in North Carolina, I consider myself a native of Myrtle Beach, SC where I attended all my schooling. I currently reside in Fort Mill, SC and am proud to be a part of the CBES family since 2017, teaching 2nd grade. I began my educational career at Charleston Southern University, then transferred to Winthrop University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Post undergraduate, I attended Gardner-Webb University receiving a Master of Arts degree in Teacher Leadership with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. While at CBES I was named the Teacher of the Year for the 2020-2021 school year. What an honor! Teaching has always been a passion of mine. I believe it takes a strong individual to love, teach, nurture, and shape the minds of the future. I couldn’t see myself teaching anywhere other than York School District One at Cotton Belt Elementary School!!!! GO COUGARS!
Amanda Gillespie
My name is Amanda Gillespie and I have been teaching at Cotton Belt Elementary since 2015. While at Cotton Belt, I have taught Prek and first grade. Prior to that I taught Kindergarten in a neighboring district. I love teaching the “little” people! I feel I learn just as much from them as they learn from me! I enjoy watching them blossom throughout the year, as they move from pre-readers and writers to fluent readers and writers!!
While not at school, I enjoy spending time together with my wonderful husband Ryan and our two kids, Zane and Paisley. One of our favorite things to do as a family is vacation at the beach! We also love traveling to Columbia to cheer on the Carolina Gamecocks!
Winthrop University- B.S. degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Jessica Dover (Assistant)
I’m Jessica Dover and I began working at Cotton Belt in 2023. I started substituting at the beginning of the 2022 school and in less than half a year I knew this was the place for me! The children that cross my path touch me every day and I have learned so much from them. I’m originally from Clover, SC and moved to York when I was 17 and graduated from Clover High School. I am so excited to further my education and career.
In my spare time I love to spend time at the ball field with my family. I have three children; Carson, Peyton, and McKenzie. My fur babies are my children too. I have a toy Australian Shepherd, Mazikeen, and my kitty, Rajah. We are also a split family, Clemson/Carolina fans, so of course game times are entertaining. Go Clemson!