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It's hard to believe, but summer is already flying by! Before the back-to-school rush begins, now is a great time to start checking off those school supply lists.

Lincoln County Schools has partnered with TeacherLists to make school supply shopping simple. Families can find supply lists for every LCS school in one place, print them, save them to their phones, or shop online if they choose. Lists are also available in more than 100 languages.

Whether you're picking up a few items each week or planning one big shopping trip, we've got you covered.

Get started here: https://tinyurl.com/3c3h7t7v

#WeAreLINCOLN #BackToSchoolReady
about 1 hour ago, LCS Communications
Wooden background displays colorful school supplies. Text reads "Bring You 2026–2027 Supply Lists" with "Teacher Lists" logo.
Display of colored pencils, scissors, and a paint palette on a wooden surface with text reading "Lista de Utiles 2026-2027".
Summer may be in full swing, but the Lincoln High School Lady Wolves Volleyball team is already hard at work preparing for the season ahead.

From sharpening skills and building strength to developing teamwork and communication, these summer practices are laying the foundation for success both on and off the court. The commitment these student-athletes are showing now will help prepare them for the challenges of the upcoming season.

We're excited to watch the Lady Wolves compete this fall. Keep working hard!

#WeAreLINCOLN #LHSWolves
about 8 hours ago, LCS Communications
Three women play volleyball on a wooden court. Two are in action, and one watches. They wear matching black jerseys.
A volleyball player jumps to hit the ball, wearing a black jersey, purple shorts, and white knee pads.
A female volleyball player in black uniform jumps and stretches her arm to hit the ball.
Players in a gym playing volleyball. One player is jumping and hitting the ball over the net.
Ready to take the next step after high school? Thanks to our strong partnership with Gaston College, Lincoln County Schools students have incredible opportunities to earn college credit, explore career pathways, and prepare for their futures.

If you or your student still needs to:
• Apply to Gaston College
• Register for classes
• Complete the FAFSA

...don't miss Rhino Registration Rush! Get everything done in one visit—no appointment required.

Lincoln Campus: July 15
Dallas Campus: July 22

Questions? Contact Gaston College Admissions at admissions@gaston.edu.

We're proud to partner with Gaston College to help our students learn, lead, and thrive beyond graduation.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSPartners
2 days ago, LCS Communications
A woman stands with the Rhino mascot. Dates and campus locations are listed. Information is provided for registration, applying to Gaston, and FAFSA.
FOUND!

The Week 6 prize bag sponsored by Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. and LEDA has officially been claimed at East Lincoln Middle School! Congratulations to our winner for solving the clues and finding this week's hidden prize.

Now for the history behind the location...

If you've ever attended a Falcons game, concert, or school event, you know East Lincoln Middle School is much more than a school—it's a gathering place for the Iron Station and eastern Lincoln County communities.

As the eastern part of Lincoln County has grown over the years, East Lincoln Middle School has grown right alongside it. Serving students in grades 6-8, ELMS has become known for strong academics, outstanding extracurricular opportunities, and a commitment to helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

The Falcons have built a reputation for excellence in athletics, competing in the Tri-County Conference and celebrating multiple championship seasons over the years. Whether it's football, soccer, or another sport, ELMS students know how to soar.

But success at ELMS isn't limited to the playing field. The school has earned National Forum Schools to Watch recognition, a designation awarded to middle schools that demonstrate academic excellence, strong leadership, student engagement, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

As more families have made eastern Lincoln County home, East Lincoln Middle School has continued to adapt and expand to serve a growing student population while maintaining the close-knit community feel that makes it special.

So while today's scavenger hunt may have led you to a middle school, it also led you to one of Lincoln County's most recognized examples of academic achievement, student leadership, and Falcon pride.

Current Information for East Lincoln Middle School:

Enrollment: 750

Principal: Mrs. Windy Smart

Thank you to everyone who participated in this week's scavenger hunt. Stay tuned for our next "Where in LCS is this?" challenge!

#WeAreLINCOLN #WhereInLCS
2 days ago, LCS Communications
Several yellow school buses parked around trees. The road is empty. Location is East Lincoln Middle School.
Empty hallway in a school. Green lockers on both sides. Bright white floor. White walls. Two red signs on the bottom left.
A school building with a gray roof and red trim stands in front of trees. A flagpole is nearby.
Woman wearing a green hat and blue shirt holding a bag. A girl stands behind her holding a blue bag.

WHERE IN LCS IS THIS?

Week 6 is here!

Study the two photo clues and see if you can identify this mystery location connected to Lincoln County Schools. Hidden at the location is a black LCS drawstring bag filled with LCS swag and a special prize package from this week's sponsors, Magnolia Soap and Bath and LEDA!

The first person (or group) to find the bag gets to keep everything inside.

Found it? Here's what to do:

Take a selfie at the location holding the prize bag.
Email your photo to lcs-communications@lincoln.k12.nc.us.
We'll verify the winner and share your photo on our social media pages.

Once the prize has been claimed, we'll reveal the location and share some interesting history and facts about this special place in Lincoln County Schools.

To keep the challenge fair, comments have been turned off so no one can give away the answer.

Ready. Set. Go.

Thank you to Magnolia Soap and Bath and LEDA for sponsoring Week 6 of "Where in LCS is this?"

#WeAreLINCOLN #WhereInLCS

2 days ago, LCS Communications
Split photo of a campus scene with students walking; red pin on right side and text "Where in LCS is this?"
NEWLY POSTED POSITIONS | JOIN OUR TEAM

Looking for a career where you can make a difference every day? Lincoln County Schools is hiring! Whether you're an experienced educator, just starting your career, or looking to support students in another role, we'd love to have you on our team.

Newly posted positions include:

Teacher (Science) 7th @ East Lincoln Middle
Teacher (Science) 6th @ West Lincoln Middle
Teacher (Science) 6–8 @ Lincolnton Middle
Guidance Counselor @ North Lincoln High
Teacher (Math) 6–8 @ Lincolnton Middle
Teacher (Math) 8th @ West Lincoln Middle
Teacher (K–5) @ S. Ray Lowder Elementary
Teacher (Kindergarten) @ Iron Station Elementary
Tutor @ Love Memorial Elementary
Teacher Assistant, Bus Driver/Sub Bus Driver @ North Brook Elementary
ALC Coordinator/Sub Bus @ East Lincoln Middle
Custodian @ Pumpkin Primary/North Lincoln High
Teacher (Agriculture Education) @ West High/Middle
Teacher (CTE: Health Science) @ North Lincoln High
Teacher (Kindergarten) @ North Brook Elementary

Apply today: https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/

Come learn, lead, and thrive with Lincoln County Schools.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCareers
2 days ago, LCS Communications
An advertisement for various teaching positions. Four women, wearing aprons and headscarves, look over a food display.

Still Serving: Linda Matney & Administrative Assistants


When summer arrives, the hallways may be quieter, but behind the scenes, administrative assistants are working harder than ever to prepare for another successful school year.

As part of our Still Serving: Summer Series, we're highlighting the employees who keep Lincoln County Schools running year-round. Today, we're celebrating Linda Matney and the incredible administrative assistants across our district who keep everyone connected, organized, and moving forward.

Linda describes her role as "the communication bridge" between the Superintendent, Board of Education, staff, students, and community members—making sure information flows smoothly, and everyone stays connected.

But that's just the beginning.

Throughout the summer, Linda updates district directories as staffing changes occur, ensuring employees and families can reach the right people. She coordinates purchasing for district initiatives, schedules professional development, arranges travel and meeting logistics, and prepares everything needed to support the Board of Education's work before, during, and after every meeting.

And if something needs to be done? Chances are, Linda is already working on it.

Whether she's helping with purchases, solving unexpected problems, lending a hand wherever it's needed, or tackling tasks that don't fit neatly into a job description, Linda embodies the idea that "no job is too big or too small" when it comes to supporting our schools.

While many people think summer is a slower season, administrative assistants know it's simply a different kind of busy.

"While teachers and staff are away enjoying a well-deserved break, my days are filled with planning, organizing, preparing, and making sure everything is in place for the new school year," Linda shared.

Even with the long to-do lists, there's one moment she always looks forward to.

"I always look forward to seeing our students and staff return. Their return is a sure sign that my busiest season is winding down—just in time to start preparing for the next one!"

Administrative assistants are often the first friendly face you see, the voice that answers the phone, the organizer behind countless meetings and events, and the problem-solvers who quietly keep our schools and district offices operating every single day.

While school may be out, Linda and administrative assistants across Lincoln County Schools are still serving—keeping our district organized, connected, and ready for another great year.

#WeAreLINCOLN #StillServing

5 days ago, LCS Communications
A person sits at a desk with a computer, surrounded by office equipment. Another person stands nearby. Text reads, "Serving. Summer Series. While school's out..."
A huge thank you to both Food Lion stores in Lincolnton for their continued generosity and support of Lincolnton High School's Share Table!

Each week, their partnership helps provide fresh, healthy food to LHS families in need through the Share Table, which is available on Sundays. Because of community partners like Food Lion, students and families have access to nutritious food and the support they deserve.

Thank you for investing in our students, caring for our community, and reminding us what it means to work together to make a difference.

#WeAreLINCOLN #CommunityStrong
7 days ago, LCS Communications
A table filled with various food items, including salads, tomatoes, and watermelons, inside a room with glass windows.
🏆 THE BEST IN NORTH CAROLINA. 🏆

Congratulations to the **North Lincoln High School Athletic Department** on being named **HighSchoolOT's 2025-2026 Athletic Department of the Year!**

This statewide honor recognizes an athletic program that exemplifies excellence across all sports, and it reflects the incredible dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainer, administrators, families, and the entire Knights community.

From championship performances to unforgettable moments of teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship, North Lincoln continues to raise the bar for high school athletics across North Carolina.

Congratulations, Knights! We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSAthletics
7 days ago, LCS Communications
An advertisement featuring North Lincoln High School women's basketball team with a blue banner reading "SA Women's Basketball Champions 2026".

School may still be soaking up summer, but we're already getting excited for the first day of the 2026–2027 school year!

Do you have a rising kindergartener who's ready for their first big adventure? Or are you new to Lincoln County Schools? Now is the perfect time to get enrolled so you're ready when August arrives.

The earlier you enroll, the smoother the start to the school year will be for everyone.

Ready to join the LCS family? Get started today: lcsnc.org/page/student-enro

We can't wait to welcome our newest students through our doors this fall!

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSFirstDayReady

7 days ago, LCS Communications
Children in a school corridor. A boy holds books and a record, while a girl holds books and wears headphones.
Today was a proud moment for Lincoln County Schools and for public education across North Carolina.

Lincoln County Schools Teacher of the Year and Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Melissa Culp of St. James Elementary School, was present today as Josh Stein signed North Carolina's new state budget. Joining the Governor were North Carolina State Superintendent Mo Green, North Carolina's State Principal of the Year, and the National Principal of the Year, who also represents our state.

During the signing, Governor Stein highlighted the essential role teachers play in shaping the future of North Carolina. He emphasized that while more must be done to support educators, this budget represents an important step in that direction.

We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Culp for representing St. James Elementary, Lincoln County Schools, and educators across our region at this significant event. Thank you, Mrs. Culp, for the passion, leadership, and excellence you bring to your students and our school district every day.

Congratulations, Mrs. Culp, on continuing to represent #WeAreLINCOLN with distinction.
8 days ago, LCS Communications
A group of formally dressed people pose on a red carpet. Text reads "NC Budget Signed!" and "Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year."
FOUND!

The Week 5 prize bag sponsored by Citizens Insurance and LEDA has officially been claimed at West Lincoln Middle School by Madison W! Congratulations to our winner for solving the clues and finding this week's hidden prize.

Now for the history behind the location...

Before it was West Lincoln Middle School, this campus began its story as West Lincoln Junior High School.

Built in 1974, the school was created to bring together seventh and eighth-grade students from communities across western Lincoln County, including the North Brook area. The school's first principal was the beloved William Ryan "Pop" Shelton, whose leadership helped establish a strong foundation for generations of students to come.

In 1989, the campus officially became West Lincoln Middle School as Lincoln County Schools transitioned to a middle school model. Sixth-grade students joined the campus, creating the 6-8 grade configuration that continues today.
As western Lincoln County grew, so did the school. Throughout the 1990s and beyond, renovations and additions helped modernize the campus and expand opportunities for students.

Today, West Lincoln Middle School continues to serve as an important bridge between elementary and high school, helping students navigate those often exciting—and sometimes awkward—middle school years. After all, every high school graduate, teacher, doctor, engineer, business owner, and community leader had to survive middle school first.
For more than 50 years, WLMS has been helping students do exactly that.

Current Information for West Lincoln Middle:

Enrollment: 590

Principal: Mr. Jesse Beane

Thank you to everyone who participated in this week's scavenger hunt. Stay tuned for our next "Where in LCS is this?" challenge!

#WeAreLINCOLN #WhereInLCS
9 days ago, LCS Communications
Woman sitting on a red bench, holding a black bag with white writing, wearing a gray shirt.
A brick sign displaying "Partners In Education West Lincoln Middle School and Fifth Third Bank" with logos.
A metal fence with large pink and white letters spelling "VEST" and a round design with a baseball image.
A yellow school bus in front of a building, with a flag and parked vehicles. Green grass and trees in the background.
WHERE IN LCS IS THIS?

Week 5 is here!

Study the two photo clues and see if you can identify this mystery location connected to Lincoln County Schools. Hidden at the location is a black LCS drawstring bag filled with LCS swag and a special prize package from this week's sponsors, Citizens' Insurance and LEDA.

The first person (or group) to find the bag gets to keep everything inside.

Found it? Here's what to do:

Take a selfie at the location holding the prize bag.
Email your photo to lcs-communications@lincoln.k12.nc.us.
We'll verify the winner and share your photo on our social media pages.

Once the prize has been claimed, we'll reveal the location and share some interesting history and facts about this special place in Lincoln County Schools.

To keep the challenge fair, comments have been turned off so no one can give away the answer.

Ready. Set. Go.

Thank you to Citizens' Insurance and LEDA for sponsoring Week 5 of "Where in LCS is this?"

#WeAreLINCOLN #WhereInLCS
9 days ago, LCS Communications
Red metal structure in foreground. White sign with "Fifth Third" logo. Brick building wall behind. Grassy area.
WE'RE HIRING!

Looking for a new opportunity—or know someone who is? Lincoln County Schools has several newly posted positions and we'd love to add passionate people to our team.

Current openings include:
• Teacher Assistant/Sub Bus Driver – Catawba Springs Elementary
• Tutor (during school day) – Norris S. Childers Elementary
• Science Teacher (Grades 9–12) – Lincolnton High School
• Chorus Teacher (Grades 6–8) – East Lincoln Middle School
• 7th Grade ELA/Social Studies Teacher – East Lincoln Middle School
• Science Teacher – West Lincoln High School

Explore these and other career opportunities and apply today: https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/

Join a team that's making a difference for students every day.

#NowHiring #WeAreLINCOLN
9 days ago, LCS Communications
An adult woman teaching a classroom with a bulletin board of faces in the background. Text reads "Newly Posted Positions."
250 years of freedom. 250 years of opportunity. 250 years of building a nation together.

As we celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary, Lincoln County Schools honors the generations who have shaped our country through courage, service, innovation, and education.

Today, we celebrate the ideals that unite us and the freedoms that make it possible for every student to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams.

We wish our students, families, staff, and community a safe and happy Fourth of July as we commemorate 250 years of American independence.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCS250Years
11 days ago, LCS Communications
Flag waving with a sunset background. Text reads: "250 Years, 4th of July, Independence Day, Lincoln County Schools".
Still Serving: Mrs. Kristen Burgin

When students head off for summer break, the work of preparing for a successful school year is already underway.

As part of our Still Serving summer series, we're highlighting the employees who continue serving Lincoln County Schools throughout the summer months. Today, we're featuring Mrs. Kristen Burgin, Principal.

Mrs. Burgin describes her role as "being a coach, advocate, and cheerleader all rolled into one role while ensuring that staff and student safety and overall success remain the priority."

While many people associate summer with a quieter season in schools, principals know it is one of the busiest times of the year. Mrs. Burgin spends her summer laying the foundation for the year ahead—attending professional development, finalizing the master schedule, carefully placing students in classrooms, and preparing the building for students' and staff's return.

She also pitches in wherever needed, whether that's helping move furniture, assisting with floor projects, decorating the school to match the upcoming year's theme, or working through countless checklists and ideas designed to make the school year a success.

"Over the summer, I am busiest with setting up the next school year to be successful," she shared.

While the work itself changes during the summer, one thing remains constant.

"Summer work looks very different from my work during the school year because two of the best parts in my building are missing: students and staff!"

For Mrs. Burgin, the most rewarding aspect of being a principal isn't a specific achievement or event—it's the impact.

"The best part of my job isn't an accomplishment or an activity; it's a feeling. It's knowing I am a part of something amazing in our community that is making a difference in the lives of many and helping support the next generation to be good people."

While school may be out, Mrs. Burgin is still serving—planning, preparing, and creating the conditions for students and staff to thrive when the doors open for a new school year.

#WeAreLINCOLN #StillServing
12 days ago, LCS Communications
A classroom with students and teachers engaged in discussion. Text overlay reads "Building principals are still busy at work."
Do you have a rising Kindergarten student coming to Lincoln County Schools? Instead of buying workbooks, try these ideas to get them ready for school!
14 days ago, LCS Communications
Poster with green background and colorful blocks reading "PREPARE FOR KINDERGARTEN" with activities for children.
Halfway through summer, and SUN Meals are still rolling!

Lincoln County Schools continues to offer FREE Grab ’N Go breakfast and lunch meal packs for children and young adults 18 years old and younger through July 22.

Each Wednesday, families can pick up a pack containing:
• 5 breakfasts
• 5 lunches

Pick-Up Times & Locations:
11 AM–1 PM
• Battleground Elementary

4 PM–6 PM
• Norris S. Childers Elementary
• Pumpkin Center Intermediate

Families should remain in their vehicles during pick-up, and students do not need to be present.

Meal pick-up locations:
• Back parking lot at Battleground Elementary
• Back parking lot at Pumpkin Center Intermediate
• Side area near the bus lot at Norris S. Childers Elementary

Adults picking up meals will complete a form with the names of the students receiving meals.

#WeAreLINCOLN #SUNMeals
14 days ago, LCS Communications
Poster advertising Lincoln County Schools Summer Feeding. Features a selection of vegetables and text about free meals on Wednesdays.
LOVE MEMORIAL:

FOUND! Congratulations to Katie (former Cardinal, now Senior Rebel) and her brothers Clay & Jake!

The Week 4 prize bag has officially been claimed at Love Memorial Elementary School! Congratulations to our winner for cracking the clues, finding the location, and taking home this week's prize package sponsored by punker LLC and LEDA.

Now for the history lesson you didn't know you were signing up for...

Love Memorial Elementary School was established in 1926 after Lincoln County received funding from a $75,000 bond issued by the North Carolina State School Board. Love Memorial received $20,000 of that funding, with additional money raised by the local community.

The school is named for Edgar Love, a community leader, two-term mayor of Lincolnton, member of the North Carolina General Assembly, and a strong advocate for modern school facilities and expanded educational opportunities. As a member of the Board of Education, he believed Lincoln County students deserved the very best.

Originally serving a rural mill village community, Love Memorial once enrolled as many as 500 students. In 1997, the original 1926 building was replaced with the modern facility that stands today. While the school now serves just over 300 students, its reach extends far beyond the mill village where it began, welcoming families from across Lincoln County.

Current Information for Love Memorial Elementary:

Enrollment: 300

Principal: Mrs. Pamela Hoffman

Who knew a scavenger hunt could come with homework?

Thank you to everyone who participated this week! Get ready for another round of "Where in LCS is this?" next Monday.

#WeAreLINCOLN #WhereInLCS
16 days ago, LCS Communications
A school bus parked under a covered walkway, with blue poles on either side and a grassy area in the background.
Blue double doors with large decals of a bird. Words on the glass: "We strive to develop lifelong learners, innovative problem solvers, and responsible citizens."
A brick wall with a plaque reading "LOVE MEMORIAL SCHOOL 1924" in front of a building.
Three children stand by a brick monument reading "LOVE MEMORIAL SCHOOL 1925" in front of a building.

WHERE IN LCS IS THIS?

Week 4 is here!

Study the two photo clues and see if you can identify this mystery location connected to Lincoln County Schools. Hidden at the location is a black LCS drawstring bag filled with LCS swag and a special prize package from this week's sponsors, punker LLC and LEDA.

The first person (or group) to find the bag gets to keep everything inside.

Found it? Here's what to do:

Take a selfie at the location holding the prize bag.
Email your photo to lcs-communications@lincoln.k12.nc.us.
We'll verify the winner and share your photo on our social media pages.

Once the prize has been claimed, we'll reveal the location and share some interesting history and facts about this special place in Lincoln County Schools.

To keep the challenge fair, comments have been turned off so no one can give away the answer.

Ready. Set. Go.

Thank you to punker LLC and LEDA for sponsoring Week 4 of "Where in LCS is this?"

#WeAreLINCOLN #WhereInLCS

16 days ago, LCS Communications
A sidewalk with a wall and scattered fabric pieces, a pin marked with "Where in LCS is this?", and a brick base.