LCS Besties Feature — Katie, Kelton, and Amber
What started as simple connections at work has grown into a true sisterhood for Katie Land, Kelton Boorman, and Amber Calloway.
Katie, the music teacher at Norris S. Childers Elementary, first met Kelton at a music teacher professional development, where they discovered a fun connection — Katie had once taught Kelton’s younger brother. Later, when Kelton became the assistant principal at St. James Elementary, she and Amber, a first-grade teacher assistant, bonded over their shared love of reading and quickly became close friends.
With a love of the same books and a shared circle of friends, they decided to start a book club and invited Katie to join. Along with a few others, the “Baddiez Book Club” was born. What started as monthly book discussions soon became much more than that.
Over time, their friendship grew into a strong support system filled with trips to Hendersonville and Myrtle Beach, lunch dates, shopping days, and celebrations like Friendsgiving and Christmas. They have shown up for each other through graduations, new jobs, new homes, and becoming parents. Through every milestone, they have been there for the good days, the hard days, and everything in between.
They are more than coworkers and more than friends. They are sisters by choice, connected by shared passions, genuine care, and a commitment to always showing up for one another — the kind of relationships that make our schools and our community stronger.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud
What started as simple connections at work has grown into a true sisterhood for Katie Land, Kelton Boorman, and Amber Calloway.
Katie, the music teacher at Norris S. Childers Elementary, first met Kelton at a music teacher professional development, where they discovered a fun connection — Katie had once taught Kelton’s younger brother. Later, when Kelton became the assistant principal at St. James Elementary, she and Amber, a first-grade teacher assistant, bonded over their shared love of reading and quickly became close friends.
With a love of the same books and a shared circle of friends, they decided to start a book club and invited Katie to join. Along with a few others, the “Baddiez Book Club” was born. What started as monthly book discussions soon became much more than that.
Over time, their friendship grew into a strong support system filled with trips to Hendersonville and Myrtle Beach, lunch dates, shopping days, and celebrations like Friendsgiving and Christmas. They have shown up for each other through graduations, new jobs, new homes, and becoming parents. Through every milestone, they have been there for the good days, the hard days, and everything in between.
They are more than coworkers and more than friends. They are sisters by choice, connected by shared passions, genuine care, and a commitment to always showing up for one another — the kind of relationships that make our schools and our community stronger.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud

2026-2027 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION BEGINS
Registration for children entering kindergarten will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and will continue through Friday, March 20, 2026. Children who will turn five years old on or before August 31, 2026 will need to be registered between those dates. Parents must register their child(ren) online at www.lcsnc.org and click on Kindergarten Enrollment 2026-2027.
After online kindergarten registration has been completed, parents will be contacted by the school for an appointment for Kindergarten Entry Screening. The documents listed below will need to be provided to the school at the time of the Kindergarten Entry Screening appointment.
A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
2 proofs of residency – i.e., Active NC Driver’s License, Photo ID issued by state DMV, Utility Bill in person’s name (cell phone bills will not be accepted), Lease Agreement, Real Property Tax Bill
Documented evidence of immunizations as per state law. Please see your healthcare provider or the Lincoln County Health Department with specific questions regarding this.
A health assessment – This should be completed by your healthcare provider prior to the start of school, but must be completed no later than 30 days after school begins. Failure to provide this information will result in the child being excluded from school. Assessment forms are available at each school. All sections of the assessment (including developmental, hearing, and vision) must be completed.
A picture ID will be required of the parent or guardian registering the student.
Parents of children who need immunizations or a health assessment should take their child to their health care provider or to the Lincoln County Health Department as soon as possible to complete these requirements prior to the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.
#WeAreLINCOLN #KindergartenRegistration
Registration for children entering kindergarten will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and will continue through Friday, March 20, 2026. Children who will turn five years old on or before August 31, 2026 will need to be registered between those dates. Parents must register their child(ren) online at www.lcsnc.org and click on Kindergarten Enrollment 2026-2027.
After online kindergarten registration has been completed, parents will be contacted by the school for an appointment for Kindergarten Entry Screening. The documents listed below will need to be provided to the school at the time of the Kindergarten Entry Screening appointment.
A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
2 proofs of residency – i.e., Active NC Driver’s License, Photo ID issued by state DMV, Utility Bill in person’s name (cell phone bills will not be accepted), Lease Agreement, Real Property Tax Bill
Documented evidence of immunizations as per state law. Please see your healthcare provider or the Lincoln County Health Department with specific questions regarding this.
A health assessment – This should be completed by your healthcare provider prior to the start of school, but must be completed no later than 30 days after school begins. Failure to provide this information will result in the child being excluded from school. Assessment forms are available at each school. All sections of the assessment (including developmental, hearing, and vision) must be completed.
A picture ID will be required of the parent or guardian registering the student.
Parents of children who need immunizations or a health assessment should take their child to their health care provider or to the Lincoln County Health Department as soon as possible to complete these requirements prior to the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.
#WeAreLINCOLN #KindergartenRegistration

Due to overnight inclement weather, Lincoln County Schools will be closed for in-person instruction on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Students will continue remote learning. Teachers will communicate assignments and expectations with families and students through email or Apptegy. Staff may choose to report to their building on a 3-hour delay or continue remote work. This day will not be made up. We apologize for the early call and the inconvenience we know this will cause. Parts of our county were hit worse than others with the accumulation of overnight snow and winter weather, particularly the East and North zones. The Lincoln County communication center has already reported multiple wrecks this morning both on main and secondary roads. Thank you for your continued understanding.

Big news worth celebrating at Lincolnton High School. Jake Tweed—who recently nominated Mr. Trent Teague as his Morehead-Cain Impact Educator—has now been named a Morehead-Cain finalist himself.
This honor speaks volumes about Jake’s talent and character, and it also reflects the incredible influence of the educators who have poured into him along the way. In his nomination, Jake shared that Mr. Teague has had the most profound impact on his life, a reminder of the lasting difference teachers make far beyond the classroom.
The Morehead-Cain Foundation recognizes K–12 educators as essential in shaping driven, courageous, and inquisitive leaders. Mr. Teague will receive a 2026 Impact Educator certificate and information about grant opportunities for North Carolina educators—well-deserved recognition for his dedication to students.
Congratulations to Jake on this outstanding achievement and to Mr. Teague for the powerful mentorship that helped him reach this milestone. Lincoln County Schools is proud of you both and grateful for the example you set every day.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LHSproud
This honor speaks volumes about Jake’s talent and character, and it also reflects the incredible influence of the educators who have poured into him along the way. In his nomination, Jake shared that Mr. Teague has had the most profound impact on his life, a reminder of the lasting difference teachers make far beyond the classroom.
The Morehead-Cain Foundation recognizes K–12 educators as essential in shaping driven, courageous, and inquisitive leaders. Mr. Teague will receive a 2026 Impact Educator certificate and information about grant opportunities for North Carolina educators—well-deserved recognition for his dedication to students.
Congratulations to Jake on this outstanding achievement and to Mr. Teague for the powerful mentorship that helped him reach this milestone. Lincoln County Schools is proud of you both and grateful for the example you set every day.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LHSproud

To provide additional daylight for morning travel, Lincoln County Schools will operate on a one-hour delay for both students and staff on Thursday, February 5, 2026. There will be limited bus routes, and schools will reach out to you directly if the routes impact you. High school students should refer to your school’s direct messaging for further details regarding schedule changes. Sport practices and art programs will resume as normal. Breakfast will be served at all schools.
#WeAreLINCOLN #BackToSchool
#WeAreLINCOLN #BackToSchool

Messages of Appreciation are back, and we hope you’ll take a moment to participate.
From February 2–13, families, students, coworkers, and community members can submit messages of thanks for any Lincoln County Schools staff member. Every note is printed and delivered, and many of our staff say these messages are some of the most meaningful moments of their year.
If someone in our schools has made a difference for you or your child, this is your chance to tell them. Submit your message using this link: https://forms.gle/D2pGxhAykkyFtvJr6
#WeAreLINCOLN #ThankAStaffMember
From February 2–13, families, students, coworkers, and community members can submit messages of thanks for any Lincoln County Schools staff member. Every note is printed and delivered, and many of our staff say these messages are some of the most meaningful moments of their year.
If someone in our schools has made a difference for you or your child, this is your chance to tell them. Submit your message using this link: https://forms.gle/D2pGxhAykkyFtvJr6
#WeAreLINCOLN #ThankAStaffMember

💕 LCS Besties Feature — Taylor & Taylor
For our next LCS Besties feature, meet two coworkers who quickly realized they had way more in common than just their workplace.
Five years ago, these two met on the job and discovered they share the same first and middle names — Taylor Nicole — along with incredibly similar personalities, tastes, and ways of thinking. What started as a fun coincidence quickly turned into a close friendship that now feels more like family.
Both have young sons close in age who love spending time together, just like their moms do. They talk every day, laugh nonstop when they are together, and make lasting memories through annual summer beach trips and plenty of everyday hangouts throughout the year.
Now, they are even taking the next step together by returning to school at Western Carolina University to earn their bachelor’s degrees. From coworkers to lifelong friends, their story is a great example of how strong connections make our schools and our teams stronger.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud
For our next LCS Besties feature, meet two coworkers who quickly realized they had way more in common than just their workplace.
Five years ago, these two met on the job and discovered they share the same first and middle names — Taylor Nicole — along with incredibly similar personalities, tastes, and ways of thinking. What started as a fun coincidence quickly turned into a close friendship that now feels more like family.
Both have young sons close in age who love spending time together, just like their moms do. They talk every day, laugh nonstop when they are together, and make lasting memories through annual summer beach trips and plenty of everyday hangouts throughout the year.
Now, they are even taking the next step together by returning to school at Western Carolina University to earn their bachelor’s degrees. From coworkers to lifelong friends, their story is a great example of how strong connections make our schools and our teams stronger.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud

Final snowman post! We know we enjoyed seeing your creations, and we hope you had fun making them.
#WeAreLINCOLN #SnowmanPhotos
#WeAreLINCOLN #SnowmanPhotos










Dr. Allen is jumping on the caricature band-wagon to help share tomorrow’s update!
Due to continued snow and ice on secondary roads across the county, Lincoln County Schools will be closed for in-person instruction on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Students will continue remote learning. Teachers will communicate assignments and expectations with families and students through email or Apptegy. Staff may choose to report to their building on a 2-hour delay or continue remote work. This day will not be made up. We are continuing to monitor road conditions and will resume in-person learning as soon as it is safe for students and staff to return to school. Athletic practices and arts programs will be optional for middle and high schools between 3:00-6:00 pm. Check your school calendars for rescheduled events due to weather.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSstrong
Due to continued snow and ice on secondary roads across the county, Lincoln County Schools will be closed for in-person instruction on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Students will continue remote learning. Teachers will communicate assignments and expectations with families and students through email or Apptegy. Staff may choose to report to their building on a 2-hour delay or continue remote work. This day will not be made up. We are continuing to monitor road conditions and will resume in-person learning as soon as it is safe for students and staff to return to school. Athletic practices and arts programs will be optional for middle and high schools between 3:00-6:00 pm. Check your school calendars for rescheduled events due to weather.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSstrong



Heads up, Lincoln County families. The decision about school for tomorrow will be made later today following the Board of Education Work Session. We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we will share the decision as soon as it is available through our usual communication channels.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSUpdates
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSUpdates

❤️ LCS Couples Feature — Matt & Katie (WLHS)
As part of our February LCS Besties and Couples series, we’re excited to introduce our first LCS couple: Matt and Katie from West Lincoln High School.
Matt and Katie met in 2010 and quickly bonded over a shared love of baseball and history. After they were married in 2011, Katie knew that if she was going to teach in Lincoln County, she had to be a Rebel, and she proudly joined the West Lincoln High School team in 2013.
They welcomed their son, Levi, in 2014, and as a family, they’ve turned their love of the game into a special goal: to visit every Major League Baseball stadium before Levi graduates in 2032. This summer, they will add two more ballparks to their list, bringing their total to 17 stadiums visited so far.
Their family also includes three dogs: Labrador retrievers Wrangler and Remi, and their newest addition, a French bulldog named Lucy. Katie hopes Lucy may one day become West Lincoln High School’s first therapy dog.
From the classroom to the ballpark, this family brings passion, teamwork, and school spirit wherever they go, and we’re proud to have them as part of the Lincoln County Schools family.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud
As part of our February LCS Besties and Couples series, we’re excited to introduce our first LCS couple: Matt and Katie from West Lincoln High School.
Matt and Katie met in 2010 and quickly bonded over a shared love of baseball and history. After they were married in 2011, Katie knew that if she was going to teach in Lincoln County, she had to be a Rebel, and she proudly joined the West Lincoln High School team in 2013.
They welcomed their son, Levi, in 2014, and as a family, they’ve turned their love of the game into a special goal: to visit every Major League Baseball stadium before Levi graduates in 2032. This summer, they will add two more ballparks to their list, bringing their total to 17 stadiums visited so far.
Their family also includes three dogs: Labrador retrievers Wrangler and Remi, and their newest addition, a French bulldog named Lucy. Katie hopes Lucy may one day become West Lincoln High School’s first therapy dog.
From the classroom to the ballpark, this family brings passion, teamwork, and school spirit wherever they go, and we’re proud to have them as part of the Lincoln County Schools family.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud

Atrium Health’s Rise to Success program is a powerful opportunity for graduating seniors interested in health care careers. This sponsorship program helps students earn an associate’s degree or certification at a local community college while Atrium Health covers tuition, textbooks, fees, and scrubs. Participants are hired into entry-level positions while in school and gain real experience in fields like nursing, radiology, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, medical assisting, and more.
Applicants must be high school graduates, at least 18 years old by June 15, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, and submit all required materials. Applications are open February 1 through March 1. Learn more and apply at
https://bit.ly/4q8YgDP
#WeAreLINCOLN #CareerReady

Y'all really came through on these snowman pictures! Here is another set, with still more to come. Hope you enjoyed your day!
#WeAreLINCOLN #SnowmanChallenge
#WeAreLINCOLN #SnowmanChallenge










We’re hiring! Lincoln County Schools has several job openings across our schools and departments, including instructional support, operations, athletics, and transportation. If you’re looking to make a difference and join a team committed to students and community, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply online at https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCareers
Apply online at https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCareers

Dr. Allen was getting lonely in his snowy shenanigans, so he invited his three Assistant Superintendents along for a snowball fight!
Announcement for Tuesday:
Due to current road conditions, Lincoln County Schools will be closed for in-person instruction on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Students will continue remote learning. Teachers will communicate assignments and expectations with families and students through email or Apptegy. Staff will continue to work remotely. Essential staff will report on a 2-hour delay to prepare buildings for students to return later this week. This day will not be made up. We are continuing to monitor road conditions and will resume in-person learning as soon as it is safe for students and staff to return to school. Athletic practices will be optional for Middle and High Schools between 3:00-6:00 pm.
#WeAreLINCOLN #RemoteLearning
Announcement for Tuesday:
Due to current road conditions, Lincoln County Schools will be closed for in-person instruction on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Students will continue remote learning. Teachers will communicate assignments and expectations with families and students through email or Apptegy. Staff will continue to work remotely. Essential staff will report on a 2-hour delay to prepare buildings for students to return later this week. This day will not be made up. We are continuing to monitor road conditions and will resume in-person learning as soon as it is safe for students and staff to return to school. Athletic practices will be optional for Middle and High Schools between 3:00-6:00 pm.
#WeAreLINCOLN #RemoteLearning


February is all about celebrating connection, and this month we’re kicking off a new series: LCS Besties (and Couples) — stories of the friendships and partnerships that make Lincoln County Schools such a special place to learn and work.
Our first feature is the “Pre-K Dream Team” at GE Massey: Mindy and Linda.
What started as a mentor–mentee relationship quickly grew into a true partnership built on trust, teamwork, and friendship. When Linda began as a teaching assistant in the classroom next door, Mindy took her under her wing, sharing everything she knew and encouraging her growth into a lead teacher. Today, they proudly run two Pre-K classrooms that work hand in hand to prepare students for kindergarten.
They plan together, team teach, advocate for their students, and support each other through every busy school day. If you see one of them, chances are the other is close by. Beyond school, their families spend time together too, making their bond even stronger.
Their story is a great reminder that strong relationships between adults create strong foundations for students. Stay tuned all month as we highlight more of the connections that help make Lincoln County Schools feel like home.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud
Our first feature is the “Pre-K Dream Team” at GE Massey: Mindy and Linda.
What started as a mentor–mentee relationship quickly grew into a true partnership built on trust, teamwork, and friendship. When Linda began as a teaching assistant in the classroom next door, Mindy took her under her wing, sharing everything she knew and encouraging her growth into a lead teacher. Today, they proudly run two Pre-K classrooms that work hand in hand to prepare students for kindergarten.
They plan together, team teach, advocate for their students, and support each other through every busy school day. If you see one of them, chances are the other is close by. Beyond school, their families spend time together too, making their bond even stronger.
Their story is a great reminder that strong relationships between adults create strong foundations for students. Stay tuned all month as we highlight more of the connections that help make Lincoln County Schools feel like home.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud

More snowday fun! We are loving the smiles from East to West! More to come later today.
#WeAreLINCOLN #SnowDayFun
#WeAreLINCOLN #SnowDayFun










February 2–6 is National School Counseling Week, and we are proud to recognize the incredible school counselors across Lincoln County Schools who support our students’ academic success, career planning, and personal growth every day. Thank you for the guidance, care, and encouragement you provide to our students and families.
#WeAreLINCOLN #SchoolCounselingWeek
#WeAreLINCOLN #SchoolCounselingWeek

February is our month of appreciation, and we need your help to make it special.
Each year, our community sends about 1,500 thank-you messages to Lincoln County Schools staff members, and every single one is printed and delivered. These notes mean more than you realize, and many are saved long after February ends.
If a teacher, bus driver, custodian, office staff member, cafeteria worker, or any other staff member has made a difference for you or your child, take a moment to let them know. It only takes a minute, but it can make someone’s whole day.
Send a message of appreciation: https://forms.gle/DfwomAYZbFSLtw3n7
#WeAreLINCOLN #SpreadTheLove
Each year, our community sends about 1,500 thank-you messages to Lincoln County Schools staff members, and every single one is printed and delivered. These notes mean more than you realize, and many are saved long after February ends.
If a teacher, bus driver, custodian, office staff member, cafeteria worker, or any other staff member has made a difference for you or your child, take a moment to let them know. It only takes a minute, but it can make someone’s whole day.
Send a message of appreciation: https://forms.gle/DfwomAYZbFSLtw3n7
#WeAreLINCOLN #SpreadTheLove

Final snowman post for today, don't worry, more to come tomorrow!
We have WL High, Catawba Springs, and Love Memorial represented in these snowmen, some of which are laying down asleep! See if you can find the picture of Dr. Allen's true snow-day shenanigans.
#WeAreLINCOLN #Snowman
We have WL High, Catawba Springs, and Love Memorial represented in these snowmen, some of which are laying down asleep! See if you can find the picture of Dr. Allen's true snow-day shenanigans.
#WeAreLINCOLN #Snowman










