
The final whistle of the school year doesn't mean the work is over for our coaches.
As part of our Still Serving summer series, we're highlighting the employees who continue investing in students long after classes end. Today, we're recognizing the dedicated coaches across Lincoln County Schools.
While athletes may be enjoying summer break, our coaches are hard at work preparing them for success both on and off the field.
Throughout the summer, coaches spend countless hours in the weight room training athletes, leading speed and agility workouts, reviewing game film, evaluating team needs, and helping students continue developing their skills. They also attend camps and coaching clinics to learn new strategies, strengthen their programs, and bring fresh ideas back to their teams.
But their work extends far beyond practices and workouts.
Summer is also the time when coaches improve athletic facilities and playing fields, organize equipment, build practice schedules, coordinate travel plans for away games, and develop leadership activities that help student-athletes grow as teammates and leaders.
Much of this work happens long before the first game is ever played.
Every workout, every field improvement, every practice plan, and every leadership lesson is part of preparing students to compete with confidence, represent their schools with pride, and develop skills that will last far beyond athletics.
While school may be out, our coaches are still serving: building stronger athletes, stronger teams, and stronger leaders for the year ahead.
#WeAreLINCOLN #StillServing

Last week, the East Lincoln High School football team put in the work on a hot, humid summer evening: running drills, building strength, sharpening skills, and pushing through every rep together.
Championship seasons aren't built under Friday night lights. They're built during evenings like these, when no one is watching, and every player chooses effort over excuses.
We're proud of the commitment, discipline, and determination these student-athletes and coaches continue to demonstrate as they prepare for the season ahead.
Keep working, Mustangs. August will be here before you know it.
#WeAreLINCOLN #GoMustangs




Substitutes are an important part of our schools. They help keep classrooms running smoothly, support students when teachers are away, and often become familiar faces our students know and trust.
If you’re looking for flexible work with a purpose, this could be the perfect fit. Whether you can work one day a week or several, we’d love to have you join the LCS team this year.
School starts soon — now is the time to apply.
Apply today:
https://tinyurl.com/3c3h7t7v
#NowHiring #WeAreLINCOLN

If you're a family in the West Lincoln attendance area, now is the perfect time to make plans to attend West Fest 2026 on Saturday, August 8, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at West Lincoln Middle School.
West Fest brings together community organizations, volunteers, and local partners to help students start the school year prepared and confident. Families can access free resources including school supplies, backpacks, clothing, groceries, haircuts, food, and more.
Students from North Brook Elementary, Norris S. Childers Elementary, Love Memorial Elementary, Union Elementary, West Lincoln Middle School, and West Lincoln High School are invited to attend.
Take a moment to scan the QR code and RSVP. We can't wait to welcome our West Lincoln families as we get ready for another great school year.
#WeAreLINCOLN #WestFest2026

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 11, and join us for Lincoln County Schools' Open Houses. It's the perfect opportunity to meet teachers, explore classrooms, drop off school supplies, and get excited for an incredible 2026–2027 school year.
Open House Times:
**Central Schools**
• 5:00–7:30 p.m. (All Schools)
**West Zone**
• Elementary: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
• Middle & High: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
**East Zone**
• Elementary: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
• Middle & High: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
**North Zone**
• Elementary: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
• Middle: 5:00–7:00 p.m.
• High: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
We can't wait to see our hallways filled with smiling faces again. The countdown to an amazing school year is on!
#WeAreLINCOLN #BackToSchool

Newly posted opportunities include:
• NC Education Corps Tutor – Rock Springs Elementary
• Financial Secretary – Rock Springs Elementary
• EC General Teachers (2 positions) – East Lincoln High
• EC Teacher Assistant/Sub Bus Driver – Lincolnton Middle
• Physical Education Teacher – Love Memorial Elementary
• EC Teacher Assistant/Sub Bus Driver – Love Memorial Elementary
• Women's Winter Basketball Head Coach – West Lincoln Middle
• Women's Winter Basketball Assistant Coach – West Lincoln Middle
• Varsity Baseball Assistant Coach (Spring) – East Lincoln High
• Teacher Assistant/Sub Bus Driver – S. Ray Lowder Elementary
Ready to join Team LCS? Apply today at https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/.
Help us spread the word by sharing this post with someone who would be a great fit!
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCareers

The Week 7 prize bag sponsored by Citizens Insurance and LEDA has officially been claimed at the Lincoln County School of Technology! Congratulations to our winner for solving the clues and finding this week's hidden prize.
Now for the story behind the location...
The Lincoln County School of Technology wasn't built overnight. In fact, its story begins with a community determined to create better opportunities for students.
Planning for a dedicated vocational and technology school began in the late 1970s, but the project faced several obstacles, including funding challenges and even a building fire. Rather than giving up, local leaders came together in 1983 to form the Vocational Improvement Program (VIP) Committee. Composed of business and industry leaders from across Lincoln County, the committee helped secure a critical grant from the Timken Foundation, which moved the project forward.
Another key partner was Gaston College. Working alongside Lincoln County Schools, Gaston College helped shape the early vocational programs and create pathways connecting high school students to higher education and workforce opportunities.
Today, LCST serves students from all four traditional high schools and has become one of the most unique educational experiences in Lincoln County Schools. Students can earn industry-recognized credentials while still in high school through programs in healthcare, public safety, engineering, cybersecurity, programming, automotive technology, carpentry, drafting, and even commercial drone operations.
Where else can students learn to frame a house, write computer code, fly a drone, train to become an EMT, and prepare for a healthcare career—all before graduation? For decades, LCST has connected classrooms to careers and helped students turn their interests into opportunities.
Current Information for the Lincoln County School of Technology:
Principal: Dr. Nathan McLean
Thank you to everyone who participated in this week's scavenger hunt. Stay tuned for our final "Where in LCS is this?" challenge next Monday!
#WeAreLINCOLN #WhereInLCS




Week 7 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 7 of "Where in LCS is this?"
#WeAreLINCOLN #WhereInLCS

That's old enough to remember when report cards were delivered by horse and buggy... probably.
Since 1885, we've seen a few changes:
• Chalkboards became smartboards.
• Typewriters became laptops.
• Encyclopedias became Google.
• But students still ask, "Is this going to be on the test?"
Happy 141st Birthday to Lincoln County Schools! Thank you to generations of students, staff, families, and community members who have helped write our story.
141 years strong and still learning.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCS141

This is the last week for Lincoln County Schools’ FREE Grab ’N Go breakfast and lunch meal packs for children and young adults 18 years old and younger.
Families may pick up their final meal packs on Wednesday, July 22 at the following locations:
11 AM–1 PM
• Battleground Elementary
4 PM–6 PM
• Norris S. Childers Elementary
• Pumpkin Center Intermediate
Each pack includes:
• 5 breakfasts
• 5 lunches
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
Thank you to our School Nutrition team and everyone who helped make this summer program possible for Lincoln County families!
#WeAreLINCOLN #SUNMeals

While classrooms may be quiet during the summer, the technology that powers Lincoln County Schools is anything but.
As part of our Still Serving summer series, we're highlighting the employees who continue to work behind the scenes to prepare for another successful school year. Today, we're recognizing our dedicated Information Technology Services (ITS) team.
During the school year, our schools are in constant motion. From classroom instruction and state testing to athletics, performances, meetings, and extracurricular activities, our facilities are in use from early morning until late evening. Behind it all, the ITS team works tirelessly to maintain nearly 100% uptime for the district's security, communication, and technology systems.
Summer provides a unique opportunity.
Aside from the winter holidays, it's the only extended window when major technology work can be completed without disrupting teaching and learning. That's when the ITS team rolls up its sleeves to perform system updates, strengthen cybersecurity, install new features, replace equipment, and complete critical maintenance across the district.
Much of this work happens after hours, overnight, or behind the scenes—work that most people will never see, but everyone benefits from.
The goal is simple: when students and staff walk through our doors on the first day of school, every device, network, phone, security system, and digital tool is ready to go.
While school may be out, our ITS team is still serving—working day and night to keep Lincoln County Schools connected, protected, and prepared for another great year.
#WeAreLINCOLN #StillServing

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


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




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
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



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

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

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

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

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
