Today we’re spotlighting Mr. Seth Baxter — a proud graduate of Lincoln County Schools who is now shaping the next generation at West Lincoln High School!
📚 Mr. Baxter attended North Brook, West Middle, and West High. He fondly remembers his favorite teacher, Mrs. Laura Warren, who made 7th grade social studies fun and impactful.
🍎 Now, Mr. Baxter teaches at WLHS after previously working at East Middle. He chose to return to Lincoln County Schools to follow his passion for teaching and to come back home. When asked what he loves most about his job, he says, “Being there for my students.”
💙 We’re grateful for Mr. Baxter’s dedication and proud to have him on our team!
#FlashbackFriday #LCSProud #WeAreLincoln

Lincoln County Schools is proud to announce that Mrs. Melissa Culp, a second-grade teacher and K–5 Literacy Coach at St. James Elementary School, has been named the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Southwest Region Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Culp received the surprise announcement during a schoolwide assembly on December 11th, joined by state, regional, and district leaders.
With 25 years of teaching experience—including 11 years at St. James Elementary and 14 years in Cabarrus County—Mrs. Culp has dedicated her career to elevating literacy, empowering young learners, and supporting the professional growth of her colleagues. As the school’s K–5 literacy coach, she provides ongoing mentorship, instructional modeling, and professional development for teachers. She also serves on multiple school and district committees focused on literacy improvement and student success.
Deeply respected by peers, students, and families, Mrs. Culp is known for her authenticity, positivity, and unwavering belief in the teaching profession. Families often share that they hope their children will have the “Culp experience,” a testament to her impact both in and beyond the classroom.
“Melissa embodies the heart of what it means to be an educator,” said Dr. Aaron Allen, Superintendent of Lincoln County Schools. “She leads with compassion, optimism, and a relentless commitment to doing what is best for children. Her influence extends far beyond her classroom as she supports literacy instruction across the school and district. We are incredibly proud of her and honored to have her represent Lincoln County Schools at the regional and state levels.”
Mrs. Culp previously taught third grade and has continuously strengthened her expertise to meet the evolving needs of students and educators. St. James Elementary principal Jennifer Carroll added, “Mrs. Culp is an extraordinary educator whose impact resonates far beyond the classroom. She transforms her students' lives, strengthens families, inspires her colleagues, and enriches our entire community. St. James is truly blessed to have her, and we eagerly await the day the state recognizes what we already know—that she is North Carolina’s Teacher of the Year!”
Former parent of three of her students, Stacy Byus, shared, “As a parent of several children that came through her class, I can say that Mrs. Culp is truly extraordinary. She has a rare ability to make every child feel seen, safe, and valued while still maintaining structure and high expectations. My children always felt loved in her classroom, and even years later, they still talk about her with great admiration. Mrs. Culp is the kind of teacher who makes children excited to come to school and gives parents complete peace knowing their child is in the best hands. Her warmth, consistency, and genuine care have had a lasting impact on our family and so many others. She is incredibly deserving of this honor.”
Her colleague Gillian Castillo noted, “Melissa is the most genuine example of an exemplary educator. She leads her students with kindness and compassion, supports all her colleagues in being their best, and represents our profession with the highest standards of educational and leadership excellence. It is an honor to work alongside her.”
During the surprise celebration, Mrs. Culp expressed gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to shine a light on the work happening across Lincoln County Schools. “I feel honored to be able to represent Lincoln County Schools and highlight all the incredible work of our students, teachers, and staff,” said Culp. “I am so thankful to have a career I love and to be able to make a positive impact daily. I look forward to continuing to foster genuine support for NC Public Schools.”
Mrs. Culp now moves forward as one of nine regional finalists competing for the title of 2026 North Carolina Teacher of the Year.








At last night’s Board of Education meeting, we were excited to recognize this year’s Superintendent’s Christmas Card Contest winners! Each design showcased incredible creativity and holiday spirit from our talented students across the district.
🏆 K–2 Winner: McKenna S. — Pumpkin Center Primary
🏆 3–5 Winner: Faith H. — Union Elementary
🏆 Middle School Winner: Aubrey C. — North Lincoln Middle
🏆 High School Winner: Jovie A. — East Lincoln High
Congratulations to our student artists! We are so proud of their talent and thankful for the festive joy they’ve shared with our community. 🎨❤️
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSTalent #StudentArtists #HolidayJoy

Throughout the day, students learned about upcoming competitive events, explored ideas for community service projects, and pledged their support for a statewide leadership service initiative. 💡🤝
East Lincoln High School students also put their skills to the test, competing in the Career Clusters STAR Events—including both a written test and a case study. And we couldn’t be prouder… they earned on-stage recognition in Education & Training, Human Services, and Hospitality & Tourism! 🎉👏
Congratulations to all of our Mustangs and Rebels for representing Lincoln County Schools with leadership, curiosity, and excellence. 💚❤️🖤
#WeAreLINCOLN #FCCLA #ELHS #WLHS #StudentLeaders


Looking to make a difference this season? Lincoln County Schools has several newly added opportunities across the district!
✨ Open Positions:
• Custodian / Sub Bus Driver — Battleground Elementary
• Temporary Teacher (CTE: Technology–STEM) — West Lincoln Middle
• Custodian — St. James Elementary
If you or someone you know is ready to support our students, staff, and schools, now is the perfect time to apply!
📲 Apply Online:
https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud #JoinLCS #NowHiring

Today, students explored the global impact of Greta Thunberg through a partner gallery walk—learning how her determination sparked worldwide conversations about climate action. 🌍💬
Afterward, students reflected on one important takeaway: you’re never too young to make a difference. 🙌
We love seeing our Wildcats grow as thinkers, leaders, and changemakers! 💛🖤 #WeAreLINCOLN #LMSWildcats #FutureLeaders





The weather forecast for this winter is getting interesting! 🌧️❄️
As we keep an eye on the conditions each day, here’s a quick reminder about how official communication works in Lincoln County Schools:
❌ Not Official Sources:
• Community Facebook groups
• A friend-of-a-friend who “heard something”
• Random weather rumors or social media guesses
✅ Official LCS Sources:
• LCSNC App Alerts (texts, calls, and emails)
• LCS Website: Lincoln.k12.nc.us
• Official LCS Social Media Accounts
• School Principals & Administrators
We make sure families and staff hear directly from us first.
If it didn’t come from LCS, it isn’t official.
Stay warm, stay safe, and stay tuned, Lincoln County! ❤️🖤 #WeAreLINCOLN

Due to the potential for black ice on secondary roads and shaded areas, Lincoln County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay for both students and staff on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
Please use caution while traveling.
High school students will report to 1st period.
Stay safe, LCS! 🧊🚗❄️





December 8–14
This week, we’re celebrating K–12 students’ curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills as they explore the world of computer science. From coding and computational thinking to real-world tech challenges, our students are preparing for a future driven by innovation.
#CSEdWeek #WeAreLINCOLN #LCSLearns #ComputerScienceEducation











Today we’re celebrating Mrs. Chrissie Bess Redding — once a student in Lincoln County Schools, now a valued staff member at West Lincoln High School!
📚 Mrs. Redding attended North Brook Elementary, West Middle, and West High. She remembers her 10th grade English teacher, Mrs. Drum, as a favorite because she cared enough to have meaningful, honest conversations.
🎓 Now, Mrs. Redding serves as the registrar in the counseling department at WLHS. She has also worked as a substitute teacher and cafeteria staff at North Brook. She shares, “Our team in counseling is amazing! We work so well together as we support and take care of our students.”
💙 We’re so grateful for Mrs. Redding’s dedication to our students and community. Once a Rebel, always a Rebel!
#FlashbackFriday #LCSProud #WeAreLincoln

🎥✨ The LCS Paparazzi caught something special today!
A few school buses were spotted outside Carolina Steak & Rib… and you’ll never guess who stepped out in style — our St. James Elementary kindergarteners!
These young stars enjoyed a fancy lunch as part of their magical field trip to see Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 🎄
What a memorable day for our littlest learners! 💛🚌✨










The Lincoln County Public Education Foundation (LCPEF) is delighted to announce the winner of this year’s “Holiday Hustle Half & Half” raffle!
The raffle, held October 27 through November 21, 2025, offered participants the chance to win 50 % of all funds raised, with the remaining half supporting innovative programs and technology across all 23 schools of Lincoln County Schools.
Thanks to tremendous community support, ticket sales surged past the fund-raising goal of $30,000; at the campaign's close, the total raised stood at $63,057, representing 210% of the goal.
The live drawing took place on Monday, November 24 at 3:00 p.m. EST. The winner, Lauren Tipton, picked up her $31,528.50 check on Tuesday, December 3rd.
What this means for our schools:
Half of the funds raised will go directly to the raffle winner—giving one lucky individual a meaningful holiday boost. The remaining half will be invested in programs and technology that will enhance learning experiences and opportunities across Lincoln County Schools. This unique “Half & Half” model ensures that every ticket purchased has double impact: the chance to win and the chance to support local education.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every individual, family, and business who purchased tickets, shared the campaign, and helped spread the word. Your generosity and enthusiasm made this year’s Holiday Hustle a success!
Together, we’re advancing the mission of the Lincoln County Public Education Foundation: to enrich and elevate educational opportunities for every student in Lincoln County.
About the Lincoln County Public Education Foundation:
The Lincoln County Public Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that partners with Lincoln County Schools and our community to secure funding and resources for enhanced educational experiences.


Lincoln County Schools has several newly posted positions across the district!
⭐ ALC Coordinator & Bus Driver — East Lincoln Middle
⭐ ISS Coordinator — East Lincoln High
⭐ Temporary PE Teacher — North Brook
If you’re passionate about supporting students and making a difference in our schools, we want to hear from you!
📲 Apply online: https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud #NowHiring #JoinOurTeam

We’re excited to roll out a new way to keep our families and community informed! Beginning this month, Lincoln County Schools will post a monthly district calendar on the first school day of every month.
To make it easy to find, the calendar will always be located in our pinned posts on Facebook. Just check the top of our page anytime you need a quick look at important dates and events.
Here is December’s Calendar to help you plan ahead—featuring key reminders like our School Board Meeting on December 9th and the last full day of school on December 19th.
🎄 Stay connected, stay informed, and stay #WeAreLINCOLN!

📚✏️ Did you know? All AP exams are given nationwide on the same schedule in May—no matter if you took the class in the fall or spring semester!
✅ Mark your calendars now for the dates that apply to you.
✅ AP exam fees are covered by the State of NC—students are expected to take the exam.
⚠️ Students who miss their scheduled exam may be responsible for CollegeBoard fees.
We are proud to share that LCS had a 71% passing rate on AP exams last year—well above the state average! 🎉 Let’s keep the momentum going for another successful year of AP testing!
#WeAreLINCOLN #APExams #StudentSuccess

Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed November as Career Development Month and Career Development Coordinator Day on November 19 — a perfect opportunity to highlight the amazing staff helping students connect their dreams to real opportunities!
🎓 Meet Cassie Pennington – East Lincoln High School
Cassie loves watching students discover career paths that excite them — especially when they start setting goals and taking steps toward their future plans. “High school is about exploring,” she says. “Try new classes, job shadow, and learn from every experience — even the ones that help you realize what’s not for you!”
One of Cassie’s favorite career resources? Job shadowing! Each February, East Lincoln students have a chance to spend a day exploring a career they’re interested in. Seeing a job in action often brings classroom learning to life!
💬 Fun fact: Cassie loves going to concerts and even worked as a manager at the Legends venue at Appalachian State during college!
💼 First job: Coaching recreational gymnastics and tumbling for $7.25 an hour — and she still works there today!
💍 Dream job: Owning and operating an event or wedding venue.
Thank you, Cassie, for helping East Lincoln students turn curiosity into career confidence!
#CareerDevelopmentMonth #WeAreLINCOLN #LCS #CareerReady #ELHS #ThankYouCDCs

There will be no school November 26–28 for Thanksgiving Break. We are grateful for our students, staff, families, and community every single day! 💙
We wish all of our LCS families a safe and happy holiday. 🧡
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCS #ThanksgivingBreak

Quarter 2 progress reports are coming your way! Check those backpacks 🎒 for updates on your child’s learning journey. This is the perfect time to celebrate achievements 🌟, encourage growth 📈, and stay connected with your student’s progress.
Together, we make every step count! 💙🍎
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCS #ProgressReports

