Schools Closed – Monday, January 19

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all schools will be closed on Monday, January 19.

We honor Dr. King’s legacy of service, justice, and equality—and encourage our community to reflect, serve, and lead with kindness. 💙

Classes will resume on Tuesday.
14 days ago, LCS Communications
Schools Closed – Monday, January 19  In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all schools will be closed on Monday, January 19.  We honor Dr. King’s legacy of service, justice, and equality—and encourage our community to reflect, serve, and lead with kindness. 💙  Classes will resume on Tuesday.
Make a splash for Special Olympics Lincoln County at the 2026 Polar Plunge. Join us on February 21 at Sally’s YMCA in Denver and help support athletes across our community. You only need to raise $75 to take the plunge. Music, prizes, and plenty of fun included. Register today and be part of something meaningful.

#WeAreLINCOLN #PolarPlungeNC
14 days ago, LCS Communications
Promotional graphic for the 2026 Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Lincoln County. The image features a blue water background, a polar bear logo, and event details including the date February 21, location Sally’s YMCA in Denver, North Carolina, a plunge schedule, and a registration link encouraging participants to raise $75 to join.
The 2026–2027 Lincoln County Schools academic calendar has been approved. This calendar outlines student start and end dates, holidays, teacher workdays, early release days, and grading periods to support family planning and staff preparation.

Families and staff are encouraged to review the calendar and save important dates for the upcoming school year.

Note: The calendar will also be published in the Parent Pulse Newsletter, sent to all families via email on January 14th.
15 days ago, LCS Communications
Approved 2026–2027 Lincoln County Schools academic calendar displayed in a grid format showing monthly calendars, student days, teacher workdays, holidays, early release days, and grading periods. The calendar includes a color-coded legend identifying mandatory workdays, optional workdays, holidays, progress report dates, report card dates, and early release or staff development days.
On Monday, district and building leaders came together for the seventh session of our strategic planning process. Teams continued synthesizing input and feedback gathered from students, staff, families, and community stakeholders since March 2025 to refine priorities and next steps for Lincoln County Schools.

This collaborative work ensures our strategic plan reflects the voices of our community and supports long-term success for students, staff, and schools across the district.

#WeAreLINCOLN #StrategicPlanning
15 days ago, LCS Communications
A group of educators sit around a round table during a professional learning session while one participant holds up a handwritten chart with notes, and a presenter stands nearby speaking. A large photo collage with the words “#WeAreLINCOLN” is displayed on the wall behind them.
Educators sit at tables with laptops open during a professional development meeting while a presenter stands and speaks near a screen displaying a slide about the Four Disciplines of Execution.
Several staff members sit at a long table using laptops while a small group of colleagues stand nearby discussing information during a collaborative meeting in a large room.
Educators gather around high tables in a large multipurpose room working on laptops and reviewing materials together during a collaborative professional learning session, with multiple groups visible in the background.
Thank you to Chairperson of the Lincoln County Commissioners, Jamie Lineberger, for spending the day at North Lincoln Middle School, shadowing Principal Kassandra Arndt. Chairperson Lineberger engaged in meaningful conversations, observed classrooms, and connected with both teachers and students throughout the visit.

Opportunities like this strengthen collaboration between our schools and local leadership and deepen understanding of the work happening in our classrooms every day. We appreciate the time, interest, and support for Lincoln County Schools.

#WeAreLINCOLN #CommunityPartners
15 days ago, LCS Communications
Two school administrators walk and talk down a bright school hallway lined with lockers and classroom doors, sunlight coming through glass doors at the end of the corridor.
A group of students stand along the wall inside a classroom while two administrators observe and listen, with student work, posters, and whiteboards visible around the room.
Students sit at tables in a school media center working on activities while two administrators walk through the space, bookshelves and a projection screen visible in the background.
Students sit at cafeteria tables eating and talking while two administrators stand nearby observing, with a large display screen and school decor visible in the background.

💙 Meet Christina Sutton 💙
School Board Appreciation Month

Meet Christina Sutton, Board Chair of the Lincoln County Board of Education. A proud Lincoln County native, Christina leads with intention, authenticity, and a deep commitment to the students, staff, and families of our community.

She once thought she’d grow up to be a kindergarten teacher—a calling that still shines through in her passion for schools and student success. She is currently a student at UNC Charlotte studying middle school language arts.

Known for being resourceful and thoughtful, Christina values meaningful moments most—especially when her husband and kids are laughing together. Outside of work, she enjoys mystery and crime novels, Maverick City Music, grapefruit, and a good cup of hot black tea with two sugars. She’s also a proud pet parent to her Australian Cattle Dog rescue, Ryn.

We are grateful for Christina’s steady leadership, her heart for Lincoln County, and her dedication to serving as Board Chair with purpose and care. Thank you, Christina, for all you do for Lincoln County Schools.

#SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #MeetOurBoard #BoardChair #ThankYouSchoolBoard #WeAreLINCOLN

16 days ago, LCS Communications
💙 Meet Christina Sutton 💙 School Board Appreciation Month  Meet Christina Sutton, Board Chair of the Lincoln County Board of Education. A proud Lincoln County native, Christina leads with intention, authenticity, and a deep commitment to the students, staff, and families of our community.  Christina serves as the Communities In Schools Mentor Coordinator, bringing a relationship-centered lens to her leadership and a strong belief in the power of connection. She once thought she’d grow up to be a kindergarten teacher—a calling that still shines through in her passion for schools and student success.  Known for being resourceful and thoughtful, Christina values meaningful moments most—especially when her husband and kids are laughing together. Outside of work, she enjoys mystery and crime novels, Maverick City Music, grapefruit, and a good cup of hot black tea with two sugars. She’s also a proud pet parent to her Australian Cattle Dog rescue, Ryn.  We are grateful for Christina’s steady leadership, her heart for Lincoln County, and her dedication to serving as Board Chair with purpose and care. Thank you, Christina, for all you do for Lincoln County Schools.  #SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #MeetOurBoard #BoardChair #ThankYouSchoolBoard #WeAreLINCOLN
We are hiring across Lincoln County Schools and invite passionate, dedicated professionals to join our team. Current openings include positions in transportation, child nutrition, custodial services, coaching, counseling, data management, finance, tutoring, and teaching. If you are looking to make a meaningful impact in our schools and community, we encourage you to explore these opportunities and apply online.

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

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCareers
16 days ago, LCS Communications
A recruitment graphic for Lincoln County Schools featuring an aerial photo of a school campus with a bold headline reading “Join Our Team.” The Lincoln County Schools logo appears at the top. A list of open positions is displayed, including custodial, bus driver, child nutrition, coaching, data manager, counselor, benefits specialist, tutor, and teaching roles across multiple schools. At the bottom, text reads “Apply Online” with the website https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/
🩺 When to Keep Your Children Home 🧼

We know that attendance is important — every day of learning matters. But we also want students to show up healthy and ready to learn. If your child is sick, keeping them home helps protect our schools and prevents illnesses from spreading.

As winter approaches, please keep your child home if they have any of the following:

✨ Fever of 100.4°F or higher
Students must be fever-free without fever-reducing medication (Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, etc.) for 24 hours before returning to school.

✨ Vomiting or diarrhea
Students may return 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.

✨ A medical provider has written the student out of school

Thank you for helping us keep our students and staff healthy this winter! ❄️💙 #WeAreLINCOLN
17 days ago, LCS Communications
🩺 When to Keep Your Children Home 🧼  We know that attendance is important — every day of learning matters. But we also want students to show up healthy and ready to learn. If your child is sick, keeping them home helps protect our schools and prevents illnesses from spreading.  As winter approaches, please keep your child home if they have any of the following:  ✨ Fever of 100.4°F or higher Students must be fever-free without fever-reducing medication (Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, etc.) for 24 hours before returning to school.  ✨ Vomiting or diarrhea Students may return 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.  ✨ A medical provider has written the student out of school  Thank you for helping us keep our students and staff healthy this winter! ❄️💙 #WeAreLINCOLN
We were proud to welcome our new high school student Board of Education representatives as they attended their first Board of Education work session.

Our student representatives came prepared, asked thoughtful questions, and shared valuable student perspectives that added meaningful insight to the discussion. Their engagement reflects the importance of student voice in district decision-making, and we look forward to their continued leadership and contributions throughout the year.

#WeAreLINCOLN #StudentVoice
18 days ago, LCS Communications
A group of adults sit around U-shaped tables in a school media center during a meeting, using laptops and papers while looking toward a presentation screen at the front of the room.
Meeting participants sit at tables in a school library space with shelves displaying school memorabilia behind them, listening and taking notes as a presentation is displayed on a large screen.
Adults seated around conference tables in a media center look toward a speaker off camera, with laptops open and school display shelves visible in the background.
Several adults participate in a meeting in a school library setting, seated at tables with laptops and notebooks while a presentation slide is projected on a screen in front of the group.
We are currently hiring for a variety of non-teaching positions across Lincoln County Schools. Openings include custodians, child nutrition assistants and assistant managers, bus drivers, substitutes, coaches, a benefits specialist, and a data manager. These roles play a vital part in supporting safe, welcoming schools and student success every day.

Apply online at lcsnc.schoolspring.com.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCareers
19 days ago, LCS Communications
A recruitment graphic reading “We Are Hiring – Non-Teaching Positions.” The background shows a child nutrition employee working in a school cafeteria. Text lists open positions including custodians across the district, child nutrition assistants and assistant managers, bus drivers, benefits specialist in the LCS Finance Department, data manager at West Middle, coaches at middle and high school levels, and substitutes for custodial, child nutrition, and bus driving roles. At the bottom, the website lcsnc.schoolspring.com appears next to an “Apply Now” button graphic.
Today we recognize National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and extend our sincere thanks to the law enforcement officers and school resource officers who serve our schools and community every day. Your dedication to safety, service, and positive relationships with students and staff makes a meaningful difference across Lincoln County Schools.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LawEnforcementAppreciation
19 days ago, LCS Communications
A black background graphic featuring a silver police shield with a black-and-white American flag and a single blue line across the center. White text reads “National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day” with “January 09” displayed in a blue banner.

Lincoln County Schools was proud to host a legislative breakfast today with Representative Heather Rhyne and Senator Ted Alexander. District and school leaders gathered to share priorities, ask thoughtful questions, and advocate for the needs of our students and teachers.

These conversations strengthen collaboration between our schools and state leaders and help ensure the voices of Lincoln County students, educators, and families are represented in policy decisions.

#WeAreLINCOLN #PublicEducation

19 days ago, LCS Communications
A group of district leaders and state representatives stand together for a group photo in a school media center, smiling in front of bookshelves and a sign reading “America 250 NC.”
Several adults sit in rolling chairs during a meeting in a school media center, listening as one participant speaks into a microphone while others take notes.
District leaders and state representatives sit at tables facing an audience during a legislative breakfast meeting in a school library, with attendees seated in rows listening and taking notes.
A large group of district and school leaders sit in a circle of chairs in a school media center during a meeting, engaging in discussion with laptops and printed materials visible.
✨ #FlashbackFriday ✨
Meet Ms. Sierra Thompson, a proud LCS alum who is now shaping the next generation of students as a 3rd-grade teacher at Pumpkin Intermediate! 🍎

Sierra attended St. James, East Middle, and East High, where amazing teachers inspired her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. Today, she’s giving back to the same community that shaped her—creating a classroom where students feel valued, encouraged, and excited to learn. 💡📚

Help us celebrate Ms. Thompson—an incredible example of what it means to be #WeAreLINCOLN! ❤️🖤

#LCSSchools #FormerStudentCurrentStaff
19 days ago, LCS Communications
Sierra Thompson
Today we were proud to recognize our very first Sub of the Month at West Lincoln High School. Mrs. Eley nominated Ms. Ritchie for her dedication, professionalism, and positive impact on students, and she was surprised with a Panera gift card in celebration.

We are grateful for all of our substitute teachers who step in each day to support learning and keep our schools running smoothly. We can’t wait to see who is nominated in February.

#WeAreLINCOLN #WLHS
20 days ago, LCS Communications
A substitute teacher stands at the front of a high school classroom holding a lesson plan while students sit at desks and look on, with classroom posters and learning materials visible in the background.
Students smile from their desks as a substitute teacher stands in the center of the classroom holding a hand-lettered sign that reads “January Sub of the Month.”
Two school staff members present a “January Sub of the Month” sign to a substitute teacher at the front of a classroom while students observe from their desks with laptops open.
A group of school administrators and staff pose together in a classroom holding a “January Sub of the Month” sign to recognize a substitute teacher, with students seated nearby.
Creativity was in full swing in Mrs. Russell’s Drawing I and Drawing II classes at North Lincoln High School as students collaborated on a fun “mashup” art challenge. Each student drew a word from a basket and worked with a partner to create a drawing that combined both ideas into a single design. From playful pairings like “yoyo and tree” to imaginative blends like “honey and yacht,” students stretched their creativity, practiced teamwork, and produced some truly unique artwork.

#WeAreLINCOLN #NLHSArts
20 days ago, LCS Communications
A student drawing taped to a classroom wall shows a boat labeled “USS Honey” floating on a golden honey-colored surface, with bees flying around it and a large honeycomb structure on the left. The illustration blends the words “honey” and “yacht” into a single creative scene.
Two students sit at a classroom table coloring a shared drawing labeled “Honey” and “Yacht.” One student colors a honeycomb structure while the other shades a boat surrounded by bees. Colored pencils are spread across the table as the students work together on the artwork.
A student drawing taped to a classroom wall shows a large tree with multiple branches. Several yo-yos hang from the branches by strings, combining the ideas of a tree and yo-yo into one imaginative illustration.
A student’s hand holds a pencil while sketching a tree on white paper at a classroom table. Small paper labels reading “Tree” and “Yo-yo” are placed nearby, showing the word prompts used for the collaborative drawing activity.

January is National Mentoring Month, and we are proud to celebrate the mentors who show up, listen, encourage, and believe in our students every day. 💙

Across our schools, mentors help students build confidence, set goals, and see what’s possible for their future. Sometimes it’s academic support. Sometimes it’s a check-in or a word of encouragement. Always, it’s about connection.

Thank you to the educators, staff members, volunteers, and community partners who invest their time and hearts into mentoring. Your guidance makes a lasting difference—one student, one relationship, one moment at a time.

We would love to have you as a mentor! If you are interested, visit the website linked below and reach out to a school principal!

https://www.lincoln.k12.nc.us/o/lcs/page/mentor

#NationalMentoringMonth #MentorsMatter #RelationshipsMatter #WeAreLINCOLN

21 days ago, LCS Communications
January is National Mentoring Month, and we are proud to celebrate the mentors who show up, listen, encourage, and believe in our students every day. 💙  Across our schools, mentors help students build confidence, set goals, and see what’s possible for their future. Sometimes it’s academic support. Sometimes it’s a check-in or a word of encouragement. Always, it’s about connection.  Thank you to the educators, staff members, volunteers, and community partners who invest their time and hearts into mentoring. Your guidance makes a lasting difference—one student, one relationship, one moment at a time.  #NationalMentoringMonth #MentorsMatter #RelationshipsMatter #WeAreLINCOLN
💙 Meet Brandi Wyant 💙
School Board Appreciation Month

Meet Brandi Wyant, a dedicated member of the Lincoln County Board of Education whose leadership is rooted in purpose and community. A Cherryville native, Brandi brings a thoughtful, student-centered perspective to every decision—always keeping what’s best for our schools at the heart of her work.

Professionally, Brandi is an HR manager and business owner, experiences that shape her practical, forward-thinking approach to governance. She is known for being driven, visionary, and authentic—qualities that serve our district well as we plan for both today and tomorrow.

Outside of the boardroom, Brandi is a proud pet parent, coffee enthusiast, and creative at heart who enjoys crafting, shopping, and spending time with family. She’s happiest on vacation with loved ones and is fueled by a love for meaningful connections—both personally and professionally.

We are grateful for Brandi’s service, commitment, and leadership. Thank you, Brandi, for all you do to support Lincoln County Schools and the students we serve.

#SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #MeetOurBoard #ThankYouSchoolBoard #WeAreLINCOLN
22 days ago, LCS Communications
💙 Meet Brandi Wyant 💙 School Board Appreciation Month  Meet Brandi Wyant, a dedicated member of the Lincoln County Board of Education whose leadership is rooted in purpose and community. A Cherryville native, Brandi brings a thoughtful, student-centered perspective to every decision—always keeping what’s best for our schools at the heart of her work.  Professionally, Brandi is an HR manager and business owner, experiences that shape her practical, forward-thinking approach to governance. She is known for being driven, visionary, and authentic—qualities that serve our district well as we plan for both today and tomorrow.  Outside of the boardroom, Brandi is a proud pet parent, coffee enthusiast, and creative at heart who enjoys crafting, shopping, and spending time with family. She’s happiest on vacation with loved ones and is fueled by a love for meaningful connections—both personally and professionally.  We are grateful for Brandi’s service, commitment, and leadership. Thank you, Brandi, for all you do to support Lincoln County Schools and the students we serve.  #SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #MeetOurBoard #ThankYouSchoolBoard #WeAreLINCOLN
A new year means new learning, new goals, and new memories. ✨ Your teachers are excited to welcome you back each day this January—let’s make it a great start! #WeAreLINCOLN #AttendanceMatters
22 days ago, LCS Communications
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January 6 was a professional development day across Lincoln County Schools. Teachers spent the day learning, collaborating, and preparing classrooms and lessons to welcome students back tomorrow. The work that happens behind the scenes makes a difference when students walk through the doors.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud
22 days ago, LCS Communications
Educators sit at round tables during a professional learning session while a facilitator speaks at the front of the room. A presentation screen displays literacy content as participants listen and take notes.
A facilitator leads a literacy-focused professional development session, gesturing toward a presentation screen showing data and charts while educators work and discuss at tables.
An instructor stands at the front of a classroom-style training room speaking to seated educators, who are facing forward and listening attentively during a professional learning session.
A small group of educators sit around a round table engaged in discussion during a meeting in a library or media center, with laptops, notebooks, and drinks on the table.
Educators sit around tables in a classroom setting, listening to a speaker off-camera during a professional learning meeting, with bookshelves and office furniture visible in the background.
💙 Meet Erin Long 💙
School Board Appreciation Month

Meet Erin Long, a member of the Lincoln County Board of Education who serves with enthusiasm, diligence, and reliability. A Lincolnton native, Erin brings both deep community roots and a strong sense of responsibility to her role on the board.

Professionally, Erin serves as the Assistant Director of Criminal Justice/BLET at Gaston College and is currently pursuing graduate studies. Her background in education, leadership, and service informs her thoughtful, student-centered approach to board work. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian—a reflection of her caring nature that continues today.

Erin is active in her church, a Fleetwood Mac fan, and enjoys exercising and spending time with her husband, family, and friends. She has a sweet spot for chocolate cake, loves lemonade, and proudly embraces all things purple. She’s also a devoted pet parent to Zeb, Blu, and Pumpkin.

We are thankful for Erin’s commitment, energy, and dedication to Lincoln County Schools. Thank you, Erin, for your service and leadership in our community.

#SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #MeetOurBoard #ThankYouSchoolBoard #WeAreLINCOLN
23 days ago, LCS Communications
Erin