❤️ 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
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
A smiling couple takes a close-up selfie while seated in crowded stadium bleachers, with many spectators visible behind them wearing black and gold. The person on the right wears a baseball cap and glasses, and the person on the left has light hair pulled back. Across the top of the image are heart graphics and the text “Lincoln County Schools couple.” A pink banner at the bottom reads “The Lyttons” and “West Lincoln High School.”

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
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Flyer for Atrium Health “Rise to Success” workforce program. Header shows Atrium Health logo and the title “Rise to Success: An Outside In, Inside Up – Atrium Health Workforce Development Program.” A teal banner reads, “OUR GOAL: Creating entry paths to health care careers through education and employment opportunities.” Text explains that the program sponsors high school graduates to earn an associate’s degree or health care certification at a local community college, with tuition, textbooks, fees, and scrubs paid by Atrium Health. Participants are hired into entry-level positions while in college and commit to work for Atrium Health during their program and one additional year after completion. Requirements listed include: high school diploma, 18 years old by June 15, minimum 3.0 GPA, and completed application materials. Example career paths include Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Technology, Nursing, Medical Assistant, and Medical Laboratory Technology. A testimonial features Kyonnie Reyes, Imaging Patient Assistant and Northwest Cabarrus High School Class of 2023, describing how the program helped her pursue X-ray technician goals. Bottom of flyer states applications are accepted February 1 to March 1 and includes a website link and QR code.
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
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Two children sit inside a snow fort carved into a tall snow wall. One child wears a Spider-Man style winter coat and a pink hat, and the other wears a black coat and pink knit hat while holding a small snowball with pebble eyes.
Two children kneel beside a snowman wearing a blue “Lions” T-shirt. The snowman has a carrot nose, pebble eyes, and stick arms. The children wear winter coats and gloves in a sunny snow-covered field.
A student poses beside a snow sculpture shaped like a cat wearing a North Lincoln shirt and scarf. The student makes a peace sign while standing next to the snow figure in a winter setting.
A child stands beside a snowman near a backyard swimming pool. The snowman wears a black top hat, red scarf, and has button details, while the child holds a stick and wears winter coat, pants, and a red hat.
A child kneels beside a small snowman dressed in a red T-shirt that reads “Follow Me, I Am A Leader, Love Memorial Elementary.” The snowman has a red bow, carrot nose, and pebble smile.
A child wearing a blue winter jacket and star-pattern face covering stands behind a small, rounded snowman with stick arms in a snowy driveway beside a house.
Two children stand beside a tiny snowman in a snowy yard near a parked vehicle. The children wear winter coats and hats with snow on their clothing.
A child stands next to a snowman dressed in a Wolves shirt with a yellow bow and braided yarn hair. They pose in front of a home porch on a sunny winter day.
A child stands beside a snowman in front of a home porch on a sunny winter day. The snowman is dressed in a black Wolves T-shirt with a yellow bow and has braided yarn hair, a carrot nose, and stick arms. The child wears a white knit hat, pink shirt, and winter jacket, smiling with one hand on their hip.
A child in a red and yellow knit hat runs through a snowy neighborhood yard while another child plays near a snowman in the background.
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
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Graphic with an aerial photo of a Lincoln County Schools campus in the background. Large text reads “Come Work With Us!” A list of current job openings appears, including Afternoon/Evening Custodian at Lincolnton High, Teacher Assistant (temporary) at Norris Childers Elementary, EC Teacher Assistant (temporary) at Lincolnton Middle, MTSS Tutor at Lincolnton Middle, Track Assistant Coach (Girls Team) at North Lincoln Middle, Data Manager at Childers Elementary, and Fuel Truck Driver at the Transportation Department. Text at the bottom reads “Apply Online” followed by the website lcsnc.schoolspring.com.
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
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Four-panel photo collage showing snowy road conditions across Lincoln County zones. Top left labeled “West Zone Roads” shows a snow-covered rural road bordered by trees with visible tire tracks. Top right labeled “In Town Roads” shows a neighborhood street coated in packed snow and ice with houses in the distance. Bottom left labeled “North Zone Roads” shows a shaded roadway with snow and icy patches near a wooded area and road signs. Bottom right labeled “East Zone Roads” shows a rural road with icy surface, open fields on both sides, and snow pushed to the shoulders.
Four adults laughing and having a playful snowball fight in a snowy, tree-filled winter setting. Text overlay reads “Tuesday, February 3, 2026 – Remote Learning” with the Lincoln County Schools logo beneath.
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
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Two adults stand side by side, smiling with hands on their hips, wearing matching light-colored “Pre-K Dream Team” T-shirts with small handprint graphics. They are in front of a colorful alphabet-themed backdrop with a string of heart decorations across the top. In the upper left corner, a graphic reads “Lincoln County Schools besties.” A pink banner at the bottom displays the names “Mindy Buchanan and Linda Wingate” and the school name “G. E. Massey Elementary.”
More snowday fun! We are loving the smiles from East to West! More to come later today.

#WeAreLINCOLN #SnowDayFun
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Two young children kneel in the snow beside a medium-sized snowman. The snowman wears a blue winter hat with a lightning bolt design and has blue eyes and a small carrot nose. A smaller snowman stands beside it. The children are bundled in winter coats, gloves, and hats, smiling in bright sunlight.
A single snowman dressed in a red sweatshirt and a red Ford baseball cap sits upright in a snowy yard. The snowman has stone eyes, a small carrot nose, and a crooked smile made of pebbles. A garage and winter trees are blurred in the background.
Two children lie on their stomachs in a snowy field beside a small snowman made from three stacked snowballs with stick arms. Both children wear winter coats, hats, and gloves, with snow on their sleeves and hands. A tree line and blue sky appear behind them.
Two children peek out from inside a large snow fort or igloo. They wear colorful winter coats and knit hats with pompoms, and their gloves are dusted with snow. The opening of the snow structure frames their smiling faces.
A teenager and an adult stand outdoors with a decorated snowman. The snowman wears a straw hat and a bright tropical lei. Both people are dressed in winter coats, hats, and scarves, with a snowy neighborhood street behind them.
Two people pose in winter jackets with a snowman wearing a St. James Knights sweatshirt and a wide-brim hat. The snowman has stick arms and a carrot nose, and fresh snow covers the ground and clothing.
A child sits beside a small snowman on a snowy step. The snowman is wrapped in a pink scarf and wears pink sunglasses. The child wears a colorful floral winter coat and white snow pants.
Two children stand beside a tall snowman in front of a house. The snowman wears a black top hat, red scarf, and has three black buttons. The children wear bright winter coats and hold stick “arms” for the snowman.
Two students stand beside a tall snowman in a sunny neighborhood yard. The snowman is decorated with a red scarf, a cheer bow on its head, stick arms, and a West Chiefs cheer uniform draped on its front. Both students wear winter boots and hold red and black pom-poms while smiling beside their creation, with snow-covered ground and houses in the background.
Three children kneel behind a classic three-tier snowman in a sunny yard. The snowman has a carrot nose and stick arms. The children are dressed in dark winter coats, gloves, and knit hats, smiling at the camera.
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
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Graphic on a dark blue background reading “National School Counseling Week” at the top and “February 2–6, 2026” at the bottom. In the center is a circular badge that says “I love my school counselor” with a red heart symbol. The Lincoln County Schools logo appears in the lower right corner.
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
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
White lined notebook paper background with red hand-drawn hearts scattered across the page. In the center is a large black hand-drawn heart. Text reads, “Will you send a message of appreciation?” with two options below: “Yes” and “No,” styled like a playful questionnaire. The Lincoln County Schools logo appears near the bottom right corner.
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
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
A child kneels beside a snowman wearing a red football jersey reading “West Lincoln Football” and a red knit hat. Snow covers the ground and a brick building is visible behind them.
A child wearing a pink knit hat and winter gloves kneels beside a snowman decorated with a wide-brimmed hat, scarf, stick arms, and colorful buttons. Fresh snow covers the yard.
A child in a red winter jacket and sunglasses stands next to a snowman wearing a blue hat and red scarf. Leaves are mixed into the snow around the snowman.
A snow angel made in deep snow using clothing, with a red hoodie reading “When I Grow Up I Wanna Be a WC Rebel,” a scarf, and a knit hat placed to form the figure.
A person wearing winter clothing and snow goggles sits in the snow while tossing snow into the air. A light-colored dog stands nearby in the snowy background.
A child stands next to a partially built snowman wearing a teal shirt that reads “Follow Me I Am A Leader” with smaller text below. Snow covers the sidewalk and yard.
A child lies in the snow beside a snowman wearing a black top hat and red scarf. The child is dressed in a pink winter coat and black snow pants.
Two children stand beside a snowman wearing a white shirt that reads “COLTS” and a green hat. All three face the camera in a snow-covered yard.
A child sits in the snow beside letters written in the snow. The child wears a purple winter coat and a blue hat, with long shadows cast across the snow.
Two children sit in the snow behind a small snowman with stick arms. Both children wear winter jackets, hats, and sunglasses, with a house visible in the background.
We have Battleground, Lincolnton Middle, St. James, WL High, Pumpkin Center, and Iron Station represented in these snowmen/snowblob/snowbush pictures! More to come!

#WeAreLINCOLN #Snowman
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Two children and an adult kneel in the snow around a snowman wearing a red shirt with “Engineers” printed on the back. All three are smiling, dressed in winter clothing, with snow covering the ground and a shed behind them.
A child wearing a red “Pumpkin Center” shirt and reflective sunglasses stands next to a creatively styled snowman with a decorative mask, braided hair, coconut shell top, and green grass skirt. Both are in a snowy yard.
A large mound of snow arranged as a snowman face with citrus fruits and peppers for facial features. Two school spirit shirts, one reading “Lincolnton Wildcats” and one reading “Battleground Patriots,” are displayed on the snow, with a black hat placed above them.
Four young children sit in the snow smiling beside a snowman decorated with a red-and-white scarf, buttons, and a hat. Snow blankets the ground and nearby homes.
A person stands in fresh snowfall on a residential street during active snow flurries, wearing a tan jacket and white pants. Snow covers the road, rooftops, and lawns around them.
A person lies on their back in deep snow at night, arms and legs spread wide, forming a snow angel. Snow-covered houses and a streetlight are visible in the background.
A second nighttime photo of a person making a snow angel, wearing jeans, a dark jacket, and a light-colored scarf. The snow angel shape is clearly visible around their body.
A snowman wearing a wide-brimmed red hat stands near a low stone wall. A red “Rebels Football” hoodie is draped over a green sled resting beside the snowman.
A smiling child in a shiny light-blue winter jacket stands next to a small snowman dressed in a black “St. James Knights” shirt and a pink hat. A black metal fence and snow-covered ground are in the background.
A snowman wearing a light blue knit hat and a gray “Battleground Patriots” hoodie stands in a snowy front yard, holding stick arms up like a celebration. A white house and snow-covered ground are visible behind it.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026:

Due to inclement weather, all Lincoln County Schools will be closed to students, with no remote learning, on Monday, February 2, 2026. Staff will operate on a remote optional workday, which applies to all 10-, 11-, and 12-month employees. This day will not be made up. We encourage you to use extreme caution over the next few days and stay safe during this winter event.
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Dr. Aaron Allen sits on a frozen lake ice fishing during snowfall, holding a fishing rod and a fish beside an open ice hole. He is wearing a red winter jacket, gloves, and boots, with ice fishing equipment nearby and snow-covered trees in the background. Text on the image reads, “Dr. A has ‘gone fishing’ for a TRUE SNOW DAY! Monday, February 2,” with the Lincoln County Schools logo in the lower left corner.
Here’s a look at key dates coming up in February for Lincoln County Schools. Mark your calendars for progress reports, our February School Board meeting, and the school closure for students mid-month. More details will be shared as we get closer to each event.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSEvents
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Graphic of a February 2026 Lincoln County Schools calendar page on lined notebook paper with a black header reading “February 2026,” the Lincoln County Schools script logo near the top right, and a red heart graphic. Listed dates include: “9th: Progress Reports,” “10th: School Board Meeting at 6pm,” and “16th–17th: No School for Students.”
February is Black History Month. This month, we honor the achievements, contributions, and lasting impact of Black leaders, educators, innovators, and changemakers who have shaped our nation and continue to shape our communities and classrooms today. Throughout the month, our schools will be highlighting learning experiences and celebrations that recognize the rich history and culture of Black Americans.

#WeAreLINCOLN #BlackHistoryMonth
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Graphic with the words “February is Black History Month” in red, gold, and green text on a dark patterned background. Wavy red, gold, and green bands appear at the top and bottom of the image. The Lincoln County Schools logo is centered at the bottom.
Some more fun in the snow photos. We love the East Cheerleader and the funny AI images (we know, the snow didn't cooperate with our snowman plans). Hey, and even our Chief of Federal Programs went sledding today!

#WeAreLINCOLN #FunInTheSnow
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
A child in a colorful winter jacket lies on their stomach in the snow, smiling at the camera next to a small mound of snow, with pine trees visible behind them.
An adult sits on a small sled at the top of a snowy slope, smiling while wearing a winter coat, jeans, boots, and a knit hat, surrounded by packed snow.
A close-up of a person wearing a snowman face mask with a black top hat and red scarf, standing outdoors as snowflakes fall.
Two children kneel in the snow behind a large, detailed snow sculpture shaped like a blue bird, smiling and posing in a snowy backyard setting.
A child wearing a red knit hat and black snowsuit stands smiling in deep snow beside a car covered in fresh snowfall, with trees and falling snow in the background.
A child kneels in the snow next to a decorated snowman dressed in a green cheer uniform with the word “EAST,” holding green pom-poms, while snow falls in a wooded area.
A large group of children bundled in winter coats pose in the snow holding sleds and snow tubes, lined up at the edge of a wooded hill during active snowfall.
Ok, you were right, not really packing snow. But we did have a few snow-blobs come through! Right now, it's an East v. North battle. Where is our West and Lincolnton representation?

If you build a snowman (especially one showing school spirit), send your photos to lcs-communications@lincoln.k12.nc.us, and your snowman might just make a special appearance on our social media. Note: This inbox is not typically monitored, so you will get an automatic reply. However, we will check it this weekend for your photos!
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Two children bundled in winter coats and hats sit on a red inflatable sled in fresh snow. One child wears ski goggles and camouflage outerwear, while the other smiles at the camera with snow on their jacket.
Three children stand in the snow behind a decorated snowman wearing a red “STANGS EL Baseball” shirt and a green hat. The snowman has outstretched arms, and the children smile in a snowy front yard.
A collage of photos shows children posing with a snowman dressed in a bright yellow safety vest. The images are arranged at angles, capturing snowy outdoor scenes in front of a house.
A snowman sits in a snowy driveway wrapped in a blue “North Lincoln Knights” hoodie. Snow covers the ground and a parked vehicle is visible in the background.
Two children kneel beside a small snowman wearing a black top hat and red scarf. One child wears a bright pink jacket, and the other wears a light-colored coat and hat. Snow falls lightly around them in an open, wooded area.
From desks to decisions.

This School Board Appreciation Month, we’re grateful for leaders who once sat in our classrooms and now help guide the future of Lincoln County Schools. Thank you to our Board of Education and Superintendent for serving the same community that helped shape who you are today.

#WeAreLINCOLN #SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Fixed

Do you want to build a snowman?

Now that we finally have the right kind of snow, we want to see what our Lincoln County families create this weekend. If you build a snowman (especially one showing school spirit), send your photos to lcs-communications@lincoln.k12.nc.us, and your snowman might just make a special appearance on our social media. Stay warm, have fun, and let the snow creativity begin.

#WeAreLINCOLN #SnowDayFun

Note: This inbox is not typically monitored, so you will get an automatic reply. However, we will check it this weekend for your photos!

about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
A smiling adult man wearing glasses, a red scarf, and gloves stands in falling snow beside a snowman. The snowman wears a black top hat and a red scarf, and they are holding hands in a snowy, tree-filled landscape. Text at the top reads, “Do you want to build a snowman?” and the Lincoln County Schools logo appears in the bottom right corner.
✨ Flashback Friday ✨
We love celebrating our #WeAreLINCOLN stories — where former students become the next generation of educators!

Meet Mrs. April Preston Martin, an 8th grade math teacher at North Lincoln Middle School.
April attended Triangle Elementary, Rock Springs, East Lincoln Middle, and East Lincoln High. She fondly remembers teachers like Ms. Clark (5th grade science), Mr. Herndon (6th grade teacher), and Mrs. Kirby (biology) — whose job she once dreamed of having as a senior!

Today, Mrs. Martin inspires her own students with that same love for learning. She says,

“I love having a job that’s never boring. I get to know incredible students each year and make connections that I hope will last for many years. I also love being able to be creative with classroom activities for students to learn math or science standards in different and interesting ways.”

Thank you, Mrs. Martin, for pouring your heart into LCS and showing our students that once a Mustang, always a Mustang! 💙🐴🍎

#FlashbackFriday #LCSFamily #LincolnCountySchools #WeAreLINCOLN
about 2 months ago, LCS Communications
Martin
We know today was a tough morning for many families, and we truly appreciate the care you took to make the best decision for your child, given the road conditions.

As we look ahead to tomorrow, Lincoln County Schools will again operate on a 2-hour delay to allow additional daylight and continued road treatment. You may see a snow angel in today’s post, but the message behind it is simple: when conditions are uncertain, it’s okay to slow down, take extra time, and choose the safest path forward.

We are grateful to NCDOT crews who are working around the clock to improve road conditions and to our bus drivers who have navigated modified routes today.

If you determine that travel from your home is still unsafe, please continue to make the decision that is best for your family and communicate directly with your child’s school. We appreciate your partnership and patience as we work together to keep students and staff safe.

A few other notes:

*Breakfast will be served at all schools.
*High school students, including LCST, will report to second period. Third period will begin at 11:00 am.
*Check your school's communication for updates regarding athletic events, including any cancellations or rescheduling.
*All facilities will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, and no weekend activities will be held.
*The district spelling bee will be moved to Wednesday, February 4th.

#WeAreLINCOLN
about 2 months ago, LCS Communications
A smiling adult man wearing a white button-down shirt, jeans, and boots lies on his back in the snow beside a clear, dry roadway, arms and legs spread as if making a snow angel. Snowbanks line the road, and trees are visible in the background. Text in the upper right reads, “Lincoln County Schools. Friday, January 30. 2-Hour Delay.”