A LCS Love Story:
Jeff and Andie’s story began in 1996 at Stanley Junior High (now Stanley Middle), during their very first year in public education. What started as two new educators finding their footing quickly turned into something much more — and they’ve been side by side ever since.
Together, they’ve built a beautiful family. Their son Casey, now in Heaven, remains forever in their hearts. Their daughter Chelsea is married to Ronald Key, and their son Gabriel is married to Leslie. And yes, their household also includes two very loved pups — Chewie (short for Chewbacca) and Moose — who keep things lively at home.
After 26 years of marriage, Jeff and Andie give all the credit to the Good Lord for guiding their journey, sustaining their love, and blessing their family along the way. From hallways at Stanley to a lifetime together, their story is one more reminder that sometimes the best things really do start at school. 💛
Jeff and Andie’s story began in 1996 at Stanley Junior High (now Stanley Middle), during their very first year in public education. What started as two new educators finding their footing quickly turned into something much more — and they’ve been side by side ever since.
Together, they’ve built a beautiful family. Their son Casey, now in Heaven, remains forever in their hearts. Their daughter Chelsea is married to Ronald Key, and their son Gabriel is married to Leslie. And yes, their household also includes two very loved pups — Chewie (short for Chewbacca) and Moose — who keep things lively at home.
After 26 years of marriage, Jeff and Andie give all the credit to the Good Lord for guiding their journey, sustaining their love, and blessing their family along the way. From hallways at Stanley to a lifetime together, their story is one more reminder that sometimes the best things really do start at school. 💛
Guess who showed up to greet car riders at S. Ray Lowder today?
We can neither confirm nor deny that this upside-down inflatable may have a very familiar personality inside. Students were all smiles, trying to solve the mystery, giving high fives, and starting the day with laughter before the first bell.
Mornings like this remind us that school should feel joyful, welcoming, and a little bit fun. Nice work, SRL team, for bringing the smiles to arrival.
#WeAreLINCOLN #SRLPride
We can neither confirm nor deny that this upside-down inflatable may have a very familiar personality inside. Students were all smiles, trying to solve the mystery, giving high fives, and starting the day with laughter before the first bell.
Mornings like this remind us that school should feel joyful, welcoming, and a little bit fun. Nice work, SRL team, for bringing the smiles to arrival.
#WeAreLINCOLN #SRLPride
LCS Besties Feature — Bartley & Jennifer
Some friendships truly last a lifetime, and Bartley and Jennifer’s story goes all the way back to childhood.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bartley’s grandparents were Jennifer’s neighbors, and the two spent their days playing together, feeding goats, and helping gather watermelons to stack under the shade of a big oak tree. Years later, they found themselves together again at West Lincoln High School in marching band — Bartley on trumpet and Jennifer on clarinet — building even more memories they still laugh about today.
After graduation, they both attended Appalachian State University and eventually began their teaching careers at Love Memorial Elementary, where they worked side by side for 19 years. During that time, they team taught lessons, completed research projects with students, presented at educator workshops across North Carolina, and co-coached Battle of the Books teams that earned several medals. And for anyone who knows them, there was always plenty of laughter along the way.
Beyond school, their bond runs even deeper. They describe themselves as more than friends — as brother and sister in faith — studying the Bible and praying together with their families. Bartley taught both of Jennifer’s children in fifth grade, and now Jennifer teaches his children in library class. Their families have shared vacations to the beach, Dollywood, and the mountains of North Carolina, continuing to build memories together.
This school year brought a change when Bartley moved to West Lincoln Middle School while Jennifer remained at Love Memorial. While they no longer work on the same hallway, their friendship hasn’t missed a beat, with daily phone calls and teacher workday lunches still keeping them connected.
Their story is a beautiful reminder that the relationships built in our schools can last far beyond the classroom.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud
Some friendships truly last a lifetime, and Bartley and Jennifer’s story goes all the way back to childhood.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bartley’s grandparents were Jennifer’s neighbors, and the two spent their days playing together, feeding goats, and helping gather watermelons to stack under the shade of a big oak tree. Years later, they found themselves together again at West Lincoln High School in marching band — Bartley on trumpet and Jennifer on clarinet — building even more memories they still laugh about today.
After graduation, they both attended Appalachian State University and eventually began their teaching careers at Love Memorial Elementary, where they worked side by side for 19 years. During that time, they team taught lessons, completed research projects with students, presented at educator workshops across North Carolina, and co-coached Battle of the Books teams that earned several medals. And for anyone who knows them, there was always plenty of laughter along the way.
Beyond school, their bond runs even deeper. They describe themselves as more than friends — as brother and sister in faith — studying the Bible and praying together with their families. Bartley taught both of Jennifer’s children in fifth grade, and now Jennifer teaches his children in library class. Their families have shared vacations to the beach, Dollywood, and the mountains of North Carolina, continuing to build memories together.
This school year brought a change when Bartley moved to West Lincoln Middle School while Jennifer remained at Love Memorial. While they no longer work on the same hallway, their friendship hasn’t missed a beat, with daily phone calls and teacher workday lunches still keeping them connected.
Their story is a beautiful reminder that the relationships built in our schools can last far beyond the classroom.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud
Warning: Completing this form may result in excessive smiling, random happy tears, and awkward hallway thank-yous.
Side effects may also include staff members keeping your note in their desk, on their fridge, or taped to their computer for the rest of the year.
Proceed with kindness by submitting a Message of Appreciation for any Lincoln County Schools staff member. It only takes a minute, and the results are pretty great.
Link: https://forms.gle/hegb6jmnQPP9HZV17
#WeAreLINCOLN #SpreadKindness
Side effects may also include staff members keeping your note in their desk, on their fridge, or taped to their computer for the rest of the year.
Proceed with kindness by submitting a Message of Appreciation for any Lincoln County Schools staff member. It only takes a minute, and the results are pretty great.
Link: https://forms.gle/hegb6jmnQPP9HZV17
#WeAreLINCOLN #SpreadKindness
🌟 Flashback Friday: From Student to Principal! 🌟
Meet Mr. Matthew Hovis, a proud Lincoln County Schools graduate and now the principal at Lincolnton Middle School!
Matthew attended Pumpkin Center Middle and North Lincoln High, where his teachers inspired his love for math and challenged him to think critically. Today, he’s paying that inspiration forward—leading LMS with heart, dedication, and a deep connection to the community he grew up in.
Mr. Hovis says, “The students and staff I get to work with every day make this job so rewarding. Watching them grow and seeing those ‘ah-ha’ moments make all the hard work worth it!”
We’re so proud to celebrate another LCS alum making a difference right here at home. 💙🍎
#FlashbackFriday #WeAreLincoln #LincolnCountySchools #FromStudentToStaff
Meet Mr. Matthew Hovis, a proud Lincoln County Schools graduate and now the principal at Lincolnton Middle School!
Matthew attended Pumpkin Center Middle and North Lincoln High, where his teachers inspired his love for math and challenged him to think critically. Today, he’s paying that inspiration forward—leading LMS with heart, dedication, and a deep connection to the community he grew up in.
Mr. Hovis says, “The students and staff I get to work with every day make this job so rewarding. Watching them grow and seeing those ‘ah-ha’ moments make all the hard work worth it!”
We’re so proud to celebrate another LCS alum making a difference right here at home. 💙🍎
#FlashbackFriday #WeAreLincoln #LincolnCountySchools #FromStudentToStaff
Progress reports will be sent home on Friday, February 13 instead of Monday, February 9. This adjustment allows time for remote work completed during recent weather cancellations and delays to be turned in, graded, and accurately reflected on student progress reports.
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we work to ensure families receive the most up-to-date picture of student learning. If you have questions, please reach out to your child’s school.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSUpdates
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we work to ensure families receive the most up-to-date picture of student learning. If you have questions, please reach out to your child’s school.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSUpdates
Dr. Allen has officially reached the “patiently waiting for kids to come back” stage. He’s set up camp in the art room, cutting paper snowflakes, testing out watercolor palettes, and pretending he totally remembers how to use a glue stick. If you see an unusually artistic superintendent today, just know—he’s ready for the halls to be full again.
Due to changing weather conditions, patchy black ice, and to ensure better visibility for drivers, Lincoln County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay for students and staff on Friday, February 6, 2026. Buses will run full routes. High school students, including LCST, will report to first period. Refer to your school’s direct messaging for further details regarding today’s schedule. Breakfast will be served at all schools.
#WeAreLINCOLN #NoMoreSNOW
Due to changing weather conditions, patchy black ice, and to ensure better visibility for drivers, Lincoln County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay for students and staff on Friday, February 6, 2026. Buses will run full routes. High school students, including LCST, will report to first period. Refer to your school’s direct messaging for further details regarding today’s schedule. Breakfast will be served at all schools.
#WeAreLINCOLN #NoMoreSNOW
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
