🎓🐺 Congratulations to the Lincolnton High School Class of 2025! 🐺🎓
We’re celebrating 169 incredible graduates who earned over $11.1 million in scholarships! 💰
💼 35% are heading into the workforce
🎓 61.4% are enrolled in college
🎖️🪖3.6% have enlisted to serve our country
We’re so proud of all they've accomplished and can’t wait to see what’s next! Go Wolves! 💛🖤

June 4, 2025
LCS NAMES NEW DEAN OF STUDENTS AND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
At the June 3, 2025 Board Work Session, the Lincoln County Board of Education approved the Superintendent’s recommendation of a new Dean of Students and Assistant Principal.
Ms. Kimberly Queen has been appointed Dean of Students at Battleground Elementary School. She brings with her 12 years of experience as a classroom teacher and assistant principal in two Gaston County elementary schools. Ms. Queen holds two master’s degrees—one in Educational Administration and another in Elementary Education—along with a Master’s Add-On in Curriculum and Instruction. She also earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from UNC Charlotte, where she is a proud three-time 49er graduate. A distinguished North Carolina Principal Fellow, Ms. Queen’s leadership is rooted in strong communication, effective problem-solving, and a deep desire to contribute meaningfully to a dynamic school community. With a heart for service and a passion for connection, Ms. Queen is committed to building strong relationships and supporting the continued success of the Battleground community. “I believe that every student deserves a champion—someone who believes in them, holds high expectations, and walks alongside them through both successes and setbacks,” Ms. Queen adds. “My passion lies in building strong relationships, creating a culture of belonging, and supporting the academic and emotional growth of every learner.” Outside of school, Ms. Queen enjoys spending time with her daughter, Emma Grace, and their Great Dane, Charlie Mae. Together, they love traveling, gem mining, exploring new adventures, and savoring life’s little joys—especially a great cup of coffee.
Mrs. Queen will succeed Mrs. Kristina Davis, who was named Assistant Principal at S. Ray Lowder beginning July 1, 2025.
Lincoln County Schools is proud to announce Zachary Richardson as the new Assistant Principal at both West Lincoln Middle and West Lincoln High. Mr. Richardson has spent five years as a classroom teacher in Alexander County Schools. In these five years, he has been recognized as a school and district level beginning teacher of the year, and a school-level teacher of the year this current year. He is a graduate candidate for School Leadership from Appalachian State University. Mr. Richardson has his Master’s in Education with a concentration in mathematics from UNC-Greensboro, and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education from Lenoir-Rhyne University. “I am so excited to join the West Lincoln family. I am excited for the new opportunity that Lincoln County Schools has offered me. I look forward to sharing my time between West Lincoln Middle and West Lincoln High, and getting to know all the great folks in the district,” says Richardson. His wife, Joanna, is a middle school teacher in Catawba County and they recently welcomed their first child, Cade, this April. He is a huge football fan and enjoys playing golf and woodworking. Mr. Richardson will begin his new role on July 1, 2025.
Mr. Richardson is assuming a new role of a split Assistant Principal for West Lincoln Middle and West Lincoln High. He succeeds Anna Gilbert at West Lincoln Middle who was approved in April as the Principal at Iron Station Elementary and Haley Hoyle at West Lincoln High who was approved in May as the Assistant Principal at Asbury Academy. The start date for all three administrators is July 1, 2025.


June 4, 2025
LCS NAMES ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL MOVES
At the June 3, 2025 Board Work Session, the Lincoln County Board of Education approved the Superintendent’s recommendation two Assistant Principal moves.
Lincoln County Schools proudly announces Emily Westbrook as the new Assistant Principal at Catawba Springs Elementary. Mrs. Westbrook was originally hired as Dean of Students at Battleground, but has since been reassigned to this role. Mrs. Westbrook has over a decade of experience in general and special education, most recently serving as a music educator and PLC lead at Piedmont Community Charter School. She has also held leadership roles in MTSS and School Improvement Teams, demonstrating a strong commitment to collaboration, student success, and positive school culture. She holds degrees in Music and Special Education and is completing a certificate in Educational Administration from UNC Charlotte. Mrs. Westbrook’s leadership, creativity, and student-focused approach make her a valuable addition to the Battleground team. Please join us in welcoming her to this new role.
Mrs. Westbrook will begin her new role on July 1, 2025. Mrs. Westbrook will succeed Mr. Brett Bowen, who was approved as an Assistant Principal at Lincolnton High School starting July 1, 2025.
Lincoln County Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Brett Bowen as an Assistant Principal at Lincolnton High School. Mr. Bowen graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor's degree and earned his Master's in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He spent seven years teaching middle and high school Math and Science in both Gaston and Lincoln Counties before pursuing school leadership opportunities. He recently completed his third year as the Assistant Principal at Catawba Springs Elementary School. Born and raised in Lincoln County, Mr. Bowen has strong ties to the area. He met his wife in the 7th grade at East Lincoln Middle School, and today they’re raising two young children together, Nell (4) and Sully (3). His wife also serves students and families at East Lincoln High School as a school counselor. Mr. Bowen is excited to join the team at Lincolnton High School and get back into the high school setting. He’s looking forward to working with Mrs. Ballard, Mr. Taylor, and the entire LHS staff to support students and teachers. He believes in leading by example, being present, and building real connections with students and staff. He knows that when teachers feel supported, students benefit the most. He is incredibly grateful for the past relationships and mentors that have helped shape his pathway so far, from peers and administrators to students and families. Mr. Bowen is looking forward to continuing that work at Lincolnton High School while giving back to the community that has given him so much.
Mr. Bowen will begin his new role on July 1, 2025. Mr. Bowen will succeed Mr. Justin Lunsford, who has resigned.


📣 Save the Date! 🎒👟
Our Back-to-School Shopping Day is happening on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Asbury Resource Center (ARC)!
Families can shop for clothes and supplies to kick off the school year with confidence. ✨
📍 221 Salem Church Rd., Lincolnton, NC 28092
📝 Sign up for a shopping time by contacting your school counselor or school social worker!
STARTING TOMORROW!
🍎🥪 FREE Summer Meals Are Back! 🥦🍇
Lincoln County Schools is offering free grab-n’go breakfast and lunch for 5 days—every Wednesday from June 4 through July 23!
📍 Choose your pickup location and time:
🕚 11 AM – 1 PM at Childers
🕓 4 PM – 6 PM at Battleground
🚗 Drive-thru style! No need for students to be present—parents/guardians can pick up meals for kids and younger siblings at home.
📦 Each child receives 5 breakfasts + 5 lunches weekly!
Let’s keep our kids fueled all summer long! 🌞

📢 Attention LCS Families!
⏳ The PowerSchool Parent Portal will close on Friday, June 6 as we transition to the new NCSIS system powered by Infinite Campus.
📊 Be sure to log in before it closes to view your student’s EOG score reports and any final information from this school year. Note: EOG score reports may only be viewed on a computer.
🔗 Don’t wait — check your portal today!

🚨 West Zone Transitions! 🚨
🌟 The West Zone is welcoming Ms. Chelsea Seagle to their team! She's making the move from Iron Station Elementary to Northbrook Elementary — and we're thrilled to have her! 💙🖤
💫 At the same time, we send our heartfelt best wishes to Mrs. Jennifer Carroll as she transitions from Northbrook to St. James Elementary in the East Zone. Thank you for your dedication to the West — you’ll be missed! ❤️🛡️
Let’s show them both some love as they begin exciting new chapters! 👏


📅 Mark your calendars for the West Zone Back to School Student Fest! 🎒✨
Join us on Saturday, August 9th from 9AM–12PM at West Lincoln Middle School for a morning full of fun and free resources!
🎁 FREE Haircuts, School Supplies, Shoes, Groceries, Clothes, Backpacks & MORE!
🍔 Food will be available for purchase
📍 Open to all school-age students from North Brook, Childers, Love Memorial, Union, West Middle & High.
📲 Scan the QR code to RSVP and get set for a great start to the school year!

🎉 Congratulations to Misty Douglas! 🎉
We were thrilled to present a check for $11,007.50 to Misty, the lucky winner of the LCPEF Summertime Split 50/50 Drawing!
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped support innovative educational grants for Lincoln County Schools. Your generosity makes a difference in classrooms across our district! 💙📚


Dear Students and Families,
We are excited to announce the High School Physics I Summer Experience, sponsored by the UNC Charlotte STEM Pre-College Program!
This dynamic, week-long camp offers high school students the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of physics through interactive instruction, hands-on experiments, and real-world applications—including forensic science! Aligned with the North Carolina Core Standards, the program is designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of key physics concepts such as motion, forces, and energy.
Program Dates: June 23–27, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily
Location: UNC Charlotte
Registration Deadline: Friday, May 23, 2025
Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/hsphysics2025
Space is limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged!
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to build your physics foundation and explore how science connects to real-world challenges.
We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Warm regards,
Victor Mack, Ph.D., Director, Pre-College Program
Center for STEM Education
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Ph. (704) 687-8728
Email: vbmack@charlotte.edu
Center for STEM Education: https://cstem.charlotte.edu
STEM Pre-College Program: https://cstem.charlotte.edu/stemprecollege

🍎🥪 FREE Summer Meals Are Back! 🥦🍇
Lincoln County Schools is offering free grab-n’go breakfast and lunch for 5 days—every Wednesday from June 4 through July 23!
📍 Choose your pickup location and time:
🕚 11 AM – 1 PM at Childers
🕓 4 PM – 6 PM at Battleground
🚗 Drive-thru style! No need for students to be present—parents/guardians can pick up meals for kids and younger siblings at home.
📦 Each child receives 5 breakfasts + 5 lunches weekly!
Let’s keep our kids fueled all summer long! 🌞

🍎✨ Want to thank a teacher in a fun and impactful way?
Buy them a raffle ticket in the LCPEF 50/50 Summertime Split! 🎟️
Not only is it a great end-of-year gift, but your favorite teacher could instantly win close to $2,000 in cash! 💸🙌
🎯 Proceeds support innovative classroom grants through the Lincoln County Public Education Foundation.
👉 Purchase your tickets here: https://givebutter.com/LCPEF5050
Or scan the QR code in the graphic!

🦸♀️✨ Calling all heroes! ✨🦸♂️
Get ready for Be A Hero! Comic Con — an action-packed day of cosplay, comics, artists, vendors, and more!
📅 Saturday, July 19, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Lincolnton High School
🎟 $5 Admission | Kids 10 & under FREE
⭐ Cosplay Showcase
⭐ Local Vendors & Artists
⭐ Family Fun for All Ages
Come celebrate your inner hero — and help spread the word!
🚨 TODAY! 🚨
Lincoln County Schools EC Recruitment Fair is happening TONIGHT — and you don’t have to be registered to attend!
📍 Where: Lincoln Cultural Center, 403 E Main St, Lincolnton
🕕 When: Monday, May 20 | 6:00–8:00 PM
🍽 Catered by Fresh Chef | 🎁 Door Prizes | 🤝 Networking
Come explore special education job opportunities, meet experienced educators, and learn how YOU can make a difference. Whether you’re a recent grad or exploring a new path, we’d love to see you there!

🎉 The countdown is on… the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL is this Thursday, May 22! 🎉
🕛 Dismissal will be at 12:00 PM (Noon)
Let’s celebrate a year full of growth, learning, and great memories. Have a safe and happy summer, LCS families! ☀️📚✌️

🎉 Last week, the Lincoln County Public Education Foundation (LCPEF) celebrated our amazing Grant Winners at the Board of Education meeting! Over $56,000 was awarded to staff for their creative and impactful educational ideas. 💡🍎
Want to help fund future grants? The Summertime Split 50/50 Raffle is a fun and easy way to give back! 💰 The jackpot is already over $1,300 and growing!
🎟️ Buy your tickets here: https://givebutter.com/LCPEF5050
📺 Watch the LIVE drawing this Thursday (5/22) at 2:00 PM on Facebook!
Let’s keep the innovation going in Lincoln County Schools! 🙌 #LCPEF #5050Raffle #SupportEducation #LincolnCountySchools

🚨 Big News for 2025-26! 🚨
North Carolina public schools—including Lincoln County Schools—are transitioning to a new student information system: NCSIS powered by Infinite Campus!
📱 Mobile-friendly
📊 Easy access to grades, attendance, assignments & more
👨👩👧👦 Enhanced tools for monitoring your child’s progress
This new platform will replace PowerSchool starting next school year.
Stay tuned! We'll keep you updated on our LCS website as more information becomes available. ✅

Coming this week!
📣 Calling all educators and future teachers! 📣
Lincoln County Schools is hosting an EC Recruitment Fair on May 20, 2025, from 6–8 PM at the Lincoln Cultural Center! If you’re passionate about special education, this is your chance to make a meaningful difference in students' lives — and grow your career while doing it.
✅ Low caseloads (average of 20)
✅ 9% supplements + $800 sign-on bonus for select roles
✅ Support from Instructional Coaches and Compliance Specialists
✅ On-site interviews, networking, and door prizes
✅ Catered by Fresh Chef
Not licensed yet? No problem! Learn about Residency Licensure — an accessible pathway for recent grads, career changers, and anyone eager to join the teaching profession in NC.
📍 403 E Main St., Lincolnton, NC
📞 Call 704-736-1017 ext. 30134
🔗 Register now: www.lcsnc.org
Let’s help Lincoln lead exceptionally — see you there! 🍎
🗣️💬 Today we celebrate Speech-Language Pathologist Day! Our SLPs empower students every day, helping them find their voices and build essential communication skills. Their patience, expertise, and dedication make a lasting difference in the lives of so many. Thank you for all that you do! 🧩💙


