Live Feed | Lincoln County Schools

A simple rock. A powerful message.

Mark Bartholomew — a retired veteran and the husband of an LCS employee — has made it his personal mission to remind every Lincoln County Schools staff member that they matter. Over the past several months, he has collected and hand-painted more than 2,000 rocks, each marked with a bright orange “U” as a daily reminder: U Rock.

Mark didn’t just paint them — he personally delivered enough rocks to every school and district site so that each employee could receive one. These photos capture his visit to Battleground Elementary and the smiles that followed.

Small gesture. Big impact.

Thank you, Mark, for taking the time to recognize the incredible work our employees do each and every day. #WeAreLINCOLN

2 months ago, LCS Communications

A smiling woman in a blue sweater holds a sheet of paper with the letters “HE” and an arrow written in black marker while pointing playfully toward a bald man standing beside her. The man smiles and holds a small rock with an orange painted letter on it. A classroom wall behind them displays a sign that reads “EXTRA EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!” along with posted papers and decorations.

A woman with long dark hair and glasses smiles while holding up a small rock painted with an orange letter. She wears a patterned cardigan, a graphic T-shirt, and a beaded lanyard necklace. The background shows a school hallway with red-framed windows and heart-shaped decorations on the wall.

Three women stand together in a school hallway, each holding a small rock painted with an orange letter. One woman holds a notebook or binder. Red-framed windows and heart-shaped decorations are visible behind them.

Close-up of a hand holding a small gray rock with an orange painted letter shaped like a “U.” The rock rests across the person’s fingers, with a desk surface, keyboard, and office items blurred in the background.

It’s National School Breakfast Week.

This year’s theme, “The Quest for School Breakfast,” celebrates the important role a healthy breakfast plays in fueling student success. Each morning, our School Nutrition team helps students start the day ready to learn, focus, and achieve.

We are grateful for the dedicated staff who prepare and serve nutritious meals with care — and for the students who begin their quest for learning with breakfast in our cafeterias.

#WeAreLINCOLN #NSBW2026

2 months ago, LCS Communications

Summer Career Exploration Camps are back!

Rising 7th and 8th grade students are invited to explore hands-on career experiences at the Lincoln County School of Technology.

Camp Dates:
• June 8–11
• June 15–18
• June 22–25

Cost: $20

Students will participate in hands-on activities, hear from guest speakers, go on field trips, and discover future career pathways while building skills for high school CTE and beyond.

Register early — space is limited.
bit.ly/4b8TTnM

#CareerReady #WeAreLINCOLN

2 months ago, LCS Communications

Colorful promotional flyer titled “Summer Career Exploration Camps – Hosted by Lincoln County Schools.” The flyer states: Who: Rising 7th & 8th Grade Students. Where: Lincoln County School of Technology, 1 Timken Drive, Lincolnton, NC. Camp Dates: June 8–11, June 15–18, June 22–25. Cost: $20. The design highlights hands-on activities, field trips, guest speakers, and career discovery opportunities. A “Why Attend?” section lists: Learn About Future Careers, Build New Skills, Meet Industry Pros, Prepare for High School CTE. The bottom includes a call to action: Register Early! Space is Limited. Registration website is listed along with contact phone number 704-736-1017 x30243.

Four high school teams. Sixteen books. Months of preparation.

Today, our high school students competed in the 2026 Lincoln County Schools Battle of the Books competition — and the depth of knowledge, focus, and teamwork on display was outstanding.

Congratulations to North Lincoln High School for earning 1st place.
2nd place: Lincolnton High School
3rd place: West Lincoln High School

North Lincoln Coaches: Lindsay Fier and Ellen Harrill

Team Members:
Rebecca B.
Elyse C.
Madalyn H.
Morgan L.
Mallory M.
Hallie M.
Isabella R.
Jonathan K.
Gabby H.
Anna S.

We are proud of every student who committed to reading 16 books and competing at this level. Academic excellence is alive and well in Lincoln County Schools.

#WeAreLINCOLN #BattleOfTheBooks

2 months ago, LCS Communications

Digital display screen showing “Lincoln County Schools – High School Battle of the Books Competition – March 2, 2026” over a bookshelf background.

Group of East Lincoln High School students posing on stage in front of a Lincoln County Schools backdrop. One student holds a sign reading “East Lincoln – Go Mustangs! – 2026.”

West Lincoln High School students and coaches wearing red shirts and medals pose on stage. A student in front holds a sign reading “West Lincoln – Go Rebels! – 2026.”

Lincolnton High School students wearing gray shirts and medals stand together on stage. A student in the center holds a sign reading “Lincolnton – Go Wolves! – 2026.”

North Lincoln High School students and a coach pose on stage with medals. Students hold a trophy, a plaque, and a sign reading “North Lincoln – Go Knights! – 2026.”

Today is Read Across America Day — and all month long, we celebrate Read Across America Month.

Reading opens doors to imagination, understanding, and opportunity. Across Lincoln County Schools, students are building literacy skills, exploring diverse stories, and discovering the joy of books that reflect the world around them.

Whether it’s a favorite classroom read-aloud, a library checkout, or a quiet moment with a new novel, every page turned matters.

Let’s keep reading — today and all month long.

#WeAreLINCOLN #ReadAcrossAmerica

2 months ago, LCS Communications

Blue graphic in the shape of the United States map with large white text reading “Read Across America.” Smaller text at the top reads “National Education Association,” and at the bottom it says, “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers.”

We have new job opportunities available across Lincoln County Schools.

Open positions include teacher assistants, EC teachers, bus drivers, child nutrition staff, tutors, an ISS coordinator, and coaching roles at multiple campuses including East Lincoln High, Lincolnton High, North Middle, Iron Station Elementary, Love Memorial Elementary, North Brook Elementary, and Lincolnton Middle.

If you are ready to make a difference for students, we encourage you to apply online at: https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/

Join our team and help us continue building strong schools and strong communities.
#NowHiring #WeAreLINCOLN

2 months ago, LCS Communications

March is National Athletic Training Month, and we are proud to recognize the dedicated professionals who provide “Care You Can Count On” for our student-athletes every single day.

Thank you to our outstanding athletic trainers:
Rachel Jenkins, East Lincoln High
Addie McGinnis, North Lincoln High
Gianna Cusano, West Lincoln High
Alicia Rhodes, Lincolnton High

From prevention and treatment to game-day support and rehabilitation, these professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our athletes safe, healthy, and competing at their best. We are grateful for the expertise, compassion, and steady presence they bring to our schools.

#WeAreLINCOLN #NationalAthleticTrainingMonth

2 months ago, LCS Communications

Blue graphic reading “National Athletic Training Month” in white and orange text, with the tagline “Care You Can Count On” and “March 2026” at the bottom. A large light-blue medical staff with a snake wrapped around it appears on the right side of the image.

This week, we celebrate School Social Work Week.

Our school social workers serve as advocates, problem-solvers, and trusted supports for students and families. They help remove barriers to learning, connect families with resources, and ensure students feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed.

Thank you to our Lincoln County Schools social workers for the compassion, expertise, and dedication you bring to our schools each and every day.

#WeAreLINCOLN #SchoolSocialWorkWeek

2 months ago, LCS Communications

Music connects us. It builds discipline, teamwork, creativity, and confidence — and it brings our schools together in powerful ways.

During Music In Our Schools Month, we celebrate the students who practice with dedication, the directors who inspire excellence, and the programs that give every child a chance to find their voice.

From band rooms to concert stages, Lincoln County Schools is proud to be United Through Music.

#WeAreLINCOLN #MusicInOurSchools

2 months ago, LCS Communications

Here’s a look at important dates for March 2026 in Lincoln County Schools. Please mark your calendars for student holidays, our Board of Education meeting, and report cards.

March 3 – No School for Students
March 9 – No School for Students
March 10 – School Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
March 20 – Report Cards

We appreciate your partnership as we head into a busy spring season.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCalendar

2 months ago, LCS Communications

Taylor and Haley’s story began in 2019 at Shelby Middle School, where both were teaching. Taylor had just moved back to the area from Colorado and was eager to get involved in athletics and coaching at SMS. Haley had already been at the school for several years and was serving as the Athletic Director, so when Taylor reached out about coaching opportunities, a meeting was scheduled.

What started as a professional conversation quickly turned into something more when they realized how much they had in common. Not long after that meeting, they went on their first date at the Apple Festival in Hendersonville — and the rest moved quickly from there. They were engaged by Thanksgiving of 2019 and married in October 2020. Today, they are proud parents of one son and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second child in just a few short months.

Taylor, a graduate of East Lincoln High School, had always hoped to return to the district that gave him so many opportunities as a student. When he saw an opening to teach English and coach at North Lincoln High under one of his former administrators, he knew it was the perfect fit. Around the same time, Haley took a leap of faith of her own, stepping into school administration after earning her degree and moving beyond the classroom and coaching.

Now both serving in Lincoln County Schools, Taylor and Haley are grateful for the paths that brought them back to this community and are excited to continue building their careers — and their family — right here for many years to come.

#WeAreLINCOLN #StaffLoveStory

2 months ago, LCS Communications

A couple stands on a porch holding a young child between them, smiling at the camera. An American flag hangs behind them, and pastel beach houses line the street in the background. A pink banner across the bottom reads “The Hoyles – North Lincoln High and Asbury Academy,” and a heart garland with the text “Lincoln County Schools couple” appears across the top of the image.

Iron Station Elementary’s own Rhonda West has been recognized as Lincoln County Schools’ Bus Driver of the Month for February.

Rhonda goes above and beyond each day to ensure our students arrive safely and feel welcomed from the moment they step onto her bus. Her dedication, consistency, and care make a meaningful difference for families and schools across our district.

We are grateful for the commitment and heart she brings to her role each and every day. Congratulations, Rhonda, and thank you for representing Iron Station and LCS so well.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSBusDrivers

2 months ago, LCS Communications

A smiling woman and man stand together in an elementary classroom. The woman holds a white sign that reads “Lincoln County Schools School Bus Driver of the Month Works Here!” Students sit at desks in the background. Colorful classroom decorations and hanging paper lanterns are visible.

Reminder for Lincoln County Schools families:

There will be no school for students on March 3 due to school sites being used as polling locations, and March 9 due to a scheduled teacher workday.

We appreciate our educators using this time for planning, collaboration, and professional responsibilities that support student learning.

We look forward to welcoming students back after each workday.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCalendar

2 months ago, LCS Communications

MIDDLE SCHOOL BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

Four middle schools read 20 books each to prepare for this year’s Battle of the Books competition — and their hard work showed.

After an exciting quiz-bowl-style tournament, congratulations to North Lincoln Middle School for winning the 2026 Lincoln County Schools Middle School Battle of the Books competition for the second year in a row.

Second place: West Lincoln Middle School
Third place: Lincolnton Middle School

North Lincoln Middle will advance to the regional competition next month.

We are incredibly proud of every student who committed to months of reading, teamwork, and preparation to compete at this level.

North Lincoln Middle School Team
Coaches: Annette Heavner, Caitlin Grigg, and Dawn Risse
Team Members: Haley B., Polina F., Ethan H., Graysen H., Abbie L., Mac L., Zyela M., Frankie P., Sarabeth P., Juliana W., Leena W., and Owen W.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSLearns

2 months ago, LCS Communications

A digital display screen reads “Middle School Battle of the Books – February 27, 2026” with an illustration of stacked books on the left side.

Another middle school team wearing dark green and black shirts pose together with medals in front of a Lincoln County Schools backdrop. Two adult coaches stand at each end of the group.

A team of middle school students dressed in black shirts with a school emblem stand together wearing medals. An adult coach stands beside them in front of a Lincoln County Schools backdrop.

Middle school students wearing black “Reading Is My Jam” shirts pose with medals around their necks in front of a Lincoln County Schools backdrop. An adult coach stands at the side of the group.

Group of middle school students wearing matching blue “Reading Over Everything” shirts stand in front of a Lincoln County Schools backdrop. Several students wear medals, and one student holds a large championship plaque while another holds a trophy. Two adult coaches stand on either side of the group.

Flashback Friday: former student, current staff.

Meet Mrs. Heather Brumbalow Jordan, a proud Lincoln County Schools graduate who now serves as a teacher assistant and bus driver at Catawba Springs Elementary. She attended Catawba Springs, East Middle, and East High, and still remembers the teachers who made learning fun and meaningful along the way.

Mrs. Jordan chose to work in our schools so she could be present for her own children and support students across the classroom, playground, and bus. Her favorite part of the job is building relationships and being a safe, trusted adult for students each day.

#WeAreLINCOLN #FlashbackFriday

2 months ago, LCS Communications

Graphic titled “LCS Former Student, Current Staff — Flashback Friday.” On the left is a black-and-white childhood school photo of a young girl labeled “Then.” On the right is a current color staff portrait of the same person labeled “Now.” The current photo shows Mrs. Heather Brumbalow Jordan, a teacher assistant and bus driver at Catawba Springs Elementary, wearing a leopard-print top and smiling. Arrows point from the childhood photo to the current photo. Text on the graphic explains that she attended Catawba Springs, East Middle, and East High, and that her favorite teacher was Mrs. Parker, later Mrs. Walker, who taught her in K/1 and again in third grade. Additional text shares that Mrs. Jordan wanted to work in the school system to be close to her children and loves getting to know students and being a safe person for them.

Today's LCS Love Story:

Cale and Jennifer’s story began at the Apple Festival in 2000, when Jennifer’s cousin—who was also one of Cale’s close friends—finally succeeded in introducing them after many attempts to bring them together. From that day forward, the connection was clear, and they were married in June 2002 while both were serving as educators—Jennifer teaching fourth grade at S. Ray Lowder Elementary and Cale teaching Social Studies at East Lincoln High School.

Education has always been a shared passion. Both earned master’s degrees from Gardner-Webb University—Jennifer in Elementary Education and Cale in School Administration—and Cale later completed his doctorate. Their family grew with the arrival of three children: Caleb in 2006, Ella Kathryn in 2010, and Carter in 2011.

Throughout their careers, they have remained deeply connected to Lincoln County Schools. Jennifer has taught at S. Ray Lowder and Union Elementary, while Cale has served as principal at East Lincoln and West Lincoln High Schools, principal at LCST, CTE Director, and later Chief of Postsecondary Readiness & CTE in the Central Office. Their children have been actively involved in West Lincoln athletics—including football, baseball, golf, volleyball, and dance—and the family is rooted in their faith community at Bethphage Lutheran Church.

When Cale experienced kidney failure in 2022, Jennifer stepped into a new role with unwavering love and strength, becoming his at-home dialysis caregiver. Every other day, she prepares treatments and supports each session, a commitment that reflects the depth of their partnership and devotion to one another. Through every season, their faith, family, and shared calling in education have remained at the heart of their journey.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCouples

2 months ago, LCS Communications

Family photo labeled “The Sains” featuring five people standing together in front of a decorated doorway with holiday greenery. All are dressed in red and festive clothing and smiling at the camera. A string of pink hearts and a Lincoln County Schools Couple graphic appear at the top, and a pink caption bar reads “The Sains – Union Elementary and District Office.”

Volunteers Needed for LCS MIDDLE SCHOOL Careers on Wheels!

Lincoln County Schools is rolling out the wheels for our annual Careers on Wheels mobile career fair at East Lincoln Middle, North Lincoln Middle, and Lincolnton Middle! (West Middle had theirs in the fall)

This exciting event gives all 4th and 7th-graders across LCS the chance to explore career pathways, ask questions, and even check out real work vehicles.

We’re looking for community volunteers who are willing to invest their time, talent, and vehicles—whether at all four schools or just the ones that fit your schedule. Help us inspire the next generation!

Event Schedule:

Setup: 7:30 AM

Students Visit: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Wrap-Up: 1:00 PM

Locations:

Monday, March 23rd – Lincolnton Middle

Tuesday, March 24th – East Lincoln Middle

Thursday, March 26th – North Lincoln Middle

What to Expect:

10–15 minutes with each class (conversation + Q&A + vehicle exploration)

No formal presentation needed—just share your career story, duties, and vehicle features!

Bring your work vehicle and expertise. (Optional: photos, tools, uniforms, small giveaways, etc.)

Help us spark curiosity, fuel dreams, and show students the many careers that keep our community rolling!

Interested? Contact:
Jennifer Queen, LCS Middle School CDC
828-238-3182 | 704-732-2261 ext. 30247
jqueen@lincoln.k12.nc.us

2 months ago, LCS Communications

A collage of photos from a community touch-a-truck or safety event. Images include students gathered around a sheriff’s patrol vehicle as a deputy speaks with them, a Lincoln County EMS ambulance with lights on, a Levine Cancer Institute mobile screening unit, a large black emergency response vehicle open for tours, heavy equipment including a Johnston road machine and a loader near a bright orange “Detour Ahead” road sign, and community tables set up outdoors. In the center of the collage, bold text reads “We Need Your Help” with a red megaphone graphic.

February 26 is Digital Learning Day, a time to highlight how technology supports creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in our classrooms. From coding and design to research and problem solving, our students are building skills that prepare them for the future.

#WeAreLINCOLN #DigitalLearningDay

2 months ago, LCS Communications

Heather & Stu's Love Story 💗

Heather and Stu's story started long before social media, smartphones, or even profile pictures. In 1994, while Stu was studying Middle Grades Social Studies at Appalachian State and Heather was at Samford University in Birmingham, preparing to teach ELA, the two met in an online chat room — back when the internet was brand-new and you had to actually talk to get to know someone.

They spent five months chatting online before finally meeting in person, when Stu made the trip to Birmingham to meet Heather face-to-face. What started as a long-distance, dial-up connection quickly turned into something real, and after four years of dating, they were married in Lincolnton in 1998.

Both called to education, Heather and Stu built their lives around serving students and families, and they’ve also experienced Lincoln County Schools from another important perspective — as parents. Their daughter is a proud K–12 LCS graduate from Lincolnton High School and is now studying engineering at NC State.

From early internet chats to building a family rooted in education, Heather and Stu's love story proves that sometimes the best connections really do start with just a conversation — even if it’s on a very slow modem. 💕

2 months ago, LCS Communications

A couple stands side by side on a wooden walkway, smiling at the camera. The woman wears glasses, a red cardigan, and a floral top, resting one arm on the railing. The man has a gray beard and wears glasses and a short-sleeve plaid shirt. A string of illustrated heart garland and the words “Lincoln County Schools couple” appear at the top of the image. A pink banner at the bottom reads, “The Myerses — District Office and Retiree of Lincolnton Middle.”

Today, every fifth grader in Lincoln County Schools experienced the power of live music at the Citizens Center as they attended a performance by the North Carolina Symphony.

Students didn’t just listen — they learned. From discovering how different instruments work together to participating in an interactive lesson on musical dynamics, our students explored the meaning of forte and piano by raising their hands to demonstrate loud and soft. It was incredible to see the entire auditorium engaged in the language of music.

Experiences like this bring learning to life and give our students opportunities to connect classroom knowledge with real-world artistry.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSLearns

2 months ago, LCS Communications

A wide view of a packed auditorium at the Citizens Center shows hundreds of fifth-grade students from across Lincoln County Schools seated in rows. Students in dressy casual attire fill the floor and tiered seating, chatting and waiting for the performance to begin.

The North Carolina Symphony performs on stage at the Citizens Center, with musicians seated in sections playing string, brass, and percussion instruments. Fifth-grade students fill the audience, watching from the floor seats and balcony.

Hundreds of fifth-grade students seated in a large auditorium raise their hands high in the air as they participate in an interactive lesson about musical dynamics, learning the difference between forte and piano during the North Carolina Symphony performance.

A full view of the North Carolina Symphony on stage at the Citizens Center shows musicians dressed in black performing under bright stage lights, with the American and North Carolina flags positioned on either side of the stage.