Congratulations to WLHS Senior Cooper Boyles for his incredible achievement as a Morehead-Cain finalist and for honoring an educator who has made a lasting difference in his life.
Cooper named WLHS science teacher, Nicole Scism, as his Impact Educator, recognizing her as the teacher who has had the most profound influence on his journey. This nomination reflects the leadership, dedication, and genuine care Mrs. Scism brings to her classroom every day.
The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is the nation’s first merit-based scholarship and celebrates students and educators who inspire driven, courageous, and inquisitive leaders. We are incredibly proud to see both Cooper and Mrs. Scism representing West Lincoln High School in such a meaningful way.
Congratulations to Cooper and thank you, Mrs. Scism, for the positive impact you continue to have on our students and our school community.
#WeAreLINCOLN
Cooper named WLHS science teacher, Nicole Scism, as his Impact Educator, recognizing her as the teacher who has had the most profound influence on his journey. This nomination reflects the leadership, dedication, and genuine care Mrs. Scism brings to her classroom every day.
The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is the nation’s first merit-based scholarship and celebrates students and educators who inspire driven, courageous, and inquisitive leaders. We are incredibly proud to see both Cooper and Mrs. Scism representing West Lincoln High School in such a meaningful way.
Congratulations to Cooper and thank you, Mrs. Scism, for the positive impact you continue to have on our students and our school community.
#WeAreLINCOLN
LCS Besties Feature
Some friendships start small and grow stronger with time.
These two first met in high school through a mutual friend, never knowing that simple introduction would turn into years of shared memories, support, and trust. Through every stage of life, they have stayed connected, building a bond filled with laughter, meaningful moments, and steady encouragement along the way.
Their story is a reminder that some of the strongest relationships are built over time, rooted in loyalty, shared experiences, and always showing up for each other — both inside and outside of school.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud
Some friendships start small and grow stronger with time.
These two first met in high school through a mutual friend, never knowing that simple introduction would turn into years of shared memories, support, and trust. Through every stage of life, they have stayed connected, building a bond filled with laughter, meaningful moments, and steady encouragement along the way.
Their story is a reminder that some of the strongest relationships are built over time, rooted in loyalty, shared experiences, and always showing up for each other — both inside and outside of school.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSProud
Will you check yes and join our team? Lincoln County Schools is hiring for several important roles across the district, from classroom and student support positions to coaching and operations. If you are looking for a place where your work makes a difference every day, we would love to connect with you. View current openings and apply online at https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/
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#WeAreLINCOLN #JoinLCS
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#WeAreLINCOLN #JoinLCS
February is Love the Bus Month, and the week of February 9–15 is Love the Bus Week. This is a special time to recognize and thank our incredible bus drivers and transportation staff who safely get our students to and from school each day. Their dedication, patience, and care make a difference for thousands of students across Lincoln County, and we are grateful for all they do for our school communities.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LoveTheBus
#WeAreLINCOLN #LoveTheBus
Homework assignment: spread kindness.
This February, we’re inviting students, families, coworkers, and community members to complete the easiest homework ever — tell a Lincoln County Schools staff member that they matter.
Messages of Appreciation are printed and delivered to staff across the district, and they mean more than you may realize. If someone has made a difference for you or your child, take a minute to let them know.
Submit your message here: https://forms.gle/94fKaRdfUbe8HuAZ6
#WeAreLINCOLN #SpreadKindness
This February, we’re inviting students, families, coworkers, and community members to complete the easiest homework ever — tell a Lincoln County Schools staff member that they matter.
Messages of Appreciation are printed and delivered to staff across the district, and they mean more than you may realize. If someone has made a difference for you or your child, take a minute to let them know.
Submit your message here: https://forms.gle/94fKaRdfUbe8HuAZ6
#WeAreLINCOLN #SpreadKindness
We know these past two weeks have been difficult for parents and caregivers in many different ways. Remote learning isn’t easy, and rearranging work schedules isn’t easy. Please know that the people making these decisions are parents too—many of us have children in Lincoln County Schools—and we are navigating the same challenges alongside you.
As we look ahead to the remainder of winter, we want families to be aware that any future weather cancellations or delays will require Lincoln County Schools to consider how and if to make up missed instructional days. We have now exhausted the five remote learning days allowed by the NC General Assembly. At this time, we still have minimal instructional hours remaining that could be forgiven.
If additional cancellations occur, make-up days may be scheduled in no particular order:
1. Teacher workdays
2. Saturdays within the same week or grading period
3. Spring Break
4. Adding minutes to the school day
We understand schedule changes impact families, and we will communicate any adjustments as early as possible. Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and continued partnership.
#WeAreLINCOLN
As we look ahead to the remainder of winter, we want families to be aware that any future weather cancellations or delays will require Lincoln County Schools to consider how and if to make up missed instructional days. We have now exhausted the five remote learning days allowed by the NC General Assembly. At this time, we still have minimal instructional hours remaining that could be forgiven.
If additional cancellations occur, make-up days may be scheduled in no particular order:
1. Teacher workdays
2. Saturdays within the same week or grading period
3. Spring Break
4. Adding minutes to the school day
We understand schedule changes impact families, and we will communicate any adjustments as early as possible. Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and continued partnership.
#WeAreLINCOLN
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to celebrate the programs that prepare students with real-world skills for college, careers, and beyond. The week of February 9 is also National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experiences while building pathways to high-demand careers. We are proud of the work happening in our CTE programs across Lincoln County Schools as students celebrate today and own tomorrow.
#WeAreLINCOLN #CTEMonth
#WeAreLINCOLN #CTEMonth
Today's LCS Love Story:
Joanna and Matt met in 2004 at a high school football game, and from that night on, their story was set in motion. They dated throughout high school and college while both attended NC State, building a relationship rooted in friendship, faith, and plenty of Wolfpack pride. After college, they were married in 2012 and began their next chapter together.
For seven years, they taught side by side at Lincolnton Middle School before Matt transitioned into administration. Those years in the same building strengthened not only their marriage but also their shared commitment to students and to Lincoln County Schools.
Today, they are the proud parents of three children—Maddox, Lilly Kate, and Hayes. Their family life revolves around basketball, baseball, and football, along with trips to the beach and cheering on the Wolfpack in every sport they can.
Joanna and Matt continue to share a strong bond with Lincoln County Schools and love supporting students wherever they are—in the classroom, on the field, or on the stage.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCouples
Joanna and Matt met in 2004 at a high school football game, and from that night on, their story was set in motion. They dated throughout high school and college while both attended NC State, building a relationship rooted in friendship, faith, and plenty of Wolfpack pride. After college, they were married in 2012 and began their next chapter together.
For seven years, they taught side by side at Lincolnton Middle School before Matt transitioned into administration. Those years in the same building strengthened not only their marriage but also their shared commitment to students and to Lincoln County Schools.
Today, they are the proud parents of three children—Maddox, Lilly Kate, and Hayes. Their family life revolves around basketball, baseball, and football, along with trips to the beach and cheering on the Wolfpack in every sport they can.
Joanna and Matt continue to share a strong bond with Lincoln County Schools and love supporting students wherever they are—in the classroom, on the field, or on the stage.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCouples
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
