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Another week, another peek into Lincoln County Schools!

This week, we stopped by Lincolnton High School to see the ROTC program practicing formations and visited North Brook Elementary, where the student photo crew was learning how to use their new camera to capture special moments around their school!

Beyond our school visits, the week also included a Board of Education work session and professional development focused on strengthening family engagement and building meaningful connections between schools and families.

From student leadership and creativity to professional learning and district leadership, there's always something happening across LCS!

#WeAreLINCOLN #LearnLeadThrive
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
A group of people sit around tables in a room. A screen shows "LINCOLN COUNTY SCHOOLS".
Several adults dance at a conference or workshop. One person wears an orange sweater. The background reads "Lincoln County Schools."
Four children stand together, one holding a camera. Two girls wear light-colored tops, and one has a red bow. A boy wears orange pants and a black shirt.
Five individuals in navy blue uniforms stand in a room with a clock and a whiteboard. The text reads "LINCOLNTON HIGH SCHOOL".
Safety starts with learning, and today our first graders had the opportunity to learn from some of the people who help keep our community safe every day!

Each year, PACTS Day — Protecting All Children Through Safety — brings Lincoln County first graders together for a day of hands-on safety education. Students learn important lessons about fire safety, gun safety, medication safety, water safety and social-emotional safety, including bullying prevention.

PACTS Day is truly a community effort. Members of our fire departments, law enforcement, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, Parks and Recreation, Child Advocacy and the Health Department work together to make this meaningful day possible.

Thank you to all of our community partners and public servants who give their time to help our youngest students learn how to make safe choices at school, at home and throughout our community!

#WeAreLINCOLN #PACTSday
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Four children ride on a police vehicle. Three sit in the driver's seat and one stands behind.
Children walking in a line in front of a fire truck. A school logo is in the lower left corner.
A group of children in red shirts waiting in line to enter a "Safety House" inflatable.
Children in red St James shirts walk in a school parking lot. A car and trees in background.
A big thank you to the new 7 Brew Coffee in Lincolnton for treating our Central Office staff to a variety of coffee drinks today!

7 Brew has already been spreading the kindness throughout Lincoln County Schools, treating several of our schools as well. We appreciate their generosity and their support of the people who serve our students and families each day.

Welcome to Lincolnton, 7 Brew! We’re grateful to have you as part of our community.

#WeAreLINCOLN #CommunityPartners
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
People in a hallway holding cups, likely celebrating. A table with drinks and snacks in front of them.
It’s National Principals Month, and today we’re shining the spotlight on Mrs. Kellie Dellinger, principal of Union Elementary School!

Now in her 17th year in education, Mrs. Dellinger has deep roots in the West Lincoln community as a former Owl, Chief and Rebel. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University and her master’s degree in School Administration from Liberty University. Before becoming a principal, she taught both elementary and middle school students. Mrs. Dellinger values the partnership between school and home and believes those relationships are an important part of helping every Union student have a successful educational experience. She was also named Lincoln County Schools Principal of the Year last year!

Mrs. Dellinger’s Principal Starter Kit has everything she needs for a busy day at Union: plenty of Union spirit wear so she can represent her school every day, her phone and walkie to stay connected, her planner—but it has to be a Plum Paper planner—coffee, her glasses and lunch on the go. Bonus points if that lunch happens to be Mexican food!

Thank you, Mrs. Dellinger, for your commitment to Union Elementary and the West Lincoln community and for helping our students Learn. Lead. Thrive.

#NationalPrincipalsMonth #WeAreLINCOLN
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Two women, one seated at a desk, one standing, with text "PRINCIPAL SPOTLIGHT" and "MRS. DELLINGER UNION ELEMENTARY."
Black package contains items: a planner, phone, radio, tacos, coffee, shirt, glasses, and owl logo.
It’s National Principals Month, and today we’re shining the spotlight on Mrs. Kristie Ballard, principal of Lincolnton High School!

Now in her third year as principal at LHS, Mrs. Ballard’s connection to LHS began long before she became an administrator. Her mother taught French there for 27 years, and Mrs. Ballard later walked the same halls as a student, graduating with the Class of 1999. A UNC Chapel Hill graduate and NC Teaching Fellow, she taught for 10 years in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before returning home to Lincoln County. She has served as an assistant principal at LHS and spent seven years as principal of West Lincoln Middle School before returning to lead her alma mater. Last year, she was named Lincoln County Schools Principal of the Year!

And what does it take to keep up with a high school principal? Mrs. Ballard’s Principal Starter Kit includes her jelly shoes, keys and badge, walkie, cell phone and—most importantly—Diet Sun Drop! She makes sure there’s one waiting in just about every place she might be throughout the day.

Mrs. Ballard believes high school is about more than earning a diploma. It’s about helping students discover their talents, find where they belong and prepare for all the possibilities waiting after graduation. Thank you, Mrs. Ballard, for leading the Wolves and helping students Learn. Lead. Thrive.

#NationalPrincipalsMonth #WeAreLINCOLN
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
A spotlight on Mrs. Ballard, principal of Lincolnton High School. Three people in caps and gowns stand in front of a building.
A black package contains a starter kit. Items include a Sun Drop can, shoe, key, phone, and stickers.
A recent peek into our schools shows just how many people, experiences, and opportunities make up a day in LCS!

Last Friday, schools across the district celebrated National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day, taking time to thank the staff members who work behind the scenes each day to keep our schools clean, safe, and ready for learning. Pictured is the celebration at Battleground Elementary.

At West Lincoln High School, the Rebel Journey brought kindergarteners from surrounding elementary schools together with WLHS seniors on the football field—a special look at where their LCS journey begins and where it can lead.

At North Lincoln Middle School, muralist Junior Gomez is bringing the Leader in Me principles to life with a new mural that is currently in progress.

And at Lincoln County School of Technology, nursing students are preparing for their upcoming hospital field experiences by learning the important do’s and don’ts before stepping into a real healthcare setting.

Just a few snapshots of students and staff learning, connecting, creating, and preparing for what comes next.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LearnLeadThrive
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
A classroom setting with students seated at tables. A teacher stands at the front, possibly demonstrating a lesson.
Many people in red shirts walk across a field with white lines and a large white W in the bottom left.
Three people stand in front of a wall with a red, white, and blue emblem. One holds yellow flowers, another has a red cape, and the third has a blue bag.
A man is painting on a large mural. He is holding a paintbrush and is looking at the mural.
Today, on National Coaches Day, we celebrate the coaches across Lincoln County Schools who invest their time, energy, and heart into our student-athletes.

Coaches do much more than teach the fundamentals of a sport. They teach teamwork, perseverance, discipline, leadership, sportsmanship, and how to respond when things don’t go as planned. They celebrate victories, encourage students through setbacks, and help young people grow both on and off the field, court, track, course, mat, and beyond.

To all of our LCS coaches: thank you for the early mornings, late nights, long practices, road trips, pep talks, and countless hours you dedicate to our students.

Your impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard.

Happy National Coaches Day!

#WeAreLINCOLN #NationalCoachesDay
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Circular graphic with text "Today is National Coaches Day!" shows people standing in a circle, including one holding a football.
SURPRISE!

Today, we had the privilege of surprising Mrs. Kristie Ballard, principal of Lincolnton High School, with the news that she has been named the "Lincoln County Schools Principal of the Year!"

Mrs. Ballard was truly surprised as district leaders, staff, and her family gathered to celebrate this special moment. This recognition is so well deserved and reflects the leadership, dedication, and heart she brings to Lincolnton High each and every day.

Congratulations, Mrs. Ballard! We are proud to have you representing Lincoln County Schools as our Principal of the Year!

Learn. Lead. Thrive.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LearnLeadThrive
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
People gathered in a room holding a banner reading "Lincolnton High School". A young boy stands at the center.
Four people hold a banner that reads, "Our Principal Is The Principal Of The Year!" with a bouquet of flowers in the middle.
Adults and a child hold a banner reading "Our Principal Is The Principal of the Year."
A woman with glasses bends over a desk with various items. Behind her, two others stand near a whiteboard.
Looking for your next opportunity? Lincoln County Schools has several newly posted positions across the district!

From supporting students in the classroom to transportation and specialized services, there are a variety of ways to join the LCS team and make a difference each day.

Current openings include teacher assistant/sub bus driver positions, a tutor, speech-language pathologist, EC support positions, and a bus driver.

View current openings and apply today at lcsnc.schoolspring.com.

Come Learn. Lead. Thrive. with Lincoln County Schools!

#WeAreLINCOLN #JoinOurTeam
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
A woman sits in a chair reading while a sign lists various job openings, including positions like teacher assistant, sub bus driver, and speech language pathologist.
A quick calendar reminder for LCS families: There will be no school for students on Monday, October 12 and Tuesday, October 13.

Both days are designated as Teacher Workdays. We hope our students and families enjoy the extended weekend, and we’ll see everyone back at school on Wednesday, October 14, ready to learn!

#WeAreLINCOLN #LearnLeadThrive
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Black and red poster with white text. Centered circular image of children. Text reads "October 12-13 No School for Students Teacher Workdays".
Our National Principals Month spotlight continues with Mr. Brian Palmer, Principal of Rock Springs Elementary!

Mr. Palmer is beginning his sixth year as principal and has spent a total of nine years serving Rock Springs and the Denver community as both assistant principal and principal. Before joining Lincoln County Schools, he taught for 12 years in Charlotte. Throughout his time at Rock Springs, he has remained committed to the school’s tradition of academic excellence, accessibility, and strong community partnerships. He believes families and the community play an important role in the school’s success and encourages everyone to find ways to connect and be part of the Rock Springs family.

And what keeps Mr. Palmer going throughout the school day? His Principal Starter Kit, of course! His includes his morning “coffecito,” a JBL speaker and car rider playlist to jam out during morning arrival, a plastic water bottle—with the label removed—that is usually tucked in his back pocket, Goodr sunglasses, and daily construction updates from “Banjo.”

Thank you, Mr. Palmer, for your leadership and commitment to the Rock Springs students, staff, families, and community!

#NationalPrincipalsMonth #WeAreLINCOLN
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
A promotional graphic highlights Mr. Palmer, the principal at Rock Springs Elementary, with an image of him cleaning a school hallway.
A package contains items including a phone, sunglasses, a cone, a coffee cup, a water bottle, and a JBL speaker.
Next up in our National Principals Month celebration is Mrs. Tracy Eley, principal of West Lincoln High School!

A proud member of the West Family, Mrs. Eley dreamed of becoming an educator from an early age. Today, she is passionate about helping students pursue their own dreams while preparing every Rebel for success beyond high school.

And when you’re leading a high school, you need the right Principal Starter Kit to keep up! Mrs. Eley’s must-haves include Rebel spiritwear, comfortable shoes because she’s always on the go, a walkie-talkie and cell phone to stay connected with her people, and Diet Dr. Pepper for the caffeine needed to power through each busy day.

Thank you, Mrs. Eley, for your leadership, your Rebel pride and your commitment to the students, staff and community of West Lincoln High School!

#NationalPrincipalsMonth #WeAreLINCOLN
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
An advertisement for a principal spotlight features Mrs. Eley of West Lincoln High School. Two women in red tops and skirts are shown in a classroom.
Starter kit with West Lincoln High School branding. Items include a t-shirt, sneakers, a soda can, a cell phone, and other items.
SURPRISE!

Congratulations to Mrs. Shelby Russell, third-grade teacher at Pumpkin Center Intermediate, who was surprised today with the news that she has been named Lincoln County Schools’ Beginning Teacher of the Year!

A crew from Central Office showed up to help celebrate, along with a very special guest—Mrs. Russell’s husband! Her students got in on the celebration with cupcakes, and Mrs. Russell received funding to attend professional development of her choice.

Mrs. Russell will now represent Lincoln County Schools at the regional level as she moves on in the Beginning Teacher of the Year competition.

Congratulations, Mrs. Russell! We are proud to have you representing LCS and can’t wait to cheer you on at regionals!

#WeAreLINCOLN #BeginningTeacherOfTheYear
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Group of children in a classroom setting, one holding a certificate, seated on the floor.
A group of people in a classroom. Some stand, others sit, with one person hugging a child.
A classroom filled with children and adults. A teacher holds a cake. Students use laptops and some hold tablets.
A classroom with children seated at desks, one holding a pumpkin. A woman stands in front of them.
October gives us plenty of reasons to celebrate the people who make Lincoln County Schools such a special place!

Today, we recognize National Custodial Workers Recognition Day and say THANK YOU to the dedicated custodians across LCS who work each day to keep our schools clean, safe, welcoming, and ready for students and staff.

Much of what they do happens before the school day begins, after everyone else has gone home, and behind the scenes throughout the day—but their impact is seen and felt in every school.

We appreciate all you do for LCS! #WeAreLINCOLN #LearnLeadThrive
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Graphic with text and image of two people in a school. Text reads: "National Custodial Workers Recognition Day"
October is National Principals Month, and we’re celebrating the leaders who keep our schools moving every single day!

This year, we will share their “Principal Starter Kit” — the five things they almost always have with them to make it through a busy school day. From caffeine and calendars to walkie-talkies and a few surprises along the way, their answers give us a fun glimpse into life as a school principal.

First up is Mrs. Kristen Reynolds, principal of Catawba Springs Elementary!

Mrs. Reynolds is beginning her first year at Catawba Springs and celebrating her 20th year in education. Her Principal Starter Kit includes:

Diet Coke. Coffee. Her phone. A calendar with an erasable pen. And, of course, a walkie-talkie.

Because when your day can take you from morning arrival to classrooms, meetings, lunch duty, parent conversations and everything in between, you have to be ready!

Throughout October, we’ll introduce you to all of our LCS principals and reveal what made it into each of their Principal Starter Kits. Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds, for leading and serving the Catawba Springs Colts!

#NationalPrincipalsMonth #WeAreLINCOLN
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Poster with Lincoln County Schools Principal Spotlight. Mrs. Reynolds, Catawba Springs Elementary. A person stands next to a pickup truck.
Starter kit with items including a soda can, phone, pen, walkie talkie, cup, calendar, Colts logo, and sticker on a white graph background.
October is National Principals Month!

Throughout the month, we’ll be recognizing each of the 23 principals who lead our Lincoln County Schools. Their days are filled with countless decisions, conversations, celebrations, challenges, and opportunities to support students and staff—and much of that work happens quietly behind the scenes.

As we begin National Principals Month, we invite our students, families, staff, and community to help us celebrate these dedicated leaders.

And appreciation doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the best way to recognize your principal is simply to say, “Thank you.”

Thank you for leading. Thank you for listening. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for caring about your school and the people in it.

Stay tuned throughout October as we recognize all 23 of our LCS principals!

#NationalPrincipalsMonth #WeAreLINCOLN
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
A poster featuring a man with a beard and glasses, wearing a green polo shirt, smiling at the camera. The background is a gym.
October is here! Mark your calendars for these important upcoming dates for Lincoln County Schools:

October 12–13: Teacher Workdays — No School for Students
October 13: Board of Education Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
October 19: Report Cards

Save the dates and enjoy your October, LCS!

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSNC
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Notice on yellow background with spider webs, two pumpkins, and a blue button. Text reads "October 2026" and "Teacher Workdays, No School for Students".
As September comes to a close, so does Attendance Awareness Month — but our BE HERE to GET HERE message isn’t going anywhere! We’ll continue sharing reminders throughout the school year because showing up all day, every day matters.

For our final September spotlight, we’re visiting S. Ray Lowder Elementary with first grader Sebastian Perez and his dad, Rudy Perez, barber and owner of Rudy’s Men’s Grooming.

For Rudy, one of the biggest lessons school taught him was also one of the simplest: showing up matters.

“Being there every day, being on time, and taking responsibility for my work helped prepare me for being a business owner. Today, my customers and employees depend on me to show up and do my best, even on days when I may not feel like it.”

He says success isn’t just about talent — it’s about being dependable, consistent and willing to put in the effort every day.

Today, Rudy loves building relationships with his customers, being part of his community and showing his sons what hard work and dedication can accomplish.

That’s a pretty perfect way to wrap up Attendance Awareness Month.

Every day our students show up, they’re building more than academic skills. They’re building habits that can follow them for a lifetime.

September may be ending, but we’ll keep reminding you throughout the year:

BE HERE to GET HERE.

#WeAreLINCOLN #BeHereToGetHere
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Two images: one of a boy pointing at a bulletin board, the other of a man getting a haircut.
A few more stops around Lincoln County Schools gave us a look at learning, opportunities, creativity, and inclusion in action!

The week started at G.E. Massey Elementary, where students were making their way to class with breakfast in hand and getting ready for the day ahead.

At Lincolnton High School, West Lincoln High School students joined other high school students at the College Fair, exploring colleges and universities and learning more about opportunities after graduation.

We also stopped by Ms. Martinez’s class at LHS where students welcomed community members for a gallery walk showcasing their art, writing, and speaking skills. It was a great opportunity for students to share their work with an authentic audience and practice communicating about what they’ve learned.

And at S. Ray Lowder Elementary, we got a look at the school’s new inclusive playground, designed to give more students the opportunity to play, connect, and enjoy time together.

Just a few snapshots of what a few days across LCS can look like!

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSNC
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Children sitting on a seesaw in an outdoor playground. They are wearing casual clothes. A logo is at the bottom left.
Four male students holding signs with the text "Ready to be a legend?" in a school setting.
A girl with blonde hair smiles while holding up a peace poster in a classroom.
A smiling girl holds a tray with food, wearing a purple jacket. Behind her, a school corridor with a green wall.
There’s always something happening across Lincoln County Schools!

Recent school visits included a little friendly math competition at Pumpkin Center Primary, where students put their math fluency skills to the test, and plenty of energy at the St. James Elementary Fun Run.

North Brook Elementary fifth graders got a glimpse of what’s ahead as they toured the Lincoln County School of Technology and explored the programs and opportunities available to them in the future.

And at East Lincoln High School, we celebrated a special moment for Jaxon Dollar as he received his jersey for the Navy All-American Bowl. Congratulations, Jaxon!

From building skills and having fun to exploring future opportunities and celebrating student accomplishments, it’s always a great day to visit our schools.

#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSNC
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
A group of children in athletic wear run in a school gym. Text reads "St. James Elementary."
A group of children looks at a large paper held by an adult. The text reads "Irwin Tools".
Two girls hold a blue certificate and a silver trophy. They sit in a crowd of children.
Two men on a basketball court, one speaking at a podium with a microphone, another listening.