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September Newsletter
about 18 hours ago, Jordan Beam
September Newsletter

August 30, 2026 4:00pm

Good afternoon, This is Jack, a 5 grader at S. Ray Lowder Elementary and our principal Mrs. Beam calling with our weekly updates.

Tomorrow is our first day with all of our Pre-K students! Pre-K parents need to park in the front of the school behind the orange cones to wait on the Pre-K line to begin at 7:45am. Our PreK students will begin dismissal at 2:15pm from the bus parking lot. Parents need to pull in the bus lot, loop around, and line the sidewalk/awning area beginning at the stop sign and circling around through the first painted bus spot. DO NOT drive around the buses.

On Tuesday, our 3rd grade parents are invited to a Read-To-Achieve night from 6:00-7:00, where you will learn about expectations and requirements for your student this year. 3rd grade parents will gather in the library for more information from their teachers.

Also on Tuesday is S. Ray Lowder’s Chick-fil-a Spirit Night between 5:00-7:00pm. Skip cooking and come support our school.

This coming Friday is another Future Wolves Friday! Staff and students are invited to wear black and gold of their Lincolnton High School attire to support our Wolves.

September is Attendance Awareness Month and we have some great things planned for our students! Think about Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind, Let’s set a goal and make a plan to reach it. The grade-level that has the highest attendance percentage at the end of September will receive an ice cream Sundae party at recess. We will be announcing the leaderboard after each week. Also, ANY student who comes to school EVERY day in September will be entered into a drawing for some fun prizes.

This is just a reminder that school will be closed on Monday September 7 for Labor Day Holiday. There will be no school for staff or students.

We hope you all have a great afternoon and we will see you tomorrow. Remember to Lead the Lowder Way - Every Lion, Every Day!

3 days ago, Jordan Beam
Chick Fil A
DATE CHANGE: Lincolnton High School has moved its varsity football game to Thursday, August 27, 2026, instead of Friday. Because of the schedule change, S. Ray Lowder Elementary will celebrate Future Wolves Day tomorrow. Students and staff are encouraged to wear black and gold or Lincolnton High School gear.
7 days ago, Jordan Beam
Lincolnton High School has moved its varsity football game to Thursday, August 27, 2026, instead of Friday. Because of the schedule change, S. Ray Lowder Elementary will celebrate Future Wolves Day tomorrow. Students and staff are encouraged to wear black and gold or Lincolnton High School gear.
On Tuesday of this week, our third-grade students will be taking their Beginning-of-Grade (BOG) Reading Assessment. We want every student to do their very best, so please make sure they get a good night’s rest and arrive at school on time and ready to learn. We are also excited to announce that this Friday will be our first Future Wolves Friday! We encourage students to show their LHS spirit by wearing black and gold or their Lincolnton Wolves attire. Let’s show our support and get excited for our Future Wolves!
10 days ago, Jordan Beam
August 23, 2026 4:00pm

Good afternoon, this is Laney, a 5th grader here at S. Ray Lowder and your Principal Mrs Beam calling with our weekly updates.

As a reminder, our doors open at 7:20 AM daily, and breakfast and lunch are free for all students. As we continue growing leaders, please remind your students that if they are able to open the door and get out of the car independently we would appreciate them doing so. This is a great way for us to practice Habit 1. Being proactive means taking responsibility for what we can control and doing things for ourselves when we are able. Even something as simple as getting out of the car by ourselves helps build confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills. Dismissal begins at 2:40 PM. If your student is a car rider, you must have your car tag and number visible. If you still need a car tag, please contact the front office.

We wanted to send a quick reminder that squishies and small toys are not allowed at school. While we understand that these toys can be fun and enjoyable, they can become a distraction during learning time and take away from students’ focus in the classroom.

Congratulations to our winners for our first nine-weeks Fast Pass drawing! Car numbers 47, 93, 127, and 151.

A reminder for our Pre-K families: staggered days will be August 27th and 28th, and all Pre-K students will attend school on Monday, August 31st. For arrival, our Pre-K parents need to park in the front of the school behind the orange cone to wait on the Pre-K line to begin at 7:45am. Our PreK students will begin dismissal at 2:15pm from the bus parking lot. Parents need to pull in the bus lot, loop around, and line the sidewalk/awning area beginning at the stop sign, circling around through the first painted bus spot. DO NOT drive around the buses. This will allow us to have all Pre-K dismissed from a central location before we dismiss remaining car and bus riders.

Also parents, starting tomorrow we ask that you do not come in and check your student out after 2:00pm. If you need to check your child out for an appointment or other reason we kindly ask that you do it before 2:00pm. Late check outs are causing congestion and confusion as students are transitioning from outside, packing up, and preparing for dismissal. We hope you understand that the safety of all students is our top priority.

We are ready for another wonderful week of learning and leading the Lowder way! Have a wonderful evening and we will see you tomorrow!
10 days ago, Jordan Beam
August 16, 2026 4:00pm
Good evening, Lowder Lion families! This is Principal Jordan Beam calling with a few important reminders as we get ready for another great week at the Lions Den! We had a great first two days of school last week, and we are looking forward to a wonderful full week with all of our Lions!
As we begin this new school year, we are also excited to continue our Leader in Me journey at S. Ray Lowder Elementary. Our goal is to help every student recognize that they are a leader and that they have the ability to make positive choices, take responsibility, and make a difference. Throughout the year, you will hear us talking about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and how our students can use these habits at school and at home. We encourage you to ask your child about the habits, practice them together as a family, and look for opportunities to help your child grow as a leader.

A reminder that all kindergarten students will attend school on Monday. Parents, please drop your kindergarten students off in the car rider line. We assure you that we will have plenty of staff members in the hallways to make sure every student gets where they need to be safely and confidently. We also want to remind everyone that breakfast and lunch are free for all students!
For our car riders, we encourage students to be unbuckled and ready to get out of the car independently when you reach the drop-off area. This is one of the ways we are encouraging independence and leadership in our students, while also helping our car rider line run smoothly and efficiently. Thank you for partnering with us as we give our students opportunities to do things for themselves and grow their confidence! For our bus riders, please make sure you are ready at your bus stop 10–15 minutes before and after your scheduled pickup or drop-off time. In the mornings, please be ready and watching for the bus so our drivers can safely get everyone to and from school.

Our 3rd graders will take their Beginning-of-Grade Reading Assessment on Tuesday, August 25th. The assessment will begin at 8:15 a.m., so we need all third-grade students at school on time, rested, prepared, and ready to do their very best!

A reminder for our Pre-K families: staggered days will be August 27th and 28th, and all Pre-K students will attend school on Monday, August 31st.

Finally, thank you to all of our families and students for such a successful start to the school year! We are so excited about the year ahead and all the wonderful things our Lions will accomplish. Thank you for partnering with us as we work to develop leaders—not just students—and create a school where every child knows that their choices, actions, and voice matter.

Have a wonderful Sunday evening, get some rest, and we will see all of our Lions tomorrow morning! Let’s have a great week and continue to Lead the Lowder Way—Every Lion, Every Day.
17 days ago, Jordan Beam
Hello, this is Mrs. Davis with some important information for tomorrow!
We are so excited to welcome our students back for the first day of school tomorrow!
Here are a few important reminders to help make tomorrow morning go smoothly:
Doors will open at 7:20 a.m. for all our students
Free breakfast is available for all students.
If your child rides the bus, please have them at the bus stop about 15 minutes ahead of their scheduled time. Bus times can vary during the first few weeks of school, so we appreciate your patience. Please allow 15 minutes before or after the scheduled bus stop time (before or after school) as we work to get our routines established.
For our Kindergarten through 2nd grade families: Please make sure an adult is with your child at the bus stop. We cannot drop off any K–2 student after school unless a parent or designated adult is present at the bus stop.
Thank you for helping us make the first day safe and successful for everyone. We can't wait to see our students tomorrow, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we get back into our school routines!
Have a great evening, and we'll see you tomorrow!
21 days ago, Kristina Davis
August/September Lunch Menu
21 days ago, Jordan Beam
Lunch
Lunch
S. Ray Lowder Elementary Back-to-School Bash — Ground Rules
Event Time: Sunday, August 9, from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Location: S. Ray Lowder Elementary School parking lot and Lions Den Facility.

We are excited to have you join us! Please help us keep the event safe, fun, and enjoyable for everyone by following these ground rules:

Parking: Guests must park in the bus parking lot, the parking lot across the street, or along the side of the road.

Adult Supervision: Parents and guardians must attend and supervise their children for the entire event. Children should not be dropped off or left unattended.

Sports Equipment: If you use any sports equipment, please return it to the designated bucket when you are finished playing.

School Rules: All school rules apply while you are on school grounds. Please help us take care of our school and treat our property with respect.

Trash: Please place all trash in the large garbage cans provided throughout the event area.

Restrooms: Restrooms are located inside the school. Please find a staff member who will walk you inside to use the restrooms.

Our school has 24/7 video surveillance. Please respect our school, our property, and our community. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the afternoon!

Bring a lawn chair so you can relax and enjoy the event. Don't forget — Sunset Slush will be available for purchase!
Thank you for helping us make our Back-to-School Bash a safe, respectful, and fun event for everyone!
24 days ago, Jordan Beam
Back to School Bash
Ground Rules
August 6, 2026 5:00pm

Good afternoon, this is your Principal, Mrs. Beam and Assistant Principal, Mrs. Davis with an exciting back-to-school update!
We are thrilled to welcome our Lions back, our new Lions who are coming in, and our new staff members joining our team this year.

Please join us for some fun before school starts:
Grab your lawn chair and join us this Sunday, August 9, from 4:00–6:00 PM at the S. Ray Lowder Parking Lot & Lions Den Facility for an afternoon of family fun as we kick off a great school year!
Thanks to our amazing partners at First Baptist Church, your family can enjoy:
FREE school supplies
FREE popcorn & water
FREE inflatables
FREE face painting
Activities, music, and exciting door prizes sponsored by BOSCH.
Sunset Slush will also be on-site with treats available for purchase.
We can't wait to welcome our Lion families and celebrate the start of an amazing school year.

We also have our drop-in Open House event on Tuesday, August 11th from 5:00 to 7:30 PM.
During Open House, students and families will be able to:
– Meet their teacher
– Learn about our school and their classroom
– Visit the public library, after-school options, and our PTO Table.
– And of course capture fun photos to start the year!
As you conclude your visit, stop by the Monster Icecream Truck under the front awning to purchase a sweet treat to end the night.

The first day of school is Thursday, August 13th for all students.
Kindergarten families – please check your assigned staggered start day. If you’re unsure, contact the school office. Our Pre-k program will begin staggered days on Thursday, August 27 and the first day for Pre-K will be August 31.

As a reminder, our doors open at 7:20 AM daily, and breakfast and lunch are free for all students. Dismissal begins at 2:40 PM. If your student is a car rider, you must have your car tag and number visible in the line to make dismissal as smooth as possible. If you need a car tag you can see Mrs. Murray at the car rider table during Open House. Bus riders – please stop by the bus table in the library at Open House to confirm pick-up and drop-off details with our drivers.

If you have Facebook I ask that you follow the S Ray Lowder Elementary School Facebook page to stay informed with important events and dates that are coming up.

We are so excited to welcome our Lions back in the building and can’t wait for a fantastic year of Leading the Lowder Way! We hope to see you all on Sunday at 4:00pm at the Back to School Bash. Have a wonderful afternoon and one last week before school starts!
27 days ago, Kristina Davis
Come join First Baptist Church and S. Ray Lowder for our Back to School BASH!
about 1 month ago, Jordan Beam
Back to School Bash
EVENT UPDATE: We are still hiring our Lowder Team! To make sure we're fully ready for our lions, our "Freezer Pop By" event has been rescheduled to July 29–31 from 3:00–4:00 PM. Check the flyer for your grade's specific date to grab your freezer pop, teacher assignment, and supply list. Thank you for your patience - We are excited for a GREAT year.
about 2 months ago, Jordan Beam
FreezerPop
Pop By for a Freezer Pop! 🦁☀️

Join us at S. Ray Lowder Elementary to pick up your:
✅ Teacher Assignment
✅ School Supply List
✅ A Hug from Mrs. Beam!

📍 Grab-and-Go Event
🕒 Anytime between 3:00–4:00 PM on your assigned day
July 20 – K-1 Grades
July 21 – 2-3 Grades
July 22 – 4-5 Grades

We can't wait to welcome our Lions back for another amazing school year!
about 2 months ago, Jordan Beam
Teacher Assignment
Please note our revised office hours over summer break and the LCS summer feeding program. Feel free to call the front office if you have any questions. I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe summer!
3 months ago, Jordan Beam
Summer Hours
Summer Feeding
Tomorrow is our last day of school! Just a reminder we will dismiss school at 12 o'clock noon. Our bus routes will be significantly shorter so please ensure that you are at the bus stop waiting on your student shortly after dismissal.
3 months ago, Jordan Beam
We are proud to announce our new faces and new roles at S. Ray Lowder for the 26-27 school year!

Mrs. Shelby Barkley is transitioning from the classroom into her new role as our school media coordinator, bringing with her a strong understanding of grade-level standards and student learning. She is excited to connect curriculum and literacy by creating meaningful library experiences that support classroom instruction. Along with her passion for teaching, Mrs. Barkley will continue to inspire students through her love of reading and lifelong learning.

We are excited to welcome Elizabeth Eudy to the staff at S. Ray Lowder as our new 3rd grade teacher! Elizabeth was born and raised in Lincolnton and is especially excited to return to S. Ray Lowder, where she once attended as a student herself. Becoming a teacher at the school she grew up attending is truly a full-circle moment and a dream come true for her. Elizabeth recently graduated from Western Carolina University, where she completed her student teaching experiences in both first and third grade classrooms. She has a passion for building lasting relationships with students and creating a positive, supportive learning environment. Some of Elizabeth’s favorite things include hibachi food, spending time with family and friends, and her cat, Darla! We are thrilled to have her join the S. Ray Lowder family and look forward to a wonderful school year ahead.
4 months ago, Jordan Beam
Barkley
Eudy

May 17, 2026 4:00pm

Good afternoon families, this is your Principal Mrs. Beam calling for the LAST time for the 2025-2026 school year. As we wrap up another incredible school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your support, encouragement, and partnership throughout the year. It has truly been a wonderful year filled with growth, learning, achievements, and memories that we will cherish for years to come. Our students have worked so hard, and we are so proud of everything they have accomplished.

As we head into our final week and wrap up end of grade testing, please make note of these important dates and events:
On Monday, May 18 we will have our 4th grade awards program in the library.

On Tuesday, we will have a 2nd grade awards program in the library.

On Wednesday we have a busy day of awards: 8:45 AM – Kindergarten Performance in the Gym, followed by the Letterland Parade and Classroom Awards; 10:00 AM – 5th Grade “Last Walk,” followed by Awards in the Gym; 12:45 PM – 3rd Grade Awards in Classrooms; 1:30 PM – 1st Grade Awards in Classrooms

To help ensure that our awards ceremonies run smoothly, safely, and efficiently, we ask for your cooperation during all events. All visitors will enter through the front door and walk through a metal detector upon arrival. Please remember that weapons, tobacco products, and alcohol are not allowed on school grounds. For the safety of all students and families, siblings must remain with their parent or guardian at all times and should not be left unattended in hallways or other areas of the building. Guests should remain only in the designated awards location and avoid visiting other classrooms, hallways, or areas of the school during the ceremonies. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and organized environment while we celebrate our students and their accomplishments. We will have staff members stationed to help direct you to the designated location.

Thursday, May 21 is the Last Day of School – This is a half day of school for students. We will begin dismissing students at 12:00 noon.

Again, thank you for making this school year so special. We hope your family has a safe, relaxing, and fun summer break. We look forward to seeing everyone again next school year.
Have a wonderful evening, we look forward to a wonderful last week of school!

4 months ago, Jordan Beam
3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Math EOG on Thursday!
4 months ago, Kristina Davis
EOG Reminders

Please avoid Jonas Drive during dismissal today - There are several large vehicles parked in and alongside the road working. Please have cars line down Kennedy Drive to pick up your student. Visual is attached.

4 months ago, Jordan Beam
Road Closure

May 10, 2026 4:00pm

Good afternoon families, this is your Principal Mrs. Beam calling with this week's updates. I want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all of our Lowder moms, grandmothers, and aunts. We appreciate each one of you and everything you do for the staff and students at SRL.


This is an important reminder that EOG testing for students in 4th and 5th grade reading will be on Tuesday, 3rd grade Read to Achieve Test will be on Wednesday, and 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Math will be on Thursday. Please encourage your child to get plenty of rest each night, be at school on time and prepared to do their very best. A good night’s sleep and a positive mindset can make a big difference! We ask that parents do not come to eat lunch with your student this Tuesday or Thursday due to a shift in lunch schedules while we are testing.


On Wednesday, our 1st graders will be going on a field trip to the White Water Center and on Friday our Kindergarten students will be going to Tweetsie Railroad. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately and is on their very best behavior. For our Kindergarten parents, please make sure you are at the school to pick up your child Friday at 4:00PM at the school. There will be no bus transportation at that time.


Yearbooks are here!! You can order your 25-26 yearbook online by following this link or scanning the QR code on the flyer to order. If you prefer to pay cash or check please send in $20 to your child’s teacher in a labeled envelope.
https://www.buytheyearbook.com/en/bty/findmyschool

Thank you all for your continued support - we look forward to seeing our Lions back in the building tomorrow!

4 months ago, Jordan Beam
Yearbook