Lee County Schools -

Going the Extra Mile—Even in Summer

We are fortunate to have so many dedicated educators in Lee County Schools. This week, more than 400 teachers gave up part of their summer to come together for three days of professional learning at the Accelerate Learning Conference 2025.

From classroom management and cooperative learning strategies to supporting multilingual learners and using technology to boost engagement—these educators leaned into the opportunity to grow. The time and energy they’ve invested will have a lasting impact on student achievement in the year ahead.

Thank you, LCS teachers and staff, for your passion, commitment, and drive to keep getting better. Here’s to a great year ahead!

#LCSthrive

Learning with friends helps us level up.

Whether it’s our students in the classroom or staff in professional development, learning alongside friends makes all the difference. It boosts engagement, deepens understanding, and builds stronger connections to the content—and to each other.

Here in Lee County, professional development happens across the district, but always within a close-knit community. Events like the Accelerate Learning Conference give our staff a chance to grow together—sharing ideas, building lasting relationships, and strengthening our collective ability to provide students with the best education possible.

It may only be Day 2 of ALC 2025, but from the smiles, engaged faces, and spirited conversations, one thing is clear: our teachers are leveling up for the year ahead.

#LCSthrive #LCSalc25

Pushing for Student Achievement

The 2025 Accelerate Learning Conference is officially underway! 🎉

Each year, this event brings together educators from across Lee County Schools to collaborate, sharpen their skills, and explore innovative strategies that will elevate learning in every classroom. From new ideas in classroom management to fresh approaches in content delivery and student development, #ALC is all about driving real impact for our students.

It’s just one of the many ways Lee County Schools invests in our staff—so every student has the support they need to chase their dreams. 🌟

#LCSthrive #LSCalc2025

HIRING NOW! Lee County Schools is looking to hire Exceptional Children (EC) Teaching positions immediately at four of our campuses. If you are compassionate, people-driven and looking to make an instant impact in the lives of students, come join the LCS Family and prepare to THRIVE! EC Openings at Lee County High, Deep River Elementary, J. Glenn Edwards Elementary, and Floyd L. Knight Children's Center (Pre-K/EC). See all of our openings here: https://bit.ly/LCSNCJobs

WELCOME BACK TIGERSHARKS!

Tramway Elementary students returned to campus today for the first day in our year-round calendar. There were so many bright smiles and excited faces! We are excited to see all of you dive into learning and growing again this year at Tramway!

#LCSthrive

Building Champions On & Off the Court

Friday night lights shine bright in our local public schools. Dreams take shape and lifelong lessons are learned through the challenges of teamwork and competition. Whether our students are competing on the football field, leading the crowd as cheerleaders, grinding through wrestling or track practice, or pushing through early morning workouts, they are learning what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Wearing their school’s uniform means more than just playing a game—it means representing their community and honoring the legacy of student-athletes who came before them. They feel the pride of tradition, the weight of hard work, and the excitement of facing a crosstown rival you might see every day around town.

Athletics are deeply woven into the fabric of our public schools and our community. The students who learned leadership, sacrifice, and resilience as Yellow Jackets or Cavaliers are now our business owners, educators, and civic leaders.

That’s why supporting our public schools matters—because when our students thrive, we all do.

#LCSthrive #PublicSchoolsDoThePublicGood

REMINDER TRAMWAY FAMILIES!

The first day for Tramway Elementary Students is MONDAY (July 14, 2025)! We hope you have had a colorful, fun-filled summer and we can't wait to dive back in to learning with you on Monday! See you then Tigersharks!

#LCSthrive

Prepared for a Global World

Our local public schools prepare students to thrive in the careers and communities of tomorrow. As technology and commerce evolve on a global scale, today’s students need the skills to succeed in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

That’s why Lee County Schools is committed to providing foreign language instruction from Kindergarten through Graduation, a commitment centered on empowering students to learn a second language and build communication skills that cross cultures and borders. From intensive language electives in our high schools to our Spanish Immersion Program in select elementary schools, every student has the opportunity to grow into a global citizen.

Giving students the tools to thrive in a connected and changing world, that’s why public education matters.

#LCSthrive #PublicSchoolsDoThePublicGood

Hands-On Learning & Exploration

Our local public schools offer students exciting, hands-on opportunities to explore future careers in healthcare, construction, engineering, business, and so much more. Many of these Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways begin as early as middle school and continue to shape a high-quality, real-world high school education.

To spark curiosity and learning in the early years, elementary students in Lee County Schools also get a chance to sample CTE experiences throughout the year. One of the most immersive ways they can do this is during our summer CTE Camps.

These low-cost, high-engagement camps let students roll up their sleeves and try something brand new—whether it’s masonry, first aid, or culinary arts. It’s learning by doing, and for many students, it’s the spark that ignites a future passion.

Check out the fun and learning happening this week at our CTE Camps—and start thinking about joining us next summer!

#LCSthrive #PublicSchoolsDoThePublicGood

Creative & Caring Teachers Make a Difference

Our local public schools are filled with some of the most dedicated, skilled, and creative educators—and it shows the moment you step into their classrooms. Just this past spring, first-grade teachers at Tramway Elementary brought learning to life with a special event called the “Taste of Reading” Café Day.

After reading five fiction books covering a variety of topics, students received a “menu” where they rated each book, shared their favorite parts, and reflected on the main ideas. Then, in small groups, they discussed their thoughts and enjoyed tasty treats tied to the books they’d read.

It may seem like a small classroom activity, but it’s a perfect example of how our licensed professional educators go above and beyond. They pour their time, talents, and heart into reaching students where they are—making learning both meaningful and fun every single day. This type of dedication is one of the many reasons our students thrive.

If having licensed, skilled, and caring educators guide your child’s learning matters to your family, we invite you to enroll in our Lee County public schools today. Enroll now: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/o/lcs/page/enrollment

#LCSthrive #PublicSchoolsDoThePublicGood

Exploring Futures & Finding Dreams

Lee County High School Class of 2025 Graduate Christopher Younger has shipped out to Parris Island where he is chasing his dream to become a United States Marine. Over the last four years at Lee County High School, Younger has been an active member of the JROTC, a co-curricular program offered in Lee County Schools that instills discipline, teamwork, and confidence through military training from seasoned veteran instructors.

It was as a part of this community, Younger discovered his passion for service. Surrounded by mentors and peers who challenged him daily, thrived in the structured and demanding environment of JROTC. He committed himself to the sacrifices and values that align with becoming one of the few and the proud.

Programs and classes like JROTC and Career & Technical Education (CTE) give students like Christopher an opportunity to explore career paths while developing skills that shape their futures and dreaming of what could be for them. These experiences are rooted in opportunity, mentorship, and real-world learning which are all available in our local public schools because of our community’s ongoing support for strong, diverse public education.

If opportunities like these matter to you and your family, make sure your student is part of the bright futures being built every day in Lee County Schools. Enroll today: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/o/lcs/page/enrollment

#LCSthrive #FuturesLoading #PublicEducationDoesThePublicGood

On this day, 249 years ago, 56 brave delegates gathered in a small assembly hall in Philadelphia as part of the Second Continental Congress. They came together not just to debate, but to boldly declare independence from Great Britain—fully aware that failure would likely mean death and devastating consequences for themselves and those they loved. Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of what would become one of the greatest political documents in history—the Declaration of Independence—captured the gravity of their decision in its final line: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” Today, we celebrate the birth of the United States of America—our independence, forged in the fires of revolution and rooted in a profound commitment to freedom, unity, and shared responsibility. Happy Birthday, America. May we continue to honor the ideals of the Declaration and strive always for liberty and justice for all.

OPPORTUNITY MATTERS. Angel Rivera, a Class of 2025 graduate of Lee Early College—part of Lee County Schools and one of North Carolina’s top-performing high schools—has shown what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity. Angel’s hard work, combined with the rigorous and enriching environment of our local public schools, has earned him a full academic scholarship to Columbia University, a prestigious Ivy League institution in New York City. Through Lee County Schools, Angel: Earned college credit while in high school Mastered three languages—English, Spanish, and French Is actively learning Arabic and studied American Sign Language through our partnership with Central Carolina Community College In his graduation speech, Angel shared how difficult it was to find a sense of “home” as part of an immigrant family—but that the community of Sanford and Lee County Schools gave him just that: A safe place to grow, explore his passions, and prepare for a future he once never thought possible. Because opportunity changes everything. Every student has a story. Every student matters. Every student is welcome in our local public schools. Every student. Come join Lee County Schools—where your child will thrive in a nurturing, challenging, and supportive environment, preparing them for the world ahead. 📚 Enroll today: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/o/lcs/page/enrollment #EveryStudent #vOUCHersHurt #LCSthrive

QUALITY MATTERS.

North Carolina has spent nearly $500 MILLION this year on private school tuition vouchers. Yet only 7.2% of the schools receiving these public funds use a curriculum aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS).

The NCSCOS ensures that students develop essential skills—critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and adaptability—while achieving deep understanding in core subjects. These rigorous standards are the foundation of a high-quality public education.

When taxpayer dollars are diverted to schools that are not required to meet these standards, students lose and communities fall behind.

Public dollars should come with public accountability.

#vOUCHersHurt #ChampionOurLocalPublicSchools

Every child deserves a quality education. Our local public schools are open to EVERY student—regardless of race, religion, creed, ability, class, or status.

While many private schools—and even public charters—deny entry or services to students with exceptional physical, mental, or emotional needs, our public schools welcome and serve them all. We don’t turn families away. Instead, we step up.

What many may not know is that public school teachers are often the very ones providing special education services inside private schools. And when private or charter schools determine they can’t—or won’t—meet the needs of students with disabilities, they often refer those students to local public schools, acknowledging that we are better equipped to provide the support and services required.

When public tax dollars are diverted to institutions that can choose who they serve, we not only lose funding—we lose the opportunity to support and uplift every child. And we miss out on the gifts and contributions that these students bring to our community.

Public schools serve ALL students. And that’s what makes them worth protecting.
#vOUCHersHurt #ChampionOurLocalPublicSchools #EveryChildEveryDay

In observance of the Fourth of July Holiday, all district offices and campuses will be closed on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025.

We will reopen on Monday, July 7th at 8:00 a.m.

Local public schools have been delivering high-quality, efficient education to students of all backgrounds for generations. But since the expansion of the private school voucher system, private schools across North Carolina have increased their tuition by more than 15% on average—despite receiving more taxpayer dollars than ever before. Meanwhile, public support for our neighborhood schools remains strong. A May 2024 study found that 74% of North Carolina voters believe funding for local public schools should be increased. Our public dollars should strengthen the schools that serve every child. #vOUCHersHurt #ChampionOurLocalPublicSchools Sources: Public Schools First NC - NC’s Taxpayer-Funded Vouchers & Private School Tuition Increases; NC Statewide Education Survey, New Bridge Strategy, May 2024

Supporting our local public schools is essential to the success of our entire community.

But did you know that since the income cap on the state’s private school voucher program was lifted, private schools in Lee County have received 67% more in taxpayer-funded vouchers?
Since 2014, private schools in Lee County have received $19,089,647 in public dollars—including $7.3 million last year alone.

Meanwhile, our local public schools serve all students, offering opportunities to earn early college credits, complete career or technical training, and pursue advanced certifications—regardless of a student’s background or income. These programs help prepare students to become self-sufficient, well-rounded members of society.

Redirecting public funds to private schools undermines the broad range of programs and services our public schools do provide.

Let’s invest in schools that serve everyone.

#vOUCHersHurt #PublicSchoolsDoThePublicGood #ChampionOurLocalPublicSchools

Source: NCSEAA April 2025

LEARNING DOESN’T TAKE A BREAK. Even in the summer, LCS students are leveling up their learning! Earlier this month, cadets from Southern Lee High School’s Cavalier Battalion JROTC attended STEM Camp at South Carolina State University. These students were challenged both mentally and physically as they dove into hands-on courses in subjects like Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Cyber Security—each led by SCSU faculty and staff. Read more here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2291108 Programs like JROTC offer our students more than just classroom knowledge—they open doors to new passions, build leadership skills, and foster friendships that last a lifetime. We’re proud to support co- and extra-curricular experiences that keep students learning, growing, and thriving. #LCSthrive #JROTC #STEMeducation