With some assistance from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Lee County Center and our Maintenance Staff, during March, we took a meaningful step to commemorate our ongoing commitment to ensure every student in Lee County Schools has the support, resources, and environment that they need to truly thrive. We are proud to announce the planting of 17 Eastern Redbud trees across all 17 campuses. These trees serve as living symbols of growth, resilience, opportunity, and our shared goal to provide the best possible education for the children in our community.
As these redbuds take root and blossom each year, they will serve as a reminder of what is possible when we invest in our students and our future - together. 💙
#ThriveInLee #LCSthrive






We were honored to have the Southern Lee Marching Band represent our community during a special visit to perform at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The experience didn’t stop there! Thanks to good timing and the generosity of local Senator Jim Burgin, our students were given a surprise opportunity to step onto the floor of the NC Senate Chamber.
Moments like these remind us how powerful the arts are in opening doors, building confidence, and creating unforgettable memories. We are so proud of our talented students for showcasing their hard work, dedication, and school spirit at the state level!
Yavonna Barbour, the drum major for Southern Lee talked about how important arts education, specifically band, was to her high school experience, saying “This is a community-based class, so we work together as a team. We support each other. We love one another through different obstacles.” She continued, “It has been such a highlight of my high school career. It has given me so many opportunities to experience a different community of people that you wouldn’t have had the chance to get to know otherwise. It has given me structure. It has given me opportunities to meet new people and go to unique places. I encourage any student to take part in arts, not just band, but art and theatre.”
#LCSthrive #ArtsInOurSchoolsMonth #CavPride



Last week, CTE students from Lee County and Southern Lee High Schools rolled up their sleeves and put their skills to the test at the BUILD Harnett/Lee Competition and the results were INCREDIBLE!
From electrical wiring and plumbing to framing and full construction, students gained real-world, hands-on experience that goes far beyond the classroom. The highlight? Each team built a fully functional 5 x 6 chicken coop in under two days!
📷 Swipe through to see our students in action - measuring, building, collaborating and bringing their projects to life. This is what future-focused pathways look like in Lee County Schools!
🏆 Big congratulations to all teams, including Southern Lee’s construction group for earning 2nd place in the chicken coop build and 1st place in the doghouse competition!
🐔 Want to support these talented students?
Each student-built chicken coop is now up for auction with proceeds supporting future BUILD program opportunities.
👉 Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2794628
👉 Bid on Southern Lee’s coop
👉 Bid on Lee County’s coop
👉 View all coops & place a bid on Harnett County Schools CTE Facebook Page
👉 Catch the video highlights
⏰ Bidding closes April 17th at 5:00 PM. Don’t miss your chance to take home a one-of-a-kind, student-built coop!
#LCSthrive #CTEworks #FutureFocused
Lee County Schools and W.B. Wicker Elementary School are proud to announce the opening of a new Family Resource Center - the “Tiger Den” - designed to support students, families, and the entire community.
This new hub will help connect families with essential resources like food, school supplies, life skills support, and local services, all while strengthening the partnership between home, school, and community. ♥️
Funded through a grant from the North Carolina Community Schools Coalition, the center also introduces a dedicated Community Schools Coordinator to help families navigate the challenges and access the support they need.
Because when we remove barriers, students can truly thrive. 📚
👉 Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2790519
#LCSthrive #StrongerTogether

During their time at West Lee and SanLee Middle Schools, leaders saw firsthand how the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is making a difference by supporting innovative instruction, strengthening math outcomes, and expanding career readiness opportunities for our students. This $2.1 million investment over five years in West and SanLee is helping create meaningful, student-centered learning experiences right here in Lee County.
From collaborative math classrooms to personalized, competency-based learning, our students and staff continue to shine! 🌟
We’re grateful for the strong partnerships that help our students thrive and proud to showcase the incredible growth and work happening every day in Lee County Schools.
🔗 Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2788483
#LCSthrive #GoldenLEAFSchools
The Southern Lee Marching Band is taking the spotlight TODAY at 11:30 AM as they perform at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh! 🎺
This special performance is part of Arts in Our Schools Month, celebrating the creativity, dedication, and talent of student artists across the state. We are so proud to see these incredible musicians representing our community and Southern Lee High School on this special stage!
Watch the performance LIVE here: https://www.youtube.com/@ncpublicschools/streams
Tune in, cheer them on, and celebrate the power of arts in education! 💙🧡
#ArtsInOurSchools #LCSthrive #CavPride


This inspiring event showcases the power of adaptive physical education, with specially crafted activities designed to challenge each student at their level while celebrating their unique strengths. From start to finish, every moment is about encouragement, inclusion, and success.
The Falcon Olympics highlights what’s possible when we create opportunities that meet students where they are - building confidence, fostering joy, and recognizing every achievement, big or small.
We’re so proud of our students for their determination and spirit, and grateful to the educators and staff who make experiences like this possible. Together, we are creating a community where every student is seen, supported, and empowered to shine. 🌟
#LCSthrive #WellBeingWednesday
🎤 Get ready to dance 💃, jive 🕺, and have the time of your life! 🎤
The Lee County High School Theatre Department is bringing the feel-good hit Mamma Mia! To the stage this weekend!
🗓️ Show Dates:
March 26-28 at 7:00 PM
March 29 at 2:30 PM
📍 Location: LCHS McLeod Auditorium
🎟️ Tickets:
$10 Adults
$5 Students
Join us for a night of unforgettable music, laughter, and high-energy performances featuring your favorite ABBA hits! Don’t miss out - grab your friends and family and come support our talented students!
#LCSthrive #HSTheatre

Get to know Joani DiCiancia, a Chemistry and Forensics teacher at Southern Lee, whose journey to the classroom and passion for helping students grow as learners and people is truly inspiring.
From working at the Smithsonian to building a classroom rooted in connection, creativity, and community, her story is one you won’t want to miss!
👉 Read her full story here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2781609
#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive

When children are given the freedom to explore, experiment and ask “why,” they begin building the framework for innovative thinking. Early curiosity in science isn’t just about facts and formulas, it is about problem-solving, creativity and the confidence to try something new.
Events like this remind us that the future is already in our classrooms. Every experiment conducted, every hypothesis tested, and every moment of wonder helps shape students who think critically, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. The innovators, engineers, and leaders of tomorrow are discovering their passions in the classrooms and buildings of our local public schools - and it all starts with curiosity.
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive
We are incredibly grateful for the many community organizations and groups that regularly serve in our schools. Today, through a long-standing partnership between Broadway Elementary School and Broadway United Methodist Church, Methodist ministers from across the Fairway District of North Carolina came together to make a difference and learn how they can support schools in their communities.
Volunteers spent time supporting classrooms, organizing books in the media center, and helping with spring cleaning around the school grounds.
The group also had the opportunity to hear firsthand how committed community partners and volunteers strengthen school communities and support families. Whether it’s reading with students, tidying up outdoor spaces, or tutoring small groups, every act of service helps build a stronger foundation for our educators and students to thrive.
Thank you to all of our volunteers who spent time at Broadway today! We are always grateful when our community invests in our students!
#LCSthrive


From student achievement to engaging, hands-on experiences, Battle of the Books captures the energy, dedication and success that our students demonstrate every day. Be sure to read about both of these competitions and celebrate these moments of student success with us!
📖 Read more:
Elementary Battle of the Books Recap: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2772309
Middle School Battle of the Books Recap: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2772286
📷 Don’t miss the photo gallery from the Elementary Competition on our district Facebook Page to see our students and educators in action!
#LCSthrive #BattleOfTheBooks2026
The National Weather Service has placed our area under a Level 4 (out of 5) risk for severe weather, including the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. The period of elevated risk is expected to coincide with dismissal with buses transporting students home from school.
We understand that school closures can be disruptive for families, but the safety of our students and staff must remain our top priority. Closing schools allows us to reduce travel during the hours when severe weather is most likely.
Please stay safe and ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and updates from the National Weather Service in Raleigh and local media.

📚 Three Days of Grueling Academic Competition was the capstone for months of reading and preparation as more than 150 students across the district participated in the annual Lee County Schools Battle of the Books!
Students in fourth grade through middle school showcased their reading comprehension and attention to detail as they answered hundreds of questions based on 16 grade-level novels. These reading stars demonstrated perseverance, teamwork, and a love of learning that truly inspires us!
🏆 Middle School JV Team Champions: West Lee Middle School JV
🏆 Middle School Varsity Team Champions: SanLee Middle School Varsity
🏆 Fourth Grade Elementary Team Champions: Deep River Elementary
🏆 Fifth Grade Elementary Team Champions: Tramway Elementary
Next Stop: Tramway’s 5th Grade will represent the district in the Regional Battle of the Books in Zebulon on Saturday, March 21st.
Congratulations to all of our participants and if you are looking for your next great read, these students definitely have some recommendations! More pics and details to come soon!
#LCSthrive #BattleOfTheBooks2026




Last week our schools celebrated Read Across America Week and it was inspiring to see our community come together to support one of the most fundamental building blocks of student success - early childhood literacy.
Throughout the week, district administrators like Dr. Dossenbach and his team, local officials like Mayor Salmon and others, as well as parents and family members joined our classrooms as guest readers, sharing stories and helping bring the joy of reading to life for our youngest learners. These moments do more than highlight books - they demonstrate to students that their entire community values learning, imagination, and growth.
Reading is not just an academic skill; it is a gateway to confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Seeing leaders, families, and educators working side by side sends a powerful message: our students are surrounded by people who care deeply about their success.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time last week to read, encourage, and inspire. Your participation helps cultivate a love of reading that will support our students for years to come.
Let’s keep turning pages together! 📖
#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive #ReadAcrossAmerica
We’re excited to kick off the celebration of Arts in our Schools Month with a special performance at tonight’s Board of Education meeting! A talented kindergarten choir from Greenwood Elementary opened the celebration with joyful voices and big smiles, reminding us all how powerful the arts are in inspiring creativity, confidence, and community in our students.
Thank you to our amazing young performers, their teachers, and families for sharing their talent and enthusiasm with us. This performance is just the beginning of a month dedicated to recognizing the incredible role that music, visual arts, theater, and dance play in our schools.
#ArtsInOurSchools #LCSthrive

From outstanding performances on the mat by wrestlers from East, West, and SanLee Middle Schools to the excellent coordination and teamwork of our middle school administrators, athletic directors, and coaches, the event was a true success. We are incredibly proud of the effort, sportsmanship, and dedication shown by everyone involved!
As a district, we remain committed to providing students with a wide range of opportunities that enrich and expand their educational journey. Whether on the mat like these student-athletes, on the stage through the performing arts, or through career-focused clubs and organizations, our local public schools offer students countless ways to pursue their passions and explore new possibilities.
#LCSthrive
For nine years, administrative assistant Katherine Allmond has been the first person many students, parents and visitors see when they walk through the school's front doors. From helping families find answers to making sure students feel comfortable and welcome, she plays a key role in the daily life of the school.
"I love the kids. It is just a different day every day in here," Allmond said.
Learn more about Ms. Allmond, her journey from preschool teacher to the front office att SanLee, and why she takes pride in being someone students and families know they can count on.
Read the full story here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2756699
#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive

We are proud of these eight students and happy to announce that two of them will advance to represent East Lee and Lee County Schools at the State Science Fair at NC State!
🏆 1st Place Winners
🌱 Earth/Enviornmental Science: Nolan V. - “Which Fertilizer Grows Plants Best?”
⚡Physics: Easton B. - “Conducting Electricity: Wind vs. Hydro”
Check out the photos of our students, their projects and join us in wishing Nolan and Easton good luck as they represent our local public schools in the State Science Fair!
#FutureFocusFriday #LCSthrve







History has been made at Southern Lee High School.
Junior Nevaeh Williamson has become the first female individual wrestling state champion, turning years of dedication, grit and off-season work into a moment she will never forget.
“I saw my goal and chased it,” Williamson said after capturing the title. Her journey - from stepping onto the mat for the first time as a freshman to dominating with a 49-2 record and state championship in her third year on the mat - shows what happens when determination meets opportunity.
Her story is a powerful reminder that hard work, perseverance, and belief can turn goals into championships - and that Champions Thrive in Lee. 💪
Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2749856

