💚Removing Barriers, Building Connections 🚌

Supporting the whole student means supporting the families and communities that help them thrive!

At W.B. Wicker Elementary, the Tiger Den Family Resource Center is partnering with Buzzline Microtransit and COLTS to help break down transportation barriers that can prevent families from participating in school events, engaging in their children’s education, and accessing essential community resources.

Through this partnership, families facing transportation challenges can connect with transit vouchers, helping them get where they need to go – whether it is a school event, a job interview, or an important appointment.

Led by Community Schools Coordinator Brittany Degraffenreaidt, the Tiger Den is showing how meaningful community partnerships can strengthen family engagement, improve access to resources, and create stronger foundations for student success.

Because when we remove barriers for families, we open doors of opportunity for students! 💚

📖Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/3206385

#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive #CommunityPartnerships
1 day ago, Lee County Schools
Buzzline van picks up passengers
This week is College Application Week! During this week, many schools waive their application fee and we don't want our students to miss out on the chance to apply to college for free. Get those applications done this week and see your school counselor if you have questions or need help completing any applications you are working on!

#CFNC #NCCollegeApplicationWeek #LCSthrive
2 days ago, Lee County Schools
College Application Week is this week
🍎 MEET THE STAFF MONDAY | An Unexpected Path. A Lasting Impact!

Teaching wasn’t originally part of Cayla Stamatopoulos’ career plan, but the sixth-grade math teacher at West Lee Middle School has found her passion in helping students learn, mature, and grow!

Now in her third year with Lee County Schools, Cayla has discovered that teaching in the community she calls home makes the work even more meaningful. ❤️

👉 “I want these kids to grow because their future impacts everybody’s future here in Lee County.”

📖 Read Cayla’s story here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/3201365

#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive
3 days ago, Lee County Schools
Stamatopoulos Graphic Recognition
💙Helping students thrive means caring for them from head to toe! 💙

Sometimes, the smallest things can make a big difference in a student’s day. Thanks to the initiative of Lee County Schools’ Supervisor of School Nurses, Charlette Bowling, who applied for a generous donation from Bombas, our district has received 1,000 pairs of socks to help keep students warm and comfortable as the cooler winter months approach! ❄️

Whole-student wellness goes beyond the classroom. When students have their basic needs met, they can focus more fully on learning, growing, and thriving. Having something as simple as a clean, warm pair of socks can make a meaningful difference in student’s comfort, confidence, and readiness to learn.

👏A huge THANK YOU to Bombas for investing in the well-being of our students and to Ms. Bowling for going the extra mile to explore every avenue to make sure our students have what they need!

#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive
8 days ago, Lee County Schools
Bombas sock donation
Local Businesses & Programs : Help Shape the Future Workforce!

Partner with our Career Development Coordinators to connect students with job opportunities, share your business expertise, or share information about programs students can enroll in after graduation!

Connect with our Career Development Coordinators at our local high schools to find out ways to get your opportunities and information in front of our students. For opportunities at Southern Lee High contact Julie McNeill (juliemcneill@lee.k12.nc.us) and for Lee County High contact Jeremy Stack (jeremystack@lee.k12.nc.us).

#LCSthrive
10 days ago, Lee County Schools
Parnter with LCS CTE Classes to build the workforce of tomorrow
💙MEET THE STAFF MONDAY | Building Relationships, Creating Belonging 💙

For Ashley Melpolder, an itinerant teacher at Floyd L. Knight Children’s Center, early childhood education is about more than preparing students for kindergarten. It’s about building relationships, celebrating differences, and helping every child discover that they belong.

From partnering with local childcare centers to connecting with families beyond the classroom, Ashley’s impact reaches far beyond the students she teaches each day. Her passion for inclusion and student advocacy helps create a strong foundation for young learners to thrive throughout their educational journeys.

🌟Learn more about Ashley’s passion for preschool education, her commitment to families, and why she believes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.
📖READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/3187521

#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive
10 days ago, Lee County Schools
Ashley Melpolder Recognition graphic
🚀Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Today! 🏭

The future of manufacturing is bright, and Lee County Schools students are poised to capitalize on future opportunities because they get up-close previews of growing industries and hands-on training throughout our Career & Technical Education courses.

Last week, LCS students participated in Manufacturing Day at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC), connecting with local industry representatives and post-secondary educational institutions to explore exciting career opportunities in manufacturing and the training pathways available here locally to get there.

Events like Manufacturing Day help students connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world careers, discover opportunities right here in our community, and better understand the skills needed to succeed in the evolving workforce.

👏Thank you to CCCC and our local industry and education partners for investing in the next generation of skilled professionals and helping our students see the opportunities waiting for them!

The workforce of tomorrow is sitting in LCS classrooms today, and together we’re preparing them to THRIVE!

#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive #ManufacturingDay
13 days ago, Lee County Schools
Manufacturing Day 2026
Manufacturing Day 2026
Manufacturing Day 2026
Manufacturing Day 2026
Manufacturing Day 2026
🏈MORE THAN A GAME 🏈

Last night, student-athletes from SanLee and West Lee Middle Schools came together for their annual rivalry game under the lights at Southern Lee High School. These cross-county matchups are always special community events, but last night’s game carried a deeper meaning as we honored a beloved member of our coaching community, the late Coach Anthony Lewis Williams Cox, affectionately known to generations as Coach Whomp.

Coach Whomp passed away peacefully at home last Thursday, leaving behind a legacy of more than four decades of service to young people throughout our community’s recreation and interscholastic athletic programs. His impact stretches far beyond the football field, touching countless lives and shaping generations of young people.

A member of SanLee’s football coaching staff since the school opened, Coach Whomp was a constant source of encouragement, positivity, and wisdom. Last night marked the team’s first game without his familiar smile and uplifting presence in their midst.

Between the first and second quarters, both teams gathered at midfield alongside Coach Whomp’s family, former players, and friends to celebrate a life devoted to others. Together, we remembered his infectious smile, unwavering encouragement, and the love and support of the family who helped make his years of service possible.

For Coach Whomp, football was never just about wins and losses. It was about building character, teaching responsibility, developing resilience, and inspiring young people to make the most of every opportunity. Those lessons will continue to shape lives long after the final whistle.

As balloons floated skyward in his honor, our community came together not simply to mourn a loss, but to celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will endure for generations.

Fly high, Coach Whomp. 💛💜🏈

Thank you for the love, energy, wisdom, and countless hours you invested in our young people. Lee County is a better place to live, work, and thrive because of you.

#LCSthrive #MoreThanAGame #CoachWhomp
15 days ago, Lee County Schools
Teams and families gather to remember Coach Whomp
Coach Whomp helmet sticker under the lights
Teams and families gather to remember Coach Whomp
Teams and families gather to remember Coach Whomp
At Lee County Schools, our Exceptional Children (EC) programs are designed to help every student maximize their educational journey by fostering belonging, building relationships, and providing individualized support for success.

🌟 Today, we're celebrating Mary Catherine Patterson, from J. Glenn Edwards Elementary, our LCS EC Educator of Excellence!

Recognized for her outstanding dedication to students with disabilities, Mary Catherine goes above and beyond to advocate for students, partner with families, and support fellow educators. Her colleagues praise her compassion, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to helping every student succeed.

👏 Congratulations, Ms. Patterson! Thank you for making a difference in the lives of students and demonstrating what it means to help EVERY student thrive!

#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive #EducatorOfExcellence
15 days ago, Lee County Schools
Mary Catherine Patterson EC Teacher of Excellence
🎉Congratulations to our October Beginning Teacher of the Month, Lindsey Collins! 🎉

Ms. Collins is a sixth grade science teacher at West Lee Middle School and is in her second year teaching at WLMS. A Lee County High School graduate, she says she is happy to be back home serving students in Lee County Schools.

Known for her positive attitude and engaging classroom, Ms. Collins works hard to make science active and memorable. Dara Butler, Beginning Teacher Coach in the district, shared that Collins “seeks to engage all students in her classroom” and highlighted how she incorporates movement into lessons to help students better understand concepts and stay involved.

Her students agree, saying she explains concepts well, uses songs to help them learn and always keeps the moving. One student summed it up simply: “She is a great teacher!”

Outside the classroom, Ms. Collins enjoys farm life with her 6-year-old son and brings her love of animals to school too - including four classroom hermit crabs, one representing each of her core classes!

Ms. Collins holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and is currently pursuing her teacher licensure.

👏Join us in congratulating Lindsey Collins on being named Lee County Schools’ October Beginning Teacher of the Month!

#LCSthrive
17 days ago, Lee County Schools
Lindsey Collins, LCS October Beginning Teacher of the Month
🎤MEET THE STAFF MONDAY | Shani Whilby helps students find their voice at B.T. Bullock

For 17 years, Shani Whilby has helped students at B.T. Bullock Elementary find their voices – and the confidence to use them.

As a speech therapist and teacher, Whilby believes communication is much more than a skill. It can open doors, build independence and help students recognize that they are capable of doing hard things.

“When I see a kid that is confident enough to speak to whoever they want to speak to, to answer questions, to get up on stage and make a speech, that’s what makes me proud,” Whilby said.

For her, the work comes down to giving every student an opportunity to be heard.

“Communication is just one of those [important] things. It is just a basic human right that often gets overlooked.”

💙 Read the full story and learn more about Mrs. Whilby’s journey and her passion for helping students thrive: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/3172730

#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive
17 days ago, Lee County Schools
Shani Whilby recognition graphic with quote.
🎶A Program of Distinction 🎶

The Southern Lee High School Band has earned statewide recognition from the North Carolina Bandmasters Association as a 2025-2026 Program of Distinction!

For Band Director Angela Matthews, the honor reflects years of hard work, resilience and growth. But perhaps most importantly, it reflects students discovering just how much they are capable of achieving.

“They know that they can stand toe-to-toe with bands from anywhere,” Matthews said. “That is really exciting and makes me proud.”

From performing at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to earning All-District honors and students qualifying for All-State auditions, it was an exceptional year for the Cavaliers, but they are not done yet!

👏Congratulations to the students and staff of the Southern Lee Band on this outstanding recognition!

🔗Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/3168713

#LCSthrive
20 days ago, Lee County Schools
Southern Lee Band Award Recognition
Southern Lee Band Award Recognition
Southern Lee Band Award Recognition
💙Happy School Custodian Appreciation Day! 💙

Today, we celebrate the dedicated custodians who work each day to make our schools clean, welcoming and ready for students to thrive.

Southern Lee High School’s Ms. Vivian is one of the many incredible people across Lee County Schools whose work goes far beyond keeping a building tidy. Our custodians are trusted members of their school communities – greeting our students with a smile, taking pride in their campuses, responding when help is needed and quietly doing countless things each day that make our schools a better place to work and learn.

While much of what they do happens before the first bell rings, after students have gone home, and in moments most people never see, their impact is felt throughout every hallway, classroom and across our community.

To Ms. Vivian and all of her hardworking coworkers that serve as custodians in our schools, THANK YOU for your dedication, your care, and the pride you take in serving students and staff each day. We appreciate all you do for our schools and everyone in them! 💙

#LCSthrive
20 days ago, Lee County Schools
Ms Vivian walks with her cart at Southern Lee
🎉October is National Principals Month! 🎉

Throughout the month of October, Lee County Schools is proud to celebrate the dedicated principals who lead our schools, support our staff, and create environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Their work reaches far beyond the school office. Our principals set the tone for their campuses, build strong relationships with students and families, encourage teachers and staff, and help turn our district’s vision into action every day.

Join us throughout October as we recognize each of our 17 campus principals and thank them for the outstanding work that they do for our students, families, and community.

👏Thank you, LCS Principals!

#ThankAPrincipal #LCSthrive
22 days ago, Lee County Schools
Principal Appreciation Month Graphic
✂️Looking Good, Feeling Good! ✂️

At SanLee Middle School, supporting student well-being can take many forms – including a fresh haircut and boost of confidence!

Through “Free Cut Friday,” students who sign up can receive a free haircut provided by T&M Barber College. It’s a simple but meaningful way to help students feel confident, cared for and ready to take on the challenges of their day.

We are grateful for community partners like T&M Barber College and many others who partner with our local public schools to help create a school community where every student can feel their best and thrive.

#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive #FreeCutFriday
22 days ago, Lee County Schools
Free Cut Friday Photos
Free Cut Friday Photos
❤️🖤 MEET THE STAFF MONDAY | For Yolanda Womble, coming back to Broadway means coming home

For Broadway School Counselor Yolanda Womble, serving students is deeply personal.

After beginning her Lee County Schools career at Broadway as a teacher assistant, Womble has come full circle – returning to the school where her journey began and making it her mission to ensure every student knows one simple truth: You matter.

“When those students walk through those doors, I’m looking for who needs me,” Womble said. “The whole time I just want to allow them to be heard and feel seen.”

Now in her 18th year with Lee County Schools, Womble draws on her own life experiences to be the person she once needed as a child – a listener, and encourager, and one of her students’ loudest cheerleaders.

📖Read Mrs. Womble’s full story here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/3157229

#LCSthrive #MeetTheStaffMonday
24 days ago, Lee County Schools
Womble Recognition Graphic
🚨Don't forget about the LCS Floating Job Fair this week!

LCS is hosting a floating job fair on Wednesday, September 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Warren Williams Administrative Building (901 Lawrence Street in Sanford, NC). Stop by at a time that works for you and learn more about opportunities across our district!

We are currently seeking dedicated individuals for positions including:

👉Instructional Assistants
👉Bus Drivers
👉Custodians
👉Classroom Teachers
👉Child Nutrition
👉Office Support

Bring your resume and transcripts for review and find out how you can become part of the team helping our students learn, grow, and thrive. See current postings here: https://bit.ly/WorkAtLCSNC

❓Questions? Contact David Blackmon (dblackmon@lee.k12.nc.us)

When our students THRIVE, our community THRIVES!
27 days ago, Lee County Schools
LCS Floating Job Fair
🎉Congratulations to Sarah Haney of Lee Early College who has been selected as Lee County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year! 🎉
Through high expectations, engaging lessons and a commitment to building meaningful relationships, Sarah has quickly made an impact on her students and school community. Her colleagues praise her ability to challenge students while creating a calm, welcoming classroom where they feel comfortable participating, collaborating, and growing.

📖 Read the full story here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/

Congratulations to Ms. Haney! We are proud to have you helping students in Lee County! #LCSthrive #BeginningTeacherOfTheYear
29 days ago, Lee County Schools
Haney recognized as Beginning Teacher of the Year
Haney recognized as Beginning Teacher of the Year
🌏 Meet the Staff Monday | Growing Together: Shaira Delina find purpose in cultural exchange at East Lee Middle

For Shaira Delina, teaching in Lee County Schools has been a journey of growth, cultural exchange and connection.

Now in her second year teaching in the United States, Delina brings her experience from the Philippines into her Language Arts classroom at East Lee Middle School while learning from her students and embracing a new school culture along the way.

Through the support of colleagues and administrators, she says she has found a place where she can continue growing as an educator while helping students learn the importance of kindness, compassion and respect for people from different backgrounds.

📖 Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/3142272

#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive
about 1 month ago, Lee County Schools
Shaira Delina Graphic Highlight
🎨Future Focused Friday | Creating Skills for a Lifetime

Visual arts give students much more than an opportunity to create. Through drawing, painting, design and other forms of artistic expression, students develop creativity, problem solving skills, and the confidence to turn an idea into something meaningful.

The process of creating also teaches students to observe closely, think critically, make decisions and adapt when things do not go as planned – skills that will serve them in classrooms, careers and life beyond graduation.

By giving students opportunities to explore their creativity today, our visual arts programs are helping lay a strong foundation for future success. Every blank canvas is a chance to imagine what is possible. 🎨✨

#LCSthrive #FutureFocusedFriday #ArtsInOurSchools
about 1 month ago, Lee County Schools
Arts in our Schools Week
Arts in our Schools Week
Arts in our Schools Week
Arts in our Schools Week