🎶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
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
💙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
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
🎉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
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
✂️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
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
❤️🖤 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
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
🚨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!
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!
🎉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
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
🌏 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
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
🎨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
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
🚌BREAKING NEW GROUND! 🚧
Lee County Schools officially broke ground today on a new Transportation Facility, marking the start of a long-awaited project that will provide a modern, state-of-the-art home for the team that helps keep our students moving safely every day.
For more than 50 years, our transportation staff has made the most of a facility built in the 1970’s. Now, a new chapter is beginning. This chapter will provide improved workspace, resources, and infrastructure to better support our employees, maintain our bus fleet and serve the thousands of students who depend on school transportation each day.
As Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach shared, this project is “an investment in the people and infrastructure that make it possible for Lee County Schools to serve all of our students each and every day.”
We’re excited to see this much needed facility begin to take shape and grateful to everyone who helped make this milestone possible!
📖 Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/3136967
#LCSthrive #Groundbreaking
Lee County Schools officially broke ground today on a new Transportation Facility, marking the start of a long-awaited project that will provide a modern, state-of-the-art home for the team that helps keep our students moving safely every day.
For more than 50 years, our transportation staff has made the most of a facility built in the 1970’s. Now, a new chapter is beginning. This chapter will provide improved workspace, resources, and infrastructure to better support our employees, maintain our bus fleet and serve the thousands of students who depend on school transportation each day.
As Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach shared, this project is “an investment in the people and infrastructure that make it possible for Lee County Schools to serve all of our students each and every day.”
We’re excited to see this much needed facility begin to take shape and grateful to everyone who helped make this milestone possible!
📖 Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/3136967
#LCSthrive #Groundbreaking
🎭🎶 Well-Being Wednesday | National Arts in Education Week 🎨🎺
The arts are an important part of helping students thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Programs like theatre, band, visual arts, and other creative opportunities give students spaces to express themselves, build confidence, collaborate with others, and discover where their talents can take them. At the same, arts education enriches the academic experience by strengthening creativity, communication, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
This week, we celebrate the educators and students who make the arts such a vibrant part of our schools and recognize the role arts education plays in supporting the whole student - academically, socially, and emotionally.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed September 13-19, 2026, as Arts in Education Week, recognizing arts education as an essential part of a complete and well-rounded education.
🎨Read the full proclamation: https://governor.nc.gov/governor-stein-proclaims-arts-education-week
#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive
The arts are an important part of helping students thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Programs like theatre, band, visual arts, and other creative opportunities give students spaces to express themselves, build confidence, collaborate with others, and discover where their talents can take them. At the same, arts education enriches the academic experience by strengthening creativity, communication, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
This week, we celebrate the educators and students who make the arts such a vibrant part of our schools and recognize the role arts education plays in supporting the whole student - academically, socially, and emotionally.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed September 13-19, 2026, as Arts in Education Week, recognizing arts education as an essential part of a complete and well-rounded education.
🎨Read the full proclamation: https://governor.nc.gov/governor-stein-proclaims-arts-education-week
#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive
🎉Meet the Staff Monday | Patience Whitehead creating a space where students feel seen at Lee County High
For LCHS science teacher Patience Whitehead, great teaching starts with strong relationships – with students and with the colleagues who support one another every day.
With 23 years in education and a track record of earning Teacher of the Year honors in each of the three districts she has worked, Whitehead brings experience, passion, and a deep commitment to helping students grow.
“The best thing about working here is the support of the department,” she said. “When you have this kind of support, you can accomplish a lot more than you thought you were capable of.”
Get to know Patience Whitehead and learn more about what keeps her inspired in the classroom.
👉Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/3129546
#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive
For LCHS science teacher Patience Whitehead, great teaching starts with strong relationships – with students and with the colleagues who support one another every day.
With 23 years in education and a track record of earning Teacher of the Year honors in each of the three districts she has worked, Whitehead brings experience, passion, and a deep commitment to helping students grow.
“The best thing about working here is the support of the department,” she said. “When you have this kind of support, you can accomplish a lot more than you thought you were capable of.”
Get to know Patience Whitehead and learn more about what keeps her inspired in the classroom.
👉Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/3129546
#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive
🐯Big growth. Big momentum. Big reasons to celebrate at W.B. Wicker Elementary! 🐯
W.B. Wicker posted an impressive EIGHT-point improvement in its overall School Performance Grade while exceeding expected student growth and ranking in the Top 10% statewide for K-5 growth.
While that is reason enough to be proud, the progress at W.B. Wicker runs even deeper. Wicker reached five-year highs in Math Achievement, English Learner progress and overall student growth – a strong sign of the sustained academic gains happening across the school.
Congratulations to everyone in the W.B. Wicker community for the hard work behind this remarkable progress! Let’s continue pushing for all students to have the opportunity to thrive! 💙💛
#LCSthrive
W.B. Wicker posted an impressive EIGHT-point improvement in its overall School Performance Grade while exceeding expected student growth and ranking in the Top 10% statewide for K-5 growth.
While that is reason enough to be proud, the progress at W.B. Wicker runs even deeper. Wicker reached five-year highs in Math Achievement, English Learner progress and overall student growth – a strong sign of the sustained academic gains happening across the school.
Congratulations to everyone in the W.B. Wicker community for the hard work behind this remarkable progress! Let’s continue pushing for all students to have the opportunity to thrive! 💙💛
#LCSthrive
🌟Sustained excellence. Still moving forward. 🌟
That’s the story at Tramway Elementary where the Tigersharks continue to build on a strong tradition of achievement posting a FIVE point overall improvement in its latest School Performance Grade while maintaining their B letter designation.
More impressively, student proficiency increased by 6.4% in a single year, showing meaningful academic progress across the entire school. We’re proud of all Tramway students, staff, and families for continuing to raise the standard and prove that strong schools can keep getting stronger! 🦈💜
#LCSthrive
That’s the story at Tramway Elementary where the Tigersharks continue to build on a strong tradition of achievement posting a FIVE point overall improvement in its latest School Performance Grade while maintaining their B letter designation.
More impressively, student proficiency increased by 6.4% in a single year, showing meaningful academic progress across the entire school. We’re proud of all Tramway students, staff, and families for continuing to raise the standard and prove that strong schools can keep getting stronger! 🦈💜
#LCSthrive
🐝Buzzing with progress at J. Glenn Edwards Elementary! 🐝
JGE is celebrating continued academic progress, posting gains in reading, math and science helping drive a three point overall improvement in the School Performance Grade.
A major highlight: reading achievement at the school went to a five-year high, contributing to a 1.3% increase in overall student proficiency. The school also met expected growth, reflecting the steady progress that has been a hallmark of classrooms at JGE.
Congratulations to the students, staff, and families at JGE. Let’s keep building momentum and BEEing EPIC! 💙💛
#LCSthrive
JGE is celebrating continued academic progress, posting gains in reading, math and science helping drive a three point overall improvement in the School Performance Grade.
A major highlight: reading achievement at the school went to a five-year high, contributing to a 1.3% increase in overall student proficiency. The school also met expected growth, reflecting the steady progress that has been a hallmark of classrooms at JGE.
Congratulations to the students, staff, and families at JGE. Let’s keep building momentum and BEEing EPIC! 💙💛
#LCSthrive
🏆Already great. Still getting better. 🏆
Lee Early College was already designated as the only “A” school in Lee County among all public and charter schools. The latest School Performance Grades show that excellence continues to climb.
LEC improved its overall performance score by FIVE points while exceeding expected student growth. These results are proof that even one of the highest-performing schools in the region continues to push forward to prepare students to thrive.
Congratulations to the students, staff and families at Lee Early College for setting a high standard and continuing to raise the bar! ❤️🖤
#LCSthrive
Lee Early College was already designated as the only “A” school in Lee County among all public and charter schools. The latest School Performance Grades show that excellence continues to climb.
LEC improved its overall performance score by FIVE points while exceeding expected student growth. These results are proof that even one of the highest-performing schools in the region continues to push forward to prepare students to thrive.
Congratulations to the students, staff and families at Lee Early College for setting a high standard and continuing to raise the bar! ❤️🖤
#LCSthrive
📈Progress is on the rise at B.T. Bullock Elementary!
B.T. Bullock is celebrating a strong School Performance Grade report, posting a three-point overall improvement and meeting expected student growth!
Even more encouraging, student proficiency increased by 2.7% reflecting the continued hard work of students, educators and families throughout the school.
Congratulations B.T. Bullock! Let’s keep moving forward and helping students thrive! 🧡💙
#LCSthrive
B.T. Bullock is celebrating a strong School Performance Grade report, posting a three-point overall improvement and meeting expected student growth!
Even more encouraging, student proficiency increased by 2.7% reflecting the continued hard work of students, educators and families throughout the school.
Congratulations B.T. Bullock! Let’s keep moving forward and helping students thrive! 🧡💙
#LCSthrive
🚀The Rockets are taking off! East Lee Middle School is celebrating the strongest academic progress in the district with the 2025-2026 School Performance Grade reports!
East Lee posted an impressive 14-POINT increase in its overall performance score! If that wasn’t enough evidence of tremendous gains, the school exceeded expected student growth and increased student proficiency by 8.9% points in just one year.
Those numbers represent so much hard work, determination and commitment from the entire East Lee community. The Rockets are moving forward, achieving more, and building an even brighter future for each student and family on campus.
Stronger today. Brighter tomorrow. Go Rockets! 🚀
#LCSthrive
East Lee posted an impressive 14-POINT increase in its overall performance score! If that wasn’t enough evidence of tremendous gains, the school exceeded expected student growth and increased student proficiency by 8.9% points in just one year.
Those numbers represent so much hard work, determination and commitment from the entire East Lee community. The Rockets are moving forward, achieving more, and building an even brighter future for each student and family on campus.
Stronger today. Brighter tomorrow. Go Rockets! 🚀
#LCSthrive
🎉CAV PRIDE is on the rise! Southern Lee High School is celebrating strong academic progress on the 2025-2026 School Performance Grades!
Southern Lee improved its overall performance score by five points, moved up to a C letter grade, and increased student proficiency by 4.9%. We are so proud of the hard work, focus, and commitment of SLHS students, staff, and families as they continue to build momentum and lay the foundation for every Cavalier to grow and thrive.
Congrats Cavs! 🧡💙
#LCSthrive
Southern Lee improved its overall performance score by five points, moved up to a C letter grade, and increased student proficiency by 4.9%. We are so proud of the hard work, focus, and commitment of SLHS students, staff, and families as they continue to build momentum and lay the foundation for every Cavalier to grow and thrive.
Congrats Cavs! 🧡💙
#LCSthrive
📈A decade of growth – and a new high-water mark for SanLee Middle School!
SanLee continued its strong record of academic progress in the 2025-2026 School Performance Report, posting a two-point improvement in its overall performance score and achieving the highest overall performance score in school history.
SanLee also met expected growth, marking an impressive 10th straight year the school has met or exceeded expected growth. That kind of sustained success is something our whole community can be proud of. It reflects years of hard work, consistency and commitment from students, staff and families. Congratulations to the Stallions on another strong year at SanLee! 💜💛
#LCSthrive
SanLee continued its strong record of academic progress in the 2025-2026 School Performance Report, posting a two-point improvement in its overall performance score and achieving the highest overall performance score in school history.
SanLee also met expected growth, marking an impressive 10th straight year the school has met or exceeded expected growth. That kind of sustained success is something our whole community can be proud of. It reflects years of hard work, consistency and commitment from students, staff and families. Congratulations to the Stallions on another strong year at SanLee! 💜💛
#LCSthrive
