Arts In Education Week 2025
The arts are more than a class or performance, they are a pathway to whole-student well being.
When students take the stage, pick up an instrument, or create something new, they are not just practicing skills, they're learning to manage emotions, build self-confidence, and connect with others. Theatre arts and other creative programs provide safe spaces where students can explore who they are, take risks, and celebrate their individuality.
These experiences strengthen social and emotional health, give students tools to cope with challenges, work as a team, and find joy in expressing themselves. Here in Lee County Schools, the arts help students thrive - mind, body, and spirit.
#LCSthrive #WellBeingWednesday #ArtsInEd2025
The arts are more than a class or performance, they are a pathway to whole-student well being.
When students take the stage, pick up an instrument, or create something new, they are not just practicing skills, they're learning to manage emotions, build self-confidence, and connect with others. Theatre arts and other creative programs provide safe spaces where students can explore who they are, take risks, and celebrate their individuality.
These experiences strengthen social and emotional health, give students tools to cope with challenges, work as a team, and find joy in expressing themselves. Here in Lee County Schools, the arts help students thrive - mind, body, and spirit.
#LCSthrive #WellBeingWednesday #ArtsInEd2025
📣 Families of AIG students, we want to hear from you!
Join us for the AIG Advisory Council Meeting on Monday, September 17, from 6–7 PM. This meeting is open to parents, guardians, students, educators, and interested community members. This is a great opportunity to share your voice, connect with other families, and help shape the future of our AIG program.
🗓 Date: Wednesday, September 17
⏰ Time: 6–7 PM
📍 Heins Education Building (106 Gordon St., Sanford)
Your input matters—together, we can continue to support and inspire our students to reach their full potential. ✨
Join us for the AIG Advisory Council Meeting on Monday, September 17, from 6–7 PM. This meeting is open to parents, guardians, students, educators, and interested community members. This is a great opportunity to share your voice, connect with other families, and help shape the future of our AIG program.
🗓 Date: Wednesday, September 17
⏰ Time: 6–7 PM
📍 Heins Education Building (106 Gordon St., Sanford)
Your input matters—together, we can continue to support and inspire our students to reach their full potential. ✨
Meet the Staff Monday!
This week we are excited to highlight Caleigh Davis, Band Teacher at SanLee Middle School!
For Ms. Davis, music isn't just about learning notes and rhythms, it is about creating a place where students can grow, belong, and shine. She said, "Band and music really became my happy place when I was in middle school. It gives kids a creative outlet to try something new, to make mistakes, overcome them, and do it all with friends."
We are so grateful for Ms. Davis' passion in helping SanLee students find their own "happy place" through music!
#LCSthrive #MeetTheStaff Monday #ArtsInEd25
This week we are excited to highlight Caleigh Davis, Band Teacher at SanLee Middle School!
For Ms. Davis, music isn't just about learning notes and rhythms, it is about creating a place where students can grow, belong, and shine. She said, "Band and music really became my happy place when I was in middle school. It gives kids a creative outlet to try something new, to make mistakes, overcome them, and do it all with friends."
We are so grateful for Ms. Davis' passion in helping SanLee students find their own "happy place" through music!
#LCSthrive #MeetTheStaff Monday #ArtsInEd25
This week we join schools across North Carolina in celebrating Arts in Education Week!
The arts are a powerful way to connect students to learning and to their school community. From theatre performances to ceramics projects, the arts encourage creativity, discipline, collaboration, and imagination, while helping students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Through the arts, students discover new ways to communicate, express ideas, and understand the world around them. Join us as we celebrate the incredible impact of the arts in our public schools!
#LCSthrive #ArtsInEdWeek25
The arts are a powerful way to connect students to learning and to their school community. From theatre performances to ceramics projects, the arts encourage creativity, discipline, collaboration, and imagination, while helping students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Through the arts, students discover new ways to communicate, express ideas, and understand the world around them. Join us as we celebrate the incredible impact of the arts in our public schools!
#LCSthrive #ArtsInEdWeek25
🌎✨ A Beautiful Day for Collaboration! ✨🌎
Fifth and Second Grade students at Tramway Elementary teamed up to explore how weather and climate shape our daily lives. Together, they researched locations around the world—discovering how weather impacts activities, clothing choices, and comfort in each place.
After gathering their findings, the students presented to their peers, practicing communication, teamwork, and presentation skills that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.
These projects may seem simple, but they’re powerful first steps toward building strong futures—where collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving make all the difference. 💡🙌
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive
Fifth and Second Grade students at Tramway Elementary teamed up to explore how weather and climate shape our daily lives. Together, they researched locations around the world—discovering how weather impacts activities, clothing choices, and comfort in each place.
After gathering their findings, the students presented to their peers, practicing communication, teamwork, and presentation skills that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.
These projects may seem simple, but they’re powerful first steps toward building strong futures—where collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving make all the difference. 💡🙌
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive
Go from TA to Teacher with Lee County Schools! We are committed to growing our employees and through LocalLEE - an initiative to provide pathways for students and current employees to become licensed teachers - we invite all classified employees interested in teaching to take their first step toward licensure with us on Thursday, September 25 at 6:00 PM at the Moore Center!
Not a current LCS employee? You’re welcome, too! Come learn how to join LCS as a Teacher Assistant and pursue our TA-to-Teacher Pathway to earn your license and teach in Lee County.
High school seniors and anyone interested in the program are also welcome to attend.
Representatives from Lee County Schools, Central Carolina Community College (CCCC), East Carolina University (ECU), and the Lee County Education Foundation will be on hand to answer questions about admissions/registration, course plans, timelines, and financial aid. We can also review transcripts on-site to help identify your best pathway.
RSVP is not required, but it is appreciated if you can let us know you would like to attend at this link: http://bit.ly/41PuMRZ
#TAtoTeacher #LocalLee #LCSthrive
Not a current LCS employee? You’re welcome, too! Come learn how to join LCS as a Teacher Assistant and pursue our TA-to-Teacher Pathway to earn your license and teach in Lee County.
High school seniors and anyone interested in the program are also welcome to attend.
Representatives from Lee County Schools, Central Carolina Community College (CCCC), East Carolina University (ECU), and the Lee County Education Foundation will be on hand to answer questions about admissions/registration, course plans, timelines, and financial aid. We can also review transcripts on-site to help identify your best pathway.
RSVP is not required, but it is appreciated if you can let us know you would like to attend at this link: http://bit.ly/41PuMRZ
#TAtoTeacher #LocalLee #LCSthrive
New this fall: Girls Flag Football makes its debut at Lee County Schools! 🏈
We’re thrilled to welcome girls’ flag football to Southern Lee High School and Lee County High School this Fall 2025 season, marking an exciting expansion of our athletic and well-being opportunities. Read more here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2410839
Flag football isn’t just about scoring points. It's about grit, resilience, teamwork, integrity, and finding your place in the school community. Together, we're not just playing a game—we're building stronger, more confident, and connected students.
#WellBeingWednesday #GirlsFlagFootball #LCSthrive
We’re thrilled to welcome girls’ flag football to Southern Lee High School and Lee County High School this Fall 2025 season, marking an exciting expansion of our athletic and well-being opportunities. Read more here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2410839
Flag football isn’t just about scoring points. It's about grit, resilience, teamwork, integrity, and finding your place in the school community. Together, we're not just playing a game—we're building stronger, more confident, and connected students.
#WellBeingWednesday #GirlsFlagFootball #LCSthrive
🏈 It’s Jamboree Time!
Don’t miss your chance to see the Jacket and Cavalier stars of the future as we kick off the Middle School Football Season with the Lee County Middle School Jamboree tomorrow at 5:00 PM at Southern Lee High School!
All three of our local middle schools will hit the field for head-to-head scrimmages in their first test of the season:
🟡 West Lee vs. SanLee (5:00 PM)
🔵 East Lee vs. SanLee (5:50 PM)
🟡 West Lee vs. East Lee (6:40 PM)
Come out, cheer loud, and support the future of Lee County football—see you there!
Don’t miss your chance to see the Jacket and Cavalier stars of the future as we kick off the Middle School Football Season with the Lee County Middle School Jamboree tomorrow at 5:00 PM at Southern Lee High School!
All three of our local middle schools will hit the field for head-to-head scrimmages in their first test of the season:
🟡 West Lee vs. SanLee (5:00 PM)
🔵 East Lee vs. SanLee (5:50 PM)
🟡 West Lee vs. East Lee (6:40 PM)
Come out, cheer loud, and support the future of Lee County football—see you there!
🍎 Meet the Staff Monday
Meet Josie Guin, who thought she might not make it back to college to finish her degrees when her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer during her second year. She uses her personal story to connect with students and show them that while their path may not be perfect, they can still thrive.
“I am so grateful everyday that I put my life back together four years later and went back to school to honor my grandmother. I get to talk to my students about it being okay to pick back up in unexpected ways, and be an example that even though something did not “go right” the first time, they can try again.”
#LCSthrive
Meet Josie Guin, who thought she might not make it back to college to finish her degrees when her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer during her second year. She uses her personal story to connect with students and show them that while their path may not be perfect, they can still thrive.
“I am so grateful everyday that I put my life back together four years later and went back to school to honor my grandmother. I get to talk to my students about it being okay to pick back up in unexpected ways, and be an example that even though something did not “go right” the first time, they can try again.”
#LCSthrive
STEM learning in our elementary schools is more than just science experiments and building projects—it’s planting the seeds of curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation. 🌱
By exploring STEM at an early age - like these students in Ms. Smith's STEM Exploratory Class at Broadway Elementary - our students gain the confidence and skills to dream big and pursue future careers in engineering, medicine, technology, space exploration, and beyond. 🌎✨
Today’s classroom explorers are tomorrow’s scientists, engineers, and innovators—and their journeys start here! 💡 #FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive
By exploring STEM at an early age - like these students in Ms. Smith's STEM Exploratory Class at Broadway Elementary - our students gain the confidence and skills to dream big and pursue future careers in engineering, medicine, technology, space exploration, and beyond. 🌎✨
Today’s classroom explorers are tomorrow’s scientists, engineers, and innovators—and their journeys start here! 💡 #FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive
Pat and Bob Clarke stopped by earlier this week and gave a VERY generous donation to help us support students in need throughout the year at any of our 17 schools.
We recognize that public education thrives because of individuals like them, those who choose to invest in the future by uplifting young people today. Their commitment sends a clear message: every child deserves the chance to reach their potential. We are honored to have them as partners in this important mission to help all students truly 'Thrive in Lee!'"
#LCSthrive
We recognize that public education thrives because of individuals like them, those who choose to invest in the future by uplifting young people today. Their commitment sends a clear message: every child deserves the chance to reach their potential. We are honored to have them as partners in this important mission to help all students truly 'Thrive in Lee!'"
#LCSthrive
🌟Building Strong Foundations One Breakfast at a Time🌟
Breakfast sets the tone for the whole day — and thanks to Cheri Freeman’s dedication as the Cafeteria Manager at Bragg Street, more students are starting their mornings with the fuel they need to succeed. 🍎🥞
Her efforts to grow participation helped Bragg Street Academy earn the 2025 North Carolina Breakfast Innovator Award! 🏆
👏 Huge thanks to Cheri, Dr. Shuey, the Bragg Street staff - and most importantly, our students - for making this possible. Together, we’re living out our district’s commitment to whole-student well-being by making sure every child has access to a healthy, nutritious and no-cost start to their day. 💙
#WellBeingWednesday #LCSThrive
Breakfast sets the tone for the whole day — and thanks to Cheri Freeman’s dedication as the Cafeteria Manager at Bragg Street, more students are starting their mornings with the fuel they need to succeed. 🍎🥞
Her efforts to grow participation helped Bragg Street Academy earn the 2025 North Carolina Breakfast Innovator Award! 🏆
👏 Huge thanks to Cheri, Dr. Shuey, the Bragg Street staff - and most importantly, our students - for making this possible. Together, we’re living out our district’s commitment to whole-student well-being by making sure every child has access to a healthy, nutritious and no-cost start to their day. 💙
#WellBeingWednesday #LCSThrive
Lee County High School Cheerleaders are hosting a Jr. Jacket Cheerleading Camp for football season! 💛🖤✨
📅 Camp Dates:
Tuesday, September 23
Thursday, September 25
🎉 Performance:
Mini cheerleaders are invited to cheer with the LCHS Cheerleaders at the home football game on Thursday, September 26!
👉 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/WBoux88Wea9fZx4Z6
(All details are included in the form!)
Don’t miss this fun opportunity to learn some cheers, make new friends, and cheer on the Jackets under the lights! 🏈📣🐝
📅 Camp Dates:
Tuesday, September 23
Thursday, September 25
🎉 Performance:
Mini cheerleaders are invited to cheer with the LCHS Cheerleaders at the home football game on Thursday, September 26!
👉 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/WBoux88Wea9fZx4Z6
(All details are included in the form!)
Don’t miss this fun opportunity to learn some cheers, make new friends, and cheer on the Jackets under the lights! 🏈📣🐝
Happy Labor Day!
Today we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of our incredible staff, families, and community members who make our schools thrive. 💙🍎
Enjoy a safe and restful holiday—you’ve earned it!
#LaborDay #LCSthrive
Today we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of our incredible staff, families, and community members who make our schools thrive. 💙🍎
Enjoy a safe and restful holiday—you’ve earned it!
#LaborDay #LCSthrive
💻 Did you know? Our students can take Career & Technical Education courses like Cybersecurity!
Through this two-course program, students not only gain the essential skills to stay safe in today’s digital world, but they also graduate with the industry-recognized CompTIA Security+ certification—a credential that sets them apart for jobs and higher education opportunities in the tech field.
This certification highlights their ability to secure networks, applications, and devices while protecting data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. In a world where connected businesses are the norm, we’re preparing students with the foundation they need to succeed—right here in our local public schools, in our community, and wherever life takes them.
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive
Through this two-course program, students not only gain the essential skills to stay safe in today’s digital world, but they also graduate with the industry-recognized CompTIA Security+ certification—a credential that sets them apart for jobs and higher education opportunities in the tech field.
This certification highlights their ability to secure networks, applications, and devices while protecting data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. In a world where connected businesses are the norm, we’re preparing students with the foundation they need to succeed—right here in our local public schools, in our community, and wherever life takes them.
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive
📸 Building Belonging & Community
Meet the SLHS Cavalier Band Program! 🎶✨ Arts education and student activity groups like band play a powerful role in fostering inclusion and positivity on campus. These programs create a welcoming place of connection, build a sense of belonging, and give students the chance to grow, take on challenges, and develop new skills—together.
As part of our focus on comprehensive student well-being, we are committed to ensuring opportunities like marching band and fine arts programs remain available and accessible for all students—fueling our whole-student approach to quality education.
#WellBeingWednesday #BuildingBelonging #LCSthrive
Meet the SLHS Cavalier Band Program! 🎶✨ Arts education and student activity groups like band play a powerful role in fostering inclusion and positivity on campus. These programs create a welcoming place of connection, build a sense of belonging, and give students the chance to grow, take on challenges, and develop new skills—together.
As part of our focus on comprehensive student well-being, we are committed to ensuring opportunities like marching band and fine arts programs remain available and accessible for all students—fueling our whole-student approach to quality education.
#WellBeingWednesday #BuildingBelonging #LCSthrive
Learning in action! 📚
Mr. Bryant’s Academy of Engineering class at Southern Lee High School is giving students hands-on experience with materials testing as they design and create projects across multiple engineering disciplines. These real-world skills are helping build a strong foundation for success in college, careers, and beyond!
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive
Mr. Bryant’s Academy of Engineering class at Southern Lee High School is giving students hands-on experience with materials testing as they design and create projects across multiple engineering disciplines. These real-world skills are helping build a strong foundation for success in college, careers, and beyond!
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive
School is about more than academics—it’s about the whole child. 💙
That’s why Comprehensive Student Well-Being, Safety, and Resilience is a cornerstone of our Thrive in Lee Strategic Plan.
Tyshonne McSwain is one of our dedicated school social workers. "Mr. Ty" and his colleagues in the Student Services Department walk alongside students—supporting them socially, emotionally, and academically.
From navigating challenging emotions and behaviors to overcoming life’s obstacles, their work ensures all students have the tools to thrive—inside and outside the classroom.
✨ Real supports. Real care. Real smiles.
#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive
That’s why Comprehensive Student Well-Being, Safety, and Resilience is a cornerstone of our Thrive in Lee Strategic Plan.
Tyshonne McSwain is one of our dedicated school social workers. "Mr. Ty" and his colleagues in the Student Services Department walk alongside students—supporting them socially, emotionally, and academically.
From navigating challenging emotions and behaviors to overcoming life’s obstacles, their work ensures all students have the tools to thrive—inside and outside the classroom.
✨ Real supports. Real care. Real smiles.
#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive
High Five for Hometown Heroes!
This morning 94.7 QDR announced that one of our own is their Hometown Hero for the week! Kevin Spivey is a School Resource Officer at Deep River Elementary School. He has served at Deep River for the last 8 years and for more than two decades in schools at all levels. He is known for building relationships, reinforcing positive behavior and devotion to students and his community.
We could not think of a better honoree! Deep River had a special assembly this morning to hear the announcement live on the radio!
#LCSthrive
This morning 94.7 QDR announced that one of our own is their Hometown Hero for the week! Kevin Spivey is a School Resource Officer at Deep River Elementary School. He has served at Deep River for the last 8 years and for more than two decades in schools at all levels. He is known for building relationships, reinforcing positive behavior and devotion to students and his community.
We could not think of a better honoree! Deep River had a special assembly this morning to hear the announcement live on the radio!
#LCSthrive
✨ As part of our Thrive in Lee Strategic Plan, we’re committed to operational efficiency and long-term sustainability — and we’re thrilled to give you a sneak peek of the next big step forward!
🏫 The Warren Williams Preschool Program now has a beautiful new home on the campus of W.B. Wicker Elementary. These bright, spacious, and modern learning spaces are designed to give our youngest learners the very best start as they prepare for kindergarten and beyond.
From streamlined security to optimized food service, every detail of this move helps us create the safest, most supportive environment for students to thrive.
📅 For the very first time this year, the full Warren Williams family will come together under this new roof on August 28th — and we can’t wait! 💛
#LCSthrive
🏫 The Warren Williams Preschool Program now has a beautiful new home on the campus of W.B. Wicker Elementary. These bright, spacious, and modern learning spaces are designed to give our youngest learners the very best start as they prepare for kindergarten and beyond.
From streamlined security to optimized food service, every detail of this move helps us create the safest, most supportive environment for students to thrive.
📅 For the very first time this year, the full Warren Williams family will come together under this new roof on August 28th — and we can’t wait! 💛
#LCSthrive
