Celebrate a well-deserved national honor for one of our own! 🎉
Kaitlyn Adams, family and consumer sciences teacher at Lee County High School, has been named one of just five winners of the Rack Room Shoes Teacher of the Year Award. Known for creating an inclusive classroom and showing up for students at games, performances and even their workplaces, Ms. Adams goes above and beyond to make every student feel seen, supported, and valued.
Congratulations, Ms. Adams, on this outstanding recognition and thank your or the difference you make every day for our students and school community! ♥️💙
Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2892716
#LCSthrive
Kaitlyn Adams, family and consumer sciences teacher at Lee County High School, has been named one of just five winners of the Rack Room Shoes Teacher of the Year Award. Known for creating an inclusive classroom and showing up for students at games, performances and even their workplaces, Ms. Adams goes above and beyond to make every student feel seen, supported, and valued.
Congratulations, Ms. Adams, on this outstanding recognition and thank your or the difference you make every day for our students and school community! ♥️💙
Read the full story: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2892716
#LCSthrive
As we close out Teacher Appreciation Week across the district, we want to say thank you to the teachers and staff members who make the daily effort and sacrifices required to provide a top-quality educational experience for all students in our local public schools. Your hard work, commitment, and determination to make a difference in the lives of your students are what make this district a place where students can thrive.
We also want to take a moment to thank the many individuals, local businesses, and organizations that donated food, thoughtful gifts, and other acts of kindness that made our teachers feel so special this week. We are grateful to live in a community that recognizes the value teachers and school staff bring to our students and to the lives of families across Lee County. Thank you for helping us honor the educators who work every day to lay the foundation for success for the next generation.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
#LCSthrive #TeacherAppreciation2026
We also want to take a moment to thank the many individuals, local businesses, and organizations that donated food, thoughtful gifts, and other acts of kindness that made our teachers feel so special this week. We are grateful to live in a community that recognizes the value teachers and school staff bring to our students and to the lives of families across Lee County. Thank you for helping us honor the educators who work every day to lay the foundation for success for the next generation.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
#LCSthrive #TeacherAppreciation2026
On this #WellBeingWednesday, we highlight one of the staples of our whole-student wellness and safety plan as we take a moment to thank our school nurses!
Today is National School Nurse Day and Nurses Week! We proudly celebrate the incredible school nurses across our district who show up every single day with compassion, skill, and dedication. From caring for our students' health needs to supporting staff and promoting safe learning environments, your impact reaches far beyond the clinic. Your commitment to the well-being of every child and staff member does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all that you do - today and every day. We are grateful for you!
#SchoolNursesWeek #LCSthrive
Today is National School Nurse Day and Nurses Week! We proudly celebrate the incredible school nurses across our district who show up every single day with compassion, skill, and dedication. From caring for our students' health needs to supporting staff and promoting safe learning environments, your impact reaches far beyond the clinic. Your commitment to the well-being of every child and staff member does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all that you do - today and every day. We are grateful for you!
#SchoolNursesWeek #LCSthrive
🍎 Meet the Staff Monday: Abbie Milford 🍎
From summer camp counselor to the classroom, first-year teacher Abbie Milford is following her passion for working with kids at B.T. Bullock Elementary School. After returning home to Sanford, she took a leap of faith and quickly found herself leading a fourth grade classroom where she is making a difference every day.
Abbie says teaching has always brought her joy, even on the toughest days, and she’s grateful for the strong support system and community that make Bullock and Lee County Schools feel like home.
👉 Read her full story here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2866649
#LCSthrive #MeetTheStaffMonday
From summer camp counselor to the classroom, first-year teacher Abbie Milford is following her passion for working with kids at B.T. Bullock Elementary School. After returning home to Sanford, she took a leap of faith and quickly found herself leading a fourth grade classroom where she is making a difference every day.
Abbie says teaching has always brought her joy, even on the toughest days, and she’s grateful for the strong support system and community that make Bullock and Lee County Schools feel like home.
👉 Read her full story here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2866649
#LCSthrive #MeetTheStaffMonday
🍎📚💙 Happy Principal Appreciation Day! 🍎📚💙
In Lee County Schools, every school year is a new chapter filled with growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments. At the center of it all are our incredible principals.
Today, we honor the leaders who inspire, guide, and create the kind of environments where students and staff can thrive. Your commitment, compassion, and leadership make a lasting difference in our schools and community! We are grateful for all that you do each day.
#LCSthrive #PrincipalAppreciationDay2026
In Lee County Schools, every school year is a new chapter filled with growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments. At the center of it all are our incredible principals.
Today, we honor the leaders who inspire, guide, and create the kind of environments where students and staff can thrive. Your commitment, compassion, and leadership make a lasting difference in our schools and community! We are grateful for all that you do each day.
#LCSthrive #PrincipalAppreciationDay2026
Today across the district we celebrate School Lunch Hero Day!
Did you know that in the first 150 days of school this year, the 76 members of our child nutrition staff have served more than 1.2 MILLION meals to students in Lee County Schools?
Our child nutrition staff works tirelessly to ensure that our students are fueled up, cared for and supplied with the nutrition they need to thrive each day in and out of school. We are so grateful for their service and dedication to supporting the students in our community!
#LCSthrive
Did you know that in the first 150 days of school this year, the 76 members of our child nutrition staff have served more than 1.2 MILLION meals to students in Lee County Schools?
Our child nutrition staff works tirelessly to ensure that our students are fueled up, cared for and supplied with the nutrition they need to thrive each day in and out of school. We are so grateful for their service and dedication to supporting the students in our community!
#LCSthrive
On behalf of the Lee County Association of Educators, we invite you to the 2025-2026 Lee County Scholars Night Awards Ceremony.
The Awards Night will be held at Southern Lee High School on Monday, May 4 at 6:00 PM. We are excited to celebrate our outstanding scholars for the 32nd annual Awards Night!
The Awards Night will be held at Southern Lee High School on Monday, May 4 at 6:00 PM. We are excited to celebrate our outstanding scholars for the 32nd annual Awards Night!
💜 Lee County Schools is leveling up our already high level of support for military students and families! 💜
For the first time since the program began in 2019, every school campus in the district has earned the Purple Star Award from NCDPI, recognizing and certifying our strong support for military-connected students and families.
This milestone places Lee County among just 20 districts statewide to carry the Purple Star District Award! 🎉
From dedicated staff liaisons to programs that ease transitions, our local public schools are committed to helping military families feel welcomed, supported, and at home so their children have what they need to thrive.
Read more about our commitment and this honor here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2852453
#MonthOfTheMilitaryChild #LCSthrive #PurpleStarDistrict
For the first time since the program began in 2019, every school campus in the district has earned the Purple Star Award from NCDPI, recognizing and certifying our strong support for military-connected students and families.
This milestone places Lee County among just 20 districts statewide to carry the Purple Star District Award! 🎉
From dedicated staff liaisons to programs that ease transitions, our local public schools are committed to helping military families feel welcomed, supported, and at home so their children have what they need to thrive.
Read more about our commitment and this honor here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2852453
#MonthOfTheMilitaryChild #LCSthrive #PurpleStarDistrict
♟️🏆 CHECKMATE COBRAS, Again! ♟️🏆
Lee Early College claimed their THIRD straight LCS Secondary Chess Championship racking up an impressive 19 match points out of a possible 24! 💪
Special recognition goes to a pair of seniors who were given the Kim Ashby Knight’s Honor Award - Omar Sanchez Sayas from LCHS and Mack Moore III from LEC. The award was given in recognition of their leadership, sportsmanship and love of the game. ♥️
Read more about the tournament here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2850554
#LCSthrive
Lee Early College claimed their THIRD straight LCS Secondary Chess Championship racking up an impressive 19 match points out of a possible 24! 💪
Special recognition goes to a pair of seniors who were given the Kim Ashby Knight’s Honor Award - Omar Sanchez Sayas from LCHS and Mack Moore III from LEC. The award was given in recognition of their leadership, sportsmanship and love of the game. ♥️
Read more about the tournament here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2850554
#LCSthrive
On a special edition of Meet the Staff Monday: Ron Coley's Final Bow
After 31 years in education and 19 years at Lee County High School, longtime theatre teacher Ron Coley is taking his final curtain call - and he is going out the same way he began.
This weekend's production of M.A.S.H, isn't just a show, it is a full-circle moment, a tribute to generations to students, and a celebration of a program he helped build from the ground up.
He said, "If you can go to work every day and laugh and be silly, and still make an impact - that's a win."
Come be part of this special sendoff and help us celebrate Mr. Coley's incredible legacy on stage.
📅 Showtimes for M.A.S.H.
- Friday, May 1 at 7:00 PM
- Saturday, May 2 at 7:00 PM
- Sunday, May 3 at 2:30 PM
🎟️ Invite a former castmate, bring a friend, and don't miss your chance to see the final production of a teacher who has inspired nearly two decades of performers at Lee County High.
👉 Read the full Meet the Staff Monday story and learn more about Mr. Coley's journey and impact: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2846426
#LCSthrive #MeetTheStaffMonday
After 31 years in education and 19 years at Lee County High School, longtime theatre teacher Ron Coley is taking his final curtain call - and he is going out the same way he began.
This weekend's production of M.A.S.H, isn't just a show, it is a full-circle moment, a tribute to generations to students, and a celebration of a program he helped build from the ground up.
He said, "If you can go to work every day and laugh and be silly, and still make an impact - that's a win."
Come be part of this special sendoff and help us celebrate Mr. Coley's incredible legacy on stage.
📅 Showtimes for M.A.S.H.
- Friday, May 1 at 7:00 PM
- Saturday, May 2 at 7:00 PM
- Sunday, May 3 at 2:30 PM
🎟️ Invite a former castmate, bring a friend, and don't miss your chance to see the final production of a teacher who has inspired nearly two decades of performers at Lee County High.
👉 Read the full Meet the Staff Monday story and learn more about Mr. Coley's journey and impact: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2846426
#LCSthrive #MeetTheStaffMonday
Last week, many of our fifth grade students got their first taste of interscholastic athletics as our elementary schools came together for Fifth Grade Track Day at Southern Lee. Students practiced events like the 100- and 200-meter dash, softball throw, and jump rope leading up to the competition which provided them an opportunity to challenge themselves against peers from across the district.
As these students gave their all, it served as a powerful reminder of the pathways we are working to create for them - pathways that lead to future educational and career opportunities. Every student has a unique journey and distinct gifts. That is why offering a wide range of academic, career, and technical programs remains a cornerstone of our strategic plan.
From one of the top Early College programs in the state to four nationally accredited NAF academies at each of our traditional high schools in addition to dozens of career and technical education pathways, Lee County Schools is equipping students with real-world skills and a strong foundation whether they plan to continue their education or enter the workforce.
When we meet students where they are and help them discover the lane they want to run in, we open the door to a future filled with opportunity. We open the door to the next generation of thriving community leaders.
#LCSthrive #FutureFocusedFriday
As these students gave their all, it served as a powerful reminder of the pathways we are working to create for them - pathways that lead to future educational and career opportunities. Every student has a unique journey and distinct gifts. That is why offering a wide range of academic, career, and technical programs remains a cornerstone of our strategic plan.
From one of the top Early College programs in the state to four nationally accredited NAF academies at each of our traditional high schools in addition to dozens of career and technical education pathways, Lee County Schools is equipping students with real-world skills and a strong foundation whether they plan to continue their education or enter the workforce.
When we meet students where they are and help them discover the lane they want to run in, we open the door to a future filled with opportunity. We open the door to the next generation of thriving community leaders.
#LCSthrive #FutureFocusedFriday
Today, we celebrate Administrative Professionals Day and the incredible individuals who keep our schools and district running smoothly every single day.
From managing countless details behind the scenes to being the first friendly face students, staff, and families see, our administrative professionals are the backbone of our school system. Their dedication, organization, and care ensure that the choreographed chaos of a school day stays on track so our educators can focus on what matters most - our students.
To each of our administrative professionals, thank you for your hard work, your patience, and the countless ways you support our school community. We appreciate you today and every day!
From managing countless details behind the scenes to being the first friendly face students, staff, and families see, our administrative professionals are the backbone of our school system. Their dedication, organization, and care ensure that the choreographed chaos of a school day stays on track so our educators can focus on what matters most - our students.
To each of our administrative professionals, thank you for your hard work, your patience, and the countless ways you support our school community. We appreciate you today and every day!
🍎 Meet the Staff Monday 🍎
Get to know Leslie Patterson, a dedicated math teacher at West Lee Middle School whose journey to the classroom is nothing short of inspiring.
From working 20 years in early childhood education to returning to college at 48, Patterson proves it is never too late to follow your passion. Her mission? Helping students grow no just academically, but into respectful, confident and caring individuals.
“I want them to leave seventh grade knowing that they are better than when they came in,” she shares.”
👉 Read more about her TA to Teacher pathway and the impact she is making on students every day: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2832084
#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive #TAtoTeacher
Get to know Leslie Patterson, a dedicated math teacher at West Lee Middle School whose journey to the classroom is nothing short of inspiring.
From working 20 years in early childhood education to returning to college at 48, Patterson proves it is never too late to follow your passion. Her mission? Helping students grow no just academically, but into respectful, confident and caring individuals.
“I want them to leave seventh grade knowing that they are better than when they came in,” she shares.”
👉 Read more about her TA to Teacher pathway and the impact she is making on students every day: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2832084
#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive #TAtoTeacher
Earlier this week, some of our youngest learners took a big step forward toward a confident future! First grade students from across the district came together for our Teddy Bear Fair, hosted by our Career & Technical Education Department.
With their favorite stuffed friends in hand, students explored the world of health and emergency careers in a fun, hands-on way. From check-ups and "emergency" care stations, to meeting real-life professionals, our students learned what it means to be helpers in their communities.
This engaging experience not only introduced exciting career pathways like doctors, nurses, EMTs, and more, but also helped ease uncertainty by familiarizing students with medical environments and emergency situations. By turning learning into play, opportunities like the Teddy Bear Fair help students build confidence, curiosity, and resilience - one stuffed friend at a time.
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive #CareerExploration
With their favorite stuffed friends in hand, students explored the world of health and emergency careers in a fun, hands-on way. From check-ups and "emergency" care stations, to meeting real-life professionals, our students learned what it means to be helpers in their communities.
This engaging experience not only introduced exciting career pathways like doctors, nurses, EMTs, and more, but also helped ease uncertainty by familiarizing students with medical environments and emergency situations. By turning learning into play, opportunities like the Teddy Bear Fair help students build confidence, curiosity, and resilience - one stuffed friend at a time.
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive #CareerExploration
💜 April is Month of the Military Child 💜
At J. Glenn Edwards Elementary School, supporting military-connected students and families isn’t just something they do. It is a passion.
As a proud Purple Star Award school - and the first such awardee of our district’s ten active honorees - J. Glenn Edwards leads the way in creating a welcoming, supportive environment for the many military families who walk through our doors each year. With about 50 active-duty families, JGE’s school community understands the unique challenges of transitions, deployments, and starting over. We meet those challenges with compassion, connection and care.
From weekly counseling groups led by our dedicated Military Family Life Counselor to meaningful programs like Dandelion Troops, JGE ensures every student feels seen, supported, and never alone.
At JGE and our other Purple Star Award Schools across the district, it is about more than a designation. It is a promise to honor the resilience of our military children and provide a place where they truly belong.
Read more about J. Glenn Edwards’ Purple Star Award journey here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2823653
#MonthOfTheMilitaryChild #PurpleStarSchool #LCSthrive
At J. Glenn Edwards Elementary School, supporting military-connected students and families isn’t just something they do. It is a passion.
As a proud Purple Star Award school - and the first such awardee of our district’s ten active honorees - J. Glenn Edwards leads the way in creating a welcoming, supportive environment for the many military families who walk through our doors each year. With about 50 active-duty families, JGE’s school community understands the unique challenges of transitions, deployments, and starting over. We meet those challenges with compassion, connection and care.
From weekly counseling groups led by our dedicated Military Family Life Counselor to meaningful programs like Dandelion Troops, JGE ensures every student feels seen, supported, and never alone.
At JGE and our other Purple Star Award Schools across the district, it is about more than a designation. It is a promise to honor the resilience of our military children and provide a place where they truly belong.
Read more about J. Glenn Edwards’ Purple Star Award journey here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2823653
#MonthOfTheMilitaryChild #PurpleStarSchool #LCSthrive
💚 Meet the Staff Monday: Ellen Silverman 💚
At Greenwood Elementary, the front office is more than a place. It is the heart of the school. It is where every student, parent, and visitor is welcomed with kindness and care.
Administrative Assistant and Receptionist Ellen Silverman brings that warmth to life each day, making sure everyone who walks through the doors feels heard, valued, and supported. As she puts it, “I want them to feel welcome, like they are a top priority. Because they are.”
From building meaningful connections to offering encouragement when it is needed most, Ellen’s impact goes far beyond her role. She helps Greenwood feel like family.
👉Read more about Ellen’s story and the difference she makes every day: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2817767
#LCSthrive #MeetTheStaffMonday
At Greenwood Elementary, the front office is more than a place. It is the heart of the school. It is where every student, parent, and visitor is welcomed with kindness and care.
Administrative Assistant and Receptionist Ellen Silverman brings that warmth to life each day, making sure everyone who walks through the doors feels heard, valued, and supported. As she puts it, “I want them to feel welcome, like they are a top priority. Because they are.”
From building meaningful connections to offering encouragement when it is needed most, Ellen’s impact goes far beyond her role. She helps Greenwood feel like family.
👉Read more about Ellen’s story and the difference she makes every day: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2817767
#LCSthrive #MeetTheStaffMonday
Last Dawgs Standing: How LEC and Bragg Street Academy have partnered to bring a competitive robotics program to their school communities
From classroom collaboration to statewide competition, the “Cobra Dawgs” robotics team is proving what is possible when passion meeting support!
Formed just two years ago by dedicated teachers and fueled by incredible community sponsors, this team of 15 middle and high school students has already earned a spot among North Carolina’s top 36 FIRST Tech Challenge teams and brought home the prestigious Innovate Award! 🏆
Through months of hard work, creativity, and teamwork, these students are building more than robots, their building their own future-focused pathway to success.
👏 Huge thanks to the sponsors, educators and community members helping these students thrive and inspire the next generation of engineers.
👉 Read the full story and see how the Cobra Dawgs are charging ahead: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2813437
#LCSthrive #FutureFocusedFriday
From classroom collaboration to statewide competition, the “Cobra Dawgs” robotics team is proving what is possible when passion meeting support!
Formed just two years ago by dedicated teachers and fueled by incredible community sponsors, this team of 15 middle and high school students has already earned a spot among North Carolina’s top 36 FIRST Tech Challenge teams and brought home the prestigious Innovate Award! 🏆
Through months of hard work, creativity, and teamwork, these students are building more than robots, their building their own future-focused pathway to success.
👏 Huge thanks to the sponsors, educators and community members helping these students thrive and inspire the next generation of engineers.
👉 Read the full story and see how the Cobra Dawgs are charging ahead: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2813437
#LCSthrive #FutureFocusedFriday
Earlier this week, we had the tremendous honor to unveil the new Outdoor Fitness Area at Bragg Street Academy, now officially named in honor of long-time physical education instructor Vincent Phelps.
For more than 25 years, Mr. Phelps dedicated his life to education and making a difference in the lives of students and colleagues, mostly at Bragg Street Academy. His passion for physical wellness, commitment to student success, and deeply held belief that healthy bodies build strong minds helped shape an entire school community. Students, staff, families, Board Members, and district administrators gathered to celebrate not just a new space for student fitness, but honoring the legacy that Mr. Phelps left behind at the school.
The Vincent Phelps Outdoor Fitness Area will not just serve as a place for students to exercise, it will remain a lasting tribute to a life devoted to uplifting others. We are excited that this space bears the name of a person who will continue to inspired future generations, reminding us all of the importance of perseverance, health, and heart.
Thank you, Mr. Phelps, for your many years of challenging students to be their best selves and the countless people that you have helped in their educational journey.
For more than 25 years, Mr. Phelps dedicated his life to education and making a difference in the lives of students and colleagues, mostly at Bragg Street Academy. His passion for physical wellness, commitment to student success, and deeply held belief that healthy bodies build strong minds helped shape an entire school community. Students, staff, families, Board Members, and district administrators gathered to celebrate not just a new space for student fitness, but honoring the legacy that Mr. Phelps left behind at the school.
The Vincent Phelps Outdoor Fitness Area will not just serve as a place for students to exercise, it will remain a lasting tribute to a life devoted to uplifting others. We are excited that this space bears the name of a person who will continue to inspired future generations, reminding us all of the importance of perseverance, health, and heart.
Thank you, Mr. Phelps, for your many years of challenging students to be their best selves and the countless people that you have helped in their educational journey.
This week, we celebrate the incredible work and dedication of Assistant Principals who show up each day with heart, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to students and staff.
Behind the scenes and on the front lines, assistant principals wear many hats. They are mentors, problem-solvers, leaders, encouragers, and advocates. They help create safe, supportive learning environments, guide students through challenges, and empower teachers to do their best work.
Their impact is often quiet but deeply meaningful. Whether it is a conversation that changes a students path, support that lifts a teacher's spirit, or leadership that strengthens an entire school community, assistant principals make a difference in countless ways every single day.
To each assistant principal across our district - Thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and your tireless efforts. Your work does not go unnoticed, and your influence shapes brighter futures for all.
#AssistantPrincipalWeek #LCSthrive
Behind the scenes and on the front lines, assistant principals wear many hats. They are mentors, problem-solvers, leaders, encouragers, and advocates. They help create safe, supportive learning environments, guide students through challenges, and empower teachers to do their best work.
Their impact is often quiet but deeply meaningful. Whether it is a conversation that changes a students path, support that lifts a teacher's spirit, or leadership that strengthens an entire school community, assistant principals make a difference in countless ways every single day.
To each assistant principal across our district - Thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and your tireless efforts. Your work does not go unnoticed, and your influence shapes brighter futures for all.
#AssistantPrincipalWeek #LCSthrive
Happy Easter from all of us at Lee County Schools!
We hope you enjoy this day with your family and loved ones.
As a reminder, students are out of school one more day! They all return to campus on Tuesday and we can't wait to finish the year strong!
