Lee County Schools -

As we celebrate the Christmas season, Lee County Schools extends warm wishes to our students, families, staff, and community partners.

This time of year invites us to reflect on the values that guide our work each day - kindness, generosity, gratitude, and service to others. We are thankful for the dedication of our teachers and staff, the support of our families, and the gift that is each of our students. Together, you make our schools places where learning, care, and community thrive.

May this holiday season bring you peace, joy, and meaningful time with loved ones. We wish you a safe and restful break and look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, renewed and ready to continue supporting every student, every day.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year from all of us at Lee County Schools.

If you are looking for a way to get out of the house for a bit the days after Christmas, come catch some great local basketball action as Lee County High School hosts the annual Yellow Jacket Christmas Tournament on Friday, December 26th, Saturday, December 27th, and Monday, December 29th!

Games tip off each day at 11 AM, 1, 3, 5, and 7 PM.

Girls Field: Union Pines, Western Harnett, Southern Lee, Eastern Randolph, Lee County, and Ascend
Boys Field: Cary, Eastern Randolph, Ascend, and Lee County

CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY!

An early Christmas surprise brought extra holiday cheer to Deep River Elementary School last week. Thanks to a generous grant from the Kids in Need Foundation, Teacher Support Boxes supplied by 3M Corporation were delivered to our classrooms - providing essential supplies and resources to support teaching and learning.

These boxes are more than just materials; they are a meaningful investment in our teachers and the work they do every day for students. We are grateful to the Kids In Need Foundation and 3M for helping ensure our teachers at Deep River have the tools they need to create engaging, successful learning experiences.

This thoughtful gift truly embodies the spirit of the season!

Celebrating High School Artistic Excellence!

We are proud to recognize the exceptional high school students honored in the 2025 Lee County Schools Holiday Card Design Contest. Their artwork demonstrated originality, skill, and a thoughtful interpretation of the holiday spirit.

High School Division Winners
- Honorable Mention - "Sunsetting Snowman" by Riley E. - 11th Grade at Lee County High
-3rd Place - "Chimney Greeting" by Michael W. - 10th Grade at Southern Lee High
-2nd Place - "Santa's Newest Reindeer" by Liedy M. - 9th Grade at Lee County High
-1st Place - "It's Time" by Alondra V.-S. - 12th Grade at Southern Lee High

Congratulations to these talented artists on their well-earned recognition, and thank you to all students who participated. Your creativity and dedication highlight the strength of the arts in Lee County Schools.
#LCSthrive #LCSHolidayCard25

Students with full hearts thrive—and that belief is at the center of everything Yolanda Vazquez, a second-grade teacher at B.T. Bullock, brings to her classroom.

Earlier this year, Ms. Vazquez invited her students to color and design a winter cap using their own creativity. What they did not know was that, over the following months, Ms. Vazquez, her mother, and her sisters worked tirelessly to transform each child’s design into a handmade crocheted or knitted winter hat—one for every student.

Yesterday was the “Big Reveal.” With the Vazquez family gathered in the classroom, students opened their gifts to find both their original coloring sheet and a beautifully crafted winter cap inspired by their own artwork. It was a moment of surprise, joy, and connection—one they will remember long after the holidays.

The gift itself was meaningful, but the message behind it was even more powerful. This act of love reflects Ms. Vazquez’s deep care for her students and her commitment to ensuring they know they are valued. It is this care and passion that builds trust, supports emotional well-being, and creates the foundation for lasting academic growth.

As we head into the holiday break, we hope all Lee County Schools students and staff do so knowing they are part of a caring community—one that works every day to ensure every child feels loved, supported, and prepared to thrive.

#LCSthrive

For nearly a decade, Deep River Elementary's Student Council has shown what leadership through service looks like - bringing hope, comfort, and smiles to families at the HAVEN of Lee County through their annual Toy & Donation Drive. From collecting gifts and winter clothing to personally delivering donations, these students are learning the power of giving back to their community.

Read how this meaningful tradition is shaping young leaders and making a lasting impact: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2605421

#LCSthrive

HOLIDAY CHEER

We are proud to recognize the talented elementary artists who were selected as winners in the 2025 Lee County Schools Holiday Card Design Contest! Their creativity, originality, and festive spirit truly captured the season!

Elementary Division Winners:
- First Place - "Christmas Cat" by Nansly V. - 5th Grader at Deep River Elementary
- Second Place - "A Cookie for Santa" by Emani C. - 5th Grader at J. Glenn Edwards Elementary
- Third Place - "Reason for the Season" by Kambree C. - 5th Grader at Tramway Elementary
- Honorable Mention - "Christmas Mouse" by Aries C. - 2nd Grader at J.R. Ingram Elementary.

Congratulations to each of these students for their outstanding artwork and to all participants who shared their creativity. Thank you to our teachers and families for supporting student expression in the arts across our schools!

#LCSthrive #LCSHoildayCards25

REMINDER: Friday, December 19th is the final day of classes before Christmas Break. Students will be released early, so please plan accordingly for transportation and afternoon arrangements.

12:00 Noon Release
• Elementary Schools
• Floyd L. Knight School
• SanLee Middle School
• Lee Early College

12:15 PM Release
• Bragg Street Academy
• East Lee Middle School
• West Lee Middle School

12:30 PM Release
• Lee County High School
• Southern Lee High School
• Warren Williams Pre-K

We wish our students, staff, and families a safe, restful, and joyful holiday break!

Today, we're spotlighting Ashley Matsik, our dedicated literacy specialist who has spent 18 years in education and the past 10 at Deep River Elementary. Ashley's heart for students and commitment to community shine in everything she does.

Matsik says that the best part of working at Deep River is the family atmosphere. "From the bus drivers to custodians and cafeteria workers, everyone here sees it as 'our kids' and wants to help them be their best." She and her teammates look for fun, engaging ways to support students' learning and needs every day.

She also cherishes the relationships that she's built across the district through Project Lift Off, a program started by her mother, Peggy Mann, that provides meaningful summer experiences and enrichment to support at-risk students and their families.

As a literacy specialist, Ashley not only works with students, but helps teachers find resources and refine lessons to reach more learners. Her core message to students is clear. You are special, capable, and supported.

Read the full story here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2599751

#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive

Lee County Families with rising 6th Grade Students!

We understand that choosing the right middle school option for your child is an important decision. We have loved caring for and supporting your child's growth in elementary school, and we want to continue that partnership in middle school!

Join us for an interactive informational session with district and middle school leadership to learn more about the opportunities Lee County Schools offers for your child's education. We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: January 22, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Dennis Wicker Civic Center

Supporting Teachers, Strengthening Schools.

West Lee and SanLee Middle Schools are both advancing instructional excellence thanks to Golden LEAF Foundation grants that fund targeted professional development for instructional staff.

These grants are helping teachers deepen their practice through training aligned with the Marzano High Reliability Schools Framework, ensuring classroom benefit from research-based strategies that build up teaching capacity and boost student learning.

We appreciate Golden LEAF's continued investment in our educators which is supporting the foundation for our community to thrive for years to come.

#LCSthrvie #FutureFocusedFriday

Celebrating student achievement and excellence is a critical part of supporting the whole student. Last night at the Lee County Board of Education December Meeting, we were proud to recognize the winners of our 2025 Holiday Card Design Contest! School-level winners were sent to Central Office and District Staff voted for their favorites in the Elementary, Middle, and High School Divisions. Be on the lookout for their amazing work on our social media pages over the next few days!

Here are the top awardees by division:

Elementary Division
1st::Nansly Villalba - Deep River Elementary (5th Grade)
2nd: Emani Chandler - J. Glenn Edwards Elementary (5th Grade)
3rd: Kambree Craig - Tramway Elementary (5th Grade)
Honorable Mention: Aries Chesney - J.R. Ingram Elementary (2nd Grade)

Middle Division
1st:Ayla Cole - SanLee Middle (8th Grade)
2nd:Amelia Whitaker - SanLee Middle (8th Grade)
3rd: Dana Tigre Castillo - West Lee Middle (8th Grade)
Honorable Mention: Kathy Rincon - SanLee Middle (8th Grade)

High Division
1st: Alondra Villarreal Silva - Southern Lee High (12th Grade)
2nd: Leidy Mendoza - Lee County High (9th Grade)
3rd: Michael White - Southern Lee High (10th Grade)
Honorable Mention: Riley Eagal - Lee County High (11th Grade)

Congratulations to all of our artists and thank you for sharing your talents with us!
#LCSthrive #WellBeingWednesday

Lee County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Tuesday, December 9th due to lingering moisture on roadways, bridges, and neighborhood streets that is expected to freeze overnight creating the potential for black ice.

The delay will allow buses and other vehicles to travel during daylight, and the rising sun will support the melting process. Please exercise caution when traveling.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.

Meet the Staff Monday is here, and today we're spotlighting Mr. Christopher Fairley, a creative and student-focused math teacher at Lee Early College!

From dual-enrollment lessons to hands-on projects (and even helping grow the school garden!), Mr. Fairley is dedicated to building better thinkers and strengthening the LEC community.

Read his full story and learn why he loves teaching in Lee County Schools: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2586643

#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive

Today we're shining a spotlight on one of the most powerful practices shaping our students' long-term success: small group literacy instruction in the early grades.

When young readers work in small, targeted groups, they get exactly what they need - whether that is foundational phonics, guided reading support, vocabulary development, or enrichment to push their thinking deeper. These moments of personalized learning help students build strong habits, confidence, and stamina as readers.

But the impact doesn't stop in the primary grades. By investing in small-group literacy now, we are preparing students for the more rigorous texts, complex tasks, and higher level comprehension in the upper grades. Strong early literacy skills are the foundation for success across all subjects, science, math, social studies, and beyond.

Here's to a future where every student is equipped, empowered and excited to tackle what lies ahead.

#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive

When we say EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY, we mean it - from the Superintendent's office to every classroom, bus, and workspace across our district.

This week for Well-Being Wednesday, we're celebrating the incredible teamwork that keeps our schools thriving. Earlier this week, Dr. Dossenbach joined Mrs. Potts 2nd Grade class for a festive holiday craft, lending a hand as students prepared their classroom and hallways for the season. Moments like these remind us that supporting student well-being isn't just a role - it's a district-wide commitment.

Whether it is teachers, specialists, support staff, or bus drivers, everyone plays a part in creating warm, welcoming spaces where students feel cared for and ready to thrive.

#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive

Federal Impact Aid Forms Went Home Yesterday!

Families, please check your student's backpack! Federal Impact Aid forms were sent home yesterday and must be completed and returned by Thursday, December 19.

These forms help our district secure important federal funding that directly supports student learning and school resources.

If you have questions about Federal Impact Aid, please visit the Federal Programs page on our website: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/page/federal-programs

Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete and return your form. Your support makes a big difference!

Warren Williams Preschool teacher Mrs. Paula Goldston is shaping bright futures every single day and her passion for building strong foundations for our youngest learners shines through in everything she does.

From celebrating "lightbulb moments" to teaching critical social, emotional, and early literacy skills, Mrs. Goldston is helping students grow with confidence, joy, and love.

Read her full story and see why preschool truly is "the place to be": https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2574015

#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS!

Today, we pause to reflect on the countless reasons we are thankful. At the top of that list: our students, families, staff, and community who work together every day to make our schools a place where learning, belonging, and growth thrive.

This season reminds us that gratitude is more than a feeling. It is something we see in the acts of kindness in our classrooms, the support of our families, and the partnerships that strengthen our district. Whether it is a teacher going the extra mile, a student lending a helping hand, or a community member stepping up to serve, thankfulness is woven into the fabric of who we are.

From our school family to yours, we wish you a warm, safe, and joyful Thanksgiving filled with rest, connection, and plenty of delicious food.

Happy Thanksgiving, Lee County!
#LCSthrive