📣 Well-Being Wednesday Spotlight: Coaches as Champions of Whole-Student Wellness 🏀💙
At the heart of every thriving school community are the mentors and role models who invest not just in performance, but in people. Coaches in our local public schools play a vital role in supporting the whole student—physically, emotionally, and socially—by teaching resilience, fostering confidence, and modeling integrity both on and off the court.
This week, we’re celebrating an inspiring example right here in our district. Last night, Southern Lee High School honored longtime Men’s Basketball Coach Gaston Collins by naming the school’s main basketball court Collins Court in recognition of his more than 20 years of dedication to students and the community. Coach Collins has helped countless young people grow into strong leaders by emphasizing character, discipline, teamwork, and personal development in every practice and game.
These are the kinds of experiences and relationships that enrich student well-being far beyond athletic achievement. Coaches like Coach Collins help students build confidence, form positive connections, and navigate both victories and challenges with grace. 🏆👏
✨ Learn more about this meaningful honor and why Coach Collins’ legacy matters for whole-student wellness by reading the full press release here:
👉 https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2703503
Let’s take a moment today to thank the coaches in our lives who do more than teach skills—they empower our students to thrive! 💛💪
#LCSthrive #WellBeingWednesday #WholeStudentWellness #ThankACoach
At the heart of every thriving school community are the mentors and role models who invest not just in performance, but in people. Coaches in our local public schools play a vital role in supporting the whole student—physically, emotionally, and socially—by teaching resilience, fostering confidence, and modeling integrity both on and off the court.
This week, we’re celebrating an inspiring example right here in our district. Last night, Southern Lee High School honored longtime Men’s Basketball Coach Gaston Collins by naming the school’s main basketball court Collins Court in recognition of his more than 20 years of dedication to students and the community. Coach Collins has helped countless young people grow into strong leaders by emphasizing character, discipline, teamwork, and personal development in every practice and game.
These are the kinds of experiences and relationships that enrich student well-being far beyond athletic achievement. Coaches like Coach Collins help students build confidence, form positive connections, and navigate both victories and challenges with grace. 🏆👏
✨ Learn more about this meaningful honor and why Coach Collins’ legacy matters for whole-student wellness by reading the full press release here:
👉 https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2703503
Let’s take a moment today to thank the coaches in our lives who do more than teach skills—they empower our students to thrive! 💛💪
#LCSthrive #WellBeingWednesday #WholeStudentWellness #ThankACoach
Behind every smiling face of a bus driver stands an amazing garage team and transportation support staff that make sure each ride is as safe and efficient as possible.
As we begin our celebration of #LoveTheBusWeek, we shine the spotlight on the great team at our district bus garage who meticulously maintain and care for our fleet of 134 buses. From monthly top-to bottom inspections to emergency roadside repairs, their skill, dedication, and attention to detail keep our buses safe, reliable, and ready to efficiently cover 5045 miles every single day delivering children to and from school.
Thank you for the hard work you do. Thank you for the pride you take in keeping our wheels turning. We are grateful for YOU!
#LoveTheBusWeek #LCSthrive
As we begin our celebration of #LoveTheBusWeek, we shine the spotlight on the great team at our district bus garage who meticulously maintain and care for our fleet of 134 buses. From monthly top-to bottom inspections to emergency roadside repairs, their skill, dedication, and attention to detail keep our buses safe, reliable, and ready to efficiently cover 5045 miles every single day delivering children to and from school.
Thank you for the hard work you do. Thank you for the pride you take in keeping our wheels turning. We are grateful for YOU!
#LoveTheBusWeek #LCSthrive
After more than 30 years of service to Lee County Schools, second grade teacher Robin Gatten of W.B. Wicker Elementary School will retire this May, leaving behind a legacy of learning, relationships and full-circle moments that span generations of students.
From helping young learners build confidence to reconnecting with former students now bringing their own children to school, Mrs. Gatten's story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact teachers have on their communities.
Read more about her remarkable journey and dedication to our local public schools here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2695440
#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive
From helping young learners build confidence to reconnecting with former students now bringing their own children to school, Mrs. Gatten's story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact teachers have on their communities.
Read more about her remarkable journey and dedication to our local public schools here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2695440
#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive
Looking ahead starts now! This week, our eighth grade students had the opportunity to visit either Lee County High School or Southern Lee High School for an Electives Fair designed to help them plan their next steps.
Students explored a wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, clubs, and elective options. They got the opportunity to ask questions to current students, make connections and discover pathways aligned to their interests and future goals. From hands-on career preparation to academic enrichment and extracurricular opportunities, the experience empowered students to make informed choices about their desired course of study as they transition to high school.
Investing time in exploration today helps ensure our students are able to make choices that provide them meaningful, impactful, and future-focused educational courses that prepare them for success beyond the walls of their high school.
#LCSthrive #FutureFocusedFriday
Students explored a wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, clubs, and elective options. They got the opportunity to ask questions to current students, make connections and discover pathways aligned to their interests and future goals. From hands-on career preparation to academic enrichment and extracurricular opportunities, the experience empowered students to make informed choices about their desired course of study as they transition to high school.
Investing time in exploration today helps ensure our students are able to make choices that provide them meaningful, impactful, and future-focused educational courses that prepare them for success beyond the walls of their high school.
#LCSthrive #FutureFocusedFriday
Families, just before 11:00 a.m. today, February 6, 2026, a threat was reported by phone to Lee County High School. Out of an abundance of caution, students and employees were evacuated from their buildings but remained on campus while the Lee County Sheriff's Office conducted a thorough search of all buildings.
We believe that the threat was a hoax, similar to threats received by other schools and districts across the country in the last two weeks.
No threat was found on campus. The all-clear was given and students and staff returned to their scheduled activities at 12:25 p.m. We appreciate the quick response of local law enforcement and their partnership in ensuring the safety of our students and staff.
We believe that the threat was a hoax, similar to threats received by other schools and districts across the country in the last two weeks.
No threat was found on campus. The all-clear was given and students and staff returned to their scheduled activities at 12:25 p.m. We appreciate the quick response of local law enforcement and their partnership in ensuring the safety of our students and staff.
With our area again under a Winter Weather Advisory and continued uncertainty around potential overnight wintry precipitation, Lee County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay for students and staff on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
This delay allows our transportation and operations teams time to assess road conditions and campus safety before students and staff begin traveling in the morning. If additional schedule changes are needed due to weather conditions, families and employees will be notified no later than 6:30 a.m. through the district website, social media platforms, and our parent and staff text, call, and email alert system.
While we remain focused on getting students back in school as quickly as possible, our top priority is ensuring the safety of everyone traveling to and from our campuses.
Thank you for your understanding and continued flexibility as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
This delay allows our transportation and operations teams time to assess road conditions and campus safety before students and staff begin traveling in the morning. If additional schedule changes are needed due to weather conditions, families and employees will be notified no later than 6:30 a.m. through the district website, social media platforms, and our parent and staff text, call, and email alert system.
While we remain focused on getting students back in school as quickly as possible, our top priority is ensuring the safety of everyone traveling to and from our campuses.
Thank you for your understanding and continued flexibility as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
Due to continued unsafe road conditions across the county, all schools will operate on a remote learning day tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, for students.
While many primary roads are clear, secondary roads and neighborhoods remain icy and unsafe—particularly for school buses and student drivers. Conditions vary across the county, and decisions must be made with the safety of all students and staff in every part of the district in mind. Photos from bus routes traveled by our Transportation Department this afternoon are included for additional context.
There will be an optional workday for staff beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eligible employees may telework, if needed. Employees should only report to work if they feel it is safe to do so. The district will work with all employees as needed to ensure safety.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
While many primary roads are clear, secondary roads and neighborhoods remain icy and unsafe—particularly for school buses and student drivers. Conditions vary across the county, and decisions must be made with the safety of all students and staff in every part of the district in mind. Photos from bus routes traveled by our Transportation Department this afternoon are included for additional context.
There will be an optional workday for staff beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eligible employees may telework, if needed. Employees should only report to work if they feel it is safe to do so. The district will work with all employees as needed to ensure safety.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
This week, we celebrate our incredible school counselors who support the whole student - academically, socially, emotionally and beyond. From helping students set goals and navigate challenges to being trusted listeners and advocates, our counselors are there every step of the way.
Thank you for empowering students to thrive in school and in life. We are so grateful for all that you do!
#LCSthrive #NationalSchoolCounselingWeek #WholeStudentSupport
Thank you for empowering students to thrive in school and in life. We are so grateful for all that you do!
#LCSthrive #NationalSchoolCounselingWeek #WholeStudentSupport
Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, all schools will operate on a remote learning day tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, for all students and staff.
Teachers sent home assignments on Friday in anticipation of possible remote instruction.
Important reminders for families:
• There will be no live/virtual instruction
• Students will have five school days to submit remote learning assignments once we return to campus.
• Students are not expected to work for hours at a time or follow a traditional school-day schedule
• Short, manageable work periods, breaks as needed, and time with family are encouraged
Thank you for your continued support as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
Teachers sent home assignments on Friday in anticipation of possible remote instruction.
Important reminders for families:
• There will be no live/virtual instruction
• Students will have five school days to submit remote learning assignments once we return to campus.
• Students are not expected to work for hours at a time or follow a traditional school-day schedule
• Short, manageable work periods, breaks as needed, and time with family are encouraged
Thank you for your continued support as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
Lee County Schools will be fully CLOSED tomorrow, February 2, 2026 for a good old-fashioned snow day.
Please see the note from Dr. Chris Dossenbach.
"Dear families,
Days like today don't come often for us. It is a reminder that learning also happens in moments of joy, wonder and play. So stay warm, be safe and let kids be kids - sled, laugh and soak it all in. School will be back soon enough so go enjoy a good old-fashioned snow day!
Lee County Schools will be closed tomorrow (2/2/2026) for students and staff.
With gratitude,
Chris Dossenbach"
You heard it from Dr. Dossenbach! No school tomorrow! Go have a blast!
Students should hold onto the remote work packets that were sent home on Friday in case they are needed later in the week, but they do not need to complete them for tomorrow! Stay safe & make some great memories!
Please see the note from Dr. Chris Dossenbach.
"Dear families,
Days like today don't come often for us. It is a reminder that learning also happens in moments of joy, wonder and play. So stay warm, be safe and let kids be kids - sled, laugh and soak it all in. School will be back soon enough so go enjoy a good old-fashioned snow day!
Lee County Schools will be closed tomorrow (2/2/2026) for students and staff.
With gratitude,
Chris Dossenbach"
You heard it from Dr. Dossenbach! No school tomorrow! Go have a blast!
Students should hold onto the remote work packets that were sent home on Friday in case they are needed later in the week, but they do not need to complete them for tomorrow! Stay safe & make some great memories!
🌟 Join Us for the Lee County Schools Spring Job Fair! 🌟
Looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference every day? Lee County Schools is hiring! 📚🚌🔧
We’re seeking:
👩🏫 Teachers & Teacher Assistants
🏫 Support Staff & Office Support
🧹 Custodians
🔧 Maintenance (HVAC)
🥗 Child Nutrition
🚌 Bus Drivers
📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 SanLee Middle School
2301 Tramway Rd, Sanford, NC 27330
✅ On-site interviews available
✅ Learn more about our schools and departments
👉 Register now: bit.ly/LCSSpring2026JobFair
Come be part of a team that inspires students and strengthens our community. We can’t wait to meet you!
Looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference every day? Lee County Schools is hiring! 📚🚌🔧
We’re seeking:
👩🏫 Teachers & Teacher Assistants
🏫 Support Staff & Office Support
🧹 Custodians
🔧 Maintenance (HVAC)
🥗 Child Nutrition
🚌 Bus Drivers
📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 SanLee Middle School
2301 Tramway Rd, Sanford, NC 27330
✅ On-site interviews available
✅ Learn more about our schools and departments
👉 Register now: bit.ly/LCSSpring2026JobFair
Come be part of a team that inspires students and strengthens our community. We can’t wait to meet you!
With another winter storm and extremely cold temperatures forecasted for this weekend, our schools are once again preparing for the possibility of remote instruction next week. As a precaution for an extended local impact from snowfall, teachers are sending home remote learning packets today in case weather conditions require a shift to remote instruction next week.
If remote instruction is needed, there will be no live classes, and assignments will not be due until five days after our return to campus. Work will focus on reinforcing previously taught skills and concepts. Families are encouraged to allow students to work in short, manageable chunks of time while enjoying the snow and time with family.
Again, no decisions have been made at this time. We are closely monitoring the weather, and when decisions are made, they will be shared on our website, social media, and through all local media outlets. Thank you for your continued support as we work to keep students safe and learning.
If remote instruction is needed, there will be no live classes, and assignments will not be due until five days after our return to campus. Work will focus on reinforcing previously taught skills and concepts. Families are encouraged to allow students to work in short, manageable chunks of time while enjoying the snow and time with family.
Again, no decisions have been made at this time. We are closely monitoring the weather, and when decisions are made, they will be shared on our website, social media, and through all local media outlets. Thank you for your continued support as we work to keep students safe and learning.
🎉 Preschool Enrollment Now Open! 🎉
Join the Floyd L. Knight Children’s Center Falcon Family for the 2026–2027 school year 🦅💙
If your child turns 4 years old before August 31, 2026, we’d love to hear from you! Our preschool offers a fun, engaging, and supportive learning environment led by certified teachers and a creative, developmentally focused curriculum.
✨ Program Details:
🕢 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
➕ Aftercare available until 3:30 PM
📅 Follows the LCS calendar
💲 $125 per week (+ $25/week for aftercare)
🌟 Why families choose Floyd L. Knight:
✔️ 5-Star Center
✔️ Certified Teachers
✔️ Library & Field Trips
✔️ Gym Class & Creative Curriculum
✔️ LetterLand & Heggerty
⏰ Limited spots available — now enrolling for August 2026!
📞 For more information or to register, please contact Natalie White at
919-774-4634 ext. 5307
📚✨ Give your child a strong start — we can’t wait to welcome them!
Lee County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay for students and staff on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
This delay will allow for travel during daylight hours, helping ensure the safety of our buses and student drivers.
Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
This delay will allow for travel during daylight hours, helping ensure the safety of our buses and student drivers.
Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
Due to unsafe road conditions, all schools will operate on a remote learning day tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, for all students.
Teachers sent home assignments on Friday in anticipation of possible remote instruction.
Staff will have an optional workday with a three-hour delay.
Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, all schools will operate on a remote learning day tomorrow, Monday, January 26, 2026, for all students and staff.
Teachers sent home assignments on Friday in anticipation of possible remote instruction.
Important reminders for families:
• There will be no live/virtual instruction
• Students will have five school days to submit remote learning assignments
• Students are not expected to work for hours at a time or follow a traditional school-day schedule
• Short, manageable work periods, breaks as needed, and time with family are encouraged
State law allows school districts to use up to five remote instruction days per year during inclement weather without requiring days to be made up.
Thank you for your continued support as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
Teachers sent home assignments on Friday in anticipation of possible remote instruction.
Important reminders for families:
• There will be no live/virtual instruction
• Students will have five school days to submit remote learning assignments
• Students are not expected to work for hours at a time or follow a traditional school-day schedule
• Short, manageable work periods, breaks as needed, and time with family are encouraged
State law allows school districts to use up to five remote instruction days per year during inclement weather without requiring days to be made up.
Thank you for your continued support as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
♟️ Checkmate 3-Peat! ♟️
B.T. Bullock Elementary continued their reign at the 3rd Annual Lee County Schools Elementary Chess Championships delivering another dominant performance and taking home the team title once again.
Leading the Bengals was top-seeded Maci Houchins, who won all six of her matches, including a thrilling finals victory over Broadway's Benjamin Reible. The tournament also featured exciting moments across the boar, including a dramatic semifinals upset by Broadway, and a strong third place finish by Tramway over J. Glenn Edwards.
Read more about the tournament: http://lee.k12.nc.us/article/2653943
Congratulations to all of our student chess players for their strategy, focus, and sportsmanship!
B.T. Bullock Elementary continued their reign at the 3rd Annual Lee County Schools Elementary Chess Championships delivering another dominant performance and taking home the team title once again.
Leading the Bengals was top-seeded Maci Houchins, who won all six of her matches, including a thrilling finals victory over Broadway's Benjamin Reible. The tournament also featured exciting moments across the boar, including a dramatic semifinals upset by Broadway, and a strong third place finish by Tramway over J. Glenn Edwards.
Read more about the tournament: http://lee.k12.nc.us/article/2653943
Congratulations to all of our student chess players for their strategy, focus, and sportsmanship!
With a winter storm and extremely cold temperatures forecasted for this weekend, our schools are preparing for the possibility of remote instruction next week. As a precaution, teachers are sending home remote learning packets today in case weather conditions require a shift to remote instruction.
If remote instruction is needed, there will be no live classes, and assignments will not require computer or internet access due to the potential for power outages. Work will focus on reinforcing previously taught skills and concepts. Students will have five days after returning to school to submit assignments, and families are encouraged to allow students to work in short, manageable chunks of time.
Again, no decisions have been made at this time. We are closely monitoring the weather, and when decisions are made, they will be shared on our website, social media, and through all local media outlets. Thank you for your continued support as we work to keep students safe and learning.
REMINDER!
Tonight is the night!
Parents of 5th Graders, come and see for yourself all that Lee County Schools has to offer your student in middle school at Middle School Preview Night.
Join us at Dennis Wicker Civic Center at 6 pm for an interactive night to answer your questions and help you find out more about the many opportunities that await your child in middle grades education with LCS!
Tonight is the night!
Parents of 5th Graders, come and see for yourself all that Lee County Schools has to offer your student in middle school at Middle School Preview Night.
Join us at Dennis Wicker Civic Center at 6 pm for an interactive night to answer your questions and help you find out more about the many opportunities that await your child in middle grades education with LCS!
We've all heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." Educating students requires all of us. Today, we spotlight school social workers, who play a vital role in supporting the whole child.
By partnering with families and connecting students to community resources such as counseling services, health care, housing assistance, and food support, they help remove barriers to learning and promote stability, resilience, and success. We are grateful for the compassionate professionals in our local public schools who ensure students have the support that they need, both in school and beyond.
#LCSthrive #WellBeingWednesday
By partnering with families and connecting students to community resources such as counseling services, health care, housing assistance, and food support, they help remove barriers to learning and promote stability, resilience, and success. We are grateful for the compassionate professionals in our local public schools who ensure students have the support that they need, both in school and beyond.
#LCSthrive #WellBeingWednesday
