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
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
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.
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
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 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
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!
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
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
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
STRONG STUDENTS START WITH STRONG FAMILIES
This week, we're celebrating the power of community partnerships and the incredible impact that they have on the well-being of our students and their families. Thanks to the generosity of Mountaire Farms, 75 Lee County Schools families - including both student and staff households - will receive complete Thanksgiving meal boxes through the Thanksgiving for Thousands initiative.
When our community wraps around families with support, it strengthens the foundation our students need to learn, grow, and thrive. Partnerships like this ensure that no family faces the holiday season alone, and that every child comes to school feeling cared for and supported.
We're grateful for Mountaire Farms and for all community partners who lift up our schools in meaningful ways.
#WellBeingWednesday #CommunityPartners #LCSthrive
This week, we're celebrating the power of community partnerships and the incredible impact that they have on the well-being of our students and their families. Thanks to the generosity of Mountaire Farms, 75 Lee County Schools families - including both student and staff households - will receive complete Thanksgiving meal boxes through the Thanksgiving for Thousands initiative.
When our community wraps around families with support, it strengthens the foundation our students need to learn, grow, and thrive. Partnerships like this ensure that no family faces the holiday season alone, and that every child comes to school feeling cared for and supported.
We're grateful for Mountaire Farms and for all community partners who lift up our schools in meaningful ways.
#WellBeingWednesday #CommunityPartners #LCSthrive
STUDENT VOICES MATTER
Over the last week, Dr. Dossenbach continued our commitment to elevating student perspectives by meeting with Student Advisory Groups at all of our high schools. These conversations with district & school leadership give students a platform to share feedback, discuss what is working, and offer ideas that help shape the future of our schools.
Their insight guides district decisions, strengthens communication, and ensures that every student knows their voice is heard and valued.
Thank you to our Student Advisory members for your leadership and honesty. We're proud of the future you are helping build!
#LCSthrive #StudentVoiceMatters
Over the last week, Dr. Dossenbach continued our commitment to elevating student perspectives by meeting with Student Advisory Groups at all of our high schools. These conversations with district & school leadership give students a platform to share feedback, discuss what is working, and offer ideas that help shape the future of our schools.
Their insight guides district decisions, strengthens communication, and ensures that every student knows their voice is heard and valued.
Thank you to our Student Advisory members for your leadership and honesty. We're proud of the future you are helping build!
#LCSthrive #StudentVoiceMatters
We're excited to introduce Mr. Danmart Hernandez, one of the newest members of the Lee County High School Math Department and an international exchange teacher from the Philippines!
With 19 years of teaching experience and a passion for helping students grow in confidence, Mr. Hernandez is already making a meaningful impact on campus. "I hope that my students remember me as a teacher who always believed in them, even on the days that they didn't believe in themselves," he said.
Read his inspiring story and learn more about his journey to LCHS here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2567428
#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive
With 19 years of teaching experience and a passion for helping students grow in confidence, Mr. Hernandez is already making a meaningful impact on campus. "I hope that my students remember me as a teacher who always believed in them, even on the days that they didn't believe in themselves," he said.
Read his inspiring story and learn more about his journey to LCHS here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2567428
#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive
Competition that drives futures forward. That's at the heart of the Head of Class Competition, sponsored each year by the Lee County Education Foundation.
Yesterday, the Foundation and district administration surprised West Lee Middle School Staff with exciting news: The Pride are the 2024-2025 Middle School Head of Class Award Winners!
Thanks to incredible teamwork and dedication, West Lee staff helped students achieve remarkable growth resulting in a 17-point increase in the school's State Report Card grad in just one year.
As part of the award, the school will receive $50,000, which will be shared among staff members who were on last year's roster and remain at West Lee this year. This friendly competition among middle schools is just one example of the extra spark that motivates our educators to innovate, strengthen performance, and accelerate student success.
We're deeply grateful for partners like the Lee County Education Foundation, whose future-focused investment helps our schools, teachers - and most importantly - our students thrive.
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive
Yesterday, the Foundation and district administration surprised West Lee Middle School Staff with exciting news: The Pride are the 2024-2025 Middle School Head of Class Award Winners!
Thanks to incredible teamwork and dedication, West Lee staff helped students achieve remarkable growth resulting in a 17-point increase in the school's State Report Card grad in just one year.
As part of the award, the school will receive $50,000, which will be shared among staff members who were on last year's roster and remain at West Lee this year. This friendly competition among middle schools is just one example of the extra spark that motivates our educators to innovate, strengthen performance, and accelerate student success.
We're deeply grateful for partners like the Lee County Education Foundation, whose future-focused investment helps our schools, teachers - and most importantly - our students thrive.
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive
🚨 We’re Hiring! Join the Lee County Schools Team 🚨
Lee County Schools is now hiring Permanent Custodial Staff to help keep our campuses clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff. If you're dependable, hardworking, and ready to make a real difference in your community, we want to hear from you!
💼 Position: Permanent Custodian
💰 Pay: $16.00/hour
🚌 Applicants must obtain a bus license within one year of employment.
What You’ll Do:
✨ Perform daily cleaning before, during, and after school hours
✨ Maintain all areas of school buildings, including floors, windows, furniture & restrooms
✨ Assist with deep cleaning during summer, winter, and spring breaks
✨ Support school events throughout the year
Start your new job today and become part of a team that supports student success every day!
👉 Apply now at: ESS.com
📧 Contact: KSmith@ESS.com
📞 336-480-6576
Lee County Schools is now hiring Permanent Custodial Staff to help keep our campuses clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff. If you're dependable, hardworking, and ready to make a real difference in your community, we want to hear from you!
💼 Position: Permanent Custodian
💰 Pay: $16.00/hour
🚌 Applicants must obtain a bus license within one year of employment.
What You’ll Do:
✨ Perform daily cleaning before, during, and after school hours
✨ Maintain all areas of school buildings, including floors, windows, furniture & restrooms
✨ Assist with deep cleaning during summer, winter, and spring breaks
✨ Support school events throughout the year
Start your new job today and become part of a team that supports student success every day!
👉 Apply now at: ESS.com
📧 Contact: KSmith@ESS.com
📞 336-480-6576
Governor's Advisor Dr. Ashburn Visits Tramway Elementary!
On Wednesday, Dr. Elena Ashburn, the Senior Advisor for Education Policy to Governor Josh Stein and former NC Principal of the Year, visited Tramway Elementary to connect with students, teachers and school leaders.
From stopping by classrooms (including a fourth grade class learning about state government!) to hearing directly from educators, Dr. Ashburn emphasized the importance of listening to those who make a difference every day in our schools.
Principal Andrea Cummings and her team appreciated the opportunity to share both successes and challenges, helping ensure state leaders stay grounded in the reality of classroom life. Cummings said, "Nothing strengthens school culture like giving teachers a seat at the table."
Read the full story about Dr. Ashburn's visit here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2560125
#LCSthrive #EducationMatters
On Wednesday, Dr. Elena Ashburn, the Senior Advisor for Education Policy to Governor Josh Stein and former NC Principal of the Year, visited Tramway Elementary to connect with students, teachers and school leaders.
From stopping by classrooms (including a fourth grade class learning about state government!) to hearing directly from educators, Dr. Ashburn emphasized the importance of listening to those who make a difference every day in our schools.
Principal Andrea Cummings and her team appreciated the opportunity to share both successes and challenges, helping ensure state leaders stay grounded in the reality of classroom life. Cummings said, "Nothing strengthens school culture like giving teachers a seat at the table."
Read the full story about Dr. Ashburn's visit here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2560125
#LCSthrive #EducationMatters
This week, Dr. Sharron Williams, our Director of Student Interventions and Success, teamed up with our dedicated school social workers for an important deep dive into student support. Using Branching Minds, an educational platform that brings together behavior, attendance, and academic data in one place, the team worked to identify students who need extra support and made a plan to track their progress over time.
Together, they explored effective strategies for analyzing student data and shared best practices to strengthen attendance through targeted intervention plans that remove barriers to student attendance and performance. Their collaborative work is helping us build a responsive, data-informed system that ensures every student gets the support they need to thrive in and out of the classroom.
Supporting the whole child is at the heart of what we do, and leaders like Dr. Williams and her team make it happen.
#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive
Together, they explored effective strategies for analyzing student data and shared best practices to strengthen attendance through targeted intervention plans that remove barriers to student attendance and performance. Their collaborative work is helping us build a responsive, data-informed system that ensures every student gets the support they need to thrive in and out of the classroom.
Supporting the whole child is at the heart of what we do, and leaders like Dr. Williams and her team make it happen.
#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive
Meet the Staff Monday | Angie Dezso, CTE Teacher @ East Lee Middle School
After a successful career in the private sector, East Lee Middle School's Angie Dezso took a leap of faith into teaching - and it's changing lives every day.
From building students' confidence to helping them unlock their potential, Dezso's journey is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to make an impact.
Read her inspiring story here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2552333
#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive
After a successful career in the private sector, East Lee Middle School's Angie Dezso took a leap of faith into teaching - and it's changing lives every day.
From building students' confidence to helping them unlock their potential, Dezso's journey is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to make an impact.
Read her inspiring story here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2552333
#MeetTheStaffMonday #LCSthrive
Powering Up Real-World Careers
Today we're shining a spotlight on the electrifying opportunities students in our local public schools gain through Career & Technical Education (CTE) in the electrical and skilled trades.
From wiring circuits to troubleshooting real equipment, students in these courses are not just learning about the world of work, they are experiencing it first hand. Under the guidance of industry-trained instructors, they gain practical skills, safety training, and certifications that directly align with high-demand careers in fields like the electrical field.
Whether they choose to become electricians, lineworkers, maintenance technicians, or continue into advanced apprenticeship programs, our CTE students graduate with confidence and a powerful head start. These hands-on pathways help students understand that skilled trades are not only essential, but full of opportunity, stability, and upward mobility.
Because when students learn by doing, they're not just preparing for a job, they are powering their future.
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive #CTEworks
Today we're shining a spotlight on the electrifying opportunities students in our local public schools gain through Career & Technical Education (CTE) in the electrical and skilled trades.
From wiring circuits to troubleshooting real equipment, students in these courses are not just learning about the world of work, they are experiencing it first hand. Under the guidance of industry-trained instructors, they gain practical skills, safety training, and certifications that directly align with high-demand careers in fields like the electrical field.
Whether they choose to become electricians, lineworkers, maintenance technicians, or continue into advanced apprenticeship programs, our CTE students graduate with confidence and a powerful head start. These hands-on pathways help students understand that skilled trades are not only essential, but full of opportunity, stability, and upward mobility.
Because when students learn by doing, they're not just preparing for a job, they are powering their future.
#FutureFocusedFriday #LCSthrive #CTEworks
WELL-BEING WEDNESDAY: Nourishing Minds and Bodies
We know that students learn best when their basic needs are met - and that starts with a healthy meal. Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), every student in Lee County Schools receives breakfast and lunch at no cost this school year.
Through this program, we are proud to have served an incredible 425,099 to students through October 31st - all provided free of charge. At a time when food uncertainty is high in our community and in our nation, that is 452,099 opportunities for our students in our local public schools to fuel their learning, focus on success, and thrive in and out of the classroom.
When students are nourished, they're ready to learn. That is a win for the well-being of our entire community.
#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive
We know that students learn best when their basic needs are met - and that starts with a healthy meal. Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), every student in Lee County Schools receives breakfast and lunch at no cost this school year.
Through this program, we are proud to have served an incredible 425,099 to students through October 31st - all provided free of charge. At a time when food uncertainty is high in our community and in our nation, that is 452,099 opportunities for our students in our local public schools to fuel their learning, focus on success, and thrive in and out of the classroom.
When students are nourished, they're ready to learn. That is a win for the well-being of our entire community.
#WellBeingWednesday #LCSthrive
Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage, dedication, and sacrifice. Their commitment to protecting our freedoms and ensuring a better future for all inspires us every day.
In our schools, we are especially grateful for the veterans among our staff, families, and community who continue to serve - whether still on active duty or now serving through education, mentorship, and leadership. Your example teaches our students what it means to live with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
From all of us at Lee County Schools, thank you for your service and your continued impact on our community. We are proud to honor you today and every day!
#VeteransDay #LCSthrive
In our schools, we are especially grateful for the veterans among our staff, families, and community who continue to serve - whether still on active duty or now serving through education, mentorship, and leadership. Your example teaches our students what it means to live with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
From all of us at Lee County Schools, thank you for your service and your continued impact on our community. We are proud to honor you today and every day!
#VeteransDay #LCSthrive
