Lee County Schools -

COBRAS STRIKE AGAIN | LEC wins second-straight Secondary Chess Championships With a dominating total team performance in the 2025 LCS Secondary Chess Championships, Lee Early College collected their second consecutive district title. It was also a special day as we recognized the first recipient of the Kim Ashby Knight's Honor Award, dedicated to the memory of former SanLee Chess Coach and Mathematics teacher, Kim Ashby, who passed in the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The inaugural recipient was Evan Leliever from SanLee. Read more about the tournament and the Ashby Knight's Honor Award here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2143994

🤖🚀 Happy National Robotics Week! 🚀🤖 We’re proud to spotlight the launch of two brand-new high school robotics teams in our local public schools as Bragg Street Academy & Lee Early College have combined forces to field a team and another program launched this year at Lee County High School! These student-led teams are diving into coding, engineering, and innovation as they prepare to take on local and national robotics challenges. Read more about their first season here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2144526 From building bots to solving real-world problems, these future STEM leaders are already making waves—and this is just the beginning. #LCSthrive #RoboWeek #NationalRoboticsWeek #FutureEngineers

DECADES OF DEDICATION: Spotlighting veteran staff members across Lee County Schools. Kim Williams has been a steady hand in the office at West Lee Middle School for more than 20 years., serving the majority of those years as the Data Manager for the Pride. She stays at West Lee to be a veteran inspiration to fellow educators, just like her former boss, Mr. Williams (no relation) who left a legacy of hard work and commitment. Hear more about Kim's time at West Lee and learn why she loves being a member of the West Lee community: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2142635

Last night at the Board of Education Meeting, LCS recognized the winner of the contest to design a new logo for the Lee County Solid Waste Department intended to raise awareness and promote the department's efforts in the areas of waste reduction and recycling. Congratulations to Aubrey R. from J.R. Ingram for being a leader in raising awareness and winning the contest to design the new logo which will be posted at the county's six convenience centers and on the Solid Waste Department's website. #LCSthrive

Leading, Learning, and Serving - Southern Lee High School's Health Occupation Student Association (HOSA) , the Future Health Professionals and the Academy of Life Sciences are hosting a blood drive at Southern Lee High on Wednesday, April 23rd from 8-1p. This drive gives our students an opportunity to lead in service and organizing for an important cause in their area of interest. Donors can register for their appointment by scanning the QR Code in the graphic below.

DECADES OF DEDICATION: Spotlighting Staff Veterans in Lee County Schools Melanie Hawes is a 32-year veteran of Lee County Schools, currently serving as a third grade teacher at Tramway Elementary School. Why does she love serving in Lee County Schools? "I love running into former students around town. My own two kids give me a hard time because everywhere we go it seems we run into one of "mom's former students". It is special that they remember me and we can catch up and reminisce about the time we spent together." Read more about Mrs. Hawes journey in the LCS Family here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2132193 If Mrs. Hawes story has you interested in learning more about working in Lee County Schools, you can get more information and even apply today to take the next step in your career in education here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/o/lcs/page/careers

🎉 Happy Assistant Principals Week! 🎉 This week, we’re giving a huge shoutout to the incredible Assistant Principals across Lee County Schools! 👏 From supporting students and teachers to keeping our schools running smoothly every single day — your leadership, dedication, and heart make all the difference. 💙 Much more than an extra set of hands, they are not just a side kick. Whether it means dressing like a pirate to cheer on students and staff, conducting one-on-one tutoring session for a student that needs some extra help, or driving a bus to get students where they need to be, thank you to each of our Assistant Principals for all the ways you help our schools thrive. We see you. We appreciate you. We celebrate YOU! 🌟 Drop a 👏 in the comments to show your appreciation! #APWeek #LeadershipMatters

Earlier this week, we gathered with members of the Lee County Education Foundation to celebrate the achievement, dedication, and commitment that helped SanLee Middle School earn the Foundation's first Head of Class Award for middle schools in Lee County. Thanks to the generosity of the Ruby & Ernest McSwain Worthy Lands Trust, the Foundation is able to sponsor this friendly competition among Lee County's Middle Schools and provide a $50,000 award to the winning school's faculty. We are grateful for partners in our community, like the Lee County Education Foundation, that understand the importance of investing in education and believe in the power of our public schools to develop and inspire the future leaders of our community. Take a few minutes to read the words of these leaders as they celebrated the work of SanLee's staff: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2131171 #LCSthrive #HeadOfClass

Congratulations to B.T. Bullock on their victory in today's Fourth Grade Battle of the Books! They managed to outduel second-place Tramway and third-place J. Glenn Edwards to power their way to victory. We are so proud of all our readers in today's competition. Your perseverance and determination to read the long list of titles and focus through a pressure-filled day of team competition inspires us all! #LCSthrive

Don't forget! Parents of students in the fifth grade: We have a Middle School Preview Night coming up next Monday night at the Civic Center! Choosing the right middle school option for your child is an important decision. We have loved caring for and supporting your child throughout 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 on April 7 at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center! #LCSthrive

Congratulations to Deep River for winning the Fifth Grade Battle of the Books for 2025! The Gators outdueled six fellow Lee County Elementary Schools to win and move on to represent Lee County in the Regional Battle of the Books this Saturday in Zebulon! This is the second straight year this group of students has won Battle of the Books, as Deep River won the Fourth Grade edition a year ago. This time, all team members read each of the 16 books that were on the Battle of the Books reading list. We are proud of each of our readers and wish Deep River best of luck this weekend as they represent our district well! See you back tomorrow morning at 8:45 for the Fourth Grade Battle of the Books at W.B. Wicker! #LCSthrive #BattleOfTheBooks25

🌍💙 Celebrating World Autism Awareness Day! 💙🌍 Today, Lee County Schools proudly stands in support of our students, families, and staff in the autism community. At W.B. Wicker Elementary, students and teachers came together for a special Autism Walk—a beautiful display of inclusion, awareness, and acceptance! With every step, we celebrated the unique strengths and talents of individuals with autism, reinforcing our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for ALL students. A huge THANK YOU to our students, staff, and families for making today so meaningful! Let’s continue to learn, advocate, and embrace neurodiversity—because inclusion starts with understanding! 💙 #WorldAutismDay #InclusionMatters #LCSthrive

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS RETURNS! Tomorrow and Friday at W.B. Wicker Auditorium, students from Lee County Elementary Schools will compete in the annual Battle of the Books competition! Students will test their knowledge of 16 books that were read by participants over the course of this year in a school versus school challenge. Thirty-six of the competing students have completed all 16 books in the program for the year. Join us at W.B. Wicker for a spirited two days of competition and support some outstanding young readers! #LCSthrive #BattleOfTheBooks2025

MADE IN LCS: Thomas Harrington Makes His MLB Debut! Last night, Thomas Harrington (Southern Lee Class of 2020) stepped onto the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates, officially making his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut. With this milestone, Harrington became the first MLB player from Sanford and Lee County Schools in over 50 years, following Dick Such’s debut with the Washington Senators in 1970. Despite his senior baseball season being cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, Harrington never stopped pursuing his dream. He walked on at Campbell University, proving himself through hard work and determination. The skills, perseverance and dedication he learned right here in Sanford and Lee County Schools have paid off, and we are thrilled to cheer him on—just as we cheer on all of our graduates as they reach for their dreams. From all of us at LCS, congratulations, Thomas! Your journey is a testament to perseverance, and we’re proud to continue investing in students as they chase their dreams. #MadeInLCS #LCSthrive Photo credit: Carlee Calfee of MLB

📢 Happy Paraprofessional & Instructional Assistant Appreciation Day! 🎉 Today, we celebrate the incredible paraprofessionals and instructional assistants who make a difference in our schools every day! From providing one-on-one support to creating inclusive learning environments, their dedication helps our students thrive. To all our amazing teacher assistants, aides and other paraprofessionals —thank you for your patience, kindness, and commitment to education. Whether it means conducting small group instruction, tying shoes on the playground, serving on cafeteria duty or just giving a warm smile to our students, you make a difference! Our schools wouldn’t be the same without you! Drop a comment below to give a shoutout to a paraprofessional who has made an impact! 👏 #EducationHeroes #LCSthrive

🌟 Wrapping Up Arts in Our Schools Month! 🎭🎨🎶 As we turn the calendar to April, Arts in Our Schools Month comes to a close. We’re reflecting on the incredible creativity, passion, and talent showcased during Arts in Our Schools Month! From inspiring performances to stunning visual art displays, students have reminded us why the arts are essential in education. A huge THANK YOU to the educators, students, and supporters who make arts programs thrive. Let’s keep advocating for the power of creativity in learning—because every student deserves the chance to express themselves through the arts! 🎬 From live performances of Shrek & The Wiz, to JazzTales and Middle School band visits to elementary schools, what was your favorite moment from this month? Share below! ⬇️ #ArtsInOurSchools #LCSthrive

Don't forget that tomorrow night at W.B. is your chance to hear the draft of Lee County Schools new Strategic Plan! Tomorrow night is your chance to hear the plan and provide feedback to the Strategic Planning Community as they move towards setting the plan in action. Join us TOMORROW NIGHT at 6:00 p.m. in the W.B. Wicker Auditorium as we share and hear from you about our updated values, vision, and mission! Your voice matters! So join us and help shape the future of Lee County Schools. #LCSthrive

Due to expected inclement weather, all after school activities have been cancelled for today, March 31, 2025. Buses will run on their regular schedule. Thank you for understanding and stay safe!

🌟 Honoring the Women Who Inspire Us! 🌟 This Women's History Month, Broadway Elementary proudly celebrated the incredible contributions of women in our community with a special parade through the school and interactive discussion session in each classroom! 🎉 Students and staff lined the halls with excitement, cheering on our esteemed honorees—local women leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and changemakers—who serve as role models for future generations. 💜 The energy was electric as students displayed handmade signs, shared messages of gratitude, and celebrated the impact these women have on our community. Their stories remind us that every dream is possible with determination, courage, and perseverance! Enjoy some of our photos from the event and read more about the celebration here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2117834 #WomensHistoryMonth #InspiringFutureLeaders #LCSthrive

BACK-TO-BACK! Southern Lee's Men's Bowling team repeated as State Champions knocking off Scotland County in the State Finals to win the 2025 Men's Bowling State Championship. Four of the team's five members finished in the top 20 of the state individual tournament as well. We look forward to seeing this outstanding group of Cavaliers recognized at the County Commissioner's Meeting and the Board of Education Meeting this month! Read more about their second title here: https://www.lee.k12.nc.us/article/2115345 #StateChamps #LCSthrive