Lincoln County Schools

LCS held its annual Quiz Bowl competition yesterday featuring players from all four high schools. After a spirited competition, LHS emerged as the winner due to winning the most rounds in the Quiz Bowl. The LHS Quiz Bowl team is coached by Mr. Stephen Haas, Mr. Ian Leith, and Mr. Trent Teague. Congratulations to LHS and all the students who participated in the 2025 Quiz Bowl.

Today is International School Librarian Day. We appreciate all of ours for their hard work encouraging students to be lifelong readers.

Gaston College's High School Senior Night will be Thursday, May 1st. Please visit their website for more information: https://www.gaston.edu/senior-night/

Middle School Career Camps will be held at LCST this summer for rising 7th and 8th grade students. These camps provide students with the opportunity to explore various career pathways through hands-on activities, guest speakers, and field trips. We encourage students to participate in this exciting and enriching experience. https://sites.google.com/lincoln.k12.nc.us/career-exploration-camps/home

LCS NAMES NEW PRINCIPALS At a Special Called Meeting on April 1, 2025, the Lincoln County Board of Education approved the Superintendent’s recommendation of four new elementary principals. Mrs. Jordan Beam has been appointed Principal of S. Ray Lowder Elementary School. She previously served as the Assistant Principal at S. Ray Lowder during the 2024-2025 school year. With twelve years of experience in education—ten of which have been in Lincoln County as an elementary teacher and Assistant Principal—Mrs. Beam brings a strong commitment to student success and school leadership. Mrs. Beam emphasizes her belief that every child deserves a high-quality education, respect, and meaningful relationships. She states, “My goal is to inspire both students and staff to recognize their strengths, unlock their potential, and engage in activities that motivate them. I am dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment and building strong relationships within our school community.” Mrs. Beam will succeed Mrs. Kelly Saine, who is retiring on June 30, 2025. Mrs. Anna Gilbert has been appointed Principal of Iron Station Elementary School. She most recently served as the Assistant Principal at West Lincoln Middle School during the 2024-2025 school year. With 19 years of experience in education—10 of which have been in Lincoln County as an elementary teacher, Principal Intern, and Assistant Principal—Mrs. Gilbert brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her new role. She is a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University, UNC-Greensboro, and Appalachian State University. As Principal, Mrs. Gilbert is committed to fostering instructional excellence, enhancing student engagement, and strengthening community partnerships to support student achievement. She looks forward to collaborating with the dedicated teachers and staff to uphold Iron Station Elementary’s tradition of excellence. Mrs. Gilbert will succeed Ms. Chelsea Seagle, who will transition to North Brook Elementary on July 1, 2025. Ms. Chelsea Seagle has been appointed Principal of North Brook Elementary. She brings twelve years of experience in education, including eleven years in Lincoln County, where she has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. For the past four years, Ms. Seagle has been the Principal of Iron Station Elementary. A graduate of Appalachian State University and UNC-Charlotte, Ms. Seagle is deeply connected to the North Brook community, where she was raised and currently resides. She is committed to fostering a warm and welcoming school environment centered on kindness, respect, and strong family partnerships. “My goal as principal is to cultivate a supportive atmosphere where every student feels seen, heard, and valued,” said Ms. Seagle. “I want to inspire a love of learning, celebrate academic success, and encourage each child to reach their fullest potential. Most importantly, I hope our students look forward to coming to school each day, knowing they are surrounded by care, encouragement, and endless possibilities.” Ms. Seagle succeeds Mrs. Jennifer Carroll, who will transition to St. James Elementary on July 1, 2025. Mrs. Jennifer Carroll has been appointed Principal of St. James Elementary. She brings 26 years of experience in education, all of which have been in Lincoln County, serving as an elementary teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. For the past seven years, she has led North Brook Elementary as Principal. Early in her career, Mrs. Carroll was a teacher at St. James Elementary, making this transition a homecoming of sorts. A graduate of Catawba College, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Appalachian State University, Mrs. Carroll is committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful school environment where every student can reach their full potential. “I am a firm believer in collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to student success,” said Mrs. Carroll. “My goal is to create a school culture where ideas are valued, expertise is celebrated, and professional growth is encouraged. I look forward to working alongside the talented staff at St. James to learn about their vision for the school’s future and to build upon the strong foundation already in place.” Mrs. Carroll succeeds Mrs. Shanti Clancy, who will transition to the role of Director of Communication and Media Services on July 1, 2025.

LCS NAMES NEW TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR Mr. Jason Cranford has been named the Transportation Coordinator for Lincoln County Schools. He previously served as the Assistant Principal at North Lincoln High School for the past three years. With 14 years of experience in education—eight of which have been in Lincoln County as an Assistant Principal—Mr. Cranford has overseen transportation operations at North Lincoln Middle, North Lincoln High, and Catawba Springs Elementary. A graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University and UNC-Charlotte, where he was a North Carolina Principal Fellow, Mr. Cranford brings a strong background in school leadership and operations. He states, “As Lincoln County Schools’ Transportation Coordinator, my focus will be on ensuring safe, equitable transportation services while supporting the students and families of our district. I look forward to collaborating with our transportation staff, school and district leaders, and community stakeholders to enhance student achievement through the lens of school transportation.” Mr. Cranford succeeds Ms. Leighann Campbell, who resigned last month.

On Monday, March 31st, Sheila Wright, Assistant Principal of Pumpkin Center Primary, successfully defended her dissertation at Gardner-Webb University. Congratulations to Dr. Wright on earning her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction!

Happy School Library Month! We have 21 amazing libraries and media coordinators in our district. Be sure to show appreciation to your school librarian this month!

Congratulations to the following 2025 Robinson-Lineberger Literary Winners! Each year, The Arts Council of Lincoln County holds the Robinson-Lineberger Literary Competition. The trustees of Mrs. Flo Robinson's estate established this competition to memorialize her lifelong interest in poetry and prose and to engage writers to pursue excellence in their craft. #LincolnLeads

All Lincoln County 5th grade were provided the amazing opportunity to see the NC Symphony in concert today!

North Lincoln Middle School Media Center celebrates Women's History Month Women's History Month, observed annually in March, is a celebration of the contributions and achievements of women throughout history, and culture.

Summer Shopping Day at the ARC (Asbury Resource Center) Thursday, May 29, 2025 9:00am - 2:00pm Located at Asbury Resource Center 221 Salem Church Rd Lincolnton, NC 28092 Sign up for a shopping time by contacting our school counselor or school social worker.

Congratulations to Daniela Katz from North Lincoln Middle School for being selected for the North Carolina All-State Honors Band on French Horn! 🎶 Daniela will perform with the middle school group at UNC Greensboro on May 4, 2025. Great job, Daniela!

2025 North Carolina Middle Level Educators Award Winners Congratulations to the following Lincoln County Schools' educators for being selected as winners by the NCMLE: *Madison Reed - Lincolnton Middle School Beginning Teacher to Watch *Jacob Burgess - West Lincoln Middle School Teacher to Watch Ms. Reed and Mr. Burgess will both be recognized at the 2025 NCMLE "Middle School Matters" Conference held in Charlotte next week. Congratulations on this wonderful recognition! #MSMatters2025

State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green’s “Mo Wants to Know” tour is coming to southwest North Carolina on March 26. A listening and learning session will be held at Harold E. Winkler Middle School – 4501 Weddington Road, Concord, NC 28027 – at 6 p.m. on March 26. All parents, students, educators, school and district staff, public officials and other community members are invited to attend. Registration is free at go.ncdpi.gov/SouthwestMWTK. While not required, registration is strongly encouraged as the venue may reach capacity. @ncpublicschools

National Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day March 7, 2025 Thank you to our maintenance department for all you do to keep our facilities in great shape!

Best of luck to Eva Hedrick, Lincoln County Schools' District Spelling Bee Winner! Eva will be competing in the Carolina Panthers Regional Bee held at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday!

Teacher Workdays - No School for Students: Monday, March 10, 2025 Tuesday, March 11, 2025

📚 Read Across America Week 📚 This week, we are celebrating reading with this nationwide initiative that promotes literacy while encouraging students to become lifelong readers! Our elementary schools are welcoming special guest readers all week to help celebrate!

Severe Weather Preparedness Week For North Carolina March 2nd - 8th, 2025 A Tornado WATCH means Be Prepared. A Tornado WARNING means Take Action!