Weekly Newsletter
2026-2027: Issue 7 (September 14-20)
Special Thanks to Our Technology Department
Tuesday, September 15th is IT Appreciation Day, and we’re giving a special shoutout to our incredible CCS Technology Department!
From keeping our devices, networks, systems, and classrooms connected to troubleshooting the unexpected and supporting staff and students across the district, our Technology team works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep CCS moving forward.
Thank you for your expertise, responsiveness, patience, and dedication—and for always being there when we need you most! We appreciate all you do to support teaching, learning, communication, and operations throughout Currituck County Schools.
👏 Join us in saying THANK YOU to our amazing Technology team! 💙
September is Attendance Awareness Month
September is Attendance Awareness Month and our district is committed to raising awareness of the importance of daily attendance, as well as providing support for students and families that leads to success.
Did You Know?
🍎 Attending school regularly grows confidence and a positive school mindset.
🍎 Consistent routines at home—like regular bedtimes, morning schedules, and prepared school materials—make it easier for students to get to school on time and attend regularly.
🍎 Frequent absences aren’t just days missed—they can be signs a student needs support.
Helpful Tips:
🍎 Whenever possible, schedule non-urgent appointments and trips when school is not in session to help students make the most of their educational experience.
🍎 When illness keeps a student out of class, reach out to teachers as they can provide materials and resources to help students stay connected and on track.
🍎 If you have concerns about your child, connect with the school for support or seek guidance from your health care provider.
Visit our Every Day Counts page for helpful tools, tips, and resources, designed to support strong attendance all year long.
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to your child’s school at any time. We're here to help. Your presence matters!
Resource Links:
Additional Resource for Families
To help families plan ahead, we’ve created a 2026–2027 Calendar Quick Reference Guide featuring scheduled early release days, teacher workdays, and holidays throughout the school year.
When possible, planning appointments, vacations, and other activities around instructional days is a great way to support consistent attendance and help students make the most of every opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
Save this guide for easy reference throughout the year. It is also available on our website.
Drive for Currituck County Schools
Interested in becoming a school bus driver but don’t have a CDL? We can help you earn it!
Currituck County Schools provides the training and support needed to become a qualified school bus driver—no previous experience required. We’ll help guide you through the CDL process, including training and reimbursement for eligible costs associated with becoming licensed.
Not interested in driving a regular bus route? Consider driving academic competitions, athletic events, field trips & more. It’s a flexible way to earn extra income, support students, and be part of the CCS team.
✅No experience needed
✅Training provided
✅Support throughout the CDL process
✅Flexible opportunities
✅Make a difference for students in our community
Choose Currituck County Schools - earn your CDL and start a new, rewarding journey with us. Visit our “Become a Bus Driver with CCS” web page for more information and APPLY ONLINE TODAY!
Have questions? Call us at 252-232-2223 (Ext. 1015 or 1021).
Celebrating 2025-2026 Performance
On September 2, 2026, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction presented the 2025-2026 Accountability and Testing Results at the State Board of Education meeting.
Currituck County Schools (CCS) is proud to report continued strong and improved results for the 2025–2026 school year, highlighting significant academic achievement across the district and continued student success.
Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing data snapshots with our stakeholders.
4-Year Cohort Graduation Snapshot:
🎓 Currituck County Schools is one of only five districts statewide to achieve a 4 Year Cohort Graduation Rate greater than 95%—the highest rate reported in North Carolina🎓 Up from 93.5% the previous year
🎓 An increase of more than 4.9 percentage points over the last five years
🎓 Highest CCS graduation rate over the last 10 years
🎓 Above the current state rate of 88.8%
Please Note:
- A cohort is the group of students who first entered ninth grade in the same year. The 2025-2026 4 Year Cohort Graduation Rate are students who entered in 2022-2023. Transfers into a school stay with their original cohort. Documented transfers to another diploma-granting school may be removed.
- For student privacy purposes, performance results greater than 95 percent are masked as >95 and results less than 5 percent are masked as <5.
Tech Tip of the Week
AI: Check Before You Trust
Artificial intelligence (AI) is showing up in more of the tools we use every day, from search results and online content to apps and digital assistants. While AI can be a helpful resource, it’s still important to think critically about the information and content it provides. This week’s Tech Tip shares a few simple reminders to help you use AI thoughtfully and confidently.
For more Tech Tips and other helpful resources, visit our Technology page.
Health Requirements Deadline is September 23
Important Reminder for Families
If your child is new to North Carolina schools, they must have a physical within 30 days of the first day of school. The NC Health Assessment Form is available to download on our district website.
In addition, North Carolina requires immunizations for students in Kindergarten and Grades 7 and 12. Students must have required immunizations prior to the 30th day of school. Immunization information can be found on the NCDHHS website.
- All Schools (Except J.P. Knapp): Due by September 23rd
Please visit the Health Forms & Requirements page on our district website for more information or to download forms.
Resource Links:
- NCDHHS K-12 Requirements page
- Kindergarten NC Back to School Immunization Requirements (English and Spanish)
- 7th Grade NC Back to School Immunization Requirements (English and Spanish)
- 12th Grade NC Back to School Immunization Requirements (English and Spanish)
- CCS Health Forms & Requirements page
Important Message from Transporation
We would like to thank our families for their patience and understanding as we started the new school year.
Now that we have officially reached the 10th day of school, our Transportation Department has more accurate ridership information and can begin reevaluating bus capacity and potential seat availability.
Families currently on the transportation wait list will be contacted directly by the Transportation Department if a seat becomes available and their child is assigned to a bus.
Thank you again for your continued patience and understanding as we work to accommodate as many students as possible.
School Meals
Sign-up for an Online Meal Account
Families can now set up and prepay student meal accounts online using LINQ Connect. Register with LINQ Connect to conveniently manage and monitor meal accounts throughout the school year. It’s quick, easy, & free to sign-up!
- Pay balances and add money to meal accounts online from anywhere and at any time
- Link multiple student accounts
- Track payments and purchases
- Receive important confirmations and notifications
- Submit free and reduced meal applications (does not require an account)
Free and Reduced Meal Applications are Now Available
Free and reduced-price meal applications are also available online—apply today!
School Meal Applications Can Help...
- Household meal applications can help families with eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals, fee waivers on college applications and admission tests, and discounts on utilities, internet access, and school fees.
- It helps school districts with academic and enrichment funding, discounts on technology and internet access, and resources for classrooms, educators, and students.
Submit one application per family to potentially qualify for free or reduced meals. Families must complete a new application every school year. Applications are available online or complete a paper application provided by your child’s school.
Say Something App & Anonymous Reporting
Since 2019, middle and high school students have participated in Say Something Anonymous Reporting System training. With the new school year underway, training will take place soon at our middle and high schools.
Please know that receiving reports throughout the school year is not uncommon for schools, including an increase after Say Something training. All reports received are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
Parents and guardians will receive more information about the training directly from their child's school. For more information about the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, please visit the Anonymous Reporting page of our district or school website.
Reminder: Have ID Ready When Visiting CCS
Visitors - Please Have ID Ready
As we welcome our students and families back to school, please be reminded that all front office staff will request photo ID for campus access.
To help maintain a safe and secure school environment, we kindly ask all visitors to follow these steps:
📌Please use the Main Entrance.
📌Have a valid photo ID ready and be prepared to share the purpose of your visit.
📌Once buzzed into the building, all visitors must report directly to the Main Office first before going anywhere else in the building.
📌Visitors approved to move beyond the Main Office must wear a visitor badge/sticker at all times.
Please Note: If multiple families arrive at the same time, each visitor must present an ID and state their purpose for visiting before being granted entry.
Our highest priority is always to provide a safe environment for our students and staff. We appreciate your partnership in keeping our schools safe and welcoming for everyone!
YMCA Before and After Care Opportunities
YMCA Before & After School Care registration is OPEN!
Are you looking for before or after care for the 2026-2027 school year? Our community partner, the Currituck Family YMCA, has opportunities available to families.
Why families love YMCA care:
📌 Homework help so evenings are stress-free.
📌STEM & art projects that spark creativity.
📌Fitness classes and sports to burn off extra energy.
📌Free Safety Around Water lessons offered during the year
📌Flexible hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. (Early release day care is included)
📌Financial aid is available for all eligible families.
This year will also include multiple family fun nights, parent perks, and special activities at each location. Spots are expected to fill up fast - don't wait for the back-to-school rush to plan your routine!
Click here to secure your spot today!
Have questions? Please call (252) 453-9632 or email chelseamorris@ymcashr.org.
CCS is Now Hiring
As Currituck County Schools prepares for the 2026–2027 school year, we’re excited to welcome new members to our team! From classroom teachers to support services, a variety of career opportunities are available across our district.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we encourage you to explore current openings and apply through our website.
Join us as we continue supporting student success!
Looking Ahead (On the Calendar)
SEPTEMBER
- 17: Board of Education Meeting Night
- 21: Family & Community Engagement Meeting Night
OCTOBER
- 02: District-Wide Early Release Day
- 09: End of the 1st Grading Period (JPK only)
- 12: JPK Teacher Workday (all other schools in session)
- 16: End of the 1st Grading Period (all schools except JPK)
- 19: CCS Teacher Workday (all schools except JPK)
- 19: CCS State of the Schools event - more details coming soon!
Next Board of Education Meeting
The September Currituck County Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026.
MEETING DETAILS:
📆 Meeting Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
🕡 Meeting Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Meeting Location: Historic Currituck Courthouse, located at 153 Courthouse Rd, Currituck, NC
Complete Board of Education meeting details are available on our district website.
Save the Dates
Ask A Therapist Live Event
Mark Your Calendars! CCS families and staff are invited to attend “Ask a Therapist Live,” an upcoming virtual webinar sponsored by the Cook Center for Human Connection & ParentGuidance.org.
EVENT DETAILS:
Event Title: Ask a Therapist – LIVE with Dr. Skinner
📅Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
⏰Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
📍Location: Online/Virtual (Zoom)
💲Cost: FREE
Event Description: Support your child’s mental health and wellness by joining us for an informative event for parents and educators. Ask questions of leading family therapists and take advantage of a free resource to help parents with important topics such as anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal ideation, child development, and parenting, just to name a few.
Register in advance for this live event. Participation is anonymous. Individuals who register also receive access to the replay.
Can’t make this virtual event? Explore the ParentGuidance.org website for more resources and sign up to receive their newsletters.
📖📖📖
ParentGuidance.org Resources
September Mental Health Series Calendars
- September Mental Health Series Calendar of Events (English ADA)
- September Mental Health Series Calendar of Events (Spanish ADA)
September Newsletter
Find additional health and wellness information and resources by visiting the CCS Health and Wellness Information page.
Family & Community Engagement Meeting Dates
2026-2027 Meeting Dates
- Monday, September 21, 2026 (6 p.m.)
- Monday, November 9, 2026 (6 p.m.)
- Monday, January 25, 2027 (6 p.m.)
- Monday, April 19, 2027 (6 p.m.)
Family and Community Engagement meetings are held in person at the Professional Learning Center, located on the J.P. Knapp Early College High School campus. Attendees should park in the student parking lot and follow the signs to the C Building.
A virtual participation option is also available. Visit our website for virtual joining information.
Staff Reminders
United Way Campaign Kicked Off September 8th!
Our 2026-2027 CCS Employee United Way Fundraising Campaign is underway. This year, employees have four ways they can contribute. Please see emails from Christina Bowyer for more information.
Teacher Supply Store
The Teacher Supply Store is a resource provided by the Currituck Education Foundation to
support Currituck County Schools teachers and staff by offering essential supplies at no
cost. This initiative is designed to alleviate out-of-pocket expenses and ensure educators have
the tools they need to support student learning.
All teachers and staff must present a valid CCS employee badge for verification when visiting the Teacher Supply Store.
For complete details about the store, including dates and times that the store is open, please click here.
Currituck Education Foundation Fall Grants
The Currituck Education Foundation is pleased to announce the Fall Semester 2026 Grant Cycle. The Foundation will be awarding up to ten $500 grants this fall. Please see the email from Assistant Superintendent Renee Dowdy for complete details, including the application link. Applications must be submitted no later than October 2, 2026.
Quick Reference Links
- Archived Weekly Newsletters
- Become a Substitute
- District Website
- Explore CCS Career Opportunities
- Health & Wellness Resources
- Online Payment Options
- Our Schools
- School Calendars
- School Closings & Delays
- School Nutrition & Student Meals
- School Start & End Times
- School Websites & Socials
- Testing & Accountability
- Virtual Backpack
- Volunteer in Our Schools