Superintendent Weekly Update

September 4, 2026

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Thank you to everyone for working so hard over the past several weeks to provide a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment for our students. Your dedication and commitment are truly appreciated!

Schools will be closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day. I hope you enjoy this well-deserved time with family and friends as we pause to celebrate one another and count our many blessings.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

🥳YANCEY COUNTY SCHOOLS IS CELEBRATING SUCCESS AT EVERY LEVEL!🥳

The latest accountability results show Yancey County Schools are making continuous progress and achieving at every level.

✅100% of elementary schools met growth

✅100% of middle schools met growth

✅94.4% High School Cohort Graduation Rate

✅MHHS & STES moved up a letter grade to a B school

✅MHHS Biology scores are 3rd in the state

✅MHHS English 2 scores are tied for 3rd in the state

✅8th Grade Math is 3rd in the state

✅8th Grade Math is 1st in the Northwest and Western regions

✅MHHS Biology is 1st in the Northwest and Western regions

✅MHHS English 2 is 1st in the Northwest and Western regions

We are grateful for every employee, student and family that work together to ensure the best outcome for our students.

Bright Ideas Grant

The Bright Ideas Grant is quickly approaching the deadline of September 15th. Please visit the website for more information and the application.

Calling All Bus Riders!

September 21-25, Yancey County Schools will be recording how many students ride buses in Yancey County. This is one way that YCS receives funding for buses and bus routes. It is imperative that anyone who rides a bus at any time throughout the year rides this week!!!

Data Review Committee (DRC) Applications

Submit by September 10th if interested

Applications are now open for individuals interested in serving on the Social Studies Data Review Committee (DRC) as part of North Carolina’s Social Studies Standard Course of Study review and revision process.

Applications will be accepted through Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Individuals may apply to serve on the DRC for any grade level, K-8, or for a specific high school course, 9-12.

What Does a Data Review Committee Member Do?

The Data Review Committee plays an important role in ensuring that decisions about the Social Studies Standard Course of Study are informed by evidence and stakeholder feedback. DRC members will review and analyze multiple sources of information collected during the standards review process, including:

Standard-by-Standard survey data;
feedback from regional focus groups and interviews;
relevant research;
applicable state and federal policies; and
legislation pertaining to Social Studies.

Applicants will be notified of their selection the week of September 21, 2026, and DRC work will begin on October 14, 2026.

Application Deadline: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Selection Notification: Week of September 21, 2026
DRC Work Begins: October 14, 2026

Please note that dates are tentative and subject to change.

Apply to be on the SS Data Review Committee (DRC)

NCSSM Professional Development

The North Carolina School of Science and Math Division of Extended Learning provides free professional development opportunities and trainings for K-12 public school teachers throughout North Carolina. We offer customizable sessions, workshops, Professional Learning Communities, book studies, conference sessions, and more. These opportunities can be scheduled at the convenience of schools or districts and can be conducted virtually or in-person. These opportunities vary from 45 minute presentations to multi-day events and can be offered in virtual settings, or in-person on at NCSSM-Morganton, NCSSM-Durham, and Home Districts.

View the Catalog