Superintendent Weekly Update

from the desk of Kathy Amos

November 22, 2024

YCS Names Melanie Bennett as New Principal at BRES

At the regular Board of Education meeting on November 18, Yancey County Schools named Melanie Bennett as the new principal at Blue Ridge Elementary School. Mrs. Bennett brings over 16 years of classroom experience to her new role as well as administrative experience. She has served as the principal of Micaville Elementary for the past two and a half years. Unfortunately, Micaville Elementary sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene and is unable to reopen.

Mrs. Bennett is enthusiastic about this new opportunity and ready to embrace the challenges of a new school. “As I step into this new role, my goal is to continue the tradition of excellence at Blue Ridge Elementary while ensuring that every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential,” shared Bennett in a letter to BRES families and students. “This school year promises to be full of exciting opportunities for learning and growth. Together, we will celebrate our students’ achievements and work through challenges, always keeping their best interests at heart.”

Kathy Amos, Yancey County Schools Superintendent, states, “Mrs. Melanie Bennett is an outstanding leader who is hard working and has a heart for all children. There is no doubt that she will continue to grow and excel as the principal at Blue Ridge Elementary School.”

Thank you to the Blue Ridge Elementary Schools students, faculty, staff and families for welcoming Mrs. Bennett in her new leadership role.

Flu shots can be received at Prescription Pad, Ingles, CVS, YCHD or your local primary care provider. YCS will NOT be hosting a Flu shot clinic due to flu shots being readily available in the community.

2024-25 WOO Grant Applications Are Now Open

Keep North Carolina Beautiful operates a financial grant process that is open to any 501(c)3 organization in the state of North Carolina that educates our state's youth with regard to our environment and sustainability. The grants are for outdoor projects that enhance the beautification of campuses throughout NC, along with replenishment and recycling projects that educate the youth of North Carolina on the impacts of preserving and enhancing our state’s environmental sustainability.

Window of Opportunity (WOO) Grants begin at $1000 each.

WOO Grants are for outdoor classroom projects with a specific budget, time-line and completion date. Each applicant needs to complete the application, from the link below, and attach a PDF file with the expected student learnings of the project, scope of work, line-item budget, and project time-line. A Letter of Commitment, from the link below, is also required from the organization’s principal or director. The project outline also must be submitted with the completed Letter of Commitment.

The application deadline is Friday, December 20, 2024. Click here for more information.