Future Educators in the Making!
On March 2, eight of our standout Swain High students traveled to Mars Hill University for the 2026 Teacher Cadet Conference. They joined peers from Buncombe, Haywood, and Henderson counties to dive deep into the world of education.
Swain representatives included: Shelby Kirkland, Emma Herron, Kiera Dyer, Addisyn Mathews, Maddison Ball, Madison Walkingstick, Peyton Allen, and Norah Dunlap.
Highlights of the Day: From classroom management and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) to Career and Technical Education (CTE), our Cadets attended specialized sessions led by "Teachers of the Year" and school administrators.
"The entire day was fun, engaging, and felt like a big success," said Madison Walkingstick. "The sessions were informative about how to manage a classroom and connect with students."
The Heart of the Mission: Student Norah Dunlap summed up the inspiration behind the trip: "Model the teacher that inspired you to become one, so you can change someone else's life like they changed yours."
We are so proud of these future leaders!

about 19 hours ago, Swain County Schools
A group of eight students posing for a photo on the campus of Mars Hill University. They are standing on a paved walkway lined with dormant shrubs. In the foreground on the right, a green lamppost features a blue banner that reads "Mars Hill University 1856, Education That Moves Mountains." In the background, there is a large brick building with a gabled roof, as well as a parking lot with several vehicles and rolling hills under an overcast sky.

Swain County Schools recognized several students at the February Board of Education meeting with "Our Best and Then Some" awards! 🏆

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students for the positive impact they have on our schools and community every day.

2 days ago, Swain County Schools
A young student from Bright Adventures Pre-K, Bennett Cook, is being recognized by Swain County Schools for their "Our Best and Then Some" award in February 2026. In the center of the image, Bennett—a young child with curly blonde hair and a bright pink bow—proudly holds an award certificate. Standing behind Bennett is an adult man with glasses and a dark blazer.
Lincoln Chambers: A young boy in a grey t-shirt smiles while holding his award certificate. Standing beside him is a smiling woman with blonde hair and glasses wearing a dark cardigan over a rust-colored top.
Dwayne Wachacha: A young boy in a green "Scientifically Proven" t-shirt holds his certificate. He is standing next to a smiling woman with short brown hair wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and a colorful floral skirt.
Cooper Booher: A young boy with blonde hair wearing a tan hoodie stands in front of a smiling woman with glasses and long brown hair wearing a blue sweatshirt that says "KINDNESS."
Savannah Miller: A young girl in a pink shirt with a rose graphic smiles while holding her certificate. Standing next to her is a smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a blue and white floral patterned blouse.
James Moore: A smiling boy in a grey acid-wash hoodie stands next to a smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a vibrant floral-print dress. He is holding his award certificate at his side.
Katie Moore: A young girl in a light grey hoodie smiles while holding her award. Standing next to her with an arm around her shoulder is a smiling woman with long reddish-brown hair wearing a pink and purple patterned blouse.
A middle-school-aged boy in a blue t-shirt smiles while holding his certificate. Standing next to him is a man with a beard, wearing a light blue button-down shirt and a striped tie.
The countdown is over! 📣 Kindergarten Registration for Swain County Schools opens TODAY, March 6!

We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2039. To get started:
1️⃣ Complete the online form here: https://bit.ly/4cVyZtG
2️⃣ Call your school to schedule an in-person appointment.

Swain East: 488-0939
Swain West: 488-2119

Don't forget: In-person appointments are March 31 (East) and April 1 (West). See you soon!
5 days ago, Swain County Schools
A cream-colored flyer with orange and black text featuring an illustrated owl wearing glasses and holding a book at the top, and a fox writing in a notebook at the bottom. The headline reads 'Swain County Schools Kindergarten Registration.

Talking to teens about substance use can feel uncomfortable, or even overwhelming. Questions about peer pressure, experimentation, and safety don’t always come with easy answers, and many parents aren’t sure where to begin.

Join Cartwheel and Amy McCarthy Baluch, LICSW, for a free, live webinar: Navigating the Tough Talks: Strategies for Talking to Teens about Substance Use on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 12–1 pm ET

Parents and caregivers will learn practical strategies for starting conversations, responding calmly to tough questions, and helping teens make safer, healthier choices, while keeping trust and communication strong at home.

Register Here

7 days ago, Swain County Schools
Promotional graphic for a Cartwheel upcoming webinar titled "Tough Talks: Strategies for Talking to Teens about Substance Use." The webinar is scheduled for March 11 from 12 – 1pm ET. Below the text is a photo of four teenagers talking in a brightly lit school hallway lined with lockers.
💙 Celebrating our incredible school social workers this week! Thank you for championing students’ mental health, supporting families, and helping every child succeed. We appreciate you! 🙌📚 #SchoolSocialWorkerWeek #NC

Pictured (L to R)
Hannah Clemmer, School Social Worker at East Elementary School
Leah Pacey, Clinical Social Worker, East & West Elementary School
Ashley Walker, School Social Worker at SCHS and Swain Academy
Not Pictured: Cenda Dickey, School Social Worker, West Elementary School
7 days ago, Swain County Schools
Photo of three women
Today, three employees were arrested by the Swain County Sheriff’s Office and charged with various crimes related to their employment at East Swain Elementary School. These charges result from a report by the Swain County Schools to law enforcement. Although the Sheriff’s Department can release certain details, including the names and specific charges, the Swain County Schools cannot provide additional details because, under federal and State law, students and employees are entitled to confidentiality from the school system. All three employees are on leave pending further investigation.

From the beginning, Swain County Schools has fully cooperated with law enforcement and will continue to do so.

Our first and highest priority at this time is ensuring that students at East Elementary have the staff support and resources they need. The staff at East Elementary is committed to maintaining a supportive educational environment for all students, and this will remain our focus. Questions, concerns, or information regarding the investigation or the charges should be directed to the Swain County Sheriff’s Department.
8 days ago, Swain County Schools

Reminder!!!
8th Grade Families High school is just around the corner! Please check your email to schedule a 1-on-1 meeting. If you didn’t receive an email please call Swain High at 828-488-2152 ext. 5223 to schedule an appointment.

12 days ago, Swain County Schools
Swain County Schools will operate on a normal schedule Tuesday, February 24.
16 days ago, Swain County Schools
Due to inclement weather, Swain County Schools will be closed today, Monday, February 23. It will be an Optional Teacher Workday for staff.
16 days ago, Swain County Schools
Maroon graphic with snowflakes saying 2/23/25 Swain County Schools Closed Optional Teacher Workday
On Wednesday, February 18, district administrators received a report concerning the conduct of a classroom teacher. Upon learning of the matter, the district promptly notified local law enforcement and placed the employee on suspension with pay pending the outcome of an investigation. The district takes all reports involving employees’ conduct seriously and follows established procedures to ensure concerns are addressed appropriately and in accordance with district policy and applicable law. Because this matter involves an ongoing investigation and personnel issues, the district is unable to provide additional details at this time. The district will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.
20 days ago, Swain County Schools
Behind every successful school day is a team of dedicated professionals ensuring students arrive safe, on time, and ready to learn.

This week, we are proud to celebrate Bus Driver Appreciation Week. Our transportation team navigates more than just roads; they navigate the responsibility of student safety and well-being with incredible grace.

Please join us in thanking these essential members of our educational workforce for their commitment and hard work. 🏫🚛
26 days ago, Swain County Schools
Poster titled “Bus Driver Appreciation Week!” with the subtitle “Thank you for all you do for the students of Swain County!” The design features eight cartoon-style illustrations of school bus drivers smiling and leaning out of yellow school bus windows, arranged in two columns. Each panel shows a small group of drivers with varied ages, hairstyles, glasses, hats, and clothing, all drawn in a friendly, slightly exaggerated caricature style. A school logo with a maroon “S” and a devil mascot appears on the right side near the bottom. The lower right corner includes a “NAPT Love the Bus Month” graphic with a heart. A long list of bus driver names appears in small text across the bottom, along with the note, “Created with the assistance of AI.” The background shows a road with a yellow center line fading into the distance.
This is a reminder that Swain County Schools will be closed on Friday, February 13 for a scheduled, mandatory teacher workday.
27 days ago, Swain County Schools

Registration Day is March 20, 2026
Bright Adventures Pre-K is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year and scheduling registration appointments for three and four year olds (by August 31, 2026).
Four year old residents of Swain County attend Bright Adventures Pre-K for free. Visit her for the enrollment form. https://bit.ly/4ayA1Jv


27 days ago, Swain County Schools
Flyer for Bright Adventures Pre-K announcing that Registration Day is March 20, 2026. It states that applications are now being accepted for the 2026–2027 school year and registration appointments are being scheduled for 3- and 4-year-olds (by August 31, 2026). It highlights that 4-year-old residents of Swain County attend for free. The flyer includes the Swain County Public Schools logo, the Region A Partnership for Children logo, and contact information: 249 School Drive, Bryson City, NC; phone 828-488-1494; fax 828-488-1345; and website www.swain.k12.nc.us (Our Schools – Bright Adventures – For Parents – Enroll). The design features a red border with black polka dots and bold red and teal headline text.
Make a Difference on Your Own Schedule! 🍎

Swain County Schools is looking for substitute teachers! Whether you're a retiree, a stay-at-home parent, or looking for a career change, subbing offers:
Ultimate Flexibility: Set your own schedule; work as much or as little as you want.
Career Exploration: Test different grade levels and subjects to find your fit.
Skill-Building: Sharpen skills in leadership, public speaking, and adaptability.
No "Home Work": Your day ends when the bell rings—no grading or lesson planning.
Community Impact: Be the reason our students keep learning.

Join us!
Kelly Education Hiring Event
February 26th
10:00 to 2:00 PM
Front Lobby
Board of Education
30 days ago, Swain County Schools
Graphic with same verbiage as the post.

Here is the updated calendar for Swain County Schools.

about 1 month ago, Swain County Schools
Image of the Swain County Schools calendar
This week, we celebrate National School Counseling Week! The counselors of Swain County Schools are the heartbeat of our district, working tirelessly to support students’ mental health, academic goals, and personal growth. Thank you for helping every student dream big and reach their full potential. We appreciate everything you do!

Pictured (L-R): Lindsay Altizer (Swain East Elementary), Anna Roland (Swain High School), Neil Holden (Swain West Elementary), Katie Aldridge (Swain Middle), Ian Roper (Swain High School), and Ciera Wiggins (Swain Middle).
about 1 month ago, Swain County Schools
Photo featuring group of adults .
Road conditions have continued to deteriorate over the past few hours. Consequently, Swain County Schools will be closed today, February 5, for students. It will be an Optional Teacher Workday for staff. We apologize for any inconvenience. The safety of our students, families, and staff is of our utmost importance.
about 1 month ago, Swain County Schools
Graphic stating Swain County Schools now closed
Due to wintry precipitation in parts of the county, Swain County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay today, February 5. Please stay safe and monitor for further updates.
about 1 month ago, Swain County Schools
Maroon Graphic stating 2 hour delay
Swain County Schools will operate on a regular schedule tomorrow, Thursday, February 5. However due to forecasted freezing temperatures we will be monitoring road conditions in the morning.
about 1 month ago, Swain County Schools
Due to deteriorating road conditions, Swain County Schools will now be closed for students today, Wednesday, February 4th. This will be an Optional Teacher Workday.

The safety of our students, families, and staff is our top priority. We apologize for the late notice and any inconvenience this change may cause. Please stay safe and off the roads if possible.
about 1 month ago, Swain County Schools
Graphic stating same as verbiage.