Due to continued driver shortages, students who ride Bus 122 will be released early tomorrow, Friday, October 24, 2025.
🚌 Early Departure Schedule
Bright Adventures (122 Riders Only): Departs at 1:30 PM. Travel to Lots A-tots and then East Elementary.
East Elementary (Bright Adv. & EE 122 Riders Only): Departs at approximately 2:00 PM.
📍 Areas Affected
This affects riders in the Adams Creek, Goose Creek, Old #4 Road, Kaleidoscope Daycare, and Mount Noble areas. Students should arrive home approximately 1 hour earlier than their normal time.
⚠️ Important Notes
Pre-K students who normally transfer to other buses will be held at East Elementary and will load at their regularly scheduled time when their connecting bus arrives.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve the driver shortage.
📞 Questions?
East Elementary: 488-0939
Bright Adventures: 488-1494
Transportation Director: 488-3129 ext 5130
Please share this important update!
This special hourlong event celebrates the future of public education in North Carolina with inspiring remarks from Superintendent Green, performances by Swain County Schools students, and stories that highlight the incredible work happening across our schools.
Everyone’s invited including families, students, educators, and community partners to join together and help shape the next chapter of education in our state.
🕕 When: Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6:00p.m.
📍 Where: Swain Arts Center, Swain County High School
✅ RSVP: Free registration encouraged - go.ncdpi.gov/western
At no time were any students in danger. The incident was handled by the Swain County Sheriff’s Office.
Bus and parent pick up will be on regular schedule.
Attention All East Elementary Parents with Bus Riders
For Thursday, October 2nd
Today, Swain East Elementary will be combing riders of Bus #110 and #108 into one bus route. Students will be riding Bus #110.
This could mean that your child will arrive slightly behind the usual schedule.
Please contact Swain East Elementary with any questions.
Millie recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting from Western Governors University (January 2025), further strengthening her financial leadership skills. This advanced financial education, paired with her existing Bachelor of Science from East Tennessee State University, has given her the skills to adapt to our evolving organizational needs and the ever-changing landscape of K-12 education.
In her previous roles as Payroll and Benefits Coordinator at Swain County Schools and Payroll Supervisor at Jackson County Public Schools, Millie successfully streamlined processes, improved accuracy, and implemented new systems to serve staff and students better. Swain County Schools is excited to welcome Millie into this leadership role and looks forward to the insight, dedication, and innovation she will bring to our school district.
Today, we were honored to welcome over 100 future educators from Western Carolina University to our campuses! These passionate students spent the morning learning more about the profession and experiencing firsthand what makes teaching such a powerful calling.
The day began at the Swain Arts Center, where they heard from three incredible speakers:
Mr. Mark Sale, Superintendent – reminded them that “what you're going to do as an educator is life-changing,” and emphasized that our schools need people with the power to make a difference.
Molly Lawless, Swain County Schools Teacher of the Year – inspired them with the message that “your content matters, but your relationships matter more.” She encouraged these future teachers to build strong connections with their students — because that’s when real learning happens.
Lydia Sale, Western North Carolina Regional Teacher of the Year – shared a powerful truth: “Two truths can be true — teaching is hard, but teaching is worth it.” She reminded them to hold onto their “why” and keep the dream alive.
After the morning session, these future educators traveled to our different campuses to visit classrooms, meet our students, and see learning in action. We are so thankful to WCU for bringing these bright future teachers to Swain County and to our speakers for pouring into them with wisdom and encouragement. The future of education is bright!
This morning at 7:50 a.m., Swain County Schools received a rumor of a possible threat to the
high school. Law enforcement was immediately contacted and worked quickly to investigate. After a careful review, it was determined that the concern came from an unreliable source and was not a credible threat.
At no time did law enforcement feel that our campus was in danger. School is continuing on a regular schedule, and the safety of our students remains our top priority.
Wednesday Morning Bus Update
Students who usually ride Bus 112 will be picked up by Bus 110 this morning.
We apologize for any inconvenience!
Impact Aid forms are coming home TODAY with every student. These forms help bring crucial federal funding to Swain County Schools. 💰 Every form returned = more resources for our students! Please fill out and return ASAP. ✅
Swain County Schools is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as bus drivers. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to be the first smiling face our students see in the morning and the last one they see on their way home.
We have full-time routes available that offer more than just a paycheck. They come with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits that support you and your family. This is your opportunity to give back to the community and help shape the future of our students.
If you're ready to start a rewarding new career, contact Mr. Dennis Jones at 828-488-3129 ext. 5130 or email him at djones@swainmail.org.
#OurBestandThenSome
Once again, Swain County Schools is very appreciative to our Emergency Personnel, and thankful for their quick response.
Swain County Schools to Operate on Regular Schedule, Enhanced Law Enforcement Presence Planned
Bryson City, NC — August 21, 2025 — Swain County Schools will operate on a regular schedule, including ALL bus routes, on Friday, August 22.
In collaboration with local law enforcement, extra safety measures will be in place. Swain County deputies will be following buses in the Alarka area and maintaining a continuous patrol presence. Families and staff can also expect to see increased law enforcement visibility at West Elementary throughout the school day.
Swain County Schools remains in close communication with the Swain County Sheriff’s Department to ensure the continued safety of students and staff, and will implement any additional precautions as needed.
“We sincerely thank Sheriff Brian Kirkland and his team for their ongoing support and partnership in keeping our schools and community safe,” said district officials.
The Swain County Schools Afterschool Program application will open on Friday, August 8, at 9:00 a.m. Families interested in enrolling their child are encouraged to complete the application promptly, as spaces are limited.
Click the link below to access the application on Friday, August 8th at 9am:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevQr__Bml292h2GII53RsHcNiv8pPVKT3fnHlaH5-73Zx1rQ/viewform?usp=header
Click the link below to access the application on Friday, August 8th at 9am:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevQr__Bml292h2GII53RsHcNiv8pPVKT3fnHlaH5-73Zx1rQ/viewform?usp=header
Click the link below to access the application on Friday, August 8th at 9am:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevQr__Bml292h2GII53RsHcNiv8pPVKT3fnHlaH5-73Zx1rQ/viewform?usp=header
