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A milestone day in Swain County! Officials gathered today for the official groundbreaking ceremony of the new Swain Middle School. Full release and more photos to follow.
about 20 hours ago, Swain County Schools
10 people with shovels for a groundbreaking ceremony.
School is about so much more than just grades and assignments—it’s where lifelong friendships are built, trust is formed, and students find their sense of belonging. Chronic absenteeism can pull students away from that community, but showing up every day keeps them connected.

Be here. Be engaged. Be successful.
1 day ago, Swain County Schools
Infographic titled "Being Here Is About More Than Academics" featuring a classroom background with students at desks. Text outlines that school is where students develop friendships, build relationships with trusted adults, participate in activities, work as a team, and develop a sense of belonging. A section highlights that chronic absenteeism reduces engagement, emphasizing "Showing up keeps you connected." Features the Swain County Public Schools logo and the "Maroon Strong Character" emblem.
We want to hear from you! Swain East Elementary and West Elementary are currently seeking parent feedback on their School Improvement Plans. Your input plays a critical role in helping us identify strengths, address areas for growth, and set goals that support every student's success.

Please take a few moments to review your school's plan and share your thoughts by scanning the respective QR codes on the flyer or visiting our website.

Thank you for being a valued partner in improving our schools!
2 days ago, Swain County Schools
Infographic titled "Feedback Needed" with a clipboard icon. Text states that Swain East Elementary and West Elementary are seeking parent feedback on their School Improvement Plans to help identify strengths, address growth, and support student success. The flyer features two QR codes: one for "School Improvement Plans" and one for the "Stakeholder Survey," with the Swain County Public Schools logo in the bottom right corner.
We're hiring! Swain County Public Schools is looking for a High School Special Education Teacher to come make a difference in the lives of our students.
To apply: Visit https://swain.schoolspring.com/
For more information: Contact Lavonda Woodring, Human Resources Coordinator, at 828-488-3129 ext. 5128
2 days ago, Swain County Schools
Flyer for Swain County Public Schools reading "We're Hiring: Special Education Teacher High School." It features a graphic of a tree with colorful books and icons for leaves, and includes application details and contact information for Human Resources.
Swain West Elementary is currently experiencing high pH levels in our water supply. While the water is completely safe for handwashing and flushing toilets, it has an unpleasant taste, so bottled water is being provided for drinking. Bagged lunches will be served, and we are operating on a normal schedule. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please stay tuned to our website and social media for any updates. Thank you.
4 days ago, Swain County Schools
We’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate professional to join our team! Come make a difference every day in the lives of our students as a School Nurse with Swain County Public Schools.

Apply online: https://swain.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5950284

Or call: Lavonda Woodring, Human Resources Coordinator, at 828-488-3129 ext. 5128 for more information.

Support • Care • Lead
4 days ago, Swain County Schools
Hiring flyer for Swain County Public Schools featuring the text "We're Hiring School Nurse" and "Come make a difference everyday in the lives of our students!". Includes application link for SchoolSpring and contact details for HR Coordinator Lavonda Woodring.
Due to ongoing construction traffic in the Nantahala Gorge, families can expect possible delays this afternoon for Buses 125 and 126.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
7 days ago, Swain County Schools
October 23 Possible Bus Delays for Bus 125 & 126
You can't replace time in the classroom! While teachers can provide missed assignments, it’s impossible to recreate everything that happens during a live class period—from group work and demonstrations to real-time feedback. Be here, be engaged, and be successful!
10 days ago, Swain County Schools
Infographic titled "You can't replace time in the classroom" featuring three female students talking and working together. Text explains that teachers can provide missed assignments, but it's impossible to recreate explanations, discussions, demonstrations, group work, questions, feedback, and individual help. It also notes that the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction links chronic absence with lower academic achievement, and concludes with the tagline, "Be here. Be engaged. Be successful" by Swain County Public Schools.
Every day in class matters! Research shows that freshman attendance and grades are powerful predictors of high school graduation—even more so than eighth-grade test scores. Showing up today creates opportunities for tomorrow.

Be here. Be engaged. Be successful.
14 days ago, Swain County Schools
Infographic graphic titled "Attendance & Graduation" featuring Swain County Schools branding. The text notes that attendance helps predict graduation, citing University of Chicago research showing freshman attendance and grades are powerful predictors of graduation, and that attendance is eight times more predictive of freshman academic success than eighth-grade test scores. The bottom includes the phrase "Showing up today creates opportunities for tomorrow" alongside the motto "Be here. Be engaged. Be successful."
Shout Out to Scarlet Zaragoza who incorporated Character Ed into her design for the Homecoming door decorating contest! Her leadership helped secure the win for her class.
16 days ago, Swain High School
Picture of a Homecoming Week Door Design.  A mountain with all the character traits listed kindness, persevernce, integrity which you climb to become  a Maroon Strong person of character
We are thrilled to announce that Rhea Dingle, a 5th-grade teacher at Swain West Elementary, has been named the NC Burroughs Wellcome Fund Beginning Teacher of the Year for Swain County Schools!

This prestigious recognition highlights her exceptional commitment to her students and her craft as an early-career educator. Ms. Dingle will now continue forward in the statewide selection process.

Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved honor and wishing her the best of luck in the next phase! Learn more about the program at https://www.nccat.org/btoy
21 days ago, Swain County Schools
Rhea Dingle 5th Grade Teacher at West
Khloe Chapman was recently recognized with the Character Trait Award for Respect for the month of September at Swain County High School. She was nominated by Molly Lawless. Congratulations on this wonderful recognition, Khloe!
22 days ago, Swain County Schools
Female teacher and female student
Senior Shayla Jenkins was recently honored with the Character Trait Award for Kindness for the month of August at Swain County High School. She was proudly nominated by Blair Ogburn. Congratulations, Shayla!
22 days ago, Swain County Schools
female student and female teacher
Senior soccer team captain Cristobal dela Cruz-Echeverria was recently honored with the Character Trait Award for Respect at Swain County High School. He is pictured here alongside Molly Sue Smith, the school's Advise NC representative. Congratulations, Cristobal!
22 days ago, Swain County Schools
Senior soccer team captain Cristobal dela Cruz-Echeverria was recently honored with the Character Trait Award for Respect at Swain County High School. He is pictured here alongside Molly Sue Smith, the school's AdviseNC representative. Congratulations, Cristobal!

Show your school spirit this fall with new Swain gear! From sweatshirts and long sleeves to maroon and white favorites, we’ve got you covered.

Grab yours at the link in the comments section!

23 days ago, Swain County Schools
Graphic promoting the Swain School Store. The top text reads "SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT" above a circular badge featuring mountain peaks and evergreen trees with the word "Devils" across the middle. The bottom of the graphic lists items including sweatshirts, long sleeves, and maroon and white gear, along with a link to the store.
October is National Principals Month, and we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible leaders who guide our schools every single day! Thank you to Lisa Sutton (Swain West Elementary), Mike Treadway (Swain East Elementary), Ryan McMahan (Swain Middle School), Michael Turner (Swain Academy), and Tyler Shuler (Swain County High School) for your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff across Swain County Public Schools! Drop a comment below to give your principal a shoutout and thank them for everything they do!
23 days ago, Swain County Schools
flyer for principals month
Remember October is Empathy for Swain County Schools Character Ed. What a cute way for Bright Adventures PreK to introduce their students to Empathy!
24 days ago, Swain County Schools
Halloween scene where ghosts are showing empathy for each other.
A Little Adds Up

Did you know that missing just 10% of the school year is considered chronic absenteeism?

In a typical 180-day school year, that's about 18 days — roughly one month of school.

And it doesn't take long to get there. Missing just two days per month can put a student in that range.

Every day counts!
25 days ago, Swain County Schools
flyer that restates A Little Adds Up  Did you know that missing just 10% of the school year is considered chronic absenteeism?  In a typical 180-day school year, that's about 18 days — roughly one month of school.  And it doesn't take long to get there. Missing just two days per month can put a student in that range.  Every day counts!

From friend drama and social exclusion to the pressures of group chats, today's social world can feel complicated for kids and exhausting for parents. In this webinar, we'll explore what children and teens need from the adults in their lives to navigate friendship challenges, build resilience, and maintain healthy relationships.

About the Speaker:
Phyllis Fagell, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor, school counselor, author, and nationally recognized expert on child and adolescent development. She is the author of Middle School Matters and a frequent contributor to The Washington Post. Phyllis helps parents and educators support children's social, emotional, and academic wellbeing.

Visit the link below to register.

https://cartwheelcare.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YCsayhvVS6GeX5yS0Lrf6A?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_20145244#/registration

25 days ago, Swain County Schools
graphic with teen girl on phone
Mrs. Holt's class recently participated in the WNC Mountain State Fair. The students created a variety of art projects for the competition and brought home an impressive collection of awards. Pictured in the back row are Emmie Jackson (1st and 2nd place), Owen Kribs (two 1st place ribbons and two Judge’s Choice awards), Conner Bowman (two 1st place ribbons and Best in Show), and Jacob Jackson (1st place and Best in Show). In the front row are Eeva Haigler (2nd place) and Kendyl Becker (3rd place). Congratulations, students!
29 days ago, Swain County Schools
Group of 6 High School Students