Your Mountaineers upset Bishop McGuinness and are moving on to Round 3 with a HOME playoff game next Friday!
We’re thrilled to share that the number of students scoring 3 or higher on AP exams at Mitchell High School increased by 17% this year! Many colleges and universities grant college credit or allow students to skip introductory courses for AP scores of 3 or higher. AP exam scores are standardized and recognized worldwide, giving students credentials that travel with them wherever they go.
https://www.dpi.nc.gov/.../advanced-placement-growth-nc...
https://www.dpi.nc.gov/.../advanced-placement-growth-nc...
Mitchell County Schools will be on a 2 hour delay tomorrow, Wednesday November 12th. A delay will allow temperatures to be above freezing and daylight will help drivers to see any remaining ice or snow patches. Buses will run clear roads only. We will post in the morning any roads buses could not run. Buildings will open for drop-offs one hour later than normal time
MCS will operate on a Remote Education Day tomorrow, Monday, November 10th. This is due to being placed on a winter weather advisory and uncertain amounts of snow throughout the county with all the different forecasts. We also will be closed on Tuesday November 11th as a remembrance of Veterans Day! MCS would like to thank all the veterans in our county for service to our great country.
Tomorrow will also allow us to test our remote capability and correct any issues. Please follow your schools remote plan.
We will use remote days in semester one on inclement weather days when possible. Semester 2 has make up days built into calendar for inclement weather.
We will make a decision on staff delay if needed in the morning. Staff please check email before reporting.
Thank you for patience and understanding as we want all to remain safe on these days
November Calendar Reminders
Food Resources
We’re proud to announce that Greenlee Primary School has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2025–2028!
Greenlee is one of only 21 schools in North Carolina to receive this recognition - celebrating our teachers’ creativity, our students’ curiosity, and our commitment to inspiring, imagining, and impacting learning through innovation.
Every day, our classrooms come alive with collaboration, imagination, and discovery and we’re honored that our work has been recognized among innovative schools across the world.
Click here to watch the Greenlee's Apple Distinguished Schools video: https://youtu.be/UijS8USOa64?si=RAKt7wY4okNkTkDi
Inspiring • Imagining • Impacting Teaching and Learning
#AppleDistinguishedSchools #GreenleePrimary #MitchellCountySchools
Greenlee is one of only 21 schools in North Carolina to receive this recognition - celebrating our teachers’ creativity, our students’ curiosity, and our commitment to inspiring, imagining, and impacting learning through innovation.
Every day, our classrooms come alive with collaboration, imagination, and discovery and we’re honored that our work has been recognized among innovative schools across the world.
Click here to watch the Greenlee's Apple Distinguished Schools video: https://youtu.be/UijS8USOa64?si=RAKt7wY4okNkTkDi
Inspiring • Imagining • Impacting Teaching and Learning
#AppleDistinguishedSchools #GreenleePrimary #MitchellCountySchools
Are you interested in becoming a substitute teacher for Mitchell County Schools? We have trainings coming in November and January!
On Friday, October 17, two adults were arrested for possession of concealed weapons on a school campus. No students or staff were in danger at any time. On Friday, Mitchell County Schools posted the current law on weapons on campus so all would be aware to prevent further misunderstandings.
Mitchell County Schools would like to remind students, parents, staff, and the public of the following law as we know many have conceal carry permits. Many are also participating in hunting season, and everyone should remain mindful of legal requirements relating to possession of firearms. Please do not make the mistake of carrying a weapon openly or concealed on school property.
In North Carolina, it is generally illegal to possess or carry a weapon on any public or private educational property, including schools, universities, school buses, and school-sponsored events
Violations can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the specific circumstances.
Prohibited weapons: North Carolina law broadly defines "weapon" on educational property. The list of prohibited items includes, but is not limited to:
Firearms (pistols, rifles, shotguns)
Knives and other cutting instruments
BB guns and air rifles
Brass knuckles
Explosives and fireworks
Any other tool or instrument capable of inflicting serious bodily injury
Key regulations and exceptions
Locked vehicle exception: A person with a valid concealed handgun permit can store a handgun in a locked vehicle in the parking area of an educational institution.
Law enforcement and military: Certain law enforcement and military personnel are exempt while carrying out their official duties.
Carrying a weapon on school property can lead to severe criminal charges.
Misdemeanor: A Class 1 misdemeanor, with a maximum of 120 days in jail, is possible for lesser offenses.
Felony: Possessing a gun on school property, including a school bus, is a Class I felony. Intentionally discharging a firearm on educational property is a Class F felony.
Additional consequences for students: In addition to criminal charges, students can face a mandatory 365-day suspension for bringing a gun to school
Spring Musical Sneak Peak!
Who? ALL Kindergarten -12th graders are invited
When? Last of the Wacky Wednesdays! October 15 3:00 - 4:00 - Auditioning Tips!
What? This time is set aside for students who want to know more about the show, learn songs, get to know the teachers in charge, and HAVE FUN! We will give tips and tricks for presenting your best audition to get the role you most want.
Time? until 4:00. Ask your principal about riding a bus over to the high school. Pick up your child at 4:00 on the MHS circle. .
Information for later: Auditions - Mark your calendars
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 3:00
Monday, November 17 - Students grades K-4
Tuesday, November 18, Students grades 5 - 8
Wednesday November 19 - Students grades 9-12
Where: Mitchell High School, Kathy Miller Auditorium
Who? ALL Kindergarten -12th graders are invited
When? Last of the Wacky Wednesdays! October 15 3:00 - 4:00 - Auditioning Tips!
What? This time is set aside for students who want to know more about the show, learn songs, get to know the teachers in charge, and HAVE FUN! We will give tips and tricks for presenting your best audition to get the role you most want.
Time? until 4:00. Ask your principal about riding a bus over to the high school. Pick up your child at 4:00 on the MHS circle. .
Information for later: Auditions - Mark your calendars
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 3:00
Monday, November 17 - Students grades K-4
Tuesday, November 18, Students grades 5 - 8
Wednesday November 19 - Students grades 9-12
Where: Mitchell High School, Kathy Miller Auditorium
Today is Custodian Appreciation Day! They are an integral part of our school community and we appreciate them keeping our buildings clean and safe.
We love watching the things that are happening in our schools each day. This morning, we saw Ronald Stirling from the Mitchell County Sheriff's Department helping students at Gouge Elementary School raise the flag. He wasn't just helping them make sure the flag was up, but was engaged in conversation with them. We appreciate our local law enforcement for not only keeping our schools safe, but for taking time to form positive relationships with our students.
Early Dismissal and Parent Teacher Conferences are happening next Tuesday, October 7. Please watch for more information coming from your child's school.
Are you interested in becoming a school bus driver?
Thank you to Shannon Krenek, our Licensed Clinical Social Worker, for helping us understand the emotions we may be feeling as we are at the one-year anniversary of Helene.
With the anniversary of Helene, we wanted to take a moment and name how “anniversary reactions” to stressful and traumatic events affect people, which many of us have probably already noticed around us or personally felt. These reactions are normal responses to extraordinary events and are the body and mind’s attempt to “stay safe.” Anniversary reactions can include:
anxiety, fear, restlessness, upset stomach, stress headaches, heart racing,
sadness, depression, grief, difficulty connecting with others, “zoning out,"
flashbacks (like it’s happening all over again), nightmares and difficulty sleeping, tough memories,
anger, frustration, grumpiness, being on edge, “blowing up,"
guilt (including survivor’s guilt), and avoiding reminders of the stressful event
These experiences come from the deeper “fight, flight, freeze” part of our brains and cannot be stopped or controlled by our thinking brains - so, frustratingly, we are not able to simply “stop it.” We’ve already experienced and witnessed this over the past year whenever the rain comes or it gets really windy and stormy or we’re driving by all the debris and change, and we can expect these reactions to increase more dramatically around this anniversary.
Whether we are out in the community and neighbors and strangers are “on edge,” or we’re personally noticing we’re not quite “feeling like ourselves,” or we’re at school and our students and colleagues seem to be “off” or struggling more than usual — the coming days and weeks can be a time to extend extra grace to ourselves and others, to pause and breathe, and to focus on the care we share for each other.
Deep slow breathing can be a helpful cue to our brains and bodies that we are actually safe and okay in this moment — in through the nose (smell the roses) and out through the mouth (like blowing bubbles) can be especially helpful.
Pausing on purpose to just take a break, or even to notice or remember something beautiful or positive, can help reduce the intensity of these reactions.
“Butterfly taps” - crossing our arms over our chest and gently tapping one side then the other for a few minutes - is a great tool for lowering this “amped up” energy most of us may feel.
And, always, if what you or someone else is feeling is at the point of a crisis (including having a panic attack, feeling “out of control,” and/or having thoughts of dying) — anyone at anytime can call, text, or chat with professionals at the 988 Crisis Line.
Take really good care, pause as often as needed, and let’s show grace where we can.
With the anniversary of Helene, we wanted to take a moment and name how “anniversary reactions” to stressful and traumatic events affect people, which many of us have probably already noticed around us or personally felt. These reactions are normal responses to extraordinary events and are the body and mind’s attempt to “stay safe.” Anniversary reactions can include:
anxiety, fear, restlessness, upset stomach, stress headaches, heart racing,
sadness, depression, grief, difficulty connecting with others, “zoning out,"
flashbacks (like it’s happening all over again), nightmares and difficulty sleeping, tough memories,
anger, frustration, grumpiness, being on edge, “blowing up,"
guilt (including survivor’s guilt), and avoiding reminders of the stressful event
These experiences come from the deeper “fight, flight, freeze” part of our brains and cannot be stopped or controlled by our thinking brains - so, frustratingly, we are not able to simply “stop it.” We’ve already experienced and witnessed this over the past year whenever the rain comes or it gets really windy and stormy or we’re driving by all the debris and change, and we can expect these reactions to increase more dramatically around this anniversary.
Whether we are out in the community and neighbors and strangers are “on edge,” or we’re personally noticing we’re not quite “feeling like ourselves,” or we’re at school and our students and colleagues seem to be “off” or struggling more than usual — the coming days and weeks can be a time to extend extra grace to ourselves and others, to pause and breathe, and to focus on the care we share for each other.
Deep slow breathing can be a helpful cue to our brains and bodies that we are actually safe and okay in this moment — in through the nose (smell the roses) and out through the mouth (like blowing bubbles) can be especially helpful.
Pausing on purpose to just take a break, or even to notice or remember something beautiful or positive, can help reduce the intensity of these reactions.
“Butterfly taps” - crossing our arms over our chest and gently tapping one side then the other for a few minutes - is a great tool for lowering this “amped up” energy most of us may feel.
And, always, if what you or someone else is feeling is at the point of a crisis (including having a panic attack, feeling “out of control,” and/or having thoughts of dying) — anyone at anytime can call, text, or chat with professionals at the 988 Crisis Line.
Take really good care, pause as often as needed, and let’s show grace where we can.
Mitchell County School Staff, Students, Parents and Fellow Mitchell Countians:
One year ago we faced one of the most– if not the most–devastating events in our county’s history. We witnessed the resilience of our citizens, neighbors helping neighbors, and the true grit of Mountaineers!
Our week began with the fear and a “bad gut feeling” that this storm was going to be severe. None of us could have imagined the devastation to come.
Mitchell County Schools tried to have our homecoming game Wednesday night before the storm. We did this so our students could still have some type of homecoming celebration. We did not get to play the game, but homecoming court proceeded in the gym. As we were closing up that Wednesday night, staff members spotted flooding into our gym. Staff jumped into action and unclogged the culvert that was causing the flooding.
We cancelled school that Thursday and Friday with the anticipation of the storm. Some staff worked diligently on Thursday to prepare schools for the storm. We also assisted the Red Cross in setting up a shelter at MHS. The night before the brunt of the storm was a sleepless night–and then came Helene!
Mitchell County School staff immediately jumped into action after the storm. School staff checked on neighbors, students, and fellow staff members. Mitchell County School Staff were using chainsaws, clearing roads, checking on family, and trying to find out if everyone was safe. The hardest part was the lack of communication and not knowing if all our students and staff were safe. Several students and faculty lost homes, and many others suffered damage, but we are grateful that no lives were lost.
Mitchell County School staff and students ran distribution centers, coordinated help and supplies, participated in search and rescue, and helped anyone who needed help. Mitchell County School staff and students became servants to the citizens, and then went home and dealt with their own damage and issues from the storm. Every school–along with retired school buildings–was used to recover and provide supplies from this storm.
We sincerely thank all those that helped us recover from all across the United States. You know who you are and we THANK YOU!
We wanted to share with our staff and students along with the public the following remembrance video that highlights our staff/students and their hard work and dedication to our county. I am proud of all our staff and students for all they do daily, but especially for what they did during Helene. I am proud to serve Mitchell County Schools as Superintendent!
Chad T. Calhoun, Superintendent
One Mountaineer
Mountaineer Strong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwyf4-qcgiQ
One year ago we faced one of the most– if not the most–devastating events in our county’s history. We witnessed the resilience of our citizens, neighbors helping neighbors, and the true grit of Mountaineers!
Our week began with the fear and a “bad gut feeling” that this storm was going to be severe. None of us could have imagined the devastation to come.
Mitchell County Schools tried to have our homecoming game Wednesday night before the storm. We did this so our students could still have some type of homecoming celebration. We did not get to play the game, but homecoming court proceeded in the gym. As we were closing up that Wednesday night, staff members spotted flooding into our gym. Staff jumped into action and unclogged the culvert that was causing the flooding.
We cancelled school that Thursday and Friday with the anticipation of the storm. Some staff worked diligently on Thursday to prepare schools for the storm. We also assisted the Red Cross in setting up a shelter at MHS. The night before the brunt of the storm was a sleepless night–and then came Helene!
Mitchell County School staff immediately jumped into action after the storm. School staff checked on neighbors, students, and fellow staff members. Mitchell County School Staff were using chainsaws, clearing roads, checking on family, and trying to find out if everyone was safe. The hardest part was the lack of communication and not knowing if all our students and staff were safe. Several students and faculty lost homes, and many others suffered damage, but we are grateful that no lives were lost.
Mitchell County School staff and students ran distribution centers, coordinated help and supplies, participated in search and rescue, and helped anyone who needed help. Mitchell County School staff and students became servants to the citizens, and then went home and dealt with their own damage and issues from the storm. Every school–along with retired school buildings–was used to recover and provide supplies from this storm.
We sincerely thank all those that helped us recover from all across the United States. You know who you are and we THANK YOU!
We wanted to share with our staff and students along with the public the following remembrance video that highlights our staff/students and their hard work and dedication to our county. I am proud of all our staff and students for all they do daily, but especially for what they did during Helene. I am proud to serve Mitchell County Schools as Superintendent!
Chad T. Calhoun, Superintendent
One Mountaineer
Mountaineer Strong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwyf4-qcgiQ
Congratulations to Anthony for winning first place in his class in Showmanship at the Special Olympics NC State Equestrian Games this past weekend! We are very proud of you!
Thank you to Special Olympics of Mitchell County and the Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center for the opportunities and training you are providing to our students.
Thank you to Special Olympics of Mitchell County and the Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center for the opportunities and training you are providing to our students.
Arts in Education week was September 15-19, 2025. Look at the incredible things happening in our arts classrooms across the district last week!
Next week, September 22-26, is School Bus Ridership Week across school districts in North Carolina. The funding that Mitchell County Schools gets for transportation is dependent on the number of students who ride a school bus during this week. Even if your child rides the bus occasionally, we ask that they please ride as many days as possible next week.
