Happy Friday and welcome to the weekend. If you didn't get a chance to vote for NCHS student Kendall Stavenger in the Cheerwine T-Shirt contest, today is the deadline. Click the link below for more info.
As a reminder, our next out-of-school days on the calendar are Friday, April 3rd (Good Friday holiday), and Monday, April 6th (teacher workday for traditional school students).
Here's this week's edition of The Friday Five 🖐️
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Inside this issue, you’ll find powerful stories of connection, leadership, and heart from across Cabarrus County Schools:
✨ Belonging – CCS Psychologist of the Year Mimi Pages shares how being truly seen, heard, and supported helps students thrive.
🎤 Shaping Futures – Cox Mill’s Avi Deshmukh discovers confidence and leadership through DECA.
🤝 Growing Leaders – Oak Grove Baptist volunteers are building confidence and connections at Rocky River Elementary.
💙 Engaging Hearts – MPES Nurse Laura Bryant’s compassionate care earns statewide recognition.
🏀 Connections – NBA champion Ish Smith stays rooted at Central Cabarrus, proving impact begins at home.
🍎 Inspiring Minds – Bria Mosby is creating “I can do this” moments for students and extending her impact across classrooms.
🏗️ Innovation in Action – Go behind the scenes of CCS’s forward-thinking school construction, where flexible, future-ready spaces are being designed for generations of learners.
🔧 Pathways to Success – Explore CCS’s Automotive CTE pathway and meet Alex Anderson, a Hickory Ridge graduate now leading as General Manager at Concord’s Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers.
🥣 A Taste of CCS – ROSA and Concord High students team up to support a local food bank with handmade bowls, homemade soup, and even a featured gumbo recipe.
🚌 Then & Now – Follow the journey of Doris Dry, from CCS student bus driver to leading transportation planning for the entire district.
Every story reflects our mission to Inspire Minds, Engage Hearts, and Shape Futures.
📲 Take a few minutes to explore the Winter edition and celebrate the people who make CCS extraordinary.
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The new Northwest Area Elementary School is a key project for Cabarrus County Schools as the district continues to respond to growth in the northwest part of the county. The new school will provide much-needed elementary capacity while creating a safe, modern, and student-centered learning environment built to support academic success and the long-term needs of the community.
Designed with flexibility, functionality, and future readiness in mind, the school will serve students and families with spaces that enhance learning and support daily operations. This project represents a continued commitment to thoughtful planning, strong community investment, and providing high-quality educational facilities for the children of Cabarrus County.
The school will include 41 traditional K-5 classrooms, along with one Pre-K classroom to support our early childhood education initiatives. In addition to these core instructional spaces, the building will feature dedicated classrooms for AIG, Art, Music, Exceptional Children, Makerspace, and an Innovation Lab. Outdoor amenities will include playground spaces for both K-5 and Pre-K students, outdoor basketball courts, a walking path, and outdoor classroom spaces for Art and Exceptional Children programming.
The site has been designed to support safe and efficient circulation, with capacity for 25 percent more car riders and staff parking than required. A dedicated bus entrance and separate bus loading area will help maintain safe traffic flow by isolating bus operations from parent drop off and pick up during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.
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March 23–27 is Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, a time dedicated to empowering students, families, and communities with real, science-based information about the effects of substance use. This week encourages open conversations, helps dispel myths, and equips young people with the knowledge they need to make healthy, informed decisions. By promoting awareness and understanding, we can work together to support safe choices and strong futures for all students. |
✅ FOR SENIORS AND STAFF: DR. CHRIS LOWDER SCHOLARSHIP: The Dr. Chris Lowder Scholarships were established in 2021 by friends and colleagues of Dr. Lowder to honor the retired Superintendent of Cabarrus County Schools, having served as Superintendent from 2015-2021. This is the sixth year of awarding the Lowder Scholarships. The application for the two 2026 Dr. Chris Lowder Scholarships is now available! There is one $1000 scholarship for a Cabarrus County Schools graduating senior who has been enrolled in CCS for the entire academic year. And one $1000 scholarship for a CCS staff member who has been employed by CCS since at least 8/1/2025 and is furthering their education. The staff member can be in any CCS role as long as they are pursuing education to further their CCS employment. The key feature of these scholarships is to write an essay honoring a prior teacher who made an impression on the applicant. You might call it a "My Favorite Teacher" essay. Please ensure the applicant reads all information in its entirety to ensure all requirements are met. Unofficial transcripts and submitting partial application packets will not be considered. Student applications are due by 4/1/26 at 9:00 PM. Staff applications are due by 4/6/26 at 9:00 PM. Additional information can be found on the Dr. Chris Lowder Scholarships Facebook page. Specific questions should be sent to drchrislowderscholarship@gmail.com. Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/2026Lowder
✅ NEXT NC SCHOLARSHIP FOR SENIORS: If your household income is $80,000 or less, tuition and fees may be fully covered at any of the state’s 58 community colleges! The Next NC Scholarship is helping more North Carolina students attend community college with little to no tuition cost. To qualify, complete the FAFSA, enroll in an eligible curriculum program and take at least 6 credit hours per semester. Learn more at www.nextncscholarship.org.
✅ KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION and K PROGRAM CHOICE: Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is currently open and applications for Kindergarten Program Choice are open through March 31st. For all things kindergarten, please click here: CCS Kindergarten Hub
✅ SPRING PANORAMA SURVEY: The spring Panorama Survey window will be open from March 23 - April 10. Please check with your school for specific dates. To learn more about the survey, please visit our Panor
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March 2026
- Thu 3/26, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm • Board of Education Finance Committee Meeting
- Mon 3/30, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board of Education Budget Work Session
April 2026
- Fri 4/3 • No school - Good Friday
- Mon 4/6 • No school for traditional calendar students- Uncapped Workday
- Mon 4/06, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board of Education Work Session & Public Hearing for the 2026-27 Budget
- Sat 4/11, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm • CCS Career Fair hosted at Winkler Middle School
- Mon 4/13, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board of Education Business Meeting and Adoption of Proposed 2026-27 Budget
- Fri 4/17, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm • Youth Arts Month Festival at Gibson Mill Market
- Thu 4/30, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm • Board of Education Finance Committee Meeting
Complete 2025-26 CCS Calendars:
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Did you know? 72% of people will live and work within 25 miles of where they grew up—meaning today's students are your future workforce. Are you connecting with them?
Join us for C4 Day on Wednesday, April 8, 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center! The Cabarrus Chamber, in partnership with Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City Schools, is bringing together students and local businesses to explore career opportunities in Cabarrus County.
The Chamber invites all Cabarrus County based businesses to host a booth! Educate and engage students through interactive displays, career insights, and job/internship/apprenticeship opportunities. Students will arrive prepared with resumes and questions! All students must be registered through their school to attend.
If you experience any difficulty registering, please reach out to Jess Fick at jfick@cabarrusncchamber.org
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Calling All Rising Sixth – and Seventh Graders!
It's time to lace up your sneakers, put on your jersey, and hit the court for a chance to earn a scholarship to attend the Cooperative All-Stars Sports Camp this summer!
This unique scholarship will provide one girl and one boy the opportunity to attend a university basketball camp in North Carolina at no cost!
- Wolfpack Women's Basketball camp at NC State University is from June 14–17.
- Carolina Basketball School at UNC Chapel Hill is from June 27–30.
These camps provide an unforgettable experience both on and off the court. Players will:
- Develop and sharpen their skills and techniques
- Work directly with college coaches and camp staff
- Build lasting friendships with students from across the state
- Experience life on a college campus
With parents'/legal guardians' permission, students can apply before the March 31 deadline by visiting union-power.com/sportscampscholarships or by scanning the QR code in the attached graphic.
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Cabarrus County Schools is once again hosting it's annual Human Trafficking Awareness PSA contest for high school students.
The “application deadline” has been extended to today, Friday, March 20th.
The application is very brief and will let us know that students are interested and will start working on it.
The videos themselves are due April 10th.
Informational Flier linked here.
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Join us for the Cabarrus County Schools Youth Arts Month Festival as we showcase the incredible creativity and talent of our students!
📍 Gibson Mill Market
📅 Friday, April 17
⏰ 5–8 p.m.
This special evening celebrates the power of the arts in CCS — featuring stunning student artwork and live performances by talented CCS students from across the district. From visual arts to music and more, you’ll see firsthand how creativity is thriving in our schools.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and come support our student artists as we celebrate the imagination, passion, and talent that make Cabarrus County Schools shine! 🌟🎶🎨
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The Junior Charity League of Concord will once again host its annual Safety Town event this summer for rising kindergarten families.
Safety Town will be held on July 21st at Rocky River Elementary School from 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM. This free program, hosted by the Junior Charity League of Concord, prepares rising kindergarten students with important safety skills before the start of the school year.
There will only be one day of Safety Town this year, so space is limited and registration is expected to fill quickly. Register at the link below:
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5th Grade Students and Families,
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Middle School Family Nights, designed to support our rising 6th graders as they prepare for the transition to middle school. Moving from elementary school to middle school is an important milestone, and these events will provide valuable information about academic courses, encore classes, extracurricular opportunities, and ways families can stay connected and be involved with their new middle school. Students and parents will have the opportunity to hear from school staff, ask questions, and learn what to expect in their student’s first year of middle school. We hope you will join us!
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JN Fries Middle School: Monday, March 23rd, 5:30 - 7:00
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Northwest Cabarrus Middle School: Tuesday, March 24th, 5:30 - 7:00
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Royal Oaks School of the Arts K-8: Thursday, April 30th, 5:00 - 7:00
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The Adolescent Health Learning Collaborative at the Cabarrus Health Alliance is seeking survey participation in their Adolescent Pulse Assessment survey. If you would like to participate, please see below for a message from the Collaborative on this opportunity:
With support from Healthy Cabarrus, the Adolescent Health Learning Collaborative at Cabarrus Health Alliance is committed to strengthening our community by listening. We want to hear from you—your voice is essential in shaping how we support youth in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties.
We are distributing the Adolescent Pulse Assessment (APA), an annual survey that helps us better understand the challenges, strengths, and emerging needs of adolescents and the broader community. The APA is open to adolescents, adults, and anyone working in the education system. If you feel comfortable, there is also a separate adolescent section that your child may complete at your discretion. All responses are anonymous and confidential.
For questions, contact Jordan Karas, Program Manager at Jordan.Karas@Cabarrushealth.org
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Cabarrus County Schools is hosting a districtwide Career Fair and we invite you to help us spread the word!
🗓 Saturday, April 11
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – Noon
📍 H.E. Winkler Middle School, 4501 Weddington Rd, Concord, NC 28027
School administrators and department representatives will be on site and actively hiring for all open positions across the district — including teachers, teacher assistants, transportation, school nutrition, facilities, Kids:Plus, and more.
If you — or someone you know — are interested in making a difference in the lives of our 35,000 students, this is a great opportunity to learn more and apply.
🔗 Pre-register in advance:
We look forward to welcoming future members of the CCS family! 🍎
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Spring performance season is upon us for high school theatre students, and it's a great time to plan to enjoy a show and see our talented students in action:
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Hickory Ridge High- The Little Mermaid, March 19-21 at 7PM
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Mt. Pleasant High - Into the Woods, March 26-27 at 7PM, & March 28 @ 2PM
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Cox Mill High- Seussical, March 26-28 at 7PM, & March 29 at 2:30 PM
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West Cabarrus High - The Little Mermaid, March 27-28 at 7PM
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Northwest Cabarrus High - Matilda, April 9-10 at 7PM, & April 11 at 2PM
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J.M. Robinson High - Cinderella, April 9-11 at 7PM, & April 12 at 2PM
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Central Cabarrus High - Bring it On, April 17-18 at 7PM, & April 19 at 2PM
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The Special Olympics of Cabarrus County is currently looking for volunteers to assist with their Spring Games, which will be held on April 15th and 16th at the Cabarrus Arena. This is always a fun event and is a great day to join in celebrating our students and community.
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The 15th Annual Ellis Jewelers Future Designer Contest starts NOW!
Cabarrus County Schools’ students in grades 3-12 are invited to submit an original design to be crafted into a piece of jewelry. All designs must be submitted, in person or by mail to Ellis Jewelers no later than March 20th, 2026 by 5:30 pm EST. Good luck!
For questions, please contact Dan Levinson at dan@ellisfinejewelers.com or 704-782-9314.
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Looking for hands-on, engaging learning opportunities for your child this spring? UNC Charlotte Youth Programs is offering a series of Spring Workshops designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking for students in grades 1–12.
Workshop Dates
📅 Saturday, May 2, 2026
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Grades 1–4: Mad Scientist – hands-on experiments exploring chemistry, physics, and engineering
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Grades 5–8: Aerial Soccer Academy (Drones) – combine drone technology, teamwork, and friendly competition
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Grades 9–12: Academic Essays – strengthen writing skills with a focus on structure, thesis statements, and clarity
📍 Location: Main Campus (UNC Charlotte)
These interactive workshops are a great way for students to learn, explore, and have fun—especially on teacher workdays.
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