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.
To view the plans visit SCS School Improvement Plans
To complete the survey visit Stakeholder Survey
Thank you for being a valued partner in improving our schools!
Every day counts!
Success isn't built on one big moment—it’s shaped by hundreds of small decisions, starting with simply showing up. Consistent attendance connects directly to academic achievement, staying on track, and walking across that graduation stage. Your future is worth showing up for!
Be here. Be engaged. Be successful.
🍂❤️ **November’s Maroon Character Strong Trait is GRATITUDE!** ❤️🍂
This month, we are focusing on being thankful for what we have and showing appreciation for the people and things that make our lives special! 🥰
Families can help us build gratitude at home with a few simple activities:
🍁 **Start a gratitude journal:** Write or draw one thing you are thankful for each day.
💬 **Share your gratitude:** Take turns at dinner sharing something you are thankful for.
💌 **Spread kindness:** Write a thank-you note or draw a picture for someone who has made a difference in your life.
👀 **Notice the little things:** Talk about the small moments that make your day special.
🌳 **Enjoy nature:** Go on a walk and notice the beautiful things around you!
Remember, gratitude means being thankful for what you have, both big and small. By practicing gratitude together, we can help our children develop grateful hearts and appreciate the good in every day! 💕
**Let’s make gratitude a habit at home and at school!** ❤️🤍 #MaroonCharacterStrong #Gratitude #SwainDevils
This month, we are focusing on being thankful for what we have and showing appreciation for the people and things that make our lives special! 🥰
Families can help us build gratitude at home with a few simple activities:
🍁 **Start a gratitude journal:** Write or draw one thing you are thankful for each day.
💬 **Share your gratitude:** Take turns at dinner sharing something you are thankful for.
💌 **Spread kindness:** Write a thank-you note or draw a picture for someone who has made a difference in your life.
👀 **Notice the little things:** Talk about the small moments that make your day special.
🌳 **Enjoy nature:** Go on a walk and notice the beautiful things around you!
Remember, gratitude means being thankful for what you have, both big and small. By practicing gratitude together, we can help our children develop grateful hearts and appreciate the good in every day! 💕
**Let’s make gratitude a habit at home and at school!** ❤️🤍 #MaroonCharacterStrong #Gratitude #SwainDevils
Perfect attendance for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade!
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students of the month!
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.
Be here. Be engaged. Be successful.
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
To apply: Visit https://swain.schoolspring.com/
For more information: Contact Lavonda Woodring, Human Resources Coordinator, at 828-488-3129 ext. 5128
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.
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
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
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.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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!
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.
Be here. Be engaged. Be successful.
📸🍂 FALL PICTURE DAY IS COMING! 🍂📸
Smile big, Maroon Devils! ❤️🤍 Fall Picture Day at West Elementary is ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW — Thursday, October 22! 📷✨
Get those smiles ready, and we’ll see everyone looking their best for picture day! 😁📸❤️🤍
Smile big, Maroon Devils! ❤️🤍 Fall Picture Day at West Elementary is ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW — Thursday, October 22! 📷✨
Get those smiles ready, and we’ll see everyone looking their best for picture day! 😁📸❤️🤍
❤️🤍💙 **West Elementary School’s Veterans Day Program** 💙🤍❤️
Join us on **Friday, November 6th, at 9:00 AM** as we honor and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country!
☕🍩 **Veterans are invited to enjoy breakfast casseroles, doughnuts, and coffee beginning at 8:30 AM in the library!**
❤️ Parents are welcome to join us for this special program as we show our gratitude to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Please reserve seats for our veterans. You are welcome to stand behind them!
📌 **Please Note:** Students who are checked out during the program will be counted absent.
We look forward to coming together as a school community to honor our heroes! Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve!⭐
#VeteransDay #WestElementary #ThankYouVeterans #LandOfTheFreeBecauseOfTheBrave
Join us on **Friday, November 6th, at 9:00 AM** as we honor and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country!
☕🍩 **Veterans are invited to enjoy breakfast casseroles, doughnuts, and coffee beginning at 8:30 AM in the library!**
❤️ Parents are welcome to join us for this special program as we show our gratitude to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Please reserve seats for our veterans. You are welcome to stand behind them!
📌 **Please Note:** Students who are checked out during the program will be counted absent.
We look forward to coming together as a school community to honor our heroes! Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve!⭐
#VeteransDay #WestElementary #ThankYouVeterans #LandOfTheFreeBecauseOfTheBrave
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
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
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!
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!
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!
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.
Attendance Matters!
One of the strongest predictors of success in school is also one of the simplest: showing up.
Research consistently links regular attendance with stronger academic performance, staying on track for graduation, and greater connection to school.
Every day at school is an opportunity to learn, connect with teachers and friends, and take another step toward graduation.
Be here. Be engaged. Be successful.
