Superintendent's Message - October 15, 2020

  • A Message from Dr. Chris Lowder, Superintendent 10/15/2020
    Superintendent Lowder
     
    We are excited to welcome students back to our campuses on Monday, Oct. 19th. As we begin our blended approach of in-person and remote learning, we are keeping the health and safety of our students and staff top-of-mind by implementing a number of safety protocols:
     
    • Daily temperature checks for students and staff
    • Face coverings for students and staff
    • Enhanced cleaning protocols
    • Frequent hand washing
    • Social distancing
     
    You can find all of the information you need for our return to in-person learning in our ONE Strong Start Guide for Families.
     
    Applications for Program Choice options for next school year are available through Dec. 18th. CCS has 31 schools that offer specialized programming, such as language immersion, STEM, IB and early colleges. Schools are hosting virtual Open House sessions where you can learn more. Visit the CCS Program Choice website at www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/programchoice for more information.
     
    There is still time to submit your application for the Student Realignment Public Advisory Committee. The committee will provide input and feedback to CCS staff and the firm hired to manage the project. Visit our Student Realignment site to complete the Public Advisory Committee application and to learn more. The application deadline is Oct. 18, 2020.
     
    October is National Principals Month, and we are grateful for our 43 school principals. They are visionary leaders who tirelessly pursue student success and encourage and inspire their staff. As we have witnessed throughout the pandemic, they are leading, guiding and supporting their schools and school communities in a myriad of ways.
     
    I also want to congratulate Chasity Dolan, principal of Weddington Hills Elementary School, who was named our Principal of the Year and Chrissy Rotan, assistant principal at Concord High School, who was named Assistant Principal of the Year. We surprised each of them at their schools earlier this month with the news. 
     
    The Charlotte Motor Speedway announced it will provide a $4,800 annual scholarship in NASCAR Driver Jimmie Johnson’s name to a deserving Cabarrus County Schools high school senior with career pursuits in fitness, nutrition or exercise science. The scholarship will assist a deserving student in pursuit of a college education each year for the next 10 years. The Speedway made the announcement at a special presentation honoring Johnson on Oct. 11th. Since 2009, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation has donated nearly $400,000 to Cabarrus County Schools through the Champions Grant program. We appreciate Charlotte Motor Speedway’s generosity, as well as that of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation.
     
    In closing, I want you to know that we are prepared and eager to welcome students back next week. As we always have, we will work hard to ensure their safety and to provide them with a top-notch education that is engaging and enriching.
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Chris
    Chris Lowder, Ed.D.
    Superintendent