Superintendent's Message - December 18, 2020

We are closing out the first week of our return to remote learning for all students and the final week of school before Winter Break. The Cabarrus County Board of Education voted for the district to return to Plan C during an Emergency Called Meeting on Dec. 9^th. Our district will continue to operate in Plan C through the remainder of the semester and expect to transition back to in-person learning in Plan B on Jan. 19^th. You can find information about the decision here.

The end of the first semester is fast approaching. Information about end-of-course (EOC) and career and technical education (CTE) exams for high school students is available on our district website. We also are making preparations for the second half of the school year. We recently shared information about updates to our attendance guidelines, which become effective in January. Please make sure you review the new guidance.

Earlier this week, we shared information about changes to middle school and high school athletics, as well as fine arts. Visit the New & Noteworthy section of our district website at www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us to read about the changes.

 Graduation dates and times for the Class of 2021 are set. We are excited to return to Charlotte Motor Speedway for this year’s ceremonies. The team at the Speedway is committed to helping us make this a memorable and meaningful experience for our graduates and their families.

 Congratulations to Chrystal Brown, Exceptional Children teacher assistant at Charles E. Boger Elementary School. She has been named the Cabarrus County Schools 2020-2021 Teacher Assistant of the Year!

 I also want to take a moment to welcome and congratulate our new Board of Education members and our new Board leaders. Newly elected members Denise Adcock, Tim Furr and Keshia Sandidge and re-elected member Rob Walter were sworn in prior to the Dec. 7^th Work Session. Holly Grimsley was elected Board Chair, and Tim Furr was elected Vice Chair.

 Congratulations also are in order for the winners of our 10^th Annual Holiday eCard Contest:

• Hansika Balanarayanan, Cox Mill Elementary School – Traditional Design Category
• Aubrey Jones, J.N. Fries Middle School – Traditional Design Category
• Sophia Muller, West Cabarrus High School – Traditional Design Category
• Addison Campbell, Pitts School Road Elementary School – Digital Design Category
• Lilia Davis, Harris Road Middle School – Digital Design Category
• Harrison Bargett, Jay M. Robinson High School – Digital Design Category

 Here are a couple of important reminders for you:

• Program Choice applications close at midnight Dec. 18^th. Apply at cabarrus.k12.nc.us/programchoice.
• School meal services will be closed Dec. 21^st--Jan. 1^st.

 Have a safe, happy and restful winter break. Continue to follow the 3 Ws – wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, wash your hands frequently – and limit your contact with others outside your household. Remember that these health guidelines are in place to protect us all. We look forward to welcoming everyone back when classes resume on Jan. 4^th.

 Happy Holidays!