Happy National School Psychology Week! We are grateful for our school psychologist, Anna Sexton, and the many ways she support our students, families, and staff. Thank you Anna for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping every student reach their fullest potential. Your work makes a meaningful difference in our schools and in the lives of the students you serve.

We appreciate you!

1 day ago, Rachel Shepherd
Avery County Schools will operate on a Remote Learning Day today, Friday, November 13th. This decision is out of an abundance of caution due to snow-covered roads in parts of our county. Temperatures today will fluctuate near freezing, and increased snow is forecast for this afternoon, making getting buses and student drivers home safely a concern as well.

Today will also provide an opportunity to test our remote learning process and address any issues. Please follow your school’s remote learning plan and check with your school if you have questions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritize everyone’s safety.
1 day ago, Rachel Shepherd
Congratulations to the winners of the Amazing Shake competitions at Freedom Trail Elementary, Cranberry Middle, and Avery Middle! Winners from each school are:

Freedom Trail Elementary - Willow H., Jony V., Porter G., and Addie M.

Cranberry Middle - Lindy M., Nora C., Thatcher C., Ezra J., and Amelia S.

Avery Middle - Matilda G., Raegan T., Zadie G., Blaine W., and Shaun S.

We're so proud of you!
2 days ago, Rachel Shepherd

The Avery County Schools Board of Education work session and November meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 11 and will be broadcast live. You can view the meeting via the Avery County Schools YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/live/XNalaeiuqfw?si=3k63awqD6cV1-dkA

4 days ago, Rachel Shepherd
On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Services. Their commitment to protecting our freedom and serving our nation is a powerful example for our entire community.

At Avery County Schools, we are especially proud and grateful to have veterans among our own staff. To our employees who have served in the military: thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and for continuing to inspire and lead our students every day.

Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸❤️
8 days ago, Rachel Shepherd

🚨Protect Your Student's School-Issued Device Today!🚨

Accidents happen - screens crack, liquids spill, and devices get dropped. To help protect your family from unexpected repair and replacement costs this year, ACS has partnered with School Device Coverage to provide optional coverage for your student's school-issued iPad or MacBook.

This insurance protects against accidental damage, loss, and theft for the 2026-27 school year. While one instance of minor accidental damage is covered by the district each year, purchasing device insurance ensures you won't be responsible for costly repair or replacement fees if your student experiences recurring or major damage, cracked screens, or liquid submersion.

This policy is a one-time annual cost with $0 deductible, no hidden fees, and full transferability. See flyer for enrollment instructions.

10 days ago, Rachel Shepherd
Thank you to our partners at SkyLine/SkyBest for their generous donation to Avery County Schools and our middle school athletics program! We appreciate the continued support of our wonderful community organizations!

Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Edward Hinson and Public Relations Administrator Haleigh Seamon recently presented a check to ACS Superintendent Dr. Jamie Johnson.

Thank you for your support! ❤️🖤
10 days ago, Rachel Shepherd

The Avery High School Women's Golf Team are state champions - AGAIN!

Congratulations to the Avery High School Women's Golf Team on their HUGE win in the 1A/2A state championship today! This is their second consecutive state title. Team members are Molly F., Kendall K., Sydney K., Erika R., Karlie C., Katie S., and Charlotte W. Congratulations, Vikings! We're so proud of you!!

18 days ago, Rachel Shepherd
Congratulations to Banner Elk Elementary School! They were honored today as one of the Top 10 Title I schools in NC for exhibiting exceptional student performance and academic growth. Avery County Schools is so proud of these students and staff members for such an amazing achievement!
23 days ago, Rachel Shepherd

💉 School Flu Vaccine Reminder 🩺

If you returned an interest form for your child to receive a flu vaccine at school, a consent form will be sent home with your child this week. 📄

📅 Flu Vaccine Day: Monday, October 26!

The Avery County Health Department will be at the schools to administer the vaccines.

⚠️ Important Reminders:
✅ The completed consent form must be returned to your child’s school before your child can receive the flu vaccine.

📝 Please be sure to complete the insurance section of the form to avoid being billed for the vaccine.

❓ If you have any questions, please contact your school nurse or the Avery County Health Department.

💙 Thank you for helping us keep our students healthy and safe! 🍎

26 days ago, Avery County Schools
We want to wish everyone in our Avery County Schools family a blessed holiday weekend!
2 months ago, Rachel Shepherd
AVERY COUNTY SCHOOLS
NOTICE OF ANNUAL FALL PRE-K COMMITTEE MEETING

The Annual Fall Pre-K Committee Meeting will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at:

Avery County Schools – Central Services
775 Cranberry Street
Newland, NC 28657

The public is welcome to attend.

Posted: August, 24, 2026.
3 months ago, Avery County Schools
Joins us for the Avery County Schools Tech Institute next Tuesday, August 4 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Avery High School! Lots of great local, regional, and state presenters will be joining us to share more about gamification, co-teaching, AI, differentiation, student engagement, STEM, using data effectively, and so much more!

Participants will receive CEUs and swap time for the upcoming school year and be entered to win some awesome door prizes. And thanks to our wonderful sponsors, participants will be able to choose a FREE lunch from either the Pan da Vida Taco Truck or Smash Burgers food truck.

Be sure to check your email to register today! We hope to see you next Tuesday!
4 months ago, Rachel Shepherd
Hello! This is Avery County Schools with an important message for all current substitute teachers.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, all substitutes must attend a required 30-minute RedRover setup and training session before accepting substitute assignments.

Training will be held at the Avery County Schools Central Office, located at 775 Cranberry Street in Newland. You may attend one of the following sessions:

Monday, August 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday, August 3, from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 11, from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 13, from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Please bring your smartphone or tablet if you have one. We look forward to seeing you. Thank you for being a valued substitute for Avery County Schools.
4 months ago, Rachel Shepherd

Superintendent Search Survey

YOUR VOICE MATTERS!!!
The Board of Education invites all staff, parents, and community members to share input on the qualities and priorities for our next Superintendent.
Please take a few moments to complete the Superintendent Search Survey and help guide this important decision for Avery County Schools.
Together, we can shape the future of our schools!!!

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VHQPNRJ

***Survey will close on 7/31/26 at midnight.

4 months ago, Avery County Schools
🎉 Back-to-School Bash – Save the Date! 🎉

Join us on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Avery County High School!

More details will be provided as the event gets closer. We can't wait to kick off another amazing school year with our Avery County Schools families!
5 months ago, Avery County Schools

We are now accepting Pre-K applications for the 2026-2027 school year!

You may pick up a Pre-K application at the Avery County Board of Education office or at any elementary school.

¡Ahora estamos aceptando solicitudes Pre-K para el año escolar 2026-2027!

Puede recoger una solicitud Pre-K en la oficina de la Junta de Educación del Condado de Avery o en una de nuestras escuelas primarias.

9 months ago, Megan Pollard
District-Wide Hat Day to Support Hunter Hicks & His Family

This Friday, February 20, Avery County Schools will hold a district-wide Hat Day in honor of Avery High School freshman Hunter Hicks and his family. Staff and students are invited to wear a hat for $1, or any donation amount they feel led to give. All proceeds will go directly to support Hunter and his family during this time.

Donations may be given at any school or dropped off at the Central Office.
9 months ago, Avery County Schools
Prayer Request for Hunter Hicks
Our school community is asking for your continued prayers for Hunter Hicks. During this challenging time, we invite students, staff, families, and community members to keep Hunter and his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers. Your support and kindness are deeply appreciated.
9 months ago, Avery County Schools

Mantenerse Saludables: Información sobre el Sarampión para las Familias

Su hijo(a) llevará a casa una hoja informativa sobre el aumento de casos de sarampión en el oeste de Carolina del Norte. Aunque no se han reportado casos en nuestra área inmediata, las Escuelas del Condado de Avery desean que las familias estén informadas y preparadas. La información explica la importancia de la vacunación, indica que dos dosis de la vacuna MMR (sarampión, paperas y rubéola) son altamente efectivas y anima a las familias a reunir la documentación de vacunación o de inmunidad. También señala que, durante un brote, los estudiantes y el personal que no estén vacunados y hayan estado expuestos podrían tener que permanecer en casa hasta por 21 días. El departamento de salud local proporcionará orientación detallada a todas las familias y miembros del personal en caso de que ocurra una exposición.

9 months ago, Avery County Schools