This year’s theme, “Bloom Where You Are Planted: Growing Student Success with
Evidence-Based Practices,” reflects the heart of the work and the dedication of
educators across North Carolina. Presenters representing Stokes County Schools: Rachel Cain, Sheila Lewis, Jessica Grabeman, Tiffany Smith, Charity Batman, Lauren Selbach, along with Marty Erskine with Erskine Educational Consulting, LLC delivered, “Growing Together: The Power of Collaborative Coaching.” The focus demonstrated how Stokes County Schools is utilizing collaborative coaching to implement evidence-based practices as part of the middle school instructional framework for inclusion and resource math classes.
For 26 years, this conference, hosted by the NCDPI Exceptional Children Division, with funding through the NC SIP grant has provided meaningful professional development opportunities for teachers serving students with disabilities. Together, we have focused on building strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, co-teaching, and coaching, always grounded in evidence-based practices that support success for every learner. Stokes County Schools is honored to have been selected for a breakout session this year.

🎓 Celebrating Outstanding Student Leaders! 🎓
Stokes County Schools is proud to recognize students honored at the Business Leader Banquet, hosted by the King Chamber of Commerce on March 19, 2026.
These exceptional students were nominated and selected by staff at their respective schools for their leadership, character, and achievements:
• Micah Long – West Stokes High School
• Lucas McKinney – Stokes Early College High School
• Center student – Calvary Christian School
• Nate Bowman – South Stokes High School
• Lillie Flinchum – North Stokes High School
• William Dunmon (not pictured) – SC Academy
The awards were sponsored by Forsyth Technical Community College and presented by Dr. Jared Jones during this annual celebration.
👏 Congratulations to these outstanding students for representing Stokes County with excellence!
The Stokes County Board of Education is proud to recognize Mrs. Summerlin, Bus Driver and Nutrition Assistant at West Stokes High School, as the March 2026 Employee of the Month!
Mrs. Summerlin began her career with Stokes County Schools in November 2019 as a bus driver at West Stokes High School. She then served at King Elementary School from December 2019 through November 2023, faithfully supporting students each day. In December 2023, she returned to West Stokes High School, where she continues to serve as a bus driver and has also worked as a nutrition assistant since August 2020.
We are incredibly grateful for Mrs. Summerlin’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to students and staff. Her positive impact is felt every day, and Stokes County Schools is stronger because of her service.
👏 Congratulations, Mrs. Summerlin, and thank you for all you do!
The Stokes County Board of Education is proud to recognize our schools for earning Graduation & Growth Award Certificates for the 2024–2025 school year!
These honors, presented by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, reflect the incredible hard work of our students and educators in achieving and exceeding expected academic growth under the state’s accountability system.
State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green extends his appreciation and congratulations for these outstanding accomplishments!
📈 Academic Growth Award (2024–2025)
• Chestnut Grove Middle School
• Germanton Elementary School
• Mount Olive Elementary School
• Nancy Reynolds Elementary School
• Piney Grove Middle School
• Pinnacle Elementary School
• Poplar Springs Elementary School
• Sandy Ridge Elementary School
• West Stokes High School
• Stokes Early College High School
👏 Congratulations to all of our schools for this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication to student success continues to make Stokes County proud.
The Stokes County Board of Education proudly recognizes Jonathan Rose, a student at Chestnut Grove Middle School, for his outstanding achievement in District Middle School Band.
Jonathan earned the prestigious honor of 1st Chair Baritone Saxophone and performed at Wake Forest University on February 28, 2026.
His accomplishment reflects exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work. Jonathan is the son of Dr. Doug Rose and Shannon Rose of King, NC.
👏 Congratulations, Jonathan! We are proud of you and your musical success!
The Stokes County Board of Education is proud to recognize our schools for earning Graduation & Growth Award Certificates for the 2024–2025 school year!
These honors, presented by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, reflect the incredible hard work of our students and educators in achieving and exceeding expected academic growth under the state’s accountability system.
State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green extends his appreciation and congratulations for these outstanding accomplishments!
🏆 100% Graduation Club (2024–2025)
• Stokes Early College High School
🌟 Exceeded Academic Growth Award (2024–2025)
• Walnut Cove Elementary School
👏 Congratulations to the schools for this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication to student success continues to make Stokes County proud.
The Stokes County Board of Education proudly recognizes Caroline Jones, a junior at West Stokes High School, for her outstanding achievement in the Northwest All District Honor Band.
Caroline participated in the prestigious clinic held at Lenoir-Rhyne University. After initially earning an alternate position through audition, she demonstrated dedication and readiness when an opportunity arose—stepping in to perform as the 7th chair clarinetist in the 9th–12th grade Honors Band.
Her accomplishment is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and commitment to excellence in music. Caroline is the daughter of Renae Jones.
👏 Congratulations, Caroline! We are proud of you!

Today we celebrate the beauty of inclusion, the power of community, and the incredible individuals with Down syndrome who enrich our schools and our world every day.
World Down Syndrome Day represents the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome. It’s a day to raise awareness, promote understanding, and advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome.
In our schools and communities, we are committed to creating environments where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. When we embrace diversity and lead with acceptance, everyone benefits.
#WorldDownSyndromeDay #InclusionMatters #ChooseToInclude #CelebrateAbilities
Today we celebrate the incredible educators who lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning — our preschool teachers!
Preschool teachers do so much more than teach letters and numbers. They nurture curiosity, build confidence, encourage kindness, and create safe, joyful spaces where our youngest learners can grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Through patience, creativity, and endless compassion, they help children take their very first steps into the world of education — and those steps make a lasting difference. 🌟
Thank you to our preschool teachers for the love, dedication, and heart you bring to your classrooms every single day. You are shaping bright futures!
#PreschoolTeachersAppreciationDay #EarlyLearning #ThankATeacher #BuildingBrightFutures
Join us at Hanging Rock State Park for an exciting day of discovery at this official North Carolina Science Festival event!
📅 Tuesday, April 7, 2026
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 1005 Visitor Center Drive, Westfield, NC
✨ Hands-on activities and interactive displays for every element of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics)
🥾 Guided hikes
🎟️ FREE Admission!
Bring your students, families, and friends for a fun-filled day where learning meets the great outdoors.
Find more NC Science Festival events at NCSciFest.org
Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of science in nature! 🌎🌞

🌿 Community Wellness Fair 🌿
Come for an evening focused on health and wellness!
📅 Tuesday, March 31st
⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Stokes YMCA
105 Moore Road, King, NC
FAFSA Support
Include Free Kono Ice for the first 50 people to attend the event sponsored by Wellcare.
Raffle Items: Shoe Department Gift Card, Exercise Equipment, Yard Games sponsored by Vaya.
Important health services for the community:
💉 Vaccines Available
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDgINaUe-3mMuQpvCfM9twFmoCYuXCSweQ7qynkWaI8C9YDg/viewform
🏃♂️ Middle & High School Sports Physicals
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGF7js43z8kk62-Zt7vZMEoDgPoGAS6XaPAnMJC2f2joaIbg/viewform
✔️ Complete the interest form ahead of time to reserve your spot!
Bring your family and take a step toward a healthier you—we hope to see you there!

The situation is being closely monitored and will be reassessed as more information becomes available and updates will be shared.
Thank you for your understanding.
Stokes County Schools, in partnership with our community, is hosting two opportunities for families to learn more about financial aid and get help with FAFSA completion!
📌 FAFSA help and support available.
🗓 Tuesday, March 31 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
📍 King YMCA
105 Moore Road, King, NC
🗓 Monday, April 20 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
📍 Piney Grove Middle School
3415 Piney Church Road, Lawsonville, NC
Families can also scan the QR code on the flyer to access the FAFSA Question & Support Request Form.
Let us help you take the next step toward college! 🎓✨
#StokesCountySchools #FAFSA #PayingForCollege #CollegeAccess #CFNC
The Stokes County Schools Board of Education meeting has been postponed.
📅 New Date: Monday, March 23, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Stokes County Schools Central Office
100 Courthouse Circle
Danbury, NC 27016
⚠️ Note: All afternoon school activities are cancelled today (3/16/2026)
Due to the potential for severe weather on Monday, and out of an abundance of caution, Stokes County Schools will be closed for students on Monday, March 16, 2026. Monday will be a Staff Option A.
There will not be a two-hour delay. We will continue to monitor the weather throughout the day. If conditions worsen, we may make the decision to close school campuses for staff as well.
In addition, we will make an announcement regarding the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting no later than 2:00 PM on Monday. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.

Are you ready to explore opportunities that will shape your future? The Stokes County Schools Career Development team is here to help YOU discover career pathways, build real-world skills, and prepare for success after graduation. 🚀
🌟 Whether you’re interested in career planning, workplace readiness, internships, or goal-setting, we’ve got resources and support designed just for you!
👉 Follow our page for updates, events, student highlights, career tips, local business partnerships, and more!
📍 Stay connected and empowered: https://www.facebook.com/LankfordCareerDevelopment
#StokesCountySchools #CareerDevelopment #FutureReady #StudentSuccess #CareerPathways

SUN Bucks (Summer EBT Program) provides grocery benefits to eligible families with school-aged children during the summer months.
Eligible students receive a one-time summer payment loaded onto an EBT card that can be used at:
• Grocery stores
• Farmers markets
• Some online retailers
✅ Many children are automatically enrolled.
Families may need to apply if they are not automatically eligible.
Automatic eligibility (no application required) may include students who:
• Attend a National School Lunch Program school and were approved for Free or Reduced-Price Meals
• Participate in FNS (Food Stamps), Work First, certain Medicaid (under 185% FPL), Foster Care, McKinney-Vento, or Cherokee Tribal Food Distribution
• Were approved for SUN Bucks after July 1 and remain enrolled in an NSLP school
📌 Important Reminder:
If your household address, phone number, or email has changed, please update your information with your DSS caseworker and/or your child’s school by March 31, 2026 to ensure timely delivery of benefits and communications.
Families who are not automatically eligible may apply. Before applying, take the interactive eligibility quiz available on the SUN Bucks website.
🔗 Learn more: [https://tinyurl.com/2mrbmwdh](https://tinyurl.com/2mrbmwdh)
📞 NC EBT Call Center: 1-866-719-0141
📧 Email: [dcfw.SunBucks@dhhs.nc.gov](mailto:dcfw.SunBucks@dhhs.nc.gov)
Let’s make sure our students have access to nutritious meals all summer long!
What an incredible display of teamwork, dedication, and love of reading at this year’s Elementary Battle of the Books District Competition! Our students showcased outstanding knowledge, collaboration, and sportsmanship throughout the event.
🥇 1st Place: King Elementary
🥈 2nd Place: Nancy Reynolds Elementary
🥉 3rd Place: Mount Olive Elementary
Congratulations to all of our participating students, coaches, and schools for the hard work and preparation that made this event such a success. We are proud of each team for representing their schools with excellence and enthusiasm!
Keep reading and keep achieving!



📚🏆 Stokes County Schools Battle of the Books – Middle School District Competition Results! 🏆📚
What an incredible day of teamwork and competition at our Middle School Battle of the Books district event!
🥇 1st Place: Southeastern Stokes Middle School
🥈 2nd Place: Chestnut Grove Middle School
🥉 3rd Place: Piney Grove Middle School
Congratulations to all of our students who participated! Your dedication, preparation, and love of reading truly shined. We are so proud of each team for representing their schools with excellence.



Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Vonda Summerlin, Bus Driver and Nutrition Assistant at West Stokes High School, for being selected as the Stokes County Schools March 2026 Employee of the Month!
Mrs. Summerlin began her career with Stokes County Schools in November 2019 as a bus driver at West Stokes High School. She transferred to King Elementary School in December 2019, where she faithfully served students until November 2023. In December 2023, she returned to West Stokes High School, where she continues to drive a bus and has also served as a nutrition assistant since August 2020.
We are incredibly grateful for Mrs. Summerlin’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to the students and staff of West Stokes High School. Her positive impact is felt each and every day, and all of Stokes County Schools is better because she is part of our team.
Congratulations, Mrs. Summerlin! 💙
#StokesCountySchools #EmployeeOfTheMonth

