Macon County Schools-Franklin, Highlands & Nantahala will be closed for students on Tuesday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 2. Both days will be optional workdays for faculty & staff. Meal pickup for students will be available on Wednesday, October 2 from 11:00-12:00 at East Franklin Elementary School, Iotla Valley Elementary School, Cartoogechaye Elementary School and South Macon Elementary School.
The Macon County School System, in collaboration with the Macon County Emergency Management staff, will continue to provide school system updates as they become available.
Due to the impacts of the hurricane in our area, Macon County Schools - Franklin, Highlands & Nantahala- will be closed for students tomorrow, Monday, September 30. This will be an optional teacher workday. Please stay safe and take care of each other. Updates will follow as needed.
Macon County Schools is proud to announce the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Franklin High School, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities for our community’s students.
The new Franklin High School will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide a modern and engaging learning environment. The school will feature advanced classrooms aimed at fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and enriching opportunities for our students.
“This new high school represents a tremendous leap forward for our community,” said Josh Lynch, Macon County Schools Superintendent. “We are thrilled to break ground on a project that will provide our students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in an ever-evolving world.”
Community members, local leaders, faculty, staff and students are all invited to join us for this momentous occasion as we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in education for our town. The ceremony will include remarks from key stakeholders, a symbolic groundbreaking event, and an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the project and its impact. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Renee Burt 828-524-3314 ext. 1020 or renee.burt@macon.k12.nc.us no later than October 9, 2024.
Macon County Schools- Franklin area- will have a remote learning day on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27, due to forecasted flash flooding and inclement weather approaching western NC. Please know that student and staff safety is our top priority and our decision to move to remote learning was made in collaboration with the Macon County Emergency Management Staff.
Macon County Schools Pre-K Update:
The Macon County School System has an opening for a 4-year old at South Macon Elementary School. Private pay as well as subsidy pay will be accepted. For more information or to apply, please contact Valerie Norton at 828-524-3314 ext. 1041 or valerie.norton@macon.k12.nc.us
On Wednesday, September 18, Macon County students attended Noon Rotary. During this time, students were able to share about their experiences with Southwestern Community College Public Safety pathway and the new Firefighter Academy. In addition, Hunter Jamison, a former Franklin High School graduate and current employee of the Macon County Sheriff's Office, was able to share his experience as he is a product of the Public Safety pathway. A very special shout out to Larry Pickens for his dedication to this program and these students! Students pictured: Leighton Benedict-FHS, Tiana Gregory-FHS, David Rogers-FHS, Maveric Waldroop-FHS, Gavin Small-Highlands School and Hunter Jamison-Macon County Sheriff's Offfice.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office has just released the following statement:
MACON COUNTY- NC SHERIFF’S OFFICE
On Monday September 9, Nantahala School administration received information that a student made a threat of violence against the school. The student in question was interviewed and charged with the following:
⁃ 1 felony count of Communicating A Threat of Mass Violence on Educational Property
No further information will be released on the student as they are a juvenile. Nantahala School is NOT considered to be under any type of threat at this time.
We want to urge parents to speak with their children about how their words matter. In this day and age, we have zero tolerance for any comments made that put any Macon County school’s safety into question.
Macon County Sheriff’s Office and Macon County Schools’ top priority is the safety of our children and we will continue to thoroughly investigate any potential threats to school safety. Those who are found to have communicated threats regarding school safety will be charged accordingly.
The Macon County School System would like to add the following:
MACON COUNTY SCHOOLS
We are thankful for the partnership between our schools, the Macon County Sheriff's Office, and our students and staff who were involved in reporting this incident. Let this serve as a reminder that any and all threats are taken very seriously! If you see or hear something, report it!
A message from Macon County Schools Superintendent Josh Lynch:
Macon County School Family,
The act of violence against Apalachee High School in Winder, GA, has shaken all of us. As a former teacher and principal, as well as a parent of students in our school system, a tragedy such as this reminds me that our children and our educators are precious gifts. As superintendent of schools, I am reminded of the importance of keeping our schools safe.
We will use this tragedy as an opportunity to work with our school administrative teams to revisit processes and procedures surrounding vigilance and access to our school buildings and grounds. We will also communicate with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Highlands Police Department, Franklin Police Department and the NC Highway Patrol who regularly visit our schools and campuses.
All of us play a part in taking care of our children and helping them feel safe. Remind yourself, your students, and your family that if and when something doesn't “feel right” or something seems suspicious, to report it immediately to a school official or to a member of law enforcement. Parents, please revisit the severity and consequences of pranks against school safety with your children.
Throughout the week, our focus will be to support students and staff. Our school counselors, social workers, and psychologists are available to assist those who may need support or have questions following such an event. Please monitor your child’s mood and behavior and reach out to a professional if you need help.
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation. We must continue working together so that our students feel the care and concern we have for them, and they recognize the importance placed on their health, well-being, and safety.
Please join me in keeping the Winder community in your thoughts and prayers.
Josh Lynch
Superintendent
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office has just released the following statement:
MACON COUNTY- NC SHERIFF’S OFFICE
On Friday afternoon, Franklin High School administration received information that a student made a threat of violence against the school today. The student in question was interviewed and charged with the following that evening:
⁃ 1 felony count of Communicating A Threat of Mass Violence on Educational Property
No further information will be released on the student as they are a juvenile. Franklin High School is NOT considered to be under any type of threat at this time. This threat has no relation to the screenshots that were circulating on social media that we addressed on Friday morning.
We want to urge parents to speak with their children about how their words matter. In this day and age, we have zero tolerance for any comments made that put any Macon County school’s safety into question.
The Macon County School System would like to add the following:
MACON COUNTY SCHOOLS
We are thankful for the partnership between our schools, the Macon County Sheriff's Office, and our students and staff who were involved in reporting this incident. Let this serve as a reminder that any and all threats are taken very seriously! If you see or hear something, report it!
The recent tragedy in Winder, GA, has created a sense of insecurity among our school family and our community. This tragedy has resulted in numerous social media posts. Therefore, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office has released the following statement:
Yesterday evening, Macon County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of several screenshots circulating on various social media platforms. Our detectives, and school resource officers thoroughly investigated these screenshots. After speaking with law enforcement officials in both Rabun County Georgia and Gwinnett County Georgia, it was determined that threats made on social media were targeted towards Franklin County Georgia, and to our knowledge, not towards Franklin, North Carolina. However, we have taken extra precautions by providing extra security at Franklin area schools today.
Thank you to Macon County Schools for your collaboration and support on investigating these claims. We will always do everything in our power to protect the children of Macon County, as they are our top priority.
In addition, the Macon County School System has released the following statement:
We want to address recent concerns regarding threats circulating on social media. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we want to assure you that our schools are safe. We are closely monitoring the situation and working with local law enforcement to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place. Our dedicated team has reviewed and reinforced our safety protocols to protect every member of our school community.
Here’s what we’re doing to keep our schools safe:
• Increased Security: Enhanced security measures are in effect, including additional staff and surveillance.
• Regular Updates: We will continue to provide timely updates as needed to keep you informed.
• Open Communication: If you have any concerns or see something suspicious, please report it immediately.
Our commitment is to provide a secure and supportive environment for everyone. Thank you for your trust and cooperation. Together, we will navigate through these challenges with strength and unity.
MCS September 6th, 2024 Emergency Board Meeting Live Stream
Live Stream begins at 8:30 am
Click the link below to access the live stream
https://vimeo.com/event/4558891
We are pleased to announce that Macon County has been selected as 1 of 12 school districts selected to receive the App State GEAR UP Grant! Click the link below for the full press release.
https://today.appstate.edu/2024/09/03/gear-up-grant
Macon County Board of Education Emergency Meeting Notification:
The Macon County Board of Education will hold their Regular Scheduled Meeting on Monday, September 30, 2024 beginning at 6:00 pm at Highlands School, 545 Pierson Drive, Highlands, NC.
The meeting will be live-streamed and can be accessed by visiting www.macon.k12.nc.us
Happy Labor Day!
There will be no school on Monday, September 2nd and all our buildings will be closed.
Whether you will be relaxing with family, enjoying a well-deserved break, or getting in some fun activities, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work that makes our schools and community thrive.
Students, faculty & staff will return on Tuesday, September 3rd.
A very special THANK YOU to the VFW Auxiliary Post 7339 for the donation of school supplies for our students!
We are excited to see our students on Monday, August 26!
As we start this fresh chapter, remember that every challenge is a chance to learn, every success is a step forward, and every day is an opportunity to make a difference. We’re here to support you every step of the way and can’t wait to see all the incredible things you will achieve.
Let’s make this year our best one yet! Embrace the adventures ahead, stay curious, and, most importantly, believe in yourselves.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead! We can't wait to see you all on Monday!
MCS August 19th, 2024 Board Meeting Live Stream
Live stream begins at 6:00 pm.
Click the link below to access the live stream:
https://vimeo.com/event/4519144
A message to parents:
Please watch your email for instructions on how to access and set-up your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account. Infinite Campus is our new Student Information System that will replace Powerschool. More information can be found under the Parent Resources section of our website or by accessing the document below.
https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3129/MCS/4704175/Parents_and_Students.pdf
Currently 9 of 11 of our schools receive CEP funding allowing students to eat lunch at no cost. Last night, School Nutrition Director David Lightner presented to the Macon County Board of Commissioners. During his presentation, Mr. Lightner requested $200,000 in funding to support providing all students at Franklin High School and Highlands School lunch at no cost for the 2024-2025 school year. This would ensure that every student at FHS and Highlands receives a nutritious lunch at no cost, addressing our students basic needs and promoting their success both academically and personally. Following Mr. Lightner’s presentation, the Macon County Board of County Commissioners approved 3-2 to fulfill the request. We are beyond thankful for the support of our county commissioners as we move into the 2024-2025 school year! Thank you Mr. Lightner for the detailed information that was given during your presentation and for advocating for our students!
