Today is Custodian Appreciation Day! They are an integral part of our school community and we appreciate them keeping our buildings clean and safe.
We love watching the things that are happening in our schools each day. This morning, we saw Ronald Stirling from the Mitchell County Sheriff's Department helping students at Gouge Elementary School raise the flag. He wasn't just helping them make sure the flag was up, but was engaged in conversation with them. We appreciate our local law enforcement for not only keeping our schools safe, but for taking time to form positive relationships with our students.
Early Dismissal and Parent Teacher Conferences are happening next Tuesday, October 7. Please watch for more information coming from your child's school.
Are you interested in becoming a school bus driver?
Thank you to Shannon Krenek, our Licensed Clinical Social Worker, for helping us understand the emotions we may be feeling as we are at the one-year anniversary of Helene.
With the anniversary of Helene, we wanted to take a moment and name how “anniversary reactions” to stressful and traumatic events affect people, which many of us have probably already noticed around us or personally felt. These reactions are normal responses to extraordinary events and are the body and mind’s attempt to “stay safe.” Anniversary reactions can include:
anxiety, fear, restlessness, upset stomach, stress headaches, heart racing,
sadness, depression, grief, difficulty connecting with others, “zoning out,"
flashbacks (like it’s happening all over again), nightmares and difficulty sleeping, tough memories,
anger, frustration, grumpiness, being on edge, “blowing up,"
guilt (including survivor’s guilt), and avoiding reminders of the stressful event
These experiences come from the deeper “fight, flight, freeze” part of our brains and cannot be stopped or controlled by our thinking brains - so, frustratingly, we are not able to simply “stop it.” We’ve already experienced and witnessed this over the past year whenever the rain comes or it gets really windy and stormy or we’re driving by all the debris and change, and we can expect these reactions to increase more dramatically around this anniversary.
Whether we are out in the community and neighbors and strangers are “on edge,” or we’re personally noticing we’re not quite “feeling like ourselves,” or we’re at school and our students and colleagues seem to be “off” or struggling more than usual — the coming days and weeks can be a time to extend extra grace to ourselves and others, to pause and breathe, and to focus on the care we share for each other.
Deep slow breathing can be a helpful cue to our brains and bodies that we are actually safe and okay in this moment — in through the nose (smell the roses) and out through the mouth (like blowing bubbles) can be especially helpful.
Pausing on purpose to just take a break, or even to notice or remember something beautiful or positive, can help reduce the intensity of these reactions.
“Butterfly taps” - crossing our arms over our chest and gently tapping one side then the other for a few minutes - is a great tool for lowering this “amped up” energy most of us may feel.
And, always, if what you or someone else is feeling is at the point of a crisis (including having a panic attack, feeling “out of control,” and/or having thoughts of dying) — anyone at anytime can call, text, or chat with professionals at the 988 Crisis Line.
Take really good care, pause as often as needed, and let’s show grace where we can.
With the anniversary of Helene, we wanted to take a moment and name how “anniversary reactions” to stressful and traumatic events affect people, which many of us have probably already noticed around us or personally felt. These reactions are normal responses to extraordinary events and are the body and mind’s attempt to “stay safe.” Anniversary reactions can include:
anxiety, fear, restlessness, upset stomach, stress headaches, heart racing,
sadness, depression, grief, difficulty connecting with others, “zoning out,"
flashbacks (like it’s happening all over again), nightmares and difficulty sleeping, tough memories,
anger, frustration, grumpiness, being on edge, “blowing up,"
guilt (including survivor’s guilt), and avoiding reminders of the stressful event
These experiences come from the deeper “fight, flight, freeze” part of our brains and cannot be stopped or controlled by our thinking brains - so, frustratingly, we are not able to simply “stop it.” We’ve already experienced and witnessed this over the past year whenever the rain comes or it gets really windy and stormy or we’re driving by all the debris and change, and we can expect these reactions to increase more dramatically around this anniversary.
Whether we are out in the community and neighbors and strangers are “on edge,” or we’re personally noticing we’re not quite “feeling like ourselves,” or we’re at school and our students and colleagues seem to be “off” or struggling more than usual — the coming days and weeks can be a time to extend extra grace to ourselves and others, to pause and breathe, and to focus on the care we share for each other.
Deep slow breathing can be a helpful cue to our brains and bodies that we are actually safe and okay in this moment — in through the nose (smell the roses) and out through the mouth (like blowing bubbles) can be especially helpful.
Pausing on purpose to just take a break, or even to notice or remember something beautiful or positive, can help reduce the intensity of these reactions.
“Butterfly taps” - crossing our arms over our chest and gently tapping one side then the other for a few minutes - is a great tool for lowering this “amped up” energy most of us may feel.
And, always, if what you or someone else is feeling is at the point of a crisis (including having a panic attack, feeling “out of control,” and/or having thoughts of dying) — anyone at anytime can call, text, or chat with professionals at the 988 Crisis Line.
Take really good care, pause as often as needed, and let’s show grace where we can.
Mitchell County School Staff, Students, Parents and Fellow Mitchell Countians:
One year ago we faced one of the most– if not the most–devastating events in our county’s history. We witnessed the resilience of our citizens, neighbors helping neighbors, and the true grit of Mountaineers!
Our week began with the fear and a “bad gut feeling” that this storm was going to be severe. None of us could have imagined the devastation to come.
Mitchell County Schools tried to have our homecoming game Wednesday night before the storm. We did this so our students could still have some type of homecoming celebration. We did not get to play the game, but homecoming court proceeded in the gym. As we were closing up that Wednesday night, staff members spotted flooding into our gym. Staff jumped into action and unclogged the culvert that was causing the flooding.
We cancelled school that Thursday and Friday with the anticipation of the storm. Some staff worked diligently on Thursday to prepare schools for the storm. We also assisted the Red Cross in setting up a shelter at MHS. The night before the brunt of the storm was a sleepless night–and then came Helene!
Mitchell County School staff immediately jumped into action after the storm. School staff checked on neighbors, students, and fellow staff members. Mitchell County School Staff were using chainsaws, clearing roads, checking on family, and trying to find out if everyone was safe. The hardest part was the lack of communication and not knowing if all our students and staff were safe. Several students and faculty lost homes, and many others suffered damage, but we are grateful that no lives were lost.
Mitchell County School staff and students ran distribution centers, coordinated help and supplies, participated in search and rescue, and helped anyone who needed help. Mitchell County School staff and students became servants to the citizens, and then went home and dealt with their own damage and issues from the storm. Every school–along with retired school buildings–was used to recover and provide supplies from this storm.
We sincerely thank all those that helped us recover from all across the United States. You know who you are and we THANK YOU!
We wanted to share with our staff and students along with the public the following remembrance video that highlights our staff/students and their hard work and dedication to our county. I am proud of all our staff and students for all they do daily, but especially for what they did during Helene. I am proud to serve Mitchell County Schools as Superintendent!
Chad T. Calhoun, Superintendent
One Mountaineer
Mountaineer Strong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwyf4-qcgiQ
One year ago we faced one of the most– if not the most–devastating events in our county’s history. We witnessed the resilience of our citizens, neighbors helping neighbors, and the true grit of Mountaineers!
Our week began with the fear and a “bad gut feeling” that this storm was going to be severe. None of us could have imagined the devastation to come.
Mitchell County Schools tried to have our homecoming game Wednesday night before the storm. We did this so our students could still have some type of homecoming celebration. We did not get to play the game, but homecoming court proceeded in the gym. As we were closing up that Wednesday night, staff members spotted flooding into our gym. Staff jumped into action and unclogged the culvert that was causing the flooding.
We cancelled school that Thursday and Friday with the anticipation of the storm. Some staff worked diligently on Thursday to prepare schools for the storm. We also assisted the Red Cross in setting up a shelter at MHS. The night before the brunt of the storm was a sleepless night–and then came Helene!
Mitchell County School staff immediately jumped into action after the storm. School staff checked on neighbors, students, and fellow staff members. Mitchell County School Staff were using chainsaws, clearing roads, checking on family, and trying to find out if everyone was safe. The hardest part was the lack of communication and not knowing if all our students and staff were safe. Several students and faculty lost homes, and many others suffered damage, but we are grateful that no lives were lost.
Mitchell County School staff and students ran distribution centers, coordinated help and supplies, participated in search and rescue, and helped anyone who needed help. Mitchell County School staff and students became servants to the citizens, and then went home and dealt with their own damage and issues from the storm. Every school–along with retired school buildings–was used to recover and provide supplies from this storm.
We sincerely thank all those that helped us recover from all across the United States. You know who you are and we THANK YOU!
We wanted to share with our staff and students along with the public the following remembrance video that highlights our staff/students and their hard work and dedication to our county. I am proud of all our staff and students for all they do daily, but especially for what they did during Helene. I am proud to serve Mitchell County Schools as Superintendent!
Chad T. Calhoun, Superintendent
One Mountaineer
Mountaineer Strong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwyf4-qcgiQ
Congratulations to Anthony for winning first place in his class in Showmanship at the Special Olympics NC State Equestrian Games this past weekend! We are very proud of you!
Thank you to Special Olympics of Mitchell County and the Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center for the opportunities and training you are providing to our students.
Thank you to Special Olympics of Mitchell County and the Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center for the opportunities and training you are providing to our students.
Arts in Education week was September 15-19, 2025. Look at the incredible things happening in our arts classrooms across the district last week!
Next week, September 22-26, is School Bus Ridership Week across school districts in North Carolina. The funding that Mitchell County Schools gets for transportation is dependent on the number of students who ride a school bus during this week. Even if your child rides the bus occasionally, we ask that they please ride as many days as possible next week.
Happy IT Professionals Day to Douglas, Derek, Eddie, and Skip! Behind the scenes, they keep every device running, our network secure, and our classrooms connected. We are so thankful for their hard work and the countless hours they put in to keep us up and running.
Spring Musical Sneak Peak!
Who? ALL Kindergarten -12th graders are invited
When? Wacky Wednesdays! September 10 and September 17, 2025
What? After school sneak peak! This time is set aside for students who want to know more about the show, learn songs, get to know the teachers in charge, and HAVE FUN!
Time? until 4:00. Ask your principal about riding a bus over to the high school. Pick up your child at 4:00 on the MHS circle. Plan to sign a “pick-up sheet” until we get to know parents’ faces.
Information for later: Auditions - Mark your calendars
Monday, November 17 - Students grades K-4
Tuesday, November 18,Students grades 5 - 8
Wednesday November 19 - Students grades 9-12
Where: Mitchell High School, Kathy Miller Auditorium
Mitchell County Schools was made aware by Spruce Pine Police Department that a youth coach has been charged with indecent liberties with a child. He is not and has not been an employee or coach of our school system. He has coached some of our students in recreation league and travel ball. We immediately banned him from all school property pending law enforcement investigation and charges. We will have counselors available for students on Monday and next week as needed.
During the month of September, we want to recognize those in our community who help keep us safe!
Just a reminder that our schools will be closed on Monday!
Last Thursday, Mitchell County Schools announced our 2025 Teacher of the Year, Beginning Teacher of the Year, and Principal of the Year. These outstanding educators will go on to represent us at the state level.
Principal of the Year: Kristie Autrey
Teacher of the Year: Jamesia Brown
Beginning Teacher of the Year: Carley Roark
We also recognized the Teacher of the Year from each school. These teachers were chosen by their colleagues and are leaders in their school.
Gouge Elementary School: Mimi Rezzonico
Greenlee Primary: Jamesia Brown
Mitchell Elementary School: Janelle Hollifield
Mitchell Middle School: Jessica Sparks
Mitchell High School: Katy Grindstaff
We are fortunate to have such outstanding educators in our schools and appreciate what they do for our students each day.
Principal of the Year: Kristie Autrey
Teacher of the Year: Jamesia Brown
Beginning Teacher of the Year: Carley Roark
We also recognized the Teacher of the Year from each school. These teachers were chosen by their colleagues and are leaders in their school.
Gouge Elementary School: Mimi Rezzonico
Greenlee Primary: Jamesia Brown
Mitchell Elementary School: Janelle Hollifield
Mitchell Middle School: Jessica Sparks
Mitchell High School: Katy Grindstaff
We are fortunate to have such outstanding educators in our schools and appreciate what they do for our students each day.
School Traffic Tip: When waiting in the drop off and pick up line, please do not leave large spaces between your car and the car in front of you. We want to get as many cars as possible into the designated lines so as not to impede the flow of traffic on roads and streets leading into our schools.
We have seen lots of smiles on our first day of the 2025-26 school year!
Mitchell County Schools Weekly Newsletter
Open House is coming up next week at our schools!
Come join our team!
We are currently looking to fill the following positions:
*8th Grade Science Teacher
*Exceptional Children's Assistant
Applications can be found at https://www.mcsnc.org/page/human-resources.
We are currently looking to fill the following positions:
*8th Grade Science Teacher
*Exceptional Children's Assistant
Applications can be found at https://www.mcsnc.org/page/human-resources.
