Mitchell County Schools

Hurricane Helene: This Is Our Story Submission by Ashley Davis, Exceptional Children's Teacher After decades working in a neighboring county, my family and I moved to Mitchell last school year. While I was reluctant to uproot and relocate my family, God has and continues to make it abundantly clear His plan for us exceeds anything we could have imagined. I was blessed to have witnessed the homecoming festivities on the evening of Wednesday, September 25th, including our amazing and resilient band. Although I left immediately afterward (our “new” home had flooded a month prior, so when the heavy rain began, I knew we needed to get back to continue the preventative measures started that morning), there were so many that stayed. While the rainwater began filling in our basement (our bedroom!), I saw that so many others rushed to help mitigate the waters coming into the school gym that I had left only moments prior. We were blessed to have been home this night, in time to see exactly where the leaks in the basement were originating, along with access to open stores to purchase a LOT of sealer! (Ask my husband about me also buying Duct Tape. Haha!) Everyone in the county and farther out has their own story about the storm, and the damage it produced…physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. The news was (and is) full of the devastation Helene produced, so I won’t share any more of that here. Fast forward to early Saturday morning. As neighbors began tree and debris removal to cut a path on the roads, we were being drawn to head to the high school. With no communication, power, or water, we started toward the only normalcy and consistency in our lives the past few years…school! As we caught up with our school resource officer and a few familiar faces, supplies from the community immediately came pouring in. While my husband left with a group of men to get donated supplies from Ingles, people from local restaurants and stores began showing up continuously. The cafeteria became the new community warehouse, while the gym became the new community housing. Each day, when we would wake up, the kids would immediately jump up ready to go back to see the people at the shelter and be at a community location that would allow them to be in contact with people. The days are honestly a blur, but here are a few things I will never forget: - As much as people individually lost, everyone in the community made it a priority to check on others and share their resources. It didn’t matter that we hadn’t bathed or were in the same clothing everyday…people kept showing up with helpful hearts and hands. When we had no communication, Dan Hopson and a group of STEM kids collected materials to make their own radio, which allowed access outside to emergency personnel. These students manned the radio, allowing for road and support updates that they could pass along to the community. The hands-on learning that happens in MCS is invaluable in the real world! - Everyone waited patiently for the National Guard to arrive. At first, the drops were people who needed additional care or people who needed a location with power due to oxygen tanks, as the hospital was full. This was a challenge, but everyone jumped in to change wound dressings or take elderly residents to the bathroom. It was all hands on deck. When the National Guard did arrive with supplies, we all cried as we unloaded. We knew at that moment, we would be okay and that the rest of the world did not forget about our town. I will never take for granted the safety of my family, communication with others, or the normalcy of the school day, traveling outside of my home, access to supplies, or fresh drinking water. - Showing up to “work” on a Saturday after a natural disaster would not have been a calling in my previous role, not only for me, but my kids as well. I LOVE my job, my co-workers, administrators, students, their parents, and the community. My kids love their teachers and peers. Although there is much recognition about volunteering, the truth is that through this, my own family was warm, fed, had plenty of water, and were able to see or communicate with people they love. The support of the community was felt and so appreciated by our family, in ways that we will never be able to return. - I met people who I never would have otherwise. We met a wonderful lady, who we were able to visit in the shelter, then at the hospital prior to her moving. She prayed with my son every night before bed and my kids and I grew to love her like our own family. (Miss Buchanan…I still owe you! I promised to come get you to see the band perform!) - God had a plan for this. He knew we needed the old school buildings. He knew we needed the gym at the high school. He knew we needed our community, then resources from far and wide. Although we saw the worst in nature, we saw the best in Mitchell County, and beyond. From my family, my home, my school, my soul…”Thank You”!

Mitchell County Schools will be back to a 1 hour delay schedule tomorrow, December 12th. There is a chance of more light snow showers tonight. We will check again in morning and if a further delay or change in schedule is needed, a decision will be made before 6am.

GoGuardian Filtering and Alert System on School-Issued Student Devices Update: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I5dXkMzzbmDDS2Hs_98XhsC4YD-PJ0VrR6ayijurQhc/edit?usp=sharing

Hurricane Helene: This Is Our Story Submission by Stephanie McClellan, MHS FCS Teacher/Middle School CDC I wanted to share a GOD moment that happened after the devastation of Hurricane Helene brought flood waters into our home in Avery County. My husband, daughter and I had hunkered down at my Mom's House after leaving our home at 5 am on Sept. 27th. We returned to find that we had 8 inches of mud left from flood waters in our driveway and yard. The lower level of our home, our detached garage and our camper had all been under 7+ feet of water. We began trying to find personal belongings and keepsakes we felt could be salvaged. The task was overwhelming to say the least. Watching my 16 year old, look through the muddy, upended contents of the only home she has known was gut wrenching. We had family and friends help at different points with this task. But thinking about removing all of the contents, sheet rock, flooring, etc...was just impossible. I made my way to First Baptist in Spruce Pine on Mon 10/14 to fill out a work order for NC Baptists on Mission Disaster Relief. On Wednesday, a crew of 29 volunteers mostly from Martin County, NC made their way to our home to help with this impossible task. This group of loving, kind and compassionate individuals began to complete a task that I dreaded to see happen that day. We have lived in this home for 19 years, bought right be we got married, Shane and I had renovated almost all of the rooms ourselves, brought our new born baby home to it, and put blood, sweat and tears into this making this a joyful home of comfort and rest for our family. Seeing almost all its contents emptied onto your front lawn is a gut check for sure. But at end of this long day, I was filled with joy and peace. It was because the precious NC Baptists on Mission volunteers prayed with us, hugged us and comforted us during this time. Truly being the hands and feet and Jesus during this difficult time. I will never forget the events of that day and how that during dark times in our journey, God sent hope so we know that He is with us ALWAYS!!

Community Food Distribution Tomorrow

Mitchell County Schools will be back on a one hour delay schedule tomorrow, Friday, December 6.

Hurricane Helene: This Is Our Story Story Submission by Regina Moore, Teacher Assistant at Greenlee Primary Working for Baptist Mission, Grassy Creek Baptist, and also First Baptist has been such an encouragement to me. The people that I have met, seeing how other states come together to help ALL of us. Of course, I can't forget Greenlee Primary. I have always felt like we were a close knit school but OH how we are truly one big family that's loves and cares for each other. If one employee hurts, we all hurt and then seeing the kids for the first time, the hugs, knowing they were safe.

School Closing Statement from Mitchell County Schools Superintendent, Chad Calhoun https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WMjDnzGP1nv_VcKYWjrGgbtK1k6Lw36B1xlFApVtROM/edit?usp=sharing

Mitchell County Schools will be on a 3 hour delay tomorrow, Thursday, December 5. Buildings will open at 8:30am.

Mitchell County Schools will have a remote learning day tomorrow, Wednesday, December 4, due to snow and ice covered roads in areas of the county. Students, please follow instructions given by your teacher for a remote learning day.

Hurricane Helene: This Is Our Story Story submission by Anthea Biddix, PreSchool Director for Mitchell County Schools On September 27th, I sat in my living room, eyes squeezed shut, fearing the windows would blow in. I watched waves of rain sweep across the mountain before us, listening to the sounds of snapping trees, praying none would fall on our house. At one point, our utility trailer was starting to be pulled away by raging water flowing down our property, so Justin and I rushed outside to move it before it slammed into the barn. After securing the trailer, we decided to walk down our driveway to see the extent of the damage and check on our neighbors. All we could say was, “It’s bad, so bad,” as we looked around at our property, driveway, and our neighbors’ places. There was water everywhere—raging, roaring water. I’ll never forget that sound. My husband and I had to shout just to hear each other over the noise. Our two ponds at the end of the driveway had turned into a torrent, sweeping everything in its path. We could hear rocks tumbling down the creek beds, and we watched in fear as water rushed under a neighbor's barn, certain it would give way any moment. Thankfully, our neighbors were safe, so we returned home to wait out the storm. Around 2:00 pm that afternoon, the rain finally slowed, and the wind began to calm. We cleared a path through my aunt and uncle’s yard with the side-by-side because there was no way any other vehicle could get through. We made it to the main road, trying to check on others, but couldn’t get far—there were trees down everywhere, and it would take heavy machinery to clear them. After the roads were passable, we went to the high school to help others. Honestly, the first few days are a blur. I remember grabbing flashlights from backpacks, checking the school for damage, and setting up a supply area in the cafeteria. Later, we moved donations to the new school, and from there, it was boots on the ground. For the first few days, it was disheartening because we didn’t see many people, and we wondered if others knew just how bad things were. Seeing familiar faces was overwhelming—we hadn’t heard from each other and couldn’t call or text. When we finally saw each other, we just hugged, grateful for their safety. Then support started flooding in: trailers, trucks, semis, carloads, and helicopter drops. People came from everywhere, some we’d never met. They’d drop off supplies and hug us, not knowing how much that hug meant. Soon after, the Virginia Task Force arrived, setting up outside the school. They praised this community’s strength, thanked us, and sought no recognition—they just wanted to help us rebuild. Supplies kept coming, sometimes until 10 or 11 at night, from New York, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Virginia, California, eastern North Carolina, and beyond. Troyer’s brought in hundreds of Mennonites and Amish volunteers from all over, and they were incredible. They thanked us for letting them serve, providing three meals daily and staying for three weeks to make sure people in our community were fed. One thing I will never forget is how God showed up. He provided everything we needed to care for everyone. He connected us with people we could call if we needed a camper for a family or if someone’s home or business needed cleaning out to start over. These people didn’t hesitate to help; campers came from all over, and support arrived from many states and all walks of life. While feeding the community, there were moments when we thought we’d run out of food, only to find six more trays in the oven or warmer. It was incredible. My family has been so blessed through all of this, and our children have had the chance to serve our community in ways they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. I know this won’t be “over” anytime soon, but I’ve never been more proud to say I’m from Mitchell County. This community came together like I’ve never seen before. #MountaineerStrong

Mitchell County Schools will have a remote learning day tomorrow, Tuesday, December 3. Snow has started to fall in areas of our county and is forecasted to continue throughout the night. Students, please follow instructions from your teacher for remote learning.

Mitchell County Schools will be have a remote learning day on Monday, December 2 due to snow in areas of our county last night. Students, please follow the instructions your teacher has given you for remote learning.

Mitchell County Schools is hiring the following positions: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent School Counselor Exceptional Children- Autism Teacher (Elementary) Application : https://mcsnc.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

Hurricane Helene: This Is Our Story Poem written and submitted by Jamie Jennings Johnson, Mitchell High English Language Arts Teacher Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote that “nature never wore a mean face” Though Helene came through like a wild chase, Her winds a howl, a screechin' song, That shook the hills, but didn’t stay long. She swirled through hollers, bent the pines, Tore through the ridges, crossed the lines, With her breath hot and heavy as fire That don’t burn, but spits and tires. We watched the sky turn slate and black, The trees all moanin’ like they’d crack. But deep in the woods, there’s a quiet hum, A rhythm older than the storm could drum. She snarled and her teeth gnashed With wicked tendrils did she snatch. Like thunder that don't ask or wait, With rivers floodin' past pearly gates. In the after, the mountains sighed, With half-torn leaves where many had died, But still the holler breathed again, Like the land was fightin' through the pain. Helene ain't wicked, just wild and free, Like a mountain wind or a Scotch-Irish settler's plea. She wears the face of old-time rain, A mother, a daughter, feelin' the strain. A storm’s just another kind of prayer, An askin' for what ain’t fair, But the land knows how to heal, Even when it all just “don’t seem real”. Nature never wore a mean face, But wore the strength of this old place, Where winds may rage and trees may fall, Yet still a mountaineer beats it all.

Hurricane Helene: This Is Our Story Submission by Taylor Hughes, Mitchell High Business and Marketing Teacher After ten years of an obsession with cast iron, about a year ago, my husband began making a product to season cast iron skillets. Together, we launched his side business to season and restore cast iron. When we were looking for stores to carry our product wholesale, we thought of Troyer's Mountain View Country Market— a store we frequented often with our girls, and one that had been introduced to us by some of our best church friends. We were shocked when, fairly quickly, we received an email and an agreement from Troyer's to sell Iron Revival. Fast forward ten months, and our county was hit by Hurricane Helene. Through what I can only describe as a God thing, the Troyer's crew had been at the middle school feeding our community. We emailed Rachel to thank her, amazed at the incredible work these amazing people were doing. During most of the disaster, I was working at our church. One day, after helping at the school, I went there to lend a hand. Our pastor asked me to run outside and see what had been delivered on pallets that afternoon. One of the pallets contained sweet potatoes. Boxes and BOXES of sweet potatoes. I stood there trying to figure out how we were going to distribute this entire pallet and then reported back to him and Jennifer Dillinger (who was running our distribution/communication center). By this time, Kody had returned to the church, and when I mentioned my concern about the pallet of sweet potatoes, he just looked up and said, “Troyer's.” After speaking with Mr. Calhoun and getting the go-ahead, we delivered the sweet potatoes to Mitchell Middle and finally met Rachel Troyer, who we had known previously only through email for the better part of a year. In the conversation, she couldn’t believe how many people from the community had shown up but said, “It’s okay, loaves and fishes.” As the days and weeks progressed, our church also received a meat truck full of various foods... and A LOT of turkey. We talked to Rachel about the turkey, and what started as “I’m not sure” ended with them having the ability to give out smoked turkeys to the Poplar community and to families who came to pick up their dinners on 10/25. Looking back, I am immensely thankful that God has a plan— for loaves and fishes, and for a pallet of sweet potatoes.

Seniors....this is a great opportunity for help with applications for UNC system colleges and universities.

Hurricane Helene: This Is Our Story Submission by Dale Blevins, 3rd Grade Teacher at Mitchell Elementary Worked at Mitchell Elementary/Middle School and Deyton Elementary Distribution Centers, made home visits to those hit hard, and to those who lost family members to the flood.

Mitchell County Schools will be on a 2 hour delay tomorrow, Thursday, November 14th. Heavy rain is predicted to move into the area during the overnight and early morning hours with up to an inch or more of rain. A two hour delay will allow time for road checks in case of slides, downed trees, etc. If we need to cancel school for a remote day, a decision will be made before 8:00am. The school buildings will open for student drop-off at 8:30am. We apologize for this inconvenience, but we want to keep our students and staff safe.

Some of our heroes from the Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue are coming to the home game THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, Nov. 15, 2024! This is the wonderful team that stayed in the new school and left notes on the white boards for the students! They have been huge supporters since being deployed here and have connected with so many of our staff and students. One of the members said he has been on the team for 13 years and this is the first time they have ever returned to an area to visit and see the people. They have raved about Mitchell County and how inviting we made it for them. Please plan to come out to support the team and to thank the VTF2 for their service, kindness, concern, and love they have for our area.