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The Friday Five

Posted Date: 12/20/24 (4:00 PM)

CCS logo
The Friday Five
December 20, 2024
Four students and Santa holding up five fingers.
Happy Holidays, Cabarrus County Schools families,
Welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Five -- five reminders on Friday afternoon. Enjoy your winter break and Happy Holidays! The Friday Five will return on Jan. 3rd.
 
Happy Holidays graphic.
#1 Happy Holidays from Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki
Cabarrus County Schools family:

As we enter this special season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work and achievements of our Cabarrus County Schools family over the past year. From the unwavering dedication of our teachers and staff to the remarkable growth and accomplishments of our students, every day in CCS is a reminder of the strength and heart of our community.

To our students, your curiosity, resilience, and commitment to learning inspire us all. To our staff, your tireless efforts to create meaningful opportunities and provide unwavering support make a difference that cannot be measured. To our families, your partnership and encouragement remain vital to the success of our schools. And to our community, your support fuels the dreams and aspirations of the next generation. Together, we’ve built a foundation of excellence that continues to grow stronger every day.

This season is about more than festivities and traditions—it’s a time to celebrate the connections we share, reflect on our collective achievements, and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Let’s carry the spirit of kindness, compassion, and unity into the new year, embracing the challenges and successes that await us with open hearts and determined minds.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments. May 2025 bring health, happiness, and continued success to you and your families.

Stay Well,
Dr. John Kopicki
Superintendent, Cabarrus County Schools
 
Engage Vol 1, Issue 1 Cover
#2 Engage CCS, The Magazine
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Engage CCS, our inaugural digital quarterly! Inside Volume 1, Issue 1, you'll find inspiring stories of kindness, leadership, and community impact from across Cabarrus County Schools including: 

✨ How the Positivity Project is making a difference at Patriots STEM Elementary School with insights from P2 champion Melissa Cahall. 

🌟 Follow Cox Mill graduate Zion Zollicoffer’s journey from CCS to performing aboard the Disney Wish

📚 Learn how teacher Amy Whitten is extending her impact at Hickory Ridge Elementary School through advanced teaching roles. 

✈️ Meet West Cabarrus senior Ryan Garner, a private pilot who used his aviation skills to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts. 

🏗️ See how Mount Pleasant graduate Heath Drye is giving back to his alma mater and inspiring the next generation of builders. 

And more!

🔗 Check out the full magazine here: https://issuu.com/cabcoschools/docs/engage_volume_1_issue_1_final?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

We hope you enjoy reading about the amazing people and stories that make CCS a special place to learn and grow! 💙 #EngageCCS 
 
Winter break for all students is Dec. 23rd through January 3rd.
#3 Notes & Reminders

  1. Winter Break: The CCS winter break for all students is Mon, Dec. 23rd through Fri, Jan. 3rd. CCS facilities will be closed to public from 12/23-1/1, and will reopen on Thurs., Jan 2nd.
  2. Attention Senior Parents: It's time to fill out the FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid! Any seniors and their parents who want to see about getting help paying for college need to fill out the FAFSA form. It is now open! 
  3. Academic Calendars for 2025-26 approved: During their October 14th business meeting, the Board of Education approved the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar and Early College calendars. The approved calendars may be viewed on our district website at the links below. Both the Academic Calendar and Early College calendars are also attached to this post as print-ready PDFs. 2025-2026 School Year: 2025-2026 CCS Academic Calendar 2025-2026 CCS Early College Calendar
  4. Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month: Nominate a teacher for Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month
 
HRES staff with candy canes.
A boy holding a gingerbread house.
 
Bright lights, bright futures graphic.
#4 Holiday E-Card winners
Congratulations to the following students who are winners of this year's CCS Holiday E-Card Contest sponsored by Uwharrie Bank and Edward Jones. The winners were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on Dec. 9th with a $100 savings bond from our sponsors. Winners this year were:

Digital Design Winners: 
  • Elementary: Chloe Elsishans, Cox Mill Elementary School
  • Middle: Kayla Elsishans, Harris Road Middle School
  • High: Megan Grande, Northwest Cabarrus High School
 
Traditional Design Winners:
  • Elementary: Anaaya Aiyer, Harrisburg Elementary School
  • Middle: Sakana Venkatesh, J.N. Fries STEM Middle School
  • High: Payton Martin, Northwest Cabarrus High School
 
Example calendar with dates pinned
#5 Important Upcoming Dates

December 2024
  • Mon 12/23 - Fri 1/3 • Winter Break

January 2025
  • Mon 1/06, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board of Education Work Session
  • Tues 1/14, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board of Education Business Meeting
  • Tue 1/14 • 2nd Quarter Report Cards
  • Mon 1/20 • Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - No School
  • Sat 1/25, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm • Board of Education Annual Planning Session
  • Fri 1/31 • Early Dismissal for CMS, ROSA, RRES, WES, WMIES

 
Community Engagement
Cabarrus County VEX Robotics logo
VEX Robotics Volunteers Needed
Cabarrus County VEX will host 15 VEX tournaments in North Carolina over the next several months, including 4 state championships. These tournaments, which account for 83% of all robotics events in the state, will bring teams from across North Carolina to compete in Cabarrus County.

While coaches and event partners recruit volunteers, CCS VEX is seeking additional support from the CCS community. If you'd like to help by volunteering or sponsoring our program, please click the buttons below to see event details and available volunteer positions. We welcome volunteers of all experience levels and ages!

Tomorrow's event at Winkler Middle School has been postponed and rescheduled to March 1st, 2025. If you're available to volunteer, please sign up below!

In 2021, Cabarrus County Schools had 73 VEX teams. Today, we have 161 teams, making up 53% of all public and private school teams in North Carolina. Our goal is to continue to grow our program in CCS, but we need your help! For more information on VEX Robotics in CCS or to ask questions pertaining to VEX in CCS, please email ccsvex@cabarrus.k12.nc.us.
2024-25 VEX Event Schedule
2024-25 VEX Volunteer Sign-Up
Alumni re-connect graphic.
Are you a CCS graduate?
We’re excited to reconnect with you! As a valued member of our school community, we want to ensure you stay engaged with Cabarrus County Schools. To help us strengthen our connection, we kindly ask you to take a few moments to share your contact information by completing the short survey available by clicking the button below. Your participation will help us celebrate your achievements, share important updates, and create meaningful engagement opportunities for our alumni network. Thank you for being an integral part of our CCS legacy!
CCS Alumni Re-Connect Survey
Gem Theatre Spanish-dubbed flyer.
Kannapolis' Gem Theatre to offer two FREE Spanish-dubbed features in the coming weeks
The Gem Theatre in Kannapolis has received a grant and will offer both "Moana 2" and "Mufasa" with Spanish dubbing for FREE in the coming weeks.
  • "Moana 2" (PG) will be shown on December 7th at 10 A.M.
  • "Mufasa" (PG) will be shown on December 28th at 10 A.M.
For more information, please visit the Gem Theatre webpage.
Next Week in CCS Athletics
CCS Performing Arts Schedule
2024 CCS Annual Report
Volunteer with CCS
Become a CTE Business Partner