Watauga County Schools

10/14/2026

The first concert of the 26-27 school year for our WHS Choral Program is tomorrow night, Oct. 15! We encourage you to come out to listen to their beautiful voices and support the hard work and talent of Mr. Lancaster and the students!

The WHS Choral Program is performing tomorrow night, October 15th at 6:30 pm. Come join us!

10/14/2026

Mrs. Reuben was surprised to walk into her office and see students Aylazia and Skye waiting for her at her desk. Their first order of business as acting co-principals? To have Mrs. Reuben in the “hot seat” for a rapid fire-style interview! Her answers didn’t miss a beat and were very relatable. Try to avoid using the word “like” around her and if you need some animal crackers or chocolate milk- she has you covered!

The last answer definitely warmed our hearts.

Happy Principal’s Month and Thank You for all that you do for the Mabel School Mustangs!

10/14/2026

Here is some important information about Watauga Parks and Recreation youth basketball registration! 🏀

The registration period will open on Monday, Oct. 19 and close on Monday, Nov. 30. This is for boys and girls basketball (grades 4–8).

*No late registrations will be accepted.
Be sure to register before the November 30 deadline!

Help spread the word!

🏀 YOUTH BASKETBALL REGISTRATION 🏀

Watauga County Parks & Recreation is excited to announce registration for boys and girls basketball in grades 4–8!

📅 Registration Opens: October 19, 2026

📅 Registration Closes: November 30, 2026

IMPORTANT: No late registrations will be accepted.

Be sure to register before the November 30 deadline!

We look forward to another great basketball season!

10/14/2026

October is ! Here are some bite-sized facts about apples grown in North Carolina! 🍎

Did you know that October is National Farm to School month?

To celebrate we will be bringing you some fun facts about different farm to school items that we serve regularly in our schools. Here are some buzzzzzzzzz-worthy facts about apples. 🍏 🐝 🍎

Watauga County Schools

10/13/2026

Watauga County Schools was recently notified by the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) of Superintendent Dr. Leslie Alexander’s selection as a finalist for the inaugural North Carolina CTE Superintendent of the Year award.

The North Carolina Center Association for Career and Technical Education (NCACTE) established and sponsors this award to recognize superintendents whose leadership has made a meaningful difference for Career and Technical Education.

Alexander has been selected as the Northwest region finalist. Regional nominations were reviewed based on the superintendent’s support of high-quality CTE programs, innovation, leadership in expanding opportunities for students, and strengthening CTE partnerships.

Alexander’s ongoing support of the RISE Caldwell-Watauga program was described extensively in the nomination. The partnership between Watauga and Caldwell County Schools, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, economic development organizations, and employers has expanded work-based learning opportunities for local students.

WCS and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce held the inaugural Trades Day in April 2026 to recognize students who have earned and pursued industry credentials across 11 CTE concentrations. The event showcased CTE student achievement and brought together families, educators, employers, CCC&TI, and Appalachian State University, and connected students with regional career opportunities.

As superintendent of WCS, she has brought together educators, postsecondary institutions, business and industry, economic development organizations, and employers to create a regional talent pipeline. Alexander has successfully helped position WCS as not only an educator of students but also a critical partner in the development of the High Country’s future workforce.

Director of Accountability, Federal Programs, Career and Technical Education, and School Safety Dr. Tierra Stark described the impact of Alexander on WCS CTE programs.

“The unique beauty of how Dr. Alexander leads with CTE at the forefront of her mind can be seen in how she promotes the program, not as an alternative path, but rather as a distinctive path to both college and career readiness,” Stark said. “Her leadership has helped position CTE as a dynamic workforce-development strategy that benefits students while responding directly to the needs of the High Country economy.”

The exciting news was announced in a surprise recognition during the Oct. 13 WCS Board of Education meeting.

All eight regional finalists will be recognized during the NCCAT 2027 NC CTE Teacher of the Year Recognition Event on Oct. 29 in Concord, NC.

The inaugural North Carolina CTE Superintendent of the Year will be announced during the NCSSA Winter Conference in December.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Alexander on this prestigious and well-deserved honor! 🎉💙
NCCAT-The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching
RISE Caldwell-Watauga
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

10/13/2026

Watauga High School & Innovation Academy Families — We Need Your Help! 🎓
We are excited to have Watauga High School as a GEAR UP school and are asking parents and families to take a few minutes to complete an important GEAR UP survey (ends 10/16/26).
Your feedback helps us understand the needs, interests, and goals of our students and families. It also helps us plan meaningful opportunities and demonstrate the impact of GEAR UP so that we can keep GEAR UP ongoing in Watauga County!
Through GEAR UP, students in grades 9-12 and their families can have access to FREE opportunities and support, including:
🎓 College visits and campus experiences
🚌 Summer college bus tours
💼 Career fairs and industry tours
📚 Tutoring and mentoring
💰 FAFSA and financial literacy workshops
👨‍👩‍👧 Family and student workshops
🎤 College and career speakers
🌟 Summer camps and enrichment opportunities
And much more!
Your voice matters! By completing the survey, you are helping us make sure GEAR UP continues to provide opportunities that support your child’s success in high school, college/postsecondary education, career training, and employment.
👉 Please take a few minutes to complete the GEAR UP survey: https://appstate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e2PIhyVSouEJoJ8

10/13/2026

Check it out!
Mrs. Stanley and the Cove Creek School volleyball champions are excited to share the news about the new attendance incentive!

We love this message reminding students they are loved and valued at school each day! 💙

10/12/2026

A recent highLIGHT for Hardin Park School students was partnering with New River Light & Power for the Public Power Week Coloring & Activity Contest! Nine Hardin Park students attended a special lunch with NRLP Lineworkers and Director of Communications Mariana Greene on Friday, Oct. 9!

As you can tell by the photos they had a blast enjoying lunch together, trying on gear, checking out the bucket trucks and having the unique opportunity to ask all of their pressing questions! 💡

10/12/2026

Our student artists at Hardin Park School teamed up with New River Light & Power to celebrate Public Power Week! We love this collaboration! We also had one student grand prize winner per grade level at Hardin Park and those students had the opportunity to attend a special lunch with NRLP Director of Communications Mariana Greene and several linemen! Stay tuned for some photos of the fun!

10/12/2026

Rapid-Fire Q&A session (on Tropical Day 🌺☀️) brought to you by two great Hardin Park Student Council members and featuring Mr. Gillespie!

Keeping up with the Golden Eagles is a full-time, exciting, and memorable job! To go along with his walk-up song, Mr. Gillespie we think you are pretty dynamite. Happy Principal’s Month!