Episode 12 of Beyond the Bell with Surry County Schools is LIVE! 🎙️
In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we sit down with Caleb Whitaker, Health and PE teacher at Meadowview Magnet Middle School. A Surry County Schools graduate himself, Caleb has come full circle—returning to the district where he once attended Franklin, Meadowview, and North Surry.
Caleb shares his journey from student-athlete to teacher, including his time at Surry Community College, Appalachian State University, and his path through the Teachers of Tomorrow program. We’ll hear how his experiences in the classroom, on the field, and in the community have shaped his approach to education and coaching.
Outside of school, Caleb is deeply involved in his community through Mount Airy Parks and Recreation and his church, where he mentors young people and supports families. In this conversation, he reflects on the importance of building relationships, creating positive learning environments, and giving back to the community that raised him.
In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we sit down with Caleb Whitaker, Health and PE teacher at Meadowview Magnet Middle School. A Surry County Schools graduate himself, Caleb has come full circle—returning to the district where he once attended Franklin, Meadowview, and North Surry.
Caleb shares his journey from student-athlete to teacher, including his time at Surry Community College, Appalachian State University, and his path through the Teachers of Tomorrow program. We’ll hear how his experiences in the classroom, on the field, and in the community have shaped his approach to education and coaching.
Outside of school, Caleb is deeply involved in his community through Mount Airy Parks and Recreation and his church, where he mentors young people and supports families. In this conversation, he reflects on the importance of building relationships, creating positive learning environments, and giving back to the community that raised him.
#SCSUpdates | A test of the Surry County Schools Notification System was conducted this afternoon. If you did not receive a call or email, please alert the main office at your respective school so staff can update your contact information accordingly.
This is a test of the SCS Mass Notification System. In the event of weather-related closures or an emergency, Surry County Schools will use this system to notify you of matters impacting our campuses. This is only a test. Thank you!
Esta es una prueba del Sistema de Notificación Masiva de SCS. En caso de cierres por mal tiempo o una emergencia, las Escuelas del Condado de Surry usarán este sistema para notificarle sobre cualquier asunto que afecte a nuestros campus. Esto es solo una prueba.
#SCSCelebrates | Today we celebrate #NationalITProfessionalsDay! We are fortunate to have the best of the best here in Surry County Schools! 💻
This team completes a lot of visible and behind-the-scenes work to ensure that students and staff can efficiently use technology during the school day. They are ready to jump in and help however they can whenever technical difficulties arise.
Technology constantly changes, and our IT professionals stay informed of trends and tools to serve our students, staff, and families well!
Happy IT Professionals Day to Tim Hippert, John Johnson, Jim Harvish, Jackson Lindsay, Michael Pinckney, Sebrena O’Dell, Chet Luffman, Jeremy Stoker, and Melissa Spurlin! 🎉
We would also like to give a shoutout to Director of Technology Lucas Gillispie for all of his hard work and dedication to our district’s technology oversight and implementation.
Thank you all for all that you do for Surry County Schools! 💙
This team completes a lot of visible and behind-the-scenes work to ensure that students and staff can efficiently use technology during the school day. They are ready to jump in and help however they can whenever technical difficulties arise.
Technology constantly changes, and our IT professionals stay informed of trends and tools to serve our students, staff, and families well!
Happy IT Professionals Day to Tim Hippert, John Johnson, Jim Harvish, Jackson Lindsay, Michael Pinckney, Sebrena O’Dell, Chet Luffman, Jeremy Stoker, and Melissa Spurlin! 🎉
We would also like to give a shoutout to Director of Technology Lucas Gillispie for all of his hard work and dedication to our district’s technology oversight and implementation.
Thank you all for all that you do for Surry County Schools! 💙
#SCSUpdates | A big thank you to the 80% of families who have already completed the Infinite Campus Annual Update!
It’s not too late! If you haven’t done so yet, set up your Parent Portal account to track grades, attendance, and receive important school messages. 👉Get started here: https://www.surry.k12.nc.us/page/annual-update.
This page will guide you through setting up your account and completing the Annual Update. Need help? Contact your child’s school. Once you’re logged in, complete your child’s Annual Update (contact info, emergency contacts, agreements, etc.).
⏰ Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025
If this process isn’t complete by then, your child’s access to important classroom tools like YouTube and other third-party services may be restricted.
It’s not too late! If you haven’t done so yet, set up your Parent Portal account to track grades, attendance, and receive important school messages. 👉Get started here: https://www.surry.k12.nc.us/page/annual-update.
This page will guide you through setting up your account and completing the Annual Update. Need help? Contact your child’s school. Once you’re logged in, complete your child’s Annual Update (contact info, emergency contacts, agreements, etc.).
⏰ Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025
If this process isn’t complete by then, your child’s access to important classroom tools like YouTube and other third-party services may be restricted.
#SCSUpdates | ATTENTION: In an effort to ensure we have the most current contact information possible for our families and staff members, Surry County Schools will be conducting a test of our mass notification system on Friday, September 19, at 12:00 p.m. The test message is being sent via phone, text, email, push notification, and social media. This will be a test only, and no action is needed.
Most commonly, this system is used to announce school closures due to weather, but we also use it to contact families in the event of a school-hours emergency. Please check with your child's school to confirm the correct contact information is on file for your student(s).
Haven't downloaded the app yet? Download the Surry County Schools, NC app from the App Store and Google Play today and make sure to select "Allow Notifications" for the district and your child's school! ⬇️
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/surry-county-schools-nc/id6452801607
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptegy.surrync&pli=1
Most commonly, this system is used to announce school closures due to weather, but we also use it to contact families in the event of a school-hours emergency. Please check with your child's school to confirm the correct contact information is on file for your student(s).
Haven't downloaded the app yet? Download the Surry County Schools, NC app from the App Store and Google Play today and make sure to select "Allow Notifications" for the district and your child's school! ⬇️
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/surry-county-schools-nc/id6452801607
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptegy.surrync&pli=1
#SCSCelebrates | Did you know that September 15-October 15 is #HispanicHeritageMonth?
During this month and beyond, we recognize the contributions, rich traditions, and cultures of Hispanic communities. Let's come together to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of our community. 🌎🧡
During this month and beyond, we recognize the contributions, rich traditions, and cultures of Hispanic communities. Let's come together to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of our community. 🌎🧡
#SCSCelebrates | 🎨✨ Celebrating Arts in Education Week! 📚🎭
Whether it's through music, visual arts, or theater, the arts enrich our lives and foster innovation. Let's recognize the power of creativity, imagination, and expression in shaping young minds. 🎉💡
Whether it's through music, visual arts, or theater, the arts enrich our lives and foster innovation. Let's recognize the power of creativity, imagination, and expression in shaping young minds. 🎉💡
#SCSUpdates | Quick Reminder, Surry County Schools families!
We use Peachjar to share school-approved flyers, events, and important announcements. It’s your go-to spot for staying connected with what’s happening in our schools.
🔗 Find your school and sign up here: https://ms.peachjar.com/schoolfinder
Community organizations interested in sharing flyers can review our Guidelines and Approval Process here: https://www.surry.k12.nc.us/page/request-for-flyer-distributionpeachjar
Thank you for staying connected with Surry County Schools! 💙
We use Peachjar to share school-approved flyers, events, and important announcements. It’s your go-to spot for staying connected with what’s happening in our schools.
🔗 Find your school and sign up here: https://ms.peachjar.com/schoolfinder
Community organizations interested in sharing flyers can review our Guidelines and Approval Process here: https://www.surry.k12.nc.us/page/request-for-flyer-distributionpeachjar
Thank you for staying connected with Surry County Schools! 💙
#SCSCelebrates | Today, Surry County Schools hosted its Annual SAVE Promise Summit at Surry Community College. Students were able to report the ways they spread kindness at their schools, discuss upcoming projects, and collaborate with other SAVE Promise Club members within Surry County Schools. What an awesome opportunity for students to lead with others! 🎉🧡💡
Great morning so far at the SAVE Promise District Summit! This is a great opportunity for our school clubs across the district to connect and generate ideas for the new year!
I'm happy to begin my journey as a Communications Intern at Surry County Schools! I look forward to posting updates and sharing my work throughout this process. Stay tuned for more! 😊
#SCSCelebrates | Help us congratulate Grover Cropps from Copeland Elementary, our 2024-2025 Surry County Schools Bus Driver of the Year!
Mr. Cropps is the definition of dependable, dedicated, and kind. He ensures students arrive safely each day and always steps up to help—whether it’s covering extra stops or lending a hand where needed. His positive attitude and warm relationships with students create a welcoming environment on every ride.
Beyond the bus, Grover serves our community through the Copeland Ruritan Club and is a valued member of the Copeland Elementary family.
Thank you, Mr. Cropps, for going the extra mile - literally and figuratively! 🚌💛
#SCSUpdates | Attention Surry County Schools Families! North Carolina has moved from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus for student information — and now’s the perfect time to set up your Parent Portal account!
📬 Be on the lookout for an email from Infinite Campus with a link to get started. Once your account is set up, you’ll be able to:
✅ View grades & attendance
✅ Get important school messages
✅ Complete your child’s Annual Update
💡 Pro tip: Complete your update before Open House or Orientation to skip the lines and save time!
📩 Check your inbox and get started with Infinite Campus today!
#SCSSummer | Trying to beat the rain! Our awesome maintenance team was hard at work installing the new sunshades at Dobson Elementary today. They made great progress, but Mother Nature had other plans! 🌧️
Taking a quick break until the skies clear — stay tuned for the finished look!
Taking a quick break until the skies clear — stay tuned for the finished look!
#SCSNowHiring | Come join our SCS family as an Assistant Principal at North Surry High School! Apply here: https://bit.ly/SCSjobs
#SCSNowHiring | Come join our SCS family as our Director of Finance! Apply here: https://bit.ly/SCSjobs
#SCSUpdates | Please see the following statement from the Surry County Board of Education:
"To the Surry County Schools Community,
At its June 2, 2025 meeting, the Surry County Board of Education approved a motion to create a Memorandum of Understanding with the Surry County Schools Educational Foundation to address the source of payment for the position of Foundation Director and the amount of funds to be distributed each year by the Foundation to the Surry County Schools. This action did not affect the employment or the term of employment of the person serving as Foundation Director.
Also at its June 2 meeting, the Board of Education approved a motion to eliminate the position of Safety Director effective with the 2025-2026 school year. This action did not result in the termination of any employee of the Surry County Schools. Contracted administrators whose positions are eliminated are entitled to reassignment to equivalent administrative positions.
We want to clearly state that no individual was relieved of employment by action of the Board of Education on June 2, 2025. The Board of Education remains committed to thoughtful and responsible stewardship of public resources, as well as open communication with our staff, families, and community.
Sincerely,
The Surry County Board of Education"
#SCSSchoolNutrition | We're hiring! Surry County School Nutrition is seeking substitute and part-time team members, with the potential for full-time opportunities.
✅ Daytime hours
✅ No nights, weekends, or holidays
✅ Free meal during your shift
Join a team that makes a difference! Apply today: surryschoolmeals.com
📞 Questions? Call 336-386-8866.
#SCSNowHiring | Come join our SCS family as an Educational Interpreter! Apply here: https://bit.ly/SCSjobs
