Good afternoon. This is Hollie Lyons-Hawks, Chief Communications Officer for Surry County Schools, with an important safety update.
This afternoon, Surry Central High School administrators received an anonymous tip that there was a potential weapon on campus. Administrators immediately contacted law enforcement, who responded quickly and are currently investigating the incident. As a precautionary measure, the school went into lockdown. While the investigation is ongoing, I want to assure you that our top priority is the safety and well-being of all our students and staff, and we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety. Law enforcement is in the process of clearing the building, moving from room to room. At this time, we ask that individuals do not report to campus. Students and staff will return to their normal schedule once all classrooms are cleared.
I will continue to keep you updated as we receive more information.
#SCSUpdates | As we begin a new school year, we want our community to know about the McKinney-Vento Program, which supports students experiencing homelessness.
Students may qualify if they are doubled up with others, living in motels or campgrounds, staying in cars or other inadequate settings, or meet certain criteria as migratory students. If you have a concern about a student’s living situation, please reach out to their school social worker or our SCS Homeless Liaison, Mrs. Paris Green. You do not have to determine eligibility; just share the concern so we can help.
Last year, Surry County Schools identified 83 students experiencing homelessness, and we have already identified 50 students this school year. Your awareness and willingness to reach out can make a difference.
📌 Please take a moment to read the flyer for more information about McKinney-Vento, available supports, and how you can help connect students and families with resources. Together, we can help ensure every student is seen, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed.
#SCSCTE | Ms. Templeton's SCHS and SECHS interns have been working hard during the first days of school to strengthen their technical and employability skills as they prepare to begin at their individual job sites this week.
Through collaborative orientation activities, students have learned more about workplace expectations, professionalism, communication, teamwork, and the importance of making a positive first impression. They are preparing not just to show up at a workplace, but to step in with confidence and represent themselves and their schools with pride.
The Traditional Internship Program at Surry Central High School and Surry Early College High School is a rigorous process that connects classroom learning to a semester-long work-based learning experience. Juniors and Seniors have the opportunity to explore career interests of their choice, gain valuable real-world experience, and ultimately make more informed decisions about the next steps in their college and career pathways. Hands-on work experience simply can’t be beat!
A huge THANK YOU to our local businesses and community partners for their willingness to partner with Ms. Templeton to create these opportunities and guide our students through meaningful workplace experiences. Your investment of time, knowledge, and mentorship is helping prepare our students for bright and successful futures!
During the meeting, parents also elected new PAC officers who will help represent and support our MEP families throughout the year.
Mr. Gerardo Linares does an incredible job leading and coordinating these efforts, building relationships with our families, and making sure our MEP parents have a strong voice in our program.
We are looking forward to an exciting school year and all the possibilities it brings!
Parents, encourage your student to try something new at lunch. Grab the pizza, sure…but don’t forget to add some fresh fruit, vegetables, or a salad to the plate, too!
A balanced lunch helps fuel students for learning, growing, and making the most of their school day. So, next time you’re in the lunch line, look beyond the usual choice and give something new a try!
Out of an abundance of caution, Surry County Schools is providing bottled water to students and staff at all affected locations.
Bathrooms throughout the affected schools remain safe to use, and school operations will continue as normal. We anticipate the issue will be resolved quickly and will share additional updates as more information becomes available.
We appreciate the City of Mount Airy’s efforts to address the issue and thank our families and staff for their patience and understanding.
The district will offer face-to-face training at Meadowview Magnet Middle School TOMORROW, August 18, 2026, from 3:30 pm-4:30 pm. To register, please complete the Google Form at https://bit.ly/F2FSub or call 336-386-8211.
Before Open House, take a few minutes to complete your Infinite Campus Annual Update. It's the quickest way to verify your family's information and helps you skip the paperwork when you arrive at school.
During the Annual Update, you'll:
✅ Verify your contact information
✅ Update emergency contacts
✅ Complete required annual district forms
Your Infinite Campus Parent Portal is also the best place to:
📚 Check grades
🚌 Monitor attendance
📲 Receive important updates from your child's school throughout the year
Get started today by visiting: https://www.surry.k12.nc.us/page/annual-update
New to Surry County Schools? The page includes step-by-step instructions for setting up your Parent Portal account. If you need assistance, please contact your child's school.
With the app, you can:
✅ See your child's bus location in real time
📲 Receive alerts when the bus is approaching or if the schedule changes
🏫 Know when your child arrives safely at school or back home
Getting started is easy:
1️⃣ Download the Here Comes the Bus® app (or visit herecomesthebus.com)
2️⃣ Sign up using District Code: 75997
3️⃣ Add your student using their last name and Student ID number
Questions? Contact your child's school or the Surry County Schools Transportation Department.
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! 💙
For Information:
Contact: Jason Llewellyn 336-386-8762
To Register:
Contact: Teresa King 336-386-8211
- Family-friendly daytime schedule that aligns with the school calendar
- No nights, weekends, or holidays
- Positive work environment
- Paid leave & holidays (permanent positions)
- Help serve nutritious meals to students in a clean, safe environment!
Apply online at surryschoolmeals.com! Call 336-386-8866 for more information.
Surry County Schools is an equal opportunity employer.
The district will offer face-to-face training at Meadowview Magnet Middle School on August 18, 2026, from 3:30 pm-4:30 pm. To register, please complete the Google form at https://bit.ly/F2FSub or call 336-386-8211.
#SCSUpdates | Great educators never stop learning. 💡
Join us at the IMPACT Teaching & Learning Conference for a day of collaboration, fresh ideas, and practical strategies to kick off the new school year. We can't wait to see you there!
Register here: https://qrco.de/bgtISg
#SCSNowHiring | Come join our SCS family as a Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistant at Westfield Elementary School! Apply here: https://bit.ly/SCSjobs