Good afternoon!  Thanks to everyone who was able to attend our Futures Fair this past Tuesday!  Your continued support of that event is vital to its success.

This is so important to us that we sent today's survey with a notification at 4pm and we're leaving the survey open an extra day - until Monday, 10/19 at 11:59pm.  The link to today's post is below in case you missed it.

Now, here's this week’s Friday Five.🖐️

If you see a post, message or video that raises concern about a student or school, report it promptly. Don’t wait to decide whether it’s serious or assume someone else has reported it. Share the original information with a school administrator, law enforcement, or through the Say Something Anonymous Report System. Be sure include details such as the account name, exact words, date and time, and screenshots or links. Please don’t confront the person who posted it.

Don’t repost or forward the content, add speculation, or amplify the content by liking, commenting or sharing unverified claims. Even when intended as a warning, spreading a threat or rumor can cause confusion and fear. Save relevant information and report it directly. If someone may be in immediate danger, call 911. You can also use the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, monitored 24/7. If your school is not listed, you may see a pop-up window instructing you to call the number 1-844-572-9669.

Cabarrus County Schools takes every reported threat seriously. Our first priority is the safety and security of our students, staff and facilities. Reports may involve coordination with local law enforcement, and some details may not be available to share while law enforcement activity is underway. If a situation affects a school, staff may need to focus first on protecting students, accounting for everyone and coordinating with first responders. 

We will share verified information through ParentSquare as quickly as conditions allow. Please check official updates, follow school and district instructions, and don’t come to campus unless directed.

You may sometimes see additional law enforcement on campus as part of their normal job routine. That presence does not necessarily mean a threat is imminent. It may be a precaution intended to provide added reassurance and support to students, staff and families.

Thank you for continuing to be partners in the safety and security of our schools, students, and staff.  Safety is a team effort.

Learn more: www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/safety

Early voting for the November 3 general election began on Thursday, October 15 and continues through October 31st. Cabarrus County voters will also consider a proposed $340 million school bond referendum for Cabarrus County Schools and Kannapolis City Schools.

If approved by voters, the bond would fund the on-site replacement of Central Cabarrus High School, conceptual design work for a future southern high school, and facility maintenance projects such as roof, HVAC, plumbing, and parking lot projects at schools across the district.

Learn more about the included projects and the proposed bond: www.engagewithccs.com/bond26

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Information Technology programs invite students in grades 6–12 and their parents or guardians to learn how to make safer choices online.

Families will explore current online risks, digital citizenship and ways to protect personal information. No technology experience is needed, and the event is free.

📅 Thursday, October 22

🕕 6–7:30 p.m.

📍 RCCC Advanced Technology Center, Room 204

399 Biotechnology Lane, Kannapolis

Space is limited, and preregistration is required. Register at www.rccc.edu/cybersafety.

✅8th and 9th GRADE EVENT NOV. 9th: BEYOND THE GAME: A STUDENT ATHLETE'S GUIDE TO PLAYING SPORTS IN COLLEGE: Are you a student-athlete in grades 8–12 interested in playing sports in college? Join us Monday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. at Central Cabarrus High School to learn about eligibility, academics, recruiting, scholarships and how to connect with college coaches. Experienced athletics, recruiting and academic representatives will share insights and answer questions to help students and families plan for the next level.

✅SENIORS: COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK IS COMING! October 19–25, 2026:

Get ready to take the next step toward your future—and SAVE MONEY! During North Carolina's College Application Week, many colleges and universities across the state will WAIVE their application fees! This is a great opportunity to apply to several colleges without paying the usual application fees. Here's how to participate:

Important: Start through CFNC.org to make sure you receive the available fee waivers. Don't miss this opportunity to explore your options and take another step toward your future! Questions? Reach out to your school counselor for assistance.

✅THE POSITIVITY PROJECT: Next week’s Positivity Project (P2) character strength is creativity. Visit the P2 for Families webpage for helpful resources and conversation starters to support this week’s strength. You can also view the Character Strength Calendar linked below to stay up to date with what your child is learning through our P2 curriculum.

Bring the family to Cabarrus County EMS’s Trunk-or-Treat on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 4:30–8 p.m. at Frank Liske Park.

Enjoy decorated trunks, food trucks and a costume-friendly evening of fall fun. Trunks will compete for trophies in a best-decoration contest. Vehicle registration is open: https://bit.ly/3VdLxpC

For more information, visit the Cabarrus County Government webpage.

The Friends of the Midland Library will host its inaugural Hometown Authors, Homegrown Stories event from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Bethel Elementary School in Midland! 

Come and meet, hear from and have the opportunity to buy books from more than a dozen local authors who have written adult fiction, non-fiction, children’s, romance, self-help books and more. 

The event is free and will include vendors and food trucks. For more information, visit https://friendsofthemidlandlibrary.org/author-event.

Lace up for the 25th annual Jack O’ Lantern Jaunt at Frank Liske Park on Saturday, Oct. 24!

The fun run starts at 5 p.m., followed by the 5K at 5:30 p.m. Wear a costume for a chance to win Best Dressed, and the first 275 registered runners will receive a finisher medal.

Packet pickup is Friday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Frank Liske Park office.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3W7eML2 

See more information on the Cabarrus County Government webpage.

Touch-a-Truck is back on Halloween! 

Join the Cabarrus County Active Living & Parks Department on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center for a FREE, family-friendly event, presented by H & H Towing Inc, featuring vehicles and equipment of all shapes and sizes, candy, an obstacle course, giveaways and plenty of Halloween fun!

 

Ready to find a program that’s right for you? 

The Program Choice Application open enrollment period is October 1–November 30, 2026. Students can apply for up to three programs in Cabarrus County Schools, with opportunities designed to support academic excellence, real-world skills and future success.

Have questions or ready to apply? Visit www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/programchoice for more information.  

Cabarrus County Schools is excited to launch Future Makers, a new districtwide recognition program celebrating the people who make a difference every day across CCS.

Inspired by Destination 27 and this year's district theme, “Your Future. Our Focus.”, Future Makers will shine a spotlight on employees whose service, dedication and commitment help shape the futures of our students. From classrooms and school offices to buses, cafeterias, technology, maintenance and beyond, great work happens everywhere in CCS.

And we want to hear from you. Parents, students, employees and community members are invited to nominate a CCS employee who deserves to be recognized as a Future Maker.

Know someone making a difference? 

Nominate a Future Maker today: https://forms.gle/GYPHSXpGiBCPZsXZ6

Program Choice Open Houses are a great opportunity for families to learn more about the unique programs available across Cabarrus County Schools. Meet staff, explore schools, ask questions and discover which option may be the right fit for your student. Check out the upcoming Program Choice Open House dates below and start planning your visit!

 

The district also has a dedicated Program Choice Open House Calendar page with this schedule.

Cabarrus County Schools will host one additional community forum this fall to provide information and answer questions about the 2026 school bond referendum.

The forum will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Community members are invited to attend any of the three forums to learn more about the proposed school bond, the projects included, and the bond process.

We hope you’ll join us and learn more before Election Day on Nov. 3.

Even though we're only three days into the start of school, many of you have already been impacted by our amazing teachers. Please visit our link and nominate a Teacher of the Month for October. Our next winner will be recognized at the Board of Education's Oct. 12th meeting.

This year's winners: