Below is the Superintendent’s Message from the Monday, September 21, 2026 Board of Education meeting, presented by Dr. Emily Shaw.
We enter this school year with incredible momentum and a clear message: our district is healthy, strong, and thriving. At the end of the 2025–2026 school year, we added a healthy amount to our fund balance proving to everyone that despite narratives framing our district as broke and in need of rescue, we are standing on firm, resilient financial ground. Moving into this year, we are staying strictly within our means, and the budget up for a vote tonight keeps us moving in the right direction. Let me be clear: while our schools are adjusting to staffing changes and navigating growing pains as we adapt, we are fully equipped to meet this moment.
Now that accountability data is no longer embargoed, the results speak for themselves: our students outperformed the state average in every single elementary EOG subject, a remarkable feat given that North Carolina’s statewide proficiency sits around 59.2%. Our schools are making positive gains in numerous areas, our dropout rate remains better than the state average, and our students are genuinely thriving. Beyond the classroom, our extracurricular programs from sports to band to clubs are firing on all cylinders as our young people find their place and purpose. Furthermore, our enrollment remains stable within a handful of where we were at this time last year, well above the projections from the McKissick study.
Inside our classrooms, our dedicated staff members are actively implementing high-leverage instructional practices to target individual student needs, ensuring every child receives tailored support. We have just wrapped up initial BOG and mCLASS assessments in our elementary grades to establish a solid baseline for growth, while our upper elementary students are stepping up as school leaders and embracing higher expectations. Middle schoolers are settling smoothly into their routines, while high schoolers are leaning into advanced coursework, Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and college preparation. Having spent time in our buildings recently, it brings me immense joy to see first-hand the vibrant learning happening across every grade level. The good vibes in our halls are undeniable!
As long as there is breath in my lungs, I will continue to fight for us to remain an independent district because we are just fine. We are proof that a small system can deliver a massive impact.
Dr, Emily Shaw
Superintendent
We enter this school year with incredible momentum and a clear message: our district is healthy, strong, and thriving. At the end of the 2025–2026 school year, we added a healthy amount to our fund balance proving to everyone that despite narratives framing our district as broke and in need of rescue, we are standing on firm, resilient financial ground. Moving into this year, we are staying strictly within our means, and the budget up for a vote tonight keeps us moving in the right direction. Let me be clear: while our schools are adjusting to staffing changes and navigating growing pains as we adapt, we are fully equipped to meet this moment.
Now that accountability data is no longer embargoed, the results speak for themselves: our students outperformed the state average in every single elementary EOG subject, a remarkable feat given that North Carolina’s statewide proficiency sits around 59.2%. Our schools are making positive gains in numerous areas, our dropout rate remains better than the state average, and our students are genuinely thriving. Beyond the classroom, our extracurricular programs from sports to band to clubs are firing on all cylinders as our young people find their place and purpose. Furthermore, our enrollment remains stable within a handful of where we were at this time last year, well above the projections from the McKissick study.
Inside our classrooms, our dedicated staff members are actively implementing high-leverage instructional practices to target individual student needs, ensuring every child receives tailored support. We have just wrapped up initial BOG and mCLASS assessments in our elementary grades to establish a solid baseline for growth, while our upper elementary students are stepping up as school leaders and embracing higher expectations. Middle schoolers are settling smoothly into their routines, while high schoolers are leaning into advanced coursework, Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and college preparation. Having spent time in our buildings recently, it brings me immense joy to see first-hand the vibrant learning happening across every grade level. The good vibes in our halls are undeniable!
As long as there is breath in my lungs, I will continue to fight for us to remain an independent district because we are just fine. We are proof that a small system can deliver a massive impact.
Dr, Emily Shaw
Superintendent
We are excited to share that Newton-Conover High School has been recognized by the NCHSAA as 1 of only 7 high schools in our region to achieve an Ejection-Free Year for the 2025-2026 school year!
This achievement is a huge testament to the character, respect, and sportsmanship displayed by our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and amazing Red Devil fans every single day.
This achievement is a huge testament to the character, respect, and sportsmanship displayed by our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and amazing Red Devil fans every single day.
Board of Education Meeting Schedule Update
The Newton-Conover City Schools Board of Education updated its meeting schedule during the work session meeting held on September 14, 2026.
January 11, 2027 has been designated as the Board’s Winter Work Session.
The Newton-Conover City Schools Board of Education updated its meeting schedule during the work session meeting held on September 14, 2026.
January 11, 2027 has been designated as the Board’s Winter Work Session.
Yesterday at our Board of Education meeting, NCHS Principal Mr. Penley took time to recognize several outstanding members of our Red Devil community!
A special shout-out to our NCHS JROTC Color Guard for an incredible presentation of the colors!
Mr. Penley also gave well-deserved recognition to our wonderful NCHS students and dedicated teachers for their continued hard work and excellence.
Lastly, a big thank you to Whataburger for being such a fantastic community partner and supporting Newton-Conover High School! We are grateful for our amazing staff, talented students, and supportive community partners.
A special shout-out to our NCHS JROTC Color Guard for an incredible presentation of the colors!
Mr. Penley also gave well-deserved recognition to our wonderful NCHS students and dedicated teachers for their continued hard work and excellence.
Lastly, a big thank you to Whataburger for being such a fantastic community partner and supporting Newton-Conover High School! We are grateful for our amazing staff, talented students, and supportive community partners.
Newton-Conover City Schools is looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team and make a difference in our community. We have a wide range of open positions. Learn more and apply today! 👉 Apply here: newtonconover.schoolspring.com
🚌 It’s School Bus Ridership Week at Newton-Conover City Schools! (Sept 21–25)
Did you know that every student who rides the bus this week helps secure state funding for our school district?
If your child is registered for bus transportation, make sure they hop on board this week! Thank you for helping us keep our buses running smoothly and efficiently!
🎨 Happy National Arts in Education Week! 🎭✨
From the stage to the studio, the arts do more than spark creativity—they challenge students to think critically, build self-assurance, and express their unique perspectives. As this week comes to an end, we would like to celebrate the dedicated educators who bring creativity into our classrooms every single day and the amazing students who brighten our world with their talents!
From the stage to the studio, the arts do more than spark creativity—they challenge students to think critically, build self-assurance, and express their unique perspectives. As this week comes to an end, we would like to celebrate the dedicated educators who bring creativity into our classrooms every single day and the amazing students who brighten our world with their talents!
Celebrate Constitution Day with Newton-Conover City Schools! Today, our students across the district engaged in exciting lessons and hands-on activities to learn about the U.S. Constitution, the foundation of our democracy, and the rights and responsibilities of being an active citizen.
From troubleshooting unexpected glitches and managing network infrastructure to protecting us from cybersecurity threats, our IT team works tirelessly behind the scenes. We couldn't do what we do without your expertise, patience, and dedication.
Happy National IT Professionals Day! 💻🔧
NCHS has been selected as one of only two schools in North Carolina to host the Center for Safer Schools' SEED (Supporting, Educating, Empowering, and Developing) Leadership Program. Launched on September 9, 2026, this yearlong initiative equips selected students in grades 9 through 12 to become school safety advocates within their communities while building essential life and career skills. Led by representatives from the Center for Safer Schools—an agency housed within the NC State Bureau of Investigation—the program is overseen locally by NCHS School Psychologist Paula Sigmon and Career Development Coordinator Matt Wilkinson.
Today, we take a moment to reflect and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. We honor the incredible bravery of the first responders, the resilience of the victims' families, and the unity that brought our nation together in the days that followed.
Our school counselor at South Newton Elementary, Quintin Knight, represented our district at the Connect Catawba Resource Forum this week alongside Hickory City Schools and Catawba County Schools in a panel titled "Supporting School Success."
Elementary excellence! Outstanding work by our students and staff—as a district, our 3rd–5th graders performed above the state average in Reading, Math, AND Science! We are so proud of this incredible achievement!
Above State Average!!
We are exceptionally proud of our school district and the outstanding progress and achievements our students and staff continue to make every day. Together, we demonstrate time and again the huge impact a small district can have.
We remain fully committed to doing what is best for all students, working toward maintaining our district, and preventing the merger. Please review this letter regarding the State Board of Education’s timeline for the proposed merger.
We remain fully committed to doing what is best for all students, working toward maintaining our district, and preventing the merger. Please review this letter regarding the State Board of Education’s timeline for the proposed merger.
We are thrilled to announce that Newton-Conover City Schools achieved a 94% Graduation Rate for the 2025–2026 school year—ranking as the 10th highest in the entire state and well above the state average!
For Immediate Release:
3 YEARS IN A ROW!!
Newton-Conover City Schools is officially 1 of only 9 school districts in the entire state to have NO D or F school performance grades for these three consecutive years (2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026)!
This achievement is a direct result of the incredible dedication, hard work, and passion of our students, teachers, staff, and supportive community. Thank you for making N-CCS a place where excellence thrives every single day.
Let’s keep the GOOD VIBES going!
Celebrating Excellence Across Newton-Conover City Schools!
Good vibes only in NCCS! We are thrilled to share incredible news about our schools' growth and performance:
👉No D's or F's: A huge congratulations to our schools for keeping the good vibes rolling and maintaining zero School Performance Grades of D's or F's district-wide for the past three years.
👉Exceeding Growth: Special recognition goes to Shuford Elementary and Newton-Conover Middle School for officially exceeding academic growth targets!
These milestones are a direct result of the continuous hard work, resilience, and positive energy shown by our students, dedicated teachers, staff, and supportive families every single day.
Thank you for making our district a place where students thrive, excel, and bring the best vibes. Let's keep this momentum going!
Good vibes only in NCCS! We are thrilled to share incredible news about our schools' growth and performance:
👉No D's or F's: A huge congratulations to our schools for keeping the good vibes rolling and maintaining zero School Performance Grades of D's or F's district-wide for the past three years.
👉Exceeding Growth: Special recognition goes to Shuford Elementary and Newton-Conover Middle School for officially exceeding academic growth targets!
These milestones are a direct result of the continuous hard work, resilience, and positive energy shown by our students, dedicated teachers, staff, and supportive families every single day.
Thank you for making our district a place where students thrive, excel, and bring the best vibes. Let's keep this momentum going!
Newton-Conover City Schools is looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team and make a difference in our community. We have a wide range of open positions. Learn more and apply today! 👉 Apply here: newtonconover.schoolspring.com
