A huge shout out to Discovery High School on ranking in the top 6% of all high schools in the state and nation according to the US News and World Report. Discovery continues to be ranked as the best high school in the Hickory Metro area! Great job, Gryphons!!
Go to https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/north-carolina/districts/newton-conover-city-schools/discovery-high-school-14628 to see more info regarding this tremendous accomplishment.
#WeAreDiscoveryHighSchool
17 minutes ago, Angie Sigmon

🎉 School starts Monday, and we can’t wait! 🎉

We are so excited to welcome back our students and kick off a fantastic school year full of positive energy, growth, and good vibes!

⏰ Bell Schedules:

Elementary Schools: 8:10 AM – 3:20 PM

Middle & High Schools: 7:40 AM – 2:50 PM

Conover School: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

🎒 Kid Connection: Before care opens at 6:00 AM | After care runs until 6:00 PM

Let's make this year incredible! See you Monday!

about 3 hours ago, Angie Sigmon
newton-conover city schools - Back 2 School, Monday, August 24, 2026. Welcome Back! Good vibes, great energy, and an amazing year await!
At Monday night's board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Emily Shaw recognized the Central Office staff for their hard work and dedication. Thank you to our central office team for everything you do to support our district, schools, and students every day! 👏✨
about 3 hours ago, Angie Sigmon
central office staff
Below is the Superintendent’s Message from the Monday, August 17, 2026 Board of Education meeting, presented by Dr. Emily Shaw.
about 21 hours ago, Angie Sigmon
There is a different energy in our schools this time of year. After weeks of preparation, planning, and anticipation, our buildings are once again filled with the excitement of educators preparing to welcome students. This past week, it has been wonderful to see our staff back in our schools working together, preparing classrooms, planning instruction, and making sure every detail is in place for a successful start to the year. Next Monday, we will welcome our students back, and with that comes one of my favorite moments of the school year: the opportunity to begin again with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. We officially kicked off the school year with a successful district-wide Convocation, and I can confidently say that the Good Vibes were definitely present! Our theme, Good Vibes Only is more than a theme for one event. It represents the culture we are intentionally building across Newton-Conover City Schools. I was energized by the engagement, enthusiasm, and sense of unity demonstrated by our staff. As we begin this school year, I hope we carry that same energy into our classrooms, our schools, and every interaction we have with students, families, and one another. We also continue to monitor the proposed merger of Newton-Conover City Schools with the county school system. The North Carolina State Board of Education has acknowledged receipt of the county's merger plan but will wait until its September meeting to determine its next steps. We remain committed to keeping our community informed as this process moves forward and to advocating for Newton-Conover City Schools to remain an independent school system. State Board of Education Chairman Davis has also reminded members of the community and district that any comments or communications regarding the merger may be directed to the county's legal counsel, Tiffany Lucas. While this process continues, our focus remains where it has always been serving our students and providing them with the best education possible. One of the highlights of this month was an incredible community partnership with More Than Enough Ministries. On August 8, Newton-Conover City Schools partnered with the organization to host a backpack and school supply giveaway at our Central Office. The event served 172 families and 387 students from across our region, not just students enrolled in N-CCS. Watching students come through the doors excited to select the supplies they needed for a successful start to the school year was incredibly rewarding. This event is a powerful example of what can happen when schools and community organizations come together with a shared
commitment to children. The impact of this partnership was significant, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make it possible. I also had the opportunity to participate in our CTE Business Advisory meeting this month, and it was a powerful reminder of the tremendous opportunities available to our students. The partnership between Newton-Conover City Schools, local businesses, and Catawba Valley Community College continues to create opportunities for students to explore careers, develop skills, earn credentials, and begin building their futures while still in high school. Hearing directly from our business partners about the skills they need and the opportunities they can provide reinforces the importance of preparing students not only for graduation, but for life beyond our classrooms. With the state budget being passed in late July, we are also working to ensure that our policies, practices, and operations remain aligned with the legislation that was enacted. We are pleased that the budget includes salary increases for our employees. Supporting our employees remains an important part of creating strong schools, because when we invest in our people, we are investing in our students. As we begin this school year, literacy will be a driving focus across Newton-Conover City Schools. The ability to read, comprehend, communicate, and think critically is foundational to success in every subject and every grade level. We will continue strengthening literacy instruction through intentional curriculum alignment, the use of student data to identify areas of need, targeted support for students who need additional assistance, and professional learning that equips teachers with effective instructional strategies. Our goal is not simply to improve reading scores; it is to ensure that every student develops the literacy skills necessary to access rigorous content, communicate effectively, and become a confident, independent learner. This work is central to our commitment to creating a culture of academic excellence for both students and staff. Academic excellence means setting high expectations, aligning our instruction and resources to those expectations, using data to make informed decisions, and providing our educators with the support and professional learning they need to grow. It means creating meaningful opportunities for students through academics, athletics, CTE, college partnerships, and extracurricular activities. It means our principals and
teachers working collaboratively to monitor student progress, identify barriers, celebrate growth, and continually ask ourselves, What more can we do to help every student succeed? As we prepare to welcome students on Monday, I am excited about what lies ahead. There is a tremendous amount of positive energy across Newton-Conover City Schools, and I believe this year has the potential to be a defining one for our district. We have a clear purpose, talented and dedicated staff, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to helping every student reach their potential. Together, we will continue building a district where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to achieve and where our staff feel valued, empowered, and equipped to do their very best work. The 2026–2027 school year is here. Let’s make it a year of powerful purpose, positive schools, and academic excellence. Thanks, Dr. Emily Shaw
What amazing energy at our 2026–2027 Opening Convocation! Today, we brought our entire district family together to celebrate our incredible schools, highlight our amazing educators and staff, and kick off the new school year with unmatched enthusiasm.

Our challenge and charge for this year? Good Vibes Only! Bright smiles, positive energy, and unwavering support for every single student, every single day.
We are so inspired, energized, and ready to make the 2026–2027 school year our best one yet. Thank you to everyone who made today so special!
5 days ago, Angie Sigmon
Dr. Emily Shaw presenting at our Convocation.
Teachers from NCMS.
Teachers from Conover School.
Teacher and Instructional Coach from South Newton.
Our JROTC.
Teachers from North Newton.
Shuford elementary staff.
NCHS band
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
8 days ago, Angie Sigmon
We are hiring - Teacher assistants/bus driver, 1:1 Teacher Assistant/bus driver (part time), bus drivers, child nutrition assistant (part-time), child nutrition subs, coaches

We can't wait to welcome students and families back! Here are the dates and times for Open House across our schools:

👉 Conover School: August 18th from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

👉 Discovery High School: August 20th - New Student Orientation

👉 Newton-Conover High School: August 18th from 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

👉 Newton-Conover Middle School: August 19th from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

👉 North Newton, Shuford, & South Newton: August 19th from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

8 days ago, Angie Sigmon
Mark your calendar - newton-conover city schools open house
What an incredible week of connection, learning, and growth as we welcomed our new hires and beginning teachers to the district! From day one, the energy and passion our new educators bring to our schools have been nothing short of inspiring.

Here is a look back at a fantastic week of welcoming our newest team members:

✨ BT Bootcamp: Preparing our beginning teachers with the tools, strategies, and foundation for a successful school year ahead.

🤝 Buddy Teacher Day: Connecting our new educators with experienced mentors to foster collaboration, guidance, and lifelong friendships.

☕ New Hire Morning Mingle: Wrapping up with great conversations, warm smiles, and strong community connections as everyone settled into their new roles.

To all of our new hires and beginning teachers: we are so proud and excited to have you as part of the Newton-Conover family. Thank you for your dedication to our students and community. Let’s make this school year the best one yet!
12 days ago, Angie Sigmon
Newton-Conover City Schools. Welcome to the team - new hires, beginning teachers

A message from our superintendent, Dr. Emily Shaw:

Dear Newton-Conover City Schools Families and Community,

Today, the North Carolina State Board of Education met, and while the proposed merger of Newton-Conover City Schools, Hickory City Schools, and Catawba County Schools was not a scheduled agenda item, the proposal was briefly discussed.

During the discussion, State Board members shared that they will carefully review the merger proposal and all accompanying materials using the criteria established in North Carolina law. They expect to discuss the review process, timeline, and next steps at their September meeting.

Chairman Eric Davis also acknowledged that the State Board has already received hundreds of letters regarding this proposal. Let's continue to flood the inbox! I believe we can make it thousands!

This is our opportunity to ensure the State Board hears directly from the people who know Newton-Conover City Schools best: our students, parents, employees, alumni, business partners, retirees, and community members. Our schools are thriving because of the commitment of our teachers, staff, families, and community. Together, we have built a district that offers outstanding academic opportunities, strong extracurricular programs, innovative initiatives, and a culture where students are known, supported, and challenged to succeed. Those accomplishments are worth protecting.

We need every supporter of Newton-Conover City Schools to make their voice heard. Tell the State Board why Newton-Conover City Schools matters to you. Tell them about the teachers who changed lives, the opportunities your children have received, the pride you have in our schools, and why you believe our district should remain independent. Personal stories from our community will help the State Board understand what is at stake and why preserving our district matters. Share with them the financial impact the merger will make with our students and families.

I remain fully committed to advocating for what I believe is in the best interest of our students, our employees, and our community. Thank you for your continued support of Newton-Conover City Schools and for standing alongside us as we work to preserve the district that has served generations of students with excellence.

Together, we can send a powerful message that Newton-Conover City Schools should remain independent. Together, let's make sure the State Board hears us loud and clear.

Public comments may be emailed to:

Tiffany Lucas, General Counsel
tiffany.lucas@dpi.nc.gov

Here is the clip from the State Board of Education Meeting - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TtwXNDwofglySP9Pvl-SOXRCsQw7X1ir/view

13 days ago, Angie Sigmon

Counting down the days until these hallways are noisy again! 🎒✨ We’re missing our students big time, but our teams are busy getting everything ready for an amazing year ahead. Enjoy these last few weeks of summer—we can't wait to see you back!

14 days ago, Angie Sigmon
Count Down - 19 days until we're back!
Our team had a fantastic time collaborating, learning, and growing together during our Leadership Summit! From insightful discussions to planning for the future, we’re energized and ready to Grow Good Vibes!
14 days ago, Angie Sigmon
Leadership Summit
Leadership Summit
Leadership Summit
Leadership Summit
Dear Newton-Conover City Schools Families, Staff, and Community,

I want to provide you with a brief update regarding the proposed merger of the Catawba County school districts.

Later this week, the North Carolina State Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting. While the proposed merger is not listed as an agenda item for public discussion, it is possible that the State Board may discuss the process it will use to consider this matter. We will know more after the meeting, and I will share updates as soon as I am made aware.

Although there are still many questions about the process, please know this: Newton-Conover City Schools remains fully committed to advocating for our students, our staff, and our community. We will continue to oppose the merger and will utilize every appropriate opportunity available to present the facts, share our story, and demonstrate why maintaining a strong, independent school district is in the best interest of our students and our community.

The support of our community continues to make a difference. I encourage you to remain engaged by continuing to reach out to members of the North Carolina State Board of Education. As you communicate with them, I ask that you encourage the Board to carefully examine all available information before making any decisions and to support a comprehensive, independent study that fully evaluates the educational, financial, operational, and community impacts of this proposal. Decisions of this magnitude deserve a thoughtful, transparent process grounded in data and focused on what is best for students.

I remain confident in the strength and resilience of our district; and I am deeply grateful for the steadfast support of our students, employees, families, alumni, and community throughout this journey. Together, we will continue to stand united in advocating for Newton-Conover City Schools, always putting our students first and remaining steadfast in our commitment to creating a culture of academic excellence.

As additional information becomes available, I will continue to keep you informed.

Thank you for your continued support of Newton-Conover City Schools.

Sincerely,
Emily Y. Shaw
Superintendent
Newton-Conover City Schools
16 days ago, Angie Sigmon
contact your state board of education
The Interlocal Agreement for Conover School has now been officially signed by all three school districts and is in place for the upcoming school year.

This is a tremendous milestone for our students, staff, families, and community. While today's news is certainly worth celebrating, it also represents the culmination of months of hard work, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. Since the state's announcement earlier this spring, we have worked diligently and intentionally to secure the future of Conover School and ensure that students continue to receive the exceptional services they deserve. It has been a long and emotional journey, but through it all, we remained united in our focus on doing what was best for students.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in making this possible. This achievement is a testament to what can happen when people come together around a shared purpose. Our three school districts worked side by side, supported by our state and local legislators, school board members, parents, employees, community partners, and, most importantly, our students. Every conversation, every meeting, every phone call, and every act of advocacy helped move us one step closer to this moment.

I am especially grateful to our Conover School staff and to all district employees who continued to serve students with professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication despite the uncertainty. Your resilience and commitment never wavered, and because of your efforts, we are prepared to begin the new school year seamlessly.

Thank you for all that you do each and every day for the students of Newton-Conover City Schools.

With gratitude,

Emily Shaw
Superintendent
22 days ago, Angie Sigmon
Below is the Superintendent’s Message from the Monday, July 27, 2026 Board of Education meeting, presented by Dr. Emily Shaw.
22 days ago, Angie Sigmon
superintendents message 7.27.2026
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
22 days ago, Angie Sigmon
We are hiring. School counselor, elementary teacher, EC teacher, ESL teacher, PE teacher, Elem. STEM TA, bus drivers, child nutrition subs, and coaches. Apply now.
Our Newton-Conover City Schools Vacation Planner is here to help you schedule trips around school breaks! We want to make sure our students don’t miss out on important classroom instruction or critical testing windows.

📅 Important Testing Dates (Please avoid planning trips during these times):

December 14–18

May 7–20

Check out the planner to spot upcoming 3-day weekends, holiday breaks, and teacher workdays so you can plan your family time worry-free. Thank you for helping us keep your kiddos in school and ready to learn!
29 days ago, Angie Sigmon
Vacation Planner

2026-2027 Returning Student Registration Begins TODAY!


Registration is now open for all returning students (those who finished the previous school year enrolled with Newton-Conover City Schools).

To ensure your child is ready for the first day of school, please log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal (click this lik) and complete the Returning Student Registration for each returning student in your household no later than August 10, 2026.

If you've forgotten your username or password, don't worry—an email with your login information will be sent to you in the coming days. Keep an eye on your inbox!

30 days ago, Angie Sigmon
Newton-Conover City Schools Returning Students Register Now. Be sure to Check your email. Infinite Campus.
Join us for the Big Back to School Giveaway on Saturday, August 8, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the N-CCS Board Room (605 N. Ashe Avenue). Stop by to grab free clothes and school supplies while supplies last! We can't wait to see you there! ❤️
about 1 month ago, Angie Sigmon
Big Back to School Giveaway. Free clothes and school supplies (while supplies last). Saturday, August 8, 2026 10:00am - 1:00 pm. Where: N-CCS Board Room. 605 N. Ashe Ave. Newton, NC 28658
2026-27 Returning Student Registration Begins July 20th
Registration will open on July 20th for all returning students (those who finished the previous school year enrolled with Newton-Conover City Schools). Be on the lookout for an email with additional information.
about 1 month ago, Angie Sigmon
Returning Student Registration Coming Soon - July 20, 2026
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
about 1 month ago, Angie Sigmon
We are Hiring. Position: Director of Auxiliary Services, High School Math Teacher (part-time), Elementary Teacher, EC teachers, ESL teacher, High School CTE Business Teacher, Pre-K TA, Elem. STEM TA, Bus drivers, Child nutrition subs, subs, coaches, custodians. Apply now