It's been a great week! We hope you enjoy the weekend, and we look forward to seeing you back at school on Monday! Next week is the final week of the first quarter.
If you didn't get a chance to participate in this week's Wednesday Weigh-In, please take two minutes and click the link below. Your feedback is valuable to us. The deadline for submitting survey feedback is Sunday, Oct. 5th at 11:59 P.M.
Here's this week's edition of The Friday Five 🖐️.
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Dear Cabarrus County Schools family,
In 2022, when we launched Destination 2025, our goal was clear: honor the proud legacy of Cabarrus County Schools while setting a bold course for continuous improvement. Guided by the belief that excellence is not a destination but a journey, we focused on creating the highest quality learning experiences for every student.
Over the past three years, we have made tremendous progress across our six Destination 2025 priorities—Student Wellness, Teaching and Learning, Early Learning, Technology-Enhanced Learning, Diverse Talent Pipeline, and Community Alignment. Together, we expanded access to early learning, elevated instructional quality, strengthened supports for students, and deepened partnerships with families and the broader community. Most importantly, these efforts fueled meaningful growth in student achievement and well-being.
While we are proud of these accomplishments, our work is far from complete. That is why we are excited to introduce our next chapter: Destination 27. Building on the strong foundation of Destination 2025, this new strategic plan reflects what we’ve learned, the feedback of our stakeholders, and the evolving needs of our students and staff.
Destination 27 sharpens our focus around five key priorities:
- Student Wellness & Safety
- Teaching & Learning
- Staff Recruitment, Growth, & Retention
- Financial & Operational Stewardship
- Community Engagement
This plan is more than a roadmap—it is our shared commitment to remain Champions for Children’s Success. Together, we will continue to invest in the growth of every student, support our dedicated staff, and strengthen the ties that unite schools, families, and community.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support as we embark on this important work. The future is bright for Cabarrus County Schools, and with your help, we will ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Stay Well,
Dr. John Kopicki
Superintendent
Cabarrus County Schools
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Next Friday, October 10th, is the last day of the first quarter. As a reminder, all traditional schools will be dismissed early. For a complete listing of early dismissal times, please visit www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/bellschedules
Also:
- Monday, October 13th is a teacher workday for ALL schools. All students, including Early College students, are out of school on 10/13.
- In addition, Tuesday 10/14 and Wednesday 10/15 are teacher workdays for Early College students ONLY.
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Big cheers for Dr. Richie Wells, Principal of W.M. Irvin Elementary, named the 2025 Cabarrus County Schools Principal of the Year! Surprised with the honor at WMIES on Monday, Dr. Wells has served CCS since 2011 in multiple leadership roles, and his student-centered approach and culture-building have helped schools consistently exceed growth expectations. As Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki notes, Dr. Wells exemplifies unwavering commitment to excellence and relationships that lift students, staff, and families.
He was selected from a distinguished group of finalists representing schools across CCS, and will now advance to compete for Wells Fargo Southwest Region Principal of the Year.
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PANORAMA SURVEY WINDOW: The Fall Panorama Survey will be administered between Oct. 6th and Oct. 24th. Please check with your child's school for exact dates.
CWES ATTENDANCE BOUNDARY PROJECT: Cabarrus County Schools is reviewing and updating elementary attendance boundaries in preparation for the new Coltrane-Webb STEM Elementary opening in Fall 2026. This realignment is necessary to ensure that student enrollment is balanced, facilities are utilized effectively, and families are best served by the new school. The process will include opportunities for community input and will be guided by the district’s commitment to maintaining equitable access to high-quality educational experiences for all students.. Learn more and ask questions at www.engagewithccs.com
FOR JUNIOR PARENTS: Union Power Cooperative's Youth Tour is an opportunity for high school juniors to embark on an incredible journey to Washington, D.C from June 14 to 20. This all-expense-paid trip includes:
- A week-long exploration of the nation’s capital.
- Dive into our nation’s history.
- Learn the importance of civic engagement
- Participate in networking events.
- Explore iconic landmarks.
Selected students from North Carolina will join 1,800 other youth tourists from across the nation in Washington, D.C. These students will have the opportunity to explore the Smithsonian, Capitol Hill, Arlington National Cemetery, and several other memorials. They will also learn about American History and the electric cooperative business model.
Students will also have the opportunity to engage with members of Congress and their legislative staff, providing a unique opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of their role in the legislative process. For more information, please visit: https://union-power.com/educational-programs/youth-tour
2025-26 TUTOR LIST: The 2025-26 CCS Tutor List is available. This list is provided for reference only. The CCS Board of Education makes no representations as to the quality of instruction provided by individuals listed. To the extent any of the listed individuals is a current or former employee of CCS with a current background check, his/her work as a private tutor is outside the course and scope of his/her employment with the school system. A professional employee may accept reasonable payment for tutoring students other than those for whom he/she exercises teaching, administrative, or supervisory responsibility. Tutoring for a fee must not take place within school facilities or during school hours. CCS Board of Education does not assume responsibility for any of the individuals listed and shall not be held liable for any loss or injury suffered as a result of intentional or negligent acts of omissions by those persons.
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October 2025
- Mon 10/06, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board of Education Work Session
- Fri 10/10 • End of 1st Quarter, Early Dismissal (Capped) for traditional calendar
- Mon 10/13, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board of Education Business Meeting
- Mon 10/13 • No school - Uncapped Workday
- Tue 10/14 • Early College - No School - Uncapped workday
- Wed 10/15 • Early College - No School - Capped workday
- Wed 10/15, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm • Futures Fair at Cabarrus Arena and Events Center
- Tue 10/28, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm • For Juniors and Seniors: Resume Writing & Interview Skills Workshop hosted at JMR
- Thu 10/30, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm • Board of Education Finance Committee Meeting
November 2025
- Mon 11/03, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board of Education Work Session
- Tue 11/4 • No school for traditional calendar students- Uncapped Workday
- Mon 11/10, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board of Education Business Meeting
- Tue 11/11 • No school - Veterans Day
- Wed 11/26 • No school - Thanksgiving Break
- Thu 11/27 • No school - Thanksgiving Break
- Fri 11/28 • No school - Thanksgiving Break
December 2025
- Mon 12/01, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board of Education Work Session
- Mon 12/08, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Board of Education Business Meeting
- Fri 12/19 • Early College - End of Semester
- Fri 12/19 • End of Quarter - Traditional Calendar Schools Early Dismissal (Capped)
- Mon 12/22 • No school for students - Uncapped Workday
- Tue 12/23 • Early College - Uncapped Workday
- Tue 12/23 • No school - Winter Break
- Wed 12/24 • No school - Winter Break
- Thu 12/25 • No school - Winter Break
- Fri 12/26 • No school - Winter Break
- Mon 12/29 • No school - Winter Break
- Tue 12/30 • No school - Winter Break
- Wed 12/31 • No school - Winter Break
Complete 2025-26 CCS Calendars:
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Program Choice Open Houses at our program choice schools are underway. For a current schedule, please visit our Program Choice webpage.
Also, don't forget about our upcoming Futures Fair on Oct. 15th.
Program Choice Fair | College Fair | Career Fair | Military Fair
Cabarrus County Schools will host its 4th annual Futures Fair at the Cabarrus Arena and Event Center on Wednesday, October 15th from 6:00-8:00 P.M. In conjunction with the annual Program Choice Fair for specialized programming, this year’s event will again include military and career recruiters, as well as more than 110 college representatives under one roof.
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Let’s Celebrate Cultures Together! 🌎
Families are invited to experience the Concord International Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Downtown Concord.
Come enjoy a vibrant celebration of cultures from around the world!
✨ Colorful performances
🎨 Arts and crafts
🍲 Delicious international foods
🌍 Cultural exhibits and education
👧🧒 A kids’ corner filled with globally inspired activities
This free event is fun for the entire family, and we hope to see you there!
Admission is free!
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October is Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month. To inspire action, each of us can share how prevention is improving lives in our community.
- We aim to prevent substance use in the first place, prevent the progression of use (to a disorder), and prevent consequences associated with use. And we have the prevention playbook to do so.
- Prevention science (with decades of research and community-based experience) shows that prevention works.
- Prevention strengthens protective factors and reduces risk factors ― in individuals, families, schools, communities, and society.
- Prevention helps us get ahead of substance use and mental health challenges — so that youth, families, and communities can thrive.
Prevention Month lifts up the national conversation — to showcase prevention’s positive effects on communities across the country.
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📅 Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
🕒Time: 6:00 pm
📍Location: Jay M. Robinson High School Media Center
🎯Who: High School Juniors & Seniors
🚀 What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to create a stand-out resume — even with no job experience
✔ Tips to talk about your strengths and skills with confidence
✔ Interview do’s & don’ts (spoiler: no gum chewing!)
✔ Real-life practice to help you shine when it counts
💡 Why join us?
Because landing that first job, internship, or college opportunity starts with knowing how to present you. And we’re here to help you do that like a pro — no boring lectures, just real, useful skills and fun along the way!
🎁 Bonus:
Free resume templates + mock interview practice + snacks
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SAVE THE DATE! Cabarrus County Active Living & Park's Touch-a-Truck returns in ONE month!
Date: November 1
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (low sensory period from 9-10:30)
Expect candy, games, giveaways, a Ninja Nation obstacle course and of course — plenty of trucks and other vehicles!
Admission is free, parking is $8.
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North Carolina Governor’s School is a summer residential program for gifted and talented students. It provides an incredible opportunity for academic challenge, creativity, and personal growth.
📌 Who can apply?
- All 11th graders
- Some 10th graders, depending on the area of nomination
👥 For details, contact your school counselor.
Don’t miss this chance for your student to be part of an inspiring learning experience!
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Oct. 6-7 and 13-14
Zoom Webinar | 4 sessions
Hear from admissions counselors and current students
Parents and students—don’t miss this inside look at college life and the admissions process!
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Families for Depression Awareness is presenting their free webinar — Supporting Your Teen: Addressing Depression and Eating Disorders Together — on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET/ 4:00 to 5:30 PM PT. Join Families for Depression Awareness and the National Eating Disorders Association for a webinar exploring the complex relationship between depression and eating disorders in teens. Rocio Avila, LCSW-S will discuss how these conditions intersect, share practical strategies for supporting teens, and provide guidance on accessing appropriate treatment resources.
Register to join for a live webinar discussion or watch on demand after it airs.
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Cabarrus County Schools will host several events this year for parents with themes geared towards being Career & College Ready:
- Oct. 15th from 6-8pm at Cabarrus Arena - CCS Futures Fair with College, Military and Career recruiters
- Oct. 28th at 6pm at Jay M. Robinson HS - Resume Writing / Interview Skills workshop
- Jan. 22nd from 5-7pm, location is TBD - FAFSA completion event for Senior students and parents
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