The Friday Five

We want to provide an important update regarding the recent PowerSchool data incident. We understand that data security is a serious concern, and we are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process.

If you or your student receive a notification from PowerSchool concerning affected data, please review the details carefully and follow any recommended actions.

We have created this CCS website with additional information on the data breach. Additionally, PowerSchool will be offering complimentary identity protection services to students and educators whose information was involved. PowerSchool will be contacting affected users via email, and they have created this website with links to enroll in those services.

Protecting student and staff privacy remains our top priority, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation.

February is Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month! Join us in celebrating the vital role of CTE programs in preparing students for future careers with hands-on learning, industry certifications, and real-world skills.

Our district offers diverse CTE opportunities that enhance student engagement, academic success, and workforce readiness. Recognized for their impact, our programs align with industry standards and provide valuable career pathways.

Schools may be highlighting CTE in February by:

CTE Month is a great time to showcase the impact of Career & Technical Education on student success. Your support helps prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

Let’s highlight the power of CTE this February!

1.REMINDER: All traditional calendar schools will be closed for students on Friday, Feb. 14th, and Monday, Feb. 17th for staff development. Early Colleges will operate on a normal schedule.

2.FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOPS: Please be aware of several upcoming financial aid webinars hosted by the College Foundation of North Carolina. Registration links are below and information can also be found on the flyers attached to this post. Financial Aid Awareness Month Webinar Series registration link: https://www.cfnc.org/events

3.ATTENTION SENIORS: Union Power's $1,000 College Scholarship application is available. To qualify for the scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

Students can apply now through //union-power.com/collegescholarships and must submit their application by March 1.

3.ATTENTION RISING SIXTH AND SEVENTH GRADERS: It’s time to shoot some hoops and apply for a Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarship. This summer, two North Carolina universities will host a camp for rising sixth and seventh graders to dribble, shoot, and slam dunk into an unforgettable experience. Students can enhance their basketball skills, work closely with college coaches to develop fundamental skills and techniques to excel on and off the court, build relationships with other students, and experience living on a college campus! All of these activities are fun and free! Students who are interested can apply through https://union-power.com/educational-programs/basketball-camp-scholarships or scan the QR code from the attached graphic by March 31. A judging committee outside of Union Power will select two students: one girl to play at Wolfpack Women’s Basketball camp at NC State University from June 15-18 and one boy to attend the Carolina Basketball School at UNC Chapel Hill from June 25–28. 

The Cabarrus County Youth Commission presents Career Compass 2025. These comprehensive workshops will educate youth on how to prepare in a competitive job market and how to balance a successful career with the five pillars of health.

Objectives of Career Compass include:

This event is open to all Cabarrus County high school students.

February 25th - @ Mount Pleasant HS

February 26th - @ Hickory Ridge HS

March 19th - @ Northwest Cabarrus HS

REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/careercompass2025

March 2025

An exclusive offer from Academy Sports + Outdoors for Cabarrus County Schools. Academy is offering 20% off your entire purchase at their Concord and Kannapolis locations Feb. 7-9. Please see the attached flyer for information.

Concord's Old Courthouse Theatre will present The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, (Abridged)(Revised) from Feb 13-23. Please see the attached graphic for information on buy one, get one tickets for staff and students for the Friday performances. For more information, please visit www.octconcord.com.

The 14th Annual Ellis Jewelers Future Designer Contest starts NOW! 

Cabarrus County Schools’ students in grades 3-12 are invited to submit an original design to be crafted into a piece of jewelry. All designs must be submitted, in person or by mail to Ellis Jewelers no later than Friday, March 21st, 2025 by 5:30 pm EST. Good luck! 

‪Click here for contest rules and entry form: https://www.ellisfinejewelers.com/page/future-designers-contest-2025.html

Attention high school students:

Want a chance to win great prizes? Participate in our SUBSTANCE USE

EDUCATION & PREVENTION video campaign! See below for rules:

CONTEST STARTS: FEBRUARY 3RD

SUBMISSIONS DUE: FEBRUARY 28TH

1. Video must be at least one minute long and no longer than two minutes.

2. Must include multiple facts regarding illegal substances, such as statistics, risks, etc.

3. Wrap up the video with why you choose not to use & how not using benefits you.

4. Video must be family friendly.

5. Contest is only open to high school students.

6 .Videos can be created by an individual or a group.

There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for this contest!

Send videos and any questions to Selena Sifontes at

selena.sifontes@cabarrus.k12.nc.us

🌟 Calling All Future Kindergarteners! 🌟

Cabarrus County Schools is excited to welcome the Class of 2038! 🎉 Kindergarten enrollment for the 2025-26 school year opens February 1, 2025.

📌 Visit www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/kindergarten for enrollment details, school assignment locator, and a list of upcoming in-person enrollment events scheduled at our schools.

Please share this information with your rising Kindergarten family and friends. We can't wait to meet our newest students! 💙🍎

Students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade who live in the City of Concord are invited to enter original artwork that brings awareness to stormwater pollution to help keep local waterways clean. Entries are due February 16, 2025.

 

Many people are not aware that stormwater is untreated and empties directly into local rivers and streams. When it rains, the water that flows over the streets can pick up pollutants like litter, yard and pet waste, oil and vehicle fluids, sediment, and more. Those pollutants end up in the stormwater system and ultimately drain into local creeks and streams.

 

The City is looking for original student artwork that raises awareness about preventing stormwater pollution and the connection we all have to our environment. Artwork should convey a clear message and enhance the theme “only rain down the drain.” Artwork should not focus on drinking water.

 

Student artwork will be reviewed by a panel of judges and awards will be given out to winners in elementary, middle, and high school. One grand prize winner may be selected to have their artwork applied to a storm drain within the City of Concord. All eligible artwork submitted for the contest will be displayed at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios in Concord.

 

Learn more about stormwater pollution and enter the contest by visiting concordnc.gov/stormwaterartcontest.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Engage CCS, our inaugural digital quarterly! Inside Volume 1, Issue 1, you'll find inspiring stories of kindness, leadership, and community impact from across Cabarrus County Schools. 

🔗 Check out the full magazine here: https://www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/engageccs

We hope you enjoy reading about the amazing people and stories that make CCS a special place to learn and grow! 💙 #EngageCCS 

Cabarrus County VEX will host 15 VEX tournaments in North Carolina over the next several months, including 4 state championships. These tournaments, which account for 83% of all robotics events in the state, will bring teams from across North Carolina to compete in Cabarrus County.

While coaches and event partners recruit volunteers, CCS VEX is seeking additional support from the CCS community. If you'd like to help by volunteering or sponsoring our program, please click the buttons below to see event details and available volunteer positions. We welcome volunteers of all experience levels and ages!

In 2021, Cabarrus County Schools had 73 VEX teams. Today, we have 161 teams, making up 53% of all public and private school teams in North Carolina. Our goal is to continue to grow our program in CCS, but we need your help! For more information on VEX Robotics in CCS or to ask questions pertaining to VEX in CCS, please email ccsvex@cabarrus.k12.nc.us.

We’re excited to reconnect with you! As a valued member of our school community, we want to ensure you stay engaged with Cabarrus County Schools. To help us strengthen our connection, we kindly ask you to take a few moments to share your contact information by completing the short survey available by clicking the button below. Your participation will help us celebrate your achievements, share important updates, and create meaningful engagement opportunities for our alumni network. Thank you for being an integral part of our CCS legacy!