Attendance Matters!
One of the strongest predictors of success in school is also one of the simplest: showing up.
Research consistently links regular attendance with stronger academic performance, staying on track for graduation, and greater connection to school.
Every day at school is an opportunity to learn, connect with teachers and friends, and take another step toward graduation.
Be here. Be engaged. Be successful.

The lockdown at Swain County High School has been lifted and the perimeter lockdowns at the other locations have also been lifted.

The lockdown occurred at approximately 11:25 am due to a perceived threat by a staff member. Other school locations were placed on a perimeter lockdown as a precaution.

Local law enforcement responded quickly, conducted a search of the area, and determined that there was no threat at 11:59 am. At no time were students in danger.

Thank you to everyone for following the established emergency procedures.

As the district debriefs with law enforcement, additional details will be provided.

📢 IMPORTANT: Impact Aid Surveys Coming Home Monday!
Parents and guardians, please be on the lookout for an Impact Aid Survey coming home with your child on Monday.
Completing and returning this survey is very important to our school district. The information collected helps determine federal Impact Aid funding available to support our schools and students.
✅ Check your child’s backpack Monday
✅ Complete the survey
✅ Sign it
✅ Return it to school as soon as possible
Every survey matters! A few minutes of your time can help ensure our schools receive the federal funding for which they are eligible.
Thank you for helping support our students and schools!

Bus Ridership Week: Supporting Transportation for Swain County Schools

Each year, the state of North Carolina determines school transportation funding based on how many students ride the bus during one designated week. This year, that critical ridership count takes place the week of September 14-18.

Bus Ridership Week gives our district an accurate snapshot of how many students rely on bus transportation, helping us secure the funding necessary to keep our buses running smoothly all year long.

State funding for transportation is determined by three main factors:

• The total number of buses operating daily

• Total transportation expenditures

• The total number of students riding the bus during count week

We encourage all families to have their students ride the bus as many days as possible during the week of September 14-18. Even if your child only rides occasionally, riding during count week ensures Swain County Schools receives the resources needed to accommodate your family whenever needs change throughout the school year.

School buses remain the safest mode of student transportation while significantly reducing traffic congestion around our school campuses.

Thank you for helping us protect our transportation funding and support our students!