Avery County Schools

On December 20th, Newland Elementary will release at 11:40am, Avery Middle at 11:50am and all other schools will release at 12:00pm.

Avery County Schools will operate on a 2 hour delay on Thursday, December 12th. We expect snow showers this evening. We will reassess road conditions tomorrow morning and announce any changes to our school schedule by 6:45am.

Due to our current precipitation and the forecast of temperatures dropping below freezing this morning, we anticipate hazardous driving conditions. We will operate on a remote learning day on Wednesday, December 11th. Stay safe.

Attention Parents, There will be a Community Food Distribution by MANNA Foodbank at the Avery County Airfield on Saturday, December 7th, 10am-2pm or until all food is distributed. If you are in need of food, please come out and take advantage of this great benefit.

Due to multiple power outages throughout our county, Avery County Schools will operate on an optional teacher workday on Thursday, December 5th. Please stay safe.

Avery County Schools will be on a 2 hour delay tomorrow, Thursday, December 5th.

Due to hazardous driving conditions on multiple roads and overnight freezing, we will have a remote learning day on Wednesday, December 4th, for the safety of our students and staff.

Due to hazardous driving conditions, Avery County Schools will operate on a Remote Learning Day on Tuesday, December 3rd. Stay safe.

Due to hazardous driving conditions, Avery County Schools will operate on a Remote Learning Day on Monday, December 2nd.

Due to snow accumulations and freezing temperatures overnight in our area, Avery County Schools will operate on a 2 hour delay on Monday, December 2nd. Our team will continue to check the roads in the morning. Stay safe.

Registration is open for all YMCA winter youth recreation programs for students in grades 3rd - 8th. Winter recreation programs include Club Volleyball and Winter Basketball. Sunday, December 8th is the last day to sign up for some of these programs. For more information and to get registered, please visit www.ymcaavery.org.

Due to the Winter Weather Advisory of high winds, snow accumulations and freezing temperatures for our area, Avery County Schools will have a Remote Learning Day on Friday, November 22, 2024. Please follow your teachers' directions for a remote learning day. Please stay safe!

This is Dr. Terry Worrell, Interim Superintendent of Avery County Schools. Due to high winds expected overnight and snow showers moving in tomorrow, we will not have school on Thursday, November 21st. It will be an optional workday for employees. Please only report to the building if it is safe to do so. I hope you have a great evening.

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students, We are excited to welcome everyone back to school next Wednesday, November 6th, after Hurricane Helene. We understand this transition may be challenging, and we want to assure you that our faculty and staff are here to support all students as they adjust. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this time. Together, we will ensure a positive and productive return to the classroom. Tentative Schedule: Wednesday, 11/6: Two-hour delay Thursday, 11/7: Two-hour delay Friday, 11/8: Two-hour delay Monday, 11/11: No school in honor of Veterans Day Tuesday, 11/12: Return to regular schedule We will continue to reevaluate for safety concerns. We are looking forward to seeing everyone back!

Avery High School Bookmobile - Free books for all ages! Monday, October 21st at Riverside Elementary School 1-3PM Wednesday October 23rd at Spear Country Store 1-3PM.

Book Mobile - Serving Avery County Students Tuesday October 15, 1-3pm Newland Elementary School Parking Lot Wednesday October 16, 1-3pm Banner Elk Elementary School Parking Lot

Attention Parents and local residents, Please help to spread the word. The sign up period is short. For more information contact the Avery County Department of Health and Human Services regarding Disaster-SNAP benefits.

October 7, 2024 Dear Avery County Students, Faculty, Staff, Parents & Guardians, I hope this message finds you all safe and in good spirits as we continue to navigate the challenges caused by the recent catastrophic flooding. Many families throughout our county have lost loved ones and homes. We will continue to keep each of you in our thoughts and prayers during the days and weeks ahead. Over the past few days, I’ve seen firsthand the strength and resilience of our Avery County community, and I am proud of how we have come together to support one another during this difficult time. I want to update you on the significant progress being made across the county. All students in the Avery County Schools have been accounted for. Restoration efforts are moving forward swiftly, with power, water, and sewer services gradually being restored to many areas. Our roadways are also being repaired, ensuring that essential routes will soon be fully operational. We understand the disruption this situation has caused for families, schools, and businesses, and we are working closely with emergency management teams, local officials, and utility companies to expedite the restoration process. As of Monday, October 7, thirty-four percent of citizens in Avery County remain without power. Numerous homes, businesses, and schools are still without water or power. Banner Elk Elementary School is currently without water and sewer. Newland Elementary School has power but is without water. Avery Middle School and Avery County High School have power but remain without water and sewer. Crossnore Elementary School is without power. Cranberry Middle School and Freedom Trail Elementary School have power and water, with the water line exposed but working. Riverside Elementary School has power, water, and sewer. Once power, water, and sewer are restored at each facility, we will have a better estimate of when we can reopen our schools. However, even after we reopen, bus travel will likely be a challenge due to the significant damage to numerous roads and bridges throughout the county. Rather than providing door-to-door bus service, we may need to designate pick-up and drop-off points within each district or community. Our voices have been heard, and the needs of our community are being addressed at the highest levels of government. I am pleased to share that the North Carolina General Assembly has announced a special one-day session to take place on Wednesday of this week. During this session, state leaders will confirm their support for areas impacted by the flooding, including Avery County. We are hopeful that this session will result in vital resources and funding for long-term recovery efforts, including faculty and staff compensation. As we continue on this road to recovery, I want to encourage all of us to remain patient, hopeful, and connected. Our schools and district staff are working diligently to ensure a smooth transition as we rebuild. In the meantime, we are here to support students and families in any way we can—whether it’s providing meals, mental health resources, or simply being a point of contact for questions and concerns. Thank you for your continued resilience and support. Together, we will overcome this and emerge stronger as a community. Please continue to look after one another, and don't hesitate to reach out to your school or our district office if you need assistance. Stay safe and stay strong, Avery County! Sincerely, Dr. Dan Brigman Superintendent Avery County Schools

Dear Families, We pray that you are safe and secure. Thank you for all efforts in recovery from the devastation in our area. There are a variety of services available in our area if you or someone you know is in need. Please check the Avery County government communications for updates on locations of supplies and assistance. Avery County Schools will remain closed until it is safe to return. Although we do not have a set timeline, our goal is to reopen as soon as possible. Our administrators will provide staff, parents, and students with a 72-hour notice of reopening to give everyone time to prepare. Any students taking Mayland Courses, please be on the lookout for communications from your instructors as to when those classes will resume. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please continue to take care of yourself and your family, and we hope to see you very soon.

Avery County Schools will be CLOSED for the remainder of this week & until further notice. We understand the impact this has on our students, families & staff. We are committed to keeping you informed with updates as they become available. We continue to remember & pray for our affected community & for those who have come together to help us recover from this devastating storm. Please stay safe.