We hope you've had a great week, and enjoy your weekend!
Here's this week's edition of The Friday Five 🖐️.
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November is Career Development Month! In Cabarrus County Schools, preparing students for life after graduation is a core part of our mission. Last year, 96% of CCS graduates planned to attend a 2- or 4-year college, enter the workforce, or serve in the military. 🎓💼
Across our district, CCS Academies, Career & Technical Education (CTE) classes, Program Choice options, and career pathways give students hands-on opportunities to explore their interests, build real-world skills, and connect with high-demand careers. 🔧🖥️🩺 From healthcare and engineering to technology, public safety, automotive, and construction, our programs help students discover their strengths and prepare for the future.
This month, we’re also celebrating the stories behind our students’ success — like 2018 Central Cabarrus graduate Samantha Knapp.
🌟What started as a simple STEM research project sparked her passion for biomedical engineering. Today, Sam is a scientist at AnelleO, designing 3D-printed medical devices that advance women’s health and push the boundaries of modern medicine. She credits her teachers and the STEM program at Central Cabarrus for building the teamwork, communication, and confidence that continue to guide her career.
Thank you for partnering with us as we prepare our students to thrive in college, careers, and life.
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As we head into the holiday season, our major construction projects across Cabarrus County Schools are moving forward right on schedule — and in several cases, even ahead of it.
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New Mary Frances Wall Center & Opportunity School: Both projects have entered the next phase with interior work now underway. Crews are making excellent progress, and both schools are currently tracking ahead of their original timelines. Each is expected to open in Fall 2026.
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New Coltrane-Webb STEM Elementary School: Rodgers Builders recently celebrated the topping out of the new Coltrane-Webb STEM Elementary — a key milestone marking the completion of the building’s structure. Construction is moving quickly, and the school is also on track to open in Fall 2026.
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A Community Effort: We’re grateful for the ongoing support of Cabarrus County Government and the Cabarrus County Board of Education. Their commitment makes these modern, innovative learning spaces possible for our students — spaces that will inspire and support them for years to come.
To see more images and news from construction, click the button below.
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Cabarrus County Schools VEX Robotics is currently seeking volunteers for their 2025-26 event schedule. If interested, please click here to sign-up: CCS VEX Robotics Volunteer Sign-Up
EVENT SCHEDULE
- Viking VEXplosion Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
- Winecoff's Winter Conference Clash Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
- Winecoff VEX the HALLS! Dec 07, 2025
- Maverick Level Up: MS IQ Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
- Wolverine Robotics Rumble Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
- 2nd Annual Cobra Skills Challenge Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026
- Trojan Throwdown Jan 30, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026
- 2nd Annual Robot ROAR-Off Feb 06, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026
- The Winkler Howler Feb 13, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
- West Cabarrus Robo Challenge Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026
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FINE ARTS: It's holiday performance season for our performing arts students. Please click here to access our district performing arts calendar and don't miss out on our talented student performances: District Performing Arts Schedule
OPEN HOUSE: Cabarrus County Schools and The Pearl innovation district invite you to an Open House at J.M. Robinson High School on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. This event will provide information for families interested in the new healthcare innovation academy at Robinson, opening in Fall 2026 with an initial cohort of 30 freshmen and 30 sophomores.
PROGRAM CHOICE FOR 2026-27: Program Choice applications are open through Dec. 14, 2025 for next school year. For more information, please visit www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/programchoice.
ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS: The 2025–26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open! Completing the FAFSA is the first step toward qualifying for Federal aid. To start you application, visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
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November 2025
- Thurs 11/20, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm • Board of Education Finance Committee Meeting
- 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:
ACADEMIC CALENDAR ADJUSTMENT: Cabarrus County Schools has adjusted the 2025-26 academic calendar for traditional schools to conclude one day earlier in an effort to avoid resource conflicts during CCS graduation ceremonies on the NASCAR race weekend in Concord. The last day of school for traditional school students has been moved one day earlier to Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The original last day of school was Thursday, May 21, 2026. Adjusting the calendar will allow traditional high school graduations to occur on Wednesday, May 20, Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22nd, and avoid the originally scheduled Saturday graduation date. There is no change to the Early College calendar. For a complete listing of 2025-26 CCS academic calendars, please visit the CCS district calendar webpage.
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🎨❄️ Calling all CCS student artists! ❄️🎨
The 2025 Cabarrus County Schools Holiday eCard Contest is officially open — sponsored by Uwharrie Bank and Edward Jones!
❄️ This year’s theme is “Snowflakes and School Spirit.” From colorful card designs to creative coloring pages, we can’t wait to see how YOU capture the magic of the season.
✨ New this year: We’ve eliminated the digital art category and added a brand-new coloring contest for our youngest artists in Pre-K through 2nd grade!
🏆 Six winners will have their artwork featured in the Superintendent’s official holiday greeting and receive a special prize pack from our sponsors!
🗓️ Deadline: Monday, December 15, 2025, at Noon
✨ Be original. Be festive. Be YOU — and let your school spirit shine this holiday season!
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The holiday season is full of joy — and for some, extra stress. At Cabarrus County Schools, we want to make sure your family has access to the community resources you need. Our Community Partnerships & Resources page offers:
- A dedicated section for Holiday Assistance Programs. We encourage families to act early—these programs fill up quickly.
- Upcoming events like the Harvest Day on November 22 at the Logan Multipurpose Center, where families can pick up fresh produce for the holiday season.
- A special Thanksgiving Community Meal hosted by Westford Methodist Church on November 27—dine-in, pickup or delivery options are available.
- A quick-links list of helpful topics for families: Food & Clothing Resources, Health & Medical Resources, Mental Health Resources, Housing Resources, and more.
✅ What you can do right now
- Visit the CCS “Community Partnerships & Resources” page and check the “Holiday Assistance Programs” section.
- Share this information with neighbors or families you know who may benefit — let’s strengthen our community together.
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Holiday traditions return to Downtown Concord in November! The City of Concord’s 28th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Friday, November 21, and the 97th Concord Christmas Parade, is on Saturday, November 22.
Both events are free and filled with family-friendly fun and entertainment for all ages, plus fireworks on Friday night. Many of our CCS students will be participating in both events, so come out and support them and enjoy these time-honored traditions.
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Cabarrus County Schools will host several events this year for parents with themes geared towards being Career & College Ready:
- Jan. 22nd from 5-7pm, at Concord High School - FAFSA completion event for Senior students and parents
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