Upper Academy Blog

4/17 Update

4/17/2026

Families, we are 8 days away from teacher-made exams for high school and 10 days away from EOG's. It is imperative that your child is in attendance at school as much as possible for the last few weeks. Please remember, state-tested subjects (EOG and EOC) are having tutoring sessions after school. Please reach out to your child's teacher if you would like them to attend.
During the week of EOG's, there will be High School EOC review sessions taking place. If your child is not in attendance at the review sessions, they will be marked absent. Their absences could accumulate and possibly lead to a course failure due to attendance. It is required for your child to attend the review sessions.
As we look toward 2026-27, please remember the first day of school is August 10. Any student who does not attend school the first two days is automatically withdrawn unless excused via express written permission from NCS Administration. Please make summer plans accordingly and plan to return and be ready to start school on August 10, 2026.

3/2/2026

Today begins the 4th quarter. There are 35 more instructional days left until EOG's begin. There are 40 more instructional days until EOC's begin. There are 45 days left of school. Attendance for your child is key to ending the school year on a strong note!
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be on Wednesday, 3/4. If you would like to schedule a meeting with your child's teacher, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Congratulations to the Men's Varsity Basketball team for making it to the 3rd round of the NCHSAA State Playoffs.
Congratulations to Jeremiah Edwards, who now holds the NCHSAA single-season scoring record for Freshman. Jeremiah was recognized at the conclusion of the 2nd round playoff game against East Columbus.
Outside guest forms for prom are available in Mr. King's room and Mr. Grady's office. Outside guest forms are due back before Monday, March 16, at 3:00.

2/23/2026

Spring sporting events begin this week!

Congratulations to the men's varsity basketball team for achieving the 7th seed in the NCHSAA playoffs! The boys received a first round by and will play their first game on Thursday in the second round.
The EC Level Up night will be on Thursday, 2/26. This event is for rising 6th and 9th grade EC students.
The end of the third quarter is Friday, 2/27. Students please be working with your teachers this week to make up any missing assignments!

2/9/2026

ACT administration for all 11th grade student is on Tuesday, February 24th. Students have been given access to an ACT Preparation course for FREE! Please contact Ms. McLamb if you have any questions regarding the preparation course! It is important for all juniors to be at school on 2/24. If you have any questions regarding the administration, please contact Ms. Fowler.
Awards Day for Upper Academy will be sent in videos this week. Videos will be done by grade level and in alphabetical order.
Progress reports will be going home today. Families, please check your child's Infinite Campus Portal to review grades. Please contact your student's teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
Here is the weekly athletic update:

1/5/2026

The third quarter began today. Families please have conversations with your children about turning work in on time. Please note, teachers do not have to accept classwork or homework that is a week (5 school days) late.
Families, more information regarding the First Semester Awards day will be coming soon!
Congratulations to Bella Strickland for being name a semi-finalist for the Morehead-Cain and Park Scholarships to UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University respectively.
The weekly athletic update is below. Please note that the Winter Track senior night is this Wednesday, 1/7 at Smithfield Selma School. The senior night festivities will begin at 2:30 pm.

12/12/2025

9th Grade Math 1 Check-in's will be on Monday, 12/15/25.
11th Grade Math 3 Check-in's will be on Monday, 12/15/25.
8th Grade Science semester assessments will be on Monday, 12/15/25.
9th Grade PE and Lifetime Sports field trip will be on Wednesday, 12/17.
The end of the second quarter is Wednesday, 12/17, and students will be on break until Monday, January 5th, 2026.
The awards ceremony save the date went out! The awards ceremony is on Monday, January 5th. Here are the times for the grade levels:
- 8:00 AM Grades 9-12
- 9:30 AM Grades 6-8
- 11:00 AM Grades 3-5
- 1:00 PM Grades K-2
Here are the weekly athletic events:

11/17/2025

Families, there are 18 days left in the second quarter. Please be sure to discuss with your child to make up any missing assignments. As always, please reach out to their teacher via email or talking points.
Winter sports pictures are Wednesday 11/19.
Family Holiday portraits are taking place on Monday 12/1.
The winter band concert is Thursday 12/4.
The Booster Bazaar is Friday 12/5: Here is information about the event:
- Booster Bazaar – A Beloved NCS Tradition!The Booster Bazaar is one of our favorite NCS traditions, and we can’t wait to celebrate it again this year! Mark your calendars for Friday, December 5, when the gym will be filled with festive shopping from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  A detailed schedule will be shared closer to the event, so you’ll know exactly when to bring your students. Parents are warmly invited to come shop with their students and enjoy the fun together!
  This year’s Bazaar will feature a fantastic mix of new and returning vendors—including Scentsy, Daybreak Farms (with their famous freeze-dried candy), crochet items, Hot Wheels, glass tumblers, slime, and so many more creative crafts and gifts.
  Don’t forget to visit the Spirit Wear table to grab some NCS gear and show your school pride!
  We look forward to another great year of shopping, school spirit, and community fun at the Booster Bazaar!

11/14/2025

Here is the 5th edition of the Cougar Newsletter!

10/15/2025

Please see the flyer below for full day care offered on 10/31 for K-6 grade students.

10/13/2025

Parent Teacher Conferences were held last Thursday and Friday for the end of Quarter 1. We hope that you were able to discuss with your child's teacher ways any concerns you may have. If you would like to speak to a teacher, please send them an email or a message on Talking Points.
The new Quarter begins this week. Please make sure you are checking Infinite Campus to be informed of your child's grades for Quarter 1 and monitor them for Quarter 2.
The PSAT-NMSQT is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29th.
Please don't forget to drop off any donations for the Fall Festival in the front office.
Attached below is this week's athletic schedule.