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Quarter 3 Portrait of a Cougar

4/23/2025

Below are the students who won the Quarter 3 Portrait of a Cougar Awards for the character traits of Leadership and Respect! Congratulations to all the students!
Leadership:

6th Grade: Bryce Smith
7th Grade: De'Ziah Hall
8th Grade: Shayla Mooring
9th Grade: Ronald Gutierrez
10th Grade: Ella Highfil
11th Grade: Regan Cherry
12th Grade: Melaina Gantt

Respect:

6th Grade: Jace Dobbin
7th Grade: Olivia Hernandez
8th Grade: Carmen Pena Escobar
9th Grade: Hailey Toole
10th Grade: Crissie Keith
11th Grade: Gabby Hawk
12th Grade: Noah Highfil

Graduation Announcements!

4/21/2025

Below are some graduation announcements for the class of 25! Congratulations to the students listed below who have worked hard for these accolades.
- Valedictorian: Sydney Matisoff
- Salutatorian: Melaina Gantt
- Chief Marshal: Abbigale Creech
- Junior Marshal: Isabella Strickland
- Junior Marshal: Preeti Patel
- Junior Marshal: Livie Holder
- Junior Marshal: Lillian Ragland
- Junior Marshal: William Hollyfield

4/21 to 4/25 Weekly Update

4/21/2025

There are 9 more instructional days until EOG testing begins. Please ensure your child is coming to school as much as possible to finish out the school year!
Here is a list of end of year testing to be completed:
- 8th Grade Science Check-in's on April 23rd
- Biology Check-in's on April 28th
High School regular bell schedule for school days will end on Wednesday, April 30th. Middle school will still attend all 6 classes until Friday, May 2nd. Here is the final exam testing schedule:
- Thursday May 1st, High School Teacher Made:
  - 1st Period: 7:45-9:50
  - 2nd Period: 9:55-11:55
  - 3rd Period: 12:55-2:55
- Friday May 2nd, High School Teacher Made:
  - 4th Period: 7:45-9:50
  - 5th Period: 9:55-11:55
  - 6th Period: 12:55-2:55
- Tuesday, May 6th: 6-8th ELA EOG
- Thursday, May 8th: 6-8th Math EOG
- Friday, May 9th: 8th Science EOG
- Monday, May 12th: English 2 EOC
- Tuesday, May 13th: Math 1 and Math 3 EOC
- Wednesday, May 14th: Biology EOC
The High School and Middle School Athletic Banquets will take place on Thursday, May 8th. Middle School will be at 5:00 PM and High School will be at 7:00 PM. The Athletic Banquets will be held at the Farm on 95.
Special Olympics will be Thursday and Friday this week! Good luck to the athletes competing in on Thursday and Friday!
Middle School parents, please turn in EOG Motivation letters to your child's homeroom teacher when you get them completed.
If you have a school issued chromebook, they are due back to your homeroom teacher on Wednesday, 4/30.
Here is the form that Ms. Highfil emailed middle school students for 25-26 Middle School Elective Course Offerings. Please fill out the form by Monday, 4/28 at 3:00 PM.
Here are this week's senior spotlights:
- Monday 4/21: Today’s senior spotlight is Cayley Cochran. Cayley has been accepted to Pfeiffer University, Montreat, Campbell University, and Westren Carolina University. Cayley has also signed her letter of intent to play basketball at NC Wesleyan University! Good luck with your future plans Cayley!
- Tuesday 4/22: Today’s senior spotlight is Gerardo Sanchez-Simon. Gerardo has been accepted to Western Carolina, UNC-Charlotte, East Carolina University, and Chowan. Good luck on your future plans Gerardo!
- Wednesday 4/23: Today’s senior spotlight is Leah Sheppard. Leah wants to pursue a degree in health and fitness. Leah has been accepted to Pfeiffer University, St. Andrews College, Methodist University, Davidson-Davie Community College, Campbell University, and Johnson-Wales University. Leah has also signed her letter of intent to play volleyball at Fayetteville Tech University. Good luck with your future plans Leah!
- Thursday 4/24: Today's senior spotlight is Andrew Swindells. Andrew wants to pursue a degree in Business Administration. Andrew has been accepted to Western Carolina, East Carolina, UNC-Asheville, and Appalachian State University. Good luck on your future plans Andrew!
- Friday 4/25: Today's senior spotlight is Donolyjah Tyrell. Donolyjah wants to pursue a degree in Similation Game Design. Donolyjah has been accepted to East Carolina and William Peace University. Good luck on your future plans Donolyjah!
The weekly athletic events are listed below.

End of year exam schedule

4/17/2025

Below is the Upper Academy End of Year Exam Schedule. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Grady at [email protected].

Thank you!

4/14 to 4/17 Weekly UPdate

4/14/2025

I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable Spring Break! There are 14 more instructional days until EOG and EOC testing begins. Parents please encourage your child to come to school as much as possible between now and when testing begins!
Prom is this Thursday, April 17th. Ticket purchases close on Monday, April 14th and 3:00 PM.
If your child is coming to prom on Thursday, they must be in attendance at school for at least half the day Thursday.
Tomorrow is Purple Up! Day, so don’t forget to wear as much purple as possible and show our support for NCS Military Kids and Families! The homeroom with the most purple will get a free lunch from Ms. Conley! Yes, the whole homeroom! Also, please remember to bring travel-size items for Jessica’s Kindness Bags. See lists in each homeroom for items needed for donation. Let’s help our homeless Veterans! With your help and support, we can make our 1st annual Purple Up! Day a huge success.
NCS will be hosting a spring blood drive on April 15, from 9-5 in the main gym. You must be 18 or 16-17 with a signed parent consent form to donate. You can schedule an appointment on the American Red Cross website or walk in on the day of the event. Please see Kinsey Williams, Melaina Gantt or Mrs. McGinnis for more information and parent consent forms.
The National Honors Society Induction ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 22nd.
Here is a list of end of year testing to be completed:
- English 2 Check-in's on April 16th
- 8th Grade Science Check-in's on April 23rd
- Biology Check-in's on April 28th
High School regular bell schedule for school days will end on Wednesday, April 30th. Middle school will still attend all 6 classes until Friday, May 2nd. Here is the final exam testing schedule:
- Thursday May 1st, High School Teacher Made:
  - 1st Period: 7:45-9:50
  - 2nd Period: 9:55-11:55
  - 3rd Period: 12:55-2:55
- Friday May 2nd, High School Teacher Made:
  - 4th Period: 7:45-9:50
  - 5th Period: 9:55-11:55
  - 6th Period: 12:55-2:55
- Tuesday, May 6th: 6-8th ELA EOG
- Thursday, May 8th: 6-8th Math EOG
- Friday, May 9th: 8th Science EOG
- Monday, May 12th: English 2 EOC
- Tuesday, May 13th: Math 1 and Math 3 EOC
- Wednesday, May 14th: Biology EOC
The High School and Middle School Athletic Banquets will take place on Thursday, May 8th. Middle School will be at 5:00 PM and High School will be at 7:00 PM. The Athletic Banquets will be held at the Farm on 95.
Here are this weeks Senior Spotlights:
- Monday 4/14: Today’s senior spotlight is Noah Highfil. Noah wants to pursue a degree in Business Management. Noah has been accepted to Liberty University. Good luck with your future plans Noah!
- Tuesday 4/15: Today’s senior spotlight is Kimberly Klisiewecz. Estelle wants to pursue a degree in Nursing. Estelle has been accepted to Methodist University, Chowan University, Montreat College, Western Carolina University, Salem College, East Carolina University, Barton College, University of Mount Olive, Bennett College, Pfeiffer University, and NC Wesleyan University. Good luck with your future plans Estelle!
- Wednesday 4/16: Today’s senior spotlight is Sydney Matisoff. Sydney wants to pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy and Early Childhood development speech. Sydney has been accepted to Pfeiffer University, Meredith College, NC State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, Colorado University, and East Carolina University. Good luck on your future plans Sydney!
- Thursday 4/17: Today’s senior spotlight is Lydia Register. Lydia wants to pursue a degree in Psychology. Lydia has been accepted to East Carolina University, Barton College, Campbell, Methodist University, Salem College, Mars Hill, Louisburg College, William Peace, Pfeiffer University, Wesleyan College, UNC-Pembroke, Montreat College, Western Carolina, and UNC-Wilmington. Good luck on your future plans Lydia!
Here are the weekly athletic events:

3/31 to 4/4 Weekly Update

3/28/2025

There are 20 more instructional days until EOG and EOC testing begins. Here is a list of the following End of Year Testing to be completed:
- Math 1 and Math 3 NC Check-in's on April 2nd.
- English 2 Check-in's on April 15th.
- Biology Check-in's on April 28th.
I want to commend our middle school students for their hard work and diligence on their End of Year MAP tests. Many students have showed growth in ELA and Math. All that we ask is they do the best that THEY can do, and they accomplished that goal.
Here are this weeks senior spotlights:
- Monday 3/31: Today’s Senior Spotlight is Bradey Bouchard. Braedy is unsure what major he wants to pursue. Bradey has been accepted to Campbell University and East Carolina University. Good luck on your future plans Bradey!
- Tuesday 4/1: Today’s senior spotlight is Madison Johnson. Madison wants to pursue a degree in engineering or political science. Madison has been accepted to UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University, and UNC- Charlotte. Good luck on your future plans Madison!
- Wednesday 4/2: Today’s senior spotlight is Connor Phillips. Connor is undecided on his major but he has been accepted to East Carolina University, UNC- Charlotte, and West Virginia University. Good luck on your future plans Connor!
- Thursday 4/3: Today’s Senior Spotlight is Demonte Jackson. Demonte wants to pursue a degree in Psychology. Demonte has been accepted to Chowan University. Good luck on your future plans Demonte!
- Friday 4/3 Today’s senior spotlight is Emma Repka. Emma wants to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy. Emma has been accepted to Belmont Abbey College, Methodist University, Barton College, Lees-McRae, NC Wesleyan, Montreat, Campbell University, Mars Hill, Lenior Rhyne, UNC-Asheville, UNC-Pembroke, Western Carolina, Pfeiffer University, East Carolina University, Greensboro College, Catawba College, Gardner-Webb University, Guilford College, Meredith College, and William Peace University. Good luck on your future plans Emma!
Outside Guest Forms for Prom are due tomorrow, April 1, by 3:00 PM. Tickets for prom will be on sale until Monday, April 14th, by 3:00 PM. Tickets are available for purchase on GoFan.
Below are the athletic events for this week:

3/24 to 3/28 Weekly Update

3/23/2025

There are 25 more instructional days until EOG and EOC testing begins. Here is a list of the following End of Year Testing to be completed:
- Middle School End of Year Map Testing begins tomorrow, March 24.
- Math 1 and Math 3 NC Check-ins on April 2nd.
- English 2 Check-in's on April 15th.
- Biology Check-in's on April 28th.
Here are this weeks senior spotlights:
- Monday 3/24: Today’s seniors spotlight is Tev Collins. Tev wants to pursue a BA in Psychology. Tev has been accepted to East Carolina University, Western Carolina University, Winston-Salem State University, Fayetteville State University, UNC-Charlotte, and UNC-Asheville. Good luck with your future plans Tev!
- Tuesday 3/25: Today's senior spotlight is Kinsey Williams. Kinsey wants to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology. Kinsey has been accepted to East Carolina University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and The Brinson Honors College at Western Carolina University. Good luck with your future plans Kinsey!
- Wednesday 3/26: Today’s senior spotlight is Amari McLean. Amari wants to pursue a BS in Criminology or Forensics. Amari has been accepted to Chowan University. Good luck with your future plans Amari!
- Thursday 3/27: Today’s senior spotlight is Alexander Candes. Alex is undecided on what major he wants to pursue. Alex has been accepted to Barton College, Western Carolina, East Carolina University, UNC-Pembroke, Appalachian State, Campbell University, and Wake Tech. Good luck on your future plans Alex!
- Friday 3/28: Today's senior spotlight is Sage Grove. Sage wants to pursue a degree is sociology. Sage has been accepted to Appalachian State University, Arizona State University, and the University of of Arizona. Good luck on your future plans Sage!
On Wednesday, the high school. band performed for residents at the Landings.

On Friday, Senior Cayley Cochran signed her commitment to play basketball at NC-Wesleyan University. Congratulations Cayley and good luck on your basketball career!

Below are the athletic events for the week. Go Cougars!

3/17 to 3/21 Weekly Update

3/17/2025

There are 30 more instructional days until EOG and EOC testing begins. Here is a list of the following End of Year Testing to be completed:
- Middle School End of Year Map Testing begins March 24th.
- Math 1 and Math 3 NC Check-ins on April 2nd.
- English 2 Check-in's on April 15th.
- Biology Check-in's on April 28th.
The Pre-ACT is this Tuesday, March 18th. Sophomores it is important that you come for the state requirement.
The middle school Battle of the Books team placed in third in their competition on March 11th.
Here are this weeks senior spotlights:
- Monday 3/17: Today’s Senior spotlight is Shyanne Ammons. Shyanne wants to pursue a career in Radiology. Shyanne has been accepted to NC Wesleyan University. Good luck with your future plans Shyanne.
- Tuesday 3/18: Today’s senior spotlight is Tyron Crippen. Tyron wants to pursue a career as a MRI Technician. Tyron has been accepted to Johnston Community College and Wake Tech. Good luck with your future plans Tyron.
- Wednesday 3/19: Today’s senior spotlight is Melaina Gantt. Melaina wants to pursue a BS in nursing. Melaina has been accepted to East Carolina University, Methodist University, Barton College, Pfeiffer University, Western Carolina, High Point University, University of South Carolina, and the UNC Chapel Hill Honors Program. Good luck with your future plans Melaina.
- Thursday 3/20: Today’s senior spotlight is Maria Prytokova. Maria wants to pursue a BS in Biological Science. Maria has been accepted to Greensboro College and UNC- Pembroke. Good luck with your future plans Maria!
- Friday 3/21: Today’s senior spotlight is Jordan Sullivan. Jordan wants to pursue a degree in Psychology. Jordan has been accepted to Barton College, Campbell University, East Carolina University, western Carolina University, and Pfeiffer University. Good luck with your future plans Jordan!
Three middle and three high school students participated in the UNCP Honors Band March 15. These students were nominated and then selected to participate in a 100 piece band with students from all over North and South Carolina. The event is 6 hours of rigorous rehearsal followed by an amazing concert.
- The NCS Middle School Students who performed were Brianna Peru-Garcia, Nataly Zavala, and Sophie Kolesar.
- The NCS High School Students who performed were Kimberly Klisiewecz, Jordan Sullivan, and Kinsey Williams, our three band seniors.

Below are this week's athletic events:

3/10 to 3/14 Weekly Update

3/7/2025

Parents, report cards went home Wednesday March 5th. Parent teacher conferences were held on March 6th and March 7th. It is our goal to have everyone (child, parent, and teacher) on the same page as we finish our 4th quarter and move into the testing season.
Prom tickets are now on sale. Please purchase your tickets for the prom on Go Fan. Reminder that the prom is on April 17th and will be held at The Farm at 95.
The middle school battle of the books team will be competing Tuesday 3/11 at Vance Charter School in Henderson. The following students are members of the battle of the books team:
- Autumn Conrad
- Taylor Dukeman
- Lilly Tereba
- Emma Barnhart
- Avonleigh Hicks
- Daly Marie Harris
- Jacob Revels
- Maya Boyd
- Sophie Kolesar
- Karrie Holmes
- De'Ziah Hall
- Ethan Massengill
- Sydney Knolton
- Kialey Johnson
- Angie Herrera
- Sophia Ritz
There are 34 instructional days left until EOG's and EOC's begin. There are 48 days left in the school year.
ACT is Tuesday March, 11th. All Juniors are required to participate. Please do not be late to school that morning because it will delay the start of the assessment.
The third Biology NC Check-in will be Thursday 3/13. This check-in will cover Heredity.
End of Year Map Testing will begin 3/24.
Seniors, graduation ticket requests went out in a an email from Mr. Grady on Friday. Please confirm the number of tickets you are requesting before 3/14/25. You are limited to 10 ticket requests.
The senior class has now eclipsed the 4 million dollar mark in offered scholarship funding. The total amount of offered money is $4,056,246.00. Here are the senior spotlights for the week that will be announced:
- Monday 3/10: Today’s senior spotlight is Sha’eem Williams. Sha’eem wants to pursue a BS in Engineering and he has been accepted to Chowan University and JCC.
- Tuesday 3/11: Today’s senior spotlight is William McGinnis. William has been accepted to Appalachian State University’s Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program. He was one of only 8 selected for the program. He is the first OCS student in Neuse Charter history to be accepted to a 4-year University Program.
- Wednesday 3/12: Today’s senior spotlight is Juliann McFatter. Juliann wants to pursue a a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. She has been accepted to Barton College and Wake Tech. Good luck on your future plans Juliann!
- Thursday 3/13: Today’s senior spotlight is Genessis Caceras. Genessis wants to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and Biology. Genessis has been accepted to Campbell University and East Carolina University. Good luck with your future plans Genessis!
- Friday 3/14: Today’s senior spotlight is Rylee Cusack. Rylee wants to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Zoology or Animal Science. Rylee has been accepted to Barton College, Methodist University, Lees Mcrae College, Mars Hill University, Salem College, NC Weslyn University, Montreat University, William Peace University, Pfeiffer University, Belmont Abby College, Guilford College, Catawba College, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Good luck on your future plans Rylee!
Here is the weekly athletic schedule:

9th Edition Cougar Student NewsLetter

3/3/2025

Here is the 9th Edition of the Cougar Student Newsletter

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