The Marquee Awards, a regional program of the Jimmy Awards, held its annual awards ceremony on Sunday, May 17. Based at the historic Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, TN, The Marquee Awards celebrates and recognizes excellence in High School musical theatre throughout Tennessee and Western NC. After rigorous adjudication at multiple levels, Swain County High School's cast and crew of Into the Woods have achieved wins in multiple significant categories:
Outstanding Scenic Design: Kylee Nations
Outstanding Lighting Design: Ni Luh Menaka
Outstanding Overall Musical: Swain County High School, Into the Woods
Outstanding Lead Actress: Abigail Cutler
Most notably, Abigail Cutler, as the Marquee Awards' winner of Outstanding Lead Actress for her role as The Witch in Into the Woods, will move on to the Jimmy Awards, the most prestigious annual national competition in high school musical theatre, where she will represent the Marquee Awards and Swain County High School as she competes and performs on the Broadway stage.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Swain High's Into the Woods, and to their director, Pearl Moore!
Outstanding Scenic Design: Kylee Nations
Outstanding Lighting Design: Ni Luh Menaka
Outstanding Overall Musical: Swain County High School, Into the Woods
Outstanding Lead Actress: Abigail Cutler
Most notably, Abigail Cutler, as the Marquee Awards' winner of Outstanding Lead Actress for her role as The Witch in Into the Woods, will move on to the Jimmy Awards, the most prestigious annual national competition in high school musical theatre, where she will represent the Marquee Awards and Swain County High School as she competes and performs on the Broadway stage.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Swain High's Into the Woods, and to their director, Pearl Moore!
At the end of the day on May 13, a Swain West Elementary School teacher responded to a report of a possible gun in a student's bookbag. The teacher immediately confiscated the bookbag, notified school officials, and determined that the item was a toy gun. We want to reassure our community that at no point were students or staff in any danger.
School officials followed all established safety protocols to ensure our learning environment remained secure and orderly. This incident marks the second time in the past week that a potential threat was identified and resolved quickly, preventing the need for a campus-wide lockdown.
We need your partnership to keep our campuses safe. Please take a moment this evening to speak with your children about appropriate behavior and school rules.
Important Reminder: No weapons of any kind—including toys, look-alikes, or replica items—are permitted on school grounds at any time. Bringing these items to school creates unnecessary alarm and disrupts the educational environment. We remain fully committed to maintaining a safe, focused environment for every student and staff member. Thank you for your continued support and vigilance.
Are you a Special Education teacher looking for a supportive community and a rewarding career? Swain County Schools is hiring! We’re looking for passionate educators to help our students thrive in a welcoming, collaborative environment.
Why join us?
💰 Signing bonus available
📈 10% salary supplement for self-contained classrooms
🤝 Strong mentorship & teacher support
⛰️ Beautiful small-town atmosphere with a big heart
Ready to make an impact where it matters most?
Apply today: 🔗 https://swain.schoolspring.com/
Why join us?
💰 Signing bonus available
📈 10% salary supplement for self-contained classrooms
🤝 Strong mentorship & teacher support
⛰️ Beautiful small-town atmosphere with a big heart
Ready to make an impact where it matters most?
Apply today: 🔗 https://swain.schoolspring.com/
On Wednesday, May 6, Swain County High School officials responded to a report of a possible gun on campus. Within minutes, School Resource Officers located the student involved and quickly determined the item was a prop/toy gun. At no point were students or staff in danger.
School officials followed all appropriate safety protocols to ensure a secure and orderly learning environment. All reports are taken seriously, and we appreciate the swift response of staff and law enforcement.
This incident serves as an important reminder that no weapons of any kind—including toy or replica items—are permitted on school campuses. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff.
Yesterday we celebrated the heart of student care—our incredible school nurses! 💙
Happy National School Nurse Day to:
✨ Janice Hill, RN, BSN, NCSN – Swain High School
✨ Kayla Wike, RN – East Elementary
✨ Carole Shell, RN, BSN, NCSN – Swain Middle School (not pictured)
Thank you for the compassion, dedication, and expertise you bring to our schools every single day. You keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn—and our community is stronger because of you!
Happy National School Nurse Day to:
✨ Janice Hill, RN, BSN, NCSN – Swain High School
✨ Kayla Wike, RN – East Elementary
✨ Carole Shell, RN, BSN, NCSN – Swain Middle School (not pictured)
Thank you for the compassion, dedication, and expertise you bring to our schools every single day. You keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn—and our community is stronger because of you!
Congratulations to Ms. Jessica Masters who was named the Swain County High School Teacher of the Year for 2026. She is a graduate of Western Carolina University and has been teaching 13 years, all of which with Swain High.
Our beloved Mrs. May came by yesterday to teach how papier-mâché is made and to share ideas for decorating the piñata. It was wonderful to have Mrs. May back, collaborating with the Spanish teacher, Mrs. Heath.
Swain County Schools recognized several students at the recent Board of Education meeting with "Our Best and Then Some" awards! 🏆
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students for the positive impact they have on our schools and community every day.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students for the positive impact they have on our schools and community every day.
Swain County Schools recognized several students at the recent Board of Education meeting with "Our Best and Then Some" awards! 🏆
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students for the positive impact they have on our schools and community every day.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students for the positive impact they have on our schools and community every day.
Attention Swain County parents and caregivers!
Please join us for our Resource Fair for individuals with disabilities on April 30th. We’ll have community organizations on hand to help you navigate services and support beyond the classroom. The fair takes place in the Swain County High School Gym from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. We can’t wait to see you there. Thank you, and have a great evening!
Please join us for our Resource Fair for individuals with disabilities on April 30th. We’ll have community organizations on hand to help you navigate services and support beyond the classroom. The fair takes place in the Swain County High School Gym from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. We can’t wait to see you there. Thank you, and have a great evening!
Ready to shape the future? Swain County Schools is officially hiring for the 2026-2027 school year! We are looking for dedicated professionals to join our team.
Discover a career where your expertise directly influences the next generation. There is no greater reward than guiding young people toward their full potential and seeing their success firsthand. We have several open positions available:
Special Education Teachers
School Nurses
Occupational Therapist & COTA
High School Teachers
Elementary Education Teachers
Bus Drivers
Whether you’re in the classroom, the clinic, the field, or behind the wheel, you play a vital role in our students' lives. Come grow your career in a place where your passion for mentoring and leadership truly makes a difference.
Apply today at: swain.schoolspring.com
Swain County Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, April 3rd, in observance of Good Friday.
Additionally, Swain County Schools will be closed all of next week, from Monday, April 6th through Friday, April 10th, for Spring Break.
Classes will resume on Monday, April 13th. We wish all of our students, families, and staff a safe and restful break!
Additionally, Swain County Schools will be closed all of next week, from Monday, April 6th through Friday, April 10th, for Spring Break.
Classes will resume on Monday, April 13th. We wish all of our students, families, and staff a safe and restful break!
School will operate on a normal schedule at all locations on Thursday, April 2nd.
Swain County High School, Swain Academy, Middle School and PreK have been made aware of the current boil water advisory issued for the Town of Bryson City. In response to this all student and faculty drinking water sources have been covered and made off limits for use until the boil advisory is lifted. All students and staff will be provided with bottled water for their consumption on Thursday, April 2nd. Additionally, students may bring water bottles filled from home for their use. Students will not be allowed to refill their personal water bottles from public water sources. They may use the bottled water to do so if they would like.
Swain County High School and Swain Academy utilizes a storage tank that is filled weekly using public water. This tank was refilled on Tuesday evening before the water disruption and boil advisory. Out of an abundance of caution, this tank will not be used for any service other than non-potable restroom facilities until the water has been tested for purity.
Lunches will be served on a regular schedule but will be prepackaged and require no water supply from the cafeteria. Milk and bottled water will be available with lunch at the middle and high school.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and stay in communication with local officials. Should conditions change, we will notify students, staff, and families promptly. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Due to a severe water disruption, Swain Middle School and Bright Adventures PreK will dismiss students early today at 11:00 AM. While water service may be restored, we cannot ensure consistent water quality at this time. Out of an abundance of caution, we are dismissing early. Please plan to pick up your child promptly at 11:00 AM if they are parent pick up. If your child attends PreK and normally is parent pick up at East or West Elementary school, please plan to pick your PreK student at PreK at 11am. Any PreK student who normally rides a bus home will still ride the bus that will leave PreK at 11am. Please plan accordingly. Middle school will dismiss at 11am with usual bus and parent pick up.
The afterschool program is canceled at PreK and Middle School for today.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation in ensuring our students' safety.
This message is also posted on Swain County Schools website and social media. Please contact your child’s school with any questions.
The afterschool program is canceled at PreK and Middle School for today.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation in ensuring our students' safety.
This message is also posted on Swain County Schools website and social media. Please contact your child’s school with any questions.
Native American Parent meeting on Tuesday, March 31st at 5:30 at East Elementary School Media Center.
📣 Kindergarten Registration for Swain County Schools is now OPEN!
We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2039. To get started:
1️⃣ Complete the online form here: https://bit.ly/4cVyZtG
2️⃣ Call your school to schedule an in-person appointment.
Swain East: 488-0939
Swain West: 488-2119
Don't forget: In-person appointments are March 31 (East) and April 1 (West). See you soon!
We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2039. To get started:
1️⃣ Complete the online form here: https://bit.ly/4cVyZtG
2️⃣ Call your school to schedule an in-person appointment.
Swain East: 488-0939
Swain West: 488-2119
Don't forget: In-person appointments are March 31 (East) and April 1 (West). See you soon!
Supporting our students means supporting the whole family! 💜📚 Swain County Schools has partnered with Cartwheel to offer a free monthly webinar series designed specifically for our parents and caregivers.
From managing "big feelings" to navigating tough conversations about substance use and mental health, these sessions provide practical tools you can use at home immediately.
The next one is April 15, 12-1pm and is titled "5 Keys to Parenting a Child with ADHD"
Register here!
Check out the upcoming schedule, register for free, and view past webinars here!
As Spring Break inches closer (2 weeks from today!) here's a reminder about the school calendar for the rest of the year. You'll also see the 2026-2027 calendar is out as well. PDF's of both can be found on our website. https://www.swain.k12.nc.us/
Swain County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay, tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17. However, we will continue to monitor weather conditions and If something changes, we will notify you in the morning.
Due to inclement weather and snow beginning in several locations around Swain County, first load buses will be released at 2:35 p.m. from each school. Following as quickly as possible, the remaining buses and students will be released as well. Please contact your child's school with any questions.