The lockdown at Swain County High School has been lifted and the perimeter lockdowns at the other locations have also been lifted.

The lockdown occurred at approximately 11:25 am due to a perceived threat by a staff member. Other school locations were placed on a perimeter lockdown as a precaution.

Local law enforcement responded quickly, conducted a search of the area, and determined that there was no threat at 11:59 am. At no time were students in danger.

Thank you to everyone for following the established emergency procedures.

As the district debriefs with law enforcement, additional details will be provided.

Swain County High School has been placed on a lockdown. All other Swain County Schools have been placed on perimeter lockdown as a precautionary measure. School personnel along with emergency personnel are currently evaluating the situation and working to resolve it. Please follow our emergency plan and do not call or go to the school until further information becomes available. As soon as we have more information we will communicate it through all channels. Please tune to our social media, The Smoky Mountain Times (website and social media) as well as The Cherokee One Feather (website and social media) and WBHN 94.1 FM for information updates.

This week at SCHS, many have been wearing purple and teal ribbons and wristbands for Suicide Prevention Month. 💜🩵 Purple symbolizes hope and solidarity for anyone affected by loss, and teal represents active prevention, a reminder that supporting and looking out for every single person in our community is what we are about. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

You are irreplaceable. You belong here, exactly as you are.

Checking in makes a real difference. A simple text or a genuine "How are you doing today?" can change someone's entire day for the better.

You are surrounded by support. From teachers and counselors to local families and neighbors right here in Swain County, there are always people ready to listen and step up for you.

📢 IMPORTANT: Impact Aid Surveys Coming Home Monday!
Parents and guardians, please be on the lookout for an Impact Aid Survey coming home with your child on Monday.
Completing and returning this survey is very important to our school district. The information collected helps determine federal Impact Aid funding available to support our schools and students.
✅ Check your child’s backpack Monday
✅ Complete the survey
✅ Sign it
✅ Return it to school as soon as possible
Every survey matters! A few minutes of your time can help ensure our schools receive the federal funding for which they are eligible.
Thank you for helping support our students and schools!

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Swain County Schools is hosting activities the week of September 14th to raise awareness and help break the stigma around mental health.

East Elementary ("Every Heart Matters Week")
Monday ("Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin"): Pajama or comfy clothes
Tuesday ("Brighten the World"): Tie-dye or neon clothing
Wednesday ("Wellness Wednesday"): Athletic or workout gear
Thursday ("We're in This Together"): Twin day or matching with a trusted friend
Friday ("Show Your Support"): Wear Maroon Gear

West Elementary
Distributing positive affirmation statement bracelets for all students and staff.
Morning announcements featuring "You belong" here at West.
Daily reminders of the services available to students.

Swain Middle
Positive quotes on morning announcements.
Focus in the Maroon Meetings.
Friday - Hat Day for $1 (Proceeds to go towards a memorial tree on campus for Aiden Johnson).
Teal and Purple Day.

Swain High & Swain Academy
Daily messages during morning announcements.
Blue & Teal Pinwheels and ribbons distributed at JV Football Game.
Support Resources

Help is available at school through counselors and other trusted adults. You can also call or text 988 at any time to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

There is help. There is hope. And EVERY life matters.

Bus Ridership Week: Supporting Transportation for Swain County Schools

Each year, the state of North Carolina determines school transportation funding based on how many students ride the bus during one designated week. This year, that critical ridership count takes place the week of September 14-18.

Bus Ridership Week gives our district an accurate snapshot of how many students rely on bus transportation, helping us secure the funding necessary to keep our buses running smoothly all year long.

State funding for transportation is determined by three main factors:

• The total number of buses operating daily

• Total transportation expenditures

• The total number of students riding the bus during count week

We encourage all families to have their students ride the bus as many days as possible during the week of September 14-18. Even if your child only rides occasionally, riding during count week ensures Swain County Schools receives the resources needed to accommodate your family whenever needs change throughout the school year.

School buses remain the safest mode of student transportation while significantly reducing traffic congestion around our school campuses.

Thank you for helping us protect our transportation funding and support our students!

Join Cartwheel, our virtual mental health partner, for a free webinar with educational psychologist Linda Price, M.Ed., CAGS, and youth mental health advocate Mallory G. who will share her own story of navigating emotional distress as a young person and finding the support that helped her thrive.

🌱 Growing Together: Supporting Your Child's Mental Health This School Year
🗓 Tuesday, September 16 | 7–8pm ET
👉 Register here: https://www.cartwheel.org/webinarseries

There will be a District AIG Parent Meeting on Tuesday, August 25 at 5:30pm in the Central Office.

If your child is in this program, plan to attend this information session.