Celebrating Labor Day in Forsyth County Schools

A smiling boy in a suit stands with a woman in a blue shirt, while other children and adults walk by in the background.

As we head into the long weekend, Labor Day gives us a chance to pause and appreciate the people who bring our schools to life every day. While the holiday is known for marking the unofficial end of summer, its roots run much deeper. Labor Day honors the contributions of workers across the nation, and in Forsyth County Schools, that meaning feels especially close to home.

From teachers who spark curiosity to bus drivers who greet students with a smile to nutrition staff who serve thousands of meals to custodians who keep our buildings welcoming and safe, Labor Day is a moment to recognize the incredible teamwork that keeps our schools running. It’s also a reminder of the dedication shown by families, volunteers, and community partners who support learning in countless ways.

Forsyth County continues to grow, and with that growth comes a community full of people who work hard to make students feel supported, challenged, and inspired. Labor Day gives us a chance to celebrate that shared effort and the spirit of service that defines our district.

As you enjoy the holiday weekend, we hope you take a moment to reflect on the people who make a difference, both inside and outside the classroom. Their work strengthens our schools, our community, and the opportunities we create for every student.

Happy Labor Day from Forsyth County Schools.

District News

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First Week of School Shines Across Forsyth County Schools

The first week of school in Forsyth County has wrapped, and you can feel the momentum building across every campus. From brand‑new kindergarteners clutching backpacks that seem almost as big as they are to seniors stepping confidently into their final year, this week was full of fresh starts, new routines, and the kind of energy that reminds us why the beginning of a school year is so special.

Classrooms came alive as teachers welcomed students with warm smiles, thoughtful lessons, and spaces designed to spark curiosity. Hallways buzzed with reunions, new friendships, and plenty of “How was your summer?” moments. Whether students were diving into reading, tackling math challenges, experimenting in science labs, or exploring creative electives, learning took off with excitement and purpose.

Athletics also jumped into gear, bringing that familiar spirit of teamwork and school pride. From early‑morning practices to evening scrimmages, student‑athletes and coaches set the tone for a season full of determination and community support. Families filled the stands, teammates encouraged one another, and schools celebrated the return of competition and camaraderie.

Behind all of this are the many people who make the first week possible. Bus drivers greeting students at sunrise, cafeteria teams serving thousands of meals, front office staff guiding families, custodians keeping spaces spotless, and teachers and administrators ensuring every student feels welcomed and supported. Their dedication is the heartbeat of Forsyth County Schools, and it shows in every smooth arrival, every smiling face, and every successful first week moment.

As we settle into the rhythm of a new year, the district is excited for all the learning, growth, and memories ahead. If this week is any indication, 2026–27 is already off to an inspiring start.

High School Highlights

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Celebrating Our Seniors and the Tradition of the Senior Walk

A young woman in a blue graduation gown and gold sash poses with an adult woman in a white t-shirt and red skirt, with a graduation ceremony in the background.

Graduation weekend brings excitement as Forsyth County seniors prepare for new beginnings. The highlight of this tradition is the Senior Walk, a meaningful chance for graduates to return to the schools that shaped them.

Seeing seniors walk the same hallways where they learned, built friendships, and grew is powerful for everyone involved. Younger students line the halls, cheering for the "big kids" and picturing their own futures. Teachers and staff beam as they recall the moments that led to this milestone, sharing in the seniors' achievements.

For seniors, the walk is a full-circle moment, a chance to reflect on their journey and the community that supported them. Families watch graduates reconnect with people and places from their earliest school memories, making the event meaningful for both graduates and families.

The Senior Walk reminds us that each step in a student’s journey matters. Seniors move forward, strengthened by memories and community support.

Two graduates in caps and gowns walk down a school hallway lined with artwork and other students.

A woman in a green shirt and black shorts faces a group of students in maroon robes and blue gowns in a gymnasium with %22BROOKWOOD ELEMENTARY%22 visible on the wall.

Students in maroon gowns walk down a school hallway lined with cheering students in yellow shirts, with colorful pipes and artwork adorning the ceiling and walls.

Graduates in caps and gowns with colorful sashes walk down a hallway with a light-colored ceiling and green walls.

Young men in maroon graduation gowns walk down a brightly lit school hallway with framed artwork on the walls and other students in the background.

A young woman in a graduation cap and gown, holding a camera, walks through a crowd of fellow graduates in a large hall.

A group of graduates in caps and gowns stand on a large green circular rug with %22BROOKWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EST. 2009%22 written around it, in a school hallway decorated with jungle-themed murals.

Graduates in caps and gowns walk down a hallway with a blurred foreground of a person in a plaid jacket.

A woman in a checkered shirt and jeans poses with a young woman in a graduation gown, with a school gymnasium in the background.

A young man in a blue graduation gown stands with a woman in a blue shirt and grey skirt, while in the background, other graduates and attendees are visible in a decorated hall.

A woman and a girl in graduation attire smile at the camera in the foreground, with tables covered in graduation-themed cloths and a gymnasium in the background.

Graduates in maroon gowns walk down a tiled hallway lined with cheering onlookers and school banners.

Three graduates in maroon robes stand in the foreground against a mural of a castle and landscape in the background.

Four young women in maroon graduation gowns stand in front of a mural of a landscape.

Three graduates in maroon gowns and a woman holding a bouquet of yellow flowers stand in front of a mural of a landscape.

A smiling woman in a blue and white shirt and white pants stands with her arm around a young man in a maroon graduation cap and gown, with a decorated wall and bleachers in the background.

A family of four poses for a photo in front of a %22Congrats%22 banner, with the daughter in the middle wearing a graduation gown.

A young woman in a graduation gown and her mother stand in a gymnasium with red curtains and tiered seating in the background.

A woman and two young women in graduation attire stand in front of a beige brick wall, with another graduate in blue visible to the right.

A family poses for a photo in front of a banner that reads %22Preparing Today's Children for Tomorrow%22 while a table in the foreground holds plates of food and drinks.

A young woman in a maroon graduation gown holds a yellow rose and cap, while a woman in a denim jacket and patterned skirt stands beside her, both smiling in front of a beige tiled wall.

Two young men in graduation gowns hold plates of food in the foreground, while a crowd of people and a banner reading %22Preparing Today's Leaders for Tomorrow%22 are visible in the background.

Graduates in blue gowns walk down a hallway lined with cheering onlookers holding up phones, while banners and a large globe decoration adorn the background.

A group of graduates in maroon robes walk down a checkered hallway as onlookers in the foreground hold up phones to capture the moment, with banners and artwork adorning the background walls.

A young man in a maroon graduation gown stands next to a woman in a pink and white dress, with a brick wall and a banner in the background.

Graduating students in maroon robes walk down a hallway with a medieval-themed mural on the left and school banners overhead.

Graduates in blue gowns walk down a hallway lined with cheering onlookers, with a banner reading %22LEAD%22 visible in the background.

A large group of graduating students in maroon and blue gowns pose for a photo in front of a stage with red curtains, while balloons float in the background.

A young graduate in a blue cap and gown walks down a hallway lined with cheering children and other graduates.

A graduate in a cap and gown walks down a hallway lined with cheering students.

A large, painted rock in the foreground displays %22Congrats! CHESTATEE Class of 2026%22 and a cartoon penguin in a graduation cap, with a school building visible in the background.

A group of young women in graduation gowns stand in front of a brick building with a large tree to their left and cars parked in the background.

Young students in graduation gowns walk down a hallway lined with cheering children.

Six young women in graduation gowns and medals stand in front of Big Creek Elementary, with other graduates in the background.

A group of graduating students in caps and gowns walk down a school hallway towards the %22OFFICE%22 sign in the background.

A group of graduating students in navy blue gowns and gold sashes walk down a brightly lit school hallway towards a sign that reads %22OFFICE%22.

Six young men in graduation gowns stand on a sidewalk in front of a brick building with a %22National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence%22 sign.

A young woman in a graduation gown walks down a tiled hallway towards a group of other graduates entering through a doorway, with a brick pillar to her right.

A large group of graduating students in caps and gowns pose for a photo in a school hallway, holding a %22Congrats Graduates!%22 banner, with colorful artwork adorning the ceiling and %22We Are Kelly Mill%22 displayed on the wall.

A group of eight young women in blue graduation gowns and caps pose in front of a blue backdrop with %22South Forsyth Middle%22 logos.

A group of graduates in blue gowns walk down a sidewalk next to a brick building, with trees and a street visible in the background.

Four young women in graduation gowns stand in the foreground, while a blurred background shows a hallway with banners and other graduates.

A large group of graduates in maroon gowns pose in front of a mural of trees and foliage.

A large group of graduates in maroon gowns pose for a photo on a tiled floor in front of a stage with blue curtains and an American flag.

Two smiling young women in graduation gowns pose in a school hallway with other graduates in the background.

A group of graduates in blue and maroon gowns walk along a sidewalk with a building and trees in the background.

Six graduates in blue gowns and caps stand with a woman in the foreground, while bookshelves filled with books line the background.

Students in graduation gowns walk down a hallway lined with cheering onlookers.

A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown walks down a hallway lined with cheering students.

A young graduate in a blue cap and gown with a medal smiles as he walks down a hallway lined with cheering students.

Graduates in blue gowns walk down a hallway, receiving high-fives from cheering children.

Children in graduation gowns and costumes walk down a hallway with lockers and signs on the walls.

In the Middle

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Middle School Open House Welcomes Families Across Forsyth County

It was an exciting day for middle schoolers in Forsyth County as campuses opened their doors for Open House. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students headed in with schedules in hand, ready to meet their teachers, explore classrooms, and get a feel for what the new year will bring. There’s always a special buzz in the air as students reconnect with friends, discover new clubs, and start imagining the possibilities ahead.

Families play a big part in back-to-school events, too. Throughout each school, staff were available to share helpful information about transportation, nutrition programs, and other services that support students every day. Whether it’s learning how bus routes work, exploring meal options, or asking questions about extracurriculars, families have plenty of opportunities to get the details they need for a smooth start to the year.

Open House is one of those moments that sets the tone for the months ahead. It’s welcoming, upbeat, and full of anticipation. As students walked their schedules and families met the people who will be guiding them this year, Forsyth County’s middle schools are already building the connections that help every learner feel confident and ready for the first day.

Little Learners

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Elementary Schools Welcomed Families for a Joyful Open House

It was a big day across Forsyth County as our elementary schools opened their doors for our youngest students. Families headed into classrooms with excited students who couldn't wait to meet their teachers, find their desks, and see where all the learning and creativity will happen this year. There's something special about elementary Open House: the wide‑eyed curiosity, the tiny backpacks, and the smiles that come from discovering a brand‑new school adventure.

Students spent time getting to know their teachers, exploring classroom routines, and learning about the activities and opportunities waiting for them. Whether they're brand‑new kindergarteners or confident fifth graders, open house gives them a chance to settle in, ask questions, and start feeling at home.

Families also had opportunities to connect with the people and programs that support students every day. Staff members were available to share information about transportation, nutrition services, communication tools, and other resources that help make the school year run smoothly. It was a great time to meet administrators, learn about upcoming events, and get a clear picture of what to expect in the months ahead.

Elementary Open House sets a warm, welcoming tone for the year. Forsyth County's elementary schools are building the relationships that help every child feel confident, supported, and ready for the first day.

Arts

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Luck Be a Lady Tonight:

The FoCAL Center Kicks Off a Brand-New Season with Guys and Dolls

The curtain rises on 2026-27 with a classic that has charmed audiences for more than 70 years. Grab your tickets and get ready for one of the most fun nights you will have all year.

If there is one show that knows how to make an entrance, it is Guys and Dolls. The FoCAL Performing Arts Center is opening its 2026-27 community theatre season with this beloved Broadway classic, running August 21 through August 30. If you have never seen it live, this is your moment. If you have seen it before, you already know you need to be there.

Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys and Dolls ran for 1,200 performances when it first opened on Broadway in 1950, earning rave reviews and taking home multiple Tony Awards throughout the years. More than seven decades later, it is still packing houses, and for good reason. Set in the colorful world of New York City, Guys and Dolls is a fable about what happens to gambling men and the women who cannot be tamed, populated with gangsters and gamblers, and scantily clad showgirls, all set to one of the greatest musical scores in the history of American theatre.

The story follows the overlapping experiences of high-roller Sky Masterson, who falls for mission worker Sarah Brown, and lovable scoundrel Nathan Detroit, who has been engaged to nightclub headliner Miss Adelaide for fourteen years. When Nathan desperately needs cash to keep his infamous floating crap game alive, he turns to Sky with a bet: take the strait-laced, by-the-book Sergeant Sarah Brown on a date to Havana, Cuba. What follows is a delightful collision of romance, chaos, charm, and some of the most toe-tapping songs ever written for the stage, including the unforgettable "Luck Be a Lady" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat."

This is the kind of show that reminds you why live theatre is such a special thing. The FoCAL Center's production promises all the energy and charm this classic deserves, right here in Forsyth County.

Do not wait on this one; tickets are going fast, and the house will be full. Visit TheFoCALCenter.org to reserve your seats today and see why Guys and Dolls has been making audiences fall in love with Broadway for more than 70 years.

We will see you at the show.

Athletics

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West Forsyth Women’s Softball Shows Fight Against Cherokee

A group of young women in softball uniforms stand on a field in front of a dugout with a %22WEST SOFTBALL%22 sign, while others are seated in the foreground.

West Forsyth High School’s women’s softball team entered this week’s matchup against Cherokee with confidence and discipline, showing the competitive fire that has become a Wolverine's trademark. From the first pitch, they stayed composed under pressure, executed smart defensive plays, and remained aggressive at the plate against a squad known for strong pitching and a fast infield.

The Wolverines' defense set the tone early, limiting scoring opportunities with sharp field awareness and quick transitions. Infielders made clean, timely throws, while the outfield held steady, preventing extra‑base hits and keeping Cherokee’s offense contained.

At the plate, West Forsyth delivered competitive, disciplined at‑bats. Hitters worked counts, produced consistent contact, and forced Cherokee’s pitchers to dig deep into their rotation. Even in tight moments, the lineup showed resilience and maturity, keeping innings alive and applying steady pressure.

This week’s performance underscored the Wolverines' identity: a team that competes with heart, supports one another, and refuses to back down from tough opponents. Facing strong programs like Cherokee only reinforces that West Forsyth is built for continued growth and success.

Community

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Get Ready for Foundation Fri‑YAY 2026

A group of people and a duck mascot hold large letters spelling %22FRYAY%22 and a check in front of a classroom with %22Computer Science%22 written on the wall.

One of the happiest days of the school year is almost here. On Friday, August 28, the Forsyth County Education Foundation will hit the road for its annual Foundation Fri‑YAY celebration, our district’s tradition of surprising schools and educators with grant awards, big smiles, and even bigger energy.

If you’ve never experienced a Fri‑YAY, picture this: Foundation board members, district leaders, and the Duck popping into classrooms Publisher’s Clearing House style with giant checks and cheers. It’s joyful, loud, and completely unforgettable.

Our community powers these grants through the Duck Dive for Education, which raised more than $110,000 in 2026 to support innovative projects across Forsyth County Schools. Last year, Fri‑YAY funded everything from STEAM expansions to wellness initiatives, creative learning spaces, literacy programs, and PBIS supports, totaling more than $135,000 in classroom innovation.

This year’s Fri‑YAY promises that same excitement. Schools across the district are already buzzing, wondering who will get a surprise visit and what new ideas will come to life for students.

Foundation Fri‑YAY isn’t just about handing out checks. It’s about celebrating educators, spotlighting creativity, and showing what happens when Forsyth County rallies behind its schools. It’s a day that reminds us how much joy and possibility can come from community support.

So, mark your calendar for Friday, August 28. Follow along on social media with #FoundationFriYAY, and get ready for a day full of surprises, smiles, and big wins for kids.