Transylvania County Schools
Building a Stronger Tomorrow... Today
Transylvania County Schools will be closed on Wednesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. We honor and thank all veterans for their service to our country.
Fifth graders at Pisgah Forest Elementary are learning what it means to be leaders through the school’s new Student Leadership Team. By taking on responsibilities, supporting others and contributing to the school community, students are discovering their strengths and building new skills.
The team grew out of work the school’s School Improvement Team did ahead of the 2025-26 school year. After gathering staff feedback, the group established foundational principles for the school: RISE, which stands for Respect, Integrity, Strive and Empathy. The principles reflect lifelong skills the school wants to model and teach, and the effort also revealed a chance to give students meaningful ways to practice leadership.
Following conversations with staff, parents and students, the Student Leadership Team launched in January 2026. The goal was to create an opportunity for growth, helping students recognize what they do well while challenging themselves in areas where they can improve. Students apply to serve on the team, and each application includes staff recommendations. The team meets every Friday for leadership mini-lessons, collaboration and planning.
Team members take on a range of jobs around the school, including collecting recycling, managing the lost and found, organizing the clothing closet, taking pictures for the yearbook, helping with morning hallway patrol, delivering daily announcements and assisting with assemblies.
“Student Leadership Team brings us together and helps us learn to work with different people,” said student leader Lizzie Sweeney.
The cameras the team uses were provided through a Lake Toxaway Charities grant. Student leaders will also take part in “Scoop with the Supe,” a chance to meet with Dr. Lisa Fletcher, Transylvania County Schools superintendent, to ask questions and share their ideas and perspectives.
As the team grows, so do its projects. This week, the student-run school store opens. Student leaders are learning about pricing, profit and inventory while practicing teamwork, problem-solving and customer service. The store gives them a chance to apply math skills to real situations and take ownership of a school project. Donations from friends and family in the school community made the store possible.
“I want to learn about leadership, and to be a good leader to others,” said student leader Mylah Owen.
The team’s responsibilities will continue to expand. Student leaders will soon begin helping in younger grades by reading with students and serving as mentors. The experience will give fifth graders opportunities to practice patience, offer encouragement and model RISE expectations while building connections with younger students.
The work brings the schoolwide RISE expectations to life. School leaders want students to recognize when someone needs help, take initiative and follow through on their responsibilities.
“What I have noticed most is the Student Leaders taking initiative and striving to be role models in our school. I feel like that is being noticed by the other students,” said Christy Doherty, a fifth grade teacher.
Serving on the Student Leadership Team is a semester commitment, with an opportunity to reapply for the second semester. Students currently serving are Myrick Allison, Emma Barton, Lia Borovina, Stella de la Riva, Carter Frizzell, Kinsley Lowe, Emmie Lucas, Mayzee Mecale, Mia Miller, Abigail Morgan, Mylah Owen, Ayla Quinn, Joey Saltz and Lizzie Sweeney.
The team grew out of work the school’s School Improvement Team did ahead of the 2025-26 school year. After gathering staff feedback, the group established foundational principles for the school: RISE, which stands for Respect, Integrity, Strive and Empathy. The principles reflect lifelong skills the school wants to model and teach, and the effort also revealed a chance to give students meaningful ways to practice leadership.
Following conversations with staff, parents and students, the Student Leadership Team launched in January 2026. The goal was to create an opportunity for growth, helping students recognize what they do well while challenging themselves in areas where they can improve. Students apply to serve on the team, and each application includes staff recommendations. The team meets every Friday for leadership mini-lessons, collaboration and planning.
Team members take on a range of jobs around the school, including collecting recycling, managing the lost and found, organizing the clothing closet, taking pictures for the yearbook, helping with morning hallway patrol, delivering daily announcements and assisting with assemblies.
“Student Leadership Team brings us together and helps us learn to work with different people,” said student leader Lizzie Sweeney.
The cameras the team uses were provided through a Lake Toxaway Charities grant. Student leaders will also take part in “Scoop with the Supe,” a chance to meet with Dr. Lisa Fletcher, Transylvania County Schools superintendent, to ask questions and share their ideas and perspectives.
As the team grows, so do its projects. This week, the student-run school store opens. Student leaders are learning about pricing, profit and inventory while practicing teamwork, problem-solving and customer service. The store gives them a chance to apply math skills to real situations and take ownership of a school project. Donations from friends and family in the school community made the store possible.
“I want to learn about leadership, and to be a good leader to others,” said student leader Mylah Owen.
The team’s responsibilities will continue to expand. Student leaders will soon begin helping in younger grades by reading with students and serving as mentors. The experience will give fifth graders opportunities to practice patience, offer encouragement and model RISE expectations while building connections with younger students.
The work brings the schoolwide RISE expectations to life. School leaders want students to recognize when someone needs help, take initiative and follow through on their responsibilities.
“What I have noticed most is the Student Leaders taking initiative and striving to be role models in our school. I feel like that is being noticed by the other students,” said Christy Doherty, a fifth grade teacher.
Serving on the Student Leadership Team is a semester commitment, with an opportunity to reapply for the second semester. Students currently serving are Myrick Allison, Emma Barton, Lia Borovina, Stella de la Riva, Carter Frizzell, Kinsley Lowe, Emmie Lucas, Mayzee Mecale, Mia Miller, Abigail Morgan, Mylah Owen, Ayla Quinn, Joey Saltz and Lizzie Sweeney.
Great job, BES students! 🐝
Brevard Elementary School’s quarterly Buzz Awards are a wonderful chance for BES bees and their families to gather and recognize outstanding achievements. Students were honored for classroom leadership, kindness, attendance, and more.
Thank you to the teachers who help students grow every day and take the time to notice each child’s unique accomplishments. Thank you also to all the parents and family members who came out to celebrate!
More photos to come....🐝
Rosman Middle School teachers recently attended the Ron Clark Academy training in Atlanta. During the Ron Clark Experience, teachers learn about high-energy, innovative teaching strategies and classroom management techniques.
Rosman Middle School is in year-two of incorporating the innovative teaching strategies, and RCA House implementation.
Houses provide an opportunity for students to develop a greater sense of belonging, incentives for improvement, and to strengthen an atmosphere of teamwork.
This training is funded through the Appalachian State Gear Up grant.
Dear Transylvania county schools community,
Our entire Transylvania County Schools family is heartbroken as we mourn the loss of a Rosman High School student.
We share our deepest sympathy and condolences with the student’s family, with classmates and friends, and the teachers and staff who cared for this young person each day.
Additional counselors and support staff are available at Rosman High School for any student or staff member who would like to talk. Please contact 828-862-4284 to reach them.
We ask that everyone honor the family’s privacy during this time.
In the coming days, please look in on your neighbors, your coworkers, and friends. A kind word, a hug, or a visit can mean more than we realize.
Great job, RES students!
Superintendent Dr. Lisa Fletcher is visiting every school in Transylvania County Schools to sit down with student groups for honest, meaningful conversations. She asks what is working well at their schools, what they are proud of, and what they would like to see improved.
Students share their ideas with thoughtfulness and confidence, and they represent their peers extremely well.
Later in the year, groups of educators in each school will join Dr. Fletcher for Scoop with the Supe' Teacher Edition.
Superintendent Dr. Lisa Fletcher is visiting every school in Transylvania County Schools to sit down with student groups for honest, meaningful conversations. She asks what is working well at their schools, what they are proud of, and what they would like to see improved.
Students share their ideas with thoughtfulness and confidence, and they represent their peers extremely well.
Later in the year, groups of educators in each school will join Dr. Fletcher for Scoop with the Supe' Teacher Edition.
This is a friendly reminder that there will be no school on October 29 and October 30. Please have a safe and fun weekend.
Brevard Middle School eighth graders recently participated in a financial simulation with Champion Credit Union, giving students hands-on experience with budgeting, managing money, and making real-world financial decisions.
Experiences like these help prepare students for life beyond the classroom by building the financial literacy skills they need for a successful future.
A big thank-you to Champion Credit Union for investing in our students and helping prepare them for what’s next!
Experiences like these help prepare students for life beyond the classroom by building the financial literacy skills they need for a successful future.
A big thank-you to Champion Credit Union for investing in our students and helping prepare them for what’s next!
Dear Transylvania County Schools community,
TCS will require visitors to carry clear bags at middle and high school athletic events beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Clear bag policies are common at schools and athletic venues across the country, and TCS is adopting one as a precaution. When the district can take a step in advance to keep students, families, and fans safe, it will.
The policy applies to all visitors at middle and high school athletic events. Athletes and coaches may enter as usual without a clear bag. Events at elementary schools are not affected.
A Transylvania County Sheriff’s deputy and a school administrator will be at each entrance gate to visually check bags as visitors arrive. Anyone carrying a bag that does not meet the requirements will be asked to take it back to their vehicle. Visitors who do not comply will not be able to enter the event.
A few exceptions apply. Parents with young children may bring a diaper bag, and visitors who need medical supplies, such as oxygen, may bring those items inside.
Signs explaining the policy will be posted at the Brevard High School and Rosman High School gymnasiums, both new and old, as well as the Brevard Middle School gymnasium. Signs will also be placed at the Brevard High School and Rosman High School football fields, the Brevard High School softball and baseball fields, and the Rosman softball and baseball fields.
Transylvania County Schools encourages anyone with questions to reach out to their school principals.
TCS will require visitors to carry clear bags at middle and high school athletic events beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Clear bag policies are common at schools and athletic venues across the country, and TCS is adopting one as a precaution. When the district can take a step in advance to keep students, families, and fans safe, it will.
The policy applies to all visitors at middle and high school athletic events. Athletes and coaches may enter as usual without a clear bag. Events at elementary schools are not affected.
A Transylvania County Sheriff’s deputy and a school administrator will be at each entrance gate to visually check bags as visitors arrive. Anyone carrying a bag that does not meet the requirements will be asked to take it back to their vehicle. Visitors who do not comply will not be able to enter the event.
A few exceptions apply. Parents with young children may bring a diaper bag, and visitors who need medical supplies, such as oxygen, may bring those items inside.
Signs explaining the policy will be posted at the Brevard High School and Rosman High School gymnasiums, both new and old, as well as the Brevard Middle School gymnasium. Signs will also be placed at the Brevard High School and Rosman High School football fields, the Brevard High School softball and baseball fields, and the Rosman softball and baseball fields.
Transylvania County Schools encourages anyone with questions to reach out to their school principals.
🐯➡️🐻 Tigers today… Bears tomorrow?
Beautiful weather, hometown connections, and big possibilities! Today, Rosman High School ninth graders visited Lenoir-Rhyne University, courtesy of GEAR UP!
Students toured campus, enjoyed lunch, learned about LR’s Bear mascot, and explored college opportunities—including the university’s Tuition-Free Guarantee for eligible students!
One of the sweetest parts of the day was seeing hometown success stories in action! LR alumna and Transylvania County’s own Kristen Burton joined the trip, and students connected with other Transylvania County graduates who currently attend LR. Seeing familiar faces on a college campus helped bring the message home: “I could do this, too!” 💛
A special thank-you to Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Williams from Rosman Middle and Rosman High for their essential roles in making this experience possible!
What a BEAR-y great day for our Tigers to picture their futures! 🐾🎓
#GEARUP #RosmanTigers #LenoirRhyne #CollegeBound #HometownPride
Beautiful weather, hometown connections, and big possibilities! Today, Rosman High School ninth graders visited Lenoir-Rhyne University, courtesy of GEAR UP!
Students toured campus, enjoyed lunch, learned about LR’s Bear mascot, and explored college opportunities—including the university’s Tuition-Free Guarantee for eligible students!
One of the sweetest parts of the day was seeing hometown success stories in action! LR alumna and Transylvania County’s own Kristen Burton joined the trip, and students connected with other Transylvania County graduates who currently attend LR. Seeing familiar faces on a college campus helped bring the message home: “I could do this, too!” 💛
A special thank-you to Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Williams from Rosman Middle and Rosman High for their essential roles in making this experience possible!
What a BEAR-y great day for our Tigers to picture their futures! 🐾🎓
#GEARUP #RosmanTigers #LenoirRhyne #CollegeBound #HometownPride
There’s music in the air in Transylvania County tonight! 🎶
Two band concerts, two great chances to come out and support TCS students:
- A Tango in Rosman: Rhythms of Latin America
6:00 PM | RMHS Auditorium | Free
Featuring Rosman’s new percussion ensemble and 6th-12th grade band students.
- Ahoy! presented by Brevard Bands
6:30 PM | Brevard High School Auditorium | $5 per person
Featuring the 7th and 8th grade bands and the Brevard Bands Wind Symphony.
Our students and music teachers have worked hard to prepare, and they would love to see you in the audience. Come enjoy the music!
#TCS #TransylvaniaCountySchools #BrevardBands #RosmanTigerBand
Two band concerts, two great chances to come out and support TCS students:
- A Tango in Rosman: Rhythms of Latin America
6:00 PM | RMHS Auditorium | Free
Featuring Rosman’s new percussion ensemble and 6th-12th grade band students.
- Ahoy! presented by Brevard Bands
6:30 PM | Brevard High School Auditorium | $5 per person
Featuring the 7th and 8th grade bands and the Brevard Bands Wind Symphony.
Our students and music teachers have worked hard to prepare, and they would love to see you in the audience. Come enjoy the music!
#TCS #TransylvaniaCountySchools #BrevardBands #RosmanTigerBand
Our GEAR UP Family Design Night at Brevard Middle School was a wonderful opportunity to bring students and families together to connect, create, and explore possibilities for the future! ❤️
Events like this remind us that families are an essential part of helping students build confidence and imagine what comes next.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, our partners who helped make the evening possible, and Gordingos for providing dinner. We are grateful for this school community and the opportunities we have to learn and grow together!
#GEARUP #FamilyDesignNight #BrevardMiddleSchool #TransylvaniaCountySchools
Events like this remind us that families are an essential part of helping students build confidence and imagine what comes next.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, our partners who helped make the evening possible, and Gordingos for providing dinner. We are grateful for this school community and the opportunities we have to learn and grow together!
#GEARUP #FamilyDesignNight #BrevardMiddleSchool #TransylvaniaCountySchools
October is National Principals Month, and the students at Davidson River School showed Dr. Brown just how much he means to them.
The bookcase in Dr. Brown’s office is now filled with handwritten letters of appreciation from students. Some are full of inside jokes that made him smile, and some talk about small moments when Dr. Brown made a big impact. Others are heartfelt notes of gratitude for the difference Dr. Brown makes every day.
Principals shape the culture of our schools, and it’s clear that Dr. Brown’s positive impact is felt by every student in the building. Thank you, Dr. Brown, for all you do for the students of Davidson River School!
The bookcase in Dr. Brown’s office is now filled with handwritten letters of appreciation from students. Some are full of inside jokes that made him smile, and some talk about small moments when Dr. Brown made a big impact. Others are heartfelt notes of gratitude for the difference Dr. Brown makes every day.
Principals shape the culture of our schools, and it’s clear that Dr. Brown’s positive impact is felt by every student in the building. Thank you, Dr. Brown, for all you do for the students of Davidson River School!
🍂🎃 FALL FESTIVAL AT DAVIDSON RIVER SCHOOL! 🎃🍂
Come join us for an evening of fall fun, games, and activities while supporting Davidson River School students!
💙 Fundraiser for Prom & Other School Events 💙
📅 Wednesday, October 28
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 Davidson River School Campus
🎟️ ONE TICKET COVERS ALL ACTIVITIES!
$8 — Purchase in advance
$10 — At the event
🍁 Activities Include:
🦆 Duck Bobbing
🎨 Face Painting
🎃 Pumpkin Bowling
🌽 Candy Corn Ring Toss
👻 Haunted Hallways
📸 Photo Booth
🍂 And MORE!
Bring your family and friends, enjoy a fun fall evening, and help us raise money for prom and other student events at Davidson River School!
We hope to see you there! 🎃👻🍁
Come join us for an evening of fall fun, games, and activities while supporting Davidson River School students!
💙 Fundraiser for Prom & Other School Events 💙
📅 Wednesday, October 28
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 Davidson River School Campus
🎟️ ONE TICKET COVERS ALL ACTIVITIES!
$8 — Purchase in advance
$10 — At the event
🍁 Activities Include:
🦆 Duck Bobbing
🎨 Face Painting
🎃 Pumpkin Bowling
🌽 Candy Corn Ring Toss
👻 Haunted Hallways
📸 Photo Booth
🍂 And MORE!
Bring your family and friends, enjoy a fun fall evening, and help us raise money for prom and other student events at Davidson River School!
We hope to see you there! 🎃👻🍁
Huge THANK YOU to the UNCA Atmospheric Science Students that came and presented to our BES 5th graders!
Dear Transylvania County Schools community,
This is a reminder that there will be no school on Friday, October 2. Educators will use this required teacher workday to participate in several different professional development opportunities.
We hope you have a safe and restful weekend.
Thank you!
This is a reminder that there will be no school on Friday, October 2. Educators will use this required teacher workday to participate in several different professional development opportunities.
We hope you have a safe and restful weekend.
Thank you!
Three Transylvania County Schools teachers are spending six days in a special training this week: Baylee Bicio, Emily Reader, and Robin Lavery. 📚
Project GLAD® (Guided Language Acquisition Design) is a professional development model that equips educators with research-based strategies to support multilingual learners and strengthen academic literacy.
We are proud of these teacher leaders for investing their time in growth that will benefit our students. We look forward to their return and to the knowledge they will share with colleagues across our district.
#TransylvaniaCountySchools #TCS #Buildingastrongertomorrow
Project GLAD® (Guided Language Acquisition Design) is a professional development model that equips educators with research-based strategies to support multilingual learners and strengthen academic literacy.
We are proud of these teacher leaders for investing their time in growth that will benefit our students. We look forward to their return and to the knowledge they will share with colleagues across our district.
#TransylvaniaCountySchools #TCS #Buildingastrongertomorrow
Transylvania County Schools has been ranked the top district in North Carolina in the Districts with the Best Teachers category of the 2027 Niche Best Schools rankings. The district placed first out of 117 districts statewide.
The ranking is an improvement over last year, when Transylvania County Schools placed second in the state. Niche rankings are based on analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
The district also earned strong marks in two other categories. Transylvania County Schools ranked fourth out of 118 districts in Best Places to Teach in North Carolina and 16th out of 118 in Best School Districts in North Carolina.
The top ranking reflects the work of the educators who lead classrooms across the district's nine schools every day. Teachers in Transylvania County build relationships with their students, know their families and hold high expectations for what every child can achieve. Caring and skilled educators shape a student's confidence, curiosity, and success well beyond a single school year.
Transylvania County Schools extends its thanks to the teachers at all nine schools. Their dedication, their skill, and their care for students are the reason the district earned this recognition. The district is proud of the educators who show up for Transylvania County's children and grateful for the community that stands behind them.
The ranking is an improvement over last year, when Transylvania County Schools placed second in the state. Niche rankings are based on analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
The district also earned strong marks in two other categories. Transylvania County Schools ranked fourth out of 118 districts in Best Places to Teach in North Carolina and 16th out of 118 in Best School Districts in North Carolina.
The top ranking reflects the work of the educators who lead classrooms across the district's nine schools every day. Teachers in Transylvania County build relationships with their students, know their families and hold high expectations for what every child can achieve. Caring and skilled educators shape a student's confidence, curiosity, and success well beyond a single school year.
Transylvania County Schools extends its thanks to the teachers at all nine schools. Their dedication, their skill, and their care for students are the reason the district earned this recognition. The district is proud of the educators who show up for Transylvania County's children and grateful for the community that stands behind them.
We have been talking a lot about our most recent state testing data rankings, and we are very proud of the growth our teachers and students have accomplished! But, our schools are so much more than scores.
Take a look at where Transylvania County Schools stands in the 2027 Niche rankings! Teachers...we know that's right!
Take a look at where Transylvania County Schools stands in the 2027 Niche rankings! Teachers...we know that's right!
Valerie Surrette, a retired educator in Transylvania County, spent her final years of service as a special education teacher at Strauss Elementary and Pisgah Forest Elementary. She passed away on January 22, 2026, after a period of declining health.
In honor of her dedication and compassion for students, a memorial tree has been planted and a plaque installed at Pisgah Forest Elementary. Donations from fellow educators who worked with Mrs. Surrette made the tribute possible.
Her husband, Pete Surrette, preceded her in death. Her son, Jeffrey, of Henderson County, attended the memorial dedication in August.
The tree at Pisgah Forest Elementary will grow taller with each school year, and the plaque beside it will tell students and staff who come after them about Mrs. Surrette and the care she gave her students. Her colleagues chose a living tribute for a teacher whose influence continues in the classrooms and lives she touched.
In honor of her dedication and compassion for students, a memorial tree has been planted and a plaque installed at Pisgah Forest Elementary. Donations from fellow educators who worked with Mrs. Surrette made the tribute possible.
Her husband, Pete Surrette, preceded her in death. Her son, Jeffrey, of Henderson County, attended the memorial dedication in August.
The tree at Pisgah Forest Elementary will grow taller with each school year, and the plaque beside it will tell students and staff who come after them about Mrs. Surrette and the care she gave her students. Her colleagues chose a living tribute for a teacher whose influence continues in the classrooms and lives she touched.