Sunshine Elementary

10/24/2026

🌱 5th Grade had a wonderful time today!

10/23/2026

🕷️ Counting up some October fun! Our young learners created these cute little spiders, adding 10 colorful beads to each leg as they practiced counting to 10!

This hands-on activity combined important math skills, fine motor practice, and festive fun. Learning is sweeter when little hands are busy! 🧡

Rutherford County Schools, NC

10/23/2026

10/22/2026

TESTIMONIAL THURSDAY | Celebrating National Principals Month

Great schools are built on strong relationships, dedicated educators, and leaders who put students first!

This week, we are proud to spotlight Ashley Twitty, Principal of Forest City-Dunbar Elementary School, as she reflects on the joy of serving her school community, the students and families who inspire her, and the fellow principals who support one another in the important work of school leadership.

Her heartfelt words remind us that leadership is about more than a title. It's about relationships, commitment, and making a difference in the lives of children every day.

Thank you, Mrs. Twitty, and all of our RCS principals for leading with heart and purpose!

One Team. One Mission. Every Child.

10/22/2026

🍂 Learning comes to life at Chimney Rock! Our 2nd graders enjoyed a fall field trip filled with discovery! Students explored the natural world through interactive learning surrounded by the beauty of our North Carolina mountains! 🐻🌳

Thank you to the Chimney Rock team for helping our Sunshine Bears connect classroom learning with the world around them! 💛

10/21/2026

☀️🐻 Let’s Conquer the Coaster for Sunshine!

Join us on November 7 at 8 AM at Jellystone Park Golden Valley! 🏃🎢 For the Conquer the Coaster 5K in support of Sunshine Elementary

Registration is $30 and includes a mountain coaster ride!
😴 Prefer to snooze? Choose “Sleeping But Supporting”!
💛 ALL proceeds benefit Sunshine Elementary School!

A BIG thank-you to Jellystone Park Golden Valley for supporting Sunshine Elementary and helping make this fundraiser possible! We appreciate your generosity and investment in our students! 🐻☀️

Register:
https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Bostic/ConquerTheCoasterK

📣 Share and help us spread the word!
Rutherford County Schools, NC

10/20/2026

TRANSPARENCY TUESDAY |
RCS continues to distinguish itself as a regional leader, achieving a four-year cohort graduation rate of 95.0% for the 2025–2026 school year, the highest graduation rate in western North Carolina.

Our graduation rate exceeded the regional median by 3.8 percentage points and the statewide average by 6.2 percentage points. RCS also outperformed the three school districts used in our annual performance benchmarking: Burke (91.1%), Stanly (88.4%), and Cleveland (85.5%).

These results reflect the combined efforts of our students, teachers, counselors, administrators, and families, working together to ensure that more young people complete high school prepared for the opportunities ahead.

We’re proud of our progress, proud of our graduates, and especially proud that RCS is setting the standard for graduation success in western North Carolina!

10/20/2026

MYTH BUSTER MONDAY | RCS Education Matters

MYTH: A school district’s graduation rate is simply the number of graduating seniors divided by the number of students enrolled in twelfth grade.

❌ BUSTED!

Did you know that North Carolina’s graduation rate actually tells a much bigger story?

The four-year cohort graduation rate follows a group of students from the time they enter ninth grade and measures how many earn a regular high school diploma within four years.

That means graduation rates aren't just about how many seniors walk across the stage in May or June. They reflect what happens throughout a student's entire high school journey, including students who transfer, drop out, or don't graduate on time.

Why does this matter?

At Rutherford County Schools, we believe every student who enters ninth grade deserves the support, opportunities, and encouragement needed to reach graduation day.

And we're proud of our progress! RCS achieved a 95.1% four-year cohort graduation rate for the 2024–2025 school year, placing our district among the top 10 in North Carolina!

That number represents more than diplomas. It reflects the dedication of our teachers, counselors, administrators, support staff, families, and, most importantly, our students.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Graduation rates aren't simply a snapshot of senior year. They tell the story of student persistence, academic support, and success over four years.

That's something worth understanding AND celebrating!