Leesville Road Elementary School in Wake County held a celebration Monday after the school met end-of-year assessment benchmarks, according to a post from Wake County Public Schools.

The school reported that for the past 13 years, Principal Ari Cohen has promised students he would shave his beard if the school hit specific proficiency targets. K-2 students were required to reach at least 85% composite proficiency on mClass assessments, which measure literacy and math skills. Students in grades 3-5 were required to reach at least 85% composite proficiency on End-of-Grade tests in reading, math and science.

This year, the school said it met the targets. It reported K-2 students achieved a 92.6% mClass proficiency rate, and grades 3-5 earned an 85.6% composite proficiency rate on EOGs. The post also said the statewide average EOG/EOC proficiency rate was 55% in 2024-25.

As promised, Principal Cohen shaved off the beard he has worn for 37 years in front of a gym full of cheering students and staff, the post said. The celebration was described as recognizing the hard work and dedication of the entire Leesville Road Elementary community.

Garner, NC

Heritage High Class of 2026 Graduates Receive Diplomas

Wake County Public Schools said the Heritage High Class of 2026 walked across the stage last week to receive diplomas. The district congratulated the seniors and wished them luck in their next chapter.

Wake County SHARE Program Expands to 10 More Schools

Wake County Public Schools says its SHARE (Stop Hunger and Restore Earth) Program is expanding to 10 additional schools for the 2026-27 school year. After the additions, SHARE will operate in 47 schools.

Wake County invites residents to foster care event

Wake County Government posted an invitation for a morning of movement and learning about ways to support foster care. The post encourages people to “break out your sneakers.”

Wake County seeks HealthLit4Wake mini grant applications

Wake County Government said applications for 2026 HealthLit4Wake mini grants are open. The application deadline is June 30.

Wake County cheers Stanley Cup parade turnout

Wake County Government posted that about 100,000 people turned out as the Carolina Hurricanes parade spread red and black through downtown Raleigh. The post also said sirens sounded and David Ellis wore a cape for the day.

Wake County seeks applications for 2026 HealthLit4Wake mini grants

Wake County Government said less than two weeks remain for organizations to apply for the 2026 HealthLit4Wake mini grants. The grants range from $10,000 to $50,000.

Wake County schools tout Hurricanes Stanley Cup parade route

Wake County Public Schools congratulated the Carolina Hurricanes for winning the Stanley Cup. It said tomorrow’s parade route will pass near Wiley Elementary, Broughton High, and Partnership Elementary.

Wake County points to Juneteenth closure schedule

Wake County Government asked people to check its holiday schedule for updates on Juneteenth closures for today. Details are posted at wake.gov/holidays.

Wake County Marks Juneteenth With Month of Events

Wake County Government said it honors Juneteenth with a month of educational and celebratory events led by county libraries and parks. The post notes that Wake County became the first county in North Carolina to recognize Juneteenth as an employee holiday in 2021 after a unanimous vote.

Wake County Board of Elections Closes for Juneteenth

The Wake County Board of Elections will be closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth. Normal business hours will resume Monday, June 22.