Lincoln County School District #2

Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!

There is something special about the beginning of a new school year. It brings with it a renewed sense of hope, fresh opportunities, and the excitement of new beginnings. Whether you are walking into one of our schools for the very first time or returning for another year, we are thrilled to welcome you back to Lincoln County School District #2.

Our students are the reason we are here, and every day presents an opportunity to inspire curiosity, encourage growth, and help each child discover their unique potential. To our students, know that this year is filled with possibilities. Challenge yourself to learn something new, to serve others, to build meaningful relationships, and to become the very best version of yourself. Success is not measured only by grades or achievements, it is found in the daily commitment to grow, persevere, and strive for excellence.

To our teachers and support staff, thank you for the incredible difference you make in the lives of our students. Your passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment create learning environments where children feel valued, supported, and inspired. The investment you make each day extends far beyond the classroom and leaves a lasting impact on generations to come.

To our parents and families, thank you for entrusting us with your greatest treasures. We recognize that education is most successful when schools and families work together in partnerships. Your encouragement, involvement, and support are essential to helping every student thrive.

To our Board of Trustees, community members, business partners, and stakeholders, thank you for your continued confidence in our schools and your unwavering support of public education. Together, we create opportunities that prepare students not only for graduation, but for meaningful lives of purpose, service, and lifelong learning.

Respectfully,

Matt Erickson, Superintendent, Lincoln County School District #2 

Star Valley High School

Star Valley High School Students, Parents, and Community:

We are sincerely looking forward to another school year! We are so excited to announce that school starts on August 20!  Here at the high school, we continue to strive to achieve our vision of helping every student “Bravely Prepare for Success at the Next Level”. Last year was amazing and we anticipate this year to be just as awesome. SVHS has a rich tradition of excellence in academics, activities, and athletics with many opportunities for our students.  We are grateful for our staff and their diligence in staying ahead of all the newest innovations with the art and science of teaching kids. Our students are among the very best in the nation and we truly believe that their efforts and dedication to their own education are inspiring and a reflection of their parents and this great community.  The student council theme this year is “Make Your Own Odds”. We hope everyone seeks to give their all to one another and this great school!

Our daily schedule will be the same as last year with first period class beginning at 8:10 a.m. and students being released after sixth period at 3:40 p.m.  Please prepare to be prompt and on time!  We will continue to offer Academic Support on Tuesday and Friday mornings in an effort to additionally support students.  This will run from 8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m. followed by 1st period. The best advice we can give to students is to be where you are supposed to be and do what you are asked to do, enjoy your time here as four years will quickly pass by. Finally, please, please Choose to be Kind, get involved, and have a fun year.   It’s going to be amazing!

Go Braves!

Star Valley High School Administration

Swift Creek High School

We are so excited to welcome back our returning Creekers and make new friends with our incoming students at Swift Creek High! This year will be one for the books as we work together to build your future. Our theme this year is “Discover Your Why”, and our mission will be to begin to answer the questions of why we do hard things, why we push through our struggles, and why we want to finish school. Swift Creek High School is a special place, because we focus not on the past but on the present and look towards the future. We believe that each day gives us a fresh start. If yesterday wasn’t great, that doesn’t mean that today can’t be. Look deep within and find your “why” to keep going and to be successful. We believe that every person can bring value and anyone can overcome the odds to be successful. We look forward to having you back with us! This place has been so weird without you!

David Cazier, Principal, Swift Creek High School/Bridges to Independence Academy

Cokeville Schools

As we begin a new school year at Cokeville Schools, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to all of our students, parents, and families. The start of a new year is always filled with excitement, anticipation, and endless possibilities. We are eager to welcome our students back and begin another year of learning, growth, and achievement together.

Our dedicated teachers and staff have been preparing for your return, creating meaningful academic opportunities and engaging experiences that will challenge students to think critically, work collaboratively, and discover their unique strengths. Beyond the classroom, students will have opportunities to participate in athletics, music, fine arts, leadership, career and technical education, clubs, and service activities that help develop confidence, character, and lifelong skills.

At Cokeville Schools, we believe education is about even more than earning good grades. It is about helping every student grow academically, socially, emotionally, and personally while preparing them for success at the next level. We look forward to celebrating accomplishments, overcoming challenges together, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we will make this an outstanding year of learning, growth, and opportunity for every student. Welcome back, and let’s make this our best year yet!

Kenneth Dietz, Principal, Cokeville Schools K-12

Star Valley Middle School

Star Valley Middle School Students,

I hope you are having an incredible summer! As another school year approaches, I wanted to take a moment to tell you how excited we are to welcome you to Star Valley Middle School.

Before school begins, I encourage you to enjoy every remaining day of your summer. Spend time with your family, make memories with your friends, explore the outdoors, and take advantage of the opportunities this season brings. These moments are important, and I hope you return to school refreshed, energized, and ready for a great year.

As you prepare for the first day of school, I want to remind you of what it means to be a Warrior. At Star Valley Middle School, we believe in The Warrior Way. Being a Warrior means treating others with kindness and respect, choosing to do what is right, working hard even when things are challenging, and making our school a place where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Each of you plays an important role in creating a positive school culture, and I know you will represent our school with pride both inside and outside the classroom.

As you begin your back-to-school shopping, please be aware that our dress code has been updated for the upcoming school year. We encourage you and your parents to review the new guidelines before purchasing school clothes, so you are prepared for a successful start to the year.

We have been working hard to prepare for another outstanding year filled with learning, growth, friendships, and new opportunities. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish this year.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, stay safe, and make the most of these last few days. I am looking forward to seeing your smiling faces, hearing your stories, and welcoming you back into the hallways of Star Valley Middle School.

Jake Rich, Principal, Star Valley Middle School

Afton Elementary

Welcome Back, Little Chiefs!

The staff at Afton Elementary is excited to welcome our Little Chiefs back for another year of learning, growth, and fun! The beginning of a new school year brings fresh opportunities, new friendships, and exciting experiences, and we can’t wait to see our classrooms and hallways filled with smiling faces once again.

This year our students and staff will continue building the positive culture that makes Afton Elementary so special through our House System. More than just teams, we want our houses to be like school families where students encourage one another, celebrate successes, serve others, and create lasting friendships across all grade levels. Our incoming kindergarten students and students in other grades who are new to Afton Elementary will take part in the House Sorting Ceremony—early this fall, where they will discover the house that will become their school family throughout their early elementary years.

As Little Chiefs, we strive every day to be safe, be respectful, be responsible, and achieve success by doing our very best. We are proud of the culture we’ve built together and are excited to welcome our newest students into it.

Last year, Afton Elementary continued a tradition of excellence by being recognized as one of only seven elementary schools in Wyoming to exceed state expectations for three consecutive years. While we’re proud of that accomplishment, we’re even more proud of the caring students, dedicated staff, and supportive families who make our school such a special place to learn.

Here’s to another amazing year of learning, laughter, and Little Chief pride. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back!

Danny Robinson, Principal, Afton Elementary School

Etna Elementary

As Etna Elementary begins a new school year, we are embracing the Spirit of the Mustang. At Etna, the Mustang represents strength, courage, resilience, independence, and curiosity, while also reminding us of the importance of looking out for one another. We will encourage our students to take chances, ask questions, think for themselves, and keep going when things get hard. We will also remember that our staff, families, and community are all part of this herd. We may bring different strengths, ideas, and perspectives, but we share a common purpose: supporting our students and helping them grow. We are excited to welcome our students back and begin another year of learning, growing, and discovering what the Spirit of the Mustang will mean for Etna Elementary. We are Mustangs. We are banded together. And together, we are stronger.

Your partner in education,

Crystal Engen, Principal, Etna Elementary School 

Thayne Elementary

Greetings from Thayne Elementary School! We are thrilled for what’s in store for the new school year as we learn and grow together! We are welcoming some new teachers and staff members and appreciate the expertise and positive energy they will bring to our school. To our fantastic students, new and returning — get ready to make new friends, learn new things, and have plenty of new growing experiences as we begin a new learning adventure! We are super excited to have each of you as part of our team here at Thayne Elementary. Go Huskies!

Important Information for Thayne Elementary:

August 18, 4:00 – 6:00 Back to School Night

August 20 – First day of school for grades 1-3

August 24 – First half day of school for Kindergartners (11:45 release time)

August 25 – Half day for Kindergartners (11:45 release time) Kindergarten will begin full school days on August 26

Daniel Barnes, Principal, Thayne Elementary School 

Osmond Elementary

As the principal of Osmond Elementary, I am excited to welcome all of our Cougar students, families, and staff back for another outstanding year of learning, growth, and adventure. This year’s theme, “Finding True North,” reminds us that every student and every adult has a destination worth pursuing. Along the way, we’ll all make mistakes and encounter challenges, but those moments don’t mean we’re lost. Instead, they are opportunities to pause, make adjustments, learn, and continue moving toward success. At Osmond Elementary, we are committed to helping every child discover their potential while building the confidence and resilience to stay on course. We invite all families to join us for Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 18, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. We can’t wait to reconnect with our returning families, welcome those who are new to our school, and begin another incredible year as Osmond Cougars!

Sincerely,

Tyler Jack, Principal, Osmond Elementary School