Pender County Schools -

🎉 Employee Spotlight - Jenny Dixon 🎉 Jenny Dixon, an Occupational Therapy Assistant at MCE, goes above and beyond in everything she does. Loved by all her students, she gives 110% to support them not just in school, but in every aspect of their lives. Her dedication has an enormous impact, and we are so fortunate to have her as part of the OT team in Pender County! Her creativity and willingness to think outside the box make her an invaluable team member. Always the first to volunteer her time and expertise, Jenny’s passion for her job radiates throughout the department and the lives of everyone she touches. 💬 "Jenny continues to touch so many lives, and we are incredibly grateful for her commitment.” Thank you, Jenny, for your exceptional dedication! #OnePender

🚨 Exciting Update: PCS CTE Job Shadow Day Deadline Extended! 🚨 🌟 Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day – February 28, 2025! 🌟 📢 Attention 7th-12th grade students and families! 🎓🚀 On February 28, 2025, students will have the incredible opportunity to explore future career paths through our Job Shadowing Experience from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. 🕗 How Can You Get Involved? 🔹 Network and connect! Reach out to friends, family, neighbors, and local business partners to find a job shadow placement that matches your career interests. Whether in-person or virtual, this experience will provide valuable insight into the working world. 💼🌐 🔹 Send a picture! Snap a quick photo during your job shadow experience with a business representative. These pictures can be used for verification and to highlight your exciting opportunity! 📸👥 📅 Important Dates: ✅ Job Shadow Agreement Due: February 21, 2025 ✅ NEW Application Deadline: February 26, 2025 ✨ ✅ Job Shadowing Experience: February 28, 2025 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.) ✅ Employer Verification Due: March 14, 2025 This is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience, explore a future career, and connect with professionals in your field of interest! 🌱 📽️ Check out this YouTube video to learn more: PCS Job Shadow Day #PCSJobShadow #CareerExploration #JobShadowDay #FutureLeaders #CareerReady #PenderCountySchools 🚀

🍽️ CTE Month Shoutout: Celebrating Our PCS Family & Consumer Science Teachers! 👩‍🍳 This CTE Month, we’re giving a special THANK YOU to our amazing Family & Consumer Science educators at Topsail High School – Ms. Ava Dibiase & Ms. Sherry Storms! 🎉 Through their Food & Nutrition and Culinary courses, these dedicated teachers are shaping the next generation of chefs, nutritionists, and hospitality professionals. Their classrooms are filled with hands-on learning, teamwork, and creativity, ensuring that students graduate with real-world skills that prepare them to be enrolled, enlisted, or employed in careers that make a difference. From perfecting knife skills to understanding the science of food, Ms. Dibiase and Ms. Storms inspire students to develop a passion for culinary arts and healthy living. Their commitment to career readiness and hands-on experiences is setting students up for success in the workforce and beyond. 🍴👩‍🍳 Thank you for your hard work and dedication! PCS CTE is stronger because of YOU! 💙💛 #CTEMonth #OnePender #CulinaryArts #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed

🚨 CTE Month Shoutout: Honoring Our PCS CTE Public Safety Teachers! 🚨 This CTE Month, we want to give a huge THANK YOU to our incredible Public Safety teachers who are shaping the future of our students by preparing them to be enrolled, enlisted, or employed in life-saving careers. These educators go above and beyond, instilling discipline, technical skills, and leadership in the next generation of first responders and safety professionals. 👨‍🏫 Mr. Gooler – Heide Trask High School 👩‍🏫 Ms. McCoy – Pender High School 👨‍🏫 Mr. Smith, Mr. Bailey, & Mr. Kulas – Topsail High School Your dedication to hands-on learning, real-world training, and career readiness is truly inspiring. Whether it's firefighting, emergency response, or law enforcement, you are equipping students with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to make a difference in their communities. 🔥🚔🩺 Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for being the guiding force behind our students' success. PCS CTE is stronger because of YOU! 💙💛 #CTEMonth #OnePender #PublicSafety #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed

🌟 Student Spotlight: Sophia! 🌟 Sophia, nominated by math teacher Brandon Wieland, is being recognized for her academic excellence and outstanding character. 📚 Sophia is the epitome of a dedicated student. She consistently does her best, ensuring that her work not only meets but exceeds expectations. As a member of the National Junior Honor Society, a library assistant, a participant in Science Olympiad, and Rocame, Sophia exemplifies a passion for learning and helping others. She treats everyone around her with respect, always humble and polite, setting a fantastic example for her peers. 🌟 Favorite Food: Spaghetti 🌼 Favorite Color: Yellow 📖 Hobbies: Reading 🐾 Pets: 4 cats and 2 dogs 🖋️ Fun Fact: Sophia recently won a short story contest in the horror genre! Keep shining, Sophia! You're making a difference at TMS! 🎉👏

🚀 Exciting Opportunity for Pender County Students! 🚀 Are you looking to earn and learn? Consider the Pender County Future Leaders Internship Program – a paid summer internship designed to empower rising juniors and seniors by providing hands-on experience in local government! 🌟 📅 Program Dates: June 9 – August 6, 2025 💼 Location: Various local government departments 💰 Compensation: Paid Internship Through mentorship, skill-building, and real-world experience, participants will gain valuable insight into local government operations while developing leadership skills and career readiness. 🔹 Eligibility Requirements: ✔️ Rising junior or senior in Pender County Schools ✔️ Valid NC driver’s license ✔️ Minimum 2.5 GPA ✔️ Completed application packet (essay, references, consent & waiver forms) ✔️ Background check & drug screening required 📌 Deadline to Apply: March 14, 2025 This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain professional experience, build leadership skills, and make a difference in your community! 🌎 🔗 Apply now & learn more: https://5il.co/33i7o

Teacher Tuesday - Susan Mowrey, Topsail High School! 🌍📚 Susan Mowrey’s journey to teaching started when she taught English overseas as a temporary job. She discovered a passion for seeing the lightbulb turn on for students—and that spark has guided her career for the last 23 years! 💡 Her favorite subject to teach is AP Human Geography because it covers everything happening in the world. But, her family would argue that AP Psychology holds a special place too, as she often comes home excited to talk about the discoveries her students make each day. 🧠🌏 One of her proudest moments recently was working as a consultant with the NC AP Partnership, where she found a new love for teaching adults. It’s clear that Susan’s impact stretches beyond just her students! 👩‍🏫🌱 Outside of the classroom, Susan enjoys reading and gardening, and her green thumb helps her unwind after a busy day. 🌸 At home, she shares her life with a dog who has very strong opinions! She loves how her dog’s affection is a quick mood booster, but also appreciates how she knows when Susan needs some space—a true mental health check from her furry friend. 🐶💖 Her favorite travel destination is her hometown in Michigan, where she finds peace and nostalgia. 🌲 Susan’s personal motto is a reminder that “Daily life is life and it makes a difference to them.” It’s a philosophy that reflects how she views her role—small moments truly do matter to students. 🌟 Thank you, Ms. Mowrey, for the passion and dedication you bring to teaching every day! 👏💙

🔥 Fresh Flavors & Crunchy Cravings! 🔥 Lunchtime just got a whole lot tastier with our house-made fresh pineapple salsa—a perfect balance of sweet and zesty to brighten up your meal! 🍍 And for those on the go, we’ve got you covered with our grab-and-go nachos, packed with crispy chips, cheese sauce, and salsa for a quick and delicious bite. (Kudos to our STES cafeteria team for these beautiful images captured!) Let us know—are you team salsa, team cheese dip, or team both!? ⬇️ #FreshMadeFlavors #PineappleSalsa #GrabAndGoNachos #PCSLunch #OnePender #AramarkFeedsPender

Good evening Pender County Schools families. To borrow from The Smiths, stop me if you think that you’ve heard this one before. There is a chance we’ll be facing another round of winter weather that could impact our area. While it is too early to make an official decision, this weather system may affect after-school activities on Wednesday, February 19, and could lead to a delayed start on Thursday, February 20. Our priority is the safety of our students, staff, and families. We will continue to track the forecast and will make an official announcement as early as possible to help families plan accordingly. Please stay tuned for updates through our district website, social media channels, and direct notifications. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Have a nice evening. ### Buenas noches a las familias de las escuelas del condado de Pender. Tomando prestada una canción de The Smiths, deténganme si creen que ya la han escuchado antes. Existe la posibilidad de que nos enfrentemos a otra ronda de clima invernal que podría afectar nuestra área. Si bien es demasiado pronto para tomar una decisión oficial, este sistema meteorológico puede afectar las actividades extraescolares el miércoles 19 de febrero y podría provocar un retraso en el inicio el jueves 20 de febrero . Nuestra prioridad es la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes, personal y familias. Seguiremos de cerca el pronóstico y haremos un anuncio oficial lo antes posible para ayudar a las familias a planificar en consecuencia. Manténgase atento a las actualizaciones a través de nuestro sitio web de distrito, canales de redes sociales y notificaciones directas. Gracias por su paciencia y comprensión. Que tengas una buena noche.

✨We’re down to the Final Four name choices for our new Elementary and Middle Schools in Hampstead. You've helped get us to this point and we still need your help! 🗳️💡 🗓️ Deadline to vote: March 9, 2025 👉 Cast your vote now: https://forms.gle/iZWxdAyK5YrGRfF8A 📢 REMEMBER: The current Topsail Middle School will become a Freshman Academy to ease overcrowding at Topsail High School. This means "Topsail Middle" will no longer exist unless selected in this final vote and approved by the Board of Education. Help us make history and choose a name that reflects our community! 🌟

🌟 Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day – February 28, 2025! 🌟 Attention 7th-12th grade students and families! 🎓🚀 On February 28, 2025, students will have the incredible opportunity to explore future career paths through our Job Shadowing Experience from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. 🕗 How can you get involved? Network and connect! Reach out to friends, family, neighbors, and local business partners to find a job shadow placement that matches your student’s career interests. Whether in person or virtual, the experience will provide valuable insight into the working world. 💼🌐 Send a picture! Students can snap a quick photo during their job shadow experience with a business representative. These pictures can be used for verification purposes and shared to show the exciting opportunity you had! 📸👥 Important Dates: Job Shadow Agreement Due: February 21, 2025 📅 Job Shadowing Experience: February 28, 2025 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.) 🌟 Employer Verification Due: March 14, 2025 📈 This is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience, explore a future career, and connect with professionals in your field of interest! 🌱 #PCSJobShadow #CareerExploration #JobShadowDay #FutureLeaders #CareerReady #PenderCountySchools YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_Qzjq1GRdU

🌟🏆 Pender County Shines at the Regional Science Fair! 🏆🌟 Our amazing students showcased their innovation and creativity at the Regional Science Fair held at UNCW! 🎉🔬 A huge congratulations to our winners: 🏅 New Hanover Education Ventures Award: Aubrianna Lewis (MCE), Carson Breisacher (STE) 🔬 Future Promise Award: Joseph Watts (PILA), Frances Jane Wilgis & Bella Porter (TAES) 🎖 Honorary Mention for Science Fair: Carter McKinley, Elijah Milbourne & Gage Sierleja (SCE) 🚀 Exemplary Projects Advancing to State Science Fair in Raleigh: Harper Henry, Hailey Keller, Audrina Loftus (SCE); Reyden Bryant, Lane Jackson, Weston McGowen (PLE) 👏 We are so proud of our students for their hard work and dedication📸✨ #OnePender

🌶️🍲 National Chili Day Celebration at Pender High School! 🍲🌧️ Last Thursday, we embraced the rainy day with a warm and hearty bowl of our house-made chili—just in time for National Chili Day -- at all high schools! ☔🔥 Our teams crafted a delicious, comforting meal packed with rich flavors and just the right amount of spice to keep everyone cozy. #NationalChiliDay #HouseMadeGoodness #RainyDayComfort #OnePender

🌱✨ CTE Month Appreciation: Celebrating Our PCS Agriculture Education Teachers! 🚜💙 This CTE Month, we’re shining a spotlight on our incredible Agriculture Education teachers who cultivate knowledge, leadership, and hands-on experiences for our students every day! 🌾🐄🔧 👏 Tom Herren – Pender High School 👏 Joanna Rogowiecka & McArthur Mitchell – Heide Trask High School 👏 Emily Jameson – Topsail High School Through their dedication, our students gain real-world agricultural skills, industry certifications, and leadership opportunities with FFA programs that prepare them for success beyond the classroom. From livestock management to agribusiness and sustainable farming, these educators are shaping the future of agriculture in Pender County! 🌿🐓🚜 Join us in thanking these amazing teachers for their hard work and the incredible impact they have on our students and community! 💛💙 #CTEMonth #ThankATeacher #FFA #AgricultureEducation #PCSCTE #GrowingTheFuture

Weekly PCS Newsletter - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/pBv6cfwhZtJKb - Have a great weekend!!

🎉 Employee Spotlight on Joanna Boyles! 🎉 Joanna Boyles is the heart and soul of Topsail Middle School, going above and beyond for both students and staff. She juggles countless responsibilities with competence, humor, humility, and compassion. Last year, in addition to serving as assistant principal, she took on roles as testing coordinator, bus coordinator, and dean of students—all while leading the school in the absence of a principal. Her impact is felt in every corner of the school, from supporting struggling students to chaperoning the 8th grade field trip to Raleigh. She leads with trust, flexibility, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is best for students. 💬 “She trusts in us to do our jobs well and matches it with the conviction to do her own even better.” Thank you, Ms. Boyles, for your dedication and leadership!

🚨 REMINDER! 🚨 🗓️ Friday, Feb. 14 Schedule: 📌 No School – Traditional Calendar & Pender Early College (Teacher Workday) 📌 Half Day – Penderlea School Check your schedules and enjoy the extra time off! ⏰✨ #OnePender

🚀 CTE Month Spotlight: Dr. Mae Jemison! 🌟 Today, we celebrate Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space! 🛰️✨ A physician, engineer, and former NASA astronaut, Dr. Jemison’s passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) has inspired generations of students to reach for the stars. Her groundbreaking journey reminds us that curiosity, determination, and education can open doors to endless possibilities. 🌍🔬🔭 Let’s continue to encourage and support our students as they explore careers in STEM! 🚀 #CTEMonth #WomenInSTEM #FutureInnovators #PenderCTE

🎉 CTE Month Shoutout! 🎉 A huge shoutout to our Business, Finance, and Marketing teachers at Topsail High School—Mr. Huston, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hoch, and Mr. Durivage! These outstanding educators go above and beyond every day to equip students with essential skills for success in business, finance, and marketing. From teaching financial literacy and business strategy to guiding students in hands-on marketing projects, these teachers inspire innovation, critical thinking, and real-world application. Their dedication prepares students to become future entrepreneurs, financial leaders, and marketing professionals. Thank you, Mr. Huston, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hoch, and Mr. Durivage, for your passion, commitment, and impact on our students' futures! 💡📈📊 #CTEMonth #BusinessLeadersOfTomorrow #PenderCTE

📣 CTE Month Shoutout! 🎉 We are thrilled to celebrate Mrs. Delane Mitchell and Mrs. Alicia Watkins, the incredible Family and Consumer Science teachers at Heide Trask High School! 🙌💙 🌟 Mrs. Watkins is shaping the future by guiding our students through Early Childhood Education, helping them develop the skills and knowledge to nurture and support the next generation. Her passion for teaching and dedication to student success is truly inspiring! 👏🍎 🌟 Mrs. Mitchell brings creativity and real-world skills into the classroom, teaching Food & Nutrition and Apparel & Textile Production. Whether it's mastering the art of cooking nutritious meals or designing fashion-forward creations, her students are gaining hands-on experiences that will serve them for life! 👗👨‍🍳 We are beyond grateful for these two phenomenal educators who go above and beyond to prepare our students for successful careers and bright futures! Thank you for your dedication, passion, and unwavering support of our students. 💪✨ #CTEMonth #HeideTraskHS #FACSExcellence #CTEWorks #ThankATeacher 🍎💙