Pender County Schools -

🌟 Student Spotlight: Ruben 🌟 Meet Ruben, a student recognized by Andrea Gingrich for his kindness, positivity, and incredible sense of humor. 😊 Ruben has a heart full of sunshine and is always looking out for his friends and teachers. Whether it’s opening a door, offering words of encouragement, or bringing laughter to the classroom, he makes every day brighter for those around him. At the end of each school day, he says goodbye to each of his friends and teachers with a big smile and an "I love you." ❤️ 🍽️ Favorite Food: Chips, eggs, and chicken 🎨 Favorite Color: Blue ⚽ Hobbies: Dancing, playing basketball, and hanging out with friends 🐱 Pets: A cat named Waffles 🤩 Fun Fact: Ruben loves to play dentist and even enjoys his own trips to the dentist, where his smile shines bright for everyone to see! Keep spreading joy, Ruben! 🎉👏

📚TEACHER TUESDAY - Jessica Feit, 4th Grade Teacher at Rocky Point Elementary!🌟 From an early age, Jessica Feit had a passion for teaching—so much so that she would come home from kindergarten and “teach” her newborn baby sisters and even her pets! 🍼🐶 As she grew older, that passion turned into a commitment to helping students, especially those who needed extra support. Her favorite subject to teach is math, where she thrives on witnessing that "ah-ha" moment when a difficult concept finally clicks for a student. One of her most memorable teaching moments was working with a student who struggled with confidence in math. Through a personalized study plan and encouragement, she watched him transform into a top math student—ultimately scoring a 4 on the EOG! Seeing students gain confidence and unlock their potential is what drives her every day. 🔢✨ Outside the classroom, Jessica enjoys reading, running, going to the beach, and dining out. She has recently taken up crafting as a way to unwind after a long day of teaching. 🎨🏖️ At home, she has two adorable kittens, Scout and Piper. Scout is the mischievous one, always getting into trouble, while Piper is more reserved—but both love their belly rubs and head pats. 🐱🐾 Jessica is also an avid traveler! Her favorite destination so far has been Madrid, and she’s looking forward to exploring Prague and Vienna this year. ✈️🌍 This school year has had its challenges, but Jessica’s personal mottos—"You're doing great, sweetie" and "Just keep swimming"—keep her motivated and remind her to take things one step at a time. 💙🐠 Thank you, Ms. Feit, for your dedication, passion, and the incredible impact you make on your students! 💛👏

🌟 CTE Month Teacher Spotlight: Middle School Superstars! 🌟 Today, we are celebrating our Middle School CTE Teacher Extraordinaires! These dedicated educators work tirelessly to expose our students to career opportunities, sparking their curiosity and laying a strong foundation for high school success and beyond. The impact they make in our classrooms is immeasurable—guiding students toward bright futures! 🎉 Topsail Middle School 🎉 💻 Mr. Collins – Computer Science 📈 Mr. Altergott – Business & Entrepreneurship 🏡 Mrs. Schlegel – Family & Consumer Sciences 🔬 Mr. Hewitt – STEM 🎉 Surf City Middle School 🎉 🔬 Mrs. Smith – STEM 💻 Mr. Northrop – Computer Science ❤️ Mrs. Keller – Health Sciences 📈 Mrs. Turner – Business & Entrepreneurship 👏👏👏 Thank you for all that you do to inspire, educate, and prepare our students for the future. Your passion and dedication make a lasting impact every single day! PCS is lucky to have you! 💙💛 #CTEMonth #MiddleSchoolCTE #FutureReady #OnePender #CTETeachersRock

🌟 Spotlight on Mrs. Jessica Sanabria Brown! 🌟 We are so proud to celebrate Mrs. Sanabria Brown, our incredible Business & Marketing Education Teacher at Burgaw Middle School! She is dedicated to helping her students develop professionalism and explore career opportunities. Through her hard work, she ensures that every student is equipped with the knowledge and skills to become enrolled, enlisted, or employed upon graduation. Thank you, Mrs. Sanabria Brown, for inspiring and empowering your students every day! 👏🎉 #CareerReady #CTEWorks #FutureLeaders #BurgawMiddleProud

🌟 Shoutout to Mr. Ken Smith! 🌟 We’re celebrating our amazing Business Education Teacher at West Pender Middle School, Mr. Smith, for his dedication to meeting students where they are and preparing them for the future! Through his Future Friday initiative, every other Friday, guest speakers visit his classroom to share career insights and inspire students.

🚍💛 Celebrating Our PCS Bus Drivers! 💛🚍 February is Love the Bus Month, and School Bus Driver Appreciation Week kicks off Monday, February 10! 🎉 Our bus drivers are the first friendly faces students see in the morning and the last ones to send them home safely each day. They navigate every turn, rain or shine, with dedication and care. 🛑🚌 Join us in saying THANK YOU! Drop a comment below to share a shoutout for your child's bus driver or a favorite bus memory. Let’s show them how much we appreciate their hard work! 💙💛 #LoveTheBus #ThankYouBusDrivers #OnePender

📸 LAST WEEK’S LUNCH RECAP! 🍽️✨ We served up some seriously delicious meals last week, and here’s a little photo dump to highlight some of the pictures we captured! 😍 We’re looking forward to another week of delicious and nutritious meals served fresh just for you! 😋 Stay tuned for more flavor, variety, and healthy choices coming your way! We can’t wait to serve up another week of great food! 🍎🥗🌯

Weekly PCS Newsletter - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/gVEfnAOZF9HbQ Have a great weekend!

🌟 FEATURE FRIDAY - Elizabeth Gardner!🌟 This week, we’re recognizing Elizabeth "Beth" Gardner, Executive Administrative Assistant for the Superintendent, for her kindness, dedication, and unwavering support of the PCS family. Beth is described as one of the most compassionate and welcoming individuals at Pender County Schools. From her first interactions with colleagues, she makes them feel valued, supported, and part of the team. Her ability to find solutions, encourage others, and brighten the workplace with her uplifting spirit is truly unmatched. 💬 Beth is ALWAYS willing to help find answers or a solution to a problem. She is an amazing listener and dedicated to her job like no other.” Thank you, Beth, for your positivity, hard work, and the kindness you share with everyone around you! 💙✨

🎉 Celebrating Our JROTC Instructors at Heide Trask High School! 🎉 This CTE Month, we want to take a moment to give a huge thank you to our JROTC instructors at Heide Trask High School! Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders and responsible citizens cannot be overstated. 🫡🇺🇸 Through their guidance, our students are not only learning the principles of military service and discipline, but also developing vital life skills such as teamwork, respect, communication, and problem-solving. These lessons are preparing them for success, whether they choose to enlist, pursue higher education, or enter the workforce. 👨‍🏫🌟 Our JROTC instructors go above and beyond every day to instill a sense of pride, responsibility, and confidence in their students. They are role models who lead by example, helping students understand the importance of integrity, service, and perseverance. 💪🏅 From leading physical training sessions to organizing leadership-building activities, our JROTC instructors are creating an environment where students can thrive—both in and outside of the classroom. They are dedicated to supporting every student, encouraging them to push past their limits and strive for excellence. Thank you to our incredible JROTC instructors at Heide Trask High School for all they do! Their hard work and commitment to our students are shaping the leaders of tomorrow. We are so grateful to have such a dedicated team of educators. Let’s celebrate their passion, leadership, and service this CTE Month! 🎉🎖️ #CTEMonth #JROTC #Leadership #HeideTraskHigh #FutureLeaders #ServiceAndDiscipline #ThankYou

🚨 Reminder! 🚨 High school families, don’t forget to join our Virtual Office Hours to learn about course options, college pathways, and academic planning! 📅 Schedule Link - https://5il.co/36nh6 This is your chance to ask questions and set your student up for success! See you there! 🎓💻 #OnePender 🚨 ¡Recordatorio! 🚨 ¡Familias de la escuela secundaria, no olviden unirse a nuestras Horas de Oficina Virtuales para conocer las opciones de cursos, caminos hacia la universidad y planificación académica! 📅 Horario: https://5il.co/36nh6 ¡Esta es su oportunidad para hacer preguntas y ayudar a su estudiante a tener éxito! ¡Los esperamos! 🎓💻 #OnePender

🎉 Celebrating Mrs. Hamilton: First-Year DECA Advisor at Topsail High School! 🎉 Let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate Mrs. Hamilton, the amazing first-year DECA Advisor at Topsail High School! 🌟 Her willingness to step into this role and take charge of the DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) program has been nothing short of inspiring. Mrs. Hamilton has embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and dedication, bringing a fresh perspective to the program. In just her first year, she has already shown incredible leadership, helping students dive into the world of business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and finance—skills that will serve them for a lifetime. 💼📊 Despite being in her first year, Mrs. Hamilton has gone above and beyond to create meaningful experiences for her students. From organizing competitions, workshops, and fundraising events to fostering an environment where students feel confident in developing and applying their business skills, she has set a high standard for the program. Her commitment to DECA is truly evident in the way she supports her students—whether it’s guiding them through competitions, encouraging them to think creatively, or preparing them for real-world challenges. She inspires them to become the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs by giving them the tools they need to succeed both in school and in the workforce. 🌱 Her efforts have made an incredible impact already, and we can’t wait to see how she continues to grow and develop the DECA program at Topsail High School. Mrs. Hamilton’s passion for teaching, combined with her commitment to student success, makes her a true standout advisor. 🙌✨ Let's give a big shoutout to Mrs. Hamilton for her amazing contributions in her first year as DECA Advisor. Her dedication is helping shape the future of our students in business, and we are so lucky to have her on the team! 🎉👏 #CTEMonth #DECA #BusinessLeaders #Entrepreneurship #Marketing #TopsailHighSchool #FutureReady #ThankYou #FirstYearSuccess #InspiringEducator

Student Spotlight: Abbigail! 🌟 Meet Abbigail, a 5th grader at Malpass Corner Elementary, who was nominated by Crystal Havens for her kindness, leadership, and empathy. Abbigail has a heart of gold and sees the best in others. When discussing a challenging situation with a classmate, she shared a powerful perspective: “We all don’t have the best home life… but we still have to respect them. It’s not their fault they are the way they are.”💜 She continues to lead with kindness and understanding, welcoming all her peers with open arms, no matter what they may be going through. Despite facing personal challenges, she always comes to school with a big smile and an even bigger heart. More About Abbigail: 🍦 Favorite Food: Ice Cream 💜 Favorite Color: Purple/Lavender 📖🎤 Hobbies:*Reading, singing, and spending time with friends 🐶🐱 Pets: 2 dogs (Zoey & Grace) and 2 cats (Hanzel & Felix) 🧐 Fun Fact: She has an 8-year-old uncle! Abbigail, you are a true role model, and we are so proud to have you at Malpass Corner Elementary! Keep spreading kindness—you make the world a better place. ❤️

YouTube link - https://youtu.be/x7ZxHEPHGEE?si=nbKjEMumaaL3wiIa 📣 Dr. Breedlove’s “Listen & Learn” Tour Stops at Topsail Middle! 🏴‍☠️ Dr. Breedlove spent the day at Pirate Nation, meeting with Dr. McNaughton and his dedicated staff. These visits are an opportunity to hear directly from those who make our schools great—our educators and support teams—who work hard every day to create a positive learning environment. But the highlight of the visit? Connecting with students. Dr. Breedlove believes the best way to understand what’s happening in our schools is by speaking with students on their level, hearing their thoughts, and learning about their experiences firsthand. Their voices help shape the future of Pender County Schools. Thank you, Topsail Middle, for the warm welcome and for sharing your insights! #OnePender

🎉 Celebrating Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Bland: Our Incredible HOSA Advisors at Topsail High School! 🎉 Let’s shine a spotlight on two exceptional educators who are truly making a difference in the lives of our students at Topsail High School—Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Bland, our passionate and dedicated HOSA Advisors! 🌟 Through their leadership, the HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) program at Topsail High School has become a hub of excellence, where students are not only learning about healthcare careers, but also developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in the world of health and wellness. 🩺💖 Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Bland go above and beyond every day, providing hands-on experiences and creating opportunities for students to dive deep into the healthcare field. From organizing competitions, workshops, and community service projects to facilitating real-world internships, they are helping students make important connections to their future careers—whether as nurses, doctors, healthcare administrators, or health educators. 🏥💡 Their commitment to engaging students in healthcare education is remarkable. These advisors are not only teaching the technical skills needed to succeed in healthcare, but they are also inspiring students to think critically, act compassionately, and work collaboratively. The impact they are having on these young minds is far-reaching—empowering them to be the next generation of healthcare leaders. 🌱 What makes Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Bland stand out is their heartfelt dedication to the success of each student in the HOSA program. They create a supportive and encouraging environment where students can grow, challenge themselves, and pursue their dreams in healthcare. Whether it’s through mentoring, fostering teamwork, or guiding them through competitions, they are always there for their students—every step of the way. 🤝 We are incredibly grateful for their unwavering commitment to shaping the future of healthcare, one student at a time. Let's give a big thank you to Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Bland for their outstanding work with HOSA at Topsail High School! 🌟 #CTEMonth #HOSA #HealthCareLeaders #FutureDoctors #Nurses #TopsailHighSchool #HealthcareEducation #ThankYou #MentorsMakingADifference #HealthAndWellness

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a delicious lunch today! 😋 Our made-to-order tacos, topped with fresh ingredients and paired with housemade fresh pineapple salsa, kickin' pinto beans, and a variety of fruits/vegetables, were a crowd favorite! Check out these snapshots from today’s service 📸👇—we love serving up fresh and flavorful meals for our students! If you missed it this time, don’t worry—Taco Tuesday will be back next week! 🎉 #TacoTuesday #FreshFlavors #SchoolLunchDoneRight #DeliciousEats #OnePender

🎉 Celebrating Mr. Odom: Cape Fear Middle School TSA Advisor! 🎉 Let’s give a huge round of applause to Mr. Odom, the visionary TSA Advisor at Cape Fear Middle School! 🌟 As the advisor of the only middle school CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) in Pender County Schools, Mr. Odom is truly breaking barriers and paving the way for students to succeed in the world of Robotics and beyond. 🤖🚀 Through his outside-the-box thinking, Mr. Odom has been able to engage students in innovative ways, sparking their interest in STEM and robotics. He is constantly pushing the envelope, encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills that will set these students up for success in high school, college, and their future careers. Under Mr. Odom’s leadership, Cape Fear Middle School’s TSA program has taken robotics to new heights. His dedication to providing hands-on experiences and real-world applications helps students develop critical skills that they will carry with them throughout their lives. From building robots to competing in challenges, Mr. Odom’s students are learning the value of teamwork, perseverance, and technical expertise—all while having fun! 🤖🛠️ His passion for student engagement and his commitment to creating opportunities for middle schoolers is inspiring. Mr. Odom is not just shaping future engineers; he is shaping future leaders! 🌱 We are so proud to have him as part of the Pender County Schools family. Let’s celebrate Mr. Odom’s hard work and dedication to our students and his amazing TSA program this CTE Month! 🌟👏 #CTEMonth #TSA #STEM #Robotics #FutureLeaders #CapeFearMiddle #InnovativeTeaching #OutsideTheBox #MrOdomRocks #CareerReady #ThankYou

🌟 Celebrating Our Amazing SkillsUSA Advisors: Mrs. New, Mr. Jackson, and Mr. Dixon! 🌟 This CTE Month, let's take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible efforts of three outstanding educators at Pender High School—Mrs. New, Mr. Jackson, and Mr. Dixon! 🎉 As SkillsUSA Advisors, these dedicated educators go above and beyond, working tirelessly outside of school hours to prepare our students for success in the workforce. They are shaping the future of Nursing, Carpentry, and Masonry by mentoring and guiding students toward career excellence. Their commitment is nothing short of inspiring! From organizing hands-on training to supporting students through internships, apprenticeships, and job placements, these advisors are truly making a difference in the lives of our students. 💪✨ Mrs. New is nurturing the next generation of Nurses, providing a strong foundation in healthcare and ensuring students are ready to make a difference in the world of medicine. 🩺💖 Mr. Jackson is crafting the skilled Carpenters of tomorrow, teaching students the value of precision, hard work, and craftsmanship in the building industry. 🛠️🏠 Mr. Dixon is laying the groundwork for the future of Masonry, guiding students to become experts in construction and design, building a solid foundation for their careers. 🧱🏗️ These advisors are not just teachers; they are mentors, role models, and champions for our students' futures. They create opportunities, foster growth, and help students achieve their career dreams. 🌱 We are beyond grateful for their dedication and passion for education! Let’s celebrate them and the amazing impact they’re having on our students during this CTE Month. 🌟👏 #CTEMonth #SkillsUSA #PenderHighSchool #AmazingAdvisors #FutureReady #CareerReady #Nursing #Carpentry #Masonry #HandsOnLearning #MentorsMakingADifference #ThankYou

🌟 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

🌟 Happy School Counselors Week!🌟 National School Counselors Week is underway, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional Pender County Schools counselors. Your unwavering dedication to our students’ emotional, social, and academic well-being is truly remarkable. From guiding our elementary students through their formative years to supporting our middle school students as they navigate adolescence and preparing our high school students for their future beyond compulsory education – your impact is immeasurable. Specifically, it is your ability to listen, advise, and empower our students that serves as a cornerstone of their success. Thank you to each of you for being the compass that helps our students find their way, the shoulder they can lean on, and the champion of their potential. Your work transforms lives and shapes futures. On behalf of Pender County Schools, I want you to know that we are profoundly grateful for your expertise, compassion, and commitment to excellence in education.👏Dr. Brad Breedlove #OnePender #SchoolCounselorsWeek