Principal Spotlight: Avery Ellington 🌟👩🏫
In celebration of National Principal Month, we are thrilled to spotlight Avery Ellington, who has been leading her school for 9 years and has an impressive 23 years of experience in education! 📚✨ A proud graduate of UNC Wilmington, Avery enjoys reading, listening to music, and traveling in her free time 🌍🎶📖.
A lover of psychological thrillers and detective series, Avery finds it hard to choose just one favorite book 📖🔍. When it comes to food, she’s equally diverse in her tastes, but if she had to pick one cuisine to eat forever, it would be Mexican 🌮. Before becoming an educator, she volunteered in a nursing home at 15 and worked at a retirement community during high school—showing her care for people of all ages ❤️.
Avery has a passion for decorating and hosting gatherings, and when she has the time, she loves to cook and entertain 🏡🍽️. Music is another love of hers, and like her book preferences, she enjoys a wide variety depending on her mood 🎵. Her go-to pizza topping? Sausage! 🍕 She also finds joy in the simple things, like reading and spending time with her close-knit family, who all live within 20 minutes of one another 👨👩👧.
One of Avery’s most memorable career moments came when a student once told her, "You are not black or white. You love every one of us and want the best for all of us." 💕 This moment encapsulates her dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all students. Her inspiration to become an educator began with her 3rd-grade teacher, and she knew from an early age that this was her calling 📚🍎.
What does Avery enjoy most about her current school? The family atmosphere and teamwork that makes every day special 🤗. Her favorite school tradition is "Read Across America Week," a celebration that brings the joy of reading to life for her students! 📚🇺🇸
We are so thankful for dedicated leaders like Avery Ellington, who inspire and uplift their school communities every day! 🌟👏
🍻 Join us for a great cause! 🎉
Come out to Burgaw Brewing on October 22nd and enjoy some amazing drinks while supporting local education! 🍺✨ 10% of the proceeds from the day will benefit the Pender Education Partnership (PEP), helping us continue to provide valuable resources and opportunities for students and teachers in Pender County Schools. 📚🍎
See you there! 👏
📢 Support Pender Education Partnership (PEP) Today! 🍽️
Join us today, Monday, October 21, 2024, at Buffalo Wild Wings (206 Eastwood Road, Wilmington) for a delicious way to give back! From 4-9pm, 15% of your total bill—dine-in or takeout—will be donated to PEP to support educational programs in our schools.
✅ Don't forget: Present the graphic in this post (the Buffalo Wild Wings tickets) for PEP to receive the donation.
Thank you for your support! #OnePender
🚍 It’s National School Bus Safety Week! 🚸
Whether you’re a driver, parent, or student, remember these tips:
🔶 Stop for buses with flashing red lights
🔶 Slow down in school zones
🔶 Stay alert at bus stops
Together, we can ensure a safe trip for everyone. 🛑
🌟 Feature Friday: Glenn Rogers, Director of Maintenance 🌟
This Feature Friday, we proudly feature Glenn Rogers, our Director of Maintenance at the Central Office. Glenn is known for his exceptional leadership and hands-on approach, always working side by side with his maintenance crew. His dedication and commitment make him one of the most valuable assets to Pender County Schools.
Kristy Fredendall, a General Maintenance Worker, praises Glenn’s ability to ensure schools have everything they need and often go the extra mile to fulfill their requests. He has a strong relationship with administration and consistently exceeds expectations in every task.
Glenn's positive influence extends to his team, fostering a happy and supportive work environment. He leads by teaching and mentoring his crew, always maintaining a positive attitude and being there whenever needed. Kristy shares, “We are truly blessed to have Glenn as our boss and leader.”
Thank you, Glenn, for your unwavering dedication and leadership! 💛#OnePender
🎉 Meet one of our incredible first-year teachers, Emma Jacobus! 🍎 Originally from Union County, NC, Ms. Jacobus graduated from UNCW and is excited to join the team at Rocky Point Elementary. 👩🏫 She’s ready to make a positive impact on her students and start her teaching journey with passion and dedication! 🎒✨ Let’s give her a warm welcome to the #OnePender family! YOUTUBE - https://youtu.be/lMgh5qaL188?feature=shared
Topsail High School DECA is on the move! Over 40 students are competing in today's DECA regional event, with hopes of qualifying for state competitions this Spring. Huge S/O to DECA Advisors Maria Hamilton, David Lovette, and Deanna Taylor for leading the charge! Good luck!
Principal Spotlight: Dr. Alan McNaughton 🌟👨🏫
In celebration of National Principal Month, we’re proud to spotlight Dr. Alan McNaughton, who is in his first year at his current school and brings 17 years of experience in education. 📚✨ A true water enthusiast, Dr. McNaughton enjoys spending his free time swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, and wakeboarding 🌊.
A graduate of UNC-Charlotte, Dr. McNaughton is a fan of authors like Robert Jordan, David Baldacci, and Vince Flynn 📖. He loves using his smoker to make pulled pork and ribs 🍖, and his favorite pizza toppings are pepperoni, ham, sausage, and bacon 🍕. Before entering the world of education, Dr. McNaughton had an interesting job selling Kirby vacuum cleaners door-to-door 🚪. A fun fact: he was a college cheerleader and even appeared on national television in Daytona Beach 📺.
Dr. McNaughton finds joy in working with kids because of their curiosity and creativity, always trying something new. One memorable moment in his career was the board meeting when he was announced for his first administrative role 🌟. Now, he is grateful to work with an incredible staff who truly care about their students’ best interests 💙. His favorite school tradition? Staff gatherings where there's always great food involved! 🍽️
We’re thrilled to have passionate leaders like Dr. McNaughton guiding our schools! 🌟👏
Principal Spotlight: Dr. Michael Sasscer 🌟👨🏫
In celebration of National Principal Month, we’re excited to spotlight Dr. Michael Sasscer, who is in his first year at his current school but brings 21 years of experience to education. 📚✨ Dr. Sasscer began his educational journey as a NC Teaching Fellow at just 17 years old and earned his degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. 🎓 He enjoys surfing, baseball, movies, and spending time with his family 🌊⚾🎬.
A fan of Mitch Albom 📖, Dr. Sasscer loves cheeseburgers and pizza 🍔🍕, with garlic and pepperoni being his go-to pizza toppings. Before education, he worked at a tackle shop at age 15 and built relationships with local fishing piers to track what was biting 🎣. He also has an eye for art, inspired by his mom, and hopes to explore interior decorating in retirement 🎨.
Dr. Sasscer's career is filled with memorable moments of seeing students and teachers discover their joy for continuous improvement and achieving new heights 🎯. Inspired by his high school French and Calculus teachers, he dedicates each day to helping others realize their potential. He finds great joy in witnessing students excel in their talents and goals 💫. His favorite school tradition? Graduation, where students celebrate their hard-earned achievements 🎓.
We are grateful for leaders like Dr. Sasscer, who inspire and support their school communities every day! 🌟👏
🌟 Student Spotlight: Brinley! 🌟
We are proud to recognize Brinley, a 7th grader in Ms. Jennifer Medwick's Math class, for her incredible leadership and kindness! Brinley consistently goes above and beyond, staying after class each day to help tidy and organize the room—without ever being asked. 🌸
Not only is she helpful, but Brinley also shows up to class every day with a fantastic attitude and a readiness to learn. Her positivity and willingness to assist her classmates make her a true role model! 🌼
Fun Facts About Brinley:
Favorite Food: Tacos 🌮
Favorite Color: Yellow 🌻
Hobbies: Swimming 🏊♀️
Pets: Not yet, but maybe one day! 🐾
Interesting Fact: She plays tag every single day! 🏃♀️
Thank you, Brinley, for being such a bright light at school! 🌟
There has been a vehicle accident on Hwy 17 in front of Topsail Middle School this morning. No PCS buses were involved. The traffic is causing bus delays to and from the Topsail School District for the morning commute.
Pender County Schools CTE presents the Pathways to Careers program in collaboration with Cape Fear Community College. Early Graduates from each high school participated in an experiential learning opportunity at CFCC today students were able to be actively engaged with instructors and CTE programs of their interest, speak with admissions counselors and learn about NCWORKS programs. Our students are preparing to be Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed upon graduation.
🎓 The UNC System is excited to invite students, parents, and school counselors to a special virtual event focused on North Carolina's new simplified admissions program!
Join representatives from the UNC System and NC Community Colleges to learn about the admissions process and get answers directly from experts at the pilot campuses:
Elizabeth City State University
Fayetteville State University
UNC Asheville
UNC Greensboro
UNC Pembroke
Winston-Salem State University
🗓️ When: October 17, 2024, from 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm
💻 Where: Virtual via Zoom
🔗 Register Here! - https://bit.ly/4f5gvoe
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🎓 ¡El Sistema de UNC invita a estudiantes, padres y consejeros escolares a un evento virtual especial sobre el nuevo programa de admisión simplificado para estudiantes de Carolina del Norte!
Únase a representantes del Sistema de UNC y de los Colegios Comunitarios de NC para obtener información sobre el proceso de admisión y hacer preguntas a expertos de los siguientes campus:
Elizabeth City State University
Fayetteville State University
UNC Asheville
UNC Greensboro
UNC Pembroke
Winston-Salem State University
🗓️ Cuándo: 17 de octubre de 2024, de 6:30 pm a 7:15 pm
💻 Dónde: Virtual a través de Zoom
🔗 ¡Regístrate aquí! - https://bit.ly/4f5gvoe
Meet Sophia Foster, First-Year Teacher at Burgaw Middle! 🌟🍎
Sophia Foster is embarking on her very first year of teaching 6th grade at Burgaw Middle School! 🎉📚 Inspired by her faith, Ms. Foster is passionate about serving and inspiring the next generation to explore language and communication authentically. ✨✝️
Her favorite subject? English! 🖋️📖 She loves helping students grasp the beauty of communication—syncing words and ideas to create meaning. Ms. Foster’s goal is to help her students express themselves with heart and understanding through visual tools, real-world applications, and digital literacy! 🌍💡
Ms. Foster also has a unique accomplishment—she was a Wentworth Travel Fellow for UNCW's English Department two years in a row! ✈️🌍 Through this fellowship, she traveled to places featured in books she’d read, expanding her perspective and deepening her understanding of the characters. 🏞️📚
Outside the classroom, she enjoys contemplating life’s big questions, practicing yoga and pilates 🧘♀️, babysitting 👶, exploring small towns 🏘️, and being a coffee connoisseur ☕. She’s also a fan of thrift store finds and artsy projects! 🎨🛍️
Ms. Foster has a beloved cat named Isabelle 🐾, who’s a bit sassy and loves her flannel pajamas! 🐱🛋️ Isabelle often stretches out on Ms. Foster's lap like a little hot dog! 🌭❤️
Favorite travel spot? She adores visiting Hendersonville and Asheville, which always give her cozy fall vibes, no matter the season! 🍂🍁
Her personal motto? “What I am teaching, and every action to make my teaching possible, is for the profit of my students, for the upbuilding of them in every way out of love.” ❤️
Principal Spotlight: Jessica Bellflower 🌟👩🏫
In celebration of National Principal Month, we’re excited to highlight Mrs. Jessica Bellflower, who is in her first year at her current school and has 11 years of experience in education. 📚✨ A proud graduate of the University of Northern Iowa 🎓, Mrs. Bellflower has always had a passion for learning and teaching, knowing she wanted to be an educator from a young age.
In her free time, she enjoys reading 📖, trying new restaurants 🍽️, and relaxing at the beach 🏖️. A true sports fan, Mrs. Bellflower loves cheering on her favorite teams—The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cincinnati Reds 🏈⚾. Her favorite book is The Alice Network by Kate Quinn, and her go-to pizza topping is pepperoni 🍕. Fun fact: before entering education, she worked as a beer cart attendant on a golf course ⛳!
A memorable moment in her career was when she received graduation invitations from students she taught in her first year of teaching. It reminded her how much impact educators have on their students' lives, even years later 🌟.
Mrs. Bellflower is thrilled to be part of a school where the staff, students, and parents create such a welcoming and supportive community. One of her favorite school traditions is talent show night 🎤, where students showcase their passions and talents, revealing unique sides of their personalities that aren't always seen in the classroom 🎭.
We are grateful for passionate leaders like Mrs. Bellflower, who inspire and uplift our school communities! 🌟👏
Field Trip! English 2 students traveled to downtown Wilmington to participate in the Jewish Film Festival at Thalian Hall. They watched "Fanny's Story", a film about a young girl who led a group of Jewish children from German-occupied France to safety in Switzerland in 1943.
Freshmen visited the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital to learn about the special endangered species that live near our coast. They learned about the challenges sea turtles face throughout their lives, conservation efforts of the volunteers, and student internship opportunities. They got to meet some patients, including Kemp Ridleys, Green Sea Turtles, and Loggerheads!
🌟 Feature Friday: Michael Taylor, Chief Officer of Student Services 🌟
This Feature Friday, we shine the spotlight on Michael Taylor, our dedicated Chief Officer of Student Services at the Central Office. Mr. Taylor is recognized for his outstanding leadership in every role he undertakes. As the former Chief Officer of Operations, he consistently demonstrated forward-thinking and problem-solving skills that have greatly benefited our district.
His wealth of knowledge and experience from other districts has been invaluable, especially in the areas of safety and security for our students and staff. Bill Nelson, our Director of Construction and Safety, shared how Mr. Taylor’s collaboration and insights continue to make a positive impact on our community - "Mr. Taylor has given us all the positive reinforcement that it takes to be able to perform our duties, sometimes under a lot of pressure."
Moreover, Mr. Taylor’s leadership style fosters a supportive environment, providing positive reinforcement that empowers his colleagues to excel, even under pressure. Mr. Nelson emphasizes, "I cannot express how much I value his advice and leadership."
Thank you, Mr. Taylor, for your commitment to excellence and your unwavering support for our team! 💛 #OnePender
Principal Spotlight: Dr. Sonya Oates 🌟👩🏫
In recognition of National Principal Month, we are excited to highlight Dr. Sonya Oates, who has been a dedicated educator for 23 years and is currently in her 4th year at her current school 📚✨. Dr. Oates has pursued her studies at North Carolina Central University, UNC-Wilmington, Gardner Webb University, and High Point University 🎓.
In her free time, Dr. Oates enjoys reading 📖, singing 🎤, traveling ✈️, sitting outside ☀️, and watching movies 🎬. While she doesn't have a single favorite book or author, she loves them all! Her favorite cuisine is seafood 🦐, and her go-to pizza topping is spinach 🍕🌱. Before embarking on her education career, she had the unique experience of picking blueberries with her grandmother 🍇.
Dr. Oates is a talented singer and a master organizer, appreciating all types of music 🎶. A fun fact about her family is that they have six sets of twins 👶👶, which makes for a lively household! A memorable moment in her career was winning Principal of the Year, a recognition that celebrates her dedication and hard work 🎉.
Inspired by her mother, Dr. Oates is passionate about creating a positive school culture, and she enjoys the collaborative spirit and hard work that her school community embodies 🤝. One of her favorite events is Bingo Night, which brings joy and connection to families within the school 🎊.
We are grateful for leaders like Dr. Oates who contribute to building strong, positive educational environments! 🌟👏
