
🎨🍷 Join Us for a Night of Art, & Giving Back! 🍷🎨
Mark your calendars for October 2, 2024! 🎉 From 5-8 PM, The Locals Art Gallery and Wine Bar in Surf City will host an evening of food, fun, and raffle door prizes, all in support of Pender County Schools!
💰 10% of proceeds from the event will benefit students and teachers in Pender County Schools. Let's come together to support our community!
Can't make it? You can still make an impact by using the link to donate directly to the Pender Education Partnership (PEP). 📲 https://bit.ly/3XiraFa
We hope to see you there! #OnePender


🚧 Shape the Future of Pender County! 🌍
Pender County is developing the Imagine Pender 2050 Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and is asking for your input! This long-range plan will guide our community’s growth and reflect our shared values and goals.
📌 What’s Included:
Vision for Pender County
Goals and actionable steps
Guidance for future development
Learn about the current plan, Pender 2.0, here: https://bit.ly/3XxYCsp
🌟 Get Involved! Your voice helps shape our future. #OnePender



🌟 Feature Friday: Bill Nelson 🌟
This Feature Friday, we’re excited to introduce Bill Nelson, our dedicated Director of Construction and Safety for Pender County Schools! 🏫👷♂️
Bill has been with Pender County Schools for nearly five years, playing a key role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community. He oversees playground safety, manages construction projects, and collaborates with local law enforcement and fire marshals to keep our schools safe. 🚧👮♂️
Originally from Carmel, New York, a small town north of NYC that's quite similar to Burgaw, Bill brings over 35 years of experience as a member of the carpenters union, including 25 years working in New York City. 🏙️ After retiring and moving to North Carolina, Bill sought a fulfilling new challenge, and he found it with us! He quickly knew this role was the perfect fit after his first interview.
What does Bill love most about his job? “The people I work with,” he says. “We all play such a big part in each other’s successes. I really enjoy the teamwork we have, not only within the Operations staff but also with everyone in our Central Office and all of our principals and staff. It’s very satisfying when we come together to solve issues and have a positive impact on our students and community.” 🤝
Bill also appreciates the friendliness of the Pender County community and enjoys hearing stories about its history and seeing the pride people have in their hometown. 📜
Thank you, Bill, for all that you do to keep our schools safe and support our community. Your dedication and experience are invaluable to Pender County Schools! 🌟#OnePender


🌟 Student Spotlight: Kendall! 🌟
Meet Kendall, a Kindergarten student at Penderlea School! 📚 Kendall was nominated by her teacher, Ms. Ashley Umphress, for her outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and kindness. Kendall is a true leader who knows all the rules and helps her peers without even being asked! 💫
Kendall’s positive attitude and dedication to learning make her a role model for all students at Penderlea. She’s a shining example of what it means to SWARM at Penderlea! 🐝
Fun Facts About Kendall:
Favorite Food: Donuts and sausage rolls 🍩🌭
Favorite Colors: Pink, purple, and teal 🌸💜🦚
Hobbies: Playing outside with her sister and going to the beach 🏖️
Pets: A dog named Rocky and a cat named Pete 🐕🐈
Interesting Fact: Kendall was born in a car because she couldn’t wait to make her grand entrance into the world! 🚗✨
Way to go, Kendall! Keep leading with kindness and setting an example for others! 👏 #OnePender


TEACHER TUESDAY - Ms. Roseanna Robertson, Preschool Teacher at Cape Fear Elementary School! 🌈
With 19 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Robertson began her journey in education at the young age of 17, working alongside a teacher in a private center. Her fascination with early childhood development and her love for working with children and their families led her to pursue a career in education. 📚 Most recently, she achieved her Master’s in Early Childhood Education, a testament to her dedication to continual learning and growth.
While preschool covers all areas of development, Mrs. Robertson’s favorite subject to teach is literacy. There’s nothing quite like seeing young children make the connection between a letter and its sound. She believes that early literacy is like building a foundation to a house—something that lasts a lifetime. 🏠
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Robertson enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, attending baseball and soccer games, and supporting her daughter in pageants across the U.S. She also has a passion for doing hair and makeup at local pageants and hopes to earn a cosmetology license to continue this creative pursuit on the weekends. 💄✂️
Mrs. Robertson shares her life with several beloved pets: Blue, a 10-year-old black lab; Charlie, a 2-year-old orange tabby cat; Gabby, a beta fish; and Carlos, the rooster. 🐾 Her favorite travel destination is Aruba, known for its stunning beauty and rich culture, but she also dreams of visiting Italy, Egypt, Scotland, and Ireland. 🌍
Guided by her teaching philosophy, Mrs. Robertson is a strong advocate for early childhood education and the importance of early intervention. She is passionate about bringing awareness to the vital role that early education plays in a child's development. Her dedication and enthusiasm make her a cherished member of the Cape Fear Elementary School community. #OnePender


https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JTegw6x71Mc
🌟 Feature Friday: Melissa Taylor 🌟
This week’s Feature Friday highlights a dedicated member of the Pender County Schools (PCS) community. Meet Melissa Taylor, the Media Coordinator and STEAM Facilitator at Cape Fear Elementary School! 📚
Melissa has been with Cape Fear Elementary for seven years, taking on many roles that support our school’s success. As the Media Coordinator, she helps foster a love of reading by sharing stories and recommending books to students. She also leads the Battle of the Books and Science Olympiad teams and manages all the technology in the building. 💻
Originally from New Jersey, Melissa moved to North Carolina 17 years ago. With a lifelong passion for teaching, she started as a dance instructor at 14 and went on to attend Monmouth University, where she double-majored in elementary education and psychology. 🏫 After exploring various career paths, Melissa returned to education, eager to make a positive impact on the lives of children.
What does Melissa enjoy most about her job? “I love seeing the excitement on students' faces when they find a new book or share what they've been reading,” she says. Her commitment to helping students learn and grow is clear in everything she does. 📘
Thank you, Melissa, for all you do for Cape Fear Elementary! Your dedication makes a real difference. 🌟#OnePender


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFUJh-WZ91E
🚌 School Bus Safety Day at Cape Fear Elementary! 🚌
Today, Cape Fear Elementary students from Kindergarten through 5th grade took part in our annual School Bus Safety Day! This important drill, conducted state-wide within the first five days of school, teaches our students essential safety practices when riding the bus. It's a great way to kick off the school year and ensure that all students know how to stay safe on their daily commute.
During the drill, students learned about key safety rules, such as how to safely board and exit the bus, the importance of staying seated while the bus is moving, and what to do in case of an emergency. Our amazing bus drivers and staff walked students through these procedures step-by-step, providing demonstrations and answering questions to make sure everyone felt confident and prepared.
We are committed to student safety in Pender County Schools, and this drill is just one of the many ways we work to protect our students. A big thank you to our bus drivers and staff for their dedication to keeping our children safe every day! 🚍 #OnePender


🚀 Student Spotlight! 🚀
Meet Derick, an 8th grader from BMS. His EC teacher, Ms. Nicole Forinash, nominated him for his kindness and dedication to following schoolwide expectations. Derick is a true example of what it means to be respectful and considerate. 🌟
By being kind and inclusive, Derick has made a big impact on his peers and shown the importance of treating everyone with respect. 🌍❤️
Get to Know Derick:
Favorite Food: Sushi 🍣
Favorite Color: Blue 💙
Hobbies: Playing video games 🎮
Interesting Fact: He has a passion for math! 📐
Thank you, Derick, for being such a positive force at BMS! 🌟 #OnePender


🏫 Burgaw Middle School is back in action! Monday marked the start of a new school year filled with promise and excitement. 🎉📚 Students were all smiles as they reunited with friends, met their teachers, and settled into their classrooms.🌟🎒 #OnePender






🏴☠️ The Patriots are back! Pender High School opened its doors on Monday to welcome students for a brand-new school year. 🎒🎉 From reconnecting with friends to meeting new faces, day one was filled with excitement and school spirit.
Here’s to a year of growth, learning, and making memories together at Pender High! 📚🏆 #OnePender










🎈 It was a joyful start to the school year at Malpass Corner Elementary! 🏫✨ Excitement filled the air as students stepped into their classrooms, ready to learn and make new friends. From big smiles to eager minds, our students and teachers are all set for an amazing year ahead!
Let’s make this a fantastic year, Malpass Corner! 📚🎉 #OnePender










#FirstWeekPCS #OnePender



With 24 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Bove has committed herself to making a meaningful impact in the lives of her students. She loves teaching social studies because it gives her the opportunity to show students why history often repeats itself, helping them learn valuable lessons from the past. 📚
One of her most rewarding moments in the classroom is when a student exclaims, "I get it!" This moment of understanding is what drives her passion for teaching. 😊 Outside the classroom, Mrs. Bove enjoys spending time with her family, playing golf, being outdoors, reading, and traveling. Her dream destination is Italy—a place she hopes to visit someday. 🌍
Mrs. Bove’s personal motto is, "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves," a philosophy that she brings to her teaching every day. ☀️ Her dedication and enthusiasm make her a cherished member of the Cape Fear Middle School community.


🎉 West Pender Middle School kicked off the new school year with a burst of energy and enthusiasm! 🏫📚 From meeting new friends to setting goals for a great year ahead, students and staff brought their best on day one.🚀✨ #OnePender









📸 The camera was there when the doors opened at Rocky Point Elementary on Monday... and what a fantastic first day it was! 🎒✨ Smiling faces, new friendships, and lots of excitement filled the hallways as students and teachers kicked off the new school year together. 🌟📚 #OnePender











Back to school Day 2! Grayson, 2nd Grade 2024-25
“Sad, Lonely equipment….until 3:30” #FirstWeekPCS #OnePender


Jude at HTHS #FirstWeekPCS #OnePender


#FirstWeekPCS #OnePender


First day! TAES 3rd & 1st #FirstWeekPCS #OnePender




Ms. Carroll (kinder teacher) & Emmi Rose and Brooks all sporting matching shirts for the first day of school! #FirstWeekPCS #OnePender
