Pender County Schools -

At West Pender Middle School, students in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program recently took part in an exciting project that celebrated the achievements of famous African American inventors and entrepreneurs. Through research, presentations, and creative design, students learned about the groundbreaking contributions of individuals who have shaped industries and innovations. Each student selected an influential African American figure, such as George Washington Carver, Madam C.J. Walker, or Garrett Morgan, to study their life, accomplishments, and legacy. After gathering their research, students created informative presentations to share their newfound knowledge with the class. They highlighted key inventions, entrepreneurial achievements, and the impact these individuals had on society and their respective fields. In addition to the presentations, students used their creativity to design posters that visually represented their chosen figure’s achievements. These posters served as a powerful reminder of how these innovators not only changed the course of history but also paved the way for future generations of African American leaders in science, business, and technology. The project not only deepened students' understanding of the historical contributions of African Americans but also honed their research, presentation, and design skills. West Pender’s CTE program continues to provide students with opportunities to learn about real-world applications of their studies, inspiring them to think critically and creatively about the impact they can make in their own futures.

🌟 CTE Month Teacher Spotlight: Health Science! 🌟 This #CTEMonth, we’re celebrating our Health Science educators who are preparing students for careers in healthcare and beyond! 🩺💉👩‍⚕️ 🎓 Mrs. Dominique Faison-Lambe – Leading the way at Heide Trask High School, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in the medical field! 🏥📚 🎓 Ms. Jamie Garriss – Inspiring future healthcare professionals at Pender High School, providing hands-on learning experiences that make a real impact! ❤️🩹 These dedicated educators are helping students develop critical skills, industry certifications, and real-world experience to prepare them for careers in nursing, medical technology, and more! 👏 Join us in thanking them for their hard work and dedication to shaping the healthcare heroes of tomorrow! 👏 #CTEMonth #PCSCTE #HealthScience #FutureHealthcareHeroes #HandsOnLearning #CareerSuccess 🚀

VIDEO - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Pq1TdhKrWEQ ⚡🔧 VOLT Competition – Powering Up the Future! ⚡🏗️ The VOLT Competition is underway, and students are showcasing their electrical skills as they wire their projects from the ground up! 💡🔌 With guidance from industry mentors, contractors, and sponsors, teams are gaining hands-on experience in a high-energy, real-world setting. As inspectors evaluate their work, students are not just wiring circuits—they’re building problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and career connections. 💼⚒️ Internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities are on the line, making this more than just a competition—it’s a career launchpad! 🚀 ⚡🔧 These future electricians are lighting up new possibilities! 👏 #CTEforNC #PCSCTE #ConnectForSuccessNC

VIDEO - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wiopcIolu7E 🔨🏗️ PCS SHED Competition – The Heat is On! 🔥🏠 The 2nd Annual SHED Competition at Topsail High School is in full swing, and these students are bringing their A-game! 💪👷 With guidance from local contractors, mentors, and sponsors, teams are turning stacks of lumber into fully functional sheds. Today, precision and teamwork are key as inspectors evaluate progress and students showcase their skills in real time. Internships, apprenticeships, and even job opportunities are on the line! 💼⚒️ Beyond just building sheds, these students are building confidence, problem-solving skills, and a foundation for future careers in construction and skilled trades. 🚀👏 #PCSCTE #CTEforNC #ConnectForSuccessNC

🌟 Student Spotlight: Aden 🌟 Aden, nominated by EC teacher Nicole Forinash, is being recognized for his hard work and dedication in both academics and behavior. 🏀 Aden set a goal to play basketball this year, knowing he had to improve his grades and behavior to make it happen. Through determination and perseverance, he overcame academic hurdles and proved to himself that he is capable of great things. His journey is an inspiration to his peers, encouraging them to work harder in class. 🍕 Favorite Food: Pizza 💙 Favorite Color: Sky Blue ⛹️ Hobbies: Basketball 🐕 Pets: A German Shepherd 📺 Fun Fact: He loves to watch basketball! Way to go, Aden! Your dedication and growth embody the BMS Way! 🎉👏

Mike Taylor everybody!! Mr. Taylor is PCS's Chief Officer of Student Support Services and wears many hats - today he put on his Dr. Seuss one for kids at Cape Fear Elementary. #ReadAcrossAmericaWeek #OnePender

🌟 CTE Month Teacher Spotlight: Technology Engineering & Design! 🌟 This #CTEMonth, we’re spotlighting our incredible Technology, Engineering, and Design teachers who are equipping students with cutting-edge skills for the future! 🚀💻🏗️ 🎓 Quinn Corcoran – Teaching Python & Adobe at Pender High School, preparing students for careers in coding, digital design, and beyond! 🖥️🐍 🎓 Harvey Hill – Leading Engineering Design at Topsail High School, inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers! 🔧📐 🎓 Brandon Adams – Guiding students in the Adobe Professional Suite at Topsail High School, unlocking creative potential in graphic design and digital media! 🎨🖌️ 🎓 Maria Hamilton – Bringing ideas to life through Animation & 3D Modeling at Topsail High School, where students learn to create and innovate in digital spaces! 🏆🎥 🎓 Nicolas Graham – Teaching Architectural & Engineering Drafting at Heide Trask High School, helping students design the buildings and infrastructure of tomorrow! 🏗️📏 These educators are not just teaching—they’re inspiring, mentoring, and shaping future careers in technology, design, and engineering! 🔥 👏 Join us in celebrating their hard work and dedication to empowering students for success! 🎉 #ThankATeacher #CTEMonth #PCSCTE #TechnologyEngineeringDesign #FutureReady #HandsOnLearning #CareerSuccess 🚀

🌮🔥 Today’s Lunch: Doritos Walking Nachos & Seasoned Black Charro Beans! 🔥🌮 PCS Students enjoyed a crowd favorite today—Doritos Walking Nachos! Crunchy Doritos topped with seasoned taco meat and cheese for a delicious meal. On the side, black charro beans added a flavorful and protein-packed touch! We love serving up meals that students enjoy—stay tuned for tomorrow’s lunch! #OnePender #AramarkFeedsPender #SchoolLunch #StudentFavorite #WalkingNachos

🚨 One Week Left! 🚨 Time is running out! The survey to choose the names for our new Elementary and Middle Schools in Hampstead closes in one week—on March 4, 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. That means "Topsail Middle" will no longer exist unless selected in this final vote and approved by the Board of Education. Don’t miss your chance to help shape our community’s future—vote today! 🌟

🚨 The SHED Competition is OFFICIALLY underway at Topsail High School! 🚨 Our students are already nailing it (pun intended!) as they start building their sheds with incredible talent and teamwork. 🛠️✨ Plus, we’re excited to have 4 schools from across the state here: Topsail High School, West Brunswick, Croatan, and Bunn High Schools! 🔨🎓 A big thank you to the local contractors who are on-site to help guide our students, ensuring they complete their builds by Thursday! Huge shoutout to Connect for Success for organizing this awesome event and giving these young builders the tools they need to succeed—both literally and figuratively. 👏🔧 Stay tuned as these students from across the state work together, learn, and create something amazing! 🏗️ #FutureBuilders #ConnectForSuccess #TopsailHighSHED #BuildingSuccess #StatewideCompetition

Teacher Tuesday - Laurie Slezak, Rocky Point Elementary! 🎨📖 With 22 years of experience in education, Laurie Slezak has dedicated her career to helping kids succeed and be the best they can be! Her passion for teaching shines through in every interaction with her students. 🌟 Laurie loves teaching English and Art, finding joy in both creative expression and the power of language. Some of her most cherished moments happen outside the classroom—when former students recognize her, call out her name, and give her hugs. "Once my kid, always my kid." 💙 Outside of school, Laurie enjoys spending time with her family and relaxing at the beach. She also has a creative side and loves to paint and express herself through art. 🎨✨ While she no longer has pets of her own, she proudly claims her "Grandogs" as part of the family. 🐾 Laurie has a love for travel—having visited Ireland and Scotland, two places she adored. Next on her dream destination list? Bora Bora! 🌴✈️ Her teaching philosophy is simple yet powerful: "You can learn just as much from the students as they can learn from me!" It’s a mindset that fosters mutual growth and makes every day in the classroom an opportunity for discovery. Thank you, Ms. Slezak, for your dedication, creativity, and the lasting impact you make on your students! 👏🎉

🚨 FINAL CALL: PCS CTE Job Shadow Day Applications Due TOMORROW! 🚨 🌟 Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day – February 28, 2025! 🌟 📢 Attention 7th-12th Grade Students & Families! 🎓🚀 ⏳ Time is running out! Applications are due TOMORROW, February 26, 2025! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to explore future career paths through our Job Shadowing Experience from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. 🕗 How to Participate? 🔹 Find Your Match! Connect with friends, family, neighbors, or local businesses to secure a job shadow placement that aligns with your career interests. Whether in-person or virtual, this experience will offer real-world insight into your future profession! 💼🌐 🔹 Capture the Moment! Take a photo with a business representative during your job shadow experience. These photos will help verify participation and showcase your exciting career exploration! 📸👥 Important Dates: ✅ Job Shadow Agreement Due: February 21, 2025 ✅ 🚨 FINAL Application Deadline: TOMORROW – February 26, 2025! ✨ ✅ Job Shadowing Experience: February 28, 2025 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.) ✅ Employer Verification Due: March 14, 2025 Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, explore a career path, and network with professionals in your field of interest! 🌱 📽️ Check out this video to learn more: PCS Job Shadow Day - https://youtu.be/A_Qzjq1GRdU #PCSJobShadow #CareerExploration #JobShadowDay #FutureLeaders #CareerReady #PenderCountySchools 🚀

🤖 Cape Fear Middle’s Vex Robotics Teams Show Skill & Sportsmanship! 🎉 https://youtu.be/fLgOwuTphb8?si=UnY2ymQonfM4HpHp Recently the Cape Fear Middle robotics teams traveled to Durham for a regional skills competition, going head-to-head with teams that have been competing for years. While they didn’t place this time, one of the CFM teams brought home the 🏆 Sportsmanship Award—a huge honor that showcases their teamwork and dedication! Coach Paul Odom is incredibly proud of these students, many of whom just started competing this year. This experience gave them valuable lessons and new ideas to improve their robots, setting their sights on a potential shot at the state competition later this year! 🚀 Way to go, Cape Fear Robotics! The future is bright! 💡🔧 #OnePender

🔨 CTE Month Teacher Spotlight: Topsail High School Construction Instructors 🔨 This #CTEMonth, we are excited to spotlight Mr. Mark Munroe and Mr. Rifton Vann English, our incredible Trade & Industrial Construction/Carpentry teachers at Topsail High School! 🏗️🛠️ Mr. Munroe is dedicated to ensuring his students are OSHA and NCCER certified, giving them the industry-recognized credentials they need to succeed in the construction field. His commitment to safety and skill development sets students up for success beyond the classroom. Mr. English, a master craftsman, brings a wealth of expertise and hands-on experience, teaching students the art of precision, design, and craftsmanship. His mentorship helps students gain the confidence and technical skills needed for real-world construction careers. Both teachers are leading teams in the SHED Competition, which kicks off tomorrow at Topsail High School! 🏆 This challenge allows students to put their skills to the test in a real-world building project, reinforcing teamwork, problem-solving, and career readiness. Join us in celebrating Mr. Munroe and Mr. English for their outstanding dedication to preparing our students for the future! 👏👏 #OnePender #CTEMonth #CareerReady #TopsailHS #Construction #SkilledTrades #SHEDCompetition

🔬🚀 More Science Olympiad Success! 🚀🔬 Malpass Corner Elementary had an amazing showing at the Elementary Science Olympiad! 🎉👏 🏅 Aubriana represented Malpass Corner at the Regional Science Fair and earned an Award of Distinction from New Hanover County Edventers! 🌟 🥉 Evelyn & Nyla took third place in the Ramp and Roll event, showcasing their engineering and problem-solving skills! ⚙️🏎️ Way to go, Malpass Corner scientists! Your hard work and dedication make us #OnePender proud! 🏆🔬

📢 Celebrating Leadership in Pender County Schools! We are thrilled to see Dr. Sonya Oates, our Director of Elementary Education, featured in WILMA Magazine! 🎉 Dr. Oates is passionate about empowering educators, supporting school leaders, and ensuring every child receives a strong academic foundation. With over 20 years in education, she has dedicated her career to driving student achievement, fostering innovation, and strengthening community engagement. Her inspiring journey from teacher assistant to district leader is a testament to perseverance and dedication to education. 🔗 Read more about Dr. Oates’ vision and leadership in the full article: https://www.wilmamag.com/higher-learning/ #OnePender

📚🏆 Middle School Battle of the Books Results! 🏆📚 Congratulations to all of the amazing students who competed in today’s Middle School Battle of the Books at Topsail Middle School! After a day of fierce competition and incredible teamwork, here are the final results: 🥇 1st Place: Topsail Middle School 🥈 2nd Place: Surf City Middle School 🥉 3rd Place: Penderlea School We are so proud of all the participants for their hard work, dedication, and love of reading! 📖👏 #OnePender

🌟 CTE Month Teacher Spotlight: Topsail High School JROTC Instructors 🌟 This #CTEMonth, we are proud to spotlight Chief Eric Brown and Chief Joseph Solomon, our outstanding JROTC Coast Guard instructors at Topsail High School! 🇺🇸⚓ Chief Brown and Chief Solomon go above and beyond to develop leadership, discipline, and teamwork in their cadets. Through rigorous training, community service, and real-world skill-building, they are shaping the next generation of responsible citizens and future service members. From uniform inspections to physical training and leadership challenges, these dedicated instructors instill values that last a lifetime. Their commitment to excellence has made the JROTC program at Topsail High a gold standard for developing character and career readiness. Join us in celebrating Chief Brown and Chief Solomon for their unwavering dedication to our students and their futures! 🎉👏 #OnePender #CTEMonth #JROTC #CareerReady #TopsailHS

🏅 Elementary Science Olympiad Success! 🏅 This weekend, young scientists from across the district showcased their skills at the Elementary Science Olympiad at Heide Trask High School! 🧪🔬⚙️ 🏆 First Place Varsity: South Topsail Elementary 🥈 Second Place Varsity: North Topsail Elementary 🥉 Third Place Varsity: Surf City Elementary 🏅 First Place Junior Varsity: Surf City Elementary Congratulations to all of our future STEM leaders for their hard work, teamwork, and problem-solving! We are proud of you! 🎉👏 #OnePender

A packed house at Heide Trask High School today for the Elementary School Science Olympiad! Future scientists from across Pender County showcasing their curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a series of exciting STEM challenges. With the support of their teachers and volunteers, these young minds explored engineering, physics, biology, and more—all while having a blast! #OnePender