Teacher Tuesday - Mary Andrea Gingrich, EC Adaptive Teacher at Burgaw Middle School! 🌟📖
With six years of teaching experience, Mary Andrea Gingrich has dedicated her career to supporting students with disabilities in her EC Adaptive classroom at Burgaw Middle School. Her passion for this work was sparked in high school when she took an elective that allowed her to spend time in a self-contained classroom. That early experience ignited her desire to work with students with disabilities, and her student teaching at Malpass Corner Elementary solidified her calling to combine that passion with classroom teaching.
Mary Andrea's favorite subject to teach is social skills and communication. She finds immense joy in helping students—whether verbal, non-verbal, gestural, or using sign language—connect and communicate with the world around them. Watching her students care for and interact with one another is a constant source of inspiration. These moments, filled with love and compassion, are some of the most rewarding parts of her teaching journey. 💬💞
Outside of school, Mary Andrea enjoys spending time with her friends and family, soaking in the natural beauty of her coastal home, and frequenting the beach. Her hobbies include reading, taking cycling classes, and paddle boarding. 🌊🚴♀️📚
At home, she shares her life with Penelope, her loyal, sassy, and playful pug. Her love for pugs carries into her classroom, where she enjoys reading the Pig the Pug books to her students. 🐾📘
Her favorite travel destinations are places near the ocean, especially Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina, where she has fond memories of visiting as a child.
Mary Andrea lives by a personal teaching philosophy:
"All the little moments count. Celebrate all victories, no matter how big or small."
Her dedication to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for her students makes Mary Andrea a cherished member of the Burgaw Middle School community! 🏫✨
🎨✨ The Rising Stars exhibition at the Cameron Art Museum will showcase the creative talents of high school students from across Southeastern NC, including 10 artists from Pender County Schools!
📅 Opening Weekend: Saturday, February 1 | 11 AM - 2 PM
Highlights include gallery tours, a collaborative art-making station, and opportunities for students to exchange artist trading cards with fellow young artists.
We’re proud to see our students shining alongside peers from an eight-county region in this inaugural event! #OnePender
VIDEO - https://bit.ly/3PxAy46
🌟 Celebrating Science and Innovation in Pender County Schools! 🌟
On Monday, January 13th, Cape Fear Elementary School hosted the Pender County Schools District Science Fair, bringing together our brightest young minds! 👩🔬🧑🔬 Sixty-one students competed after excelling at their school-level fairs, presenting impressive projects based on science experiments or engineering principles. We are so proud of their hard work and creativity! 🌱🚀
A huge thank you to our judges from GE, PECHS, and the community for helping us select the winners! 🏆✨ These outstanding projects will represent Pender County at the Regional Science Fair at UNCW on February 15th. 🎉 Best of luck to our winners:
📌 The Heat Trapper by Emmalyn Brock and Abigail McMenamin
📌 Launching Marshmallows by Josie Coleman, Emma Outlaw, and Clara Trochelman
📌 Slime Recipes by Aubrianna Lewis
📌 Fruit that Browns, Makes You Frown by Lane Jackson, Weston McGowen, and Reyden Bryant
📌 Plant Power: The Impact of Soil pH on Growth by Carson Breisacher
📌 Macaron Time Machine by Claire Taggart
📌 Cold Wash Challenge by Audrina Loftus, Hailey Keller, Harper Henry
📌 Get Your Groceries Home by Julia Leasillagi and Brynn Powell
📌 A Whiter Smile by Gage Sierleja, Elijah Milbourne, Carter McKinley
📌 Cerebral Keyboard by Bella Porter and Frances Jane Wilgis
📌 Cold as Ice by Peyton Hunter, Ava Zimmerman, and Finley Nelson
📌 Which Dynamic is Faster by Joseph Watts (middle school)
Let’s cheer on these young scientists as they take their incredible ideas to the next level! 🙌✨ #OnePender
🌟 Feature Friday: Kayla Davidson, Digital Learning Specialist! 🌟
This week, we are thrilled to highlight Kayla Davidson, the sole Digital Learning Specialist for Pender County Schools, whose impact on our district is nothing short of extraordinary.
Kayla supports all 19 schools in the district, serving over 11,000 students and empowering more than 720 certified staff members to elevate their instructional technology practices. From training educators on tools like Google Classroom, Apptegy Rooms, Newline Interactive Panels, and GoGuardian, to providing one-on-one coaching, she ensures that educators at all skill levels feel confident integrating technology into their classrooms.
Her approachable demeanor, patience, and innovative problem-solving have made her an invaluable resource. Teachers and staff across the district consistently commend her for her clarity and dedication to addressing their unique needs.
Beyond her technical expertise, Kayla has created a ripple effect of positivity, fostering collaboration and trust district-wide. By empowering teachers to embrace new technology, she has enhanced learning experiences for students and strengthened the district’s reputation as a leader in digital innovation.
Thank you, Kayla, for your tireless efforts and remarkable contributions to our district! You’re truly making a difference. 🌟 #FeatureFriday
Today, we recognize and thank the incredible law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to keep our schools and community safe. Your dedication and service do not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for your commitment to protecting our students, staff, and families.
Thank you for all that you do! 💙🖤#OnePender
🌟 Student Spotlight: Nikky! 🌟
Nikky, a 6th grader at Burgaw Middle School, is being celebrated for her incredible kindness by her EC Adaptive Teacher, Andrea Gingrich.
Nikky’s heart is as big as her joy is contagious! She brings positivity and love to everyone around her, never letting challenges hold her back from living life to the fullest. Nikky’s uplifting spirit fills the classroom, and she is always there to encourage and compliment her classmates and teachers.
Here’s a little more about Nikky:
🍝 Favorite food: Spaghetti
💜 Favorite colors: Purple and Pink
🎨 Hobbies: Practicing on her Brailler, creating art projects, and spending time with friends
🐶 Pets: A dog named Jacob
💡 Interesting fact: Nikky has an amazing memory—she remembers everyone she meets and has never met a stranger!
Thank you, Nikky, for showing us the power of kindness and bringing so much light to your school community!
📚 Teacher Tuesday - Caroline Bonello, Teacher at North Topsail Elementary! 🍎
With 13 years of teaching experience, Caroline Bonello brings a passion for learning and a dedication to her students at North Topsail Elementary. Inspired by her parents, both retired teachers in North Carolina who cherished their careers in education, Ms. Bonello followed in their footsteps to make a difference in young lives.
Her favorite subject to teach is Social Studies, as she enjoys exploring history and witnessing how the world has evolved over time. American history holds a special place in her heart, and she loves sharing that enthusiasm with her students. One of her proudest moments as a teacher is seeing former students graduate high school and achieve success in their lives—a true testament to her positive impact. 🌟
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Bonello enjoys watching sports, coaching cheerleading, and spending time at the beach with her family. Her hobbies include reading and playing tennis, and she fondly remembers her beloved Beagle, Elvis, who was "the greatest dog." 🏖️🐾
Ms. Bonello's favorite travel destination is Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, reflecting her admiration for Elvis Presley. She dreams of visiting Spain someday to explore its rich history and culture. 🌍✈️
Her teaching philosophy is guided by an inspiring quote from Jimmy V:
"How do you go from where you are to where you want to be? You have to have an enthusiasm for life. You have to have a dream, a goal. And you have to be willing to work for it!"
Ms. Bonello's enthusiasm for teaching and dedication to her students make her an integral part of the North Topsail Elementary community! 🏫✨
🎉 Help Us Name Our New Elementary and Middle Schools! 🏫✨ We’re building a new elementary and middle school in Hampstead, and we need YOUR input! 📝💡 Help us choose a name for both the elementary and middle school that reflects the community, history, or geography of our area. 🌳💙 📋 Take our quick survey to: ✅ Select from suggested names ✅ Share your own unique ideas 🗓️ Deadline: February 2, 2025 👉 Click here to participate: https://forms.gle/cV11wSUob6iJxKyY6 *Please note that the current Topsail Middle School will later become a freshman academy, which is why 'Topsail Elementary / Topsail Middle' is an option on the form. Your suggestion could help shape the future of this new school for generations! 🚸🎒 #OnePender
🎓 Shoutout to the Pender Innovative Learning Academy Mid-Year Graduates! 🌟
Your hard work and determination inspire us all. We are so proud of you and excited to see all you will accomplish. Keep shining! 🌈 VIDEO - https://bit.ly/403C3M9
🎓 Congratulations, Pender High School Mid-Year Graduates! 🎉
Your dedication and perseverance have brought you to this proud moment. The Patriot family celebrates your success and wishes you the very best for the future! ❤️💙 VIDEO - https://bit.ly/3C2KOOA
🎓 Way to go, Heide Trask High Mid-Year Graduates! 💙🤍
Your journey has been one of determination and resilience, and today, we honor your incredible achievement. Titan Nation is cheering you on as you take the next step! 🚀 VIDEO - https://bit.ly/400MuQD
🎓 Congratulations to the Topsail High School Class of 2024-2025 Mid-Year Graduates! 🎉
Today, we celebrate your hard work, dedication, and perseverance in achieving this milestone. You’ve made your Pirate family proud! 🏴☠️ VIDEO - https://bit.ly/4iUyQHD
📢 Reminder: Mid-Year Graduation Ceremonies Scheduled for Friday! 📢
While you're enjoying the break, don’t miss the chance to celebrate our graduates at the Mid-Year Graduation Ceremonies on Friday, January 3, 2025:
🕘 9:00 AM – Topsail High
🕚 11:00 AM – Heide Trask High
🕐 1:00 PM – Pender High
🕒 3:00 PM – Pender Innovative Learning Academy
Let’s gather to honor the hard work and achievements of these students! 🎓✨#OnePender
Are you passionate about food and love working with young, eager minds? We’re looking for dedicated kitchen team members to join our vibrant environment where food and education come together! To apply, please visit careers.aramark.com
As we welcome 2025, we want to extend our warmest wishes to our students, staff, families, and community. 🌟
Here’s to a year filled with new opportunities, growth, and success! Let’s make this year our best yet! 📚💡✨ #OnePender
Final PCS Weekly Newsletter of 2024 - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/YBvycmp13GHi2 Have a great Winter break!
Pender County Schools Central Office will be closed the week of December 23rd. The office will re-open on January 2, 2025.
🌟 Feature Friday: Crystal Garhammer from Human Resources! 🌟
This week, we are excited to highlight the outstanding contributions of Crystal Garhammer, HR Benefits Support Associate, in the Human Resources department. Crystal’s exceptional performance and positive attitude make her an invaluable member of our team!
Crystal consistently goes above and beyond in her role, ensuring that tasks are completed with professionalism and a welcoming demeanor. She’s known for her hard work, dedication, and the outstanding courtesy she shows to everyone around her. Whether assisting colleagues, greeting employees, or welcoming visitors, Crystal’s approachability and enthusiasm create an inviting atmosphere in the HR office.
Her contributions extend beyond her duties—she fosters a positive work environment and is always ready to lend a helping hand, making our workplace more supportive and collaborative.
Thank you, Crystal, for all you do! Your dedication and kindness are truly appreciated. 🌟
🎓 Congratulations to Our Mid-Year Graduates! 🎓
Pender Early College celebrated its mid-year graduation Wednesday afternoon, honoring the incredible achievements of our graduates. 🌟
We are so proud of these students and their hard work, determination, and success. Their journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ll accomplish! 🎉
📽️ Watch the full graduation ceremony here: https://youtu.be/PUwJosIdlpo
