BMS 8th graders completed another milestone in the NC Career Development Plan by working on high school course planning. Ms. Harrell, PHS counselor, and Ms. Simmons, middle school career development counselor, joined Ms. Messick's classes to talk about how high school is different from middle school, tips for success, and to help students plan high school electives. They stored their plans in a high school career development Google classroom so the plans can roll up with them. Ask them to show you their plan!
🌟 Feature Friday: Courtney Bongiorno, School Counselor at West Pender Middle School!🌟
This week, we’re thrilled to highlight the work of Mrs. Courtney Bongiorno, the heart and soul of student support at West Pender Middle. As a school counselor, Mrs. Bongiorno doesn’t just do her job—she transforms it. Whether she’s offering a listening ear, creating comprehensive Career Development Plans in collaboration with CTE and CFCC liaisons, or leading impactful lessons on bullying, mental health, and academic planning, her dedication to students shines through every day.
Her ability to guide students through personal challenges and help them dream big for their futures is truly inspiring. Mrs. Bongiorno’s hands-on approach ensures every student feels supported and prepared to succeed, both in school and beyond.
And it’s not just her students who benefit—Mrs. Bongiorno is a pillar of positivity for her colleagues, too. As a member of the Climate Committee, she’s always finding creative ways to bring people together and uplift the team. Whether it’s planning a fun activity or simply sharing an encouraging word, her smile and enthusiasm light up the school.
Mrs. Bongiorno, your impact on West Pender Middle is immeasurable. Thank you for your care, and leadership. You are a source of inspiration for your colleagues. 🌟 #OnePender
This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for our incredible Pender County Schools family—students, staff, parents, and community members who make a difference every day. 🦃🍁✨
As we gather around our tables, let’s celebrate the spirit of #OnePender and the countless blessings that unite us.
From all of us at PCS, we wish you a joyful and safe Thanksgiving! 🧡
🌟Student Spotlight: Sophia🌟
Sophia, a 2nd grader at CF Pope Elementary, stands out for her kindness, leadership, and hard work. Her teacher, Ms. Katie Billig, describes Sophia as a positive role model who never gives up—even when the work is challenging.
Sophia’s kindness shines in her everyday actions. If she notices someone feeling upset, she’s the first to offer a hug, check in, and help them feel better. Whether assisting her teacher or classmates, Sophia is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her positive attitude and encouragement inspire others to persevere and make good choices.
Here’s a little more about Sophia:
🍗 Favorite food: Bojangles
💜 Favorite color: Purple
🏀 Hobbies: Playing sports
🐾 Pets: Bear and Daisy (her two dogs)
👩👧 Interesting fact: Sophia is a twin!
Thank you, Sophia, for being a shining example of kindness and determination at CF Pope Elementary!
WECT has named the Pender Patriots as this weeks All Star Team of the Week. The Patriots will host Gates County in the third round of the Class 1A football playoffs on Friday - https://www.wect.com/2024/11/25/pender-high-school-named-all-star-team-week/
TEACHER TUESDAY - Joseph Altergott, Career Exploration Teacher at Topsail Middle School🌟👨🏫
Mr. Altergott teaches grades 6-8 at Topsail Middle School and is in his third year of teaching. His journey into education began with coaching high school sports, where he discovered a passion for helping students and thriving in an educational environment. 🏈📚
His favorite subject to teach is Exploring Careers and Employment. With topics that change weekly, he especially enjoys seeing students interact with VR headsets to explore various careers. Witnessing their curiosity and excitement is a highlight for him. 🎮💼
Among his accomplishments, Mr. Altergott was proud to be named Pender County CTE Teacher of the Month last October. Another special teaching moment for him is when past students recognize him and take the time to say hello. 🌟
Outside the classroom, Mr. Altergott loves spending time at home with his family, watching football, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. He’s also a fan of both sports and video games. At home, he shares his life with Belle, a beloved Chihuahua. 🐾
His dream travel destination is taking his family to a football game in Chicago, a trip he hopes to make someday. 🏟️
Mr. Altergott lives by the motto, “Yesterday is over, focus on today,” a philosophy that guides his commitment to his students and inspires him to make each day meaningful. 💡
🌟 Feature Friday: Angelica London, Data Manager at South Topsail Elementary! 🌟
This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Angelica London, South Topsail Elementary’s amazing Data Manager. Ms. London is the kind of person who always goes the extra mile to make sure everything runs smoothly. Whether she’s handling her own responsibilities, stepping in as a front desk receptionist, or even acting as the school nurse, she’s always ready to help wherever she’s needed.
When the new Information Management System rolled out, Ms. London didn’t miss a beat. She dove into every training video and worked tirelessly to ensure all the data was entered before the school year even began. She’s also the first to collaborate with other schools to get student records where they need to be, making sure teachers have what they need to hit the ground running.
Her colleagues affectionately call her #emailMrsLondon because she’s the go-to person for just about everything. On top of all that, she’s a familiar face in the PACES after-school program, building connections with students outside the classroom.
Ms. London, your hard work, positive attitude, and willingness to step up wherever needed don’t go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do for South Topsail Elementary—it wouldn’t be the same without you! 🌟 #OnePender
PCS CTE "Fall Into Your Future" 8th Grade Career Fair is off to an amazing start! Our students are getting an invaluable experience with local employers and the opportunity to learn about careers! This ensures our students chances to become enrolled, enlisted or employed.
📢 Final Chance to Share Your Voice!
Pender County Schools invites YOU to the final Family & Community Strategic Plan Focus Group VIRTUAL MEETING. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of our schools and make a difference for our students and community!
🗓️ Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
💻 Join Us Here: https://bit.ly/4fCMxZw
Your input matters! Don’t miss this chance to help guide the direction of education in our county.
#OnePender
📢 ¡Última oportunidad para compartir tu opinión!
Las Escuelas del Condado de Pender te invitan a participar en la última reunión VIRTUAL DEL GRUPO de Enfoque del Plan Estratégico para Familias y la Comunidad. ¡Esta es tu oportunidad de ayudar a dar forma al futuro de nuestras escuelas y marcar la diferencia para nuestros estudiantes y comunidad!
🗓️ Fecha: Jueves, 21 de noviembre de 2024
⏰ Hora: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
💻 Únete aquí: https://bit.ly/4fCMxZw
¡Tu opinión cuenta! No pierdas esta oportunidad de guiar el rumbo de la educación en nuestro condado.
#OnePender
🌟 Student Spotlight: Cullen! 🌟
Cullen, an 8th grader at West Pender Middle School, exemplifies kindness, empathy, and openness. Nominated by his science teacher, Ms. Rosemarie Goyette, Cullen is described as a true Warrior who ensures everyone feels included and valued. Whether offering help, sharing a smile, or embodying the Warrior POWER values, Cullen’s actions inspire those around him.
Here’s how Cullen lives out POWER every day:
💪 Perseverance – Staying focused and working hard, even when challenges arise.
🫂 Openness – Welcoming feedback and striving to grow.
❤️ Wellness – Building positive relationships and fostering a supportive environment.
🤝 Empathy – Showing kindness and ensuring classmates feel respected.
✔️ Responsibility – Owning mistakes and making sincere efforts to improve.
Favorite food? Chicken 🍗
Favorite color? Blue 💙
Hobbies? Sports video games 🎮
Fun fact? Cullen is the second youngest among his siblings, and his family loves spending time together.
Thank you, Cullen, for being a role model and creating a positive, inclusive school community! #OnePender
⏳ Time is running out! The deadline to complete the PCS Strategic Plan Survey is Friday, November 22, 2024. Your input is essential to shaping the future of Pender County Schools. Don’t miss your chance to share your thoughts!
📝 Complete the survey now: https://bit.ly/3zY7Ll9
#OnePender
Bus 310 is running approximately 2 hours behind this morning.
Teacher Tuesday - Melissa Deal, 2nd Grade Teacher at Penderlea School! 🌟📘
Currently teaching 2nd grade, Ms. Deal brings enthusiasm and heart to her classroom at Penderlea School. Over her 8-year career, she has also taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, constantly inspiring young minds. Her teaching journey was sparked by her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kathy Sutton, at Burgaw Elementary (now CF Pope). Ms. Deal even had the opportunity to volunteer in Mrs. Sutton’s classroom during her time at Pender Early College, solidifying her love for working with children. 🍎
Ms. Deal’s favorite subject to teach is ELA, particularly basic reading skills. Watching her students decode new words is a highlight of her day, and she considers "Fundations" her favorite part of teaching. One memorable teaching moment was guiding her 3rd-grade class in a special project centered around a student’s love for the Titanic, where the whole class delved into a shared learning adventure. 🛳️
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Deal cherishes time with her family. She and her husband love exploring the world through their young son’s eyes, often visiting animals and discovering new places together. 🐾 She’s also a fan of old country music and enjoys attending concerts by legends like Willie Nelson and Travis Tritt. 🎶
At home, Ms. Deal shares her life with a chocolate Labradoodle named Dolly and five chickens—two of which were hatched with her 2nd-grade class! 🐓
Her go-to travel destination is the Blue Ridge Mountains, a family favorite they visit every year. 🏞️
Ms. Deal lives by the philosophy, “Meet them where they are and grow them! Every day you have a chance to make a positive impact in the lives of others, so do it with a grateful heart.” With this outlook, she continues to leave a lasting mark on her students and community. 💖
🌟 Feature Friday: Amanda Gillespie, Pre-K Instructional Assistant at South Topsail Elementary! 🌟
Today, we recognize Amanda Gillespie, a Pre-K Instructional Assistant at South Topsail Elementary, whose commitment has made a significant impact on her students and colleagues. Ms. Gillespie’s dedication shines especially bright when challenges arise. Recently, with her teaching partner Ms. Baxter out to care for a loved one, Ms. Gillespie stepped up without hesitation to ensure the classroom ran smoothly. Her hard work and caring nature ensures every child is engaged, cared for, and thriving, embodying the heart of early education.
Ms. Gillespie’s positive influence extends to her colleagues, making her a valued team player in the Pre-K department. Ms. Baxter expresses deep gratitude for her dedication, sharing how she seamlessly takes on additional roles and responsibilities with a supportive, positive attitude. Ms. Gillespie, your contributions to South Topsail and the Preschool Program are invaluable, and we thank you for all you do! 🌟 #OnePender
📢 Attention families! Don’t miss out on tonight's Family Focus Group for the Strategic Plan from 6:30 - 7:30 at Heide Trask High School! This is your chance to share your thoughts and help shape the future of our schools. Join us and make your voice heard!
📅 Check the graphic for all the details. We hope to see you there!
📢 ¡Atención familias! ¡No se pierdan el Grupo de Enfoque Familiar para el Plan Estratégico esta noche, de 5 a 6 PM en la Escuela Primaria Rocky Point! Esta es su oportunidad de compartir sus ideas y ayudar a dar forma al futuro de nuestras escuelas. ¡Únase a nosotros y haga escuchar su voz!
📅 Consulte el gráfico para todos los detalles. ¡Esperamos verlos allí!
🌟 Celebrating Wyatt 🌟
Wyatt is a senior at Topsail High School who truly embodies leadership and kindness. Ms. Storms, his culinary teacher, nominated him for his outstanding attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to go the extra mile. During their restaurant event, Wyatt stayed through multiple class periods to help, even volunteering to clean up afterward! His calm and helpful nature sets a high standard for his peers.
Wyatt’s interests include cooking, gaming, and building things, and he loves a good burger! 🍔 He’s also known for being a great problem-solver—a fantastic skill to have in culinary class and beyond!
Thank you, Wyatt, for showing what it means to lead by example.
🎉 At Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, Michele Simmons was honored by Dominique Bates, Director of Career & Technical Education, for representing Pender County Schools on the national stage! Ms. Simmons showcased her expertise in integrating VR technology into our Career & Technical Education programs at the 2024 TransfrXR Futures Conference.
Thank you, Ms. Simmons, for your innovation and dedication to advancing learning opportunities for our students! 🌟 #OnePende
🌟 Celebrating Career Development Coordinator Day! 🌟
Today, we’re thrilled to honor our outstanding Career Development Coordinators—Michele Simmons, Bevin Stokes, Brittany Davis, and Siobhan Fargo! Their dedication to guiding students on their paths toward fulfilling careers and meaningful lives is invaluable. Every day, they empower our students with the tools, insights, and confidence to succeed, whether that means entering the workforce, joining the military, or pursuing further education.
Thank you, Michele, Bevin, Brittany, and Siobhan, for inspiring our students to dream big and achieve even bigger! Happy Career Development Coordinator Day! 🎉 #CareerDevelopmentMonth #CTE
