📣 Attention, PCS Families! Join us for the next SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee) Meeting! This is a great opportunity for parents of children with disabilities to connect, share, and learn about important topics in special education. We hope to see you there! Your voice matters! 📣 ¡Atención, familias de PCS! Únanse a nosotros en la próxima reunión del Comité Asesor de Padres de Educación Especial (SEPAC). ¡Es una excelente oportunidad para que los padres de niños con discapacidades se conecten, compartan y aprendan sobre temas importantes en educación especial! ¡Esperamos verlos ahí! ¡Su voz es importante!
Power has been restored to all of the affected schools. Thank you for your patience.
La energía ha sido restaurada en todas las escuelas afectadas. Gracias por su paciencia.
We’ve been informed by Four County Electric about a power outage currently affecting several schools in the Rocky Point area. The following schools are experiencing outages:
Rocky Point Elementary, Cape Fear Middle, Cape Fear Elementary, Pender Innovative Learning Academy, Heide Trask High.
Our teams are closely monitoring the situation, and Four County Electric is working to restore power as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
🌟 Feature Friday: Heather McKay, Math Teacher at West Pender Middle 🌟
This Feature Friday, we are proud to highlight Heather McKay, a dedicated math teacher at West Pender Middle. Ms. McKay consistently goes above and beyond for her students and colleagues. She not only creates and distributes valuable Advisory lessons for the staff but also steps in to support her West Pender family, whether through sharing materials or offering words of encouragement.
Kayla Cliffe, a reading teacher at West Pender Middle, emphasizes how Ms. McKay is always there to help and inspires others with her positive attitude. She sets a great example for others and encourages everyone to look for the wins, even in tough situations.
Ms. McKay’s contributions make her a valued part of the team at West Pender Middle. Thank you, Ms. McKay, for all that you do! 💙 #OnePender
Today is the day! Join us and afterschool programs throughout North Carolina to celebrate Lights On Afterschool! Help us shine a light on the impact afterschool programs are making – inspiring learning and helping youth realize their full potential. Share your support! #LightsOnAfterschool #AfterschoolWorks
Our folks are already busy helping restore some normalcy in Western NC - we're proud of the work you're doing!!
YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yV78N8Camo
Pender County Schools is honored to join 44 school systems in sending help to Buncombe County as they prepare to reopen schools following the impact of Hurricane Helene. We’ve deployed five of our own staff members to assist in this important effort. Having been on the receiving end of such support after Hurricane Florence, we know just how vital it is to have friends to lean on during difficult times. 💪🌍
As Buncombe County Schools expressed, “Words cannot express our gratitude and relief to know that we will have friends to lean upon as we welcome back our students and staff.” We’re proud to stand with them and all the districts lending a hand to ensure a safe and smooth return to school for their students. 💙
Principal Spotlight: Brittany Moore 🌟👩🏫
Brittany Moore has been in education for 11 years, with 2.5 years at her current school. She holds degrees from Guilford College and Grand Canyon University and enjoys traveling, reading, and event designing 📚✈️.
Her favorite book is Infinite Jest, and she’s a fan of crab boils from The Red Crab 🦀. Before entering education, she worked in medical records and as a PBIX operator for Cone Health. A hidden talent? Event designing!
Brittany's most memorable career moment came when she had the highest ELA test scores in her district. She was inspired by her third-grade teacher, turning a negative experience into a passion for uplifting students and communities. She also credits her former principal, Tanya Smith, for shaping her leadership path 🌟.
She loves the diversity at her school and enjoys the Proud Panther tradition, where students are celebrated each Friday 🎉.
Fun fact: Michael Jordan is her biological uncle! 🏀
We are grateful for passionate leaders like Brittany Moore, who dedicate their careers to uplifting and inspiring their students and communities! 🌟👏
🎉 Student Spotlight: Adalee! 🎉
We’re excited to recognize Adalee, an 8th grader at Cape Fear Middle School, for her incredible enthusiasm and participation! Adalee has been a standout student in Mr. Paul Odom's STEM class since 6th grade, always bringing joy and energy to every project. Whether it's Robotics, TSA, or the new Rocketry team, Adalee is all in!
Her dedication to STEM activities has even inspired her friends to join in, and she helped her TSA team earn 3rd place in last year's Robotic Skills competition. 🌟
Fun Facts About Adalee:
Favorite Foods: Spaghetti, Shrimp, Crab Legs, and Macaroni & Cheese 🍝🦐🦀
Favorite Colors: Green & Black 💚🖤
Hobbies: Drawing, Baking, Gaming, and Listening to Music 🎨🍪🎮🎧
Pets: None yet!
Interesting Fact: Adalee was crowned Queen of the Tournament at Medieval Times when she was almost 8! 👑
Thank you, Adalee, for spreading your passion and enthusiasm everywhere you go! 🌟
THS bus 310 is not running this morning. Bus 313 will be running late to pick up the students.
Meet Nicole Forinash, Resource Teacher at Burgaw Middle School! 🌟🍎
Nicole Forinash is a dedicated teacher at Burgaw Middle School, teaching Resource for grades 6-8! With 15 years of teaching experience, including 7 years in Pender County, Ms. Forinash has always been driven by a desire to make a difference in her students’ lives. 💡❤️
When asked about her favorite subject, Ms. Forinash simply loves all of them! 📚 She enjoys using multi-sensory tools to create fun and engaging learning experiences, and nothing brings her more joy than watching her students grow—even the smallest steps towards their goals inspire her! 🌱📈
Outside the classroom, Ms. Forinash enjoys gardening 🌻and hunting 🎯. She also loves playing the piano 🎶🎹 during her downtime.
Ms. Forinash has a four-year-old German Shorthair Pointer named Roscoe 🐕, who loves hunting birds and occasionally "counter surfing" when no one’s looking! 🦴👀
Her dream travel destination? Turks and Caicos 🌴🌊 She dreams of returning to its beautiful beaches and stunning scenery! 🏖️🌺
Her personal motto is one that guides her every day: "Every day is a new day, do not let the past define who you are." 🌅🌟
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! 🌟👏
