Pender County Schools -

Principal Spotlight: Dr. Michael Sasscer 🌟👨‍🏫 In celebration of National Principal Month, we’re excited to spotlight Dr. Michael Sasscer, who is in his first year at his current school but brings 21 years of experience to education. 📚✨ Dr. Sasscer began his educational journey as a NC Teaching Fellow at just 17 years old and earned his degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. 🎓 He enjoys surfing, baseball, movies, and spending time with his family 🌊⚾🎬. A fan of Mitch Albom 📖, Dr. Sasscer loves cheeseburgers and pizza 🍔🍕, with garlic and pepperoni being his go-to pizza toppings. Before education, he worked at a tackle shop at age 15 and built relationships with local fishing piers to track what was biting 🎣. He also has an eye for art, inspired by his mom, and hopes to explore interior decorating in retirement 🎨. Dr. Sasscer's career is filled with memorable moments of seeing students and teachers discover their joy for continuous improvement and achieving new heights 🎯. Inspired by his high school French and Calculus teachers, he dedicates each day to helping others realize their potential. He finds great joy in witnessing students excel in their talents and goals 💫. His favorite school tradition? Graduation, where students celebrate their hard-earned achievements 🎓. We are grateful for leaders like Dr. Sasscer, who inspire and support their school communities every day! 🌟👏

🌟 Student Spotlight: Brinley! 🌟 We are proud to recognize Brinley, a 7th grader in Ms. Jennifer Medwick's Math class, for her incredible leadership and kindness! Brinley consistently goes above and beyond, staying after class each day to help tidy and organize the room—without ever being asked. 🌸 Not only is she helpful, but Brinley also shows up to class every day with a fantastic attitude and a readiness to learn. Her positivity and willingness to assist her classmates make her a true role model! 🌼 Fun Facts About Brinley: Favorite Food: Tacos 🌮 Favorite Color: Yellow 🌻 Hobbies: Swimming 🏊‍♀️ Pets: Not yet, but maybe one day! 🐾 Interesting Fact: She plays tag every single day! 🏃‍♀️ Thank you, Brinley, for being such a bright light at school! 🌟

There has been a vehicle accident on Hwy 17 in front of Topsail Middle School this morning. No PCS buses were involved. The traffic is causing bus delays to and from the Topsail School District for the morning commute.

Pender County Schools CTE presents the Pathways to Careers program in collaboration with Cape Fear Community College. Early Graduates from each high school participated in an experiential learning opportunity at CFCC today students were able to be actively engaged with instructors and CTE programs of their interest, speak with admissions counselors and learn about NCWORKS programs. Our students are preparing to be Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed upon graduation.

🎓 The UNC System is excited to invite students, parents, and school counselors to a special virtual event focused on North Carolina's new simplified admissions program! Join representatives from the UNC System and NC Community Colleges to learn about the admissions process and get answers directly from experts at the pilot campuses: Elizabeth City State University Fayetteville State University UNC Asheville UNC Greensboro UNC Pembroke Winston-Salem State University 🗓️ When: October 17, 2024, from 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm 💻 Where: Virtual via Zoom 🔗 Register Here! - https://bit.ly/4f5gvoe ### 🎓 ¡El Sistema de UNC invita a estudiantes, padres y consejeros escolares a un evento virtual especial sobre el nuevo programa de admisión simplificado para estudiantes de Carolina del Norte! Únase a representantes del Sistema de UNC y de los Colegios Comunitarios de NC para obtener información sobre el proceso de admisión y hacer preguntas a expertos de los siguientes campus: Elizabeth City State University Fayetteville State University UNC Asheville UNC Greensboro UNC Pembroke Winston-Salem State University 🗓️ Cuándo: 17 de octubre de 2024, de 6:30 pm a 7:15 pm 💻 Dónde: Virtual a través de Zoom 🔗 ¡Regístrate aquí! - https://bit.ly/4f5gvoe

Meet Sophia Foster, First-Year Teacher at Burgaw Middle! 🌟🍎 Sophia Foster is embarking on her very first year of teaching 6th grade at Burgaw Middle School! 🎉📚 Inspired by her faith, Ms. Foster is passionate about serving and inspiring the next generation to explore language and communication authentically. ✨✝️ Her favorite subject? English! 🖋️📖 She loves helping students grasp the beauty of communication—syncing words and ideas to create meaning. Ms. Foster’s goal is to help her students express themselves with heart and understanding through visual tools, real-world applications, and digital literacy! 🌍💡 Ms. Foster also has a unique accomplishment—she was a Wentworth Travel Fellow for UNCW's English Department two years in a row! ✈️🌍 Through this fellowship, she traveled to places featured in books she’d read, expanding her perspective and deepening her understanding of the characters. 🏞️📚 Outside the classroom, she enjoys contemplating life’s big questions, practicing yoga and pilates 🧘‍♀️, babysitting 👶, exploring small towns 🏘️, and being a coffee connoisseur ☕. She’s also a fan of thrift store finds and artsy projects! 🎨🛍️ Ms. Foster has a beloved cat named Isabelle 🐾, who’s a bit sassy and loves her flannel pajamas! 🐱🛋️ Isabelle often stretches out on Ms. Foster's lap like a little hot dog! 🌭❤️ Favorite travel spot? She adores visiting Hendersonville and Asheville, which always give her cozy fall vibes, no matter the season! 🍂🍁 Her personal motto? “What I am teaching, and every action to make my teaching possible, is for the profit of my students, for the upbuilding of them in every way out of love.” ❤️

Principal Spotlight: Jessica Bellflower 🌟👩‍🏫 In celebration of National Principal Month, we’re excited to highlight Mrs. Jessica Bellflower, who is in her first year at her current school and has 11 years of experience in education. 📚✨ A proud graduate of the University of Northern Iowa 🎓, Mrs. Bellflower has always had a passion for learning and teaching, knowing she wanted to be an educator from a young age. In her free time, she enjoys reading 📖, trying new restaurants 🍽️, and relaxing at the beach 🏖️. A true sports fan, Mrs. Bellflower loves cheering on her favorite teams—The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cincinnati Reds 🏈⚾. Her favorite book is The Alice Network by Kate Quinn, and her go-to pizza topping is pepperoni 🍕. Fun fact: before entering education, she worked as a beer cart attendant on a golf course ⛳! A memorable moment in her career was when she received graduation invitations from students she taught in her first year of teaching. It reminded her how much impact educators have on their students' lives, even years later 🌟. Mrs. Bellflower is thrilled to be part of a school where the staff, students, and parents create such a welcoming and supportive community. One of her favorite school traditions is talent show night 🎤, where students showcase their passions and talents, revealing unique sides of their personalities that aren't always seen in the classroom 🎭. We are grateful for passionate leaders like Mrs. Bellflower, who inspire and uplift our school communities! 🌟👏

Field Trip! English 2 students traveled to downtown Wilmington to participate in the Jewish Film Festival at Thalian Hall. They watched "Fanny's Story", a film about a young girl who led a group of Jewish children from German-occupied France to safety in Switzerland in 1943.

Freshmen visited the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital to learn about the special endangered species that live near our coast. They learned about the challenges sea turtles face throughout their lives, conservation efforts of the volunteers, and student internship opportunities. They got to meet some patients, including Kemp Ridleys, Green Sea Turtles, and Loggerheads!

Have a great weekend! LINK - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/F4fZX3Ep2xQSR

🌟 Feature Friday: Michael Taylor, Chief Officer of Student Services 🌟 This Feature Friday, we shine the spotlight on Michael Taylor, our dedicated Chief Officer of Student Services at the Central Office. Mr. Taylor is recognized for his outstanding leadership in every role he undertakes. As the former Chief Officer of Operations, he consistently demonstrated forward-thinking and problem-solving skills that have greatly benefited our district. His wealth of knowledge and experience from other districts has been invaluable, especially in the areas of safety and security for our students and staff. Bill Nelson, our Director of Construction and Safety, shared how Mr. Taylor’s collaboration and insights continue to make a positive impact on our community - "Mr. Taylor has given us all the positive reinforcement that it takes to be able to perform our duties, sometimes under a lot of pressure." Moreover, Mr. Taylor’s leadership style fosters a supportive environment, providing positive reinforcement that empowers his colleagues to excel, even under pressure. Mr. Nelson emphasizes, "I cannot express how much I value his advice and leadership." Thank you, Mr. Taylor, for your commitment to excellence and your unwavering support for our team! 💛 #OnePender

Principal Spotlight: Dr. Sonya Oates 🌟👩‍🏫 In recognition of National Principal Month, we are excited to highlight Dr. Sonya Oates, who has been a dedicated educator for 23 years and is currently in her 4th year at her current school 📚✨. Dr. Oates has pursued her studies at North Carolina Central University, UNC-Wilmington, Gardner Webb University, and High Point University 🎓. In her free time, Dr. Oates enjoys reading 📖, singing 🎤, traveling ✈️, sitting outside ☀️, and watching movies 🎬. While she doesn't have a single favorite book or author, she loves them all! Her favorite cuisine is seafood 🦐, and her go-to pizza topping is spinach 🍕🌱. Before embarking on her education career, she had the unique experience of picking blueberries with her grandmother 🍇. Dr. Oates is a talented singer and a master organizer, appreciating all types of music 🎶. A fun fact about her family is that they have six sets of twins 👶👶, which makes for a lively household! A memorable moment in her career was winning Principal of the Year, a recognition that celebrates her dedication and hard work 🎉. Inspired by her mother, Dr. Oates is passionate about creating a positive school culture, and she enjoys the collaborative spirit and hard work that her school community embodies 🤝. One of her favorite events is Bingo Night, which brings joy and connection to families within the school 🎊. We are grateful for leaders like Dr. Oates who contribute to building strong, positive educational environments! 🌟👏

The Pender County Health Department is offering flu vaccines for students (K-12) and school staff at our schools. 🩺💉 It's a convenient way to protect your family this flu season! ✔️ Consent forms are due by Oct. 18. ✔️ Paper and online consent forms available. For more information and a full schedule of vaccine clinics, visit: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/article/1813524 El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Pender ofrecerá vacunas contra la gripe para estudiantes (K-12) y personal escolar en nuestras escuelas. 🩺💉 ¡Es una manera conveniente de proteger a tu familia esta temporada de gripe! ✔️ Los formularios de consentimiento deben entregarse antes del 18 de octubre. ✔️ Formularios de consentimiento disponibles en papel y en línea. Para más información y el calendario completo de las clínicas de vacunación, visita: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/article/1813524

Cape Fear Middle school 8th graders completed a Work Values Sorter on NCCareers as part of their Career Development Plan (CDP). Some examples of work values are pay, time off, helping people, and working conditions. They rated the level of importance of 20 values and reported them as part of their state required CDP. Way to think ahead Grizzlies! #ONEPENDER

The month of September PCS CTE teachers of the month go to Mr. James Smith at West Pender Middle School and Mr. David Jackson at Pender High School. Thank you for equipping students with the tools to become enrolled, enlisted or employed upon graduation. Mr. Jackson's carpentry class made wooden book-holders for Mr. Smiths keyboarding class. The delivery was made by Pender High School CDC Bevin Stokes! Students were ecstatic to celebrate their teachers and to receive kudos for their amazing work! This is a great representation of #ONEPENDER

📣 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!

🌟 Congratulations to our incredible nominees for the 2024 EC Educator of Excellence Award! We are proud to recognize the following outstanding educators for their dedication and commitment to our exceptional children: Andrea Gingrich, Carmela Dasti, Jennifer Fedoronko, Mary Geary, Michelle Rapp, Sallie Gore. A special shoutout to Mary Younginer, who was awarded the 2024 EC Educator of Excellence! Your hard work and passion for education truly make a difference in the lives of our students. Thank you all for your exceptional contributions! 👏💙

Want to make a difference in Pender County Schools? 🌟 The Effective Teacher Training course is perfect for anyone interested in becoming a substitute teacher or teaching assistant in our district! Learn essential skills like classroom management, instructional strategies, and more. Complete the training and earn your certificate, opening the door to new opportunities in Pender County Schools. 🔗 Sign up today: https://cfcc-register.fundfive.com/course/section/14459 Join us in shaping the future of education in our community!

👏 A huge congratulations to Nurse Jamie Uhlman for being recognized for her outstanding efforts with Project ADAM across Pender County Schools! Your dedication to student health and safety makes a real difference in our community. 🌟💙

🎉 Student Spotlight - Jack 🎉 Let’s give a big shoutout to Jack, a wonderful 4th grader at Topsail Annandale Elementary! Nominated for his excellence in leadership by kindergarten teacher Ms. Jennifer Bloodworth, Jack is a true helper in our school community. 🌟 Every day, Jack takes the time to assist younger students, whether it’s walking kindergarteners to class or guiding them to breakfast. His friendly demeanor, kindness, and patience shine through in everything he does. Jack’s respectful nature and impeccable manners make him a role model for everyone! 💙 Thank you, Jack, for your leadership and for making a positive impact at Topsail Annandale! 🌈 #PCSSpotlight #Kindness #RoleModel