🎉 Congratulations to Ms. Laura Schlegel from Topsail Middle School for being named the Beginning Teacher of the Year for Pender County Schools! Your passion for teaching and dedication to your students truly set you apart. Thank you for inspiring the next generation and making a positive impact in our schools! 🌟👏
🌟 Thank you to the Rocky Point Elementary Chorus for their beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner during Tuesday's Board of Education meeting! Your voices filled the room with pride and set a positive tone for the evening. 🎶
Principal Spotlight: Ms. Jill Robertson 🌟👩🏫
In recognition of National Principal Month, we are excited to highlight Ms. Jill Robertson, who has dedicated 24 years to education and is currently in her 6th year at North Topsail Elementary 📚✨. Ms. Robertson earned her degrees from Bowling Green State University and UNCW 🎓.
In her free time, Ms. Robertson enjoys reading 📖, fishing 🎣, spending time at the beach 🏖️, and cherishing moments with her family 👨👩👦. Her favorite cuisines are Mexican 🌮 and seafood 🦐, with cheese and green peppers as her go-to pizza toppings 🍕. Before pursuing a career in education, she had diverse experiences, including working at her parents' convenience store and serving as an organist at her church 🎶.
A talented musician, Ms. Robertson has a background as a band director and elementary music teacher, and she can play several instruments 🎼. She loves all types of music but will never change the channel when Kenny Chesney is playing 🎵. One fun fact about her is that she has twin boys who are also attending North Topsail Elementary, making their educational journey a shared family experience 👶👶. She can also back a boat up like nobody’s business! 🚤
A memorable moment in Ms. Robertson's career has been witnessing the incredible positive results from the dedicated staff at North Topsail Elementary, which inspires her every day 🤗. Her passion for education was sparked by her own wonderful music teachers, and she is committed to providing similar experiences for her students 🎶❤️.
We are thankful for leaders like Ms. Robertson who foster a nurturing and enthusiastic environment in our schools! 🌟👏
Pender County Schools was well represented today at the regional livestock judging evaluation. FFA organizations from all 3 high schools were present and engaged. #ONEPENDER
🌟 Meet Michelle McCoy, Public Safety Teacher at Pender High School! 🌟
Michelle McCoy is in her second year of teaching at Pender High School, where she teaches Public Safety to students in grades 9-12. Before becoming a teacher, she spent 10 years in law enforcement and served as a CIS (Communities in Schools) student support specialist. When Public Safety became a subject, Michelle knew this was her calling, feeling that God was guiding her path to education. 🙏 She is excited to teach something she is so passionate about and knowledgeable in! 🚓✨
One of Michelle’s proudest moments as a teacher came after working through a challenging first year to get her licensure cleared—an experience she describes as a “hot mess!” 😅 However, her persistence paid off, and she is thrilled to be well on her way to achieving even greater things in her teaching journey. 🌈
Outside the classroom, Michelle is just as dedicated, serving as the coach for the varsity girls' basketball team. 🏀 She affectionately refers to her players as her "babies," second only to her 6-year-old son. 👶 Her connection with the team is a testament to the strong relationships she builds with her students. 💖
When she’s not teaching or coaching, Michelle enjoys baking all kinds of cookies 🍪 and spending time in the mountains, where she feels a deep sense of peace and closeness to God. 🏔️ Her personal motto, “Give yourself grace, it will be okay,” reflects her approach to both teaching and life—offering herself and others the compassion needed to succeed. 💪✨
Michelle is a dedicated educator with a big heart for her students, and we are so proud to spotlight her in this week’s Teacher Tuesday! 🎉
Principal Spotlight: Mr. Stephen Harris 🌟👨🏫
In recognition of National Principal Month, we are thrilled to highlight Mr. Stephen Harris, who is starting his second year at his current school and has 14 years of experience in education 📚✨. Mr. Harris completed his undergraduate studies at UNC-Charlotte and his graduate studies at Wingate University 🎓.
In his free time, Mr. Harris enjoys traveling ✈️, spending time with family and friends 👨👩👧👦, and relaxing at the beach 🏖️. He’s a fan of BBQ 🍖 and pizza 🍕, with pepperoni as his go-to topping. Before entering education, Mr. Harris had the unique job of working as the Easter Bunny and alongside Santa Claus at the mall 🐰🎅.
A talented event organizer, Mr. Harris has put on several concerts with hundreds of attendees 🎶. He enjoys Americana music 🎵 and spends his downtime at the beach with his wife 🌊. One fun fact about him is that he and his brother play on an adult kickball team together ⚽.
Mr. Harris' first day as a principal this year was a memorable moment in his career, and his journey into education was inspired by coaching wrestling at his former high school 🤼♂️. He loves interacting with students of all ages, from middle schoolers to elementary students 👫, and his favorite school tradition is the Hornet of the Week celebrations 🐝.
We are grateful for leaders like Mr. Harris who create vibrant and welcoming school communities! 🌟👏
📢 Parents: We need your feedback!
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is revising the K-12 math standards, and your input is critical. Two surveys are available for parents to share their thoughts:
1️. General Survey – Share your overall thoughts on the current math standards.
2️. Grade/Course-Specific Survey – Provide detailed feedback for specific grades or courses.
🗓 Deadline: October 21st at 5 PM
💻 Complete the surveys here: https://bit.ly/4ewtrE7
Your feedback will help shape future math instruction in North Carolina! Please take a moment to complete the survey and share with other families. Thank you for participating!
📢 ¡Padres: Necesitamos sus comentarios!
El Departamento de Instrucción Pública de Carolina del Norte (NCDPI) está revisando los estándares de matemáticas K-12, y su opinión es fundamental. Hay dos encuestas disponibles para que los padres compartan sus pensamientos:
1. Encuesta General – Comparta sus opiniones generales sobre los estándares de matemáticas actuales.
2. Encuesta Específica por Grado/Curso – Proporcione comentarios detallados sobre grados o cursos específicos.
🗓 Fecha límite: 21 de octubre a las 5 PM
💻 Complete las encuestas aquí: https://bit.ly/4ewtrE7
¡Sus comentarios ayudarán a moldear la futura enseñanza de matemáticas en Carolina del Norte! Por favor, tómese un momento para completar la encuesta y compártala con otras familias. ¡Gracias por su participación!
🌟 Feature Friday: Melissa Barnhill & Bonnie Ezzell, Payroll Specialists 🌟
This Feature Friday, we're recognizing the dynamic duo of our Central Office Finance Department: Melissa Barnhill and Bonnie Ezzell. As Payroll Specialists, these two ensure that every employee across the district is paid accurately and on time. 💸
Melissa and Bonnie handle all pay increases, supplements, and adjustments for the entire district, taking the time to answer any questions about taxes, pay, leave, and more. Their approach is consistently friendly, calm, and patient, making sure everyone feels heard and supported. 📞💬
Their colleague, Sherry, Accounts Payable Specialist, nominated them, highlighting their incredible dedication: "They go above and beyond, always positive and uplifting to all of us in Finance. They’re blessings to work with, and I’m proud to call them coworkers and friends."
Thank you, Melissa and Bonnie, for your tireless work and the positive influence you bring to our Central Office! 💛 #FeatureFriday #OnePender
Principal Spotlight: Mr. Brian Allen 🌟👨🏫
In celebration of National Principal Month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Mr. Brian Allen, who is now beginning his second year at his current school and has 14 years of experience in education. 📚✨ Mr. Allen graduated from UNC-Wilmington 🎓, where he and his siblings also swam for the school’s swim team—his father, Dave Allen, was the long-time coach of the swim and dive program, with the natatorium named in his honor. 🏊♂️🏅
Mr. Allen loves anything water-related, from swimming 🏊♂️ to paddleboarding 🌊. He enjoys sitting on the beach 🏖️ during his downtime and likes dining at Dockside Restaurant 🐟🍽️. His favorite book is The Confessions of an Economic Hitman 📖, and his go-to pizza topping is extra cheese 🍕🧀. Before becoming an educator, Mr. Allen worked as a New Construction Electrical Technician, and he has the hidden talent of being a fast swimmer! 🏊♂️💨 He enjoys listening to SOJA 🎶.
One of Mr. Allen's career highlights was being named Pender County Schools Principal of the Year in 2023 🏆. He became an educator out of a passion for helping others and a collection of personal experiences that shaped his path 🌟. When asked what he enjoys most about his current school, he highlighted working alongside his Assistant Principal and Faculty/Staff 🤝. His favorite school tradition is the Pep Rallies that bring the school community together 🎉🎺.
We’re thankful for leaders like Mr. Brian Allen, whose dedication helps shape a supportive and engaging school environment! 🌟👏
🎉 Student Spotlight - Lexi! 🎉
Let’s give some love to Lexi, a shining star in the 7th grade at Topsail Middle School! 🌟 Ms. Jennifer Medwick, her math teacher, nominated Lexi for her incredible leadership and kind heart. Lexi shows up to class each day with a smile, ready to learn, and is always willing to lend a helping hand. 💛
Lexi’s kind gestures, like helping her teacher clean up the classroom at the end of every class without being asked, truly make her a role model for her peers. We’re so proud to have students like Lexi who spread positivity and kindness! 🌼
Fun Facts About Lexi:
Favorite Food: Lo mein 🍜
Favorite Color: Light gray ⚪
Hobbies: She loves baking! 🍪
Pets: A sweet dog named Remi 🐕
Interesting Fact: Lexi was adopted, and we think that makes her story even more special! 💖
Thank you, Lexi, for your leadership and bright spirit at Topsail Middle! 🎉
Principal Spotlight: Mr. Daniel Sidor 🌟👨🏫
In celebration of National Principal Month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Mr. Daniel Sidor, who has been a part of Pender Early College High School for 17 years. 📚✨ Mr. Sidor attended Ohio University for his college education. 🎓
Outside of school, Mr. Sidor enjoys golfing ⛳, surfing 🏄♂️, and cheering on Cleveland sports teams 🏈🏀. He loves Italian food, especially dining at Roko 🍝, and his go-to pizza toppings are pepperoni and banana peppers 🍕🌶️. A fan of Howard Zinn and Dr. Seuss 📖, Mr. Sidor also enjoys biking to the beach during his downtime 🚴♂️🌊.
Before entering education, Mr. Sidor worked as a Golf Course Irrigation Tech/Greens Keeper ⛳🚜 and has the hidden skill of driving a backhoe! 🚧 He loves a wide variety of music genres, including jazz and rock 🎶.
Mr. Sidor and his wife share an interesting story—they both grew up in Cleveland, a mile apart, but didn’t meet until they were in Wilmington 💑. One of Mr. Sidor's most memorable moments in his career was completing his first graduation ceremony as principal of PECHS 🎓✨.
Mr. Sidor was inspired to become an educator when he tutored 4th graders as part of service learning during his sophomore year of high school 🤝📚. When asked what he most enjoys about his current school, he highlighted the amazing students and staff. His favorite school tradition is the Underclassmen Awards Day 🏆.
We’re grateful for passionate leaders like Mr. Sidor who bring dedication and inspiration to our schools every day! 🌟👏
We are Listening and Learning at Cape Fear Elementary. What will you learn today? VIDEO - https://youtu.be/Z3axeiKvGGY?si=u401XW1rF-_02fCY
TEACHER TUESDAY - Meet Jennifer Mintz, C.F. Pope Elementary!✨📚
Jennifer Mintz has always known she wanted to be a teacher—since she was a kid putting her cabbage patch dolls in seats and differentiating instruction before she even knew what that meant! 👶📝 She’s now in her 8th year of teaching and is opening a new door this year, teaching 5th grade math and science! 🧮🔬 Jennifer loved teaching 6th grade ELA and social studies, especially when her students got excited about ancient civilizations! 🏺📜
This year, Jennifer is taking on an exciting new challenge—she’s starting her journey to earn her National Board Certification! 🌟✨ Outside of the classroom, she loves hitting the bin stores and consignment shops for a great find 🛍️, and she enjoys spending time with her kids and grandkids! 👨👩👧👦❤️ Jennifer is also a big fan of technology and Legos! 💻🧱
Jennifer has a rescue cat named Nya 🐾, who has grown up alongside her 6-year-old granddaughter! She’s a family member, just like the students in Jennifer’s classroom. Jennifer treats her classroom like a home, and her students take pride in taking care of it like a family. 🏠✨
When it comes to travel, Jennifer has had some amazing experiences! She visited Disney World for the first time at 31 and France when she was 16! 🌍✨ She hopes to travel more and continue to make incredible memories. 🚀🌟
Principal Spotlight: Ms. Kathryn Bates 🌟👩🏫
In celebration of National Principal Month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Ms. Kathryn Bates, who has been leading her school for the past 2 years and has spent 14 years in education. 📚✨ Ms. Bates attended Catawba College for her undergraduate degree and continued her graduate studies at UNC Charlotte. 🎓
Outside of school, Ms. Bates loves watching sports 🏀, spending time on the beach or on a boat 🌊🚤, listening to music 🎶, and watching romantic comedy series 🎥💕. She enjoys grilling steaks at home 🍖🔥, with pepperoni and pineapple as her go-to pizza topping 🍕🍍. A fan of Mary Kay Andrews books 📖, she also enjoys playing board games with her family during her downtime 🎲👨👩👧👦.
A fun fact about Ms. Bates' background: before education, she worked as a bartender 🍹, where she learned to work with people from all walks of life. She also has a hidden talent—knee boarding! 🌊🤙 Ms. Bates loves all music genres 🎶 and chooses her tunes depending on her mood.
With both of her parents having been educators for over 30 years 👨🏫👩🏫, it’s no surprise that Ms. Bates was inspired by her family to pursue a career in education. As the oldest of three children, she felt born to lead 🏆 and wanted to make a difference, just as she saw her parents do. 🌟
One of Ms. Bates’ most memorable moments in her career was being nominated as Carolina Panther Teacher of the Week 🏈, recognized on the 50-yard line during a game, and treated to box seat tickets and school supplies sponsored by FSI. 🎟️📦
When asked what she enjoys most about her current school, Ms. Bates said it’s the people—the staff, students, and community are all amazing! 🤗💙 Her favorite school tradition? The fun-filled "Trunk or Treat" event 🎃🚗👻.
We’re so thankful for leaders like Ms. Bates, who make a positive impact every day! 🌟👏
Students at Topsail High School are diving into Adobe Visual Design! 🎨💻 They're gaining industry-standard skills that will prepare them to be Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed after graduation. The creativity and future opportunities are endless! #OnePender
"October is the Month of Awareness! 🌟 Each week we'll focus on important topics that impact our community: Mental Health Awareness, Special Needs Awareness, Bullying Prevention, and Red Ribbon Week (Drug Use Prevention). Stay tuned as we share valuable information and resources throughout the month! #MonthOfAwareness #OnePender"
🎉 October is National Principals Month! 🎉
Join us in celebrating the amazing principals across Pender County Schools who work tirelessly to lead, inspire, and support our students and staff every day. Their dedication helps make #OnePender a great place to learn and grow.
Let's show our appreciation! Share your thanks or a story about your principal in the comments below. 👏💙💛 #NationalPrincipalsMonth
Due to overwhelming support, Pender EMS is closing donations at 1pm today. Pender EMS may open for more donations at a later point depending on the needs from that area. Please do not continue to drop items off at Pender County Schools locations until further notice. THANK YOU!! #OnePender
🚧 Shape the Future of Pender County! 🌍 Pender County is developing the Imagine Pender 2050 Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and is asking for your input! This long-range plan will guide our community’s growth and reflect our shared values and goals. 📌 The final two Community Meetings are THIS WEEK!!! Learn about the current plan, Pender 2.0, here: https://bit.ly/3XxYCsp 🌟 Get Involved! Your voice helps shape our future. #OnePender
