Pender County Schools -

Pender County Schools will operate on a normal schedule tomorrow. We're closely monitoring the weather and consulting with local experts. If any changes arise, we will notify families via our website and social media. Stay tuned for updates! #PCSUpdates

Weekly Newsletter - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/dBWvCXLgy2Rt4 Have a great weekend!

🌟 **Feature Friday: Matt Davis** 🌟 This **Feature Friday**, we’re proud to highlight Matt Davis, our dedicated Athletic Director for Pender County Schools. With over 21 years of service, Matt has made a lasting impact on students, coaches, and the community through his leadership of the athletic programs at 6 middle schools and 3 high schools. 🏆 A proud graduate of Topsail High School, Class of ’99, Matt attended UNC-Wilmington on the Teaching Fellows Scholarship, earning his BA in Mathematics. After student teaching at Trask Middle, he began his career at Pender High in 2003, growing from teacher to coach and ultimately to Athletic Director. His passion for education and student development has been evident throughout his career. 📚 Melissa Yarborough, PCS Transportation Director, nominated Matt for Feature Friday, sharing: “I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Matt’s dedication for years. Whether as a teacher, coach, or AD, he always puts students first. He works tirelessly—on weekends and after hours—to ensure our student-athletes are much more than just athletes, emphasizing community service and giving back. Matt even helps with bus routes at Topsail High to ensure students get to school on time. He’s a true asset to PCS.” Matt’s favorite part of the job is seeing the passion of students and coaches as they grow and compete. 🏀⚽ He also values the sense of community that defines Pender County, and he enjoys being part of a team that makes a difference for students. Thank you, Matt, for your dedication and for always going above and beyond for PCS students and staff. You exemplify the spirit of Pender County Schools! 🌟 #OnePender

6th and 7th graders at Penderlea are beginning their career development plans this week. School counselors and middle school career development coordinator are collaborating to ensure our students are enrolled, enlisted or employed upon graduation. #ONEPENDER

Topsail High School carpentry students participated in an amazing experiential learning opportunity with habitat for humanity today. Students were able to lay sod, plant shrubs and add soffit to a home! PCSCTE EXPERIENCE THE EXCELLENCE! #ONEPENDER

Our automotive program at Pender High School is on day 3 of class and are already learning to do oil changes. Amazing engagement and hands on learning happening today in Pender County Schools CTE!

🌟 Student Spotlight: Tyreque! 🌟 Say hello to Tyreque, an 8th grader at CFM! Tyreque was nominated by Ms. Jillian Miller for his incredible kindness and helpfulness. Tyreque is always in a great mood, loves being at school, and goes out of his way to help others. He even helps the custodians clean the cafeteria during lunch! 🌟 Tyreque is a fantastic example of treating everyone with respect and kindness, and he sets a great example for his peers and adults alike. He’s known for his positive attitude and his desire to help others whenever he can. 🙌 Fun Facts About Tyreque: Favorite Food: Fries 🍟 Favorite Color: Blue 💙 Hobbies: Playing football 🏈 Interesting Fact: Tyreque loves helping people out and dreams of becoming a deputy one day! 🚓 Thanks for being such a positive influence, Tyreque! Keep up the amazing work! 👏 #OnePender

Shoutout to the awesome 4th graders from Cape Fear Elementary Chorus for their performance at Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting! 🎶🙌 A huge thank you to Ms. Kurtz for guiding these talented students — you all sounded fantastic! 🎤👏 #OnePender

Today, we pause to honor the lives lost, the heroes who emerged, and the resilience shown by our nation on September 11, 2001. In our classrooms, we reflect on the importance of unity, courage, and service to others. Together, as #OnePender, we continue to educate and inspire the next generation, ensuring they understand the lessons of this day and the strength that comes from standing together. We will never forget.

Meet Mr. Paul Odom, STEM Teacher at Cape Fear Middle School! 🚀 Now in his 7th year of teaching, Mr. Odom’s journey to education started in an unexpected way—his high school Drafting teacher actually offered him his job upon retirement! That encouragement sparked Mr. Odom’s transition from industry to the classroom, and he’s never looked back. 🙌 Mr. Odom loves teaching middle school STEM because it allows him to dive into all sorts of fun, hands-on projects with his students. From bridge building to rocketry, robotics, and even drones, he gets to explore cool topics that both he and his students enjoy—without the stress of end-of-semester testing! 🚁🤖 One of his favorite teaching moments? When students from last year’s Robotics competition came up to him on the first day of school, excitedly asking if they could do it again this year. And, of course, he treasures the sweet notes and drawings his students have shared with him over the years. ❤️ Outside of school, Mr. Odom has plenty of hobbies to keep him busy! He’s a commercial drone pilot, enjoys building models, and loves cooking (when he’s not catching up on rest, of course!). 🛩️🍳 He also loves a good road trip, especially when it’s to see his kids in Michigan or to visit the mountains. At home, Mr. Odom is kept on his toes by his Australian Shepherd, Little Ann, and three of her adorable puppies. 🐶 His teaching motto? "Try to make learning fun!" And with all the exciting things happening in his STEM classroom, it’s clear he lives by that philosophy every day!

"Soaring into STEM at Cape Fear Middle!" 🚀✈️ Our 7th-grade STEM students at Cape Fear Middle School are discovering the power of physics and engineering! By building rubber band-powered planes, they explored how thrust generates lift and tested how far their creations could fly. The more twists on the rubber band, the farther they soared! It’s hands-on learning that’s taking off! #STEMinAction #FutureEngineers #CapeFearMiddle #LearningTakesFlight

🎨🍷 Join Us for a Night of Art, & Giving Back! 🍷🎨 Mark your calendars for October 2, 2024! 🎉 From 5-8 PM, The Locals Art Gallery and Wine Bar in Surf City will host an evening of food, fun, and raffle door prizes, all in support of Pender County Schools! 💰 10% of proceeds from the event will benefit students and teachers in Pender County Schools. Let's come together to support our community! Can't make it? You can still make an impact by using the link to donate directly to the Pender Education Partnership (PEP). 📲 https://bit.ly/3XiraFa We hope to see you there! #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. 📌 What’s Included: Vision for Pender County Goals and actionable steps Guidance for future development Learn about the current plan, Pender 2.0, here: https://bit.ly/3XxYCsp 🌟 Get Involved! Your voice helps shape our future. #OnePender

🌟 Feature Friday: Bill Nelson 🌟 This Feature Friday, we’re excited to introduce Bill Nelson, our dedicated Director of Construction and Safety for Pender County Schools! 🏫👷‍♂️ Bill has been with Pender County Schools for nearly five years, playing a key role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community. He oversees playground safety, manages construction projects, and collaborates with local law enforcement and fire marshals to keep our schools safe. 🚧👮‍♂️ Originally from Carmel, New York, a small town north of NYC that's quite similar to Burgaw, Bill brings over 35 years of experience as a member of the carpenters union, including 25 years working in New York City. 🏙️ After retiring and moving to North Carolina, Bill sought a fulfilling new challenge, and he found it with us! He quickly knew this role was the perfect fit after his first interview. What does Bill love most about his job? “The people I work with,” he says. “We all play such a big part in each other’s successes. I really enjoy the teamwork we have, not only within the Operations staff but also with everyone in our Central Office and all of our principals and staff. It’s very satisfying when we come together to solve issues and have a positive impact on our students and community.” 🤝 Bill also appreciates the friendliness of the Pender County community and enjoys hearing stories about its history and seeing the pride people have in their hometown. 📜 Thank you, Bill, for all that you do to keep our schools safe and support our community. Your dedication and experience are invaluable to Pender County Schools! 🌟#OnePender

🌟 Student Spotlight: Kendall! 🌟 Meet Kendall, a Kindergarten student at Penderlea School! 📚 Kendall was nominated by her teacher, Ms. Ashley Umphress, for her outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and kindness. Kendall is a true leader who knows all the rules and helps her peers without even being asked! 💫 Kendall’s positive attitude and dedication to learning make her a role model for all students at Penderlea. She’s a shining example of what it means to SWARM at Penderlea! 🐝 Fun Facts About Kendall: Favorite Food: Donuts and sausage rolls 🍩🌭 Favorite Colors: Pink, purple, and teal 🌸💜🦚 Hobbies: Playing outside with her sister and going to the beach 🏖️ Pets: A dog named Rocky and a cat named Pete 🐕🐈 Interesting Fact: Kendall was born in a car because she couldn’t wait to make her grand entrance into the world! 🚗✨ Way to go, Kendall! Keep leading with kindness and setting an example for others! 👏 #OnePender

TEACHER TUESDAY - Ms. Roseanna Robertson, Preschool Teacher at Cape Fear Elementary School! 🌈 With 19 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Robertson began her journey in education at the young age of 17, working alongside a teacher in a private center. Her fascination with early childhood development and her love for working with children and their families led her to pursue a career in education. 📚 Most recently, she achieved her Master’s in Early Childhood Education, a testament to her dedication to continual learning and growth. While preschool covers all areas of development, Mrs. Robertson’s favorite subject to teach is literacy. There’s nothing quite like seeing young children make the connection between a letter and its sound. She believes that early literacy is like building a foundation to a house—something that lasts a lifetime. 🏠 Outside the classroom, Mrs. Robertson enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, attending baseball and soccer games, and supporting her daughter in pageants across the U.S. She also has a passion for doing hair and makeup at local pageants and hopes to earn a cosmetology license to continue this creative pursuit on the weekends. 💄✂️ Mrs. Robertson shares her life with several beloved pets: Blue, a 10-year-old black lab; Charlie, a 2-year-old orange tabby cat; Gabby, a beta fish; and Carlos, the rooster. 🐾 Her favorite travel destination is Aruba, known for its stunning beauty and rich culture, but she also dreams of visiting Italy, Egypt, Scotland, and Ireland. 🌍 Guided by her teaching philosophy, Mrs. Robertson is a strong advocate for early childhood education and the importance of early intervention. She is passionate about bringing awareness to the vital role that early education plays in a child's development. Her dedication and enthusiasm make her a cherished member of the Cape Fear Elementary School community. #OnePender

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JTegw6x71Mc 🌟 Feature Friday: Melissa Taylor 🌟 This week’s Feature Friday highlights a dedicated member of the Pender County Schools (PCS) community. Meet Melissa Taylor, the Media Coordinator and STEAM Facilitator at Cape Fear Elementary School! 📚 Melissa has been with Cape Fear Elementary for seven years, taking on many roles that support our school’s success. As the Media Coordinator, she helps foster a love of reading by sharing stories and recommending books to students. She also leads the Battle of the Books and Science Olympiad teams and manages all the technology in the building. 💻 Originally from New Jersey, Melissa moved to North Carolina 17 years ago. With a lifelong passion for teaching, she started as a dance instructor at 14 and went on to attend Monmouth University, where she double-majored in elementary education and psychology. 🏫 After exploring various career paths, Melissa returned to education, eager to make a positive impact on the lives of children. What does Melissa enjoy most about her job? “I love seeing the excitement on students' faces when they find a new book or share what they've been reading,” she says. Her commitment to helping students learn and grow is clear in everything she does. 📘 Thank you, Melissa, for all you do for Cape Fear Elementary! Your dedication makes a real difference. 🌟#OnePender

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFUJh-WZ91E 🚌 School Bus Safety Day at Cape Fear Elementary! 🚌 Today, Cape Fear Elementary students from Kindergarten through 5th grade took part in our annual School Bus Safety Day! This important drill, conducted state-wide within the first five days of school, teaches our students essential safety practices when riding the bus. It's a great way to kick off the school year and ensure that all students know how to stay safe on their daily commute. During the drill, students learned about key safety rules, such as how to safely board and exit the bus, the importance of staying seated while the bus is moving, and what to do in case of an emergency. Our amazing bus drivers and staff walked students through these procedures step-by-step, providing demonstrations and answering questions to make sure everyone felt confident and prepared. We are committed to student safety in Pender County Schools, and this drill is just one of the many ways we work to protect our students. A big thank you to our bus drivers and staff for their dedication to keeping our children safe every day! 🚍 #OnePender

🚀 Student Spotlight! 🚀 Meet Derick, an 8th grader from BMS. His EC teacher, Ms. Nicole Forinash, nominated him for his kindness and dedication to following schoolwide expectations. Derick is a true example of what it means to be respectful and considerate. 🌟 By being kind and inclusive, Derick has made a big impact on his peers and shown the importance of treating everyone with respect. 🌍❤️ Get to Know Derick: Favorite Food: Sushi 🍣 Favorite Color: Blue 💙 Hobbies: Playing video games 🎮 Interesting Fact: He has a passion for math! 📐 Thank you, Derick, for being such a positive force at BMS! 🌟 #OnePender

🏫 Burgaw Middle School is back in action! Monday marked the start of a new school year filled with promise and excitement. 🎉📚 Students were all smiles as they reunited with friends, met their teachers, and settled into their classrooms.🌟🎒 #OnePender