📚 April is School Library Month! Meet Amanda Diggs, Media Coordinator at West Pender Middle. She brings a love for reading & learning every day! Favorite book? Anything Realistic Fiction! Let’s celebrate the heart of our school libraries! 💙📖 #SchoolLibraryMonth
🚍 Help Us Prepare for 2025-26 Bus Routes! 🚍
The Pender County Schools Transportation Department is gearing up for the next school year, and we need YOUR help to ensure accurate bus assignments!
📢 Important Steps for Parents/Guardians:
✅ Check your child’s Parent Letter for their current bus stop details.
✅ If there are NO changes, return the form with all “YES”s circled by April 16, 2025.
✅ If changes are needed, update your info using the Student Ridership Survey (https://bit.ly/4lb0ZLF) by April 16, 2025.
⏳ Deadline Reminders:
🔹 Schools must update all transportation data in Infinite Campus by May 9, 2025.
🔹 The Google Form will NOT reopen during summer – all new student transportation requests will go through Infinite Campus.
📌 Let’s work together to ensure every PCS student has the right bus assignment on day one!
📣 March is Social Work Month! 🎉 Meet Ashanti Craine, one of our incredible school social workers! Ms. Craine has nearly a decade of experience in social work and has worked across multiple states in youth shelters, domestic violence shelters, and child protective services. For almost a year, she has been proudly serving as a School Social Worker in Pender County, focusing on prevention and mentoring students and families.
✨"One of my proudest accomplishments has been helping four students graduate when they were on the verge of quitting—an achievement that reaffirms my passion for this work every day."
🎉 Fun Fact: Ms. Craine once flew on an Army C-5 airplane to the small town of Battle, Alaska, where the sun doesn’t rise for months during the “dark season”!
Join us in thanking Ms. Craine and all our amazing school social workers for their dedication! 💙👏
📣 March is Social Work Month! 🎉 Meet Julia Beall, one of our dedicated school social workers! Ms. Beall has been with Pender County Schools for six years and was among the first social workers hired when the role was reintroduced to the county. She finds joy in supporting students and staff, who motivate her every day! ✨ “I love my job because the students and staff make me smile every day.” 🎉 Fun Facts: She graduated from ECU in 2018, recently started her master’s program at UNC, and is obsessed with making charcuterie boards! 🧀🥖 Join us in thanking Ms. Beall and all our amazing school social workers for their dedication! 💙👏
YouTube - https://youtube.com/shorts/yc4jD15WY8U
🚧 Exciting Progress at the New K-8 School Site in Hampstead! 🏫✨
This week, we visited the construction site for our future K-8 schools off Highway 210, and major progress is underway! 👷♂️🚜 According to Ben Warren, VP of Bordeaux Construction, crews have imported over 300,000 cubic yards of dirt to raise the site’s elevation and create a solid foundation. The first building foundations are now in place, starting in the center and expanding outward into the classroom wings. 🏗️
As we move into summer, expect to see masonry walls taking shape as the structure begins to rise! 📈 The project remains on track for an anticipated Fall 2027 opening, bringing much-needed elementary and middle school spaces to the Hampstead community. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting build continues! 🚀 #OnePender
📢FEATURE FRIDAY - Vilinda Wedlock, PCS HR Administrative Assistant💛Vilinda Wedlock is an essential part of the HR team, handling numerous responsibilities with dedication, efficiency, and a consistently positive attitude. She plays a pivotal role in the hiring process for classified staff, ensuring that new hires feel supported and welcomed from day one. Her warmth, kindness, and contagious smile create an inviting atmosphere that makes a lasting impact on colleagues and staff alike. Whether assisting new employees, supporting coworkers, or tackling daily challenges with grace, she exemplifies professionalism and compassion. The HR and Testing teams deeply appreciate her diligence, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to Pender County Schools. Ms. Wedlock, your hard work does not go unnoticed—you truly make a difference every day! 💙👏
🎉 Today's the Day! The Pender County Schools Career Fair is happening TODAY! 🌟 Don’t miss the chance to explore job opportunities, meet school representatives, and even interview on-site!
📅 Today – Thursday, March 27, 2025
📍 Heide Trask High School – Main Gym
🕠 4:30 - 7:00 PM
🍔 Concessions available for purchase
It’s not too late! RSVP now and come join us: https://bit.ly/3DEaXnP
🎉 ¡Hoy es el día! ¡La Feria de Empleo de Pender County Schools se realiza HOY! 🌟 No pierdas la oportunidad de explorar ofertas de trabajo, conocer a los representantes de las escuelas ¡y hasta realizar entrevistas en el lugar!
📅 Hoy – Jueves, 27 de marzo de 2025
📍 Heide Trask High School – Gimnasio Principal
🕠 4:30 - 7:00 PM
🍔 Habrá concesionarios disponibles para compra
¡Nunca es tarde para unirte! Confirma tu asistencia ahora y ven a acompañarnos: https://bit.ly/3DEaXnP
🚍 GOING THE EXTRA MILE! 🚍
When a Columbus County Schools bus broke down after an athletic event, our PCS Transportation Team jumped into action! One mechanic met the stranded bus while another arrived with our wrecker. After diagnosing the issue, PCS provided an activity bus to ensure students and staff got home safely, while we towed the bus to our facility for overnight storage.
In school transportation, we support our neighbors—and this is what teamwork looks like! 💙💛
🌟 Student Spotlight: Wellesley, South Topsail Elementary 🌟
Wellesley may be new to our district, but she’s already making a big impact! 💙 From day one, she has been a kind leader in and out of the classroom, always ready to help her peers. Whether reading to classmates who need support or lending a hand whenever needed, Wellesley leads by example.
🏈 Fun fact: She plays flag football—and she’s the only girl on the team! 💪🔥
🍕 Favorite Food: Pepperoni Pizza
💙 Favorite Color: Electric Blue
🥋 Hobbies: Flag Football & Karate
Keep shining, Wellesley! Your kindness and leadership inspire us all! ✨👏
📣 March is Social Work Month 🎉
Meet Christa Mobley, a dedicated school social worker with 18 years of experience! Now in her 4th year with Pender County Schools, Ms. Mobley serves the students and families of C.F. Pope Elementary and Burgaw Middle School. She is passionate about helping students see and reach their full potential—both in school and in the community. ✨
“Supporting and encouraging my students and their families to overcome challenges is extremely rewarding. I love seeing my former students thriving and being successful.”
🩺 Fun Fact: Ms. Mobley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and has been providing private individual and family therapy for nearly 15 years!
Join us in celebrating Ms. Mobley and all our incredible school social workers for their dedication and impact! 💙👏
🍎🥕 Inspiring Healthy Choices, One Creation at a Time! 🥦🍊
Our amazing cafeteria staff has been hard at work turning fruits and veggies into fun, eye-catching displays—and the results speak for themselves! We’ve noticed more students choosing and enjoying their fruits and vegetables at lunch, proving that a little creativity goes a long way in promoting healthy habits.
What started in one building has now spread across the district, with multiple teams joining in to make healthy eating exciting for our students. Thank you to our dedicated nutrition teams for your passion and creativity in making lunchtime both nutritious and fun!
Keep an eye out for these colorful, inspiring displays and meal options —and don’t forget to grab an extra serving of fruits and veggies! 🌟🥗
#OnePender #AramarkFeedsPender #HealthyChoices #FuelForSuccess #ThankYouCafeteriaTeams
👩🏫📚 Passionate about education? Looking for a career with impact? Pender County Schools wants YOU! Join us at our Career Fair on March 27 and discover the many ways you can make a difference in students’ lives!
🔹 Meet school administrators
🔹 Explore open positions
🔹 Interview on-site
🔹 Enjoy concessions from the Heide Trask HS Booster Club!
📍 Heide Trask High School – Main Gym
📅 Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 🕠 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Tag a friend who should be there! ⬇️ RSVP now: https://bit.ly/3DEaXnP
👩🏫📚 ¿Apasionado por la educación? ¿Buscas una carrera con impacto? ¡Pender County Schools te quiere a TI! Únete a nosotros en nuestra Feria de Empleo el 27 de marzo y descubre las muchas formas en que puedes hacer la diferencia en la vida de los estudiantes!
🔹 Conoce a los administradores escolares
🔹 Explora posiciones abiertas
🔹 Realiza entrevistas en el lugar
🔹 ¡Disfruta de las concesiones del Club de Apoyo de Heide Trask HS!
📍 Heide Trask High School – Gimnasio Principal
📅 Jueves, 27 de marzo de 2025 | 🕠 4:30 - 7:00 PM
¡Etiqueta a un amigo que debería estar allí! ⬇️ Confirma tu asistencia ahora: https://bit.ly/3DEaXnP
📣 TEACHER TUESDAY: Kellie Henry, Topsail High School! 📚✨
With an incredible 30 years of teaching experience, Ms. Henry has taught every grade level from Pre-K to college graduate courses! Her passion for education started early—she always knew she wanted to work with children, serving as their friend, mentor, and biggest cheerleader. ❤️
Her favorite subject to teach? English! She loves discussing books and inspiring students to find joy in reading—her daily goal! 📖
Ms. Henry’s career is filled with countless special moments, from earning her National Board Certification and Doctorate degree 🎓 to the daily joys of connecting with students—whether it’s fist bumps, waves, or watching them shine in extracurricular activities.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading (often in her hot tub!), painting landscapes & animals, and spending time with her 10-year-old Jack Russell, Isabel—her "daughter" in a house full of boys! 🐶💖
Her favorite travel spots? Walt Disney World 🏰✨ and anywhere in the Caribbean. ☀️🌊
Her teaching philosophy? "The influence of a good teacher lasts forever." 🌟
🎉 Thank you, Ms. Henry, for your dedication to education and for inspiring a love of reading in your students! 👏
Pender High School is Raider Strong!
We are so proud of our incredible Raider teams for their outstanding performance in the 4th Brigade Raider Competition — covering six states and Washington, D.C.!
Mixed Team — 1st Place Overall!
They defended their title from last year and showed what hard work, dedication, and teamwork can accomplish!
Male Team — 5th Place Overall!
An impressive finish among fierce competition!
And a huge congratulations to Emma McKoy, who was named the Female Individual Champion!
These accomplishments are a testament to the commitment and Raider spirit of our students and coaches. We are #PenderProud!
📣 March is Social Work Month 🎉
Meet Rebecca McSwain, a dedicated school social worker with 21 years of experience! For the past two years, she has been a vital part of Cape Fear Middle School, advocating for students and families with compassion and expertise. Her extensive background in public education includes specializing in McKinney-Vento services with NCDPI. ✨
CFMS Principal Bobby Simmons shares, “Ms. McSwain’s genuine care for all students and families truly makes a difference. Her willingness to jump in and help whenever needed has transformed our culture at CFMS.”
🎤🎶 Fun Facts: Ms. McSwain loves traveling to Disney, singing karaoke, and competing in trivia!
Join us in celebrating Ms. McSwain and all our incredible school social workers for their dedication and impact! 💙👏
🎉 Feature Friday: Nancy Fusco | Exceptional Children's Teacher | PILA 🎉
Ms. Fusco joined the PILA Otters for the 24-25 school year and has already made an incredible impact! 💙 Her dedication, creativity, and ability to connect with students make her a standout educator. She fosters a love for learning, builds student confidence, and goes above and beyond to support both students and families.
Thank you, Nancy, for making a difference every day! 👏✨
My bracket may be br🏀ken, but our internet connection no longer is! Have a great Friday.
🌱 Harvesting Tomorrow: Cultivating Sustainable Futures 🌱
Pender County Schools is excited to announce Agriculture Day is coming up on April 2, 2025, at Penderlea Farms!
All 5th-grade students will have the opportunity to experience hands-on learning in horticulture, animal science, and agricultural demonstrations, while exploring how agriculture impacts our daily lives.
📍 Location: Penderlea Farms, 1225 Stag Park Road, Burgaw, NC
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
We can't wait to see our students growing knowledge, planting seeds of curiosity, and learning about the future of sustainable agriculture! 🌾🐓🌿
#AgDay #FutureFarmers #PenderProud #HandsOnLearning
