
Students in Kinder and 1st grade music have been working hard (but having fun!) on writing rhythmic patterns! 1st grade even played "Musical Chairs" where students become the notes - can you guess the rhythm? #OnePender











Don't forget to send in money and forms to buy Friendship Bracelet Grams! 💕❤️💕❤️
$2 for 1, $3 for 5, or $25 for the whole class!
All purchases support our PTO, who in turn support our students and staff!
Orders due Feb. 12th!





Check out our stylish preschool students! #OnePender











The HOSA club at Topsail High School is hosting its annual Daddy-Daughter Princess Night on February 8th from 5:00 - 7:00pm in the Topsail High School cafeteria. Ticket prices are $50 for each dad and daughter. You can scan the QR code to purchase tickets. If you have any questions, you can reach out to Miranda Wells at miranda_wells@pender.k12.nc.us.
Check out these pictures from last year's event!





📢 Attention Pender County Families! 📢
The 2025-26 Pender County Schools Preschool Application opens February 3, 2025! 🎉 If you’re interested in applying for our high-quality preschool program, be sure to submit your application early.
🔗 Apply here: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/o/preschool
📞 Questions? Call our Preschool Office at 910-259-7603.
Give your child a great start in a nurturing and engaging learning environment! 🌟
📢 ¡Atención familias del Condado de Pender! 📢
¡La solicitud para el programa preescolar de Pender County Schools 2025-26 abre el 3 de febrero de 2025! 🎉 Si estás interesado en inscribir a tu hijo en nuestro programa de alta calidad, asegúrate de enviar tu solicitud temprano.
🔗 Solicita aquí: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/o/preschool
📞 ¿Preguntas? Llama a nuestra oficina de preescolar al 910-259-7603.
¡Dale a tu hijo un gran comienzo en un ambiente de aprendizaje acogedor y estimulante! 🌟



Happy Birthday to our Rams with February birthdays!🎉 🧁 ¡Feliz Cumpleaños!


2nd graders have been learning about Civil Rights heroes in Wit and Wisdom! Students are reading about Ruby Bridges and the impacts she had on schools in the United States!








TEACHER TUESDAY - Elizabeth Hardee, Pre-K Teacher at Rocky Point Elementary! 🌟🍎
With over 25 years of teaching experience in both private and public education, Elizabeth Hardee has built a career dedicated to fostering growth and development in her young learners.
Ms. Hardee loves teaching social and emotional skills using the Conscious Discipline Curriculum. She finds it especially rewarding to see students develop self-awareness and positive interactions that set them up for success both inside and outside the classroom. 💕
One of Ms. Hardee’s most treasured teaching moments happens at the beginning of each school year when her students share their favorite parts of school. Overwhelmingly, they mention “Ms. Hardee” herself, along with her warm hugs and kind words. These connections mean the world to her, as she continues to cheer her students on as they grow and move through other grades.
Outside of school, Ms. Hardee enjoys relaxing with her husband, boating, and listening to music. She especially loves taking rides to the island and spending time with her three beloved rescue beagles: Benatar (her angel dog), Rambo (the dog who loves to eat everything), and Harley Bug, her playful blue tick beagle. 🐾🐕
Her favorite getaway is Surfside Beach, South Carolina, where she finds peace and relaxation by the ocean. 🏖️
Thank you, Mrs. Hardee, for all the love and care you pour into your classroom! 🌈✨


Our 1st and 2nd graders have learned all about civil rights and the positive character traits that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. taught us about!











Great news! Thalian Hall is inviting 1st and 2nd grade families to see Pied Pied Theatre as they present "The Adventures of Bonnie Reed: Queen of the Pirate Ants." Tickets are free, and the shows will be this Saturday at 10am and 2pm in downtown Wilmington. Here is the link to sign up for tickets!
https://www.thalianhall.org/pirate-ants


Teacher Tuesday - Krystal Long, Pre-K and Kindergarten Teacher at Rocky Point Elementary! 🌟🍎
Krystal Long has spent two years inspiring young learners in Pre-K and Kindergarten at Rocky Point Elementary. Her journey into teaching was fueled by her son, who has special needs. Her deep desire to help children with special needs find their voice has become her driving mission as an educator. 💙
Krystal loves working with Pre-K and Kindergarten students because of their sweet nature, eagerness to learn, and excitement for school. Her classroom is filled with enthusiasm and positivity, creating a wonderful foundation for her students' educational journeys.
A standout moment in Krystal's teaching career came in her first year when she received the prestigious Teacher of Promise award—an honor she treasures as a reflection of her commitment and passion for teaching. 🏆✨
Outside of the classroom, Krystal cherishes making memories with her family and enjoys baking as a relaxing and creative hobby.
Her favorite travel destination is the mountains in Boone, North Carolina, a place that holds a special spot in her heart. 🏞️
Krystal's teaching philosophy is rooted in positivity and empathy. She strives to find the bright side in every situation and works hard to see things from multiple perspectives, not just her own.
Rocky Point Elementary is lucky to have such a compassionate and dedicated teacher shaping the hearts and minds of its youngest learners. Thank you, Krystal, for your devotion to education and to making every child feel seen and supported! 🌈💡


🚨 Weather Update 🚨
We continue to monitor the evolving weather forecast.
✅ Tuesday, January 21: Early release for students. All after-school activities, including PACES and athletics, are canceled.
✅ Wednesday, January 22: Schools will operate on a two-hour delay at minimum.
We will provide an update on Tuesday if further changes, including remote learning, are necessary.
Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize safety. Stay tuned for updates via email, phone, our website, and social media. Stay safe!
🚨 Actualización del clima 🚨
Seguimos monitoreando el pronóstico del clima que continúa cambiando.
✅ Martes, 21 de enero: Salida temprana para los estudiantes. Todas las actividades después de clases, incluidas PACES y deportes, están canceladas.
✅ Miércoles, 22 de enero: Las escuelas operarán con retraso de dos horas como mínimo.
Se proporcionará una actualización el martes si se requieren más cambios, incluyendo el aprendizaje remoto.
Gracias por su comprensión mientras priorizamos la seguridad. Manténgase atento a las actualizaciones a través de correo electrónico, llamadas telefónicas, nuestro sitio web y redes sociales. ¡Manténganse seguros!



"Darkness cannot drive out the darkness; only light can do that." - Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.


🚨 Important Weather Update 🚨
Due to the forecasted winter weather, Pender County Schools will move to an early release schedule on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
👉 Early release schedule: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/school-bell-schedule
Additional updates:
All after-school activities for Tuesday, including athletics and PACES, will not take place.
We will monitor the weather and announce Wednesday’s schedule on Monday.
Stay informed: Check the PCS website and social media for the latest updates.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we prioritize student safety.


🌟 Feature Friday: Marlene Barrett, Exceptional Children's Teacher! 🌟
This week, we’re excited to recognize Marlene Barrett, an Exceptional Children's (EC) teacher at Rocky Point Elementary, for her outstanding contributions to both her students and colleagues.
In her fifth year at RPES, Marlene has consistently gone above and beyond in her role. Her journey in education began as an instructional assistant at Topsail High School before transitioning into her teaching position at RPES. Over the years, Marlene has inspired countless students, helping them develop academic skills, build confidence, and improve their social abilities. Her unwavering dedication extends far beyond the classroom as she works to help students overcome personal challenges and thrive both in school and in life.
Marlene’s leadership shines through as well. When the previous EC team leader transitioned to a coordinating role, Marlene stepped up without hesitation to support her colleagues. She now serves as the current team leader, helping her team navigate compliance demands with her tireless dedication. Additionally, she is a valued member of the RPES data team, consistently working to improve outcomes for all students.
Marlene’s positive impact on both students and colleagues makes her an invaluable part of the RPES family. Thank you, Marlene, for your exceptional service and commitment to our school community! 🌟 #OnePender


Congratulations to Ms. Peters (4th grade) on being named the PCS Beginning Teacher of the Month! We are so happy that Ms. Peters calls Rocky Point home! #OnePender



VIDEO - https://bit.ly/3PxAy46
🌟 Celebrating Science and Innovation in Pender County Schools! 🌟
On Monday, January 13th, Cape Fear Elementary School hosted the Pender County Schools District Science Fair, bringing together our brightest young minds! 👩🔬🧑🔬 Sixty-one students competed after excelling at their school-level fairs, presenting impressive projects based on science experiments or engineering principles. We are so proud of their hard work and creativity! 🌱🚀
A huge thank you to our judges from GE, PECHS, and the community for helping us select the winners! 🏆✨ These outstanding projects will represent Pender County at the Regional Science Fair at UNCW on February 15th. 🎉 Best of luck to our winners:
📌 The Heat Trapper by Emmalyn Brock and Abigail McMenamin
📌 Launching Marshmallows by Josie Coleman, Emma Outlaw, and Clara Trochelman
📌 Slime Recipes by Aubrianna Lewis
📌 Fruit that Browns, Makes You Frown by Lane Jackson, Weston McGowen, and Reyden Bryant
📌 Plant Power: The Impact of Soil pH on Growth by Carson Breisacher
📌 Macaron Time Machine by Claire Taggart
📌 Cold Wash Challenge by Audrina Loftus, Hailey Keller, Harper Henry
📌 Get Your Groceries Home by Julia Leasillagi and Brynn Powell
📌 A Whiter Smile by Gage Sierleja, Elijah Milbourne, Carter McKinley
📌 Cerebral Keyboard by Bella Porter and Frances Jane Wilgis
📌 Cold as Ice by Peyton Hunter, Ava Zimmerman, and Finley Nelson
📌 Which Dynamic is Faster by Joseph Watts (middle school)
Let’s cheer on these young scientists as they take their incredible ideas to the next level! 🙌✨ #OnePender


Report cards went home this week - please contact your student's teacher with any questions or concerns!
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Los reportes de calificaciones se mandaron a casa esta semana - ¡por favor comuníquese con el/la maestro/a de su estudiante con cualquier pregunta o preocupación!


Kindergarten has been busy in Wit & Wisdom! Students worked with Ms. Kayla Davidson (a PCS technology coach) on recording their stories about farm animals, and learned about life in America as it was in the past! Activities included a telephone activity, feather and ink experience, and butter churning!







Today was Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. We are beyond thankful for our School Resource Officer, Deputy George! You are an undeniable asset to our school and our students and staff are very appreciative to have you with us each day!

