On my way in this morning, I passed Pender EMS & Fire Station 16 in Hampstead, where a large American flag was suspended from an aerial ladder in front of the station. Later, I spoke with the battalion chief, who told me that four firefighters — including himself — spent an hour climbing the ladder as part of the morning’s remembrance. Seeing that firefighter high above the flag stopped me for a moment. Twenty-five years later, it was a simple but powerful reminder that the events of September 11 are still remembered not only in ceremonies across the country, but here in our own community.
Twenty-five years later, we remember.
On September 11, 2001, thousands of lives were lost, families were forever changed, and first responders answered an unimaginable call.
Today, Pender County Schools pauses to remember those who died, honor those who served and sacrificed in the years that followed, and recognize the families and communities who continue to carry the impact of that day.
For our students, September 11 is history. It is our responsibility to help them understand why we remember.
🇺🇸 We will never forget.
On September 11, 2001, thousands of lives were lost, families were forever changed, and first responders answered an unimaginable call.
Today, Pender County Schools pauses to remember those who died, honor those who served and sacrificed in the years that followed, and recognize the families and communities who continue to carry the impact of that day.
For our students, September 11 is history. It is our responsibility to help them understand why we remember.
🇺🇸 We will never forget.
📣 The PCS Community Priorities Survey is open through Friday, September 18!
Families, staff and community members are encouraged to share the priorities and values they believe should guide future decisions about school assignment, facilities and continued growth.
📝 Complete the survey: https://bit.ly/3Sx4Fho
Please share the survey with others across Pender County. Your input matters!
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📣 ¡La Encuesta sobre las Prioridades de la Comunidad de PCS estará disponible hasta el viernes 18 de septiembre!
Invitamos a las familias, al personal y a los miembros de la comunidad a compartir las prioridades y los valores que consideran importantes para orientar las futuras decisiones sobre la asignación escolar, las instalaciones y el crecimiento continuo.
📝 Complete la encuesta: https://bit.ly/46PuTPv
Comparta la encuesta con otras personas en todo el condado de Pender. ¡Su opinión es importante!
Families, staff and community members are encouraged to share the priorities and values they believe should guide future decisions about school assignment, facilities and continued growth.
📝 Complete the survey: https://bit.ly/3Sx4Fho
Please share the survey with others across Pender County. Your input matters!
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📣 ¡La Encuesta sobre las Prioridades de la Comunidad de PCS estará disponible hasta el viernes 18 de septiembre!
Invitamos a las familias, al personal y a los miembros de la comunidad a compartir las prioridades y los valores que consideran importantes para orientar las futuras decisiones sobre la asignación escolar, las instalaciones y el crecimiento continuo.
📝 Complete la encuesta: https://bit.ly/46PuTPv
Comparta la encuesta con otras personas en todo el condado de Pender. ¡Su opinión es importante!
Final Update
Emergency personnel responded to South Topsail Elementary Thursday morning after a gas-like odor was reported inside the building. Students and staff were kept outside as a precaution while the building was inspected.
Fire department personnel checked every classroom and hallway using four gas meters. All four meters registered zero, and no gas was detected anywhere inside the school. The propane tanks and kitchen were also inspected, and no issues were found.
After the fire department cleared the building, Pender County Emergency Management and Pender County Schools maintenance staff conducted an additional walkthrough, including hallways where concerns had been reported. No gas smell or fumes were detected during the walkthrough.
A ventilation fan was placed in the building as an additional precaution. The school was cleared for students and staff to enter, and normal operations resumed.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we resolved this situation.
Emergency personnel responded to South Topsail Elementary Thursday morning after a gas-like odor was reported inside the building. Students and staff were kept outside as a precaution while the building was inspected.
Fire department personnel checked every classroom and hallway using four gas meters. All four meters registered zero, and no gas was detected anywhere inside the school. The propane tanks and kitchen were also inspected, and no issues were found.
After the fire department cleared the building, Pender County Emergency Management and Pender County Schools maintenance staff conducted an additional walkthrough, including hallways where concerns had been reported. No gas smell or fumes were detected during the walkthrough.
A ventilation fan was placed in the building as an additional precaution. The school was cleared for students and staff to enter, and normal operations resumed.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we resolved this situation.
South Topsail Elementary Update: A strong gas odor was reported inside the school this morning. As a precaution, students remained in their vehicles while the fire department, Emergency Management and PCS maintenance staff investigated.
The Fire Marshal has given the all-clear for students and staff to enter the building. Normal school operations will begin at 8:30 a.m., and fans are being used to clear the remaining odor.
Thank you to our families and staff for their patience and cooperation.
South Topsail Elementary families, school staff are investigating a possible natural gas odor in the building. Fire personnel and district maintenance are on site. Please keep students in your vehicle until the school gives the all-clear. We will provide an update as soon as more information is available.
🏥 IMPORTANT SCHOOL HEALTH REMINDER
The Sept. 22 deadline is quickly approaching for required health forms and immunizations.
📌 Incoming Kindergarten students and students who enrolled from out of state must provide their school nurse with:
• A completed NC Health Assessment Form from within the past calendar year
• A copy of their updated immunization record
💉 All 7th and 12th grade students also have required immunizations that must be completed by Sept. 22.
➡️ View grade-specific immunization requirements for Kindergarten, 7th and 12th grades:
https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/immunization/schools/k-12
Please contact your school nurse with any questions or to make sure your student’s records are complete.
⚠️ The Sept. 22 deadline is established by North Carolina state law, and the school district cannot make exceptions.
🏥 RECORDATORIO IMPORTANTE SOBRE LOS REQUISITOS DE SALUD ESCOLAR
Se acerca rápidamente la fecha límite del 22 de septiembre para entregar los formularios de salud y cumplir con los requisitos de vacunación.
📌 Los estudiantes que ingresan a Kindergarten y los estudiantes que se hayan matriculado provenientes de otro estado deben entregar a la enfermera de su escuela:
• Un Formulario de Evaluación de Salud de Carolina del Norte completado durante el último año calendario
• Una copia de su registro de vacunación actualizado
💉 Todos los estudiantes de 7.º y 12.º grado también tienen requisitos de vacunación que deben cumplirse antes del 22 de septiembre.
➡️ Consulte los requisitos de vacunación específicos para Kindergarten, 7.º y 12.º grado:
https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/immunization/schools/k-12
Comuníquese con la enfermera de su escuela si tiene preguntas o para asegurarse de que los registros de su estudiante estén completos.
⚠️ La fecha límite del 22 de septiembre está establecida por la ley del estado de Carolina del Norte, por lo que el distrito escolar no puede hacer excepciones.
The Sept. 22 deadline is quickly approaching for required health forms and immunizations.
📌 Incoming Kindergarten students and students who enrolled from out of state must provide their school nurse with:
• A completed NC Health Assessment Form from within the past calendar year
• A copy of their updated immunization record
💉 All 7th and 12th grade students also have required immunizations that must be completed by Sept. 22.
➡️ View grade-specific immunization requirements for Kindergarten, 7th and 12th grades:
https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/immunization/schools/k-12
Please contact your school nurse with any questions or to make sure your student’s records are complete.
⚠️ The Sept. 22 deadline is established by North Carolina state law, and the school district cannot make exceptions.
🏥 RECORDATORIO IMPORTANTE SOBRE LOS REQUISITOS DE SALUD ESCOLAR
Se acerca rápidamente la fecha límite del 22 de septiembre para entregar los formularios de salud y cumplir con los requisitos de vacunación.
📌 Los estudiantes que ingresan a Kindergarten y los estudiantes que se hayan matriculado provenientes de otro estado deben entregar a la enfermera de su escuela:
• Un Formulario de Evaluación de Salud de Carolina del Norte completado durante el último año calendario
• Una copia de su registro de vacunación actualizado
💉 Todos los estudiantes de 7.º y 12.º grado también tienen requisitos de vacunación que deben cumplirse antes del 22 de septiembre.
➡️ Consulte los requisitos de vacunación específicos para Kindergarten, 7.º y 12.º grado:
https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/immunization/schools/k-12
Comuníquese con la enfermera de su escuela si tiene preguntas o para asegurarse de que los registros de su estudiante estén completos.
⚠️ La fecha límite del 22 de septiembre está establecida por la ley del estado de Carolina del Norte, por lo que el distrito escolar no puede hacer excepciones.
🩺 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: YOUR FUTURE IN HEALTHCARE STARTS HERE! 💙
Pender County Schools CTE is excited to connect our students with the Scotts Hill Medical Center 2026–2027 Healthcare Explorer Program!
Through our growing partnership with Novant Health, high school students have an opportunity to step beyond the classroom and explore healthcare careers alongside the professionals who do this work every day.
Students will get an inside look at several areas of healthcare, including Emergency & Trauma Services, Surgical Services, Cardiology & Respiratory Care, and Allied Health fields such as laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, and rehabilitation. Students will even have the opportunity to receive Stop the Bleed and hands-only CPR training.
📍 It all starts with the FREE Open House!
📅 Thursday, September 17
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Boardwalk Café at Scotts Hill Medical Center
Interested in participating? Connect with your Career Development Coordinator TODAY for more information:
💛 Topsail High School — Siobhan Fargo
siobhan_fargo@pender.k12.nc.us
💙 Heide Trask High School — Joni Howell
joni_howell@pender.k12.nc.us
❤️ Pender High School — Laura Eakins
laura_eakins@pender.k12.nc.us
This is what happens when education and industry come together—students gain exposure, develop skills, build relationships, and begin seeing themselves in careers they may one day lead.
🧱 Brick by Brick, we are building pathways to brighter futures!
🎓 Enrolled. Enlisted. Or Employed.
#PCSCTE #BrickByBrick #NovantHealth #HealthcareExplorers #HealthcareCareers #CareerDevelopment #WorkBasedLearning #PatientCenteredCare #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
Pender County Schools CTE is excited to connect our students with the Scotts Hill Medical Center 2026–2027 Healthcare Explorer Program!
Through our growing partnership with Novant Health, high school students have an opportunity to step beyond the classroom and explore healthcare careers alongside the professionals who do this work every day.
Students will get an inside look at several areas of healthcare, including Emergency & Trauma Services, Surgical Services, Cardiology & Respiratory Care, and Allied Health fields such as laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, and rehabilitation. Students will even have the opportunity to receive Stop the Bleed and hands-only CPR training.
📍 It all starts with the FREE Open House!
📅 Thursday, September 17
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Boardwalk Café at Scotts Hill Medical Center
Interested in participating? Connect with your Career Development Coordinator TODAY for more information:
💛 Topsail High School — Siobhan Fargo
siobhan_fargo@pender.k12.nc.us
💙 Heide Trask High School — Joni Howell
joni_howell@pender.k12.nc.us
❤️ Pender High School — Laura Eakins
laura_eakins@pender.k12.nc.us
This is what happens when education and industry come together—students gain exposure, develop skills, build relationships, and begin seeing themselves in careers they may one day lead.
🧱 Brick by Brick, we are building pathways to brighter futures!
🎓 Enrolled. Enlisted. Or Employed.
#PCSCTE #BrickByBrick #NovantHealth #HealthcareExplorers #HealthcareCareers #CareerDevelopment #WorkBasedLearning #PatientCenteredCare #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
🌟 Know someone who deserves a spotlight?
Each week, Pender County Schools highlights a student, teacher, employee and volunteer who is making a difference in our schools and community.
And this year, we’re adding a new recognition — Volunteer of the Week! 🙌
Anyone can submit a nomination:
🎓 STUDENT
https://forms.gle/KPhKUiV8AK3RaR9fA
🍎 TEACHER
https://forms.gle/pF21qxP9xsBTNGN69
👏 EMPLOYEE
https://forms.gle/fA7vGNBYU9XxwuAv5
💙 VOLUNTEER
https://forms.gle/xpf1awDPtF4dGU2H8
See someone doing great things? Take a minute to tell us about them.
Don’t be shy — nominate someone today! 🌟
Each week, Pender County Schools highlights a student, teacher, employee and volunteer who is making a difference in our schools and community.
And this year, we’re adding a new recognition — Volunteer of the Week! 🙌
Anyone can submit a nomination:
🎓 STUDENT
https://forms.gle/KPhKUiV8AK3RaR9fA
🍎 TEACHER
https://forms.gle/pF21qxP9xsBTNGN69
👏 EMPLOYEE
https://forms.gle/fA7vGNBYU9XxwuAv5
💙 VOLUNTEER
https://forms.gle/xpf1awDPtF4dGU2H8
See someone doing great things? Take a minute to tell us about them.
Don’t be shy — nominate someone today! 🌟
⚠️ Transportation Alert: An accident in the Highway 210 bypass construction area is affecting traffic this afternoon. No PCS buses were involved.
Families should expect delays for afternoon bus routes serving Topsail High, Topsail Middle, South Topsail Elementary, Topsail Annandale Elementary and Topsail Pre-K.
We appreciate your patience as drivers navigate the area safely. 🚌
Last week we revealed a NEW menu item at every school across the county.
Our FISH MELT sandwich!
It was o-fish-ally a reel hit with students and staff.....we hope we have them hooked :)
Our FISH MELT sandwich!
It was o-fish-ally a reel hit with students and staff.....we hope we have them hooked :)
Just a reminder...
Students and families are invited to attend the Military Academies Fair to explore opportunities at U.S. service academies, senior military colleges and ROTC programs.
📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 5:30–8:00 p.m.
📍 Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center
Representatives are expected from West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, The Citadel, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, Norwich University Corps of Cadets and Navy ROTC.
Whether you’re beginning to explore your options or preparing to apply, this regional event is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn about pathways to college, leadership and military service. Please see the attached flyer for additional details. 📚
Students and families are invited to attend the Military Academies Fair to explore opportunities at U.S. service academies, senior military colleges and ROTC programs.
📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 5:30–8:00 p.m.
📍 Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center
Representatives are expected from West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, The Citadel, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, Norwich University Corps of Cadets and Navy ROTC.
Whether you’re beginning to explore your options or preparing to apply, this regional event is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn about pathways to college, leadership and military service. Please see the attached flyer for additional details. 📚
🩺 CTE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE CLINIC! 🌟
We are proud to celebrate Heide Trask High School graduate Karen Sanchez, who has received an offer to begin her healthcare career as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) at Novant Health’s Autumn Hall Primary Care Clinic! 🎉
Karen’s story is exactly what we mean when we talk about creating pathways that lead students from learning to earning.
While at Heide Trask, Karen earned her Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credential through NHA under the instruction and guidance of Mrs. Dominique Faison-Lambe. Now, that credential is opening the door to a career opportunity with Novant Health—a powerful example of what can happen when CTE instruction, industry-recognized credentials, and strong employer partnerships work together.
But Karen brings much more than a credential to healthcare. ❤️ She embodies the empathetic heart of a true healthcare professional. She thrives through meaningful patient interactions and understands the importance of patient-centered care—making sure every person feels heard, respected, and cared for.
Karen’s bilingual ability is another tremendous asset, allowing her to communicate with and support an even broader range of patients and families.
This is why partnerships matter. Our growing partnership with Novant Health is helping us connect the classroom directly to the workforce and create tangible opportunities for our students.
Karen, we are SUPER proud of you! Your journey is just beginning, and we cannot wait to see the impact you make on your patients and your community.
🧱 Brick by Brick, we are building pathways to brighter futures.
🎓 Enrolled. Enlisted. Or EMPLOYED.
#PCSCTE #StudentSpotlight #HeideTraskHighSchool #NovantHealth #CertifiedMedicalAssistant #NHA #HealthcareCareers #PatientCenteredCare #WorkforceDevelopment #BrickByBrick #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
We are proud to celebrate Heide Trask High School graduate Karen Sanchez, who has received an offer to begin her healthcare career as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) at Novant Health’s Autumn Hall Primary Care Clinic! 🎉
Karen’s story is exactly what we mean when we talk about creating pathways that lead students from learning to earning.
While at Heide Trask, Karen earned her Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credential through NHA under the instruction and guidance of Mrs. Dominique Faison-Lambe. Now, that credential is opening the door to a career opportunity with Novant Health—a powerful example of what can happen when CTE instruction, industry-recognized credentials, and strong employer partnerships work together.
But Karen brings much more than a credential to healthcare. ❤️ She embodies the empathetic heart of a true healthcare professional. She thrives through meaningful patient interactions and understands the importance of patient-centered care—making sure every person feels heard, respected, and cared for.
Karen’s bilingual ability is another tremendous asset, allowing her to communicate with and support an even broader range of patients and families.
This is why partnerships matter. Our growing partnership with Novant Health is helping us connect the classroom directly to the workforce and create tangible opportunities for our students.
Karen, we are SUPER proud of you! Your journey is just beginning, and we cannot wait to see the impact you make on your patients and your community.
🧱 Brick by Brick, we are building pathways to brighter futures.
🎓 Enrolled. Enlisted. Or EMPLOYED.
#PCSCTE #StudentSpotlight #HeideTraskHighSchool #NovantHealth #CertifiedMedicalAssistant #NHA #HealthcareCareers #PatientCenteredCare #WorkforceDevelopment #BrickByBrick #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
Happy Labor Day! Today we recognize the hard work, dedication, and service of the people who help make our schools and communities stronger. Thank you to every member of the PCS team for the work you do for students and families. 💙🤍
PCS Weekly Newsletter - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/3b6XEADHy0d1J Have a great (long) weekend!
🍎 PCS families — two helpful tools can make school meals a little easier to manage!
🥗 Nutrislice lets you view school menus, ingredients and nutrition information. You can also filter for allergens to see which meal options may work best for your student.
🔗 https://greatschools.nutrislice.com/menu
💳 LINQ Connect allows families to complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application, add money to meal accounts, monitor purchases and set spending limits.
🔗 https://linqconnect.com
📌 Students attending a CEP school do not need to complete a meal application.
Save these links for easy access throughout the school year! 🍽️
🥗 Nutrislice lets you view school menus, ingredients and nutrition information. You can also filter for allergens to see which meal options may work best for your student.
🔗 https://greatschools.nutrislice.com/menu
💳 LINQ Connect allows families to complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application, add money to meal accounts, monitor purchases and set spending limits.
🔗 https://linqconnect.com
📌 Students attending a CEP school do not need to complete a meal application.
Save these links for easy access throughout the school year! 🍽️
📣 The PCS Community Priorities Survey is open!
As Pender County Schools plans for continued growth, we want to hear from families, staff and community members. Your feedback will help identify the priorities and values that should guide future decisions about school assignment and facility needs.
📝 Complete the survey by Friday, September 18: https://bit.ly/4d0Q3O0
Your voice can help shape the future of our schools! 🏫
Lanzamiento de la encuesta — 7 de septiembre
📣 ¡La Encuesta sobre las Prioridades de la Comunidad de PCS ya está disponible!
Mientras las Escuelas del Condado de Pender planifican para el crecimiento continuo, queremos escuchar a las familias, al personal y a los miembros de la comunidad. Sus comentarios ayudarán a identificar las prioridades y los valores que deben orientar las futuras decisiones sobre la asignación escolar y las necesidades de las instalaciones.
📝 Complete la encuesta antes del viernes 18 de septiembre: https://forms.gle/sgWCWu8F1rXrxboTA
¡Su voz puede ayudar a dar forma al futuro de nuestras escuelas! 🏫
Today on our menu: BEEF NACHOS!
This is nacho average lunch :)
Child Nutrition Staff at all schools today in Pender County were happy to serve up our Beef Nachos...along with beans, fruit, and veggies!
This is nacho average lunch :)
Child Nutrition Staff at all schools today in Pender County were happy to serve up our Beef Nachos...along with beans, fruit, and veggies!
