🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Sophia is a Pre-K student at Cape Fear Elementary School, recognized for her kindness and leadership.
Sophia looks for ways to help her classmates, including students who are learning English. When a classmate is upset and speaking Spanish, Sophia will sometimes help translate so her teachers can better understand what the student needs. She also sets a good example by following school expectations and helping remind her classmates of classroom routines.
Her teachers have noticed the care Sophia shows for others and her willingness to help classmates feel understood and included. 💙
Outside of the classroom, Sophia enjoys drawing 🎨, playing with Play-Doh, and just about anything involving art. She also loves spending time outside with her friends. Her favorite foods are chicken nuggets and cheese pizza 🍕, and her favorite color is pink 💗.
One interesting fact about Sophia—she loves hugs, especially when she’s having a tough moment, and often shows that same care for others through hugs and drawings. 🫶🎨
💗 Thank you, Sophia, for the kindness and leadership you show at Cape Fear Elementary School.
Sophia is a Pre-K student at Cape Fear Elementary School, recognized for her kindness and leadership.
Sophia looks for ways to help her classmates, including students who are learning English. When a classmate is upset and speaking Spanish, Sophia will sometimes help translate so her teachers can better understand what the student needs. She also sets a good example by following school expectations and helping remind her classmates of classroom routines.
Her teachers have noticed the care Sophia shows for others and her willingness to help classmates feel understood and included. 💙
Outside of the classroom, Sophia enjoys drawing 🎨, playing with Play-Doh, and just about anything involving art. She also loves spending time outside with her friends. Her favorite foods are chicken nuggets and cheese pizza 🍕, and her favorite color is pink 💗.
One interesting fact about Sophia—she loves hugs, especially when she’s having a tough moment, and often shows that same care for others through hugs and drawings. 🫶🎨
💗 Thank you, Sophia, for the kindness and leadership you show at Cape Fear Elementary School.
🎵 ARTS IN EDUCATION WEEK 🎵
For many students, elementary school is where a lifelong connection to music begins. 🎶🥁🎻
As we continue celebrating Arts in Education Week, hear from Ms. Laura Black, Music Teacher at Rocky Point Elementary School, as she shares why arts education matters and what music can bring to a student’s educational experience. 💙💛
Through music, students have opportunities to create, perform, work together and build confidence — skills that reach far beyond the music room. 🎼✨
🎥 Hear more from Ms. Black in the video! - https://youtube.com/shorts/kuLT9wqcSUQ?feature=share
For many students, elementary school is where a lifelong connection to music begins. 🎶🥁🎻
As we continue celebrating Arts in Education Week, hear from Ms. Laura Black, Music Teacher at Rocky Point Elementary School, as she shares why arts education matters and what music can bring to a student’s educational experience. 💙💛
Through music, students have opportunities to create, perform, work together and build confidence — skills that reach far beyond the music room. 🎼✨
🎥 Hear more from Ms. Black in the video! - https://youtube.com/shorts/kuLT9wqcSUQ?feature=share
🎨💙 Teacher Tuesday: Ms. Lily Buckley — Heide Trask High School
Ms. Lily Buckley is an art teacher at Heide Trask High School and is in her third year of teaching. She is known for the energy she brings to her classroom and her willingness to support students and colleagues throughout the school.
Ms. Buckley’s enthusiasm for art comes through in her teaching. She works to create a classroom where students can express themselves, develop their skills, and feel comfortable being who they are. She also contributes to a number of programs and activities at Trask, often helping behind the scenes wherever she is needed.
What stands out most is the attention Ms. Buckley gives to her students as individuals. She notices when someone may be having a difficult day and takes time to check in. By building relationships based on respect and understanding, she helps students work through challenges while encouraging them to set their own goals and recognize what they are capable of accomplishing.
Thank you, Ms. Buckley, for the care and enthusiasm you bring to your students and the Heide Trask High School community. 💛🎨
Ms. Lily Buckley is an art teacher at Heide Trask High School and is in her third year of teaching. She is known for the energy she brings to her classroom and her willingness to support students and colleagues throughout the school.
Ms. Buckley’s enthusiasm for art comes through in her teaching. She works to create a classroom where students can express themselves, develop their skills, and feel comfortable being who they are. She also contributes to a number of programs and activities at Trask, often helping behind the scenes wherever she is needed.
What stands out most is the attention Ms. Buckley gives to her students as individuals. She notices when someone may be having a difficult day and takes time to check in. By building relationships based on respect and understanding, she helps students work through challenges while encouraging them to set their own goals and recognize what they are capable of accomplishing.
Thank you, Ms. Buckley, for the care and enthusiasm you bring to your students and the Heide Trask High School community. 💛🎨
🎨 ARTS IN EDUCATION WEEK 🎨
Art gives students a chance to create, explore and see things from a different perspective. 💙💛
As we continue celebrating Arts in Education Week, hear from Ashley Berdeau, Visual Arts Teacher at Surf City Middle School, as she shares her perspective on arts education and the role it plays in the student experience. 🖌️🖼️
Thank you to Ms. Berdeau and all of our PCS arts educators for giving students opportunities to discover their creativity and develop their own artistic voice.
🎥 Hear more from Ms. Berdeau in the video! https://youtube.com/shorts/tScCbfVfcYc
They keep us connected, protected and running, usually while THEY'RE running from one school to the next! 💻🔧
Getting our entire Technology team together for a photo is nearly impossible because they’re always busy solving problems and supporting our students and staff. On National IT Professionals Day, we’re sending a big thank-you to every member of this behind-the-scenes team for keeping Pender County Schools powered up and moving forward!
Hispanic Heritage Month begins today! 🎉 From Sept. 15-Oct. 15, we celebrate the cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Across Pender County Schools, we are grateful for the students, families, and staff who enrich our schools every day. 🌎📚
Get ready for bold, fresh flavor.
The Pesto Chicken Flatbread brings together savory roasted chicken, colorful vegetables, basil pesto, and melty mozzarella on a warm flatbread. Served with a side of pizza sauce for dipping fun!
Aramark's Chef Jeff was all smiles while in schools last week sampling this fresh & flavorful entree with
Pender County students.
It's a limited-time flavor experience happening THIS WEEK that you don’t want to miss!
HIGH SCHOOLS - available this Tuesday and Thursday
Pender Early College High School - Wednesday and Thursday
MIDDLE SCHOOLS - available this Friday
#PestoChickenFlatbread #LimitedTimeOffer #AramarkStudentNutrition
#CulinaryAlliance #FlavorOfTheMonth #NSLP #FreshFlavors #AramarkFoodies
The Pesto Chicken Flatbread brings together savory roasted chicken, colorful vegetables, basil pesto, and melty mozzarella on a warm flatbread. Served with a side of pizza sauce for dipping fun!
Aramark's Chef Jeff was all smiles while in schools last week sampling this fresh & flavorful entree with
Pender County students.
It's a limited-time flavor experience happening THIS WEEK that you don’t want to miss!
HIGH SCHOOLS - available this Tuesday and Thursday
Pender Early College High School - Wednesday and Thursday
MIDDLE SCHOOLS - available this Friday
#PestoChickenFlatbread #LimitedTimeOffer #AramarkStudentNutrition
#CulinaryAlliance #FlavorOfTheMonth #NSLP #FreshFlavors #AramarkFoodies
🎨🎭🎶 ARTS IN EDUCATION WEEK 🎶🎭🎨
This week, Pender County Schools joins communities across North Carolina in recognizing Arts in Education Week!
From visual art and music to theatre, dance and more, arts education gives students opportunities to create, perform, collaborate and find new ways to express themselves.
We appreciate our PCS arts educators who encourage creativity and help students discover talents and interests that can stay with them well beyond the classroom. 💙💛
⏰ There’s still time to share your voice!
The PCS Community Priorities Survey is open through Friday, September 18. Your feedback will help guide planning for school assignment, future facilities and the continued growth of our district.
✅ Take the survey: https://bit.ly/4d0Q3O0
Please participate and share the survey with others across Pender County! 📲
Recordatorio de la encuesta — 14 de septiembre
⏰ ¡Todavía está a tiempo de compartir su opinión!
La Encuesta sobre las Prioridades de la Comunidad de PCS estará disponible hasta el viernes 18 de septiembre. Sus comentarios ayudarán a orientar la planificación relacionada con la asignación escolar, las futuras instalaciones y el crecimiento continuo de nuestro distrito.
✅ Complete la encuesta: https://forms.gle/sgWCWu8F1rXrxboTA
¡Participe y comparta la encuesta con otras personas en todo el condado de Pender! 📲
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!
---
📣 ¡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. 🚌
