Happy Halloween! 🎃👻 We hope our students, families, and staff have a fun and safe day. Remember to watch for pedestrians, stay visible, and make smart choices while enjoying the festivities. 🍬✨
🎃 Family Engagement Fuels Early Learning at Surf City Preschool! Our Pumpkin Carving Event brought families and educators together for a meaningful experience that extended learning beyond the classroom. Through hands-on exploration, children strengthen fine motor skills, develop creativity, build vocabulary, and explore early science and math concepts. Experiences like these also reinforce the home-school partnership, which is essential to children's social-emotional development and long-term academic success. A special thank-you to our preschool families for making this our best Pumpkin Carving Event yet, and to Ms. Tammy Meadows and Ms. Vanessa Rebetti for helping make it a success! At Pender County Schools, we know that when families are engaged, learning grows! 🧡
🎃 A Story, a Shape, and a Little Creativity at Surf City Elementary School!
Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Salkill-Granillo's preschool class brought The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin to life through an engaging, hands-on learning experience! After reading the story, students explored geometric shapes, experimented with mixing colors to create orange frosting, and used graham crackers and frosting to create their own square pumpkins.
This literacy-inspired activity integrated early math, science, and fine motor development while encouraging creativity, exploration, and problem-solving. Through meaningful connections between stories and hands-on experiences, our youngest learners are building essential skills for future academic success! 📚🎃
Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Salkill-Granillo's preschool class brought The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin to life through an engaging, hands-on learning experience! After reading the story, students explored geometric shapes, experimented with mixing colors to create orange frosting, and used graham crackers and frosting to create their own square pumpkins.
This literacy-inspired activity integrated early math, science, and fine motor development while encouraging creativity, exploration, and problem-solving. Through meaningful connections between stories and hands-on experiences, our youngest learners are building essential skills for future academic success! 📚🎃
📚 Celebrating Literacy and Learning at RPES!
The Pender County Schools Preschool team and students at RPES took a moment to celebrate Character Book Day! Through stories, character exploration, and imaginative expression, our youngest learners strengthened their connections to literature while bringing their favorite book characters to life.
Experiences like these foster a love of reading, encourage creativity, build language and communication skills, and make learning meaningful and memorable. At Pender County Schools, we are laying the foundation for lifelong learning, one story at a time!
The Pender County Schools Preschool team and students at RPES took a moment to celebrate Character Book Day! Through stories, character exploration, and imaginative expression, our youngest learners strengthened their connections to literature while bringing their favorite book characters to life.
Experiences like these foster a love of reading, encourage creativity, build language and communication skills, and make learning meaningful and memorable. At Pender County Schools, we are laying the foundation for lifelong learning, one story at a time!
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Glenn Rogers, Director of Maintenance for Pender County Schools.
Glenn plays an important role in keeping our schools safe and operating each day, often working behind the scenes to address issues before they become bigger problems.
A recent example came during the 24-inch water main break along Highway 421, which affected water service and pressure at several schools on the west side of the county. While district leaders worked through decisions about school operations and transportation, Glenn coordinated with Pender County Utilities and Pender Emergency Services to prepare for the following school day.
He arranged for bottled water to be available at affected schools and organized maintenance staff to inspect plumbing fixtures before students and employees arrived.
Glenn is known for staying calm during challenging situations and focusing on what needs to be done. His coworkers appreciate his dependability, attention to detail, and willingness to work with others to find solutions.
💛💙 Thank you, Glenn, for your leadership and the work you do to keep our schools safe and ready for students and staff.
This week we’re recognizing Glenn Rogers, Director of Maintenance for Pender County Schools.
Glenn plays an important role in keeping our schools safe and operating each day, often working behind the scenes to address issues before they become bigger problems.
A recent example came during the 24-inch water main break along Highway 421, which affected water service and pressure at several schools on the west side of the county. While district leaders worked through decisions about school operations and transportation, Glenn coordinated with Pender County Utilities and Pender Emergency Services to prepare for the following school day.
He arranged for bottled water to be available at affected schools and organized maintenance staff to inspect plumbing fixtures before students and employees arrived.
Glenn is known for staying calm during challenging situations and focusing on what needs to be done. His coworkers appreciate his dependability, attention to detail, and willingness to work with others to find solutions.
💛💙 Thank you, Glenn, for your leadership and the work you do to keep our schools safe and ready for students and staff.
The Child Nutrition Staff has had a🎃 fab-BOO-lous 👻week serving up some scary good meals!
They have a few TRICKS up their sleeves to make sure Pender County students are offered delicious meals every day of the week. And it's always a TREAT for them to greet the students' smiling faces each day :)
Wishing everyone a spooktacular Halloween weekend!
🌟 PCS VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 🌟
This week's PCS Volunteer Spotlight recognizes Michelle Kosinski, whose dedication to supporting teachers and creating memorable experiences for students makes a difference in her school community! 💙💛
Michelle has been an active member of the PTA for the past three years, including two years serving as vice president. Throughout that time, she's made it a priority to show school staff just how much they're appreciated.
🥞 One of her special contributions is organizing a monthly breakfast for teachers and staff. Michelle doesn't just coordinate the meals — she personally delivers breakfast to classrooms, bringing a little extra encouragement and appreciation to educators as they start their day!
Her efforts go beyond supporting staff. Michelle also works to help ensure students have positive and memorable experiences throughout the school year.
Whether she's planning an event, supporting the PTA or finding another way to brighten someone's day, Michelle continues to give her time and energy to her school community.
👏 Thank you, Michelle, for your generosity, thoughtfulness and commitment to making our schools better places for students and staff!
This week's PCS Volunteer Spotlight recognizes Michelle Kosinski, whose dedication to supporting teachers and creating memorable experiences for students makes a difference in her school community! 💙💛
Michelle has been an active member of the PTA for the past three years, including two years serving as vice president. Throughout that time, she's made it a priority to show school staff just how much they're appreciated.
🥞 One of her special contributions is organizing a monthly breakfast for teachers and staff. Michelle doesn't just coordinate the meals — she personally delivers breakfast to classrooms, bringing a little extra encouragement and appreciation to educators as they start their day!
Her efforts go beyond supporting staff. Michelle also works to help ensure students have positive and memorable experiences throughout the school year.
Whether she's planning an event, supporting the PTA or finding another way to brighten someone's day, Michelle continues to give her time and energy to her school community.
👏 Thank you, Michelle, for your generosity, thoughtfulness and commitment to making our schools better places for students and staff!
🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | TOPSAIL ANNANDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
For Jessica Bellflower, principal of Topsail Annandale Elementary School, one of the best parts of elementary education is getting to watch just how much students grow over time.
From the first days of kindergarten through the end of fifth grade, she says the changes can be remarkable. Students enter as young five-year-olds and leave years later with new confidence, new skills and a whole lot of growth behind them. Being able to look back and see that progress is one of the things she values most about the job.
Ms. Bellflower also has a strong math side, she minored in math in college and says fourth- or fifth-grade math would be her classroom of choice if she were teaching today. And when it comes to trivia, she might surprise a few people: she’s especially good with music from the 1960s and 1970s, particularly classic rock. 🎶
She also has a couple of favorite school-lunch memories from her own elementary years: crispitos and Italian dunkers. 😋
Most of all, Ms. Bellflower wants families to feel two things when they walk into Topsail Annandale: joy, and the sense that they are loved and cared for. She wants the school to feel like a family and a place students genuinely want to be each day.
And while she is currently enjoying maternity leave with her new baby girl, she says she’s looking forward to being back in the nest soon. 💕
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Ms. Bellflower, for all you do for the Topsail Annandale Elementary School community! 💚🖤 - YouTube Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/UlCerWgTbMA
🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | CAPE FEAR MIDDLE SCHOOL
At Cape Fear Middle School, Principal Bobby Simmons has worked to build something bigger than a school, a place where students and staff feel like family.
That sense of belonging is an important part of the culture at CFMS, where Mr. Simmons has emphasized relationships while maintaining high expectations for students. The goal is for students to walk through the doors each day feeling safe, challenged and welcomed.
Those who know Mr. Simmons also know there’s plenty of personality behind the principal’s desk. He’s known for his sense of humor, for being willing to jump in wherever he’s needed and even for firing up the grill for his staff.
It’s all part of an approach to leadership built around people, supporting teachers, connecting with students and creating a school community where everyone feels they have a place.
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Mr. Simmons, for all you do for the Cape Fear Middle School family! 💙💛 YouTube Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/5_CT3XdgJYs
At Cape Fear Middle School, Principal Bobby Simmons has worked to build something bigger than a school, a place where students and staff feel like family.
That sense of belonging is an important part of the culture at CFMS, where Mr. Simmons has emphasized relationships while maintaining high expectations for students. The goal is for students to walk through the doors each day feeling safe, challenged and welcomed.
Those who know Mr. Simmons also know there’s plenty of personality behind the principal’s desk. He’s known for his sense of humor, for being willing to jump in wherever he’s needed and even for firing up the grill for his staff.
It’s all part of an approach to leadership built around people, supporting teachers, connecting with students and creating a school community where everyone feels they have a place.
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Mr. Simmons, for all you do for the Cape Fear Middle School family! 💙💛 YouTube Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/5_CT3XdgJYs
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Callie is a senior at Topsail High School, recognized for her leadership, academic success, and involvement in her school and community.
Callie works hard to maintain strong grades while balancing cheerleading, volunteering, and other activities. She takes her responsibilities seriously and makes time to give back to others. 📚📣
Recently, Callie returned to her former elementary school, North Topsail Elementary, to help welcome students during morning arrival. She enjoyed seeing the younger students and helping them start their school day. Callie is also looking forward to volunteering at the school's upcoming Fall Festival. Her willingness to stay involved shows her appreciation for the school where she began her education in Pender County.
Outside of school, Callie enjoys cheerleading 📣, reading 📚, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite food is Chipotle 🌯, and her favorite color is pink 💗. She also has a dog named Piper 🐶.
One fun fact—Callie loves going to concerts 🎶, and seeing Taylor Swift perform has been her most memorable concert experience!
💗 Thank you, Callie, for your hard work and for giving back to the Pender County Schools community!
Callie is a senior at Topsail High School, recognized for her leadership, academic success, and involvement in her school and community.
Callie works hard to maintain strong grades while balancing cheerleading, volunteering, and other activities. She takes her responsibilities seriously and makes time to give back to others. 📚📣
Recently, Callie returned to her former elementary school, North Topsail Elementary, to help welcome students during morning arrival. She enjoyed seeing the younger students and helping them start their school day. Callie is also looking forward to volunteering at the school's upcoming Fall Festival. Her willingness to stay involved shows her appreciation for the school where she began her education in Pender County.
Outside of school, Callie enjoys cheerleading 📣, reading 📚, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite food is Chipotle 🌯, and her favorite color is pink 💗. She also has a dog named Piper 🐶.
One fun fact—Callie loves going to concerts 🎶, and seeing Taylor Swift perform has been her most memorable concert experience!
💗 Thank you, Callie, for your hard work and for giving back to the Pender County Schools community!
Math and Science Exploration at Cape Fear Elementary School: Sink or Float
Mrs. Robertson and Ms. Henry’s preschool students engaged in a hands-on math and science activity exploring whether pumpkins sink or float. Students selected and measured their pumpkins, identified their physical characteristics, and made predictions before testing their hypotheses. This engaging activity promoted early mathematical thinking, observation, measurement, and scientific inquiry.
Fine Motor Development and Early Literacy
Mrs. Robertson and Ms. Henry’s preschool students participated in a fine motor activity that challenged them to match pictures with corresponding words and copy the words onto their papers. By incorporating varied writing surfaces, the activity strengthened fine motor coordination, supported early literacy development, and provided opportunities for students to practice foundational writing skills.
🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | SURF CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
For Karla Shand, principal of Surf City Elementary School, a great school day comes down to some simple but meaningful things: smiling students, everyone following expectations and the school community together.
Ms. Shand describes herself as a born leader — who might also be a little too talkative! 😊 But when asked who deserves more recognition, she turns the attention to someone else.
She gives a special shoutout to the school’s custodian, recognizing the hard work, positive attitude and smile she brings every day. It’s a reminder that the people who help keep a school running deserve to be celebrated, too.
And her idea of a peaceful afternoon away from school? A trip to the beach — with or without company. 🏖️ Sometimes, a little quiet time by the water is just right.
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Ms. Shand, for all you do for the Surf City Elementary School community! 💙 YouTube Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/dOmW7IYZ_ms
For Karla Shand, principal of Surf City Elementary School, a great school day comes down to some simple but meaningful things: smiling students, everyone following expectations and the school community together.
Ms. Shand describes herself as a born leader — who might also be a little too talkative! 😊 But when asked who deserves more recognition, she turns the attention to someone else.
She gives a special shoutout to the school’s custodian, recognizing the hard work, positive attitude and smile she brings every day. It’s a reminder that the people who help keep a school running deserve to be celebrated, too.
And her idea of a peaceful afternoon away from school? A trip to the beach — with or without company. 🏖️ Sometimes, a little quiet time by the water is just right.
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Ms. Shand, for all you do for the Surf City Elementary School community! 💙 YouTube Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/dOmW7IYZ_ms
🌱💙 Teacher Tuesday: Ms. Tammy Meadows — Surf City Elementary
Ms. Tammy Meadows teaches at Surf City Elementary and has more than seven years of teaching experience. Colleagues describe her as welcoming, professional, and someone who brings a positive attitude to the classroom each day.
Ms. Meadows looks for ways to make learning hands-on and meaningful for her students. One example is a "garden center" she created to help children learn about growing food while also practicing responsibility and commitment. Activities like this give students opportunities to learn new skills and understand the importance of caring for something over time.
What stands out about Ms. Meadows is the care she puts into her classroom and the relationships she builds with those around her. One colleague shared how much they've learned from working alongside her and appreciates her willingness to share ideas and support others.
💛🌻 Thank you, Ms. Meadows, for the time, creativity, and care you bring to your students and colleagues at Surf City Elementary!
Ms. Tammy Meadows teaches at Surf City Elementary and has more than seven years of teaching experience. Colleagues describe her as welcoming, professional, and someone who brings a positive attitude to the classroom each day.
Ms. Meadows looks for ways to make learning hands-on and meaningful for her students. One example is a "garden center" she created to help children learn about growing food while also practicing responsibility and commitment. Activities like this give students opportunities to learn new skills and understand the importance of caring for something over time.
What stands out about Ms. Meadows is the care she puts into her classroom and the relationships she builds with those around her. One colleague shared how much they've learned from working alongside her and appreciates her willingness to share ideas and support others.
💛🌻 Thank you, Ms. Meadows, for the time, creativity, and care you bring to your students and colleagues at Surf City Elementary!
📢 Join the Aramark team at Pender County School District!
We're hiring:
✅ Food Service Workers
Apply Today!
Make a difference in students' lives while building a rewarding career in school nutrition. If you're passionate about serving your community and creating a positive impact, we'd love to hear from you!
#NowHiring #SchoolJobs #PenderCountySchools #FoodServiceJobs #HiringNC
https://aramarkcareers.com/UnitedStates/job/Burgaw-Food-Service-Worker-Pender-County-Sch-Dist-NC-28425/1405294600/
🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | SURF CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle school comes with big feelings — and Crystal Hall, principal of Surf City Middle School, wants adults to remember the importance of patience.
Ms. Hall says what may look like a grumpy mood or a lack of interest can be a student working through emotions they feel deeply. Sometimes, the best thing adults can do is step back and give them time to process.
She also offers a glimpse of the work behind the principal’s desk. From class schedules and student movement to individual situations, each day brings decisions that help shape the school experience.
Looking ahead, Ms. Hall believes today’s students will work in careers and develop things we haven’t yet imagined. Preparing them for that unknown is a challenge, but she has confidence they will rise to meet it.
And on a lighter note, one meal that gets her vote? A great cheeseburger and fries with lemon-pepper salt. 🍔🍟 Those who know, know!
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Ms. Hall, for all you do for the Surf City Middle School community! 💙 YouTube Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/1rXwYdAxs9w
Middle school comes with big feelings — and Crystal Hall, principal of Surf City Middle School, wants adults to remember the importance of patience.
Ms. Hall says what may look like a grumpy mood or a lack of interest can be a student working through emotions they feel deeply. Sometimes, the best thing adults can do is step back and give them time to process.
She also offers a glimpse of the work behind the principal’s desk. From class schedules and student movement to individual situations, each day brings decisions that help shape the school experience.
Looking ahead, Ms. Hall believes today’s students will work in careers and develop things we haven’t yet imagined. Preparing them for that unknown is a challenge, but she has confidence they will rise to meet it.
And on a lighter note, one meal that gets her vote? A great cheeseburger and fries with lemon-pepper salt. 🍔🍟 Those who know, know!
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Ms. Hall, for all you do for the Surf City Middle School community! 💙 YouTube Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/1rXwYdAxs9w
📱 Stay connected with Pender County Schools wherever you are!
The PCS App makes it easy to keep up with district and school news, important announcements, calendars, events and notifications — all in one place. Whether you’re planning the week ahead or just want to make sure you don’t miss an update, the app puts PCS information right at your fingertips.
✅ Download the PCS App
✅ Select your school(s)
✅ Turn on notifications
✅ Stay connected
Take a minute this weekend to make sure you have the app and your notifications are set the way you want them. 💙📲
The PCS App makes it easy to keep up with district and school news, important announcements, calendars, events and notifications — all in one place. Whether you’re planning the week ahead or just want to make sure you don’t miss an update, the app puts PCS information right at your fingertips.
✅ Download the PCS App
✅ Select your school(s)
✅ Turn on notifications
✅ Stay connected
Take a minute this weekend to make sure you have the app and your notifications are set the way you want them. 💙📲
🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | SOUTH TOPSAIL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
For Kathryn Bates, principal of South Topsail Elementary School, the first day of school is more than the start of a new year — it’s a reminder of why she does this work.
Seeing students, families and staff come back together after summer break, full of excitement and smiles, makes that day especially meaningful.
That energy continues in the everyday moments, too. Ms. Bates enjoys welcoming students at the front doors, where their smiles and positive attitudes help get her own day started. ☀️
She describes herself as someone willing to jump in wherever she’s needed. But the classroom still holds a special place in her heart. She misses teaching and values opportunities to be with students.
And her must-have school supply growing up? A Trapper Keeper! Getting to choose the color herself made it even more special. 📒 Some school-day memories stay with you long after you’ve moved to the principal’s office.
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Ms. Bates, for all you do for the South Topsail Elementary School community! 💙 YouTube Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/i97SBomUL4Q
For Kathryn Bates, principal of South Topsail Elementary School, the first day of school is more than the start of a new year — it’s a reminder of why she does this work.
Seeing students, families and staff come back together after summer break, full of excitement and smiles, makes that day especially meaningful.
That energy continues in the everyday moments, too. Ms. Bates enjoys welcoming students at the front doors, where their smiles and positive attitudes help get her own day started. ☀️
She describes herself as someone willing to jump in wherever she’s needed. But the classroom still holds a special place in her heart. She misses teaching and values opportunities to be with students.
And her must-have school supply growing up? A Trapper Keeper! Getting to choose the color herself made it even more special. 📒 Some school-day memories stay with you long after you’ve moved to the principal’s office.
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Ms. Bates, for all you do for the South Topsail Elementary School community! 💙 YouTube Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/i97SBomUL4Q
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Susannah Ward, District Spanish Interpreter and Translator, who serves Pender County Schools through the Central Office and Rocky Point Elementary School.
Ms. Ward plays an important role in helping Spanish-speaking families communicate with our schools. From interpreting meetings and making phone calls to translating documents and assisting with student assessments, she helps ensure families have access to the information and support they need.
Her work often goes beyond those responsibilities. Ms. Ward takes time to listen to students, families, and colleagues, and she's always willing to help when someone needs assistance. Staff members who work closely with her appreciate her patience, kindness, and willingness to make time for others, even on her busiest days.
Over the years, she has built strong relationships with the families and staff she serves. Much of her work happens behind the scenes, but it makes a difference in helping our schools communicate with and support our community.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Ward, for the care you show our students and families and for the important work you do across Pender County Schools.
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Susannah Ward, District Spanish Interpreter and Translator, who serves Pender County Schools through the Central Office and Rocky Point Elementary School.
Ms. Ward plays an important role in helping Spanish-speaking families communicate with our schools. From interpreting meetings and making phone calls to translating documents and assisting with student assessments, she helps ensure families have access to the information and support they need.
Her work often goes beyond those responsibilities. Ms. Ward takes time to listen to students, families, and colleagues, and she's always willing to help when someone needs assistance. Staff members who work closely with her appreciate her patience, kindness, and willingness to make time for others, even on her busiest days.
Over the years, she has built strong relationships with the families and staff she serves. Much of her work happens behind the scenes, but it makes a difference in helping our schools communicate with and support our community.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Ward, for the care you show our students and families and for the important work you do across Pender County Schools.
