🌟 Student Spotlight: Cullen! 🌟
Cullen, an 8th grader at West Pender Middle School, exemplifies kindness, empathy, and openness. Nominated by his science teacher, Ms. Rosemarie Goyette, Cullen is described as a true Warrior who ensures everyone feels included and valued. Whether offering help, sharing a smile, or embodying the Warrior POWER values, Cullen’s actions inspire those around him.
Here’s how Cullen lives out POWER every day:
💪 Perseverance – Staying focused and working hard, even when challenges arise.
🫂 Openness – Welcoming feedback and striving to grow.
❤️ Wellness – Building positive relationships and fostering a supportive environment.
🤝 Empathy – Showing kindness and ensuring classmates feel respected.
✔️ Responsibility – Owning mistakes and making sincere efforts to improve.
Favorite food? Chicken 🍗
Favorite color? Blue 💙
Hobbies? Sports video games 🎮
Fun fact? Cullen is the second youngest among his siblings, and his family loves spending time together.
Thank you, Cullen, for being a role model and creating a positive, inclusive school community! #OnePender
⏳ Time is running out! The deadline to complete the PCS Strategic Plan Survey is Friday, November 22, 2024. Your input is essential to shaping the future of Pender County Schools. Don’t miss your chance to share your thoughts!
📝 Complete the survey now: https://bit.ly/3zY7Ll9
#OnePender
Bus 310 is running approximately 2 hours behind this morning.
Teacher Tuesday - Melissa Deal, 2nd Grade Teacher at Penderlea School! 🌟📘
Currently teaching 2nd grade, Ms. Deal brings enthusiasm and heart to her classroom at Penderlea School. Over her 8-year career, she has also taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, constantly inspiring young minds. Her teaching journey was sparked by her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kathy Sutton, at Burgaw Elementary (now CF Pope). Ms. Deal even had the opportunity to volunteer in Mrs. Sutton’s classroom during her time at Pender Early College, solidifying her love for working with children. 🍎
Ms. Deal’s favorite subject to teach is ELA, particularly basic reading skills. Watching her students decode new words is a highlight of her day, and she considers "Fundations" her favorite part of teaching. One memorable teaching moment was guiding her 3rd-grade class in a special project centered around a student’s love for the Titanic, where the whole class delved into a shared learning adventure. 🛳️
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Deal cherishes time with her family. She and her husband love exploring the world through their young son’s eyes, often visiting animals and discovering new places together. 🐾 She’s also a fan of old country music and enjoys attending concerts by legends like Willie Nelson and Travis Tritt. 🎶
At home, Ms. Deal shares her life with a chocolate Labradoodle named Dolly and five chickens—two of which were hatched with her 2nd-grade class! 🐓
Her go-to travel destination is the Blue Ridge Mountains, a family favorite they visit every year. 🏞️
Ms. Deal lives by the philosophy, “Meet them where they are and grow them! Every day you have a chance to make a positive impact in the lives of others, so do it with a grateful heart.” With this outlook, she continues to leave a lasting mark on her students and community. 💖
🌟 Feature Friday: Amanda Gillespie, Pre-K Instructional Assistant at South Topsail Elementary! 🌟
Today, we recognize Amanda Gillespie, a Pre-K Instructional Assistant at South Topsail Elementary, whose commitment has made a significant impact on her students and colleagues. Ms. Gillespie’s dedication shines especially bright when challenges arise. Recently, with her teaching partner Ms. Baxter out to care for a loved one, Ms. Gillespie stepped up without hesitation to ensure the classroom ran smoothly. Her hard work and caring nature ensures every child is engaged, cared for, and thriving, embodying the heart of early education.
Ms. Gillespie’s positive influence extends to her colleagues, making her a valued team player in the Pre-K department. Ms. Baxter expresses deep gratitude for her dedication, sharing how she seamlessly takes on additional roles and responsibilities with a supportive, positive attitude. Ms. Gillespie, your contributions to South Topsail and the Preschool Program are invaluable, and we thank you for all you do! 🌟 #OnePender
📢 Attention families! Don’t miss out on tonight's Family Focus Group for the Strategic Plan from 6:30 - 7:30 at Heide Trask High School! This is your chance to share your thoughts and help shape the future of our schools. Join us and make your voice heard!
📅 Check the graphic for all the details. We hope to see you there!
📢 ¡Atención familias! ¡No se pierdan el Grupo de Enfoque Familiar para el Plan Estratégico esta noche, de 5 a 6 PM en la Escuela Primaria Rocky Point! Esta es su oportunidad de compartir sus ideas y ayudar a dar forma al futuro de nuestras escuelas. ¡Únase a nosotros y haga escuchar su voz!
📅 Consulte el gráfico para todos los detalles. ¡Esperamos verlos allí!
🌟 Celebrating Wyatt 🌟
Wyatt is a senior at Topsail High School who truly embodies leadership and kindness. Ms. Storms, his culinary teacher, nominated him for his outstanding attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to go the extra mile. During their restaurant event, Wyatt stayed through multiple class periods to help, even volunteering to clean up afterward! His calm and helpful nature sets a high standard for his peers.
Wyatt’s interests include cooking, gaming, and building things, and he loves a good burger! 🍔 He’s also known for being a great problem-solver—a fantastic skill to have in culinary class and beyond!
Thank you, Wyatt, for showing what it means to lead by example.
🎉 At Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, Michele Simmons was honored by Dominique Bates, Director of Career & Technical Education, for representing Pender County Schools on the national stage! Ms. Simmons showcased her expertise in integrating VR technology into our Career & Technical Education programs at the 2024 TransfrXR Futures Conference.
Thank you, Ms. Simmons, for your innovation and dedication to advancing learning opportunities for our students! 🌟 #OnePende
🌟 Celebrating Career Development Coordinator Day! 🌟
Today, we’re thrilled to honor our outstanding Career Development Coordinators—Michele Simmons, Bevin Stokes, Brittany Davis, and Siobhan Fargo! Their dedication to guiding students on their paths toward fulfilling careers and meaningful lives is invaluable. Every day, they empower our students with the tools, insights, and confidence to succeed, whether that means entering the workforce, joining the military, or pursuing further education.
Thank you, Michele, Bevin, Brittany, and Siobhan, for inspiring our students to dream big and achieve even bigger! Happy Career Development Coordinator Day! 🎉 #CareerDevelopmentMonth #CTE
🌟 During Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, Director of Student Services Leanne Radabaugh recognized a group of Pender County Schools employees who went above and beyond to support a neighboring community in need. Christina Yates, Abby Robbins, Stacie Thompson, Tabitha Ward, Sheila Sheats, Celina McGee, and Ashanti Craine traveled to Buncombe County to help re-open schools after Hurricane Helene.
Thank you for your dedication and compassion! Your commitment to supporting students, even beyond our district, reflects the true spirit of #OnePender 💙
Meet Richard Collins, Veteran 6th Grade Teacher at Topsail Middle! 📚✨
With an impressive 40.5 years of teaching experience, Mr. Collins brings wisdom and dedication to his 6th-grade classroom at Topsail Middle. His inspiration? A teacher and mentor who set him on the path to education. Throughout his career, he’s found a passion for teaching computer science, a subject he loves sharing with young minds. 💻🌟
One of his proudest accomplishments? Seeing two of his former students return to the same school as teachers—a true testament to his influence and dedication over the years.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Collins enjoys swimming and taking his family out to dinner. 🍽️ He’s also an avid creative writer, with a fantasy novel under his belt and an active membership in The Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators. 📖✒️
Mr. Collins shares a home with a unique crew: a horse named Cloud and two cats that he and his family adore. 🐾
When it comes to travel, Yosemite National Forest tops his list of destinations he’d love to visit. 🏞️
Guided by two personal mottos, “The measure of your intelligence is not the questions you can answer, but the ones you ask,” and “Nothing succeeds like success,” Mr. Collins continues to leave a lasting impact on each of his students. 🌟
As we gather for dinner this Veterans Day, let’s take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Their dedication and sacrifice allow us the freedoms we enjoy today, including the simple but meaningful moments we share around the table. Thank you, veterans, for your service—today and every day, we are grateful for you.
🌟 Feature Friday: Missy Daniel, TIMS/Routing Coordinator in Transportation! 🌟
This Friday, we’re proud to recognize Missy Daniel, our TIMS/Routing Coordinator, whose work within the Transportation Department exemplifies dedication, patience, and kindness. Missy manages one of the most challenging roles in our district, overseeing bus routes to ensure that our students arrive safely and on time. Her calm, supportive attitude shines through in every interaction, always offering assistance without hesitation and often going above and beyond.
Missy’s positive influence is felt daily by her peers. Assistant Principal Kelly Denny of North Topsail Elementary shares that despite this year’s unique challenges, Missy remains a steady, encouraging presence. Her dedication helps everything run smoothly, and her hard work, though often behind the scenes, is vital to the transportation team’s success. Missy, you are truly a cornerstone of this department, and we’re grateful for your kindness and commitment.
Thank you, Missy, for all that you do for PCS! 🌟
Today’s featured career video showcases Leanne Radabaugh, the dedicated PCS Director of Student Services, sharing her unique journey in education. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MWviNMZUdU
📹 Follow along with us, participate in spirit week, and don’t miss the Career Fair! Together, let’s make this month a meaningful step toward our students’ futures. 🌟 #PCSCareers #CareerDevelopmentMonth #DreamBig
Cape Fear Middle School 8th graders completed the career exploration portion of their North Carolina Career Development Plan this week. They learned about being Enrolled, Enlisted or Employed and did a test drive of a career area. After researching at least one specific job, they entered it in a Career Tracker that they can maintain and add to throughout high school. Ask them to show you their Tracker!
The Be Pro, Be Proud Bus came to Heide Trask High School today! Students had the opportunity to participate in careers in truck driving, welding, diesel mechanics, electrical linemen, and plumber through virtual reality simulators! What an amazing experiential learning experience.
#PCSCTE
We've extended the deadline for our Strategic Plan Survey to November 22, 2024. If you haven't done so already, please complete the survey. We want to hear from you as we shape our next five years. SURVEY LINK - https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/o/pcs/article/1827572
💪 Student Spotlight: Tyshawn! 💪
Meet Tyshawn, an inspiring 11th grader at Topsail High School, recognized by Ms. Stephanie Hoffman for his incredible perseverance! Tyshawn is non-verbal, but he continually shows his knowledge, kindness, and determination. He’s always ready to help students and staff and is admired by so many in the school. Tyshawn’s hard work has led to amazing progress on his IEP goals, and he’s even begun to say a few words verbally.
His favorite food? Pizza! 🍕
Favorite color? Red! ❤️
Hobbies? Playing basketball 🏀
Tyshawn, thank you for reminding us of the strength of determination!
📣🎉 November is National Career Development Month, and Pender County Schools CTE is celebrating in a big way across the district! 🎉📣
We’ve packed the month with career activities, from a special calendar of inspiring career videos and an exciting spirit week to a Career Fair on November 22nd. PLUS, we’re amping up opportunities for students to hear from guest speakers and explore different career pathways throughout the month. These experiences are designed to help students dream big, set goals, and explore options for their futures!
Today’s featured career video showcases April Perkins, the dedicated Principal of Rocky Point Elementary School, sharing her unique journey in education. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgSumMcqMIM 📹
Follow along with us, participate in spirit week, and don’t miss the Career Fair! Together, let’s make this month a meaningful step toward our students’ futures. 🌟 #PCSCareers #CareerDevelopmentMonth #DreamBig
