Pender County Schools -

🎓 Join us for Let’s Connect: ECU & CFCC Partnership! 🎓 ECU and CFCC are teaming up to bring higher education closer to you! Let’s Connect is a bilingual (English and Spanish) event for middle school, high school, and community college students — and their families. This one-stop event features: ✅ Degree program highlights ✅ Financial aid & scholarship information ✅ Application process guidance ✅ One-on-one time with ECU & CFCC representatives Don't miss this chance to explore your future! The event is held at night to accommodate working families. 🌟

A few from the Patriots at Sharks football game at Surf City Middle... #OnePender

🚁 Big News from Cape Fear Middle School! 🚁 Our students have officially earned their FAA Trust Certificates for flying drones, and now they’re getting their first hands-on experience in the skies! 🎮✨ With drones in hand, they’re learning basic controls, mastering flight rules, and even sharpening their skills on the drone flight simulator. The future of flight is looking bright for these young pilots! #CapeFearMiddleSchool #DronePilotsInTraining #STEMExcellence #FlightSkills #FutureAviators

🎉 Exciting Update from 6th Grade Keyboarding at Surf City Middle School! 🎉 Our students are leveling up their skills! We just received our keyboard covers, and they've started typing with their keys covered—what an awesome way to boost accuracy and speed! 🔥 As they wrap up Unit 1, they've been working hard on mastering the basics and getting comfortable with proper keyboarding techniques. We can't wait to see how much more they’ll achieve! #SurfCityMiddleSchool #KeyboardingChampions #MasteringSkills #SCMS

Pender County School Families, Today a few school districts in North Carolina were affected by false reports of violence on their campuses. We have been in contact with local law enforcement and there is no credible threat to any of our schools. It appears to be part of a hoax known as “swatting.” While Pender County Schools has not experienced this issue directly, we know the message is circulating on social media and that many of our families may be understandably concerned about school safety. Please know that our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We take any and all reports of potential threats seriously, and we are making every effort to maintain an environment where students and staff feel safe. We would like to continue to remind our students and school community, if you see something, “Say Something” using our reporting system located on the main webpage of every school as well as the Pender County Schools mobile app. Also always report, don’t repost. Sharing false information, making threats, and engaging in online harassment are serious offenses that can have severe consequences. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your individual school. Thank you for your attention to this important update.

And we’re off! The Listening and Learning Tour is underway. First stop Surf City Middle… #OnePender

🌟 Student Spotlight: Asia! 🌟 Let’s give a big shoutout to Asia, a 12th grader at Pender High School! Asia was nominated by her teacher, Ms. Danyiel New, for her amazing leadership skills. As a student ambassador, Asia is always ready to help underclassmen find their way around the school and assist them with class projects. 👏 Asia is a true role model, keeping her peers focused on maintaining high standards and positive behavior. She’s a shining example of what it means to lead by example! 💫 Fun Facts About Asia: Favorite Food: Pizza & Chick-fil-A 🍕🍗 Favorite Color: Purple 💜 Hobbies: Playing Fortnite 🎮 Interesting Fact: Asia dreams of joining the military after graduation! 🇺🇸 Thank you, Asia, for making Pender High a better place for everyone! 🌟#OnePender

Dear Pender County Schools Families, I want to take a moment to personally thank you for your patience and understanding during the difficult decisions we’ve had to make in response to the recent extreme weather conditions. Your cooperation has been invaluable as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community. We are pleased to inform you that we have thoroughly prepared for the return of students and staff tomorrow. Our buildings are ready, and district officials have driven the roads to ensure they are safe and passable for everyone. We also want to express our deepest compassion to those who may be dealing with unfortunate circumstances as a result of the storm. We understand that these situations bring many challenges, and we strive to do our part to help support our families in any way we can. I do want to apologize for any inconvenience caused by the mid-morning change of plans on Monday, as the situation changed quickly. It certainly was not ideal, and my team and I will work to grow from this experience as we face future similar circumstances. Please know our school system takes great pride in our responsibilities, especially when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of our students and families. Thank you again for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming our students and staff back tomorrow. Thank you, Brad Breedlove Superintendent Pender County Schools

📢 Schools Open on Normal Schedule Wednesday, September 18! 📚 We’re happy to inform you that all Pender County Schools will resume regular operations on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

TEACHER TUESDAY - Ms. Hannah Stewart | Malpass Corner Elementary! ✨ In her fourth year of teaching, Ms. Stewart finds pure joy in those lightbulb moments when students learn something new. Her passion shines brightest in ELA, where she loves helping her students “travel the world” through reading and writing. 🌍📚 Instilling a love for learning is what drives her every day. One of Ms. Stewart’s proudest accomplishments was during her third year in Kindergarten, when she worked with several multilingual learners who spoke little to no English. By embracing their language and culture, she was able to teach and communicate effectively with them. By the end of the school year, three of those students made significant progress, moving from red to green or blue composite scores on mCLASS! 🎉💪 Outside the classroom, Ms. Stewart loves to spend time with her family and explore new destinations. She’s a big fan of reading, listening to music, cooking, and—of course—traveling. 🛫👩‍🍳 Her favorite trip so far? The Bahamas! But she’s got her eyes set on Europe, especially Scotland. 🏴 And let’s not forget about her adorable Golden Retriever, Fancy—yes, named after Reba McEntire’s famous song! 🎶🐕 Her personal motto, inspired by Babe Ruth, is a perfect reflection of her approach to teaching and life: *“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”* ⚾

Meet Mrs. Ilameredith Berkley, EC Teacher at Pender Innovative Learning Academy (PILA)! 🎉 With over 30 years of teaching under her belt, Mrs. Berkley’s passion for education started way back in kindergarten, thanks to her teacher Mrs. Zakarian, and her mom, who was both a teacher and an Art Therapist. Both women had a deep love for children and a strong connection with their students, and that’s exactly what Mrs. Berkley brings to her classroom today. She’s thrilled to be part of a profession that shapes young lives! 🌟 Mrs. Berkley’s favorite subject to teach is reading, and for her, it's more than just letters and words—it's about empowering students. She loves watching the moment they realize they can experience the world in new ways through reading. In fact, she’s still in touch with some of the very first students she taught, showing the lasting impact of those connections. 📚💖 During her first year in Pender County at Surf City Middle School in 2023, Mrs. Berkley took learning to the next level by making it fun, even during lunch and recess! She created a "Lunch Bunch" club where students practiced foundational skills in a hands-on, engaging way. Her door was always open for her students, creating a welcoming space for learning. But Mrs. Berkley doesn’t stop the adventure when the school day ends! Outside the classroom, she’s a thrill-seeker who loves participating in triathlons and even skydiving! 🏃‍♀️✈️ And when she’s not chasing new challenges, you can find her running, swimming, or curled up with a good book. Her dream travel destination? Africa! 🌍 And her guiding motto? "The way you do anything is the way you do everything," which she lives out in every aspect of her life—whether she’s teaching, running, or jumping out of planes!

Due to the current weather conditions, Pender County Schools is moving to an early release schedule. Additionally, all after-school activities have been canceled. To view the updated bell schedule for early release, please visit our website - https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/school-bell-schedule At this time, we plan to resume our normal schedule tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please stay safe.

According to the latest update from the National Weather Service, there are no major changes to the forecast associated with Tropical Cyclone #8. Pender County Schools will continue to monitor the weather to determine if any changes to the schedule is needed. Please continue to follow our social media platforms and the Pender County Schools website for the latest information.

Pender County Schools will operate on a normal schedule tomorrow. We're closely monitoring the weather and consulting with local experts. If any changes arise, we will notify families via our website and social media. Stay tuned for updates! #PCSUpdates

🌟 **Feature Friday: Matt Davis** 🌟 This **Feature Friday**, we’re proud to highlight Matt Davis, our dedicated Athletic Director for Pender County Schools. With over 21 years of service, Matt has made a lasting impact on students, coaches, and the community through his leadership of the athletic programs at 6 middle schools and 3 high schools. 🏆 A proud graduate of Topsail High School, Class of ’99, Matt attended UNC-Wilmington on the Teaching Fellows Scholarship, earning his BA in Mathematics. After student teaching at Trask Middle, he began his career at Pender High in 2003, growing from teacher to coach and ultimately to Athletic Director. His passion for education and student development has been evident throughout his career. 📚 Melissa Yarborough, PCS Transportation Director, nominated Matt for Feature Friday, sharing: “I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Matt’s dedication for years. Whether as a teacher, coach, or AD, he always puts students first. He works tirelessly—on weekends and after hours—to ensure our student-athletes are much more than just athletes, emphasizing community service and giving back. Matt even helps with bus routes at Topsail High to ensure students get to school on time. He’s a true asset to PCS.” Matt’s favorite part of the job is seeing the passion of students and coaches as they grow and compete. 🏀⚽ He also values the sense of community that defines Pender County, and he enjoys being part of a team that makes a difference for students. Thank you, Matt, for your dedication and for always going above and beyond for PCS students and staff. You exemplify the spirit of Pender County Schools! 🌟 #OnePender

Weekly Newsletter - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/dBWvCXLgy2Rt4 Have a great weekend!

6th and 7th graders at Penderlea are beginning their career development plans this week. School counselors and middle school career development coordinator are collaborating to ensure our students are enrolled, enlisted or employed upon graduation. #ONEPENDER

Topsail High School carpentry students participated in an amazing experiential learning opportunity with habitat for humanity today. Students were able to lay sod, plant shrubs and add soffit to a home! PCSCTE EXPERIENCE THE EXCELLENCE! #ONEPENDER

Our automotive program at Pender High School is on day 3 of class and are already learning to do oil changes. Amazing engagement and hands on learning happening today in Pender County Schools CTE!

Today, we pause to honor the lives lost, the heroes who emerged, and the resilience shown by our nation on September 11, 2001. In our classrooms, we reflect on the importance of unity, courage, and service to others. Together, as #OnePender, we continue to educate and inspire the next generation, ensuring they understand the lessons of this day and the strength that comes from standing together. We will never forget.