Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice protects the freedoms we hold dear.
From all of us at Pender County Schools, thank you to our fallen heroes. We remember. We honor.
🚜🎉 Pender County Schools is on site today at the Touch-a-Truck event in Burgaw!
Come join us at 601 South Smith Street, Burgaw, NC 28425 for a fun, hands-on experience for kids of all ages. Meet the people behind the wheels of school buses, emergency vehicles, construction equipment, and more!
We’re proud to be part of this great community event—hope to see you there
📢 Enrollment Open for 2025-2026 PACES!
Pender After School Care Enrichment Services (PACES) is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year! PACES operates at all PCS elementary schools and offers:
✅ Hands-on enrichment
✅ Daily homework support
✅ Healthy snacks
Spots fill quickly—apply today!
🔗 https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/after-school-programs
📢 ¡Inscripciones abiertas para PACES 2025-2026!
¡El programa de Servicios de Enriquecimiento Después de la Escuela de Pender (PACES) ya acepta solicitudes para el año escolar 2025-2026! PACES funciona en todas las escuelas primarias de PCS y ofrece:
✅ Actividades prácticas de enriquecimiento
✅ Apoyo con las tareas todos los días
✅ Meriendas saludables
¡Los cupos son limitados—solicite hoy!
🔗 https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/after-school-programs
🌟 Feature Friday (On a Thursday) - Michelle Pitts! 🌟
If you’ve ever called or visited the Pender County Schools Central Office, chances are your first interaction was with Michelle Pitts — and what a first impression she makes! As the Central Office receptionist, Michelle holds one of the most visible and high-pressure positions in the district, yet she handles every call, visitor, and request with professionalism, patience, and warmth.
Whether she’s assisting a concerned parent, connecting staff to the right department, or managing a flood of phone calls during a power outage, Ms. Pitts remains calm, composed, and incredibly helpful. Her ability to maintain grace under pressure sets a high standard and reflects the best of PCS.
💬 “Michelle’s presence helps reduce stress, especially on busy or challenging days.”
But it’s more than just her skill — it’s how she makes people feel. Her welcoming spirit, quick sense of humor, and genuine kindness create an uplifting environment for all who walk through our doors.
Thank you, Ms. Pitts, for being the heart of the Central Office and for all you do to support our staff, families, and community! 💙📞👏
Early send on the last day of school - Weekly Newsletter: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/sBMe8fzW3bGL1 Have a GREAT SUMMER!! ☀
🌟 Student Spotlight: Traveon | 7th Grade | Burgaw Middle 🌟
Traveon showed incredible growth and maturity by doing the right thing, even when it was tough. 💙 When a classmate made a serious statement in a group chat, Traveon came forward—knowing it could get him in trouble—to make sure she got help. His courage may have saved a life. He’s learning what it truly means to lead with strength and character. 👏
🍔 Favorite Food: McDonald’s Cheeseburger
🔵 Favorite Color: Blue
⚽ Hobbies: Playing Outside
🐾 Pets: Cats & Dogs
🏀 Fun Fact: Traveon is great at sports!
We’re proud of you, Traveon! 💪
🎓 Big News for HS Seniors! 🎓
If you had a 2.8+ weighted GPA at the end of your JUNIOR year, you’re already admitted to college through NC College Connect — no essays, no stress, just opportunity. ✅
This program connects you with colleges and universities across North Carolina where you already meet admissions requirements — including UNC System schools, NC Independent Colleges & Universities, and your local community college.
As the school year winds down, keep this information in mind Juniors.
Learn more and take the next step: https://5il.co/3gmnk
🧬 Teacher Tuesday | Larissa Lupton, Biology Teacher at Pender High School!
📍 10 Years at PHS | 🧪 2022–23 Teacher of the Year | ❤️ 2024–25 Staff Order of the Patriot Honoree
For a decade, Ms. Lupton has brought science to life for students at Pender High. Inspired by her own exceptional high school teachers, she chose to make a difference by turning her love of biology into a career that connects, inspires, and educates.
Her favorite subject to teach? Biology, of course! She enjoys helping students explore the what, how, and why behind the everyday wonders of life.
In her free time, she loves traveling, spending time with friends and family, and getting lost in a good book. Dream destinations on her travel bucket list include Alaska and Iceland!
Ms. Lupton’s classroom motto is a powerful one:
“I hope students leave my classroom each day knowing they are seen, loved, and valued — and that they will always be welcome here.”
Tonight, we had the honor of celebrating an incredible group of educators and staff members during our annual Retirement Banquet. Each of these individuals has made a lasting impact on the lives of students, families, and colleagues across Pender County Schools.
Thank you for your years of dedicated service, unwavering commitment, and the legacy you leave behind. You will always be part of the PCS family!
Wishing you all the best in your well-earned retirement! 💙🍎
🌟 Feature Friday - Brandy Edwards! 🌟
Brandy Edwards, Middle Grades Math Interventionist at Burgaw Middle School, is the quiet engine that keeps everything running behind the scenes—and always with a smile. From filling out last-minute data charts to stepping up when duties shift unexpectedly, Mrs. Edwards consistently goes above and beyond without being asked. Her dedication to both students and staff shows in the countless small but meaningful ways she supports the school community every single day.
💬 “She’s the kind of person who sees what needs to be done—and just does it.”
But Brandy brings more than just hard work. Her warmth, humor, and uplifting energy make Burgaw Middle a brighter, more connected place. She not only helps us stay organized—she helps us feel like family.
Thank you, Mrs. Edwards, for all the heart you bring to BMS! 💙📚👏
Big congratulations to our Heide Trask High School students!
Today, several students earned Electrical Helper and OSHA 10 credentials through our Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship course—gaining real-world skills that power up their futures!
In our Animal Science class, students earned their Canine Basic Care and Handling credentials, showcasing their commitment to animal care and professionalism in the field.
Way to go, Titans! You’ve just given yourselves a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Keep leveling up and leading the way!
#CTEWorks #HTHS #OnePender #CareerReady #PowerOf1Percent
📚 Battle of the Books Champions Recognized!
At Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, students from South Topsail Elementary and Topsail Middle School were recognized for their impressive 3rd place finishes in the regional Battle of the Books competition!
Congratulations to these young readers and their coaches for their hard work, teamwork, and dedication. 📖👏
🎓 Thank You, Board Interns!
A big thank you to our Board of Education student interns Morgan Augustine and Dayleen Murillo for their service during the 2024-2025 school year! (Janiyah James not pictured)
These students provided valuable insights and represented their peers with maturity and professionalism throughout the year.
We appreciate your voice and commitment to PCS!
🌟 Student Spotlight: Peyton | 3rd Grade | C.F. Pope Elementary 🌟
Peyton leads with kindness every day! 💖 Whether she’s cheering up a classmate or helping others stay on track, Peyton is the kind of friend and leader who makes a big difference. Her thoughtful actions and positive attitude set the tone for her classroom and inspire others to do the same. 👏
🥩 Favorite Food: Outback Steakhouse
🎀 Favorite Color: Pink
⚽ Hobbies: Softball & Soccer
🐶 Pets: 2 dogs—Bear & Daisy
👯 Fun Fact: She has twin sisters!
Way to go, Peyton! Keep spreading kindness! ✨
⚓ Topsail High Coast Guard JROTC Honored
Members of Topsail High School’s Coast Guard JROTC were celebrated at the Board of Education meeting for their outstanding performance and community leadership this school year.
From drill competitions to service projects, these cadets have represented PCS and the Coast Guard with honor and excellence.
📚 Meet Dr. Kellie Henry, 9th Grade English Teacher at Topsail High School! 🍎
🎓 30 Years in Education | 📖 National Board Certified | 🎓 Doctorate Degree Holder
Dr. Henry knew from a young age she was meant to teach—calling it a “calling from God.” Inspired by her grandmother, a teacher and her greatest life mentor, Dr. Henry has spent three decades bringing passion, empathy, and dedication to the classroom.
She teaches English because she loves reading and writing, and finds true joy hearing students talk about the books they love. For her, it’s the relationships that matter most—those daily check-ins from former students are what keep her inspired.
Outside the classroom, Dr. Henry is a travel consultant who loves to explore the Caribbean and Walt Disney World. She also enjoys painting, doing puzzles, and spending time with her spirited Jack Russell terrier, Isabel. 🐾
Her teaching philosophy? "Students may not remember everything you taught them, but they will remember how you made them feel."
Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms across the Pender County community!
Your kindness, strength, and support uplift our students and staff every day.
We celebrate you today and always
⏳ One week to go! The PEP 10th Anniversary Gala is happening Saturday, May 17, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎉
Enjoy an elegant dinner, dancing, and a silent auction—all while supporting students & teachers in Pender County Schools.
🎟 Tickets are still available! Get yours before it’s too late: PenderEducationPartnership.org
