🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | PENDER EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
For Dan Sidor, principal of Pender Early College High School, the heart of the school is in helping students challenge themselves, explore new opportunities and build a strong sense of character along the way.
With students coming from across Pender County and pursuing a wide range of pathways, Mr. Sidor says one of the biggest parts of the job is helping each student figure out what comes next. For some, that may mean earning an associate degree and transferring to a four-year college. For others, it could mean pursuing programs such as cosmetology, culinary arts or mechatronics through Cape Fear Community College.
He also believes the Pender Early College experience goes far beyond academics. Students are encouraged to serve, volunteer and connect with the community, building relationships and a deeper sense of purpose in what they are learning.
And if he could go back and try one more educational pathway himself? ✈️ He says the flight program at CFCC would be high on the list.
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. Sidor, for all you do for the Pender Early College community! 💙 - https://youtube.com/shorts/QUngRmeM5sw
For Dan Sidor, principal of Pender Early College High School, the heart of the school is in helping students challenge themselves, explore new opportunities and build a strong sense of character along the way.
With students coming from across Pender County and pursuing a wide range of pathways, Mr. Sidor says one of the biggest parts of the job is helping each student figure out what comes next. For some, that may mean earning an associate degree and transferring to a four-year college. For others, it could mean pursuing programs such as cosmetology, culinary arts or mechatronics through Cape Fear Community College.
He also believes the Pender Early College experience goes far beyond academics. Students are encouraged to serve, volunteer and connect with the community, building relationships and a deeper sense of purpose in what they are learning.
And if he could go back and try one more educational pathway himself? ✈️ He says the flight program at CFCC would be high on the list.
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. Sidor, for all you do for the Pender Early College community! 💙 - https://youtube.com/shorts/QUngRmeM5sw
National School Lunch Week is here! 🍎🥗 This week, we celebrate the nutrition professionals who prepare and serve healthy meals that help students learn, grow, and stay energized. Thank you to our school cafeteria teams for serving students with care each day. 💙
🦸♀️🌟 Saturday SuperHERO Spotlight! 🌟🦸♀️
Guess who won Carolina Quick Care’s Monthly Teacher Giveaway? Our extraordinary Health Science teacher at Heide Trask High School—Mrs. Dominique Faison-Lambe! 🎉
She received a $100 gift certificate to Teachers Pay Teachers to support the learning experiences she creates for our students!
Mrs. Faison-Lambe, thank you for helping students discover their potential and see a future in healthcare. You’re a superhero in our classrooms! 💙👏
Thank you, Carolina Quick Care, for celebrating and supporting our educators!
#SaturdaySuperHERO #PCSCTE #HeideTraskHighSchool #TeacherSpotlight #CarolinaQuickCare
Guess who won Carolina Quick Care’s Monthly Teacher Giveaway? Our extraordinary Health Science teacher at Heide Trask High School—Mrs. Dominique Faison-Lambe! 🎉
She received a $100 gift certificate to Teachers Pay Teachers to support the learning experiences she creates for our students!
Mrs. Faison-Lambe, thank you for helping students discover their potential and see a future in healthcare. You’re a superhero in our classrooms! 💙👏
Thank you, Carolina Quick Care, for celebrating and supporting our educators!
#SaturdaySuperHERO #PCSCTE #HeideTraskHighSchool #TeacherSpotlight #CarolinaQuickCare
🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | WEST PENDER MIDDLE SCHOOL
For Dr. Ashley Goodlett, principal of West Pender Middle School, the middle school years are about much more than academics, they’re about connection, confidence and discovering the ability to lead.
Dr. Goodlett knows firsthand how important that support can be. Growing up in a military family, she attended two different middle schools and remembers a teacher who became “her person” during a challenging transition. That experience continues to shape the way she sees students today.
One thing she especially values about middle schoolers is their leadership potential. She believes students are capable of far more than they may realize, whether they’re leading a group, getting involved in activities or finding ways to make a difference beyond the classroom.
Her favorite part of the school day? Lunch, because it gives her a chance to sit with students, hear their stories and find out everything that has happened since they stepped off the bus. 😊
And something students may not know about their principal? Dr. Goodlett is a country girl at heart. She loves gardening and even knows her way around a tractor. 🚜
She describes West Pender Middle as one of Pender County’s “best-kept secrets,” with a close-knit, family atmosphere where students and staff truly get to know one another.
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, Dr. Goodlett, for all you do for the West Pender Middle School community! 💙 - https://youtube.com/shorts/8P2CWwL2nk0?feature=share
For Dr. Ashley Goodlett, principal of West Pender Middle School, the middle school years are about much more than academics, they’re about connection, confidence and discovering the ability to lead.
Dr. Goodlett knows firsthand how important that support can be. Growing up in a military family, she attended two different middle schools and remembers a teacher who became “her person” during a challenging transition. That experience continues to shape the way she sees students today.
One thing she especially values about middle schoolers is their leadership potential. She believes students are capable of far more than they may realize, whether they’re leading a group, getting involved in activities or finding ways to make a difference beyond the classroom.
Her favorite part of the school day? Lunch, because it gives her a chance to sit with students, hear their stories and find out everything that has happened since they stepped off the bus. 😊
And something students may not know about their principal? Dr. Goodlett is a country girl at heart. She loves gardening and even knows her way around a tractor. 🚜
She describes West Pender Middle as one of Pender County’s “best-kept secrets,” with a close-knit, family atmosphere where students and staff truly get to know one another.
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, Dr. Goodlett, for all you do for the West Pender Middle School community! 💙 - https://youtube.com/shorts/8P2CWwL2nk0?feature=share
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Kelley Warren, Assistant Principal at Surf City Middle School.
Ms. Warren was nominated by a student who appreciates the time she takes to listen and offer support. Whether a student is facing a challenge or simply needs someone to talk to, she works to make sure students feel heard and comfortable asking for help.
A lot of the work of an assistant principal happens behind the scenes. Ms. Warren supports students, staff, and families throughout the school day while helping create an environment where students can learn, grow, and feel supported.
The student who nominated her pointed to her kindness, positive attitude, and encouragement as things that have made a difference in their experience at school.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Warren, for taking the time to listen and for the support you provide to students and staff at Surf City Middle School.
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Kelley Warren, Assistant Principal at Surf City Middle School.
Ms. Warren was nominated by a student who appreciates the time she takes to listen and offer support. Whether a student is facing a challenge or simply needs someone to talk to, she works to make sure students feel heard and comfortable asking for help.
A lot of the work of an assistant principal happens behind the scenes. Ms. Warren supports students, staff, and families throughout the school day while helping create an environment where students can learn, grow, and feel supported.
The student who nominated her pointed to her kindness, positive attitude, and encouragement as things that have made a difference in their experience at school.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Warren, for taking the time to listen and for the support you provide to students and staff at Surf City Middle School.
To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving nearly 30 million children each day, Pender County Schools is celebrating National School Lunch Week from October 12-16, 2026. The fun and creative campaign theme, “Cafeteria Circus: Where Healthy Choices Take Center Stage,” highlights the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom. Pender County is offering ALL STUDENT MEALS, both breakfast and lunch, AT NO COST during this week long carnival!
Please join the extravaganza and step up under the big top next week to celebrate all of our
spectacular child nutrition professionals who juggle & balance & dazzle all week long...helping to keep the show running here in Pender County!
Some of the fun meals offered next week include:
Clown Nose Strawberries
Ferris Wheel Whole Grain Waffles
Fire Breather Carrots
Tight Rope Red Pepper Strips
Strong Man Omelet
Clown Car Rib Sliders
Trapeze Chicken Sandwich
Doritos (whole grain reduced fat) Walkin-the-tightrope Tacos
Please join the extravaganza and step up under the big top next week to celebrate all of our
spectacular child nutrition professionals who juggle & balance & dazzle all week long...helping to keep the show running here in Pender County!
Some of the fun meals offered next week include:
Clown Nose Strawberries
Ferris Wheel Whole Grain Waffles
Fire Breather Carrots
Tight Rope Red Pepper Strips
Strong Man Omelet
Clown Car Rib Sliders
Trapeze Chicken Sandwich
Doritos (whole grain reduced fat) Walkin-the-tightrope Tacos
It's CRUNCH time :)
All middle and high schools in Pender County are offering the Southwest Crunch Burger this week!
Chef Jeff was out in a few schools last week serving samples of this Limited Time Offer monthly special.
This is certainly nacho average burger....hope to see yall in the cafeteria!
High Schools - Tuesday and Thursday
Middle Schools - Friday
🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | PENDERLEA SCHOOL
For Stephen Harris, principal of Penderlea School, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing students grow from their very first days of kindergarten all the way through eighth grade.
At a K-8 school, that means watching younger students look up to their older classmates and seeing eighth graders grow into leaders, role models and mentors for the students coming behind them.
Mr. Harris says what makes Penderlea special is easy to identify: the community. From students and staff to families and community members, he sees a strong support system that helps make the school unique.
And when he thinks back to his own school days, some of his favorite memories come from wrestling meets, teammates and the camaraderie that came with being part of a team. These days, though, there may be one sport he wouldn’t mind mastering. ⛳
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. Harris, for all you do for the Penderlea School community! 💙 - https://youtube.com/shorts/9nHYZsqKVMI
For Stephen Harris, principal of Penderlea School, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing students grow from their very first days of kindergarten all the way through eighth grade.
At a K-8 school, that means watching younger students look up to their older classmates and seeing eighth graders grow into leaders, role models and mentors for the students coming behind them.
Mr. Harris says what makes Penderlea special is easy to identify: the community. From students and staff to families and community members, he sees a strong support system that helps make the school unique.
And when he thinks back to his own school days, some of his favorite memories come from wrestling meets, teammates and the camaraderie that came with being part of a team. These days, though, there may be one sport he wouldn’t mind mastering. ⛳
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. Harris, for all you do for the Penderlea School community! 💙 - https://youtube.com/shorts/9nHYZsqKVMI
🎉 BIG NEWS FOR PENDER COUNTY SCHOOLS!
Dr. Brad Breedlove has been named the 2027 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year!
Dr. Breedlove received the statewide honor today in Greensboro after previously being selected as the Region 2 — Southeast Superintendent of the Year.
This recognition reflects his leadership, his commitment to students and staff, and the work taking place every day across Pender County Schools.
Congratulations, Dr. Breedlove! 👏
More to come...
Dr. Brad Breedlove has been named the 2027 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year!
Dr. Breedlove received the statewide honor today in Greensboro after previously being selected as the Region 2 — Southeast Superintendent of the Year.
This recognition reflects his leadership, his commitment to students and staff, and the work taking place every day across Pender County Schools.
Congratulations, Dr. Breedlove! 👏
More to come...
🍓🍌 A little measuring, a little mixing, and a whole lot of learning at Heide Trask!
Mrs. Sanders’ Food and Nutrition students put their measuring and recipe-reading skills to the test with scratch-made quick breads! From strawberry and chocolate chip to banana nut and savory zucchini bread, students cooked up delicious results while building skills they can use for life. 🍞😋
Our students are blessed to have Mrs. Sanders—a teacher who brings learning to life through meaningful, hands-on experiences! 😇👏
#PCSCTE #HeideTrask #HandsOnLearning #CookingUpGreatness
⚖️ Order in the court—Topsail High School edition!
THS Public Safety students brought courtroom learning to life with a mock trial in the media center! From presenting arguments to examining evidence, students practiced critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills that translate to everyday life.
This is what makes Luke Smith, PCS CTE’s NCCAT CTE Teacher of the Year, one of the best! He brings relevance to the classroom and creates meaningful learning experiences that reach far beyond it. 👏
With students stepping into their roles, the THS media center looked like a real courtroom in action!
#PCSCTE #TopsailHighSchool #PublicSafety #LearningByDoing #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
THS Public Safety students brought courtroom learning to life with a mock trial in the media center! From presenting arguments to examining evidence, students practiced critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills that translate to everyday life.
This is what makes Luke Smith, PCS CTE’s NCCAT CTE Teacher of the Year, one of the best! He brings relevance to the classroom and creates meaningful learning experiences that reach far beyond it. 👏
With students stepping into their roles, the THS media center looked like a real courtroom in action!
#PCSCTE #TopsailHighSchool #PublicSafety #LearningByDoing #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY
For Brittany Moore, principal of C.F. Pope Elementary, education has always been about relationships, growth and making a difference.
She still remembers the teacher who made seventh grade fun and helped shape her own educational journey, someone who remains part of her life today. That same sense of connection is something Ms. Moore values at C.F. Pope, where she describes the school as a close-knit, family-oriented community where everyone knows one another and comes together to support students.
Her advice for students is simple but meaningful: every day is a new opportunity to make a difference, mistakes are part of learning, and there is always a chance to grow.
And if she had to eat one school lunch for an entire week? 🌮 Tacos.
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. Moore, for all you do for the C.F. Pope Elementary community! 💙 YouTube Link - - https://youtube.com/shorts/hrRzT9gdJk8
For Brittany Moore, principal of C.F. Pope Elementary, education has always been about relationships, growth and making a difference.
She still remembers the teacher who made seventh grade fun and helped shape her own educational journey, someone who remains part of her life today. That same sense of connection is something Ms. Moore values at C.F. Pope, where she describes the school as a close-knit, family-oriented community where everyone knows one another and comes together to support students.
Her advice for students is simple but meaningful: every day is a new opportunity to make a difference, mistakes are part of learning, and there is always a chance to grow.
And if she had to eat one school lunch for an entire week? 🌮 Tacos.
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. Moore, for all you do for the C.F. Pope Elementary community! 💙 YouTube Link - - https://youtube.com/shorts/hrRzT9gdJk8
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Braylen is a Pre-K student at Malpass Corner Elementary, recognized for leadership, respect, and being a positive example for his classmates.
Since the first day of school, Braylen has done a great job following classroom routines and expectations. He listens carefully to directions, treats adults and classmates with respect, and is always willing to help. Whether he’s taking care of a classroom job, helping with cleanup, or showing a classmate what to do, Braylen leads by example. 😊
His teachers say his positive attitude and willingness to help encourage other students to make good choices, too.
Outside of the classroom, Braylen enjoys flag football 🏈 and, as he puts it, I like running!” 🏃 His favorite food is spaghetti 🍝, and his favorite color is blue 💙. He also has a bearded dragon named Tails 🦎.
💙 Thank you, Braylen, for being a helpful classmate and setting a good example at Malpass Corner Elementary!
Braylen is a Pre-K student at Malpass Corner Elementary, recognized for leadership, respect, and being a positive example for his classmates.
Since the first day of school, Braylen has done a great job following classroom routines and expectations. He listens carefully to directions, treats adults and classmates with respect, and is always willing to help. Whether he’s taking care of a classroom job, helping with cleanup, or showing a classmate what to do, Braylen leads by example. 😊
His teachers say his positive attitude and willingness to help encourage other students to make good choices, too.
Outside of the classroom, Braylen enjoys flag football 🏈 and, as he puts it, I like running!” 🏃 His favorite food is spaghetti 🍝, and his favorite color is blue 💙. He also has a bearded dragon named Tails 🦎.
💙 Thank you, Braylen, for being a helpful classmate and setting a good example at Malpass Corner Elementary!
🌿 Growing knowledge beyond the classroom!
Last week, Heide Trask High School’s Horticulture II students visited the Arboretum Gardens in Wilmington, connecting classroom learning with real-world plant identification as they prepare for their Horticulture Plant ID Credential. 🌱
Thank you, Mr. Mitchell, for providing such a relevant field trip and meaningful learning experience. Experiences like these help students grow their skills and see where their learning can take them!
#PCSCTE #HeideTraskHighSchool #Horticulture #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
Last week, Heide Trask High School’s Horticulture II students visited the Arboretum Gardens in Wilmington, connecting classroom learning with real-world plant identification as they prepare for their Horticulture Plant ID Credential. 🌱
Thank you, Mr. Mitchell, for providing such a relevant field trip and meaningful learning experience. Experiences like these help students grow their skills and see where their learning can take them!
#PCSCTE #HeideTraskHighSchool #Horticulture #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
🚓🏆 Help bring home a national win!
Our School Resource Officers work in partnership with Pender County Schools through programs like D.A.R.E., and now their D.A.R.E. Cars are competing on the national stage!
After earning first and second place in the North Carolina D.A.R.E. Officers Association competition, the cars are now entered in the D.A.R.E. America National Car Show and Competition — and community votes can help them win nationwide.
🗳️ Cast your vote here:
https://dare.org/d-a-r-e-car-show-vote/
Let’s show our support for the officers who work alongside our schools and students every day! 💙🚔
Our School Resource Officers work in partnership with Pender County Schools through programs like D.A.R.E., and now their D.A.R.E. Cars are competing on the national stage!
After earning first and second place in the North Carolina D.A.R.E. Officers Association competition, the cars are now entered in the D.A.R.E. America National Car Show and Competition — and community votes can help them win nationwide.
🗳️ Cast your vote here:
https://dare.org/d-a-r-e-car-show-vote/
Let’s show our support for the officers who work alongside our schools and students every day! 💙🚔
🇬🇧🎶 IT’S OFFICIAL!
The Topsail High School Marching Pirates are headed to London! 🎺🥁
Representatives from the London Parade visited Topsail High School to formally present the band with its invitation to perform in the 42nd Annual London New Year’s Day Parade on January 1, 2028.
The Marching Pirates will join performers from around the world as they represent Topsail High School, Pender County Schools, North Carolina and the United States on an international stage.
“This moment belongs to our students,” Director of Bands Jake Wentzek said during the ceremony.
There is plenty of work ahead, but this was a moment worth celebrating. Congratulations to our students, staff, families, boosters and everyone who has helped build the Topsail band program into what it is today.
London, get ready — the Marching Pirates are coming! 🇬🇧🏴☠️🎶
YouTube Link - https://youtu.be/9zDD8k65YqQ
The Topsail High School Marching Pirates are headed to London! 🎺🥁
Representatives from the London Parade visited Topsail High School to formally present the band with its invitation to perform in the 42nd Annual London New Year’s Day Parade on January 1, 2028.
The Marching Pirates will join performers from around the world as they represent Topsail High School, Pender County Schools, North Carolina and the United States on an international stage.
“This moment belongs to our students,” Director of Bands Jake Wentzek said during the ceremony.
There is plenty of work ahead, but this was a moment worth celebrating. Congratulations to our students, staff, families, boosters and everyone who has helped build the Topsail band program into what it is today.
London, get ready — the Marching Pirates are coming! 🇬🇧🏴☠️🎶
YouTube Link - https://youtu.be/9zDD8k65YqQ
💙🐾 Teacher Tuesday: Ms. Madison Garriss — Cape Fear Elementary School
Ms. Madison Garriss is a beginning teacher who stepped into the role of lead preschool teacher at Cape Fear Elementary this fall. She has spent time getting to know her students and families while continuing to learn and grow in her new role.
What stands out about Ms. Garriss is her willingness to ask questions and look for solutions. She regularly seeks input, researches new ideas, and finds ways to put what she learns into practice with her students. She also brings ideas back to her preschool team and is willing to learn from those around her.
One example came as Ms. Garriss introduced her students to Cape Fear Elementary’s schoolwide expectations and the opportunity to earn “paw prints.” She created visual reminders for her students, including portable versions she can take into the hallways and cafeteria. The visuals help her preschoolers understand what is expected of them throughout the school day.
Thank you, Ms. Garriss, for your willingness to learn and the time and care you are putting into building your preschool classroom at Cape Fear Elementary. 💛📚
Ms. Madison Garriss is a beginning teacher who stepped into the role of lead preschool teacher at Cape Fear Elementary this fall. She has spent time getting to know her students and families while continuing to learn and grow in her new role.
What stands out about Ms. Garriss is her willingness to ask questions and look for solutions. She regularly seeks input, researches new ideas, and finds ways to put what she learns into practice with her students. She also brings ideas back to her preschool team and is willing to learn from those around her.
One example came as Ms. Garriss introduced her students to Cape Fear Elementary’s schoolwide expectations and the opportunity to earn “paw prints.” She created visual reminders for her students, including portable versions she can take into the hallways and cafeteria. The visuals help her preschoolers understand what is expected of them throughout the school day.
Thank you, Ms. Garriss, for your willingness to learn and the time and care you are putting into building your preschool classroom at Cape Fear Elementary. 💛📚
🚗 DRIVER EDUCATION REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Pender County Schools is offering an upcoming Driver Education class at Pender High School for students who are ready to take the next step toward becoming safe, responsible drivers.
📍 Pender High School
📅 December 7–16
⏰ 3:45–6:45 p.m.
💲 Cost: $65
Students must be 14½ years old on or before the first day of class.
👉 Register and learn more: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/driver-education
🚗 ¡YA ESTÁ ABIERTA LA INSCRIPCIÓN PARA EDUCACIÓN VIAL!
Las Escuelas del Condado de Pender ofrecerán una próxima clase de educación vial en Pender High School para estudiantes que estén listos para dar el siguiente paso hacia convertirse en conductores seguros y responsables.
📍 Pender High School
📅 7–16 de diciembre
⏰ 3:45–6:45 p. m.
💲 Costo: $65
Los estudiantes deben tener 14 años y medio cumplidos a más tardar el primer día de clases.
👉 Inscríbase y obtenga más información: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/driver-education
Pender County Schools is offering an upcoming Driver Education class at Pender High School for students who are ready to take the next step toward becoming safe, responsible drivers.
📍 Pender High School
📅 December 7–16
⏰ 3:45–6:45 p.m.
💲 Cost: $65
Students must be 14½ years old on or before the first day of class.
👉 Register and learn more: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/driver-education
🚗 ¡YA ESTÁ ABIERTA LA INSCRIPCIÓN PARA EDUCACIÓN VIAL!
Las Escuelas del Condado de Pender ofrecerán una próxima clase de educación vial en Pender High School para estudiantes que estén listos para dar el siguiente paso hacia convertirse en conductores seguros y responsables.
📍 Pender High School
📅 7–16 de diciembre
⏰ 3:45–6:45 p. m.
💲 Costo: $65
Los estudiantes deben tener 14 años y medio cumplidos a más tardar el primer día de clases.
👉 Inscríbase y obtenga más información: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/driver-education
Happy National Coaches' Day! 🏈🏐🏀⚽ Today we recognize the coaches who teach teamwork, discipline, resilience, and leadership on and off the field. Thank you for investing in our student-athletes and school communities. 👏
