🎓✨ To the Pender High Class of 2026: your hard work, resilience, leadership, and school spirit have left a lasting mark on your school community. You have grown, achieved, overcome challenges, and inspired those around you in ways that will be remembered for years to come. 💙
As you step into this exciting next chapter, know that your teachers, families, classmates, and community are cheering you on with pride. Wherever your path leads, carry with you the lessons, friendships, and memories that helped shape this moment. 🌟
Congratulations, graduates! Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish. 🎉👏 YouTube link - https://youtu.be/m6Mz1jbazDg
As you step into this exciting next chapter, know that your teachers, families, classmates, and community are cheering you on with pride. Wherever your path leads, carry with you the lessons, friendships, and memories that helped shape this moment. 🌟
Congratulations, graduates! Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish. 🎉👏 YouTube link - https://youtu.be/m6Mz1jbazDg
🎓✨ To the Pender Innovative Learning Academy Class of 2026: your hard work, resilience, leadership, and school spirit have left a lasting mark on your school community. You have grown, achieved, overcome challenges, and inspired those around you in ways that will be remembered for years to come. 💙
As you step into this exciting next chapter, know that your teachers, families, classmates, and community are cheering you on with pride. Wherever your path leads, carry with you the lessons, friendships, and memories that helped shape this moment. 🌟
Congratulations, graduates! Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish. 🎉👏 YouTube link - https://youtu.be/2cCfXukVrRA
As you step into this exciting next chapter, know that your teachers, families, classmates, and community are cheering you on with pride. Wherever your path leads, carry with you the lessons, friendships, and memories that helped shape this moment. 🌟
Congratulations, graduates! Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish. 🎉👏 YouTube link - https://youtu.be/2cCfXukVrRA
👏🎓 Congratulations to two outstanding Pender County Schools educators, Tina Collins of Topsail Middle School and Jennifer Blandin of Penderlea School, on earning their Master of Arts in Teaching from UNCW’s Watson College of Education!
We are proud to celebrate their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to making a difference for students every day. 🍎📚
Thank you, @UNCW, for highlighting these incredible teachers and sharing their inspiring stories! 💙💛
Read more:
🔗 Tina Collins: https://uncw.edu/news/academic-affairs/wce/2026/05/tina-collins-26m
🔗 Jennifer Blandin: https://uncw.edu/news/academic-affairs/wce/2026/05/jennifer-blandin-26m
🎓✨ To the Topsail High Class of 2026: your hard work, resilience, leadership, and school spirit have left a lasting mark on your school community. You have grown, achieved, overcome challenges, and inspired those around you in ways that will be remembered for years to come. 💙
As you step into this exciting next chapter, know that your teachers, families, classmates, and community are cheering you on with pride. Wherever your path leads, carry with you the lessons, friendships, and memories that helped shape this moment. 🌟
Congratulations, graduates! Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish. 🎉👏 YouTube link - https://youtu.be/D5e-TpmHaAI
As you step into this exciting next chapter, know that your teachers, families, classmates, and community are cheering you on with pride. Wherever your path leads, carry with you the lessons, friendships, and memories that helped shape this moment. 🌟
Congratulations, graduates! Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish. 🎉👏 YouTube link - https://youtu.be/D5e-TpmHaAI
🎓✨ To the Heide Trask High Class of 2026: your hard work, resilience, leadership, and school spirit have left a lasting mark on your school community. You have grown, achieved, overcome challenges, and inspired those around you in ways that will be remembered for years to come. 💙
As you step into this exciting next chapter, know that your teachers, families, classmates, and community are cheering you on with pride. Wherever your path leads, carry with you the lessons, friendships, and memories that helped shape this moment. 🌟
Congratulations, graduates! Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish. 🎉👏 YouTube Link - https://youtu.be/DHkAsq7CNQw
As you step into this exciting next chapter, know that your teachers, families, classmates, and community are cheering you on with pride. Wherever your path leads, carry with you the lessons, friendships, and memories that helped shape this moment. 🌟
Congratulations, graduates! Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish. 🎉👏 YouTube Link - https://youtu.be/DHkAsq7CNQw
🎖️ Honoring Memorial Day 🌺
Today, Pender County Schools pauses to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten.
We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy because of their dedication—and we hold their families in our hearts. 🕊️
Today, Pender County Schools pauses to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten.
We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy because of their dedication—and we hold their families in our hearts. 🕊️
PCS Weekly Newsletter (final edition 2025-26) - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/GuZ2MsDaY5Rf8 HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!! :☀🏖
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Talia England, Speech Language Pathologist at South Topsail Elementary School.
Ms. England is a consistent source of support for both students and staff. She works closely with her teams to provide resources, share strategies, and help others better support student communication. Whether she’s creating materials, leading trainings, or sharing helpful information, she is always willing to step in and help.
She is also known for her positive and friendly approach. She takes time to connect with others, greet people each day, and help create a welcoming environment in the school. Her presence makes a difference in the day-to-day experience for those around her.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. England, for the support you provide and for the role you play in helping South Topsail Elementary run smoothly.
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Talia England, Speech Language Pathologist at South Topsail Elementary School.
Ms. England is a consistent source of support for both students and staff. She works closely with her teams to provide resources, share strategies, and help others better support student communication. Whether she’s creating materials, leading trainings, or sharing helpful information, she is always willing to step in and help.
She is also known for her positive and friendly approach. She takes time to connect with others, greet people each day, and help create a welcoming environment in the school. Her presence makes a difference in the day-to-day experience for those around her.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. England, for the support you provide and for the role you play in helping South Topsail Elementary run smoothly.
As we close out the school year, we want to thank our incredible cafeteria teams for all of their hard work, dedication, and care throughout the year. ❤️
Thank you for the early mornings, teamwork, and commitment to serving our students each day. We appreciate everything you do and wish you a well-deserved summer break! ☀️🍎
Thank you for the early mornings, teamwork, and commitment to serving our students each day. We appreciate everything you do and wish you a well-deserved summer break! ☀️🍎
Congratulations Class of 2026 and thank you to Cape Fear Community College and the Wilson Center for hosting the ceremony for Pender Early College High School (and for providing the video!) Vimeo Link - https://buff.ly/W1tcmhE
🎶✨ Pender Proud, All Year Long! ✨🎶
What a year it has been across Pender County Schools! From the first bell in August to the final celebrations in May, our students, teachers, staff, families, and community partners have made this school year one to remember. 💙📚
We celebrated growth in the classroom, creativity in the arts, success in STEM and CTE, excellence in athletics and activities, Battle of the Books achievements, agriculture learning, career pathways, student leadership, and graduation dreams coming true. 🌟🎓🤖🎨🌱
Every school. Every student. Every staff member. Every community.
Together, we are Pender Proud. 💪💙 YouTube Link - https://youtu.be/oUgFKKc_74M
What a year it has been across Pender County Schools! From the first bell in August to the final celebrations in May, our students, teachers, staff, families, and community partners have made this school year one to remember. 💙📚
We celebrated growth in the classroom, creativity in the arts, success in STEM and CTE, excellence in athletics and activities, Battle of the Books achievements, agriculture learning, career pathways, student leadership, and graduation dreams coming true. 🌟🎓🤖🎨🌱
Every school. Every student. Every staff member. Every community.
Together, we are Pender Proud. 💪💙 YouTube Link - https://youtu.be/oUgFKKc_74M
☀️🎉 GREAT SUMMERS START HERE! 🎉☀️
Looking for a safe, fun, and engaging summer experience for your child? The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern NC are offering an exciting Pender County Summer Camp packed with:
📚 Academic enrichment
🎨 Arts & crafts
🚌 Field trips
💪 Health & wellness activities
🌟 Character & leadership development
❤️ Help spread the word so more local kids can enjoy a summer full of learning, friendship, and fun!
_______
☀️🎉 ¿Buscas una experiencia de verano segura, divertida y enriquecedora para tu hijo(a)? ¡Los Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern NC están ofreciendo un emocionante Campamento de Verano en el Condado de Pender lleno de:
📚 Enriquecimiento académico
🎨 Artes y manualidades
🚌 Excursiones
💪 Actividades de salud y bienestar
🌟 Desarrollo del carácter y liderazgo
❤️ ¡Ayúdanos a compartir esta información para que más niños de nuestra comunidad disfruten un verano lleno de aprendizaje, amistad y diversión!
Looking for a safe, fun, and engaging summer experience for your child? The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern NC are offering an exciting Pender County Summer Camp packed with:
📚 Academic enrichment
🎨 Arts & crafts
🚌 Field trips
💪 Health & wellness activities
🌟 Character & leadership development
❤️ Help spread the word so more local kids can enjoy a summer full of learning, friendship, and fun!
_______
☀️🎉 ¿Buscas una experiencia de verano segura, divertida y enriquecedora para tu hijo(a)? ¡Los Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern NC están ofreciendo un emocionante Campamento de Verano en el Condado de Pender lleno de:
📚 Enriquecimiento académico
🎨 Artes y manualidades
🚌 Excursiones
💪 Actividades de salud y bienestar
🌟 Desarrollo del carácter y liderazgo
❤️ ¡Ayúdanos a compartir esta información para que más niños de nuestra comunidad disfruten un verano lleno de aprendizaje, amistad y diversión!
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Kora is a 12th grader at Topsail High School, recognized for her leadership.
Kora has taken on a leadership role outside of school as an assistant coach for a Surf City Recreation Center volleyball team. In that role, she works with players to build their skills and encourages them to support each other as a team. She focuses on helping each player grow and keeps a positive, steady attitude during practices and games.
Her approach has helped the team work together and build trust, which carries over into how students interact with each other.
Outside of school, Kora enjoys volleyball 🏐, spending time with friends at the beach 🌊, and taking her dog Banner 🐶 for walks at Kiwanis Park. Her favorite food is Cuban sandwiches 🥪, and her favorite color is blue 💙.
One fun fact—when Kora was 6 years old, she once tried racing cars with her brother 🚗.
💙 Thank you, Kora, for the leadership you show in your community.
Kora is a 12th grader at Topsail High School, recognized for her leadership.
Kora has taken on a leadership role outside of school as an assistant coach for a Surf City Recreation Center volleyball team. In that role, she works with players to build their skills and encourages them to support each other as a team. She focuses on helping each player grow and keeps a positive, steady attitude during practices and games.
Her approach has helped the team work together and build trust, which carries over into how students interact with each other.
Outside of school, Kora enjoys volleyball 🏐, spending time with friends at the beach 🌊, and taking her dog Banner 🐶 for walks at Kiwanis Park. Her favorite food is Cuban sandwiches 🥪, and her favorite color is blue 💙.
One fun fact—when Kora was 6 years old, she once tried racing cars with her brother 🚗.
💙 Thank you, Kora, for the leadership you show in your community.
Teacher Tuesday: Mr. Wes High — Pender High School💙📘
Mr. Wes High teaches at Pender High School and is known for building strong relationships with his students. Staff and families share that he is a consistent advocate who encourages students to work toward their goals both in school and after graduation. He also takes on additional responsibilities to help create more opportunities for students and families at PHS.
What stands out most about Mr. High is his dedication to his work. Colleagues describe him as someone who is always learning and looking for ways to improve, with a clear focus on what is best for students and the school.
One example shared in his nomination highlights the way he supports fellow staff. During professional development on Ellevation strategies, Mr. High recognized colleagues’ participation by giving “shout out” certificates along with small tokens like snacks or drinks. Staff noted that this helped build a positive environment and encouraged participation.
Thank you, Mr. High, for the support you provide to students and staff at Pender High School. 💛✅
Mr. Wes High teaches at Pender High School and is known for building strong relationships with his students. Staff and families share that he is a consistent advocate who encourages students to work toward their goals both in school and after graduation. He also takes on additional responsibilities to help create more opportunities for students and families at PHS.
What stands out most about Mr. High is his dedication to his work. Colleagues describe him as someone who is always learning and looking for ways to improve, with a clear focus on what is best for students and the school.
One example shared in his nomination highlights the way he supports fellow staff. During professional development on Ellevation strategies, Mr. High recognized colleagues’ participation by giving “shout out” certificates along with small tokens like snacks or drinks. Staff noted that this helped build a positive environment and encouraged participation.
Thank you, Mr. High, for the support you provide to students and staff at Pender High School. 💛✅
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Katie Washington, EC Teacher Assistant at C.F. Pope Elementary School.
Ms. Washington is a dependable and caring member of the school team. While she is assigned to support one student, she builds strong connections with many students throughout the building. During lunch, she often chooses to sit with students, taking time to talk with them and make sure they feel included and supported.
When her assigned student is absent or arrives late, Ms. Washington steps in to help wherever she’s needed. She looks for ways to support other students and staff without being asked, which helps keep things running smoothly in the classroom.
She also brings a positive and welcoming presence to the school. She checks in with coworkers, offers encouragement, and helps create an environment where people feel comfortable and supported.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Washington, for the care and consistency you bring to students and staff at C.F. Pope Elementary.
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Katie Washington, EC Teacher Assistant at C.F. Pope Elementary School.
Ms. Washington is a dependable and caring member of the school team. While she is assigned to support one student, she builds strong connections with many students throughout the building. During lunch, she often chooses to sit with students, taking time to talk with them and make sure they feel included and supported.
When her assigned student is absent or arrives late, Ms. Washington steps in to help wherever she’s needed. She looks for ways to support other students and staff without being asked, which helps keep things running smoothly in the classroom.
She also brings a positive and welcoming presence to the school. She checks in with coworkers, offers encouragement, and helps create an environment where people feel comfortable and supported.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Washington, for the care and consistency you bring to students and staff at C.F. Pope Elementary.
💙 One more reminder for Pender County families! 💛
Pender County Schools preschool applications remain open, and we want to make sure families know this opportunity is still available 📅
If your child will be 3 or 4 years old by August 31, 2026 and you live in Pender County, your family may be eligible to apply for preschool 🎒✨
Our program offers:
⭐ Free, full-day, high-quality instruction
⭐ State licensed teachers
⭐ Support for all developmental levels
⭐ Fun activities and socialization
Please share this post to help us connect with more families in Pender County 🤝
Scan the QR code in the graphic for more information and application details.
Questions? Call 910-259-7603 ☎️
💙 ¡Un recordatorio más para las familias del condado de Pender! 💛
Las solicitudes para el programa preescolar de Pender County Schools continúan abiertas, y queremos asegurarnos de que las familias sepan que esta oportunidad todavía está disponible 📅
Si su hijo o hija tendrá 3 o 4 años para el 31 de agosto de 2026 y vive en el condado de Pender, su familia podría ser elegible para solicitar ingreso al preescolar 🎒✨
Nuestro programa ofrece:
⭐ Instrucción gratuita, de día completo y de alta calidad
⭐ Maestros con licencia estatal
⭐ Apoyo para todos los niveles de desarrollo
⭐ Actividades divertidas y socialización
Por favor, comparta esta publicación para ayudarnos a conectar con más familias en el condado de Pender 🤝
Escanee el código QR en la imagen para obtener más información y detalles sobre la solicitud.
¿Preguntas? Llame al 910-259-7603 ☎️
Pender County Schools preschool applications remain open, and we want to make sure families know this opportunity is still available 📅
If your child will be 3 or 4 years old by August 31, 2026 and you live in Pender County, your family may be eligible to apply for preschool 🎒✨
Our program offers:
⭐ Free, full-day, high-quality instruction
⭐ State licensed teachers
⭐ Support for all developmental levels
⭐ Fun activities and socialization
Please share this post to help us connect with more families in Pender County 🤝
Scan the QR code in the graphic for more information and application details.
Questions? Call 910-259-7603 ☎️
💙 ¡Un recordatorio más para las familias del condado de Pender! 💛
Las solicitudes para el programa preescolar de Pender County Schools continúan abiertas, y queremos asegurarnos de que las familias sepan que esta oportunidad todavía está disponible 📅
Si su hijo o hija tendrá 3 o 4 años para el 31 de agosto de 2026 y vive en el condado de Pender, su familia podría ser elegible para solicitar ingreso al preescolar 🎒✨
Nuestro programa ofrece:
⭐ Instrucción gratuita, de día completo y de alta calidad
⭐ Maestros con licencia estatal
⭐ Apoyo para todos los niveles de desarrollo
⭐ Actividades divertidas y socialización
Por favor, comparta esta publicación para ayudarnos a conectar con más familias en el condado de Pender 🤝
Escanee el código QR en la imagen para obtener más información y detalles sobre la solicitud.
¿Preguntas? Llame al 910-259-7603 ☎️
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Liam is a 9th grader at Topsail High School, recognized for his leadership, kindness, and positive attitude.
Liam comes to class each day ready to work and gives consistent effort in his assignments. His teacher shared that he often finishes his work and then looks for ways to help others. He checks in with classmates, offers support, and encourages them to stay on track.
Liam’s approach in the classroom helps create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking for help and working together.
Outside of school, Liam enjoys soccer ⚽, gaming 🎮, and drawing 🎨. His favorite food is steak 🥩, and his favorite color is blue 💙. He has two dogs 🐶, three snakes 🐍, and two bearded dragons 🦎.
💙 Thank you, Liam, for the example you set at Topsail High School.
Liam is a 9th grader at Topsail High School, recognized for his leadership, kindness, and positive attitude.
Liam comes to class each day ready to work and gives consistent effort in his assignments. His teacher shared that he often finishes his work and then looks for ways to help others. He checks in with classmates, offers support, and encourages them to stay on track.
Liam’s approach in the classroom helps create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking for help and working together.
Outside of school, Liam enjoys soccer ⚽, gaming 🎮, and drawing 🎨. His favorite food is steak 🥩, and his favorite color is blue 💙. He has two dogs 🐶, three snakes 🐍, and two bearded dragons 🦎.
💙 Thank you, Liam, for the example you set at Topsail High School.
Fresh & Flavorful!
May is bringing a taste of spring with our Bruschetta Chicken Focaccia.
Hand-pressed focaccia + diced chicken + tomato bruschetta + herb mayo = Must-try entrée!
Available for a limited time. Grab it today at Pender County's High Schools. All middle schools will be serving up this delicious dish on Friday. Come get you some :)
May is bringing a taste of spring with our Bruschetta Chicken Focaccia.
Hand-pressed focaccia + diced chicken + tomato bruschetta + herb mayo = Must-try entrée!
Available for a limited time. Grab it today at Pender County's High Schools. All middle schools will be serving up this delicious dish on Friday. Come get you some :)
Teacher Tuesday: Ms. Freda Messick — Burgaw Middle School💙📘
Ms. Freda Messick has taught at Burgaw Middle School for five years. Staff and families describe her as a steady, thoughtful teacher who creates a classroom where students feel supported and respected. She is known for clear communication, strong relationships, and a consistent focus on student growth.
Ms. Messick stands out for the way she balances high expectations with a calm and encouraging approach. She designs lessons that help students think deeply, make connections, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. Colleagues also shared that she is a positive influence in the building and often helps move important professional conversations forward.
One staff member noted that Ms. Messick not only supports students in her classroom, but also encourages fellow teachers in their own growth. She has helped open conversations around leadership and professional learning, including National Board Certification. Whether she is working with students or supporting colleagues, she is intentional and encouraging in her approach.
Thank you, Ms. Messick, for the support and leadership you provide at Burgaw Middle School. 💛✅
Ms. Freda Messick has taught at Burgaw Middle School for five years. Staff and families describe her as a steady, thoughtful teacher who creates a classroom where students feel supported and respected. She is known for clear communication, strong relationships, and a consistent focus on student growth.
Ms. Messick stands out for the way she balances high expectations with a calm and encouraging approach. She designs lessons that help students think deeply, make connections, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. Colleagues also shared that she is a positive influence in the building and often helps move important professional conversations forward.
One staff member noted that Ms. Messick not only supports students in her classroom, but also encourages fellow teachers in their own growth. She has helped open conversations around leadership and professional learning, including National Board Certification. Whether she is working with students or supporting colleagues, she is intentional and encouraging in her approach.
Thank you, Ms. Messick, for the support and leadership you provide at Burgaw Middle School. 💛✅
