🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re celebrating Ms. Denise Lewis, Data Manager and Treasurer at West Pender Middle School.
Known as the heartbeat of West Pender, Ms. Lewis helps keep the school running smoothly in every way imaginable. Her calm, kind demeanor makes her approachable to everyone, staff, students, and visitors alike. Whether she’s organizing data, lending a helping hand, or simply offering a reassuring word, she sets the tone for a warm and welcoming school environment. 💛
Ms. Lewis goes above and beyond to support students and colleagues, creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and heard. Her office, complete with a comfy chair and a friendly smile, is a safe haven for anyone who needs a quick moment of calm before taking on the day.
Her professionalism, patience, and positivity ripple throughout the building, helping shape a school culture rooted in respect and care. It’s easy to see why so many are drawn to her, she radiates kindness and makes West Pender truly feel like home. 💙
Thank you, Ms. Lewis, for your compassion, dedication, and the countless ways you make West Pender Middle a brighter place to be!
This week we’re celebrating Ms. Denise Lewis, Data Manager and Treasurer at West Pender Middle School.
Known as the heartbeat of West Pender, Ms. Lewis helps keep the school running smoothly in every way imaginable. Her calm, kind demeanor makes her approachable to everyone, staff, students, and visitors alike. Whether she’s organizing data, lending a helping hand, or simply offering a reassuring word, she sets the tone for a warm and welcoming school environment. 💛
Ms. Lewis goes above and beyond to support students and colleagues, creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and heard. Her office, complete with a comfy chair and a friendly smile, is a safe haven for anyone who needs a quick moment of calm before taking on the day.
Her professionalism, patience, and positivity ripple throughout the building, helping shape a school culture rooted in respect and care. It’s easy to see why so many are drawn to her, she radiates kindness and makes West Pender truly feel like home. 💙
Thank you, Ms. Lewis, for your compassion, dedication, and the countless ways you make West Pender Middle a brighter place to be!
A camera, a microphone and a question: "What are you Thankful for?" Our students provided the rest! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 YouTube - https://youtube.com/shorts/OrxlCZDmz3o
Weekly PCS Newsletter (THANKSGIVING EDITION) - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/4omPlLTjQY8ka Have a great break!
🦃🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from Pender County Schools! 🧡📚
This season, we’re especially grateful for our amazing students, families, staff, and community partners who make PCS such a special place to learn and grow. 💙💛 Your support and dedication help us build a brighter future—together.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, restful, and safe holiday filled with gratitude and togetherness. 🥧🍂
This season, we’re especially grateful for our amazing students, families, staff, and community partners who make PCS such a special place to learn and grow. 💙💛 Your support and dedication help us build a brighter future—together.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, restful, and safe holiday filled with gratitude and togetherness. 🥧🍂
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Meet London, a friendly and creative 6th grader at Cape Fear Middle School, recognized for being an amazing student, friend, and talented dancer 💃.
London is known for her kindness, humor, and positive attitude. She loves to make people laugh and is always there to brighten someone’s day with a smile 😊. In addition to being a great student, she shows dedication and passion in everything she does, especially in dance, where she practices and performs with enthusiasm and confidence 🎶.
Her cheerful personality helps make Cape Fear Middle a happier place. London encourages her classmates to get along and supports her friends, spreading positivity wherever she goes 💙.
Outside of school, London enjoys dancing 💃, sewing 🧵, and doing all kinds of crafts 🎨. She shares her home with her pets, dog Bailey 🐶, cats Logan 🐱 and Carley 🐈, and hamster Mr. Giggles 🐹. Her favorite food is pasta 🍝, her favorite color is teal 💎, and her favorite place in the world is Disney World 🏰she even knows tons of Disney facts and trivia!
💙 Congratulations, London, your positivity, creativity, and kindness make Cape Fear Middle a brighter place!
Meet London, a friendly and creative 6th grader at Cape Fear Middle School, recognized for being an amazing student, friend, and talented dancer 💃.
London is known for her kindness, humor, and positive attitude. She loves to make people laugh and is always there to brighten someone’s day with a smile 😊. In addition to being a great student, she shows dedication and passion in everything she does, especially in dance, where she practices and performs with enthusiasm and confidence 🎶.
Her cheerful personality helps make Cape Fear Middle a happier place. London encourages her classmates to get along and supports her friends, spreading positivity wherever she goes 💙.
Outside of school, London enjoys dancing 💃, sewing 🧵, and doing all kinds of crafts 🎨. She shares her home with her pets, dog Bailey 🐶, cats Logan 🐱 and Carley 🐈, and hamster Mr. Giggles 🐹. Her favorite food is pasta 🍝, her favorite color is teal 💎, and her favorite place in the world is Disney World 🏰she even knows tons of Disney facts and trivia!
💙 Congratulations, London, your positivity, creativity, and kindness make Cape Fear Middle a brighter place!
The Yogurt Parfait Banana Split was a hit with students across all grade levels! 🍌🍓
Keep an eye out, this Special Edition item may be making a return on future menus!
Keep an eye out, this Special Edition item may be making a return on future menus!
Meet Ms. Carla Fulcher, a 2nd grade teacher at North Topsail Elementary School. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Ms. Fulcher is known for her strong communication skills and her dedication to both her students and the school community.
Ms. Fulcher stands out as a top-tier communicator, she shares information clearly, promptly, and in ways that help families feel confident supporting their child’s learning at home. Her consistent communication bridges the gap between school and home, creating a true partnership for student success.
As a veteran teacher, Ms. Fulcher continues to go the extra mile. She teaches with care and creativity, whether working one-on-one with a homebound student or guiding students through projects like the school news program. Her dedication and professionalism make her an invaluable part of the North Topsail Elementary team.
💙💛 Thank you, Ms. Fulcher, for your leadership, communication, and commitment to your students and the NTE community!
Ms. Fulcher stands out as a top-tier communicator, she shares information clearly, promptly, and in ways that help families feel confident supporting their child’s learning at home. Her consistent communication bridges the gap between school and home, creating a true partnership for student success.
As a veteran teacher, Ms. Fulcher continues to go the extra mile. She teaches with care and creativity, whether working one-on-one with a homebound student or guiding students through projects like the school news program. Her dedication and professionalism make her an invaluable part of the North Topsail Elementary team.
💙💛 Thank you, Ms. Fulcher, for your leadership, communication, and commitment to your students and the NTE community!
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re proud to recognize Ms. Melanie Jordan, Data Manager at North Topsail Elementary School.
At the start of the year, when Infinite Campus brought a few challenges, Ms. Jordan handled it all with grace and calm. She guided staff through the new system, clearly explaining how to access and understand student data, turning what could have been a stressful situation into a smooth transition. Her patience and professionalism helped keep things running efficiently and prevented a lot of chaos! 💻✨
Beyond her technical skills, Ms. Jordan’s laughter and kindness fill the office with positivity. Her warm spirit makes everyone , staff and parents alike, feel welcome and supported. She’s the kind of teammate who lifts others up and makes each day a little brighter. 🌼
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Jordan, for your patience, positivity, and the steady support you bring to North Topsail Elementary every day!
This week we’re proud to recognize Ms. Melanie Jordan, Data Manager at North Topsail Elementary School.
At the start of the year, when Infinite Campus brought a few challenges, Ms. Jordan handled it all with grace and calm. She guided staff through the new system, clearly explaining how to access and understand student data, turning what could have been a stressful situation into a smooth transition. Her patience and professionalism helped keep things running efficiently and prevented a lot of chaos! 💻✨
Beyond her technical skills, Ms. Jordan’s laughter and kindness fill the office with positivity. Her warm spirit makes everyone , staff and parents alike, feel welcome and supported. She’s the kind of teammate who lifts others up and makes each day a little brighter. 🌼
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Jordan, for your patience, positivity, and the steady support you bring to North Topsail Elementary every day!
This year’s 8th Grade Career Fair brought in 63 community partners and gave students a look at nearly 100 career options 🎓. Eighth graders from all Pender County middle schools spent the day at Heide Trask High School, moving through different stations and talking with people who work in those fields. Many students took a few minutes at each table to ask simple questions and see what the work looks like in a real setting.
Exhibitors offered short activities and demonstrations in areas like healthcare, engineering, public service, and several other pathways 🩺⚙️🚓. Representatives from Cape Fear Community College, UNCW, and local high schools shared information about programs students can join in the coming years. For many students, it was a first chance to connect what they’re learning in school with the opportunities available close to home.
Several organizations who participated this year have supported the fair for a long time 🙌. They continue to help with field trips, classroom visits, and other events throughout the year. The fair also required coordination across many groups, including the CTE team, Transportation, Heide Trask staff, JROTC, and all middle schools. Their work helped keep the day organized for both students and guests 💙 YOUTUBE - https://youtu.be/LXusLB8TRnA
Exhibitors offered short activities and demonstrations in areas like healthcare, engineering, public service, and several other pathways 🩺⚙️🚓. Representatives from Cape Fear Community College, UNCW, and local high schools shared information about programs students can join in the coming years. For many students, it was a first chance to connect what they’re learning in school with the opportunities available close to home.
Several organizations who participated this year have supported the fair for a long time 🙌. They continue to help with field trips, classroom visits, and other events throughout the year. The fair also required coordination across many groups, including the CTE team, Transportation, Heide Trask staff, JROTC, and all middle schools. Their work helped keep the day organized for both students and guests 💙 YOUTUBE - https://youtu.be/LXusLB8TRnA
🗳️ Final Round of Mascot Voting Is LIVE! 🐾
We’re down to the final round of voting for our new J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle School mascots! Your voice matters, and this is your chance to help shape our schools’ identities for years to come.
✔️ Voting is open now
⏰ Closes Wednesday
🔗 Cast your vote here: https://forms.gle/iKkbUd7vumAQCUVH6
We’re down to the final round of voting for our new J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle School mascots! Your voice matters, and this is your chance to help shape our schools’ identities for years to come.
✔️ Voting is open now
⏰ Closes Wednesday
🔗 Cast your vote here: https://forms.gle/iKkbUd7vumAQCUVH6
🌟 Happy National Career Development Day! 🌟
Today we celebrate the incredible work happening across Pender County Schools to help students discover their strengths, explore their passions, and prepare for bright futures.
We are honored to have the best Career Development Coordinator (CDC) team in the world—a group of leaders who go above and beyond every single day to support our teachers, empower our students, and make a lasting impact across all of our schools.
💼✨ Huge shoutout to:
Brittany Davis
Deanna Taylor
Siobhan Fargo
Bevin Stokes
Michele Simmons
Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to helping our students become enrolled, enlisted, or employed. Your work truly changes lives, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everything you do for our CTE family!
#NationalCareerDevelopmentDay #CareerReady #CTEProud #PenderCTE #FutureFocused #OnePender
Today we celebrate the incredible work happening across Pender County Schools to help students discover their strengths, explore their passions, and prepare for bright futures.
We are honored to have the best Career Development Coordinator (CDC) team in the world—a group of leaders who go above and beyond every single day to support our teachers, empower our students, and make a lasting impact across all of our schools.
💼✨ Huge shoutout to:
Brittany Davis
Deanna Taylor
Siobhan Fargo
Bevin Stokes
Michele Simmons
Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to helping our students become enrolled, enlisted, or employed. Your work truly changes lives, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everything you do for our CTE family!
#NationalCareerDevelopmentDay #CareerReady #CTEProud #PenderCTE #FutureFocused #OnePender
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Meet Winter, a 4th grader at Cape Fear Elementary School, recognized for her 🎨 creativity and kind 💖 heart.
Winter is the perfect example of quiet strength and hidden talent. Though she may be a little shy, those who know her best see just how incredible she truly is. Winter spends hours in her room bringing her imagination to life through beautiful drawings of people, animals, and everyday things 🖍️🐾. Her creativity shines in everything she does, and her art continues to amaze everyone who sees it!
She’s always ready to help, whether it’s pitching in around the house, caring for her younger sister, or offering encouragement to others 💕At school, Winter is known for her excellent behavior and positive attitude. She follows the rules, treats others with respect, and sets an example of quiet leadership for her classmates 🌟.
Outside of school, Winter enjoys skating ⛸️, softball 🥎, and of course, drawing 🎨. Her favorite food is ribs 🍖, her favorite color is blue 💙, and she loves spending time with her pet Luna 🐶. An interesting fact about Winter, she dreams of becoming a pediatric dentist 🦷 one day so she can help other kids take care of their smiles!
💙 Congratulations, Winter, your creativity, kindness, and generosity make you a bright light at Cape Fear Elementary School!
Meet Winter, a 4th grader at Cape Fear Elementary School, recognized for her 🎨 creativity and kind 💖 heart.
Winter is the perfect example of quiet strength and hidden talent. Though she may be a little shy, those who know her best see just how incredible she truly is. Winter spends hours in her room bringing her imagination to life through beautiful drawings of people, animals, and everyday things 🖍️🐾. Her creativity shines in everything she does, and her art continues to amaze everyone who sees it!
She’s always ready to help, whether it’s pitching in around the house, caring for her younger sister, or offering encouragement to others 💕At school, Winter is known for her excellent behavior and positive attitude. She follows the rules, treats others with respect, and sets an example of quiet leadership for her classmates 🌟.
Outside of school, Winter enjoys skating ⛸️, softball 🥎, and of course, drawing 🎨. Her favorite food is ribs 🍖, her favorite color is blue 💙, and she loves spending time with her pet Luna 🐶. An interesting fact about Winter, she dreams of becoming a pediatric dentist 🦷 one day so she can help other kids take care of their smiles!
💙 Congratulations, Winter, your creativity, kindness, and generosity make you a bright light at Cape Fear Elementary School!
📣 Final Round of Voting Is Here!
We’re down to the last step in selecting mascots for the new J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle Schools and we need your voice! 🗳️🎉
Families, staff, students, and community members are invited to cast their final votes before the deadline on November 26, 2025.
👉 Vote here: https://forms.gle/iKkbUd7vumAQCUVH6
Thanks for being part of this exciting moment for PCS! 💙💛
📣 Calling All PCS Alumni!
Pender County Schools is launching the PCS Proud Alumni Spotlight, and we want to celebrate YOU, our graduates who are making an impact in your careers, communities, and beyond.
Are you a PCS alum doing amazing things?
Or do you know a former student who deserves to be recognized?
We’d love to hear your story.
Nominate yourself or someone else today using our new Alumni Spotlight form!
👉https://forms.gle/yVajGJjtfUwV6b2LA
Let’s highlight the outstanding accomplishments of those who started their journey right here in Pender County Schools.
Pender County Schools is launching the PCS Proud Alumni Spotlight, and we want to celebrate YOU, our graduates who are making an impact in your careers, communities, and beyond.
Are you a PCS alum doing amazing things?
Or do you know a former student who deserves to be recognized?
We’d love to hear your story.
Nominate yourself or someone else today using our new Alumni Spotlight form!
👉https://forms.gle/yVajGJjtfUwV6b2LA
Let’s highlight the outstanding accomplishments of those who started their journey right here in Pender County Schools.
Meet Ms. Stephanie Martin, a 1st grade teacher at North Topsail Elementary School. Families describe Ms. Martin as an exceptional educator who has made a lasting impact on their children’s lives. She’s known not only for her skill in the classroom, but for the genuine care and consistency she’s shown over the years.
One family shared that Ms. Martin taught their older son, now a high school sophomore, and now teaches their youngest child. They feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced her warmth and excellence twice. What stands out most about Ms. Martin is her ability to connect with each child as an individual. She meets students where they are, celebrates their progress, and encourages them to reach their full potential.
Parents appreciate her clear communication and her calm, patient approach in the classroom. Whether she’s helping a child build confidence or guiding a lively personality with kindness and understanding, Ms. Martin creates a learning environment where every student feels seen, supported, and capable.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Martin, for the lasting difference you make in your students’ lives and for the care you bring to North Topsail Elementary every day.
One family shared that Ms. Martin taught their older son, now a high school sophomore, and now teaches their youngest child. They feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced her warmth and excellence twice. What stands out most about Ms. Martin is her ability to connect with each child as an individual. She meets students where they are, celebrates their progress, and encourages them to reach their full potential.
Parents appreciate her clear communication and her calm, patient approach in the classroom. Whether she’s helping a child build confidence or guiding a lively personality with kindness and understanding, Ms. Martin creates a learning environment where every student feels seen, supported, and capable.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Martin, for the lasting difference you make in your students’ lives and for the care you bring to North Topsail Elementary every day.
We’re excited to welcome the families of Pender’s Elementary and Middle School students to our cafeterias over the next two weeks!
Parent Menu:
The Turkey Gobbler- carved turkey, stuffing, and cranberry mayo on a soft sub roll. Served with sweet potatoes and a warm apple crisp dessert.
Student Menu:
A classic carved turkey dinner with sweet potatoes, spiced apples, and a breadstick.
We look forward to sharing this special meal with you!
Parent Menu:
The Turkey Gobbler- carved turkey, stuffing, and cranberry mayo on a soft sub roll. Served with sweet potatoes and a warm apple crisp dessert.
Student Menu:
A classic carved turkey dinner with sweet potatoes, spiced apples, and a breadstick.
We look forward to sharing this special meal with you!
Pender County Schools is proud to recognize one of its distinguished alumni whose career has been defined by leadership, service, and a commitment to empowering others. A graduate of Pender County Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, she now serves as the Program Manager at the Genesis Block Foundation, supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across the region.
In her current role, she works to expand access to essential resources for business growth, a responsibility she describes as deeply rewarding. “Serving and empowering my local community is what I love most,” she shared.
CTE Pathways That Laid the Foundation for Success
While enrolled in Pender County Schools, she participated in both the Health Sciences and Computer Technology pathways. These programs played a pivotal role in shaping her interests and skill set:
Health Sciences introduced her to her passion for helping others and highlighted the importance of service and community impact.
Computer Technology provided technical and operational skills that she continues to use daily in her professional career.
These experiences contributed to a strong foundation that helped guide her toward a career rooted in purpose.
Educators Who Influenced Her Career Journey
She credits several PCS educators with helping build her confidence and prepare her for future success.
Danyiel New, Health Science teacher, shared life lessons and encouragement that remain influential today.
Mr. Redd, her middle school Computer Skills teacher, helped her develop early confidence in her technical abilities.
Mr. Stevens, her high school computer teacher, continued to foster that confidence and was consistently impressed with her work.
“Their support played an important role in shaping my skills and belief in myself,” she noted.
A Career Inspired by Service
Her career path was further shaped through her work with Communities In Schools, where she discovered a deep passion for service and youth engagement. This experience motivated her pursuit of a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. During her graduate program, an instructor connected her to the Genesis Block Foundation—where she now supports community development and economic advancement.
Encouraging PCS Students to Explore, Discover, and Grow
She offers this message to current PCS students:
“You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. It’s okay to learn your purpose and passion through life’s experiences. Pursue what interests you, and if it’s not where your heart is, try something new.”
Resilience Built Through Challenges
Reflecting on her accomplishments, she acknowledges that many stemmed from challenges along the way. She credits those experiences with helping shape her resilience, determination, and personal growth.
Pender County Schools celebrates her achievements and her continued commitment to uplifting the community. Her journey reflects the mission of PCS CTE—equipping students with the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to become enrolled, enlisted, or employed after graduation.
In her current role, she works to expand access to essential resources for business growth, a responsibility she describes as deeply rewarding. “Serving and empowering my local community is what I love most,” she shared.
CTE Pathways That Laid the Foundation for Success
While enrolled in Pender County Schools, she participated in both the Health Sciences and Computer Technology pathways. These programs played a pivotal role in shaping her interests and skill set:
Health Sciences introduced her to her passion for helping others and highlighted the importance of service and community impact.
Computer Technology provided technical and operational skills that she continues to use daily in her professional career.
These experiences contributed to a strong foundation that helped guide her toward a career rooted in purpose.
Educators Who Influenced Her Career Journey
She credits several PCS educators with helping build her confidence and prepare her for future success.
Danyiel New, Health Science teacher, shared life lessons and encouragement that remain influential today.
Mr. Redd, her middle school Computer Skills teacher, helped her develop early confidence in her technical abilities.
Mr. Stevens, her high school computer teacher, continued to foster that confidence and was consistently impressed with her work.
“Their support played an important role in shaping my skills and belief in myself,” she noted.
A Career Inspired by Service
Her career path was further shaped through her work with Communities In Schools, where she discovered a deep passion for service and youth engagement. This experience motivated her pursuit of a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. During her graduate program, an instructor connected her to the Genesis Block Foundation—where she now supports community development and economic advancement.
Encouraging PCS Students to Explore, Discover, and Grow
She offers this message to current PCS students:
“You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. It’s okay to learn your purpose and passion through life’s experiences. Pursue what interests you, and if it’s not where your heart is, try something new.”
Resilience Built Through Challenges
Reflecting on her accomplishments, she acknowledges that many stemmed from challenges along the way. She credits those experiences with helping shape her resilience, determination, and personal growth.
Pender County Schools celebrates her achievements and her continued commitment to uplifting the community. Her journey reflects the mission of PCS CTE—equipping students with the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to become enrolled, enlisted, or employed after graduation.
As we head into Thanksgiving, take time to read together as a family! 📖
Share a story about gratitude, or let your child pick their favorite book to read aloud.
Let’s keep those minutes adding up toward our million-minute goal!
Mientras se acerca el Día de Acción de Gracias, ¡tómense un tiempo para leer en familia! 📖
Compartan una historia sobre la gratitud o dejen que su hijo elija su libro favorito para leer en voz alta.
¡Sigamos sumando minutos hacia nuestra meta del millón!
Share a story about gratitude, or let your child pick their favorite book to read aloud.
Let’s keep those minutes adding up toward our million-minute goal!
Mientras se acerca el Día de Acción de Gracias, ¡tómense un tiempo para leer en familia! 📖
Compartan una historia sobre la gratitud o dejen que su hijo elija su libro favorito para leer en voz alta.
¡Sigamos sumando minutos hacia nuestra meta del millón!
