🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Mr. Michael Taylor, Chief Officer of Student Support Services, as he prepares to retire at the end of December after an incredible 27 years of service in public education, including the last seven with Pender County Schools. 🇺🇸🎓
Mr. Taylor’s dedication to service began early — at just 18 years old, he joined the United States Marine Corps, beginning a lifelong journey of leadership, discipline, and commitment to others. Throughout his career in education, he has worn many hats and met every challenge with humility, expertise, and a willingness to help. His deep knowledge across the education spectrum and steady guidance have made him a trusted resource for colleagues across the district.
Beyond his professional contributions, Mr. Taylor is known for his kindness and positivity. His friendly attitude brightens each day, and he’s always quick to share a kind word or lend support. He leads with compassion, puts others first, and embodies what it means to serve with heart and integrity. 💛💙
Thank you, Mr. Taylor, for your years of service, leadership, and care. Your impact on Pender County Schools — and on the many people you’ve guided along the way — will not be forgotten. We wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement! 🎉👏
🎉 Order of the Patriot Award – Fall 2025 🎉
Pender High School celebrated another round of Order of the Patriot Award winners today! These students were recognized for their hard work, growth, and the everyday choices that show integrity and effort—stuff that doesn’t always get seen but definitely deserves to be celebrated.
Huge congrats to this semester’s recipients:
Chloe Moore, Jackson Kestler, Gianina Orwat, Malcolm Baldwin, Abigail Pate, Aiden Anderson, Gicel Sanchez-Cruz, Jared Sanchez-Cruz, Jasmine Ramirez Hernandez, Holly Smith, Keirisson Brown, Grace Stutts, Anthony Corbett, Yarinet Leon Quiroz, Johnah Murphy, Jenna Charlton, and Avery Lewis.
We’re proud of each of you! 👏❤️💙 https://youtube.com/shorts/tmkTc8t3-ec
Pender High School celebrated another round of Order of the Patriot Award winners today! These students were recognized for their hard work, growth, and the everyday choices that show integrity and effort—stuff that doesn’t always get seen but definitely deserves to be celebrated.
Huge congrats to this semester’s recipients:
Chloe Moore, Jackson Kestler, Gianina Orwat, Malcolm Baldwin, Abigail Pate, Aiden Anderson, Gicel Sanchez-Cruz, Jared Sanchez-Cruz, Jasmine Ramirez Hernandez, Holly Smith, Keirisson Brown, Grace Stutts, Anthony Corbett, Yarinet Leon Quiroz, Johnah Murphy, Jenna Charlton, and Avery Lewis.
We’re proud of each of you! 👏❤️💙 https://youtube.com/shorts/tmkTc8t3-ec
This week, our TMS 8th graders in Mr. Brittain’s and Mr. Chase’s classes took another exciting step in their NC Career Development Plans! 🎓✨
Students explored high school courses, learned how to make intentional choices, and began connecting their education to their interests and long-term goals. They even drafted their first high school course plans—recognizing that plans grow and change as they discover new opportunities. 🌟
A huge thank you to our dedicated TMS teachers, counselor Ms. Wood, THS counselors Mr. Buchanan and Ms. Ward, and our Middle School Career Development Coordinator, Michele Simmons for guiding our students every step of the way.
Proud of our Pirates and their bright futures ahead! 💙💛
#onepender
📣 What an incredible two days for Pender County Schools CTE!
Our CTE teachers came together for powerful, hands-on professional development designed to strengthen instruction, deepen industry alignment, and elevate opportunities for our students. 🙌🏽✨
Over the course of the sessions, our teachers:
🔹 Learned from ML experts Bailey Umbaugh and Jonathan High, gaining tools to better support our multilingual learners.
🔹 Explored new instructional technology strategies with Craig Lawson and Kayla Davidson to enhance engagement and innovation in the classroom.
🔹 Met with our PCS CTE Business Advisory Council, collaborating on ways to strengthen partnerships and ensure our programs stay aligned with workforce needs.
🔹 Took a deep dive into the Pender County Educational Profile with MyFutureNC and Toni Blount, our Regional Impact Manager—gaining insights that will shape how we prepare students to be enrolled, enlisted, or employed upon graduation.
These were two amazing days full of learning, collaboration, and leveling up—all for the benefit of our students and community.
💙🛠️📚 Pender County Schools CTE: One Pender, Classrooms to Careers!
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
David is an 8th grader at Burgaw Middle School. He was nominated by his mother for his steady academic performance, leadership, and kindness toward others.
David has maintained strong grades throughout his three years at Burgaw Middle. He is known for helping classmates when they need support and for being respectful toward staff. His teachers describe him as someone who follows expectations and looks out for the people around him.
Outside of school, David enjoys playing Nintendo, and he takes care of his birds at home. His favorite food is pupusas with beans and cheese, and his favorite color is orange. One thing that stands out about David is how much he enjoys being at school and participating in daily activities.
🧡 Thank you, David, for the positive example you set at Burgaw Middle School.
David is an 8th grader at Burgaw Middle School. He was nominated by his mother for his steady academic performance, leadership, and kindness toward others.
David has maintained strong grades throughout his three years at Burgaw Middle. He is known for helping classmates when they need support and for being respectful toward staff. His teachers describe him as someone who follows expectations and looks out for the people around him.
Outside of school, David enjoys playing Nintendo, and he takes care of his birds at home. His favorite food is pupusas with beans and cheese, and his favorite color is orange. One thing that stands out about David is how much he enjoys being at school and participating in daily activities.
🧡 Thank you, David, for the positive example you set at Burgaw Middle School.
🍪National Cookie Day🍪
Sweet treat alert! Stop by a cafeteria on Thursday, 12/4, and get a complimentary cookie with any lunch purchase.
Sweet treat alert! Stop by a cafeteria on Thursday, 12/4, and get a complimentary cookie with any lunch purchase.
✨TEACHER TUESDAY✨Ms. Morgan Bohrer teaches 1st grade at Surf City Elementary. Colleagues describe her as someone who is dependable and easy to work with. She’s quick to share what she knows, especially when the team is learning new tools. This year, she has helped her grade level with Infinite Campus and Planbook, taking time to walk others through steps and troubleshoot when needed. Her support has made day-to-day tasks easier for the team.
In the classroom, Ms. Bohrer looks for ways to keep students engaged in their lessons. Recently, she noticed that many students needed extra practice with number recognition. Instead of repeating the same routine, she planned a “50s Day” for the entire grade level. Students reviewed numbers 1–50 while participating in simple themed activities. The team will join together for this event, giving students a fun, hands-on way to practice important math skills.
Thank you, Ms. Bohrer, for the time and care you put into supporting your students and your team at Surf City Elementary.💙💛
In the classroom, Ms. Bohrer looks for ways to keep students engaged in their lessons. Recently, she noticed that many students needed extra practice with number recognition. Instead of repeating the same routine, she planned a “50s Day” for the entire grade level. Students reviewed numbers 1–50 while participating in simple themed activities. The team will join together for this event, giving students a fun, hands-on way to practice important math skills.
Thank you, Ms. Bohrer, for the time and care you put into supporting your students and your team at Surf City Elementary.💙💛
🌟 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
