🏆📚 The championship trophy made its way to C.F. Pope Elementary today, and it was a good chance to celebrate what this school accomplished in the Road to the Championship: PCS March Reading Tournament 2026.
C.F. Pope earned this win. Students brought real energy to the tournament and made reading part of the school day in every way they could. That kind of excitement helped carry the Panthers all the way to the top. 💙🐾
For a school with the sixth smallest student population out of our 19 schools, this was HUGE - like a 15 seed knocking off a two!! Congrats to C.F. Pope Elementary and their community on a well-deserved championship. 🎉
C.F. Pope earned this win. Students brought real energy to the tournament and made reading part of the school day in every way they could. That kind of excitement helped carry the Panthers all the way to the top. 💙🐾
For a school with the sixth smallest student population out of our 19 schools, this was HUGE - like a 15 seed knocking off a two!! Congrats to C.F. Pope Elementary and their community on a well-deserved championship. 🎉
🎒✨ Kindergarten Registration is here! ✨🎒
Pender County Schools invites families to attend K Screener Day at all school sites on June 2 & 3 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 🏫
Bring your future student for registration support and screening assistance! ✅
Children must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2026.
Please bring:
📌 Proof of residency
📌 Certified birth certificate
Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the district website to enroll today! 📲
🎒✨ ¡Ya llegó la inscripción para kindergarten! ✨🎒
Pender County Schools invita a las familias a asistir al Día de Evaluación de Kínder en todas las escuelas el 2 y 3 de junio de 9:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m. 🏫
¡Traiga a su estudiante para recibir ayuda con la inscripción y el proceso de evaluación! ✅
Los niños deben tener 5 años cumplidos en o antes del 31 de agosto de 2026.
Favor de traer:
📌 Comprobante de residencia
📌 Acta de nacimiento certificada
Escanee el código QR en el volante o visite el sitio web del distrito para inscribirse hoy mismo. 📲
Pender County Schools invites families to attend K Screener Day at all school sites on June 2 & 3 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 🏫
Bring your future student for registration support and screening assistance! ✅
Children must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2026.
Please bring:
📌 Proof of residency
📌 Certified birth certificate
Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the district website to enroll today! 📲
🎒✨ ¡Ya llegó la inscripción para kindergarten! ✨🎒
Pender County Schools invita a las familias a asistir al Día de Evaluación de Kínder en todas las escuelas el 2 y 3 de junio de 9:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m. 🏫
¡Traiga a su estudiante para recibir ayuda con la inscripción y el proceso de evaluación! ✅
Los niños deben tener 5 años cumplidos en o antes del 31 de agosto de 2026.
Favor de traer:
📌 Comprobante de residencia
📌 Acta de nacimiento certificada
Escanee el código QR en el volante o visite el sitio web del distrito para inscribirse hoy mismo. 📲
📚🏆 Congratulations to C.F. Pope Elementary, winner of the Road to the Championship: PCS March Reading Tournament 2026.
This was a big accomplishment for C.F. Pope. Out of our 19 schools, C.F. Pope has the sixth smallest student population, but their students showed just how much this meant to them. We heard that reading quickly became the top priority across the school, with students choosing to read during lunch, recess, and any free time they had. 📖💙
That kind of buy-in says a lot. C.F. Pope turned this into a true Cinderella story and a bracket-busting run through the tournament. Students, staff, and families all played a part in helping the Panthers finish on top. 🐾🏀
Thank you to every school that took part and helped keep the focus on reading throughout March.
Great job, C.F. Pope Elementary. Enjoy your shining moment. 🎉
This was a big accomplishment for C.F. Pope. Out of our 19 schools, C.F. Pope has the sixth smallest student population, but their students showed just how much this meant to them. We heard that reading quickly became the top priority across the school, with students choosing to read during lunch, recess, and any free time they had. 📖💙
That kind of buy-in says a lot. C.F. Pope turned this into a true Cinderella story and a bracket-busting run through the tournament. Students, staff, and families all played a part in helping the Panthers finish on top. 🐾🏀
Thank you to every school that took part and helped keep the focus on reading throughout March.
Great job, C.F. Pope Elementary. Enjoy your shining moment. 🎉
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Cheryl Holt, Federal Programs Administrative Assistant in Federal Programs/Student Support.
Ms. Holt has served Pender County Schools for almost 27 years, and her knowledge and consistency have been a strong support for many people across the district. She helps ensure Federal Programs work is handled correctly and stays on track, especially when it comes to Title I.
Cheryl keeps budgets updated and shares regular information with Title I principals so they have a clear picture of current expenses and projected costs. Several principals have shared that the budget support they’ve received in recent years has been the best they’ve had.
She also supports district programs in practical ways, including ordering materials for Science Olympiad. This takes a major task off staff members’ plates and allows them to focus more on students.
Cheryl is known for being responsive, helpful, and easy to work with. She’s always willing to answer questions, share what she knows, and step in when something needs to be handled.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Holt, for your years of service and for the steady support you provide to schools, staff, and students across Pender County Schools.
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Cheryl Holt, Federal Programs Administrative Assistant in Federal Programs/Student Support.
Ms. Holt has served Pender County Schools for almost 27 years, and her knowledge and consistency have been a strong support for many people across the district. She helps ensure Federal Programs work is handled correctly and stays on track, especially when it comes to Title I.
Cheryl keeps budgets updated and shares regular information with Title I principals so they have a clear picture of current expenses and projected costs. Several principals have shared that the budget support they’ve received in recent years has been the best they’ve had.
She also supports district programs in practical ways, including ordering materials for Science Olympiad. This takes a major task off staff members’ plates and allows them to focus more on students.
Cheryl is known for being responsive, helpful, and easy to work with. She’s always willing to answer questions, share what she knows, and step in when something needs to be handled.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Holt, for your years of service and for the steady support you provide to schools, staff, and students across Pender County Schools.
Today, we are incredibly proud of the leadership and service in action at Heide Trask High School!
Under the guidance of Mrs. Faison Lambe, our outstanding HOSA students took the lead in hosting a Blood Connection Blood Drive—demonstrating what it truly means to serve others and make a real-world impact.
From organizing logistics to encouraging donors, our students stepped up as leaders, showing compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to a cause greater than themselves. This is more than an event—it’s a life-saving opportunity and a powerful example of students using their skills to influence the moment and impact the future.
We are grateful for Mrs. Lambe’s leadership and for our HOSA students who continue to represent Heide Trask High School and Pender County Schools with excellence.
Because of you, lives will be changed. ❤️
#CTEInAction #StudentLeaders #HOSA #ServeOthers #OnePender #ClassroomsToCareers
We are proud to celebrate an incredible achievement!
NC HOSA has bestowed its highest honor, Honorary Life Membership, to Mrs. Miranda Wells. With over 25 years of dedication to NC HOSA, Mrs. Wells has made a lasting impact—advising one of the founding middle school chapters, serving on the Board of Directors, leading competitive events, earning the Gold Star Advisor distinction every single year since 2007 and so much more.
Her influence spans every level—local, regional, state, and international—and her impact can be seen in the countless healthcare professionals who have walked through her classroom.
Mrs. Wells goes above and beyond for her students, ensuring fundraising efforts so that no student has to worry about the cost of participation—only the opportunity to compete. She sees potential in students long before they see it in themselves and shows up for them fully, consistently, and without hesitation.
Congratulations, Mrs. Wells, on this well-deserved honor! 💙
Students in our elementary and middle schools today had fun enjoying BREAKFAST FOR LUNCH!
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Wyatt is being recognized for his strong academics, leadership, and the way he treats others.
Wyatt sets high standards for himself and works hard in school. He has been involved in Beta Club and National Honor Society, and he was also one of the first students to receive the Pender Patriot Award.
He is also known for being kind, humble, and willing to help others both in and out of school. Wyatt volunteers through school service projects and has helped with events like pancake breakfasts and community clean-up efforts around Burgaw. Teachers and peers describe him as easy to work with and someone who contributes in a steady, positive way.
Outside of school, Wyatt enjoys reading 📚, playing multiple instruments 🎶, and video gaming 🎮. His favorite food is steak 🥩, and his favorite color is blue 💙. He has several pets—his dog Brownie 🐶, a bearded dragon named Dragon 🦎, and two birds named Blue and Banana 🐦.
One interesting fact about Wyatt: he was born at 26 weeks, weighing 1 pound 11 ounces, and spent about two and a half months in the NICU.
💙 Thank you, Wyatt, for being a positive example through your work, attitude, and service to others.
Wyatt is being recognized for his strong academics, leadership, and the way he treats others.
Wyatt sets high standards for himself and works hard in school. He has been involved in Beta Club and National Honor Society, and he was also one of the first students to receive the Pender Patriot Award.
He is also known for being kind, humble, and willing to help others both in and out of school. Wyatt volunteers through school service projects and has helped with events like pancake breakfasts and community clean-up efforts around Burgaw. Teachers and peers describe him as easy to work with and someone who contributes in a steady, positive way.
Outside of school, Wyatt enjoys reading 📚, playing multiple instruments 🎶, and video gaming 🎮. His favorite food is steak 🥩, and his favorite color is blue 💙. He has several pets—his dog Brownie 🐶, a bearded dragon named Dragon 🦎, and two birds named Blue and Banana 🐦.
One interesting fact about Wyatt: he was born at 26 weeks, weighing 1 pound 11 ounces, and spent about two and a half months in the NICU.
💙 Thank you, Wyatt, for being a positive example through your work, attitude, and service to others.
⏳ Don’t Forget!
The Student Ridership Survey for 2026–27 will remain open through the end of this school year.
Every family should:
✔ Return the transportation letter (if no changes are needed)
OR
✔ Submit updates using the online survey
📍 Complete the survey here: https://forms.gle/Hpe3gS6GzEzTqAzG9
We appreciate your partnership!
⏳ ¡No lo olvide!
La Encuesta de Transporte Estudiantil para 2026–27 estará disponible hasta el final de este año escolar.
Cada familia debe:
✔ Devolver la carta de transporte (si no hay cambios)
O
✔ Enviar actualizaciones mediante la encuesta en línea
📍 Complete la encuesta aquí: https://forms.gle/Hpe3gS6GzEzTqAzG9
¡Agradecemos su colaboración!
The Student Ridership Survey for 2026–27 will remain open through the end of this school year.
Every family should:
✔ Return the transportation letter (if no changes are needed)
OR
✔ Submit updates using the online survey
📍 Complete the survey here: https://forms.gle/Hpe3gS6GzEzTqAzG9
We appreciate your partnership!
⏳ ¡No lo olvide!
La Encuesta de Transporte Estudiantil para 2026–27 estará disponible hasta el final de este año escolar.
Cada familia debe:
✔ Devolver la carta de transporte (si no hay cambios)
O
✔ Enviar actualizaciones mediante la encuesta en línea
📍 Complete la encuesta aquí: https://forms.gle/Hpe3gS6GzEzTqAzG9
¡Agradecemos su colaboración!
Teacher Tuesday: Mr. Kevin McSwain — Heide Trask High School
Mr. Kevin McSwain is an EC teacher at HTHS and is in his second year of teaching. Staff shared that he is consistently available when students need support and does a strong job connecting with both students and families.
What stands out most about Mr. McSwain is the relationships he builds. He takes time to earn trust and helps students feel comfortable asking for help. He also communicates well with families and works with them as partners.
One example shared in his nomination involved students who have struggled to connect with some adults at school. Mr. McSwain has been able to build trusting relationships with those students and support them through learning challenges as well as personal difficulties they may be facing.
Thank you, Mr. McSwain, for the steady support you provide to students and families at HTHS. 💛
Mr. Kevin McSwain is an EC teacher at HTHS and is in his second year of teaching. Staff shared that he is consistently available when students need support and does a strong job connecting with both students and families.
What stands out most about Mr. McSwain is the relationships he builds. He takes time to earn trust and helps students feel comfortable asking for help. He also communicates well with families and works with them as partners.
One example shared in his nomination involved students who have struggled to connect with some adults at school. Mr. McSwain has been able to build trusting relationships with those students and support them through learning challenges as well as personal difficulties they may be facing.
Thank you, Mr. McSwain, for the steady support you provide to students and families at HTHS. 💛
👏 Congratulations to our PCS band students and directors on a strong showing at Music Performance Adjudication this year.
Five PCS schools with band programs participated in MPA, and the results reflect a lot of time, practice, and commitment from both students and staff.
🎶 Cape Fear Middle School Band — first time attending in 7 years
🎶 Topsail Middle School Band — Excellent
🎶 Surf City Middle School Band — Excellent
🎶 Heide Trask High School Symphonic Band — Superior
🎶 Topsail High School Symphonic Band — Superior
🎶 Topsail High School Wind Ensemble — Superior
For those unfamiliar with MPA, the ratings are given to the performing group and are similar to academic scoring:
⭐ Superior = A / 5
⭐ Excellent = B / 4
⭐ Average = C / 3
Thank you to our band directors for the work they are doing each day to support students and grow music programs across PCS. 🎺🥁🎼
Five PCS schools with band programs participated in MPA, and the results reflect a lot of time, practice, and commitment from both students and staff.
🎶 Cape Fear Middle School Band — first time attending in 7 years
🎶 Topsail Middle School Band — Excellent
🎶 Surf City Middle School Band — Excellent
🎶 Heide Trask High School Symphonic Band — Superior
🎶 Topsail High School Symphonic Band — Superior
🎶 Topsail High School Wind Ensemble — Superior
For those unfamiliar with MPA, the ratings are given to the performing group and are similar to academic scoring:
⭐ Superior = A / 5
⭐ Excellent = B / 4
⭐ Average = C / 3
Thank you to our band directors for the work they are doing each day to support students and grow music programs across PCS. 🎺🥁🎼
A big congratulations to the students from Cape Fear Middle, Surf City Middle, Heide Trask High, Pender High, and Topsail High who participated in Honor Band at UNC Pembroke this past weekend.
Students from across the state performed on Saturday at the Givens Performing Arts Center after spending just one day working with guest clinicians to prepare the concert. That is no small task, and our students did an outstanding job. We are proud to see them recognized for their talent and commitment.
Transportation App Update
Please be aware that information in the Here Comes the Bus app may be inaccurate at this time. We are actively working with the company to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, and we are sorry for any confusion this may cause.
If you have any questions about your child’s transportation, please contact your child’s school directly. We also encourage families to follow their school’s social media pages and download the Pender County Schools app for the latest transportation updates from their child’s school.
🌶️🔥 Sweet meets HEAT! 🔥🌶️
Topsail Middle School served up the Sweet Heat Chorizo Empanada. A cinnamon, sugar & cayenne biscuit stuffed with spicy turkey chorizo and finished with lime crema.
Topsail Middle School served up the Sweet Heat Chorizo Empanada. A cinnamon, sugar & cayenne biscuit stuffed with spicy turkey chorizo and finished with lime crema.
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Melinda Johnson, Data Manager at Burgaw Middle School.
When a staff member was out for an extended period of time, Ms. Johnson stepped in to help support the school team. She took on additional responsibilities outside of her regular duties and handled them without complaint.
Her flexibility and willingness to help ensured that important tasks continued to move forward and that staff and students were supported during that time.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Johnson, for your teamwork and for stepping up when your school needed you.
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Melinda Johnson, Data Manager at Burgaw Middle School.
When a staff member was out for an extended period of time, Ms. Johnson stepped in to help support the school team. She took on additional responsibilities outside of her regular duties and handled them without complaint.
Her flexibility and willingness to help ensured that important tasks continued to move forward and that staff and students were supported during that time.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Johnson, for your teamwork and for stepping up when your school needed you.
🏀 March Madness has arrived at your cafeteria!
Buzzer Beater Basket
Boneless wings, crispy fries, and a fresh biscuit... A winning lineup!
Always served with fresh fruits and vegetables to keep your game strong.
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Stevie is an 11th grader at Heide Trask High School, nominated for her leadership skills.
Stevie is known for stepping up when help is needed. She served as one of the student speakers at the 2025–26 Convocation, representing her school in front of staff and district leaders. She also volunteers her time tutoring students in Math II and Math III at Pender Innovative Learning Academy.
Staff members share that Stevie leads by example. She maintains a positive attitude, works hard in her classes, and encourages others to keep going even when schoolwork becomes challenging. Her willingness to support other students shows how academic growth can open the door to helping others succeed.
Outside of school, Stevie enjoys dance 💃 and sports 🏀. Her favorite food is ice cream 🍨, and her favorite colors are purple and red 💜❤️. She has two dogs, Vera and Floyd 🐶. One interesting fact—her mom is the principal at Pender Innovative Learning Academy.
💜 Thank you, Stevie, for the leadership you show at Heide Trask High School.
Stevie is an 11th grader at Heide Trask High School, nominated for her leadership skills.
Stevie is known for stepping up when help is needed. She served as one of the student speakers at the 2025–26 Convocation, representing her school in front of staff and district leaders. She also volunteers her time tutoring students in Math II and Math III at Pender Innovative Learning Academy.
Staff members share that Stevie leads by example. She maintains a positive attitude, works hard in her classes, and encourages others to keep going even when schoolwork becomes challenging. Her willingness to support other students shows how academic growth can open the door to helping others succeed.
Outside of school, Stevie enjoys dance 💃 and sports 🏀. Her favorite food is ice cream 🍨, and her favorite colors are purple and red 💜❤️. She has two dogs, Vera and Floyd 🐶. One interesting fact—her mom is the principal at Pender Innovative Learning Academy.
💜 Thank you, Stevie, for the leadership you show at Heide Trask High School.
Teacher Tuesday: Ms. Elizabeth Fulbright — North Topsail Elementary
💙🐬
Ms. Elizabeth Fulbright teaches 4th grade at North Topsail Elementary. A former student shared how much of an impact she had during their time in her class.
The student said Ms. Fulbright taught them the importance of being quiet, respectful, and working hard. They described her as one of the most inspiring teachers they’ve had.
In their nomination, the student reflected on how they look back on 4th grade as a time when school felt easier and enjoyable. They remembered Ms. Fulbright’s kindness and the way she made learning fun while still setting clear expectations.
Thank you, Ms. Fulbright, for the difference you’ve made for students at North Topsail Elementary. 💛
💙🐬
Ms. Elizabeth Fulbright teaches 4th grade at North Topsail Elementary. A former student shared how much of an impact she had during their time in her class.
The student said Ms. Fulbright taught them the importance of being quiet, respectful, and working hard. They described her as one of the most inspiring teachers they’ve had.
In their nomination, the student reflected on how they look back on 4th grade as a time when school felt easier and enjoyable. They remembered Ms. Fulbright’s kindness and the way she made learning fun while still setting clear expectations.
Thank you, Ms. Fulbright, for the difference you’ve made for students at North Topsail Elementary. 💛
