🛠️ FEATURE FRIDAY - Darryl Barnes & Aaron Higgins! 🛠️
This week, we’re giving a huge shoutout to Darryl Barnes and Aaron Higgins, bus mechanics in the Transportation Department, for their unwavering dedication and outstanding support of our drivers and students.
Darryl and Aaron consistently go the extra mile to ensure every bus is safe and ready to roll. Their expertise and commitment to keeping our transportation running smoothly are invaluable. Whether it’s assisting drivers on the fly or tackling tough repairs, they always rise to the challenge with professionalism and a smile.
Here’s what their colleagues have to say:
🌟 “They are committed to keeping us safe and rolling. Their dedication never goes unnoticed.”
🌟 “When you give joy to others, you get more joy in return. This is Darryl every day!”
Thank you, Darryl and Aaron, for making such a positive impact on the Transportation team and the entire Pender County Schools family. We truly love our mechanics! 🚍❤️
3️⃣ days to go! Time is running out to help name our new schools in Hampstead! 🏫✨ Cast your vote or share a creative name inspired by our community. 🌳💙
🗓️ Deadline: Feb 2, 2025
👉 Don’t miss out: https://forms.gle/cV11wSUob6iJxKyY6
#OnePender
🚨🔍 Pender County Schools CTE STEM Students On an Exciting Field Trip! 🔍🚨
Our PCS middle school students are currently out in the field, stepping into the role of detectives for a hands-on crime scene investigation! Thanks to the amazing partnership with Cape Fear Community College and Bionetwork, students are engaging in a series of interactive projects to survey the crime scene, analyze evidence, and work together to solve the mystery.
A huge thank you to both organizations for providing this incredible learning experience and helping inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. We can’t wait to see what our students uncover! 👏🔬🕵️♀️
#PenderCountySchools #STEMEducation #CTE #FutureDetectives #HandsOnLearning #CommunityPartners #CapeFearCommunityCollege #Bionetwork
SCMS 8th Grade Preps for High School
SCMS 8th grade classes worked with their high school and middle school counselors and career development coordinators who helped them prepare for upcoming registration. Students learned about elective classes, GPA, credentials and much more! They created a flexible plan in a high school Google classroom to prep for actual registration. The plan meets another requirement of the NC state career development plan. Ask them to show you!
📢 High School Families – Join Our Virtual Office Hours! 🎓💻
Pender County Schools is hosting Student/Families Virtual Office Hours to help you navigate high school course options! Join us to learn about:
✅ Core subject requirements
✅ Choosing courses based on strengths & interests
✅ College pathways & future planning
✅ Standard, Honors, AP & CFCC course options
📍 Join us online: https://5il.co/36nh6
Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and set your student up for success!
📢 ¡Familias de la escuela secundaria, únanse a nuestras Horas de Oficina Virtuales! 🎓💻
¡Las Escuelas del Condado de Pender están organizando Horas de Oficina Virtuales para Estudiantes/Familias para ayudarles a navegar las opciones de cursos en la escuela secundaria! Únase a nosotros para aprender sobre:
✅ Requisitos de materias principales
✅ Cómo elegir cursos según las fortalezas e intereses
✅ Caminos hacia la universidad y planificación futura
✅ Opciones de cursos estándar, de honores, AP y CFCC
📍 Únase a nosotros en línea: https://5il.co/36nh6
¡No se pierda esta oportunidad de hacer preguntas y ayudar a su estudiante a tener éxito!
Spotted at Topsail High School! -- Today's high school lunch special: Egg Roll in a Bowl! 🥢✨ Students are enjoying this flavorful deconstructed egg roll served with our house-made duck sauce and crispy tortilla strips for the perfect crunch!
On the side, we’re serving up a fresh fruit cup 🍇🍉🍈 featuring diced grapes, cantaloupe, and watermelon—a sweet and refreshing complement to your meal! 🍽️😋
#OnePender #AramarkFeedsPender #SchoolLunchDoneRight #FreshFlavors #FreshFruitsandVeggies
🚨 Only 4️⃣ days left to have your say! 🏫✨ Help name our new elementary & middle schools in Hampstead. Vote or share a unique name that reflects our community! 🌳💙
🗓️ Deadline: Feb 2, 2025
👉 Submit your idea: https://forms.gle/cV11wSUob6iJxKyY6
#OnePender
🚧🌱 A Great Collaboration at Heide Trask High School! 🌱🚧
We’re excited to share an incredible teamwork effort between our CTE Horticulture and Electrical Apprenticeship courses! 💡🌿
Students from both programs joined forces to build sturdy fence posts that will help keep visitors from driving on the grass. Not only did this hands-on project provide valuable experience for our future horticulturists and electricians, but it also demonstrated the power of collaboration and real-world problem-solving. 👷♂️⚡
Kudos to all the students for their hard work, creativity, and dedication to making our campus even better! 🙌👏
#CTECollaboration #HandsOnLearning #FutureLeaders #Horticulture #ElectricalApprenticeship #CommunityImpact
🌟 Student Spotlight: Amber! 🌟
Amber, an 8th grader at West Pender Middle School, was nominated by her science teacher, Mrs. Goyette, for her academic excellence and leadership.
Amber truly embodies the Warrior POWER principles:
💪 Perseverance: She works hard to achieve her goals.
🌟 Openness: Amber ensures her peers feel included and valued.
💖 Wellness & Empathy: She fosters positivity, supports her classmates, and ensures no one gets left behind.
✅ Responsibility: Her leadership in group projects makes her an outstanding role model.
Amber’s impact extends beyond the classroom—her example of kindness and collaboration inspires her peers, creating a stronger, more connected school community.
Here’s more about Amber:
🌮 Favorite food: Birria tacos
🎀 Favorite color: Pink
🏐 Hobbies: Reading and playing volleyball
🐍 Pets: A ball python
👑 Fun fact: Henry VI is her 18th great-grandfather!
Amber, thank you for being a shining light at West Pender Middle School and an inspiration to everyone around you!
⏳ The countdown is on—just 5️⃣ days left to help name our new schools in Hampstead! 🏫✨ Vote on suggested names or share your own ideas that reflect our community. 🌳💙
🗓️ Deadline: Feb 2, 2025
👉 Take the survey now: https://forms.gle/cV11wSUob6iJxKyY6
#OnePender
TEACHER TUESDAY - Elizabeth Hardee, Pre-K Teacher at Rocky Point Elementary! 🌟🍎
With over 25 years of teaching experience in both private and public education, Elizabeth Hardee has built a career dedicated to fostering growth and development in her young learners.
Ms. Hardee loves teaching social and emotional skills using the Conscious Discipline Curriculum. She finds it especially rewarding to see students develop self-awareness and positive interactions that set them up for success both inside and outside the classroom. 💕
One of Ms. Hardee’s most treasured teaching moments happens at the beginning of each school year when her students share their favorite parts of school. Overwhelmingly, they mention “Ms. Hardee” herself, along with her warm hugs and kind words. These connections mean the world to her, as she continues to cheer her students on as they grow and move through other grades.
Outside of school, Ms. Hardee enjoys relaxing with her husband, boating, and listening to music. She especially loves taking rides to the island and spending time with her three beloved rescue beagles: Benatar (her angel dog), Rambo (the dog who loves to eat everything), and Harley Bug, her playful blue tick beagle. 🐾🐕
Her favorite getaway is Surfside Beach, South Carolina, where she finds peace and relaxation by the ocean. 🏖️
Thank you, Mrs. Hardee, for all the love and care you pour into your classroom! 🌈✨
PCS Weekly Newsletter (Snow Edition!!) - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/RTyN1eCE3rzOd Stay warm this weekend!
🌟 Feature Friday: Colbey Garrison, School Counselor at North Topsail Elementary! 🌟
This week, we proudly recognize Colbey Garrison, a dedicated and compassionate school counselor at North Topsail Elementary, for her outstanding contributions to our students, staff, and school community.
Mrs. Garrison’s empathy and kindness shine in every aspect of her work. She tirelessly ensures that students have the tools and support they need to succeed, managing her many responsibilities with grace and poise. Whether offering a listening ear, helping students navigate challenges, or assisting staff with interventions, Mrs. Garrison brings a sense of calm, professionalism, and care to every situation.
Colbey’s positive impact extends to her colleagues as well. She serves as a role model for managing student behavior, offering valuable strategies and unwavering support to the team. Her energy and positivity are contagious, enhancing the school culture and inspiring everyone around her.
Here’s what her colleagues have to say:
🌟 “Colbey continues to amaze me every single day—she is so attentive, professional, and caring. She consistently goes above and beyond and always helps deliver success to our kids.”
🌟 “She always handles situations with grace and patience. I really appreciate her commitment to all of our students.”
Thank you, Mrs. Garrison, for being a guiding light and a source of strength for our students and staff. You are truly exceptional! 🌟
New school build site in Hampstead under a white blanket #PCSSnowDay
🌟 Student Spotlight: Pyper! 🌟
Meet Pyper, a 2nd grader at CF Pope Elementary, nominated by her teacher, Katie Billig, for her academic excellence, leadership, and kindness.
Pyper is a strong leader who works hard every day, showing incredible growth in reading and math this year. Even when the work is tough, she never gives up! She always includes others, ensures no one feels left out, and lights up the room with her positive attitude. Pyper's kindness, patience, and ability to encourage her classmates make her a trusted friend and a role model for others.
Here’s more about Pyper:
🍕 Favorite food: Cheese pizza
🎨 Favorite color: Baby blue
📣 Hobbies: Cheerleading
🐶 Pets: Two dogs named Fancy and Pistol
💙 Fun fact: Pyper loves Stitch and says he’s one of her favorite Disney characters!
Thank you, Pyper, for spreading joy and making CF Pope a better place every day!
North Topsail Elementary wearing it well!! #PCSSnowDay ☃️
Checking things out around the PCS Winter Wonderland! ❄️Be careful if you need to be out today and don't forget, use #PCSSnowDay for us to find your pictures! 📷
Teacher Tuesday - Krystal Long, Pre-K and Kindergarten Teacher at Rocky Point Elementary! 🌟🍎
Krystal Long has spent two years inspiring young learners in Pre-K and Kindergarten at Rocky Point Elementary. Her journey into teaching was fueled by her son, who has special needs. Her deep desire to help children with special needs find their voice has become her driving mission as an educator. 💙
Krystal loves working with Pre-K and Kindergarten students because of their sweet nature, eagerness to learn, and excitement for school. Her classroom is filled with enthusiasm and positivity, creating a wonderful foundation for her students' educational journeys.
A standout moment in Krystal's teaching career came in her first year when she received the prestigious Teacher of Promise award—an honor she treasures as a reflection of her commitment and passion for teaching. 🏆✨
Outside of the classroom, Krystal cherishes making memories with her family and enjoys baking as a relaxing and creative hobby.
Her favorite travel destination is the mountains in Boone, North Carolina, a place that holds a special spot in her heart. 🏞️
Krystal's teaching philosophy is rooted in positivity and empathy. She strives to find the bright side in every situation and works hard to see things from multiple perspectives, not just her own.
Rocky Point Elementary is lucky to have such a compassionate and dedicated teacher shaping the hearts and minds of its youngest learners. Thank you, Krystal, for your devotion to education and to making every child feel seen and supported! 🌈💡
“At Heide Trask High School, our students are proving that you don’t need sunshine to grow fresh produce! Despite the snowy weather outside, they’re using our indoor hydroponics system to grow vibrant, delicious tomatoes all year round. It’s amazing to see young minds embracing sustainability and innovation, one tomato at a time!” 🌱🍅 #Hydroponics #FutureFarmers #SustainabilityInAction #HeideTraskHigh
Bus 223 is operating the 277 routing this morning. It is not showing in HCTB app. It is currently operating on schedule.