All month long, we’ll be celebrating the incredible principals of Pender County Schools by sharing short video spotlights. 🎥
From what inspired them to lead, to their favorite memories from school, to the advice they’d give their younger selves — you’ll get a chance to see the heart, humor, and humanity behind the title “Principal.” 💙💛
Stay tuned throughout October as we feature principals from across our district. We can’t wait for you to hear their stories and get to know them even better! YouTube link - https://youtu.be/zREKtE8ZQK0
Today we celebrate our coaches across Pender County Schools who inspire, mentor, and motivate our student-athletes every single day. 🙌
From early morning practices to late-night games, our coaches teach lessons that go far beyond the field — teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. 💪⚽🏀⚾🏐
Thank you for the countless hours you give to help our students grow as athletes and as people. PCS is proud of you! 💙💛
At Pender County Schools, we believe that taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies. This week, we’re raising awareness about mental health and reminding students, staff, and families that it’s okay to ask for help, check in on a friend, and take time for self-care. 💭✨
Together, we can break the stigma and create a culture where everyone feels supported. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out—support is here. 💚
This week we’re proud to recognize Ms. Adriana Perez, Family Liaison & Student Support at Rocky Point Elementary School. Adriana has been a dedicated part of the Rocky Point community for years, first as a supportive parent and stakeholder, and now in her vital role as Family Liaison. With so many Spanish-speaking families at RPES, Adriana serves as a translator for parents and students, ensuring that language is never a barrier to engagement. From Curriculum Night to Winter Concerts to Hispanic Heritage Night, she plays a key role in connecting families to their school community.
One of her biggest contributions has been helping coordinate the annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration, held each October. She works closely with families and community partners to highlight culture and tradition, including helping organize Rocky Point’s “Bailadores del Sol” dance group, where students learn and perform Hispanic dances for the school community.
Adriana’s influence extends well beyond events. She is known for her warmth, kindness, and willingness to help with anything—from translating in classrooms, to supporting students in the hallway, to calling parents and encouraging engagement. Her positive energy shines daily, making Rocky Point Elementary a stronger, more connected school community.
💛💙 Thank you, Adriana, for your dedication, your heart for families, and the countless ways you uplift Rocky Point Elementary!
Join us in celebrating National School Lunch Week! Menus for the week are inspired by our "Taste the World" initiative.
Additionally, ALL schools will be providing free breakfast and lunch 10/13-10/17. No cost, no sign-up, just send your students to the cafeteria for their free meals!!
All month long, we’ll be celebrating the incredible principals of Pender County Schools by sharing short video spotlights. 🎥
From what inspired them to lead, to their favorite memories from school, to the advice they’d give their younger selves — you’ll get a chance to see the heart, humor, and humanity behind the title “Principal.” 💙💛
Stay tuned throughout October as we feature principals from across our district. We can’t wait for you to hear their stories and get to know them even better! https://youtube.com/shorts/q2h_aTHeHCA
Meet Kathryn Bates, principal at South Topsail Elementary! 🐬💛💙
In her video, you’ll hear what inspired her journey into school leadership, what brings her joy each day, and even a few fun surprises about her along the way.
Join us in celebrating Mrs. Bates and the incredible work she does for her students, staff, and the South Topsail community! 🙌 VIDEO LINK - https://youtu.be/t8bgg1k-PFc
Meet Lane, a 2nd grader at South Topsail Elementary School, who is being recognized for his kindness and caring heart. Lane is always mindful of others’ feelings and goes out of his way to help classmates, friends, and family. At just 7 years old, he makes sure to tell his family every evening how much he loves them and is always willing to lend a hand with any task or chore—big or small.
Lane’s kindness shines in the classroom, too. He cannot stand to see a classmate upset and does everything he can to brighten their day. His warm smile and friendly nature make him a friend to all and a positive influence at STES.
Outside of school, Lane enjoys music, riding his dirt bike, fishing, hunting, and kayaking. His favorite food is steak, his favorite color is blue, and here’s a fun fact—Lane loves to sing all types of music, and he’s really good at it! 🎶
All month long, we’ll be celebrating the incredible principals of Pender County Schools by sharing short video spotlights. 🎥
From what inspired them to lead, to their favorite memories from school, to the advice they’d give their younger selves — you’ll get a chance to see the heart, humor, and humanity behind the title “Principal.” 💙💛
Stay tuned throughout October as we feature principals from across our district. We can’t wait for you to hear their stories and get to know them even better! 🙌 We'll start with Stephen Harris, principal at Penderlea School - https://youtu.be/wNwaIY_2HDU
Join Safe Haven for the Think Before You Send Challenge at Burgaw Middle School on Thursday, October 17, 2025, from 5–7 PM!
We’ll have:
🍕 Free food
🎉 Fun with friends
🎵 A TikTok Challenge
…and you’ll learn how to stay safe and smart online.
Don’t miss it! Bring your friends and let’s make it a great night.
🚨📱 ¡Hola estudiantes de middle school! 📱🚨
Únete a Safe Haven para el Think Before You Send Challenge en Burgaw Middle School el jueves, 17 de octubre de 2025, de 5 a 7 PM.
Tendremos:
🍕 Comida gratis
🎉 Diversión con amigos
🎵 ¡Un reto de TikTok!
…y aprenderás cómo estar seguro e inteligente en línea.
¡No te lo pierdas! Trae a tus amigos y hagamos que sea una gran noche.
All month long, PCS is highlighting important themes that impact our students, families, and staff:
💚 Mental Health Awareness Week
💛 Special Needs Awareness Week
🟧Bullying Prevention Week
❤️ Red Ribbon Week (Drug-Free Awareness)
Each week provides an opportunity for our schools to shine a light on these issues, encourage positive conversations, and support one another. Together, we’re building stronger, safer, and healthier school communities. 💪📚
Join us in celebrating the outstanding principals across Pender County Schools who lead with heart, vision, and commitment to student success. 📚 Their leadership inspires staff, supports families, and empowers every learner to grow and thrive! 🌟
Thank you for being the backbone of our schools and champions for our communities! 🙌
Pender County Schools is challenging families to help us reach ONE MILLION minutes of reading outside of school this year.
🛋️ 📖 Bedtime stories.
🚗 📱 Reading on the way to practice.
☀️ 📚 Quiet time at the park.
Every minute counts!
📚✨ ¡Todo empieza en CASA! ✨📚
Las Escuelas del Condado de Pender están retando a las familias a ayudarnos a alcanzar UN MILLÓN de minutos de lectura fuera de la escuela este año.
🛋️ 📖 Cuentos antes de dormir.
🚗 📱 Lectura de camino a la práctica.
☀️ 📚 Un rato tranquilo en el parque.
¡Cada minuto cuenta!
Meet Ms. Lindsay Cantrell, a teacher at South Topsail Elementary School, who is being recognized for her creativity, patience, and welcoming personality. Ms. Cantrell has a gift for making learning fun, her classroom is full of energy, imagination, and excitement. From dressing up to leading silly songs and dances, she creates an environment where students feel engaged and eager to learn.
What stands out most about Ms. Cantrell is her ability to make every day an adventure. A colleague shared that as a para in her classroom, no two days were ever the same, students could always count on a new fun-filled activity and a patient teacher ready to support them every step of the way.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Cantrell, for your positivity, creativity, and the joy you bring to South Topsail Elementary. You make learning unforgettable!
The first-ever National Board Support Group in Pender County Schools has officially launched! This exciting step provides a collaborative space for teachers pursuing or renewing their National Board Certification to share strategies, resources, and encouragement.
Interested in joining? Reach out to Matthew_Yaeger@pender.k12.nc.us for more details and to get connected.
Together, we’re supporting teachers as they grow, lead, and inspire! 💡🍎
Good morning Pender County Schools families.
Based on the final briefing from the National Weather Service, Tropical Storm Imelda's track will continue to push offshore and not pose a significant threat to our area. We feel confident we can move forward with a normal school schedule Tuesday (September 30, 2025) and through the remainder of the week.
Thank you for hanging in there with us as the track of this storm was an interesting one.
Buenos días familias de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender.
Según el informe final del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, la trayectoria de la Tormenta Tropical Imelda continuará moviéndose mar adentro y no representará una amenaza significativa para nuestra área. Confiamos en que podemos seguir adelante con un horario escolar normal el martes (30 de septiembre de 2025) y durante el resto de la semana.
Gracias por acompañarnos en este proceso, ya que la trayectoria de esta tormenta fue bastante particular.
Good afternoon Pender County Schools families.
We have been closely monitoring the upcoming weather systems impacting our region. With Tropical Stom Imelda projected to push away from our coast and have much less impact to our area we will have a regular school day on Monday, September 29, 2025. However, due to potential severe bands Monday evening all after school activities, including after-school care, are canceled tomorrow.
We will continue to keep an eye on the system, but at this time we feel it is safe to have a normal school day tomorrow.
If any adjustment to schedules is needed going forward, we will update you through our website, social media platforms, and email.
Thank you for your support and understanding as we work through the current weather conditions.
Buenas tardes familias de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender.
Hemos estado siguiendo de cerca los sistemas meteorológicos que afectan a nuestra región. Con la Tormenta Tropical Imelda proyectada a alejarse de nuestra costa y con un impacto mucho menor en nuestra área, tendremos un día escolar regular el lunes 29 de septiembre de 2025. Sin embargo, debido a posibles bandas de mal tiempo en la tarde del lunes, todas las actividades después de clases, incluyendo el cuidado después de la escuela, quedan canceladas para mañana.
Seguiremos monitoreando el sistema, pero en este momento consideramos seguro mantener un día escolar normal.
Si en los próximos días se necesita hacer algún ajuste en los horarios, lo comunicaremos a través de nuestra página web, redes sociales y correo electrónico.
Gracias por su apoyo y comprensión mientras enfrentamos estas condiciones del tiempo.
