Pender County Schools -

🌟 Feature Friday: Kayla Davidson, Digital Learning Specialist! 🌟 This week, we are thrilled to highlight Kayla Davidson, the sole Digital Learning Specialist for Pender County Schools, whose impact on our district is nothing short of extraordinary. Kayla supports all 19 schools in the district, serving over 11,000 students and empowering more than 720 certified staff members to elevate their instructional technology practices. From training educators on tools like Google Classroom, Apptegy Rooms, Newline Interactive Panels, and GoGuardian, to providing one-on-one coaching, she ensures that educators at all skill levels feel confident integrating technology into their classrooms. Her approachable demeanor, patience, and innovative problem-solving have made her an invaluable resource. Teachers and staff across the district consistently commend her for her clarity and dedication to addressing their unique needs. Beyond her technical expertise, Kayla has created a ripple effect of positivity, fostering collaboration and trust district-wide. By empowering teachers to embrace new technology, she has enhanced learning experiences for students and strengthened the district’s reputation as a leader in digital innovation. Thank you, Kayla, for your tireless efforts and remarkable contributions to our district! You’re truly making a difference. 🌟 #FeatureFriday

Today, we recognize and thank the incredible law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to keep our schools and community safe. Your dedication and service do not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for your commitment to protecting our students, staff, and families. Thank you for all that you do! 💙🖤#OnePender

🌟 Student Spotlight: Nikky! 🌟 Nikky, a 6th grader at Burgaw Middle School, is being celebrated for her incredible kindness by her EC Adaptive Teacher, Andrea Gingrich. Nikky’s heart is as big as her joy is contagious! She brings positivity and love to everyone around her, never letting challenges hold her back from living life to the fullest. Nikky’s uplifting spirit fills the classroom, and she is always there to encourage and compliment her classmates and teachers. Here’s a little more about Nikky: 🍝 Favorite food: Spaghetti 💜 Favorite colors: Purple and Pink 🎨 Hobbies: Practicing on her Brailler, creating art projects, and spending time with friends 🐶 Pets: A dog named Jacob 💡 Interesting fact: Nikky has an amazing memory—she remembers everyone she meets and has never met a stranger! Thank you, Nikky, for showing us the power of kindness and bringing so much light to your school community!

📚 Teacher Tuesday - Caroline Bonello, Teacher at North Topsail Elementary! 🍎 With 13 years of teaching experience, Caroline Bonello brings a passion for learning and a dedication to her students at North Topsail Elementary. Inspired by her parents, both retired teachers in North Carolina who cherished their careers in education, Ms. Bonello followed in their footsteps to make a difference in young lives. Her favorite subject to teach is Social Studies, as she enjoys exploring history and witnessing how the world has evolved over time. American history holds a special place in her heart, and she loves sharing that enthusiasm with her students. One of her proudest moments as a teacher is seeing former students graduate high school and achieve success in their lives—a true testament to her positive impact. 🌟 Outside of the classroom, Ms. Bonello enjoys watching sports, coaching cheerleading, and spending time at the beach with her family. Her hobbies include reading and playing tennis, and she fondly remembers her beloved Beagle, Elvis, who was "the greatest dog." 🏖️🐾 Ms. Bonello's favorite travel destination is Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, reflecting her admiration for Elvis Presley. She dreams of visiting Spain someday to explore its rich history and culture. 🌍✈️ Her teaching philosophy is guided by an inspiring quote from Jimmy V: "How do you go from where you are to where you want to be? You have to have an enthusiasm for life. You have to have a dream, a goal. And you have to be willing to work for it!" Ms. Bonello's enthusiasm for teaching and dedication to her students make her an integral part of the North Topsail Elementary community! 🏫✨

🎉 Help Us Name Our New Elementary and Middle Schools! 🏫✨ We’re building a new elementary and middle school in Hampstead, and we need YOUR input! 📝💡 Help us choose a name for both the elementary and middle school that reflects the community, history, or geography of our area. 🌳💙 📋 Take our quick survey to: ✅ Select from suggested names ✅ Share your own unique ideas 🗓️ Deadline: February 2, 2025 👉 Click here to participate: https://forms.gle/cV11wSUob6iJxKyY6 *Please note that the current Topsail Middle School will later become a freshman academy, which is why 'Topsail Elementary / Topsail Middle' is an option on the form. Your suggestion could help shape the future of this new school for generations! 🚸🎒 #OnePender

🎓 Shoutout to the Pender Innovative Learning Academy Mid-Year Graduates! 🌟 Your hard work and determination inspire us all. We are so proud of you and excited to see all you will accomplish. Keep shining! 🌈 VIDEO - https://bit.ly/403C3M9

🎓 Congratulations, Pender High School Mid-Year Graduates! 🎉 Your dedication and perseverance have brought you to this proud moment. The Patriot family celebrates your success and wishes you the very best for the future! ❤️💙 VIDEO - https://bit.ly/3C2KOOA

🎓 Way to go, Heide Trask High Mid-Year Graduates! 💙🤍 Your journey has been one of determination and resilience, and today, we honor your incredible achievement. Titan Nation is cheering you on as you take the next step! 🚀 VIDEO - https://bit.ly/400MuQD

🎓 Congratulations to the Topsail High School Class of 2024-2025 Mid-Year Graduates! 🎉 Today, we celebrate your hard work, dedication, and perseverance in achieving this milestone. You’ve made your Pirate family proud! 🏴‍☠️ VIDEO - https://bit.ly/4iUyQHD

📢 Reminder: Mid-Year Graduation Ceremonies Scheduled for Friday! 📢 While you're enjoying the break, don’t miss the chance to celebrate our graduates at the Mid-Year Graduation Ceremonies on Friday, January 3, 2025: 🕘 9:00 AM – Topsail High 🕚 11:00 AM – Heide Trask High 🕐 1:00 PM – Pender High 🕒 3:00 PM – Pender Innovative Learning Academy Let’s gather to honor the hard work and achievements of these students! 🎓✨#OnePender

Are you passionate about food and love working with young, eager minds? We’re looking for dedicated kitchen team members to join our vibrant environment where food and education come together! To apply, please visit careers.aramark.com

As we welcome 2025, we want to extend our warmest wishes to our students, staff, families, and community. 🌟 Here’s to a year filled with new opportunities, growth, and success! Let’s make this year our best yet! 📚💡✨ #OnePender

Final PCS Weekly Newsletter of 2024 - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/YBvycmp13GHi2 Have a great Winter break!

Pender County Schools Central Office will be closed the week of December 23rd. The office will re-open on January 2, 2025.

🌟 Feature Friday: Crystal Garhammer from Human Resources! 🌟 This week, we are excited to highlight the outstanding contributions of Crystal Garhammer, HR Benefits Support Associate, in the Human Resources department. Crystal’s exceptional performance and positive attitude make her an invaluable member of our team! Crystal consistently goes above and beyond in her role, ensuring that tasks are completed with professionalism and a welcoming demeanor. She’s known for her hard work, dedication, and the outstanding courtesy she shows to everyone around her. Whether assisting colleagues, greeting employees, or welcoming visitors, Crystal’s approachability and enthusiasm create an inviting atmosphere in the HR office. Her contributions extend beyond her duties—she fosters a positive work environment and is always ready to lend a helping hand, making our workplace more supportive and collaborative. Thank you, Crystal, for all you do! Your dedication and kindness are truly appreciated. 🌟

🎓 Congratulations to Our Mid-Year Graduates! 🎓 Pender Early College celebrated its mid-year graduation Wednesday afternoon, honoring the incredible achievements of our graduates. 🌟 We are so proud of these students and their hard work, determination, and success. Their journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ll accomplish! 🎉 📽️ Watch the full graduation ceremony here: https://youtu.be/PUwJosIdlpo

🌟 Student Spotlight: Rylie! 🌟 Rylie, a 1st grader at C.F. Pope Elementary, has been recognized by her teacher, Lauren Soose, for her outstanding academic excellence, leadership, and kindness. Rylie is always on task and curious, constantly seeking to learn more about the subjects she encounters. She is a natural leader, welcoming new students into the classroom and making them feel like they belong. Her growth this year has been incredible, and she brings so much joy to those around her. Here’s a little more about Rylie: 🍖 Favorite food: "Messy ribs" ❤️ Favorite color: Red 🎨 Hobbies: Painting, reading, and playing with Lucy and Izzy 🐶 Pets: Abby the dog 💡 Interesting fact: She shares the same initials as her uncle and acts just like him! Thank you, Rylie, for being a bright light in your class and inspiring others with your curiosity and kindness!

🌟 Celebrating Success at Surf City Middle School! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce that 7th and 8th Grade Business Course students are earning certifications that prepare them for bright futures! 🙌 🎓 8th Grade B Day Students: 24 students earned their Everfi Venture Entrepreneurship Certifications! This course challenged them to launch their own food truck businesses by creating balanced budgets, making informed business decisions, and perfecting their pitches. Through real-life case studies and interactive simulations, these students are learning to think like entrepreneurs in both business and life. 🚚🍔 🎓 7th Grade B Day Students: 24 students earned their Everfi Financial Literacy Certifications! Sponsored by the MassMutual Foundation, this course taught students how to manage their finances, plan for their future, and make sound financial decisions. Through engaging narratives and interactive exercises, students explored saving, budgeting, education, and career planning. 💰📈

TEACHER TUESDAY - Ms. Demetus Brown, Kindergarten Teacher at C.F. Pope Elementary! 🍎✨ Miss Brown is embarking on her first year of teaching with a passion for creativity and determination. Her inspiration stems from a lifelong commitment to never giving up, no matter the challenge. She is dedicated to helping her young students navigate obstacles with encouragement and innovative approaches, making learning both fun and achievable. Her motto, “I trust the next chapter because I know the author,” reflects her faith and confidence in the journey ahead. 🌟 Her favorite subjects to teach are Reading/Language Arts and Physical Education, where she finds joy in helping students grow and develop essential skills. A memorable moment from her classroom is when her students endearingly mispronounce her name as "Miss Crown" instead of "Miss Brown"—a sweet reminder of the charm of working with young learners. ❤️ Outside of teaching, Miss Brown treasures spending time with her family, enjoying trips to the beach, Sunday dinners, church, and visits to local parks with her son. She also has a love for sports and decorating, which keeps her creative spirit alive. 🏖️🎨 While she doesn’t have any pets, she dreams of traveling to the Tennessee mountains to explore their natural beauty. 🏞️ Miss Brown’s determination and heart for her students are sure to make her first year of teaching a rewarding and impactful one! 🌈📚

🍗✨ Last Chance to Support PEP This Year! ✨🍗 Join us TONIGHT for a delicious way to give back! ❤️ 📅 When: December 16, 2024, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM 📍 Where: Buffalo Wild Wings, Porter’s Neck Enjoy a meal 🍔🍟 (dine-in or take-out) and 15% of proceeds will support Pender Education Partnership! 🎓💙#OnePender