🌟 WHO SHOULD WE RECOGNIZE NEXT?
Each week, Pender County Schools highlights a student, teacher, employee and volunteer—and anyone can submit a nomination!
Know a student whose effort or kindness stands out? A teacher making a difference? An employee who helps the school day run smoothly? A volunteer who keeps showing up to help? Tell us about them! 💙
🎓 STUDENT
https://forms.gle/KPhKUiV8AK3RaR9fA
🍎 TEACHER
https://forms.gle/pF21qxP9xsBTNGN69
👏 EMPLOYEE
https://forms.gle/fA7vGNBYU9XxwuAv5
🤝 VOLUNTEER
https://forms.gle/xpf1awDPtF4dGU2H8
Help us share the people and stories our school community should know. Submit a nomination and tell us what makes your nominee worth recognizing!
Each week, Pender County Schools highlights a student, teacher, employee and volunteer—and anyone can submit a nomination!
Know a student whose effort or kindness stands out? A teacher making a difference? An employee who helps the school day run smoothly? A volunteer who keeps showing up to help? Tell us about them! 💙
🎓 STUDENT
https://forms.gle/KPhKUiV8AK3RaR9fA
🍎 TEACHER
https://forms.gle/pF21qxP9xsBTNGN69
👏 EMPLOYEE
https://forms.gle/fA7vGNBYU9XxwuAv5
🤝 VOLUNTEER
https://forms.gle/xpf1awDPtF4dGU2H8
Help us share the people and stories our school community should know. Submit a nomination and tell us what makes your nominee worth recognizing!
🤝 Inclusion matters at every stage of life.
On Saturday, Appalachian State University hosted the 10th Annual North Carolina Access and Inclusion Summit, bringing together nearly 300 attendees from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee including some of our folks from Surf City Middle and North Topsail Elementary.
💬 Educators, administrators, families, individuals with disabilities, researchers, service providers and advocates shared strategies, discussed current practices and explored ways to strengthen inclusion—from childhood through adulthood. The conversations brought different experiences and perspectives together around a shared goal: creating more opportunities for everyone to participate and belong.
The summit was co-sponsored by the North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children, App State’s Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program and partner organizations. 💛
On Saturday, Appalachian State University hosted the 10th Annual North Carolina Access and Inclusion Summit, bringing together nearly 300 attendees from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee including some of our folks from Surf City Middle and North Topsail Elementary.
💬 Educators, administrators, families, individuals with disabilities, researchers, service providers and advocates shared strategies, discussed current practices and explored ways to strengthen inclusion—from childhood through adulthood. The conversations brought different experiences and perspectives together around a shared goal: creating more opportunities for everyone to participate and belong.
The summit was co-sponsored by the North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children, App State’s Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program and partner organizations. 💛
Today we are celebrating the people in our kitchens who make every meal possible!
Happy National Food Service Workers Day to our hardworking staff 👏👏👏
They show up every day to make sure the students and staff of Pender County are served smiles and great food.
Thank you for all that you do!
Happy National Food Service Workers Day to our hardworking staff 👏👏👏
They show up every day to make sure the students and staff of Pender County are served smiles and great food.
Thank you for all that you do!
📣 Join us tomorrow night for the first PCS community forum on future growth and school planning!
📍 Topsail High School
🗓️ Tuesday, September 29
🕕 6 p.m.
Can’t attend in person? Watch the forum live on the Pender County Schools YouTube channel. ▶️
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@PenderCountySchools
Your participation will help shape the future of our schools! 🏫
📣 ¡Acompáñenos mañana por la noche en el primer foro comunitario de PCS sobre el crecimiento futuro y la planificación escolar!
📍 Topsail High School
🗓️ Martes 29 de septiembre
🕕 6 p.m.
¿No puede asistir en persona? Vea la transmisión en vivo a través del canal de YouTube de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender. ▶️
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@PenderCountySchools
¡Su participación ayudará a dar forma al futuro de nuestras escuelas! 🏫
📍 Topsail High School
🗓️ Tuesday, September 29
🕕 6 p.m.
Can’t attend in person? Watch the forum live on the Pender County Schools YouTube channel. ▶️
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@PenderCountySchools
Your participation will help shape the future of our schools! 🏫
📣 ¡Acompáñenos mañana por la noche en el primer foro comunitario de PCS sobre el crecimiento futuro y la planificación escolar!
📍 Topsail High School
🗓️ Martes 29 de septiembre
🕕 6 p.m.
¿No puede asistir en persona? Vea la transmisión en vivo a través del canal de YouTube de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender. ▶️
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@PenderCountySchools
¡Su participación ayudará a dar forma al futuro de nuestras escuelas! 🏫
Three schools. One county. A whole lot of Raider pride!
Yesterday, JROTC cadets from Pender, Heide Trask, and Topsail high schools represented Pender County Schools at the Raider competition at West Bladen High School. Teams from 10 schools competed across three divisions, and our cadets showed what it means to work together, push through a challenge, and support one another all the way to the finish.
Their hard work earned some outstanding results:
🏆 Mixed Division: Pender High School, 1st place; Heide Trask High School, 2nd place
🥈 Male Division: Pender High School, 2nd place; Heide Trask High School, 3rd place
🥈 Female Division: Topsail High School, 2nd place; Pender High School, 3rd place
The placements are worth celebrating, but so is everything it took to get there: the practices, the trust built between teammates, and the determination to keep going when the work got tough. These cadets represented their schools and our county with pride.
Thank you to our JROTC instructors for preparing and encouraging our students, and to the families and supporters who cheer them on. Congratulations to all of our PCS Raiders!
Different schools. Same county. Bigger purpose. ❤️🤍💙
#PenderCountySchools #PCSJROTC #RaiderTeams #StudentLeadership
Yesterday, JROTC cadets from Pender, Heide Trask, and Topsail high schools represented Pender County Schools at the Raider competition at West Bladen High School. Teams from 10 schools competed across three divisions, and our cadets showed what it means to work together, push through a challenge, and support one another all the way to the finish.
Their hard work earned some outstanding results:
🏆 Mixed Division: Pender High School, 1st place; Heide Trask High School, 2nd place
🥈 Male Division: Pender High School, 2nd place; Heide Trask High School, 3rd place
🥈 Female Division: Topsail High School, 2nd place; Pender High School, 3rd place
The placements are worth celebrating, but so is everything it took to get there: the practices, the trust built between teammates, and the determination to keep going when the work got tough. These cadets represented their schools and our county with pride.
Thank you to our JROTC instructors for preparing and encouraging our students, and to the families and supporters who cheer them on. Congratulations to all of our PCS Raiders!
Different schools. Same county. Bigger purpose. ❤️🤍💙
#PenderCountySchools #PCSJROTC #RaiderTeams #StudentLeadership
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Jordan Belton, Chef at Topsail Annandale Elementary School.
Jordan takes pride in preparing meals for students each day, but his connection with them goes beyond the food he serves. He enjoys the conversations, smiles, and laughter that come with seeing students in the cafeteria and works to make their time there a positive part of the school day. 🍎
Jordan is also a team player. He’s willing to step in when coworkers need help, answer questions, and share what he knows. His willingness to support others helps keep the cafeteria running smoothly each day.
💛💙 Thank you, Jordan, for taking care of our students and for being someone your coworkers can count on at Topsail Annandale.
This week we’re recognizing Jordan Belton, Chef at Topsail Annandale Elementary School.
Jordan takes pride in preparing meals for students each day, but his connection with them goes beyond the food he serves. He enjoys the conversations, smiles, and laughter that come with seeing students in the cafeteria and works to make their time there a positive part of the school day. 🍎
Jordan is also a team player. He’s willing to step in when coworkers need help, answer questions, and share what he knows. His willingness to support others helps keep the cafeteria running smoothly each day.
💛💙 Thank you, Jordan, for taking care of our students and for being someone your coworkers can count on at Topsail Annandale.
Today is National Teacher Assistant Day! 🍎👏 Our teacher assistants support learning, build relationships, and help classrooms run smoothly each day. Thank you for the patience, flexibility, and care you bring to our students and schools. 💙
Cape Fear Elementary School:
Mrs. Robertson and Ms. Henry's class continue to focus on building classroom community which includes becoming familiar with our school, who works in the school, and how everyone works together to make it a successful environment for all. On Tuesday they conducted a walk around the school to discover who they would see, what their job is, how they help our school, and of course take a picture with us.
🎓 TOPSAIL HIGH STUDENTS & FAMILIES: EXPLORE CAREER & COLLEGE PROMISE!
Interested in earning college credit, exploring a career field or working toward an industry credential while still in high school? Cape Fear Community College is hosting upcoming Career & College Promise (CCP) Information Sessions to help students and families learn more about available opportunities.
📅 September 30 | 6–7:30 p.m.
📍 CFCC Surf City Center, 621 NC Hwy 210 E., Hampstead
💻 October 13 & October 29 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Virtual sessions
Sessions will cover qualifications and eligibility, program pathways, student expectations, resources and more. Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up or use this link - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevUXoiOv7IsgglDUb3FkiJvfkdZHTycBSzUkFbqpAvsn917A/viewform?usp=header
Interested in earning college credit, exploring a career field or working toward an industry credential while still in high school? Cape Fear Community College is hosting upcoming Career & College Promise (CCP) Information Sessions to help students and families learn more about available opportunities.
📅 September 30 | 6–7:30 p.m.
📍 CFCC Surf City Center, 621 NC Hwy 210 E., Hampstead
💻 October 13 & October 29 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Virtual sessions
Sessions will cover qualifications and eligibility, program pathways, student expectations, resources and more. Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up or use this link - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevUXoiOv7IsgglDUb3FkiJvfkdZHTycBSzUkFbqpAvsn917A/viewform?usp=header
🌟 PCS VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 🌟
This week’s PCS Volunteer Spotlight recognizes Marsha Simmons for the time and support she continues to give to Topsail Middle School! 💙💛
Ms. Simmons is a familiar face at TMS events and has spent many hours helping the school’s media specialist with the annual book fair. Her dependable support helps make the event run smoothly while giving students another opportunity to get excited about reading. 📚
Her involvement doesn’t stop there. Over the years, Ms. Simmons has also supported Boosterthon activities, Bus Driver Appreciation and Teacher Appreciation Week, along with other PTO and school efforts.
Whether she’s helping with a major event or working behind the scenes, Ms. Simmons continues to give her time to support students, staff and the Topsail Middle School community.
👏 Thank you, Ms. Simmons, for being such a dedicated PCS volunteer!
This week’s PCS Volunteer Spotlight recognizes Marsha Simmons for the time and support she continues to give to Topsail Middle School! 💙💛
Ms. Simmons is a familiar face at TMS events and has spent many hours helping the school’s media specialist with the annual book fair. Her dependable support helps make the event run smoothly while giving students another opportunity to get excited about reading. 📚
Her involvement doesn’t stop there. Over the years, Ms. Simmons has also supported Boosterthon activities, Bus Driver Appreciation and Teacher Appreciation Week, along with other PTO and school efforts.
Whether she’s helping with a major event or working behind the scenes, Ms. Simmons continues to give her time to support students, staff and the Topsail Middle School community.
👏 Thank you, Ms. Simmons, for being such a dedicated PCS volunteer!
In anticipation for National Dumpling Day 2026 taking place this Saturday, our Elementary Schools in Pender County served CHICKEN & VEGGIE DUMPLINGS with egg fried rice!
It was certainly an egg-stravagant combo :) :)
It was certainly an egg-stravagant combo :) :)
💧 WATER UPDATE: The boil water advisory has been lifted for the schools affected by the water line break on Highway 421. Schools will continue operating on their regular schedules. Thank you to our families and staff for your patience, and to the crews who worked to restore water service.
ACTUALIZACIÓN SOBRE EL AGUA: Se ha levantado el aviso de hervir el agua para las escuelas afectadas por la rotura de una tubería en la carretera 421. Las escuelas continuarán con sus horarios habituales. Gracias a nuestras familias y al personal por su paciencia, y a las cuadrillas que trabajaron para restablecer el servicio de agua.
📚 FREE ENGLISH CLASSES FOR ADULTS!
Cape Fear Community College is offering FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at Cape Fear Middle School for adults ages 18 and older.
📅 October 5 – December 10
🗓️ Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 Cape Fear Middle School
Registration orientation is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact Cindy Fischer at 📧 cfischer@cfcc.edu or 📞 910-362-7184.
Please share this opportunity with family, friends and community members who may be interested! 💙📖
📚 ¡CLASES GRATIS DE INGLÉS PARA ADULTOS!
Cape Fear Community College ofrecerá clases GRATIS de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL) en Cape Fear Middle School para adultos de 18 años en adelante.
📅 5 de octubre – 10 de diciembre
🗓️ Lunes, martes y jueves
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 Cape Fear Middle School
La orientación para la inscripción es solo con cita previa. Para programar una cita, comuníquese con Cindy Fischer al 📧 cfischer@cfcc.edu o 📞 910-362-7184.
¡Comparta esta oportunidad con familiares, amigos y miembros de la comunidad que puedan estar interesados! 💙📖
Cape Fear Community College is offering FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at Cape Fear Middle School for adults ages 18 and older.
📅 October 5 – December 10
🗓️ Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 Cape Fear Middle School
Registration orientation is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact Cindy Fischer at 📧 cfischer@cfcc.edu or 📞 910-362-7184.
Please share this opportunity with family, friends and community members who may be interested! 💙📖
📚 ¡CLASES GRATIS DE INGLÉS PARA ADULTOS!
Cape Fear Community College ofrecerá clases GRATIS de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL) en Cape Fear Middle School para adultos de 18 años en adelante.
📅 5 de octubre – 10 de diciembre
🗓️ Lunes, martes y jueves
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 Cape Fear Middle School
La orientación para la inscripción es solo con cita previa. Para programar una cita, comuníquese con Cindy Fischer al 📧 cfischer@cfcc.edu o 📞 910-362-7184.
¡Comparta esta oportunidad con familiares, amigos y miembros de la comunidad que puedan estar interesados! 💙📖
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Afton is a 5th grader at North Topsail Elementary, recognized for his kindness and the way he looks out for others.
Afton makes an effort to include everyone, especially during recess and play time. His family shared an example from first grade when he noticed a friend was being picked on. Afton told a teacher what was happening and then invited his friend to join him for basketball on the playground. 🏀
That willingness to speak up and make sure others feel included continues to be part of who Afton is. He tries to be a good friend and treat the people around him with kindness.
Outside of school, Afton enjoys surfing 🏄, soccer ⚽, video games 🎮, building LEGO, and skateboarding 🛹. His favorite food is mushrooms 🍄, and his favorite color is purple 💜. He also has three pets named Ozzy, Hamlet, and Cheese 🐾.
One interesting fact—Afton was named after the River Afton in Scotland. By coincidence, on the day he was born, his grandfather happened to be traveling through Afton, Wyoming!
💜 Thank you, Afton, for the kindness you show to others at North Topsail Elementary.
Afton is a 5th grader at North Topsail Elementary, recognized for his kindness and the way he looks out for others.
Afton makes an effort to include everyone, especially during recess and play time. His family shared an example from first grade when he noticed a friend was being picked on. Afton told a teacher what was happening and then invited his friend to join him for basketball on the playground. 🏀
That willingness to speak up and make sure others feel included continues to be part of who Afton is. He tries to be a good friend and treat the people around him with kindness.
Outside of school, Afton enjoys surfing 🏄, soccer ⚽, video games 🎮, building LEGO, and skateboarding 🛹. His favorite food is mushrooms 🍄, and his favorite color is purple 💜. He also has three pets named Ozzy, Hamlet, and Cheese 🐾.
One interesting fact—Afton was named after the River Afton in Scotland. By coincidence, on the day he was born, his grandfather happened to be traveling through Afton, Wyoming!
💜 Thank you, Afton, for the kindness you show to others at North Topsail Elementary.
This week in Mrs. Johnson’s class, we learned about “Who Works at Our School?” Students discovered the important jobs of CFE staff and how they help our school community. We also welcomed our special guest, Mrs. Brenna Hopkins, our Assistant Principal! Students interviewed her and learned all about her role. We had so much fun learning about the people who make our school special! ❤️
🎓 PCS SENIORS: You may already have a college acceptance waiting for you!
Through NC College Connect, every North Carolina public school senior who is on track to graduate now has direct admission to at least one participating college for fall 2027. More than 90 colleges and universities across the state are participating. 🎉
✅ Every on-track senior is directly admitted to their local community college.
✅ Students with a 2.8 weighted GPA or higher who are taking a fourth-level math course may also receive offers from participating UNC System universities and independent colleges.
✅ No essay, test score or recommendation letter is required for the direct-admission offer.
📲 What should you do now? Log in to your CFNC student account at NCCollegeConnect.org to see your offers, then talk with your school counselor about your options, financial aid and next steps.
📅 College Application Week is Oct. 19-25, and students who accept an NC College Connect offer during that week can avoid most application fees.
Your offer is just the beginning — explore your choices and find the path that works for you! 🎓📚
🎓 ESTUDIANTES DE ÚLTIMO AÑO DE PCS: ¡Es posible que ya tengan una admisión universitaria esperándolos!
A través de NC College Connect, todos los estudiantes de último año de las escuelas públicas de Carolina del Norte que estén en camino de graduarse ahora tienen admisión directa a por lo menos una universidad participante para el otoño de 2027. 🎉
✅ Cada estudiante que esté en camino de graduarse recibe admisión directa a su colegio comunitario local.
✅ Los estudiantes con un GPA ponderado de 2.8 o más que estén tomando un curso de matemáticas de cuarto nivel también pueden recibir ofertas de universidades participantes del Sistema UNC y universidades independientes.
✅ No se requiere ensayo, puntaje de examen ni carta de recomendación para recibir una oferta de admisión directa.
📲 ¿Qué deben hacer ahora? Inicien sesión en su cuenta estudiantil de CFNC en NCCollegeConnect.org para ver sus ofertas y luego hablen con su consejero escolar sobre sus opciones, ayuda financiera y próximos pasos.
📅 La Semana de Solicitudes Universitarias será del 19 al 25 de octubre, y los estudiantes que acepten una oferta de NC College Connect durante esa semana podrán evitar la mayoría de las tarifas de solicitud.
¡Revisen sus opciones y encuentren el camino que mejor se adapte a sus planes para después de la escuela secundaria! 🎓📚
Through NC College Connect, every North Carolina public school senior who is on track to graduate now has direct admission to at least one participating college for fall 2027. More than 90 colleges and universities across the state are participating. 🎉
✅ Every on-track senior is directly admitted to their local community college.
✅ Students with a 2.8 weighted GPA or higher who are taking a fourth-level math course may also receive offers from participating UNC System universities and independent colleges.
✅ No essay, test score or recommendation letter is required for the direct-admission offer.
📲 What should you do now? Log in to your CFNC student account at NCCollegeConnect.org to see your offers, then talk with your school counselor about your options, financial aid and next steps.
📅 College Application Week is Oct. 19-25, and students who accept an NC College Connect offer during that week can avoid most application fees.
Your offer is just the beginning — explore your choices and find the path that works for you! 🎓📚
🎓 ESTUDIANTES DE ÚLTIMO AÑO DE PCS: ¡Es posible que ya tengan una admisión universitaria esperándolos!
A través de NC College Connect, todos los estudiantes de último año de las escuelas públicas de Carolina del Norte que estén en camino de graduarse ahora tienen admisión directa a por lo menos una universidad participante para el otoño de 2027. 🎉
✅ Cada estudiante que esté en camino de graduarse recibe admisión directa a su colegio comunitario local.
✅ Los estudiantes con un GPA ponderado de 2.8 o más que estén tomando un curso de matemáticas de cuarto nivel también pueden recibir ofertas de universidades participantes del Sistema UNC y universidades independientes.
✅ No se requiere ensayo, puntaje de examen ni carta de recomendación para recibir una oferta de admisión directa.
📲 ¿Qué deben hacer ahora? Inicien sesión en su cuenta estudiantil de CFNC en NCCollegeConnect.org para ver sus ofertas y luego hablen con su consejero escolar sobre sus opciones, ayuda financiera y próximos pasos.
📅 La Semana de Solicitudes Universitarias será del 19 al 25 de octubre, y los estudiantes que acepten una oferta de NC College Connect durante esa semana podrán evitar la mayoría de las tarifas de solicitud.
¡Revisen sus opciones y encuentren el camino que mejor se adapte a sus planes para después de la escuela secundaria! 🎓📚
Ms. Mohn, Ms. Ramos, and our students were all smiles as they participated in the first fire drill of the school year at Rocky Point Elementary School! Safety, preparedness, and learning start early!
A Sweet Preschool Lunch Conversation at Cape Fear Elementary School 🍎
Ms. Moore: What are you eating for lunch today?
Preschooler: I have a cheese stick, grapes and a banana !
Ms. Moore: Oh, that sounds delicious! What is your favorite fruit.
Preschooler: Bananas ! They are tasty and sweet.
Ms. Moore: I love bananas too! Can you tell me why it is important to eat healthy food?
Preschooler: So I can grow big and strong!
Ms. Moore: That's right! You are growing and learning every day. What do you want to learn about today?
Preschooler: Dinosaurs!
Ms. Moore: Dinosaurs? That sounds like a wonderful idea. Maybe we can read a dinosaur book after lunch!
🏃♀️💙 Teacher Tuesday: Ms. Kelly Lanier — Penderlea School
Ms. Kelly Lanier serves as the PE teacher at Penderlea School. She is known for building connections with students and families and working to make sure every student feels welcome and valued at school.
What stands out about Ms. Lanier is her flexibility and willingness to step in wherever she is needed. This year, she moved into the PE role and quickly began looking for ways to build a program that reflects the needs and interests of her students.
One example is her work with the Penderlea community to secure donations of additional PE equipment. Those donations are giving students more opportunities to participate in activities and try new things during class.
Thank you, Ms. Lanier, for your flexibility, your connection with families, and the work you do for students at Penderlea School. 💛🏃
Ms. Kelly Lanier serves as the PE teacher at Penderlea School. She is known for building connections with students and families and working to make sure every student feels welcome and valued at school.
What stands out about Ms. Lanier is her flexibility and willingness to step in wherever she is needed. This year, she moved into the PE role and quickly began looking for ways to build a program that reflects the needs and interests of her students.
One example is her work with the Penderlea community to secure donations of additional PE equipment. Those donations are giving students more opportunities to participate in activities and try new things during class.
Thank you, Ms. Lanier, for your flexibility, your connection with families, and the work you do for students at Penderlea School. 💛🏃
