This year’s 8th Grade Career Fair brought in 63 community partners and gave students a look at nearly 100 career options 🎓. Eighth graders from all Pender County middle schools spent the day at Heide Trask High School, moving through different stations and talking with people who work in those fields. Many students took a few minutes at each table to ask simple questions and see what the work looks like in a real setting.
Exhibitors offered short activities and demonstrations in areas like healthcare, engineering, public service, and several other pathways 🩺⚙️🚓. Representatives from Cape Fear Community College, UNCW, and local high schools shared information about programs students can join in the coming years. For many students, it was a first chance to connect what they’re learning in school with the opportunities available close to home.
Several organizations who participated this year have supported the fair for a long time 🙌. They continue to help with field trips, classroom visits, and other events throughout the year. The fair also required coordination across many groups, including the CTE team, Transportation, Heide Trask staff, JROTC, and all middle schools. Their work helped keep the day organized for both students and guests 💙 YOUTUBE - https://youtu.be/LXusLB8TRnA
Exhibitors offered short activities and demonstrations in areas like healthcare, engineering, public service, and several other pathways 🩺⚙️🚓. Representatives from Cape Fear Community College, UNCW, and local high schools shared information about programs students can join in the coming years. For many students, it was a first chance to connect what they’re learning in school with the opportunities available close to home.
Several organizations who participated this year have supported the fair for a long time 🙌. They continue to help with field trips, classroom visits, and other events throughout the year. The fair also required coordination across many groups, including the CTE team, Transportation, Heide Trask staff, JROTC, and all middle schools. Their work helped keep the day organized for both students and guests 💙 YOUTUBE - https://youtu.be/LXusLB8TRnA
🗳️ Final Round of Mascot Voting Is LIVE! 🐾
We’re down to the final round of voting for our new J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle School mascots! Your voice matters, and this is your chance to help shape our schools’ identities for years to come.
✔️ Voting is open now
⏰ Closes Wednesday
🔗 Cast your vote here: https://forms.gle/iKkbUd7vumAQCUVH6
We’re down to the final round of voting for our new J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle School mascots! Your voice matters, and this is your chance to help shape our schools’ identities for years to come.
✔️ Voting is open now
⏰ Closes Wednesday
🔗 Cast your vote here: https://forms.gle/iKkbUd7vumAQCUVH6
🌟 Happy National Career Development Day! 🌟
Today we celebrate the incredible work happening across Pender County Schools to help students discover their strengths, explore their passions, and prepare for bright futures.
We are honored to have the best Career Development Coordinator (CDC) team in the world—a group of leaders who go above and beyond every single day to support our teachers, empower our students, and make a lasting impact across all of our schools.
💼✨ Huge shoutout to:
Brittany Davis
Deanna Taylor
Siobhan Fargo
Bevin Stokes
Michele Simmons
Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to helping our students become enrolled, enlisted, or employed. Your work truly changes lives, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everything you do for our CTE family!
#NationalCareerDevelopmentDay #CareerReady #CTEProud #PenderCTE #FutureFocused #OnePender
Today we celebrate the incredible work happening across Pender County Schools to help students discover their strengths, explore their passions, and prepare for bright futures.
We are honored to have the best Career Development Coordinator (CDC) team in the world—a group of leaders who go above and beyond every single day to support our teachers, empower our students, and make a lasting impact across all of our schools.
💼✨ Huge shoutout to:
Brittany Davis
Deanna Taylor
Siobhan Fargo
Bevin Stokes
Michele Simmons
Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to helping our students become enrolled, enlisted, or employed. Your work truly changes lives, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everything you do for our CTE family!
#NationalCareerDevelopmentDay #CareerReady #CTEProud #PenderCTE #FutureFocused #OnePender
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Meet Winter, a 4th grader at Cape Fear Elementary School, recognized for her 🎨 creativity and kind 💖 heart.
Winter is the perfect example of quiet strength and hidden talent. Though she may be a little shy, those who know her best see just how incredible she truly is. Winter spends hours in her room bringing her imagination to life through beautiful drawings of people, animals, and everyday things 🖍️🐾. Her creativity shines in everything she does, and her art continues to amaze everyone who sees it!
She’s always ready to help, whether it’s pitching in around the house, caring for her younger sister, or offering encouragement to others 💕At school, Winter is known for her excellent behavior and positive attitude. She follows the rules, treats others with respect, and sets an example of quiet leadership for her classmates 🌟.
Outside of school, Winter enjoys skating ⛸️, softball 🥎, and of course, drawing 🎨. Her favorite food is ribs 🍖, her favorite color is blue 💙, and she loves spending time with her pet Luna 🐶. An interesting fact about Winter, she dreams of becoming a pediatric dentist 🦷 one day so she can help other kids take care of their smiles!
💙 Congratulations, Winter, your creativity, kindness, and generosity make you a bright light at Cape Fear Elementary School!
Meet Winter, a 4th grader at Cape Fear Elementary School, recognized for her 🎨 creativity and kind 💖 heart.
Winter is the perfect example of quiet strength and hidden talent. Though she may be a little shy, those who know her best see just how incredible she truly is. Winter spends hours in her room bringing her imagination to life through beautiful drawings of people, animals, and everyday things 🖍️🐾. Her creativity shines in everything she does, and her art continues to amaze everyone who sees it!
She’s always ready to help, whether it’s pitching in around the house, caring for her younger sister, or offering encouragement to others 💕At school, Winter is known for her excellent behavior and positive attitude. She follows the rules, treats others with respect, and sets an example of quiet leadership for her classmates 🌟.
Outside of school, Winter enjoys skating ⛸️, softball 🥎, and of course, drawing 🎨. Her favorite food is ribs 🍖, her favorite color is blue 💙, and she loves spending time with her pet Luna 🐶. An interesting fact about Winter, she dreams of becoming a pediatric dentist 🦷 one day so she can help other kids take care of their smiles!
💙 Congratulations, Winter, your creativity, kindness, and generosity make you a bright light at Cape Fear Elementary School!
📣 Final Round of Voting Is Here!
We’re down to the last step in selecting mascots for the new J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle Schools and we need your voice! 🗳️🎉
Families, staff, students, and community members are invited to cast their final votes before the deadline on November 26, 2025.
👉 Vote here: https://forms.gle/iKkbUd7vumAQCUVH6
Thanks for being part of this exciting moment for PCS! 💙💛
📣 Calling All PCS Alumni!
Pender County Schools is launching the PCS Proud Alumni Spotlight, and we want to celebrate YOU, our graduates who are making an impact in your careers, communities, and beyond.
Are you a PCS alum doing amazing things?
Or do you know a former student who deserves to be recognized?
We’d love to hear your story.
Nominate yourself or someone else today using our new Alumni Spotlight form!
👉https://forms.gle/yVajGJjtfUwV6b2LA
Let’s highlight the outstanding accomplishments of those who started their journey right here in Pender County Schools.
Pender County Schools is launching the PCS Proud Alumni Spotlight, and we want to celebrate YOU, our graduates who are making an impact in your careers, communities, and beyond.
Are you a PCS alum doing amazing things?
Or do you know a former student who deserves to be recognized?
We’d love to hear your story.
Nominate yourself or someone else today using our new Alumni Spotlight form!
👉https://forms.gle/yVajGJjtfUwV6b2LA
Let’s highlight the outstanding accomplishments of those who started their journey right here in Pender County Schools.
Meet Ms. Stephanie Martin, a 1st grade teacher at North Topsail Elementary School. Families describe Ms. Martin as an exceptional educator who has made a lasting impact on their children’s lives. She’s known not only for her skill in the classroom, but for the genuine care and consistency she’s shown over the years.
One family shared that Ms. Martin taught their older son, now a high school sophomore, and now teaches their youngest child. They feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced her warmth and excellence twice. What stands out most about Ms. Martin is her ability to connect with each child as an individual. She meets students where they are, celebrates their progress, and encourages them to reach their full potential.
Parents appreciate her clear communication and her calm, patient approach in the classroom. Whether she’s helping a child build confidence or guiding a lively personality with kindness and understanding, Ms. Martin creates a learning environment where every student feels seen, supported, and capable.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Martin, for the lasting difference you make in your students’ lives and for the care you bring to North Topsail Elementary every day.
One family shared that Ms. Martin taught their older son, now a high school sophomore, and now teaches their youngest child. They feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced her warmth and excellence twice. What stands out most about Ms. Martin is her ability to connect with each child as an individual. She meets students where they are, celebrates their progress, and encourages them to reach their full potential.
Parents appreciate her clear communication and her calm, patient approach in the classroom. Whether she’s helping a child build confidence or guiding a lively personality with kindness and understanding, Ms. Martin creates a learning environment where every student feels seen, supported, and capable.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Martin, for the lasting difference you make in your students’ lives and for the care you bring to North Topsail Elementary every day.
We’re excited to welcome the families of Pender’s Elementary and Middle School students to our cafeterias over the next two weeks!
Parent Menu:
The Turkey Gobbler- carved turkey, stuffing, and cranberry mayo on a soft sub roll. Served with sweet potatoes and a warm apple crisp dessert.
Student Menu:
A classic carved turkey dinner with sweet potatoes, spiced apples, and a breadstick.
We look forward to sharing this special meal with you!
Parent Menu:
The Turkey Gobbler- carved turkey, stuffing, and cranberry mayo on a soft sub roll. Served with sweet potatoes and a warm apple crisp dessert.
Student Menu:
A classic carved turkey dinner with sweet potatoes, spiced apples, and a breadstick.
We look forward to sharing this special meal with you!
Pender County Schools is proud to recognize one of its distinguished alumni whose career has been defined by leadership, service, and a commitment to empowering others. A graduate of Pender County Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, she now serves as the Program Manager at the Genesis Block Foundation, supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across the region.
In her current role, she works to expand access to essential resources for business growth, a responsibility she describes as deeply rewarding. “Serving and empowering my local community is what I love most,” she shared.
CTE Pathways That Laid the Foundation for Success
While enrolled in Pender County Schools, she participated in both the Health Sciences and Computer Technology pathways. These programs played a pivotal role in shaping her interests and skill set:
Health Sciences introduced her to her passion for helping others and highlighted the importance of service and community impact.
Computer Technology provided technical and operational skills that she continues to use daily in her professional career.
These experiences contributed to a strong foundation that helped guide her toward a career rooted in purpose.
Educators Who Influenced Her Career Journey
She credits several PCS educators with helping build her confidence and prepare her for future success.
Danyiel New, Health Science teacher, shared life lessons and encouragement that remain influential today.
Mr. Redd, her middle school Computer Skills teacher, helped her develop early confidence in her technical abilities.
Mr. Stevens, her high school computer teacher, continued to foster that confidence and was consistently impressed with her work.
“Their support played an important role in shaping my skills and belief in myself,” she noted.
A Career Inspired by Service
Her career path was further shaped through her work with Communities In Schools, where she discovered a deep passion for service and youth engagement. This experience motivated her pursuit of a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. During her graduate program, an instructor connected her to the Genesis Block Foundation—where she now supports community development and economic advancement.
Encouraging PCS Students to Explore, Discover, and Grow
She offers this message to current PCS students:
“You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. It’s okay to learn your purpose and passion through life’s experiences. Pursue what interests you, and if it’s not where your heart is, try something new.”
Resilience Built Through Challenges
Reflecting on her accomplishments, she acknowledges that many stemmed from challenges along the way. She credits those experiences with helping shape her resilience, determination, and personal growth.
Pender County Schools celebrates her achievements and her continued commitment to uplifting the community. Her journey reflects the mission of PCS CTE—equipping students with the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to become enrolled, enlisted, or employed after graduation.
In her current role, she works to expand access to essential resources for business growth, a responsibility she describes as deeply rewarding. “Serving and empowering my local community is what I love most,” she shared.
CTE Pathways That Laid the Foundation for Success
While enrolled in Pender County Schools, she participated in both the Health Sciences and Computer Technology pathways. These programs played a pivotal role in shaping her interests and skill set:
Health Sciences introduced her to her passion for helping others and highlighted the importance of service and community impact.
Computer Technology provided technical and operational skills that she continues to use daily in her professional career.
These experiences contributed to a strong foundation that helped guide her toward a career rooted in purpose.
Educators Who Influenced Her Career Journey
She credits several PCS educators with helping build her confidence and prepare her for future success.
Danyiel New, Health Science teacher, shared life lessons and encouragement that remain influential today.
Mr. Redd, her middle school Computer Skills teacher, helped her develop early confidence in her technical abilities.
Mr. Stevens, her high school computer teacher, continued to foster that confidence and was consistently impressed with her work.
“Their support played an important role in shaping my skills and belief in myself,” she noted.
A Career Inspired by Service
Her career path was further shaped through her work with Communities In Schools, where she discovered a deep passion for service and youth engagement. This experience motivated her pursuit of a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. During her graduate program, an instructor connected her to the Genesis Block Foundation—where she now supports community development and economic advancement.
Encouraging PCS Students to Explore, Discover, and Grow
She offers this message to current PCS students:
“You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. It’s okay to learn your purpose and passion through life’s experiences. Pursue what interests you, and if it’s not where your heart is, try something new.”
Resilience Built Through Challenges
Reflecting on her accomplishments, she acknowledges that many stemmed from challenges along the way. She credits those experiences with helping shape her resilience, determination, and personal growth.
Pender County Schools celebrates her achievements and her continued commitment to uplifting the community. Her journey reflects the mission of PCS CTE—equipping students with the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to become enrolled, enlisted, or employed after graduation.
As we head into Thanksgiving, take time to read together as a family! 📖
Share a story about gratitude, or let your child pick their favorite book to read aloud.
Let’s keep those minutes adding up toward our million-minute goal!
Mientras se acerca el Día de Acción de Gracias, ¡tómense un tiempo para leer en familia! 📖
Compartan una historia sobre la gratitud o dejen que su hijo elija su libro favorito para leer en voz alta.
¡Sigamos sumando minutos hacia nuestra meta del millón!
Share a story about gratitude, or let your child pick their favorite book to read aloud.
Let’s keep those minutes adding up toward our million-minute goal!
Mientras se acerca el Día de Acción de Gracias, ¡tómense un tiempo para leer en familia! 📖
Compartan una historia sobre la gratitud o dejen que su hijo elija su libro favorito para leer en voz alta.
¡Sigamos sumando minutos hacia nuestra meta del millón!
Fiber service has been restored to North Topsail Elementary School. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Over 10 years of service from Ms. Lula! Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the students of West Pender Middle School. We appreciate everything you do!
🌟Interested in government, community service, or gaining real-world work experience? Become a Student Election Assistant for the March 3, 2026 Primary Election!
🗳️ Eligibility & Key Details:
• Must be 17 years old on or before March 3, 2026
• Application deadline: January 13, 2026
• Must be available Election Day: Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM
• Pay: $11/hr for Election Day + $25 for training
This is a great opportunity to serve your community, build your résumé, and take part in the democratic process!
📩 Questions or completed applications?
Contact the Pender County Board of Elections.
🗳️ Eligibility & Key Details:
• Must be 17 years old on or before March 3, 2026
• Application deadline: January 13, 2026
• Must be available Election Day: Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM
• Pay: $11/hr for Election Day + $25 for training
This is a great opportunity to serve your community, build your résumé, and take part in the democratic process!
📩 Questions or completed applications?
Contact the Pender County Board of Elections.
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re shining the spotlight on Ms. Rachelle Valentine, Food Service Worker at Topsail Annandale Elementary School (TAES).
Ms. Valentine goes above and beyond each day to make sure every student starts their day with a smile and a great meal. 🍎✨ Her care for students goes far beyond the serving line, she takes time to connect, encourage, and help make each child’s day a little brighter.
Her positivity doesn’t stop there. Ms. Valentine’s cheerful attitude and endless support uplift everyone around her. Whether she’s lending a hand to a teammate or sharing a kind word, her smile sets the tone for a warm, welcoming cafeteria environment. 💛
💙 Thank you, Ms. Valentine, for your kindness, dedication, and the joy you bring to students and colleagues at TAES every single day!
This week we’re shining the spotlight on Ms. Rachelle Valentine, Food Service Worker at Topsail Annandale Elementary School (TAES).
Ms. Valentine goes above and beyond each day to make sure every student starts their day with a smile and a great meal. 🍎✨ Her care for students goes far beyond the serving line, she takes time to connect, encourage, and help make each child’s day a little brighter.
Her positivity doesn’t stop there. Ms. Valentine’s cheerful attitude and endless support uplift everyone around her. Whether she’s lending a hand to a teammate or sharing a kind word, her smile sets the tone for a warm, welcoming cafeteria environment. 💛
💙 Thank you, Ms. Valentine, for your kindness, dedication, and the joy you bring to students and colleagues at TAES every single day!
Due to a damaged fiber line, internet and phone service is being affected at North Topsail Elementary. Staff is aware of the problem and instruction is continuing as best as possible. Four County Electric is working to resolve the issue. We will keep families informed as updates become available. Thank you for your patience and support.
Exciting progress at the new J.H. Lea Elementary & Middle School campus! 🏫🚧
Today, Board of Education Chair Beth Burns, and members Jennifer Hansen and Tom Reeves visited the construction site to see firsthand the tremendous work underway. The project remains on schedule for an August 2027 opening, and momentum continues to build.
A major milestone was celebrated during the visit, 150,000 man-hours worked with zero lost-time incidents. 👏 To recognize this achievement, the construction team joined Bordeaux Construction for a celebratory lunch inside the new gymnasium, one of several areas already fully under roof.
Located just off HWY 210 in Hampstead, the campus continues to draw attention from passersby who can’t help but slow down for a look at the progress taking shape.
🎥 Check out the video featuring drone footage of the site and an update from Ben Warren, Vice President of Bordeaux Construction. The future of J.H. Lea is rising quickly, and we can’t wait for our students, staff, and community to experience it! https://youtube.com/shorts/uORtBXaaKl4
Today, Board of Education Chair Beth Burns, and members Jennifer Hansen and Tom Reeves visited the construction site to see firsthand the tremendous work underway. The project remains on schedule for an August 2027 opening, and momentum continues to build.
A major milestone was celebrated during the visit, 150,000 man-hours worked with zero lost-time incidents. 👏 To recognize this achievement, the construction team joined Bordeaux Construction for a celebratory lunch inside the new gymnasium, one of several areas already fully under roof.
Located just off HWY 210 in Hampstead, the campus continues to draw attention from passersby who can’t help but slow down for a look at the progress taking shape.
🎥 Check out the video featuring drone footage of the site and an update from Ben Warren, Vice President of Bordeaux Construction. The future of J.H. Lea is rising quickly, and we can’t wait for our students, staff, and community to experience it! https://youtube.com/shorts/uORtBXaaKl4
🌶️Gochujang Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich🍗
Limited time offer! Served for lunch at our High Schools tomorrow and our Middle Schools on Friday. Get it while its hot🌶️
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Meet Khloe, a determined and inspiring 10th grader at Topsail High School (THS), recognized for her incredible 💪 determination and positive spirit.
Khloe’s story is one of true perseverance. Born with a condition that left doctors unsure if she would ever be able to walk or hold items, she has proven that anything is possible with willpower and heart. Through hard work and daily practice, Khloe not only overcame those early challenges but also earned her spot on both the Surf City Middle School Cheer Team and the Topsail High School JV Cheer Team 🎀📣. She’s even mastered several impressive gymnastics moves 🤸♀️!
Khloe is a shining example of bravery, determination, and kindness. In addition to excelling in honors reading classes 📚, she inspires those around her, leading Bible study with her younger sisters and encouraging her peers to believe in themselves. Her positive attitude and resilience show everyone that challenges can become strengths when met with courage and hard work 🌈.
Outside of school, Khloe enjoys cheerleading 📣, basketball 🏀, gymnastics 🤸♀️, and playing the guitar 🎸which she’s impressively teaching herself! Her favorite food is Chinese 🍜, her favorite color is teal 💎, and she’s a big fan of Michael Jackson 🎶.
💙🖤 Congratulations, Khloe, your determination, talent, and uplifting spirit make you a true inspiration to the Topsail High School community!
Meet Khloe, a determined and inspiring 10th grader at Topsail High School (THS), recognized for her incredible 💪 determination and positive spirit.
Khloe’s story is one of true perseverance. Born with a condition that left doctors unsure if she would ever be able to walk or hold items, she has proven that anything is possible with willpower and heart. Through hard work and daily practice, Khloe not only overcame those early challenges but also earned her spot on both the Surf City Middle School Cheer Team and the Topsail High School JV Cheer Team 🎀📣. She’s even mastered several impressive gymnastics moves 🤸♀️!
Khloe is a shining example of bravery, determination, and kindness. In addition to excelling in honors reading classes 📚, she inspires those around her, leading Bible study with her younger sisters and encouraging her peers to believe in themselves. Her positive attitude and resilience show everyone that challenges can become strengths when met with courage and hard work 🌈.
Outside of school, Khloe enjoys cheerleading 📣, basketball 🏀, gymnastics 🤸♀️, and playing the guitar 🎸which she’s impressively teaching herself! Her favorite food is Chinese 🍜, her favorite color is teal 💎, and she’s a big fan of Michael Jackson 🎶.
💙🖤 Congratulations, Khloe, your determination, talent, and uplifting spirit make you a true inspiration to the Topsail High School community!
Meet Ms. Caitlyn Bachman, an art teacher at Topsail High School, who teaches students in grades 9–12. With 16 years of experience, Ms. Bachman is known for her dedication to her students and her commitment to celebrating their achievements in the arts.
Ms. Bachman has made a lasting difference by creating meaningful opportunities for her students to grow and be recognized. She started an annual recognition event for graduates pursuing higher education or careers in the Fine Arts and helped develop a district-wide plan for students to earn an art endorsement by graduation. She also coordinates the annual Superintendent Art Awards for all Pender County schools.
In her classroom, Ms. Bachman ensures every student feels supported and challenged. She introduced the district’s first Advanced Placement (AP) Art and Design program in 2022, and since then, 100% of her students have earned passing scores. Her approach is rooted in the belief that every student can succeed when given the right tools and encouragement.
Most recently, Ms. Bachman was recognized as the Secondary Division Art Educator of the Year by the North Carolina Art Education Association, an honor that reflects her passion and impact both in and beyond the classroom.
🎨💙 Thank you, Ms. Bachman, for inspiring creativity, achievement, and confidence in your students at Topsail High School.
Ms. Bachman has made a lasting difference by creating meaningful opportunities for her students to grow and be recognized. She started an annual recognition event for graduates pursuing higher education or careers in the Fine Arts and helped develop a district-wide plan for students to earn an art endorsement by graduation. She also coordinates the annual Superintendent Art Awards for all Pender County schools.
In her classroom, Ms. Bachman ensures every student feels supported and challenged. She introduced the district’s first Advanced Placement (AP) Art and Design program in 2022, and since then, 100% of her students have earned passing scores. Her approach is rooted in the belief that every student can succeed when given the right tools and encouragement.
Most recently, Ms. Bachman was recognized as the Secondary Division Art Educator of the Year by the North Carolina Art Education Association, an honor that reflects her passion and impact both in and beyond the classroom.
🎨💙 Thank you, Ms. Bachman, for inspiring creativity, achievement, and confidence in your students at Topsail High School.
