📣✨ October is National Principals Month! ✨📣
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
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
🌟👩🏫 Next up in our National Principals Month spotlight series…
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 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
🌟 Student Spotlight - Lane | 2nd grade| STES🌟
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! 🎶
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! 🎶
📣✨ October is National Principals Month! ✨📣
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
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
🚨📱 Hey Middle Schoolers! 📱🚨
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.
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.
🌟 October is Awareness Month in Pender County Schools! 🌟
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. 💪📚
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. 💪📚
🎉 October is National Principals Month! 🏫👩🏫👨🏫
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! 🙌
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! 🙌
📚✨ It starts at HOME! ✨📚
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!
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!
✨ What an amazing day of learning and collaboration! Our first group of CTE educators came together at CFCC North Campus for a powerful Professional Development Day focused on student success.
We dug into PLC work, explored data-driven practices, and gained strategies that will directly impact our classrooms. Huge thanks to our NCDPI CTE guests—Amanda Dixon, Nancy Cross, and Shannon Baker—for sharing their expertise and inspiring us to grow.
💡 Best part? We get to do it all again tomorrow with our 2nd group! 💙 #PenderCTE #OnePender #StudentSuccess
🍎 Teacher Tuesday Spotlight 🍎
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!
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!
📚✨ Big news for PCS educators!
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! 💡🍎
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.
🌟 Feature Friday: Adrienne Putrino, Topsail High School 🌟
This week we’re celebrating Ms. Adrienne Putrino, Data Manager at Topsail High School. Ms. Putrino's dedication and work ethic are unmatched, she recently enrolled more than 150 new students, serving as the first friendly voice many families hear as they join the Pirate community. Her attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile ensure that every family feels welcomed and supported from day one.
Ms. Putrino's positivity also makes a difference for her colleagues. Known for her warm smile and contagious laugh, she creates a welcoming atmosphere in the front office and is always ready to lend a helping hand.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Putrino, for your hard work, kindness, and commitment to Topsail High School, you truly make a difference every day!
This week we’re celebrating Ms. Adrienne Putrino, Data Manager at Topsail High School. Ms. Putrino's dedication and work ethic are unmatched, she recently enrolled more than 150 new students, serving as the first friendly voice many families hear as they join the Pirate community. Her attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile ensure that every family feels welcomed and supported from day one.
Ms. Putrino's positivity also makes a difference for her colleagues. Known for her warm smile and contagious laugh, she creates a welcoming atmosphere in the front office and is always ready to lend a helping hand.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Putrino, for your hard work, kindness, and commitment to Topsail High School, you truly make a difference every day!
🙌 Today’s a special day — it’s National Teacher's Assistant Day!
Our TAs are the extra hands, hearts, and voices in our classrooms. From helping with lessons to giving students that little boost of confidence, they make a big difference every single day. 💙💛
Join us in giving a big THANK YOU to our amazing Teacher Assistants across PCS! 👏
Our TAs are the extra hands, hearts, and voices in our classrooms. From helping with lessons to giving students that little boost of confidence, they make a big difference every single day. 💙💛
Join us in giving a big THANK YOU to our amazing Teacher Assistants across PCS! 👏
We are currently keeping an eye on two tropical systems that could impact our area soon. No decisions have been made yet, but we'll update information as it becomes available. Keep an eye on your email, the PCS website and social platforms for updates.
Actualmente estamos vigilando dos sistemas tropicales que podrían impactar nuestra área pronto. Aún no se han tomado decisiones, pero compartiremos actualizaciones a medida que la información esté disponible. Mantente atento a tu correo electrónico, al sitio web de PCS y a nuestras plataformas sociales para recibir novedades.
Actualmente estamos vigilando dos sistemas tropicales que podrían impactar nuestra área pronto. Aún no se han tomado decisiones, pero compartiremos actualizaciones a medida que la información esté disponible. Mantente atento a tu correo electrónico, al sitio web de PCS y a nuestras plataformas sociales para recibir novedades.
🍽️ Happy National Food Service Worker Day! 🎉
As it’s lunch time across the district what better time to celebrate the hardworking food service pros who keep our students and staff nourished every single day. From preparing meals to serving with a smile, their dedication ensures our schools remain healthy, welcoming places to learn.
Let’s take a moment to thank our incredible PCS child nutrition staff for everything they do! 💙💛
🌟 Student Spotlight: Celia, North Topsail Elementary 🌟
Meet Celia, a 2nd grader at North Topsail Elementary School, who is being recognized for her kindness and the joy she brings to others. Whether she’s sharing a toy, offering a hug, or cheering up a friend on a tough day, Celia always finds ways to make people feel valued. Her compassion even extends beyond school, as she enjoys visiting animal shelters to spend time with pets waiting for homes.
Celia’s caring heart has a ripple effect on her classmates, her kindness inspires others to do the same, creating a positive and welcoming school environment.
Outside of school, Celia loves drawing, painting, dancing, swimming, and playing with her pets: Pepper, Mellow, Cheese, and Hamlet. Her favorite foods are black beans and macaroni and cheese, her favorite color is teal, and a fun fact—at just 1½ years old, she helped rescue and bottle-feed a kitten named Philly after Hurricane Dorian, proving her compassion started early.
💛💙 Congratulations, Celia—you are a shining example of kindness at NTES!
Meet Celia, a 2nd grader at North Topsail Elementary School, who is being recognized for her kindness and the joy she brings to others. Whether she’s sharing a toy, offering a hug, or cheering up a friend on a tough day, Celia always finds ways to make people feel valued. Her compassion even extends beyond school, as she enjoys visiting animal shelters to spend time with pets waiting for homes.
Celia’s caring heart has a ripple effect on her classmates, her kindness inspires others to do the same, creating a positive and welcoming school environment.
Outside of school, Celia loves drawing, painting, dancing, swimming, and playing with her pets: Pepper, Mellow, Cheese, and Hamlet. Her favorite foods are black beans and macaroni and cheese, her favorite color is teal, and a fun fact—at just 1½ years old, she helped rescue and bottle-feed a kitten named Philly after Hurricane Dorian, proving her compassion started early.
💛💙 Congratulations, Celia—you are a shining example of kindness at NTES!
🍎 Teacher Tuesday Spotlight 🍎
Meet Ms. Margo Lewis, an EC teacher at South Topsail Elementary School, who is being recognized for her patience, positivity, and the difference she makes in the lives of her students and colleagues. In just her second year of teaching, Ms. Lewis has already shown the qualities of an exceptional educator—always ready with a smile, even when challenges arise, and always putting her students first.
What stands out most about Ms. Lewis is her ability to be a steady, uplifting presence. During times of change, she was the one who held everyone together—supporting students and serving as a source of comfort for colleagues who needed a listening ear, encouragement, or even just a hug.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Lewis, for your kindness, resilience, and dedication to your students and the South Topsail Elementary community. You are truly making a difference every day!
Meet Ms. Margo Lewis, an EC teacher at South Topsail Elementary School, who is being recognized for her patience, positivity, and the difference she makes in the lives of her students and colleagues. In just her second year of teaching, Ms. Lewis has already shown the qualities of an exceptional educator—always ready with a smile, even when challenges arise, and always putting her students first.
What stands out most about Ms. Lewis is her ability to be a steady, uplifting presence. During times of change, she was the one who held everyone together—supporting students and serving as a source of comfort for colleagues who needed a listening ear, encouragement, or even just a hug.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Lewis, for your kindness, resilience, and dedication to your students and the South Topsail Elementary community. You are truly making a difference every day!
