📣 Exciting Career & Financial Literacy Initiatives Happening Today at Heide Trask High School! 💼💡
Today, our 9th grade students are taking an important step toward planning their futures through Career Development Plans in their PE classes! Under the leadership of Mrs. Siobhan Fargo, students are completing the Reality Check activity using the NC Careers Platform — an interactive tool that helps them explore how their career interests align with real-world lifestyle choices and financial goals. This hands-on experience empowers students to start thinking about what it takes to live independently and make informed decisions about their education and career paths. 🚀
Meanwhile, all students are participating in the Reality of Money Simulation, a partnership initiative between Heide Trask High School and the NC State Employees’ Credit Union (NCSECU). Led by Mrs. Sylvia Wilkins, NCSECU employees and staff, and HTHS team members, this engaging simulation gives students a firsthand look at managing finances — from budgeting and paying bills to making choices about housing, transportation, and family needs. 💰🏡
These activities are part of our ongoing Career and Technical Education (CTE) commitment to helping students become career-ready, financially literate, and prepared for success beyond high school.
#HeideTraskHigh #PenderCTE #CareerReady #FinancialLiteracy #RealityOfMoney #NCCareers #InvestInYourFuture #PowerOfCTE
Kickin' Bean & Beef Tortilla Bowl🌮
Fresh ingredients with flair! 🌶️ Our tortilla bowl is oven-baked, no fryers here... so you get all the crunch without the grease. We don’t use canned veggies, and our fruit is freshly cut every day for the freshest taste in every bite!
Fresh ingredients with flair! 🌶️ Our tortilla bowl is oven-baked, no fryers here... so you get all the crunch without the grease. We don’t use canned veggies, and our fruit is freshly cut every day for the freshest taste in every bite!
🍎 Teacher Tuesday Spotlight 🍎
Meet Ms. Katie White, a 1st grade teacher at Malpass Corner Elementary, who is being celebrated for her love, dedication, and phenomenal communication with families. With around 20 years of experience, Ms. White is known for making each day special for her students and ensuring they feel seen, supported, and cared for.
What stands out most about Ms. White is her heart for her students. From the very first day of school, she knew every child by name and worked to make each one feel valued as an individual. Parents consistently share how grateful they are for her thoughtful communication and the way she makes the classroom a safe, nurturing place for young learners.
One parent recalled when their child had a rare accident at school—Ms. White immediately reassured both the child and the parent, easing fears and showing compassion. It’s just one example of how she goes above and beyond every day to care for her students as if they were her own.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. White, for your kindness, communication, and commitment to your students. You are truly making a difference at Malpass Corner Elementary!
Meet Ms. Katie White, a 1st grade teacher at Malpass Corner Elementary, who is being celebrated for her love, dedication, and phenomenal communication with families. With around 20 years of experience, Ms. White is known for making each day special for her students and ensuring they feel seen, supported, and cared for.
What stands out most about Ms. White is her heart for her students. From the very first day of school, she knew every child by name and worked to make each one feel valued as an individual. Parents consistently share how grateful they are for her thoughtful communication and the way she makes the classroom a safe, nurturing place for young learners.
One parent recalled when their child had a rare accident at school—Ms. White immediately reassured both the child and the parent, easing fears and showing compassion. It’s just one example of how she goes above and beyond every day to care for her students as if they were her own.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. White, for your kindness, communication, and commitment to your students. You are truly making a difference at Malpass Corner Elementary!
📣✨ 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! YouTube - https://youtu.be/t73Er-v6zlQ
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 - https://youtu.be/t73Er-v6zlQ
📣✨ 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! YouTube - https://youtu.be/jrft6WfGZ6
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 - https://youtu.be/jrft6WfGZ6
📣Join the Pender County Special Education Parent Teacher Organization (SEPTO) for a parent meeting on Oct. 28, 5:30–7:30 PM at Topsail High School.
Meet the team, connect with others, and learn about available resources. 💙💛
❤️ Red Ribbon Week | October 27–31 ❤️
This week, PCS joins the nation in observing Red Ribbon Week, raising awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. 🚫💊
By making healthy choices today, our students are building a brighter tomorrow. Thank you to our families, staff, and community partners for supporting a safe, drug-free lifestyle.
This week, PCS joins the nation in observing Red Ribbon Week, raising awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. 🚫💊
By making healthy choices today, our students are building a brighter tomorrow. Thank you to our families, staff, and community partners for supporting a safe, drug-free lifestyle.
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re proud to recognize Ms. Meagan Winstead, Early Literacy Specialist for multiple elementary schools. Ms. Winstead brings incredible energy, focus, and dedication to her work. Her leadership in flexible grouping and guiding ELA Data Digs has played a key role in driving student growth and academic progress across classrooms. Beyond her instructional impact, she is always ready to step in and support administrators and teachers, striving to help others succeed.
Ms. Winstead is also a tremendous colleague. She fosters a collaborative and encouraging environment where teachers feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and grow professionally. Her goal-oriented mindset and positive spirit inspire those around her to work together toward common goals and to reach higher every day.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Winstead, for your dedication, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to student and teacher success across Pender County Schools!
This week we’re proud to recognize Ms. Meagan Winstead, Early Literacy Specialist for multiple elementary schools. Ms. Winstead brings incredible energy, focus, and dedication to her work. Her leadership in flexible grouping and guiding ELA Data Digs has played a key role in driving student growth and academic progress across classrooms. Beyond her instructional impact, she is always ready to step in and support administrators and teachers, striving to help others succeed.
Ms. Winstead is also a tremendous colleague. She fosters a collaborative and encouraging environment where teachers feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and grow professionally. Her goal-oriented mindset and positive spirit inspire those around her to work together toward common goals and to reach higher every day.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Winstead, for your dedication, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to student and teacher success across Pender County Schools!
🎯 Putt for a Purpose! ⛳💚
Join us at Pirates Turf Mini Golf for a fun-filled fundraiser supporting the Pender Education Partnership (PEP)! Every swing and smile helps support students and educators across Pender County Schools through scholarships, classroom grants, and innovative learning initiatives.
Come enjoy some mini golf, laughter, and community spirit — and help make this event a hole-in-one for education! 🏆📚
👉 All proceeds benefit PEP.
Join us at Pirates Turf Mini Golf for a fun-filled fundraiser supporting the Pender Education Partnership (PEP)! Every swing and smile helps support students and educators across Pender County Schools through scholarships, classroom grants, and innovative learning initiatives.
Come enjoy some mini golf, laughter, and community spirit — and help make this event a hole-in-one for education! 🏆📚
👉 All proceeds benefit PEP.
What Makes a Reimbursable Meal?
Did you know that students must meet certain criteria when making their meal selections in our cafeterias? It’s not as simple as grabbing a slice of pizza!
To qualify as a reimbursable meal, students need to select specific components that ensure their tray includes a balanced and nutritious combination of foods. Our Aramark associates are trained to help guide students through this process, making sure every meal meets USDA standards while still being delicious and satisfying.
Did you know that students must meet certain criteria when making their meal selections in our cafeterias? It’s not as simple as grabbing a slice of pizza!
To qualify as a reimbursable meal, students need to select specific components that ensure their tray includes a balanced and nutritious combination of foods. Our Aramark associates are trained to help guide students through this process, making sure every meal meets USDA standards while still being delicious and satisfying.
💡✨ Today is National Lights On Afterschool Day! ✨💡
We’re proud to join schools and organizations across the nation in celebrating Lights On Afterschool — the only nationwide event that shines a spotlight on the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, families, and communities.
Our PACES program keeps the lights on for learning, creativity, and fun long after the school day ends! 🌟
We’re proud to join schools and organizations across the nation in celebrating Lights On Afterschool — the only nationwide event that shines a spotlight on the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, families, and communities.
Our PACES program keeps the lights on for learning, creativity, and fun long after the school day ends! 🌟
📣✨ 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! YouTube - https://youtube.com/shorts/ss10bN3Rz0E
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 - https://youtube.com/shorts/ss10bN3Rz0E
🌟 Hands-On Learning at PACES After-School! 🌟
Our Malpass Corner PACES students had an electrifying experience on October 20th during a special 4-H Electric Workshop 🔌💡. Guests from Pender Early College and Pender 4-H🍀 guided students as they built their very own lamps — which they’ll proudly demonstrate during our Lights On Project on October 23rd!
A huge thank you to Traci Spencer and Jacob Farrow for generously donating the electrical kits that made this bright learning opportunity possible! ✨
Our Malpass Corner PACES students had an electrifying experience on October 20th during a special 4-H Electric Workshop 🔌💡. Guests from Pender Early College and Pender 4-H🍀 guided students as they built their very own lamps — which they’ll proudly demonstrate during our Lights On Project on October 23rd!
A huge thank you to Traci Spencer and Jacob Farrow for generously donating the electrical kits that made this bright learning opportunity possible! ✨
📣✨ 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! YouTube - https://youtube.com/shorts/TeVKxloivrE
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 - https://youtube.com/shorts/TeVKxloivrE
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Meet Lily, an 8th grader at West Pender Middle School, recognized for her academic excellence and positive spirit. Last year, Lily was the only 7th grader to earn the Principal’s List Award. She is also a proud Beta Club member and is already challenging herself with two high school credit classes this year.
Beyond academics, Lily is known as a friend to everyone. Though naturally shy, she is thoughtful, kind, and always considers the feelings of others—qualities that make her a valued part of the WPMS community.
Outside of school, Lily enjoys playing video games, building puzzles, and creating collages on records. Her favorite food is crab legs, her favorite color is green, and her pets include her dog Luna and a few cats—though her favorite is Stuff Stuff. A fun fact: Lily is half Native American and was diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy at birth, but she never lets it hold her back—except maybe during a game of putt-putt. ⛳
💛💙 Congratulations, Lily—you are an inspiring example of perseverance, kindness, and academic achievement at West Pender Middle!
Meet Lily, an 8th grader at West Pender Middle School, recognized for her academic excellence and positive spirit. Last year, Lily was the only 7th grader to earn the Principal’s List Award. She is also a proud Beta Club member and is already challenging herself with two high school credit classes this year.
Beyond academics, Lily is known as a friend to everyone. Though naturally shy, she is thoughtful, kind, and always considers the feelings of others—qualities that make her a valued part of the WPMS community.
Outside of school, Lily enjoys playing video games, building puzzles, and creating collages on records. Her favorite food is crab legs, her favorite color is green, and her pets include her dog Luna and a few cats—though her favorite is Stuff Stuff. A fun fact: Lily is half Native American and was diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy at birth, but she never lets it hold her back—except maybe during a game of putt-putt. ⛳
💛💙 Congratulations, Lily—you are an inspiring example of perseverance, kindness, and academic achievement at West Pender Middle!
🎓 Hey Pender County High School Students!
You could be one of the 70,000+ North Carolina students eligible for direct admission to college through NC College Connect — and this week, you can apply for FREE! 🙌
Don’t miss out on your chance to jump-start your college journey.
✅ Check your eligibility
✅ Explore participating colleges
✅ Apply today — no application fees!
👉 Visit NCCollegeConnect.org
for all the details.
🎓 ¡Atención estudiantes de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender!
Más de 70,000 estudiantes de preparatoria en Carolina del Norte califican para admisión directa a la universidad a través de NC College Connect, ¡y esta semana pueden aplicar gratis! 🙌
No pierdas la oportunidad de comenzar tu camino universitario:
✅ Verifica si calificas
✅ Explora las universidades participantes
✅ ¡Aplica hoy — sin pagar tarifa de solicitud!
👉 Visita NCCollegeConnect.org
para más información.
You could be one of the 70,000+ North Carolina students eligible for direct admission to college through NC College Connect — and this week, you can apply for FREE! 🙌
Don’t miss out on your chance to jump-start your college journey.
✅ Check your eligibility
✅ Explore participating colleges
✅ Apply today — no application fees!
👉 Visit NCCollegeConnect.org
for all the details.
🎓 ¡Atención estudiantes de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender!
Más de 70,000 estudiantes de preparatoria en Carolina del Norte califican para admisión directa a la universidad a través de NC College Connect, ¡y esta semana pueden aplicar gratis! 🙌
No pierdas la oportunidad de comenzar tu camino universitario:
✅ Verifica si calificas
✅ Explora las universidades participantes
✅ ¡Aplica hoy — sin pagar tarifa de solicitud!
👉 Visita NCCollegeConnect.org
para más información.
🍎 Teacher Tuesday Spotlight 🍎
Meet Ms. Cheryl King, a 6th–8th grade math teacher at Burgaw Middle School, who has dedicated 17 years to education. Ms. King is being recognized for her unwavering commitment to her students, colleagues, and families. Known for her persistence and love of teaching math, she helps students view the subject as something exciting and worth mastering, even when it feels challenging. She balances classroom instruction, Title I responsibilities, and parent communication with grace—always ensuring that families feel heard and supported.
What stands out most about Ms. King is her ability to blend professional strength with genuine care. She shares her knowledge, resources, and experience freely, while also creating a nurturing environment where students and colleagues feel valued. She is a true team player who brings people together, modeling collaboration, encouragement, and compassion at every step.
One colleague reflected on the difference she made during their first year of teaching: “Ms. King was one of the biggest reasons I was excited to come to work every day. She welcomed my ideas, encouraged me to step into leadership, and showed me that coworkers can truly feel like family.” Through her support, she not only helped a beginning teacher grow but also strengthened the learning experience for all students.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. King, for your wisdom
Meet Ms. Cheryl King, a 6th–8th grade math teacher at Burgaw Middle School, who has dedicated 17 years to education. Ms. King is being recognized for her unwavering commitment to her students, colleagues, and families. Known for her persistence and love of teaching math, she helps students view the subject as something exciting and worth mastering, even when it feels challenging. She balances classroom instruction, Title I responsibilities, and parent communication with grace—always ensuring that families feel heard and supported.
What stands out most about Ms. King is her ability to blend professional strength with genuine care. She shares her knowledge, resources, and experience freely, while also creating a nurturing environment where students and colleagues feel valued. She is a true team player who brings people together, modeling collaboration, encouragement, and compassion at every step.
One colleague reflected on the difference she made during their first year of teaching: “Ms. King was one of the biggest reasons I was excited to come to work every day. She welcomed my ideas, encouraged me to step into leadership, and showed me that coworkers can truly feel like family.” Through her support, she not only helped a beginning teacher grow but also strengthened the learning experience for all students.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. King, for your wisdom
🎉⛳ Join us “fore” a great cause! ⛳🎉
Grab your putters and bring your friends to Pirates Turf Mini Golf for a fun-filled fundraiser supporting the Pender Education Partnership (PEP)! 🏌️♀️💚
Every swing, smile, and hole-in-one helps support students and educators across Pender County Schools.
All proceeds go directly to PEP, helping fund student scholarships, classroom grants, and educational initiatives that make a lasting impact.
Come for the fun and let’s make this event a hole-in-one for education! 🏆📚
Grab your putters and bring your friends to Pirates Turf Mini Golf for a fun-filled fundraiser supporting the Pender Education Partnership (PEP)! 🏌️♀️💚
Every swing, smile, and hole-in-one helps support students and educators across Pender County Schools.
All proceeds go directly to PEP, helping fund student scholarships, classroom grants, and educational initiatives that make a lasting impact.
Come for the fun and let’s make this event a hole-in-one for education! 🏆📚
🟧Bullying Prevention Week | October 20–24 🟧
Bullying has no place in Pender County Schools. During Bullying Prevention Week, we stand together to promote kindness, respect, and safety in every classroom, hallway, and bus. 💬🤝
Let’s work together to be upstanders, not bystanders—and create schools where everyone feels safe and welcomed.
Bullying has no place in Pender County Schools. During Bullying Prevention Week, we stand together to promote kindness, respect, and safety in every classroom, hallway, and bus. 💬🤝
Let’s work together to be upstanders, not bystanders—and create schools where everyone feels safe and welcomed.
