
🗳️ 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.

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.

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🌶️

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!

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.

Today’s the final day to share your voice in helping us select the mascot for the new J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle School!
If you haven’t already done so, please take a minute to vote and help shape the identity of our newest Pender County Schools campus! 💙💛
👉 Click here to take the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemQOpnlMwjaW29D0aDTGwatA8RIxsAD78_hLWCnz61Kw9uRQ/viewform?usp=send_form

Pender County Schools proudly recognizes and thanks all veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation. 💙💛 From the classroom to the battlefield, your courage and commitment inspire us all. 🙏
To all the veterans in our PCS family and beyond—we salute you. 👏

Our Rocky Point team is getting creative with fresh fruits and veggies. Always fresh, never canned!
Students love the stuffed cheese bread with marinara and classic chicken sandwiches! 🧀🍗

Did you know your child can be tested for COVID, flu, or strep right at school? Through our PATH partnership telehealth program, students can see a Nurse Practitioner virtually, and testing can be done on-site, quick and easy!
➡️ Contact your school nurse to enroll in Telehealth today.
📞 Questions? Call 910-815-7063
Let’s keep Pender County Schools healthy together! 💙
¿No se siente bien? ¡Tenemos todo cubierto! 😷💻
¿Sabía que su hijo(a) puede hacerse la prueba de COVID, gripe o estreptococo directamente en la escuela?
A través de nuestro programa de telemedicina en colaboración con PATH, los estudiantes pueden tener una visita virtual con un(a) enfermero(a) practicante, ¡y las pruebas se pueden realizar en la escuela de forma rápida y sencilla!
➡️ Comuníquese con la enfermera de su escuela para inscribirse en el programa de Telehealth hoy mismo.
📞 ¿Preguntas? Llame al 910-815-7063
¡Mantengamos juntos a las Escuelas del Condado de Pender saludables! 💙



This week we’re highlighting Ms. Caitlin Tidler, Instructional Coach serving both North Topsail and C.F. Pope Elementary Schools.
Ms. Tidler may only be with us one day a week, but her impact is felt every day. She approaches her work with care and intentionality, planning, problem-solving, and supporting teachers through meaningful data analysis and classroom collaboration. Whether helping teams plan instruction or guiding discussions about student growth, Ms. Tidler offers practical strategies that make a lasting difference.
Her ability to blend seamlessly into each team is what makes her so effective. She knows the unique strengths and needs of our staff and provides just-right coaching, stepping in to model and support when needed, and stepping back to empower teachers to lead with confidence.
Ms. Tidler’s positive energy and collaborative spirit help create a school culture where staff feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow together. She brings out the best in others, making her a true honorary Dolphin! 💛💙
Thank you, Ms. Tidler, for your dedication, partnership, and the meaningful impact you make at North Topsail and C.F. Pope each week!

Just three years after graduating from Pender High School, Mia Fedoronko is already making her mark in the Wilmington area’s real estate industry. A proud graduate of the Pathways to Careers Program, Mia’s journey is a shining example of how Career and Technical Education (CTE) experiences can empower students to find their passion and turn it into a successful career.
During her senior year, Mia fully embraced opportunities to prepare for her future. Through the Pathways to Careers Program, she explored her interests, strengthened her professional skills, and gained valuable real-world experience. The summer after graduation, Mia took on an internship with Fritz Realty, where she discovered her calling — helping others achieve their dreams of homeownership. That internship was the spark that launched her career, and as Mia puts it, “the rest is history.”
After earning her real estate credentials, Mia began building her career with Intracoastal Realty’s Seacoast Realty team, where she continues to thrive. Known for her integrity, professionalism, and people-first approach, Mia is deeply rooted in the Wilmington community. Born and raised just outside the city, she possesses a strong knowledge of the local market and an authentic connection to the people she serves.
Beyond her professional success, Mia remains deeply community-minded. She’s actively involved in her church, volunteers with local nonprofits, and participates in mission trips — continuing the spirit of service she developed as a student in Pender County Schools.
“Mia represents exactly what we strive for in Career and Technical Education — students who leave our programs with purpose, passion, and the skills to succeed,” said Dominique Bates, CTE Director for Pender County Schools. “She took full advantage of the opportunities offered through our Pathways to Careers Program, and to see her thriving in the real estate industry is truly inspiring. We couldn’t be prouder.”
The Career Development Coordinator (CDC) at Pender High School also shared pride in Mia’s accomplishments, adding:
“Mia was always driven, professional, and eager to learn. Watching her growth from student intern to successful Realtor has been incredible. She’s proof that when students engage with their career pathways, the possibilities are endless.”
Mia’s story embodies the mission of Pender County Schools CTE — preparing students to become enrolled, enlisted, or employed upon graduation. Her journey from student to successful Realtor is a reminder that when preparation meets opportunity, great things happen.
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the Wilmington area, connect with Mia today: 📞 Office: 910-769-6850 or 910-417-1837
📧 Email: miafedoronko@seacoastrealty.com
🌐 Visit: mfedoronko.seacoastrealty.com

Now in her second year with PCS, Kimberly brings energy, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping students grow. After working in clinical psychology, she discovered her passion for teamwork and supporting children beyond behavior, leading her to school psychology.
She loves seeing students smile, celebrate their goals, and experience real growth through collaboration and care. Kimberly says the job can be demanding, but the success stories make it all worthwhile.
Originally from Arizona, she enjoys spending time with her family, beach days, good conversations, and exploring new places. Fun fact: she’s an F1 racing fan, fascinated by octopi and crows, and can’t stand garlic or onions!
✨ “Determined” — that’s the heart of a school psychologist.

With 21 years of experience, including five in PCS, Jessie is passionate about advocating for students’ rights and ensuring every child has meaningful participation in their education.
She loves collaborating with staff, parents, and students to build on strengths and support growth, and reminds us that school psychologists make the biggest impact when they can be involved early in the intervention process.
Originally from Virginia, Jessie enjoys outdoor activities, DIY projects, and time with her husband of 25 years and their three sons. A lifelong runner, she’s even competed in marathons and triathlons!
✨ “The heart of a school psychologist is one of resiliency, compassion, and dedication for students and the adults that support them.”

With 21 years of experience, including five here in PCS, Stacey is passionate about helping every student reach their fullest potential. Her love of science and data, combined with her compassion for others, inspired her to advocate for inclusive education where all students can thrive.
She says her favorite part of the job is “getting to know each student, understanding their unique strengths, challenges, and backgrounds.” Stacey also enjoys helping colleagues solve problems and seeing their positive impact grow over time.
Originally from Long Island, NY, Stacey loves spending time with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. She stays active, enjoys creative projects, and even loves building and fixing things like furniture, cars, and computers!
✨ “The school psychologists in Pender County are hard-working, dedicated, caring professionals who are constantly giving their all to help our community.”
Thank you, Stacey, for your leadership and dedication to PCS students and staff! 💙

Don’t worry — help is available right at school! 💙
If your child has symptoms of a cold, flu, strep, or COVID, quick and convenient testing can be done through your school nurse. It’s an easy way to help your student feel better sooner and keep everyone healthy this season.
👉 Contact your school nurse or call 910-815-7063 for more information.
🌡️ ¿Tu estudiante no se siente bien?
¡No te preocupes! 💙 La ayuda está disponible directamente en la escuela.
Si tu hijo(a) tiene síntomas de resfriado, gripe, estreptococo o COVID, puede hacerse una prueba rápida y conveniente con la enfermera escolar. Es una manera fácil de ayudar a que tu estudiante se sienta mejor pronto y mantener a todos saludables esta temporada.
👉 Contacta a la enfermera escolar o llama al 910-815-7063 para más información.



