🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Lyla is a student at Surf City Middle School, recognized for her leadership, academic excellence, kindness, and strong work ethic.
As President of the Megalodons, Lyla takes an active role in helping make her school a welcoming place for students. She encourages her classmates to get involved, offers help when needed, and leads by example. Her teachers describe her as dependable, respectful, and someone who makes an effort to include others.
Lyla also brings creativity and dedication to her Journalism class. She takes pride in her work, contributes ideas, and balances her academic responsibilities with her leadership activities. Her willingness to support classmates and take on responsibilities has made her a valued part of the school community. 📚
Outside of school, Lyla enjoys acting 🎭, singing 🎤, writing ✍️, reading 📚, swimming 🏊, running 🏃, and playing lacrosse 🥍. Her favorite food is pasta salad 🥗, and her favorite color is navy blue 💙. She also has a dog named Odi 🐶.
One interesting fact—Lyla lived in Hawaii for three years! 🌺🌴
💙 Thank you, Lyla, for your leadership, kindness, and contributions to Surf City Middle School!
Lyla is a student at Surf City Middle School, recognized for her leadership, academic excellence, kindness, and strong work ethic.
As President of the Megalodons, Lyla takes an active role in helping make her school a welcoming place for students. She encourages her classmates to get involved, offers help when needed, and leads by example. Her teachers describe her as dependable, respectful, and someone who makes an effort to include others.
Lyla also brings creativity and dedication to her Journalism class. She takes pride in her work, contributes ideas, and balances her academic responsibilities with her leadership activities. Her willingness to support classmates and take on responsibilities has made her a valued part of the school community. 📚
Outside of school, Lyla enjoys acting 🎭, singing 🎤, writing ✍️, reading 📚, swimming 🏊, running 🏃, and playing lacrosse 🥍. Her favorite food is pasta salad 🥗, and her favorite color is navy blue 💙. She also has a dog named Odi 🐶.
One interesting fact—Lyla lived in Hawaii for three years! 🌺🌴
💙 Thank you, Lyla, for your leadership, kindness, and contributions to Surf City Middle School!
🍎💙 Teacher Tuesday: First Grade Team — South Topsail Elementary School
This week's Teacher Tuesday recognizes the First Grade Team at South Topsail Elementary School! With experience ranging from second-year beginning teachers to educators with 28 years in the classroom, this team works together to support students as they continue building important academic and social skills.
The team meets regularly to plan lessons, discuss student progress, and identify areas where students may need additional help. They often stay after school to prepare activities and find new ways to keep students involved in their learning. Their collaboration helps ensure students receive consistent instruction and support across the grade level.
What stands out about this group is how well they work together. They take their responsibilities seriously but also enjoy having fun with their students and one another. Whether they're sharing a laugh or working through ways to help a student who is struggling, they make time to support each other.
One colleague shared that it's common to see the team staying late, discussing student needs, and preparing for the days ahead. Their willingness to share ideas and work together helps create classrooms where students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to learn.
💛📚 Thank you to the South Topsail Elementary First Grade Team for the time, teamwork, and care you put into helping your students grow each day!
This week's Teacher Tuesday recognizes the First Grade Team at South Topsail Elementary School! With experience ranging from second-year beginning teachers to educators with 28 years in the classroom, this team works together to support students as they continue building important academic and social skills.
The team meets regularly to plan lessons, discuss student progress, and identify areas where students may need additional help. They often stay after school to prepare activities and find new ways to keep students involved in their learning. Their collaboration helps ensure students receive consistent instruction and support across the grade level.
What stands out about this group is how well they work together. They take their responsibilities seriously but also enjoy having fun with their students and one another. Whether they're sharing a laugh or working through ways to help a student who is struggling, they make time to support each other.
One colleague shared that it's common to see the team staying late, discussing student needs, and preparing for the days ahead. Their willingness to share ideas and work together helps create classrooms where students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to learn.
💛📚 Thank you to the South Topsail Elementary First Grade Team for the time, teamwork, and care you put into helping your students grow each day!
Just a reminder there is no school on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3 for all schools EXCEPT Pender Early College.
🌟 DREAM BIG: EXPLORE CAREERS, DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE
November is National Career Development Month, and Pender County Schools CTE is inviting students to think big about where their interests and talents could take them. Through the PCS Dream Big Career Quest, students can explore a month of interactive career activities including videos, career guessing games, skill match-ups and opportunities to reflect on their own futures, all with no login required. 🚀💼
The month will feature weekly themes, career spotlights ranging from healthcare and technology to creative and community-focused careers, a Career Development Spirit Week and the Fall Into Your Future Career Fair on November 20. Along the way, students can discover the skills behind different careers while beginning to make connections between what they enjoy today and the possibilities waiting for them tomorrow. 🎓🛠️💡 https://sites.google.com/pender.k12.nc.us/pcsctencdm26/home
November is National Career Development Month, and Pender County Schools CTE is inviting students to think big about where their interests and talents could take them. Through the PCS Dream Big Career Quest, students can explore a month of interactive career activities including videos, career guessing games, skill match-ups and opportunities to reflect on their own futures, all with no login required. 🚀💼
The month will feature weekly themes, career spotlights ranging from healthcare and technology to creative and community-focused careers, a Career Development Spirit Week and the Fall Into Your Future Career Fair on November 20. Along the way, students can discover the skills behind different careers while beginning to make connections between what they enjoy today and the possibilities waiting for them tomorrow. 🎓🛠️💡 https://sites.google.com/pender.k12.nc.us/pcsctencdm26/home
It is National School Psychology Week! 🧠💙 Thank you to our school psychologists for supporting student success, mental health, problem-solving, and positive learning environments across PCS. Your work makes a meaningful difference. 👏
🍂 FALL INTO READING WITH PURPOSE! 📚
Middle and high school students: read 20 minutes a day, explore something you care about, and do something with what you read.
READ • WRITE • THINK • SPEAK.
Every reader helps PCS build momentum toward January!
#PCSReads #ReadsWithPurpose
🍂 ¡LEE CON PROPÓSITO ESTE OTOÑO! 📚
Estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria: lean 20 minutos al día, exploren un tema que les interese y hagan algo con lo que leen.
LEE • ESCRIBE • PIENSA • HABLA
¡Cada lector ayuda a PCS a seguir avanzando hacia enero!
#PCSLee #LeeConPropósito
Middle and high school students: read 20 minutes a day, explore something you care about, and do something with what you read.
READ • WRITE • THINK • SPEAK.
Every reader helps PCS build momentum toward January!
#PCSReads #ReadsWithPurpose
🍂 ¡LEE CON PROPÓSITO ESTE OTOÑO! 📚
Estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria: lean 20 minutos al día, exploren un tema que les interese y hagan algo con lo que leen.
LEE • ESCRIBE • PIENSA • HABLA
¡Cada lector ayuda a PCS a seguir avanzando hacia enero!
#PCSLee #LeeConPropósito
🍂 FALL INTO READING! 📚
November is the perfect time to grab a book, find a cozy spot, and READ!
Pender County Schools is challenging our 19 schools to reach our goals this month.
📖 Read anytime.
🏠 Read anywhere.
⏱️ Log your minutes.
🎉 Help us reach our goal!
19 schools. 20 Minutes A Day. One PCS reading community.
#FallIntoReading #PCSReads #EveryMinuteCounts
🍂 ¡SUMÉRGETE EN LA LECTURA ESTE OTOÑO! 📚
¡Noviembre es el momento perfecto para elegir un buen libro, encontrar un lugar cómodo y LEER!
Pender County Schools invita a nuestras 19 escuelas a ayudarnos a alcanzar nuestras metas de lectura este mes.
📖 Lee cuando quieras.
🏠 Lee donde quieras.
⏱️ Registra tus minutos de lectura.
🎉 ¡Ayúdanos a alcanzar nuestra meta!
19 escuelas. 20 minutos al día. Una comunidad de lectores en PCS.
#SumérgeteEnLaLectura #PCSLee #CadaMinutoCuenta
November is the perfect time to grab a book, find a cozy spot, and READ!
Pender County Schools is challenging our 19 schools to reach our goals this month.
📖 Read anytime.
🏠 Read anywhere.
⏱️ Log your minutes.
🎉 Help us reach our goal!
19 schools. 20 Minutes A Day. One PCS reading community.
#FallIntoReading #PCSReads #EveryMinuteCounts
🍂 ¡SUMÉRGETE EN LA LECTURA ESTE OTOÑO! 📚
¡Noviembre es el momento perfecto para elegir un buen libro, encontrar un lugar cómodo y LEER!
Pender County Schools invita a nuestras 19 escuelas a ayudarnos a alcanzar nuestras metas de lectura este mes.
📖 Lee cuando quieras.
🏠 Lee donde quieras.
⏱️ Registra tus minutos de lectura.
🎉 ¡Ayúdanos a alcanzar nuestra meta!
19 escuelas. 20 minutos al día. Una comunidad de lectores en PCS.
#SumérgeteEnLaLectura #PCSLee #CadaMinutoCuenta
November is Native American Heritage Month. This month, we recognize and honor the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American communities, including the lasting impact they continue to make across North Carolina and beyond. 📚
Happy Halloween! 🎃👻 We hope our students, families, and staff have a fun and safe day. Remember to watch for pedestrians, stay visible, and make smart choices while enjoying the festivities. 🍬✨
🎃 Family Engagement Fuels Early Learning at Surf City Preschool! Our Pumpkin Carving Event brought families and educators together for a meaningful experience that extended learning beyond the classroom. Through hands-on exploration, children strengthen fine motor skills, develop creativity, build vocabulary, and explore early science and math concepts. Experiences like these also reinforce the home-school partnership, which is essential to children's social-emotional development and long-term academic success. A special thank-you to our preschool families for making this our best Pumpkin Carving Event yet, and to Ms. Tammy Meadows and Ms. Vanessa Rebetti for helping make it a success! At Pender County Schools, we know that when families are engaged, learning grows! 🧡
🎃 A Story, a Shape, and a Little Creativity at Surf City Elementary School!
Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Salkill-Granillo's preschool class brought The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin to life through an engaging, hands-on learning experience! After reading the story, students explored geometric shapes, experimented with mixing colors to create orange frosting, and used graham crackers and frosting to create their own square pumpkins.
This literacy-inspired activity integrated early math, science, and fine motor development while encouraging creativity, exploration, and problem-solving. Through meaningful connections between stories and hands-on experiences, our youngest learners are building essential skills for future academic success! 📚🎃
Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Salkill-Granillo's preschool class brought The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin to life through an engaging, hands-on learning experience! After reading the story, students explored geometric shapes, experimented with mixing colors to create orange frosting, and used graham crackers and frosting to create their own square pumpkins.
This literacy-inspired activity integrated early math, science, and fine motor development while encouraging creativity, exploration, and problem-solving. Through meaningful connections between stories and hands-on experiences, our youngest learners are building essential skills for future academic success! 📚🎃
📚 Celebrating Literacy and Learning at RPES!
The Pender County Schools Preschool team and students at RPES took a moment to celebrate Character Book Day! Through stories, character exploration, and imaginative expression, our youngest learners strengthened their connections to literature while bringing their favorite book characters to life.
Experiences like these foster a love of reading, encourage creativity, build language and communication skills, and make learning meaningful and memorable. At Pender County Schools, we are laying the foundation for lifelong learning, one story at a time!
The Pender County Schools Preschool team and students at RPES took a moment to celebrate Character Book Day! Through stories, character exploration, and imaginative expression, our youngest learners strengthened their connections to literature while bringing their favorite book characters to life.
Experiences like these foster a love of reading, encourage creativity, build language and communication skills, and make learning meaningful and memorable. At Pender County Schools, we are laying the foundation for lifelong learning, one story at a time!
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Glenn Rogers, Director of Maintenance for Pender County Schools.
Glenn plays an important role in keeping our schools safe and operating each day, often working behind the scenes to address issues before they become bigger problems.
A recent example came during the 24-inch water main break along Highway 421, which affected water service and pressure at several schools on the west side of the county. While district leaders worked through decisions about school operations and transportation, Glenn coordinated with Pender County Utilities and Pender Emergency Services to prepare for the following school day.
He arranged for bottled water to be available at affected schools and organized maintenance staff to inspect plumbing fixtures before students and employees arrived.
Glenn is known for staying calm during challenging situations and focusing on what needs to be done. His coworkers appreciate his dependability, attention to detail, and willingness to work with others to find solutions.
💛💙 Thank you, Glenn, for your leadership and the work you do to keep our schools safe and ready for students and staff.
This week we’re recognizing Glenn Rogers, Director of Maintenance for Pender County Schools.
Glenn plays an important role in keeping our schools safe and operating each day, often working behind the scenes to address issues before they become bigger problems.
A recent example came during the 24-inch water main break along Highway 421, which affected water service and pressure at several schools on the west side of the county. While district leaders worked through decisions about school operations and transportation, Glenn coordinated with Pender County Utilities and Pender Emergency Services to prepare for the following school day.
He arranged for bottled water to be available at affected schools and organized maintenance staff to inspect plumbing fixtures before students and employees arrived.
Glenn is known for staying calm during challenging situations and focusing on what needs to be done. His coworkers appreciate his dependability, attention to detail, and willingness to work with others to find solutions.
💛💙 Thank you, Glenn, for your leadership and the work you do to keep our schools safe and ready for students and staff.
The Child Nutrition Staff has had a🎃 fab-BOO-lous 👻week serving up some scary good meals!
They have a few TRICKS up their sleeves to make sure Pender County students are offered delicious meals every day of the week. And it's always a TREAT for them to greet the students' smiling faces each day :)
Wishing everyone a spooktacular Halloween weekend!
🌟 PCS VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 🌟
This week's PCS Volunteer Spotlight recognizes Michelle Kosinski, whose dedication to supporting teachers and creating memorable experiences for students makes a difference in her school community! 💙💛
Michelle has been an active member of the PTA for the past three years, including two years serving as vice president. Throughout that time, she's made it a priority to show school staff just how much they're appreciated.
🥞 One of her special contributions is organizing a monthly breakfast for teachers and staff. Michelle doesn't just coordinate the meals — she personally delivers breakfast to classrooms, bringing a little extra encouragement and appreciation to educators as they start their day!
Her efforts go beyond supporting staff. Michelle also works to help ensure students have positive and memorable experiences throughout the school year.
Whether she's planning an event, supporting the PTA or finding another way to brighten someone's day, Michelle continues to give her time and energy to her school community.
👏 Thank you, Michelle, for your generosity, thoughtfulness and commitment to making our schools better places for students and staff!
This week's PCS Volunteer Spotlight recognizes Michelle Kosinski, whose dedication to supporting teachers and creating memorable experiences for students makes a difference in her school community! 💙💛
Michelle has been an active member of the PTA for the past three years, including two years serving as vice president. Throughout that time, she's made it a priority to show school staff just how much they're appreciated.
🥞 One of her special contributions is organizing a monthly breakfast for teachers and staff. Michelle doesn't just coordinate the meals — she personally delivers breakfast to classrooms, bringing a little extra encouragement and appreciation to educators as they start their day!
Her efforts go beyond supporting staff. Michelle also works to help ensure students have positive and memorable experiences throughout the school year.
Whether she's planning an event, supporting the PTA or finding another way to brighten someone's day, Michelle continues to give her time and energy to her school community.
👏 Thank you, Michelle, for your generosity, thoughtfulness and commitment to making our schools better places for students and staff!
🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | TOPSAIL ANNANDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
For Jessica Bellflower, principal of Topsail Annandale Elementary School, one of the best parts of elementary education is getting to watch just how much students grow over time.
From the first days of kindergarten through the end of fifth grade, she says the changes can be remarkable. Students enter as young five-year-olds and leave years later with new confidence, new skills and a whole lot of growth behind them. Being able to look back and see that progress is one of the things she values most about the job.
Ms. Bellflower also has a strong math side, she minored in math in college and says fourth- or fifth-grade math would be her classroom of choice if she were teaching today. And when it comes to trivia, she might surprise a few people: she’s especially good with music from the 1960s and 1970s, particularly classic rock. 🎶
She also has a couple of favorite school-lunch memories from her own elementary years: crispitos and Italian dunkers. 😋
Most of all, Ms. Bellflower wants families to feel two things when they walk into Topsail Annandale: joy, and the sense that they are loved and cared for. She wants the school to feel like a family and a place students genuinely want to be each day.
And while she is currently enjoying maternity leave with her new baby girl, she says she’s looking forward to being back in the nest soon. 💕
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Ms. Bellflower, for all you do for the Topsail Annandale Elementary School community! 💚🖤 - YouTube Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/UlCerWgTbMA
🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | CAPE FEAR MIDDLE SCHOOL
At Cape Fear Middle School, Principal Bobby Simmons has worked to build something bigger than a school, a place where students and staff feel like family.
That sense of belonging is an important part of the culture at CFMS, where Mr. Simmons has emphasized relationships while maintaining high expectations for students. The goal is for students to walk through the doors each day feeling safe, challenged and welcomed.
Those who know Mr. Simmons also know there’s plenty of personality behind the principal’s desk. He’s known for his sense of humor, for being willing to jump in wherever he’s needed and even for firing up the grill for his staff.
It’s all part of an approach to leadership built around people, supporting teachers, connecting with students and creating a school community where everyone feels they have a place.
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Mr. Simmons, for all you do for the Cape Fear Middle School family! 💙💛 YouTube Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/5_CT3XdgJYs
At Cape Fear Middle School, Principal Bobby Simmons has worked to build something bigger than a school, a place where students and staff feel like family.
That sense of belonging is an important part of the culture at CFMS, where Mr. Simmons has emphasized relationships while maintaining high expectations for students. The goal is for students to walk through the doors each day feeling safe, challenged and welcomed.
Those who know Mr. Simmons also know there’s plenty of personality behind the principal’s desk. He’s known for his sense of humor, for being willing to jump in wherever he’s needed and even for firing up the grill for his staff.
It’s all part of an approach to leadership built around people, supporting teachers, connecting with students and creating a school community where everyone feels they have a place.
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Mr. Simmons, for all you do for the Cape Fear Middle School family! 💙💛 YouTube Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/5_CT3XdgJYs
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Callie is a senior at Topsail High School, recognized for her leadership, academic success, and involvement in her school and community.
Callie works hard to maintain strong grades while balancing cheerleading, volunteering, and other activities. She takes her responsibilities seriously and makes time to give back to others. 📚📣
Recently, Callie returned to her former elementary school, North Topsail Elementary, to help welcome students during morning arrival. She enjoyed seeing the younger students and helping them start their school day. Callie is also looking forward to volunteering at the school's upcoming Fall Festival. Her willingness to stay involved shows her appreciation for the school where she began her education in Pender County.
Outside of school, Callie enjoys cheerleading 📣, reading 📚, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite food is Chipotle 🌯, and her favorite color is pink 💗. She also has a dog named Piper 🐶.
One fun fact—Callie loves going to concerts 🎶, and seeing Taylor Swift perform has been her most memorable concert experience!
💗 Thank you, Callie, for your hard work and for giving back to the Pender County Schools community!
Callie is a senior at Topsail High School, recognized for her leadership, academic success, and involvement in her school and community.
Callie works hard to maintain strong grades while balancing cheerleading, volunteering, and other activities. She takes her responsibilities seriously and makes time to give back to others. 📚📣
Recently, Callie returned to her former elementary school, North Topsail Elementary, to help welcome students during morning arrival. She enjoyed seeing the younger students and helping them start their school day. Callie is also looking forward to volunteering at the school's upcoming Fall Festival. Her willingness to stay involved shows her appreciation for the school where she began her education in Pender County.
Outside of school, Callie enjoys cheerleading 📣, reading 📚, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite food is Chipotle 🌯, and her favorite color is pink 💗. She also has a dog named Piper 🐶.
One fun fact—Callie loves going to concerts 🎶, and seeing Taylor Swift perform has been her most memorable concert experience!
💗 Thank you, Callie, for your hard work and for giving back to the Pender County Schools community!
Math and Science Exploration at Cape Fear Elementary School: Sink or Float
Mrs. Robertson and Ms. Henry’s preschool students engaged in a hands-on math and science activity exploring whether pumpkins sink or float. Students selected and measured their pumpkins, identified their physical characteristics, and made predictions before testing their hypotheses. This engaging activity promoted early mathematical thinking, observation, measurement, and scientific inquiry.
Fine Motor Development and Early Literacy
Mrs. Robertson and Ms. Henry’s preschool students participated in a fine motor activity that challenged them to match pictures with corresponding words and copy the words onto their papers. By incorporating varied writing surfaces, the activity strengthened fine motor coordination, supported early literacy development, and provided opportunities for students to practice foundational writing skills.