Pender County Schools Kindergarten Registration for 2026-27 is now Open.
Apply Now!
🎪✨ Kindergarten Registration & Preschool Information Night ✨🎪
Join us on March 11th from 4:30–7:00 p.m. at Heide Trask High School for a fun and informative evening for families with children ages 3–5!
🎠 This year’s theme is CARNIVAL, and we can’t wait to welcome you!
Come meet our PCS staff, connect with community partners, and enjoy:
🎈 Games & entertainment
🤝 Family resources
📚 Preschool & Kindergarten information
📝 Kindergarten Registration Support Available On-Site!
📌 Online registration opens February 2, 2026.
For more information, visit our website: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
We look forward to helping your family get ready for a great school year! 🎉
🎪✨ Registro de Kindergarten y Noche Informativa de Preescolar ✨🎪
Acompáñenos el 11 de marzo de 4:30 a 7:00 p.m. en Heide Trask High School para una tarde divertida e informativa para familias con niños de 3 a 5 años.
🎠 El tema de este año es CARNAVAL, ¡y estamos emocionados de darles la bienvenida!
Venga a conocer a nuestro personal de PCS, conectarse con socios comunitarios y disfrutar de:
🎈 Juegos y entretenimiento
🤝 Recursos para las familias
📚 Información sobre preescolar y kindergarten
📝 ¡Habrá apoyo disponible en el lugar para el registro de Kindergarten!
📌 El registro en línea abre el 2 de febrero de 2026.
Para más información, visite nuestro sitio web:
https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
¡Esperamos ayudar a su familia a prepararse para un excelente año escolar! 🎉
Join us on March 11th from 4:30–7:00 p.m. at Heide Trask High School for a fun and informative evening for families with children ages 3–5!
🎠 This year’s theme is CARNIVAL, and we can’t wait to welcome you!
Come meet our PCS staff, connect with community partners, and enjoy:
🎈 Games & entertainment
🤝 Family resources
📚 Preschool & Kindergarten information
📝 Kindergarten Registration Support Available On-Site!
📌 Online registration opens February 2, 2026.
For more information, visit our website: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
We look forward to helping your family get ready for a great school year! 🎉
🎪✨ Registro de Kindergarten y Noche Informativa de Preescolar ✨🎪
Acompáñenos el 11 de marzo de 4:30 a 7:00 p.m. en Heide Trask High School para una tarde divertida e informativa para familias con niños de 3 a 5 años.
🎠 El tema de este año es CARNAVAL, ¡y estamos emocionados de darles la bienvenida!
Venga a conocer a nuestro personal de PCS, conectarse con socios comunitarios y disfrutar de:
🎈 Juegos y entretenimiento
🤝 Recursos para las familias
📚 Información sobre preescolar y kindergarten
📝 ¡Habrá apoyo disponible en el lugar para el registro de Kindergarten!
📌 El registro en línea abre el 2 de febrero de 2026.
Para más información, visite nuestro sitio web:
https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
¡Esperamos ayudar a su familia a prepararse para un excelente año escolar! 🎉
Weekly PCS Newsletter - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/GpNR4zCAMf0BE Have a great weekend - stay warm!! ❄
Snow Day Fun! ❄️ Pender County Schools are closed on Monday, so let’s make the most of this winter wonderland! We want to see your best snow pictures—whether it’s building snowmen, sledding, or just enjoying the frosty views. Share your photos using #PCSSnow26, and we might feature our favorites! 📸☃️
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Tracy Townsend, Instructional Assistant at Penderlea School.
Ms. Townsend brings a steady level of care and commitment to her work each day. She supports students with patience and encouragement, and she works hard to build relationships that help students feel comfortable and confident in the classroom. She makes sure kids feel noticed and supported, and that matters.
Ms. Townsend is also a strong support for teachers. She steps in wherever help is needed and does it with a positive attitude. She brings creativity into the classroom and helps make learning more engaging for students. Her approach and mindset help set a good tone for the day and make the work feel more manageable for the people around her.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Townsend, for the care you show our students and the support you provide to the Penderlea School team.
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Tracy Townsend, Instructional Assistant at Penderlea School.
Ms. Townsend brings a steady level of care and commitment to her work each day. She supports students with patience and encouragement, and she works hard to build relationships that help students feel comfortable and confident in the classroom. She makes sure kids feel noticed and supported, and that matters.
Ms. Townsend is also a strong support for teachers. She steps in wherever help is needed and does it with a positive attitude. She brings creativity into the classroom and helps make learning more engaging for students. Her approach and mindset help set a good tone for the day and make the work feel more manageable for the people around her.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Townsend, for the care you show our students and the support you provide to the Penderlea School team.
🌟 Special Visit at South Topsail Elementary! 🌟
Today, South Topsail Elementary had the honor of welcoming 2025 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Rachel Candaso! 🍎✨
Pender County Schools was proud to host Ms. Candaso (Pitt County Schools) as she visited our campus and experienced the wonderful learning environment our students and staff create each day.
A special highlight of the day was having three outstanding students serve as her “chaperones,” giving her a guided tour and sharing all the great things happening around our school. 🏫💙
Thank you, Ms. Candaso, for inspiring educators and students across our state!
Today, South Topsail Elementary had the honor of welcoming 2025 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Rachel Candaso! 🍎✨
Pender County Schools was proud to host Ms. Candaso (Pitt County Schools) as she visited our campus and experienced the wonderful learning environment our students and staff create each day.
A special highlight of the day was having three outstanding students serve as her “chaperones,” giving her a guided tour and sharing all the great things happening around our school. 🏫💙
Thank you, Ms. Candaso, for inspiring educators and students across our state!
💙TEACHER TUESDAY🍎
Ms. Amanda Montaruli teaches Kindergarten at Surf City Elementary. This is her second year at SCE, and she also has teaching experience from Charleston, South Carolina. Staff describe her as someone who works hard, stays positive, and brings a steady, encouraging presence to the kindergarten team.
Ms. Montaruli is known for the way she connects with students and keeps her classroom welcoming. She supports children with patience and a kind approach, while still holding them to routines and expectations that help them grow.
Her coworkers also appreciate the support she gives the kindergarten team. She checks in often, helps others stay on track, and jumps in when something needs to be done. Several staff members shared that she responds quickly when someone has a question or needs help, no matter what time of day it is.
Thank you, Ms. Montaruli, for your positive attitude and the support you bring to students and staff at Surf City Elementary. 💛
Ms. Amanda Montaruli teaches Kindergarten at Surf City Elementary. This is her second year at SCE, and she also has teaching experience from Charleston, South Carolina. Staff describe her as someone who works hard, stays positive, and brings a steady, encouraging presence to the kindergarten team.
Ms. Montaruli is known for the way she connects with students and keeps her classroom welcoming. She supports children with patience and a kind approach, while still holding them to routines and expectations that help them grow.
Her coworkers also appreciate the support she gives the kindergarten team. She checks in often, helps others stay on track, and jumps in when something needs to be done. Several staff members shared that she responds quickly when someone has a question or needs help, no matter what time of day it is.
Thank you, Ms. Montaruli, for your positive attitude and the support you bring to students and staff at Surf City Elementary. 💛
The Pender County Health Department is monitoring an increase in measles cases across North Carolina and nearby states. There are currently no confirmed cases in Pender County.
Measles is very contagious, but it is preventable with vaccination.
If you think you or a family member may have measles symptoms, do not walk into a clinic — call first.
📞 (910) 259-1230
🔗 pendercountync.gov/196/Health-Department
El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Pender está monitoreando un aumento de casos de sarampión en Carolina del Norte y estados cercanos. Actualmente no hay casos confirmados en el condado de Pender.
El sarampión es muy contagioso, pero se puede prevenir con la vacuna.
Si cree que usted o un familiar tiene síntomas, no ingrese a la clínica — llame primero.
📞 (910) 259-1230
🔗 pendercountync.gov/196/Departamento-de-Salud
Measles is very contagious, but it is preventable with vaccination.
If you think you or a family member may have measles symptoms, do not walk into a clinic — call first.
📞 (910) 259-1230
🔗 pendercountync.gov/196/Health-Department
El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Pender está monitoreando un aumento de casos de sarampión en Carolina del Norte y estados cercanos. Actualmente no hay casos confirmados en el condado de Pender.
El sarampión es muy contagioso, pero se puede prevenir con la vacuna.
Si cree que usted o un familiar tiene síntomas, no ingrese a la clínica — llame primero.
📞 (910) 259-1230
🔗 pendercountync.gov/196/Departamento-de-Salud
Weekly PCS Newsletter - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/0YpsgLatBfXw3 Have a great, warm, and safe weekend!!
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Audra Williams, EC Specialist with our Exceptional Children (EC) Department.
Audra is a steady and supportive presence on the team. She brings a positive attitude to her work, treats others with kindness, and is always willing to step in when someone needs help. Her reliability and encouragement are noticed and appreciated by the people she works with.
Audra also helps create a work environment where teamwork matters. She shares what she knows, supports her colleagues, and stays approachable and professional in day-to-day situations. That kind of consistency helps strengthen communication and keeps the team moving forward.
💛💙 Thank you, Audra, for the support you provide and the role you play in helping our EC team work well together.
This week we’re recognizing Audra Williams, EC Specialist with our Exceptional Children (EC) Department.
Audra is a steady and supportive presence on the team. She brings a positive attitude to her work, treats others with kindness, and is always willing to step in when someone needs help. Her reliability and encouragement are noticed and appreciated by the people she works with.
Audra also helps create a work environment where teamwork matters. She shares what she knows, supports her colleagues, and stays approachable and professional in day-to-day situations. That kind of consistency helps strengthen communication and keeps the team moving forward.
💛💙 Thank you, Audra, for the support you provide and the role you play in helping our EC team work well together.
Eighth graders at Penderlea have completed their high school plans as part of the North Carolina Career Development Plan legislation. Pender High School's career development coordinator, Ms. Stokes, along with Ms. Thompson from Penderlea Leadership , collaborated with Michele Simmons PCS CTE middle school career development coordinator and other Penderlea staff to facilitate this activity for students.
During the session, students reviewed high school elective and core course options to create a targeted plan ahead of their ninth-grade registration, which will take place in February. They have stored their plans in a Google Classroom for high school that will be accessible to them as they advance. Be sure to ask them to show you their plan!
📣 8th Grade Families — Don’t Miss This Deadline!
Pender County 8th graders interested in Pender Early College are encouraged to apply.
📅 Applications are due Tuesday, January 28.
Pender Early College offers students the opportunity to earn college credit while completing high school in a supportive, small-school environment. If your student is motivated and ready for a challenge, this may be a great fit.
Pender County 8th graders interested in Pender Early College are encouraged to apply.
📅 Applications are due Tuesday, January 28.
Pender Early College offers students the opportunity to earn college credit while completing high school in a supportive, small-school environment. If your student is motivated and ready for a challenge, this may be a great fit.
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Lily is an 8th grader at West Pender Middle School, recognized for academic excellence.
Lily works hard in class and consistently earns strong grades. Her nominator shared that she sets a high goal for herself and strives to keep all A’s as she prepares for high school and plans ahead for college. She has made the A Honor Roll throughout middle school and hopes to continue that success. She is also interested in possibly applying to Early College in the future.
Along with her academics, Lily is a thoughtful friend to the people around her. She is kind to her peers and is willing to help others when they need support.
Outside of school, Lily enjoys building LEGO flowers and book nooks, making collages, and collecting trinket boxes. Her favorite food is Chinese, and her favorite color is green. She has a dog named Luna, along with quite a few cats at home. One fun fact—Lily doesn’t like taking pictures, but her family says she’s very photogenic.
💚 Thank you, Lily, for your hard work and positive attitude at West Pender Middle School.
Lily is an 8th grader at West Pender Middle School, recognized for academic excellence.
Lily works hard in class and consistently earns strong grades. Her nominator shared that she sets a high goal for herself and strives to keep all A’s as she prepares for high school and plans ahead for college. She has made the A Honor Roll throughout middle school and hopes to continue that success. She is also interested in possibly applying to Early College in the future.
Along with her academics, Lily is a thoughtful friend to the people around her. She is kind to her peers and is willing to help others when they need support.
Outside of school, Lily enjoys building LEGO flowers and book nooks, making collages, and collecting trinket boxes. Her favorite food is Chinese, and her favorite color is green. She has a dog named Luna, along with quite a few cats at home. One fun fact—Lily doesn’t like taking pictures, but her family says she’s very photogenic.
💚 Thank you, Lily, for your hard work and positive attitude at West Pender Middle School.
💙TEACHER TUESDAY📚
Ms. Bailey Umbaugh is an ML (Multilingual Learner) teacher who supports students and staff across STE, TAE, NTE, TMS, and THS. She is in her 9th year of teaching and is a consistent support for ML students and families throughout the district.
Ms. Umbaugh builds strong relationships with students and families so they feel comfortable reaching out when they need help. She also serves as a resource for teachers and administrators in multiple buildings, helping staff think through how to best support students and respond when needs come up.
What stands out most about Ms. Umbaugh is her flexibility. With a schedule that spans five schools, she adjusts quickly and stays focused on what students need. During annual testing, staff in each building appreciate having her there to help things run smoothly.
Ms. Umbaugh is also known for being willing to step in wherever she’s needed and for keeping a positive attitude while doing it. Her sense of humor and steady presence help students, families, and staff feel supported.
Thank you, Ms. Umbaugh, for the work you do each day to support our ML students and school teams. 💛
Ms. Bailey Umbaugh is an ML (Multilingual Learner) teacher who supports students and staff across STE, TAE, NTE, TMS, and THS. She is in her 9th year of teaching and is a consistent support for ML students and families throughout the district.
Ms. Umbaugh builds strong relationships with students and families so they feel comfortable reaching out when they need help. She also serves as a resource for teachers and administrators in multiple buildings, helping staff think through how to best support students and respond when needs come up.
What stands out most about Ms. Umbaugh is her flexibility. With a schedule that spans five schools, she adjusts quickly and stays focused on what students need. During annual testing, staff in each building appreciate having her there to help things run smoothly.
Ms. Umbaugh is also known for being willing to step in wherever she’s needed and for keeping a positive attitude while doing it. Her sense of humor and steady presence help students, families, and staff feel supported.
Thank you, Ms. Umbaugh, for the work you do each day to support our ML students and school teams. 💛
🎒✨ Pender County Schools Preschool Applications Are Open! ✨🎒
If you live in Pender County and your child will be 3 or 4 years old by August 31, 2026, they may be eligible for FREE, full-day preschool through Pender County Schools.
✔️ State-licensed teachers
✔️ Fun learning and social activities
✔️ Open to all developmental levels
📲 Apply online by scanning the QR code or visiting:
👉 https://bit.ly/preschool-application
📞 Questions? Call 910-259-7603
🎒✨ ¡Las solicitudes para Preescolar de Pender County Schools abren el 5 de enero de 2026! ✨🎒
Si vive en el condado de Pender y su hijo cumplirá 3 o 4 años antes del 31 de agosto de 2026, podría ser elegible para preescolar GRATUITO de día completo a través de Pender County Schools.
✔️ Maestros con licencia estatal
✔️ Actividades divertidas de aprendizaje y socialización
✔️ Abierto a todos los niveles de desarrollo
📲 Solicite en línea a partir del 5 de enero de 2026 escaneando el código QR o visitando:
👉 https://bit.ly/preschool-application
📞 ¿Preguntas? Llame al 910-259-7603
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Coach Ingar Sidbury, Parking Attendant and Girls Basketball Coach at Topsail High School.
Coach Sidbury is someone who is always looking for ways to support the school and improve things for students and staff. No matter what needs to be done, big or small, he’s willing to step in and help make sure it gets handled.
As a coach, he puts students first. He works hard to develop strong athletes, but even more than that, he focuses on helping student-athletes grow into responsible, respectful young adults.
Coach Sidbury often talks about doing what’s best for “the good of the whole,” and he lives that out through the way he approaches his work and supports others. His steady leadership and willingness to sacrifice for the team and the school make a difference at Topsail High every day.
💛💙 Thank you, Coach Sidbury, for everything you do for Topsail High School and for the students you support.
This week we’re recognizing Coach Ingar Sidbury, Parking Attendant and Girls Basketball Coach at Topsail High School.
Coach Sidbury is someone who is always looking for ways to support the school and improve things for students and staff. No matter what needs to be done, big or small, he’s willing to step in and help make sure it gets handled.
As a coach, he puts students first. He works hard to develop strong athletes, but even more than that, he focuses on helping student-athletes grow into responsible, respectful young adults.
Coach Sidbury often talks about doing what’s best for “the good of the whole,” and he lives that out through the way he approaches his work and supports others. His steady leadership and willingness to sacrifice for the team and the school make a difference at Topsail High every day.
💛💙 Thank you, Coach Sidbury, for everything you do for Topsail High School and for the students you support.
Spark After Dark Lit Up The Night
SparkLab members from Heide Trask and SEA Tech High Schools joined together for a night of light photography. A great time was had by all. We are looking forward to meeting again in April.
#SparkNC #Collaborating SparkLabs #SparkAfterDark
SparkLab members from Heide Trask and SEA Tech High Schools joined together for a night of light photography. A great time was had by all. We are looking forward to meeting again in April.
#SparkNC #Collaborating SparkLabs #SparkAfterDark
🌶️Spicy Chicken & Street Corn Mac & Cheese🌶️
Our monthly Limited Time Offer is coming up! Visit your Middle & High School cafeterias next week and warm up with this hearty meal.
Our monthly Limited Time Offer is coming up! Visit your Middle & High School cafeterias next week and warm up with this hearty meal.
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Atiana is a 12th grader at Pender High School. She was nominated for showing kindness and compassion toward others, both in and out of school.
Her nominator shared that Atiana is the same person no matter where she is—she treats people with empathy, even those she doesn’t know. She is respectful in class and carries that same mindset into the community. Students and staff say she has a positive presence and a smile that makes people feel comfortable.
At school, Atiana’s attitude helps create a friendly and supportive environment for her peers.
Outside of school, she enjoys drawing and working. Her favorite food is spinach dip, and her favorite color is teal. She has a dog, and one interesting fact about her is that she has birthmarks on her tongue.
💙 Thank you, Atiana, for the kindness you show at Pender High School.
Atiana is a 12th grader at Pender High School. She was nominated for showing kindness and compassion toward others, both in and out of school.
Her nominator shared that Atiana is the same person no matter where she is—she treats people with empathy, even those she doesn’t know. She is respectful in class and carries that same mindset into the community. Students and staff say she has a positive presence and a smile that makes people feel comfortable.
At school, Atiana’s attitude helps create a friendly and supportive environment for her peers.
Outside of school, she enjoys drawing and working. Her favorite food is spinach dip, and her favorite color is teal. She has a dog, and one interesting fact about her is that she has birthmarks on her tongue.
💙 Thank you, Atiana, for the kindness you show at Pender High School.
