💙 Meet Stacey Curti, Lead School Psychologist for Pender County Schools! Stacey also supports students and staff districtwide as our EC Preschool and Crisis Prevention Instructor.
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! 💙
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! 💙
🌡️ Is your student feeling under the weather?
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.
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.
💙 Meet Kat Gallant, one of our school psychologists serving Malpass Corner Elementary, the Pre-K Westside team, and Heide Trask High School!
With 17 years as a school psychologist, including 12 right here in Pender County Schools, Kat brings deep experience and compassion to her work each day.
Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Kat says what she enjoys most about her job is that “no two days are ever alike.” Each day brings new opportunities to connect with students, collaborate with staff, and make a meaningful difference.
She wishes more people knew that school psychologists “are trained to not only think about what a child needs now, but to also look ahead so they can reach their potential through high school and beyond.”
Outside of school, Kat enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, and spending time in nature, and a fun fact: she once performed in musical theater in high school!
✨ “Compassionate, determined, and resilient” , that’s the heart of a school psychologist.
Thank you, Kat, for the care, creativity, and dedication you bring to your students and schools every single day! 💙
With 17 years as a school psychologist, including 12 right here in Pender County Schools, Kat brings deep experience and compassion to her work each day.
Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Kat says what she enjoys most about her job is that “no two days are ever alike.” Each day brings new opportunities to connect with students, collaborate with staff, and make a meaningful difference.
She wishes more people knew that school psychologists “are trained to not only think about what a child needs now, but to also look ahead so they can reach their potential through high school and beyond.”
Outside of school, Kat enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, and spending time in nature, and a fun fact: she once performed in musical theater in high school!
✨ “Compassionate, determined, and resilient” , that’s the heart of a school psychologist.
Thank you, Kat, for the care, creativity, and dedication you bring to your students and schools every single day! 💙
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Meet Amari, a standout student recognized for his bravery and leadership 🏅.
Amari showed incredible awareness and courage when he noticed a staff member in need of medical help. Without hesitation, he quickly found another adult, allowing the school nurse to respond and call for emergency services 🚑. His quick thinking and calm response made it possible for the staff member to get the care they needed right away, a true act of courage that made a real difference.
Amari’s actions remind everyone that leadership isn’t just about words, it’s about doing the right thing when it matters most 💛. His bravery and compassion set a powerful example for his classmates and the entire school community.
Outside of school, Amari enjoys playing sports ⚽🎮 and spending time with family. His favorite food is his mom’s fried chicken 🍗, and his favorite color is bright yellow 🌟. An interesting fact about Amari, he says, “I may look like a grown man, but I’m just a really nice kid.”
💛 Congratulations, Amari, for showing courage, leadership, and kindness—you’ve made your school proud!
Meet Amari, a standout student recognized for his bravery and leadership 🏅.
Amari showed incredible awareness and courage when he noticed a staff member in need of medical help. Without hesitation, he quickly found another adult, allowing the school nurse to respond and call for emergency services 🚑. His quick thinking and calm response made it possible for the staff member to get the care they needed right away, a true act of courage that made a real difference.
Amari’s actions remind everyone that leadership isn’t just about words, it’s about doing the right thing when it matters most 💛. His bravery and compassion set a powerful example for his classmates and the entire school community.
Outside of school, Amari enjoys playing sports ⚽🎮 and spending time with family. His favorite food is his mom’s fried chicken 🍗, and his favorite color is bright yellow 🌟. An interesting fact about Amari, he says, “I may look like a grown man, but I’m just a really nice kid.”
💛 Congratulations, Amari, for showing courage, leadership, and kindness—you’ve made your school proud!
🎓 Reminder: CFCC Fall 2025 Open House!
Ready to explore your path to success?
Join us at Cape Fear Community College’s Fall 2025 Open House!
📅 Date: November 6, 2025
🕓 Time: 4–6 PM
📍 Location: Wilmington Campus – Schwartz Center (610 N. Front St., Wilmington, NC)
Meet faculty and staff, explore programs, and see what CFCC has to offer!
✨ Don’t miss your chance to start your journey toward a great future.
👉 Sign up today: cfcc.edu/openhouse
📞 Questions? Contact us at 910-362-7000 or admissions@cfcc.edu
Ready to explore your path to success?
Join us at Cape Fear Community College’s Fall 2025 Open House!
📅 Date: November 6, 2025
🕓 Time: 4–6 PM
📍 Location: Wilmington Campus – Schwartz Center (610 N. Front St., Wilmington, NC)
Meet faculty and staff, explore programs, and see what CFCC has to offer!
✨ Don’t miss your chance to start your journey toward a great future.
👉 Sign up today: cfcc.edu/openhouse
📞 Questions? Contact us at 910-362-7000 or admissions@cfcc.edu
💙 Meet Tayla Wynne, one of our dedicated school psychologists serving C.F. Pope Elementary, Burgaw Middle, West Pender Middle, and Pender High!
Now in her fourth year as a full-time school psychologist, all with Pender County Schools ,Tayla is passionate about supporting students’ growth and success at every level.
Inspired by a family member to pursue school psychology, Tayla loves helping students from “a different angle other than teaching” and finds joy in watching their progress from elementary through high school.
She reminds us that school psychologists do so much more than testing, they build relationships, collaborate with families and staff, and work tirelessly to support each school community.
Originally from Williamston, NC, Tayla enjoys being active, reading, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. She also loves being creative, whether it’s a DIY project, scrapbooking, or painting!
✨ “A school psychologist is compassionate and cares about the success of all students.”
Thank you, Tayla, for your commitment, creativity, and care for the students and staff of Pender County Schools! 💙
Now in her fourth year as a full-time school psychologist, all with Pender County Schools ,Tayla is passionate about supporting students’ growth and success at every level.
Inspired by a family member to pursue school psychology, Tayla loves helping students from “a different angle other than teaching” and finds joy in watching their progress from elementary through high school.
She reminds us that school psychologists do so much more than testing, they build relationships, collaborate with families and staff, and work tirelessly to support each school community.
Originally from Williamston, NC, Tayla enjoys being active, reading, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. She also loves being creative, whether it’s a DIY project, scrapbooking, or painting!
✨ “A school psychologist is compassionate and cares about the success of all students.”
Thank you, Tayla, for your commitment, creativity, and care for the students and staff of Pender County Schools! 💙
🧠✨ Spotlight: Sophie Heckerman
“Many people don’t realize that school psychologists do much more than testing. We support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral well-being, collaborate with teachers and families to create positive learning environments, and help schools build systems that support all learners.”
Ms. Heckerman has been a school psychologist for 10 years (Four with PCS) and loves "the connections I get to make with students and staff".
We’re grateful for everything she does to support our students and staff! 💙
“Many people don’t realize that school psychologists do much more than testing. We support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral well-being, collaborate with teachers and families to create positive learning environments, and help schools build systems that support all learners.”
Ms. Heckerman has been a school psychologist for 10 years (Four with PCS) and loves "the connections I get to make with students and staff".
We’re grateful for everything she does to support our students and staff! 💙
🏫 There’s still time to share your voice!
Pender County Schools is collecting community feedback on mascots for our new J.H. Lea Elementary and J.H. Lea Middle Schools, opening in August 2027.
The survey closes November 12, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the spirit of our newest school communities!
📝 Take the short survey here: https://forms.gle/FeM9vs7T1c6KRZwt5
Thank you for helping make J.H. Lea Schools a true reflection of Pender County pride! 💙💛
Pender County Schools is collecting community feedback on mascots for our new J.H. Lea Elementary and J.H. Lea Middle Schools, opening in August 2027.
The survey closes November 12, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the spirit of our newest school communities!
📝 Take the short survey here: https://forms.gle/FeM9vs7T1c6KRZwt5
Thank you for helping make J.H. Lea Schools a true reflection of Pender County pride! 💙💛
💙 Meet Kristin Sutton, one of our dedicated school psychologists!
Ms. Sutton has been serving as a school psychologist for eight years, including four years in PCS.
She says her favorite part of the job is “I truly cherish and value the relationships that I have developed with so many different staff and students.”.
Outside of school, Ms. Sutton enjoys spending as much time as she can with her one-year-old son. She is also the captain of a pool team with the American Pool Players Association and she enjoys playing disc golf - a great reminder that balance and self-care matter for everyone!
Thank you, Ms. Sutton, for the compassion and positivity you bring to our students and staff every day! 🌟
Ms. Sutton has been serving as a school psychologist for eight years, including four years in PCS.
She says her favorite part of the job is “I truly cherish and value the relationships that I have developed with so many different staff and students.”.
Outside of school, Ms. Sutton enjoys spending as much time as she can with her one-year-old son. She is also the captain of a pool team with the American Pool Players Association and she enjoys playing disc golf - a great reminder that balance and self-care matter for everyone!
Thank you, Ms. Sutton, for the compassion and positivity you bring to our students and staff every day! 🌟
🧠✨ It’s National School Psychologist Week!
This week, we’re celebrating the incredible school psychologists across Pender County Schools who support students’ academic success, mental wellness, and emotional growth every day.
Join us as we spotlight each of our eight amazing professionals, sharing their stories, their inspiration, and their heart for helping students thrive. 💙 YOUTUBE - https://youtu.be/p1ACTJDzpxI
This week, we’re celebrating the incredible school psychologists across Pender County Schools who support students’ academic success, mental wellness, and emotional growth every day.
Join us as we spotlight each of our eight amazing professionals, sharing their stories, their inspiration, and their heart for helping students thrive. 💙 YOUTUBE - https://youtu.be/p1ACTJDzpxI
Meet Ms. Suzanne Buckley, a 7th and 8th grade teacher at Surf City Middle. With more than 20 years of teaching experience, Ms. Buckley is known for her caring nature and the positive impact she has on her students each day.
What stands out most about Ms. Buckley is how deeply she cares for her students. She takes time to make sure everyone feels supported and included, whether that means bringing in clothes for students who need them or finding creative ways to make lessons more engaging.
Her students know they can count on her for kindness and encouragement, and her colleagues appreciate the energy and care she brings to the classroom.
💙☀️ Thank you, Ms. Buckley, for the light you bring to Surf City Middle and for always putting students first.
What stands out most about Ms. Buckley is how deeply she cares for her students. She takes time to make sure everyone feels supported and included, whether that means bringing in clothes for students who need them or finding creative ways to make lessons more engaging.
Her students know they can count on her for kindness and encouragement, and her colleagues appreciate the energy and care she brings to the classroom.
💙☀️ Thank you, Ms. Buckley, for the light you bring to Surf City Middle and for always putting students first.
When asked what inspired her to become a school psychologist, Danielle Burnash said:
“The desire to help children struggling with mental health challenges. ”
That passion shines through in her work every day at North Topsail Elementary and Topsail High, where Ms. Burnash focuses on helping students grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
We’re grateful for everything she does to support our students and staff! 💙 THANK YOU!!
🎉 Celebrating 30 Years of Service! 🎉
A big THANK YOU to Tamela Rouse who celebrated her last day with Pender County Schools, wrapping up an incredible 30-year career serving our students and staff.
Tamela’s dedication, kindness, and commitment have nourished more than just meals, she’s helped build a caring community for generations of students. Her hard work and heart have made a lasting impact, and she will be deeply missed by everyone at PCS. 💙
Please join us in wishing Tamela a happy and well-deserved retirement! 🥳💐
A big THANK YOU to Tamela Rouse who celebrated her last day with Pender County Schools, wrapping up an incredible 30-year career serving our students and staff.
Tamela’s dedication, kindness, and commitment have nourished more than just meals, she’s helped build a caring community for generations of students. Her hard work and heart have made a lasting impact, and she will be deeply missed by everyone at PCS. 💙
Please join us in wishing Tamela a happy and well-deserved retirement! 🥳💐
💙 Happy School Psychologist Week! 💛
This week, we’re celebrating the dedicated folks who help students learn, grow, and thrive every day!
School psychologists play a vital role in supporting academic success, emotional well-being, and positive learning environments across Pender County Schools.
Join us in thanking our incredible team: Danielle Burnash, Jessica Campbell, Stacey Curti, Katherine Gallant, Sophie Heckerman, Kimberly Mann, Kristin Sutton, Tayla Wynne
Thank you for the care and expertise you bring to our schools and students every day! 💙💛
This week, we’re celebrating the dedicated folks who help students learn, grow, and thrive every day!
School psychologists play a vital role in supporting academic success, emotional well-being, and positive learning environments across Pender County Schools.
Join us in thanking our incredible team: Danielle Burnash, Jessica Campbell, Stacey Curti, Katherine Gallant, Sophie Heckerman, Kimberly Mann, Kristin Sutton, Tayla Wynne
Thank you for the care and expertise you bring to our schools and students every day! 💙💛
🥫 Let’s Fill the Bins and Fill Hearts! 💙
This November, Pender County Schools is collecting non-perishable food and snacks to support local organizations that care for our community.
🗓️ Donations accepted all month long
📍 Drop off at your school
✨ Requested items: cereal, canned tuna or chicken, peanut butter, condiments, and individually packaged snacks like granola bars, Pop-Tarts, tuna packets, and more.
Every little bit helps, and every donation stays right here in Pender County. 💛
Together, we can make a difference! #OnePender
This November, Pender County Schools is collecting non-perishable food and snacks to support local organizations that care for our community.
🗓️ Donations accepted all month long
📍 Drop off at your school
✨ Requested items: cereal, canned tuna or chicken, peanut butter, condiments, and individually packaged snacks like granola bars, Pop-Tarts, tuna packets, and more.
Every little bit helps, and every donation stays right here in Pender County. 💛
Together, we can make a difference! #OnePender
📚 The Million Minute Reading Challenge is underway — and every minute your family reads at home gets us closer to ONE MILLION!
Grab a book after dinner, read before bed, or on the way to school. Every page counts!
📚 ¡El Desafío de Un Millón de Minutos de Lectura ya comenzó, y cada minuto que su familia lea en casa nos acerca más a UN MILLÓN!
Coge un libro después de cenar, lee antes de dormir o de camino a la escuela. ¡Cada página cuenta!
Grab a book after dinner, read before bed, or on the way to school. Every page counts!
📚 ¡El Desafío de Un Millón de Minutos de Lectura ya comenzó, y cada minuto que su familia lea en casa nos acerca más a UN MILLÓN!
Coge un libro después de cenar, lee antes de dormir o de camino a la escuela. ¡Cada página cuenta!
Weekly PCS Newsletter (Halloween Edition) https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/UHhnsZRCqdtwc Have a great and safe weekend!
Parents Thanksgiving Lunch 🦃🍽️
Join your elementary and middle school students for a special Thanksgiving lunch in the cafeteria!
Parents are asked to register with their school in advance. Meals can be purchased at the ticketing table outside the cafeteria. Please bring exact change to help make the process quick and easy.
We look forward to sharing this special meal with you!
Join your elementary and middle school students for a special Thanksgiving lunch in the cafeteria!
Parents are asked to register with their school in advance. Meals can be purchased at the ticketing table outside the cafeteria. Please bring exact change to help make the process quick and easy.
We look forward to sharing this special meal with you!
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re celebrating Pat Stephens (Miss Patty), driver of Bus 289 at Topsail Annandale Elementary. For nearly two years, Miss Patty has been a familiar, caring face for students and families. Known for her positive attitude and genuine care, she ensures her riders are safe, supported, and always where they need to be. Parents and students alike are grateful for the consistency, kindness, and dedication she brings to her role every single day.
💛💙 Thank you, Miss Patty, for the joy and care you share with your students—you are an important part of the Topsail Annandale school community!
🎃🩺 ICU in the Future: Healthcare Awareness Day was spooktacular for our 6th graders today! 👻
From learning to stop the bleeding
💉 to mastering CPR and pulse sites ❤️🔥 — our future healthcare heroes got hands-on with some life-saving (and slightly frighteningly fun) skills! 🧛♀️💀 They even practiced donning PPE and perfecting the Heimlich maneuver — talk about scaring away emergencies! 😷🫀
Huge fangs 🧛♂️ to UNCSERVE, and our amazing Health Science students and teachers from HTHS and PHS for leading the frightfully fantastic day. 🧠✨
It was a boo-tiful blend of experience and exposure — because the future of healthcare in Pender County Schools is so bright, it’s scary! 🎃🩹🧡
#ICUIntheFuture #CTE #HealthcareHeroes #SpookyScience #PenderCTE #OnePender
