🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Mrs. Nakesha Oliver, Receptionist at Surf City Elementary School.
Mrs. Oliver keeps the front office running each day. She manages the door, answers phones, greets visitors, and helps students—all while keeping things organized and moving. She handles a lot at once and does it in a calm, steady way.
She also looks for ways to improve how things are done. If there’s a task that needs attention or a process that can be better organized, she takes care of it. She supports staff, helps with paperwork, and makes sure people get what they need.
Mrs. Oliver is dependable and always willing to step in where she’s needed. Her work helps the school stay on track throughout the day.
💛💙 Thank you, Mrs. Oliver, for the support you provide to Surf City Elementary each day.


Pender County Schools preschool applications are still open 📅
If your child will be 3 or 4 years old by August 31, 2026 and you live in Pender County, we encourage you to apply.
Families love our preschool program because it offers:
⭐ Free, full-day learning
⭐ State licensed teachers
⭐ Support for all developmental levels
⭐ Fun opportunities to learn, play, and grow
Please share this post with friends, neighbors, and families in our community 💙💛
Scan the QR code in the graphic for more information and application details.
Questions? Call 910-259-7603 ☎️
🎒✨ Familias del condado de Pender, ¡todavía hay tiempo para solicitar ingreso al preescolar! ✨🎒
Las solicitudes para el programa preescolar de Pender County Schools siguen abiertas 📅
Si su hijo o hija tendrá 3 o 4 años para el 31 de agosto de 2026 y vive en el condado de Pender, le invitamos a presentar su solicitud.
A las familias les encanta nuestro programa preescolar porque ofrece:
⭐ Aprendizaje gratuito y de día completo
⭐ Maestros con licencia estatal
⭐ Apoyo para todos los niveles de desarrollo
⭐ Oportunidades divertidas para aprender, jugar y crecer
Por favor, comparta esta publicación con amigos, vecinos y familias de nuestra comunidad 💙💛
Escanee el código QR en la imagen para obtener más información y detalles sobre la solicitud.
¿Preguntas? Llame al 910-259-7603 ☎️


The final AP Academy of the year is in the books!. It was great to gather with those who were able to attend and celebrate a year of learning, growth, and leadership. 📚✨
Throughout the year, these leaders have worked hard to deepen their understanding of the NC Standards for School Executives and strengthen the skills they use to support students and staff across our schools. 🍎🏫
We are grateful for their dedication and the impact they make every day! 💙

Lilly is a 10th grader at Pender Early College High School (PECHS), recognized for academic excellence.
Lilly has had a strong start in her classes this year. She completes her work carefully and stays focused on her assignments. Her teacher shared that she also helps classmates when needed and takes an active role during group work.
Even though she is more quiet, Lilly leads by example. Her consistency and effort have made a positive impact in her English class and have not gone unnoticed.
Outside of school, Lilly enjoys drawing 🎨, ice skating ⛸️, and ballet 🩰. Her favorite food is spaghetti 🍝, and her favorite color is blue 💙. She has two cats, Gary and Leo 🐱, and a dog named Leila 🐶. One interesting fact—Lilly plays the flute 🎶.
💙 Thank you, Lilly, for your hard work and example at PECHS.


Today, Pender County Schools proudly celebrates the incredible administrative professionals who keep our schools and offices running smoothly every single day. ♥ From warm welcomes to behind-the-scenes coordination—you are the heart of our school communities.
Thank you for your organization, dedication, and tireless support. We appreciate you more than words can say! 🙌🌷

Ms. Brandi Stettler serves students at SCMS and is known for her steady support and commitment to helping students succeed both in school and beyond. Staff and families describe her as someone who takes time to build real connections and supports students through a wide range of needs.
What stands out most about Ms. Stettler is her genuine care for students and families. She focuses on relationships and works to make sure students feel supported, especially during challenging situations.
One recent example shared in her nomination involved a meeting with grandparents who had just taken custody of a student. They arrived feeling overwhelmed and unsure. During the meeting, Ms. Stettler recognized them from more than 20 years ago. That connection immediately changed the tone of the conversation. What could have been a stressful meeting became more comfortable and supportive. The grandparents left feeling more at ease and better prepared to move forward.
Moments like this reflect the importance of relationships in schools and the role staff play in supporting families during difficult times.
Thank you, Ms. Stettler, for the care and support you provide to students and families at SCMS. 💛✅

We are proud to celebrate 37 of our 8th-grade students who have earned their certification in EverFi’s Venture: Entrepreneurship Edition!
Through this hands-on financial education experience, students took on the challenge of launching their very own food truck business. From building a balanced budget to making strategic business decisions and delivering a polished pitch, they stepped into the role of real-world entrepreneurs.
This course brings learning to life through interactive simulations and real-world case studies—equipping our students with the skills to think critically, act financially responsible, and lead with innovation.
This is what it looks like when we prepare students to be Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed—and ready to LEVEL UP in business and in life.
Let’s celebrate these future business leaders!


This week we’re recognizing Ms. Crystal Milam, 1st Grade Instructional Assistant at Rocky Point Elementary School.
Ms. Milam is someone you can always count on to step in and help. She supports her classroom each day, but her impact goes beyond that. She has helped with school events like Hispanic Heritage Night and often volunteers to assist with decorating for concerts and performances.
In the classroom, she is patient and attentive, especially with students who need extra support. She doesn’t wait to be asked—she notices what needs to be done and takes care of it. Whether it’s helping a student during a lesson or stepping in during a special area class, she stays engaged and focused on student needs.
Ms. Milam also brings a positive attitude to the school each day. She is approachable, encouraging, and always willing to support her coworkers.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Milam, for the support you provide to students, staff, and the Rocky Point Elementary community.

PATH (Pender Alliance for Total Health) is proud to support this amazing event and our mission to provide primary and mental health care to students across Pender County Schools.
✨ Every donation makes a difference in the life of a child.
✨ Every step helps support healthier futures.
🎯 Goal: $2,000
We would love your support. Whether you run, walk, or donate!
Here is the link to register or donate! We hope to see you there.⤵️
https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Burgaw/NCBlueberryFestival5K
Nachos and fixins are available daily at Pender County High Schools 😎

New French course offerings are coming this summer and fall.
This summer, CFCC will offer French 1 and French 2 online. In the fall, students can take French 1 and French 2 in person or online, and French 3 will be offered online.
Registration opens:
📅 April 6 for current students
📅 April 13 for new students
Discover your next French course with CFCC this year.

UNCW’s Junior Seahawk Academy is back for Summer 2026 with hands-on experiences in STEM, healthcare, and teacher education. Students will explore real-world learning through live demonstrations and interactive activities.
📅 Session 1: June 29–July 2
📅 Session 2: July 7–10
🕣 Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Sayed Hall
💻 Zoom options available
💲 Cost: $25
High school students can also get involved as Junior Mentors and gain valuable leadership experience.
Apply today and learn more: uncw.edu/ed/jrseahawk


Preschool applications for Pender County Schools remain open! 📅
If you live in Pender County and your child will be 3 or 4 years old by August 31, 2026, your family may be eligible to apply for our preschool program 🎒✨
Our preschool program offers:
⭐ Free, full-day, high-quality instruction
⭐ State licensed teachers
⭐ Support for all developmental levels
⭐ Fun activities and socialization
Please help us spread the word to families in our community 🤝
Scan the QR code in the graphic for more information and application details.
Questions? Call 910-259-7603 ☎️
💙💛 Recordatorio amistoso para las familias del condado de Pender. 💛💙
¡Las solicitudes para el programa preescolar de Pender County Schools continúan abiertas! 📅
Si vive en el condado de Pender y su hijo o hija tendrá 3 o 4 años para el 31 de agosto de 2026, su familia podría ser elegible para solicitar ingreso a nuestro programa preescolar 🎒✨
Nuestro programa preescolar ofrece:
⭐ Instrucción gratuita, de día completo y de alta calidad
⭐ Maestros con licencia estatal
⭐ Apoyo para todos los niveles de desarrollo
⭐ Actividades divertidas y socialización
Por favor, ayúdenos a compartir esta información con las familias de nuestra comunidad 🤝
Escanee el código QR en la imagen para obtener más información y detalles sobre la solicitud.
¿Preguntas? Llame al 910-259-7603 ☎️


Jane is a 1st grader at Surf City Elementary, recognized for leadership and academic success.
Jane is a dependable student who takes her work seriously and does her best each day. She is also quick to help others, whether it’s a classmate or her teacher. Her willingness to step in and support those around her makes a difference in the classroom.
Jane’s actions help create a positive learning environment where students work together and support one another.
Outside of school, Jane enjoys surfing 🌊, basketball 🏀, gymnastics 🤸♀️, and spending time with her sister and friends. Her favorite food is cake 🎂, and her favorite colors are pink and rainbow 💗🌈. She has a dog named Mac 🐶.
One fun fact—Jane has swum with a dolphin 🐬 and can do a handstand.
💗 Thank you, Jane, for the effort and kindness you show at Surf City Elementary.

Pender County student-athletes, mark your calendars! 🗓️ Our partners at EmergeOrtho are providing FREE sports physicals to help you get ready for the upcoming seasons.
📍 May 4 – Trask High School
📍 May 6 – Topsail High School
Athletes may attend either date to receive a physical. Physicals will be valid for 395 days, covering athletes through the next school year.
Physical Form Link
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay healthy, eligible, and ready to compete! 💪🏽🏆
🏀🏈⚽ ¡EXÁMENES FÍSICOS DEPORTIVOS GRATIS PARA LOS ATLETAS DE PCS! ⚾🎾🏐
¡Atletas de Pender County, marquen sus calendarios! 🗓️ Nuestros socios de EmergeOrtho ofrecerán exámenes físicos deportivos GRATIS para ayudarles a prepararse para las próximas temporadas.
📍 4 de mayo – Trask High School
📍 6 de mayo – Topsail High School
Los atletas pueden asistir a cualquiera de las dos fechas para hacerse su examen físico. Los exámenes serán válidos por 395 días, cubriéndolos durante el próximo año escolar.
Enlace al formulario físico
¡No pierdan esta oportunidad de mantenerse saludables y listos para competir!


