⏳ Don’t Forget!
The Student Ridership Survey for 2026–27 will remain open through the end of this school year.
Every family should:
✔ Return the transportation letter (if no changes are needed)
OR
✔ Submit updates using the online survey
📍 Complete the survey here: https://forms.gle/Hpe3gS6GzEzTqAzG9
We appreciate your partnership!
⏳ ¡No lo olvide!
La Encuesta de Transporte Estudiantil para 2026–27 estará disponible hasta el final de este año escolar.
Cada familia debe:
✔ Devolver la carta de transporte (si no hay cambios)
O
✔ Enviar actualizaciones mediante la encuesta en línea
📍 Complete la encuesta aquí: https://forms.gle/Hpe3gS6GzEzTqAzG9
¡Agradecemos su colaboración!
The Student Ridership Survey for 2026–27 will remain open through the end of this school year.
Every family should:
✔ Return the transportation letter (if no changes are needed)
OR
✔ Submit updates using the online survey
📍 Complete the survey here: https://forms.gle/Hpe3gS6GzEzTqAzG9
We appreciate your partnership!
⏳ ¡No lo olvide!
La Encuesta de Transporte Estudiantil para 2026–27 estará disponible hasta el final de este año escolar.
Cada familia debe:
✔ Devolver la carta de transporte (si no hay cambios)
O
✔ Enviar actualizaciones mediante la encuesta en línea
📍 Complete la encuesta aquí: https://forms.gle/Hpe3gS6GzEzTqAzG9
¡Agradecemos su colaboración!
Teacher Tuesday: Mr. Kevin McSwain — Heide Trask High School
Mr. Kevin McSwain is an EC teacher at HTHS and is in his second year of teaching. Staff shared that he is consistently available when students need support and does a strong job connecting with both students and families.
What stands out most about Mr. McSwain is the relationships he builds. He takes time to earn trust and helps students feel comfortable asking for help. He also communicates well with families and works with them as partners.
One example shared in his nomination involved students who have struggled to connect with some adults at school. Mr. McSwain has been able to build trusting relationships with those students and support them through learning challenges as well as personal difficulties they may be facing.
Thank you, Mr. McSwain, for the steady support you provide to students and families at HTHS. 💛
Mr. Kevin McSwain is an EC teacher at HTHS and is in his second year of teaching. Staff shared that he is consistently available when students need support and does a strong job connecting with both students and families.
What stands out most about Mr. McSwain is the relationships he builds. He takes time to earn trust and helps students feel comfortable asking for help. He also communicates well with families and works with them as partners.
One example shared in his nomination involved students who have struggled to connect with some adults at school. Mr. McSwain has been able to build trusting relationships with those students and support them through learning challenges as well as personal difficulties they may be facing.
Thank you, Mr. McSwain, for the steady support you provide to students and families at HTHS. 💛
👏 Congratulations to our PCS band students and directors on a strong showing at Music Performance Adjudication this year.
Five PCS schools with band programs participated in MPA, and the results reflect a lot of time, practice, and commitment from both students and staff.
🎶 Cape Fear Middle School Band — first time attending in 7 years
🎶 Topsail Middle School Band — Excellent
🎶 Surf City Middle School Band — Excellent
🎶 Heide Trask High School Symphonic Band — Superior
🎶 Topsail High School Symphonic Band — Superior
🎶 Topsail High School Wind Ensemble — Superior
For those unfamiliar with MPA, the ratings are given to the performing group and are similar to academic scoring:
⭐ Superior = A / 5
⭐ Excellent = B / 4
⭐ Average = C / 3
Thank you to our band directors for the work they are doing each day to support students and grow music programs across PCS. 🎺🥁🎼
Five PCS schools with band programs participated in MPA, and the results reflect a lot of time, practice, and commitment from both students and staff.
🎶 Cape Fear Middle School Band — first time attending in 7 years
🎶 Topsail Middle School Band — Excellent
🎶 Surf City Middle School Band — Excellent
🎶 Heide Trask High School Symphonic Band — Superior
🎶 Topsail High School Symphonic Band — Superior
🎶 Topsail High School Wind Ensemble — Superior
For those unfamiliar with MPA, the ratings are given to the performing group and are similar to academic scoring:
⭐ Superior = A / 5
⭐ Excellent = B / 4
⭐ Average = C / 3
Thank you to our band directors for the work they are doing each day to support students and grow music programs across PCS. 🎺🥁🎼
A big congratulations to the students from Cape Fear Middle, Surf City Middle, Heide Trask High, Pender High, and Topsail High who participated in Honor Band at UNC Pembroke this past weekend.
Students from across the state performed on Saturday at the Givens Performing Arts Center after spending just one day working with guest clinicians to prepare the concert. That is no small task, and our students did an outstanding job. We are proud to see them recognized for their talent and commitment.
Transportation App Update
Please be aware that information in the Here Comes the Bus app may be inaccurate at this time. We are actively working with the company to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, and we are sorry for any confusion this may cause.
If you have any questions about your child’s transportation, please contact your child’s school directly. We also encourage families to follow their school’s social media pages and download the Pender County Schools app for the latest transportation updates from their child’s school.
🌶️🔥 Sweet meets HEAT! 🔥🌶️
Topsail Middle School served up the Sweet Heat Chorizo Empanada. A cinnamon, sugar & cayenne biscuit stuffed with spicy turkey chorizo and finished with lime crema.
Topsail Middle School served up the Sweet Heat Chorizo Empanada. A cinnamon, sugar & cayenne biscuit stuffed with spicy turkey chorizo and finished with lime crema.
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Melinda Johnson, Data Manager at Burgaw Middle School.
When a staff member was out for an extended period of time, Ms. Johnson stepped in to help support the school team. She took on additional responsibilities outside of her regular duties and handled them without complaint.
Her flexibility and willingness to help ensured that important tasks continued to move forward and that staff and students were supported during that time.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Johnson, for your teamwork and for stepping up when your school needed you.
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Melinda Johnson, Data Manager at Burgaw Middle School.
When a staff member was out for an extended period of time, Ms. Johnson stepped in to help support the school team. She took on additional responsibilities outside of her regular duties and handled them without complaint.
Her flexibility and willingness to help ensured that important tasks continued to move forward and that staff and students were supported during that time.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Johnson, for your teamwork and for stepping up when your school needed you.
🏀 March Madness has arrived at your cafeteria!
Buzzer Beater Basket
Boneless wings, crispy fries, and a fresh biscuit... A winning lineup!
Always served with fresh fruits and vegetables to keep your game strong.
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Stevie is an 11th grader at Heide Trask High School, nominated for her leadership skills.
Stevie is known for stepping up when help is needed. She served as one of the student speakers at the 2025–26 Convocation, representing her school in front of staff and district leaders. She also volunteers her time tutoring students in Math II and Math III at Pender Innovative Learning Academy.
Staff members share that Stevie leads by example. She maintains a positive attitude, works hard in her classes, and encourages others to keep going even when schoolwork becomes challenging. Her willingness to support other students shows how academic growth can open the door to helping others succeed.
Outside of school, Stevie enjoys dance 💃 and sports 🏀. Her favorite food is ice cream 🍨, and her favorite colors are purple and red 💜❤️. She has two dogs, Vera and Floyd 🐶. One interesting fact—her mom is the principal at Pender Innovative Learning Academy.
💜 Thank you, Stevie, for the leadership you show at Heide Trask High School.
Stevie is an 11th grader at Heide Trask High School, nominated for her leadership skills.
Stevie is known for stepping up when help is needed. She served as one of the student speakers at the 2025–26 Convocation, representing her school in front of staff and district leaders. She also volunteers her time tutoring students in Math II and Math III at Pender Innovative Learning Academy.
Staff members share that Stevie leads by example. She maintains a positive attitude, works hard in her classes, and encourages others to keep going even when schoolwork becomes challenging. Her willingness to support other students shows how academic growth can open the door to helping others succeed.
Outside of school, Stevie enjoys dance 💃 and sports 🏀. Her favorite food is ice cream 🍨, and her favorite colors are purple and red 💜❤️. She has two dogs, Vera and Floyd 🐶. One interesting fact—her mom is the principal at Pender Innovative Learning Academy.
💜 Thank you, Stevie, for the leadership you show at Heide Trask High School.
Teacher Tuesday: Ms. Elizabeth Fulbright — North Topsail Elementary
💙🐬
Ms. Elizabeth Fulbright teaches 4th grade at North Topsail Elementary. A former student shared how much of an impact she had during their time in her class.
The student said Ms. Fulbright taught them the importance of being quiet, respectful, and working hard. They described her as one of the most inspiring teachers they’ve had.
In their nomination, the student reflected on how they look back on 4th grade as a time when school felt easier and enjoyable. They remembered Ms. Fulbright’s kindness and the way she made learning fun while still setting clear expectations.
Thank you, Ms. Fulbright, for the difference you’ve made for students at North Topsail Elementary. 💛
💙🐬
Ms. Elizabeth Fulbright teaches 4th grade at North Topsail Elementary. A former student shared how much of an impact she had during their time in her class.
The student said Ms. Fulbright taught them the importance of being quiet, respectful, and working hard. They described her as one of the most inspiring teachers they’ve had.
In their nomination, the student reflected on how they look back on 4th grade as a time when school felt easier and enjoyable. They remembered Ms. Fulbright’s kindness and the way she made learning fun while still setting clear expectations.
Thank you, Ms. Fulbright, for the difference you’ve made for students at North Topsail Elementary. 💛
You did it, Pender County Schools — 1 million minutes! 🎉
Since October, our students and families have read their way to an amazing milestone in the Million Minute Reading Challenge.
That’s 1 million minutes of bedtime stories, favorite books, read-alouds, and reading time at home — and we think that deserves a big celebration.
Now let’s keep it going.
We’re officially extending the challenge and setting our sights on 2 million minutes by May. We’ve come a long way, but we’re not finished yet.
Keep reading, keep logging your minutes, and let’s finish the school year strong!
Next stop: 2 million. 📚
¡Lo lograron, Pender County Schools: 1 millón de minutos! 🎉
Desde octubre, nuestros estudiantes y familias han leído hasta alcanzar una meta increíble en el Desafío de Lectura del Millón de Minutos.
Eso significa 1 millón de minutos de cuentos antes de dormir, libros favoritos, lecturas en voz alta y tiempo de lectura en casa, y creemos que eso merece una gran celebración.
Ahora, sigamos adelante.
Oficialmente vamos a extender el desafío y ahora nuestra nueva meta es llegar a 2 millones de minutos para mayo. Hemos avanzado muchísimo, pero todavía no hemos terminado.
¡Sigan leyendo, sigan registrando sus minutos y terminemos el año escolar con fuerza!
Próxima meta: 2 millones. 📚
Since October, our students and families have read their way to an amazing milestone in the Million Minute Reading Challenge.
That’s 1 million minutes of bedtime stories, favorite books, read-alouds, and reading time at home — and we think that deserves a big celebration.
Now let’s keep it going.
We’re officially extending the challenge and setting our sights on 2 million minutes by May. We’ve come a long way, but we’re not finished yet.
Keep reading, keep logging your minutes, and let’s finish the school year strong!
Next stop: 2 million. 📚
¡Lo lograron, Pender County Schools: 1 millón de minutos! 🎉
Desde octubre, nuestros estudiantes y familias han leído hasta alcanzar una meta increíble en el Desafío de Lectura del Millón de Minutos.
Eso significa 1 millón de minutos de cuentos antes de dormir, libros favoritos, lecturas en voz alta y tiempo de lectura en casa, y creemos que eso merece una gran celebración.
Ahora, sigamos adelante.
Oficialmente vamos a extender el desafío y ahora nuestra nueva meta es llegar a 2 millones de minutos para mayo. Hemos avanzado muchísimo, pero todavía no hemos terminado.
¡Sigan leyendo, sigan registrando sus minutos y terminemos el año escolar con fuerza!
Próxima meta: 2 millones. 📚
Good afternoon Pender County Schools families,
Due to the threat of severe weather expected on Monday, March 16, 2026, Pender County Schools will operate on a remote learning and work day for all staff and students on the traditional calendar, as well as for Pender Early College.
Please note that Penderlea School is on Spring Break at this time.
Forecasts continue to show the potential for severe storms, including damaging wind gusts and possible tornadoes, during the day on Monday. Out of an abundance of caution and to help ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families, we have made the decision to move to remote learning and remote work for the day.
More information regarding teacher communication, assignments, and expectations for the remote learning day will be shared by your child’s school.
We encourage all families to continue monitoring local weather conditions and to stay safe.
Thank you for your understanding.
Due to the threat of severe weather expected on Monday, March 16, 2026, Pender County Schools will operate on a remote learning and work day for all staff and students on the traditional calendar, as well as for Pender Early College.
Please note that Penderlea School is on Spring Break at this time.
Forecasts continue to show the potential for severe storms, including damaging wind gusts and possible tornadoes, during the day on Monday. Out of an abundance of caution and to help ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families, we have made the decision to move to remote learning and remote work for the day.
More information regarding teacher communication, assignments, and expectations for the remote learning day will be shared by your child’s school.
We encourage all families to continue monitoring local weather conditions and to stay safe.
Thank you for your understanding.
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Susan Hunter, Treasurer at Burgaw Middle School.
Ms. Hunter is a great example of teamwork. When staff members have been out for extended periods of time, she has stepped in to help cover additional roles and responsibilities without hesitation. She took on the extra work because she knew the school needed support, and she did it with a positive attitude.
Her willingness to help wherever needed makes a real difference for the staff and students at Burgaw Middle.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Hunter, for being dependable, flexible, and always willing to support your school community.
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Susan Hunter, Treasurer at Burgaw Middle School.
Ms. Hunter is a great example of teamwork. When staff members have been out for extended periods of time, she has stepped in to help cover additional roles and responsibilities without hesitation. She took on the extra work because she knew the school needed support, and she did it with a positive attitude.
Her willingness to help wherever needed makes a real difference for the staff and students at Burgaw Middle.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Hunter, for being dependable, flexible, and always willing to support your school community.
Comfort food favorite! 🍗🥔
Our Popcorn Chicken Mashed Potato Bowl is stacked with mashed potatoes, sweet corn, crispy popcorn chicken, and cheddar cheese. Don’t forget the fresh fruit & veggie options on the side!
Our Popcorn Chicken Mashed Potato Bowl is stacked with mashed potatoes, sweet corn, crispy popcorn chicken, and cheddar cheese. Don’t forget the fresh fruit & veggie options on the side!
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Madison is a student at Burgaw Middle School, nominated by her 6th grade teacher, Miss Foster, for academic excellence, athletic excellence, and the positive way she contributes in the classroom.
Madison is a consistent, engaged student who is always ready to participate. She shares her ideas during class discussions and helps keep conversations going in a thoughtful way. Miss Foster also shared that Madison is naturally kind and inclusive. She makes an effort to talk with others, build friendships across the classroom, and help classmates feel comfortable.
Madison also balances schoolwork with her commitment to athletics. She plays softball and takes both academics and her sport seriously. Her attitude and work ethic are a good example for other students.
Outside of school, Madison enjoys playing softball 🥎 and spending time with friends. Her favorite food is cheesecake 🍰, and her favorite color is pink 💗. She has quite a few pets at home—over 25 fish 🐠, 4 chickens 🐔, 2 dogs 🐶, and 2 hamsters 🐹.
One fun fact: Madison has played softball for four years and has earned 10 medals and 4 rings.
💗 Thank you, Madison, for the positive energy and effort you bring to Burgaw Middle School.
Madison is a student at Burgaw Middle School, nominated by her 6th grade teacher, Miss Foster, for academic excellence, athletic excellence, and the positive way she contributes in the classroom.
Madison is a consistent, engaged student who is always ready to participate. She shares her ideas during class discussions and helps keep conversations going in a thoughtful way. Miss Foster also shared that Madison is naturally kind and inclusive. She makes an effort to talk with others, build friendships across the classroom, and help classmates feel comfortable.
Madison also balances schoolwork with her commitment to athletics. She plays softball and takes both academics and her sport seriously. Her attitude and work ethic are a good example for other students.
Outside of school, Madison enjoys playing softball 🥎 and spending time with friends. Her favorite food is cheesecake 🍰, and her favorite color is pink 💗. She has quite a few pets at home—over 25 fish 🐠, 4 chickens 🐔, 2 dogs 🐶, and 2 hamsters 🐹.
One fun fact: Madison has played softball for four years and has earned 10 medals and 4 rings.
💗 Thank you, Madison, for the positive energy and effort you bring to Burgaw Middle School.
🎪 Today’s the day! Join us from 4:30–7:00 p.m. at Heide Trask High School for our Kindergarten Registration & Preschool Information Event!
Families with children ages 3–5 are invited to enjoy free Carnival-themed fun, meet PCS staff, and connect with community partners.
Registering on-site? Please bring required documents.
Learn more: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
🎪 ¡Hoy es el día! Acompáñenos de 4:30 a 7:00 p.m. en Heide Trask High School para nuestro Evento de Inscripción de Kindergarten e Información Preescolar.
Las familias con niños de 3 a 5 años están invitadas a disfrutar gratis de la diversión con tema de carnaval, conocer al personal de PCS y conectarse con organizaciones comunitarias.
¿Va a inscribirse en persona? Por favor traiga los documentos requeridos.
Más información: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
Families with children ages 3–5 are invited to enjoy free Carnival-themed fun, meet PCS staff, and connect with community partners.
Registering on-site? Please bring required documents.
Learn more: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
🎪 ¡Hoy es el día! Acompáñenos de 4:30 a 7:00 p.m. en Heide Trask High School para nuestro Evento de Inscripción de Kindergarten e Información Preescolar.
Las familias con niños de 3 a 5 años están invitadas a disfrutar gratis de la diversión con tema de carnaval, conocer al personal de PCS y conectarse con organizaciones comunitarias.
¿Va a inscribirse en persona? Por favor traiga los documentos requeridos.
Más información: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
🚨 Reminder for PCS Families
Have you completed the 2026–27 Student Ridership Survey?
If your child will need bus transportation next school year — or if transportation plans are changing — please take a moment to fill out the survey.
📍 Survey Link: https://forms.gle/Hpe3gS6GzEzTqAzG9
Thank you for helping us prepare for a smooth start!
🚨 Recordatorio para las familias de PCS
¿Ya completó la Encuesta de Transporte Estudiantil para 2026–27?
Si su hijo(a) necesitará transporte en autobús el próximo año escolar — o si sus planes de transporte han cambiado — por favor complete la encuesta.
📍 Enlace de la encuesta: https://forms.gle/Hpe3gS6GzEzTqAzG9
¡Gracias por ayudarnos a preparar un comienzo sin contratiempos!
Have you completed the 2026–27 Student Ridership Survey?
If your child will need bus transportation next school year — or if transportation plans are changing — please take a moment to fill out the survey.
📍 Survey Link: https://forms.gle/Hpe3gS6GzEzTqAzG9
Thank you for helping us prepare for a smooth start!
🚨 Recordatorio para las familias de PCS
¿Ya completó la Encuesta de Transporte Estudiantil para 2026–27?
Si su hijo(a) necesitará transporte en autobús el próximo año escolar — o si sus planes de transporte han cambiado — por favor complete la encuesta.
📍 Enlace de la encuesta: https://forms.gle/Hpe3gS6GzEzTqAzG9
¡Gracias por ayudarnos a preparar un comienzo sin contratiempos!
Teacher Tuesday: Ms. Chelsea D’Zurilla — Surf City Elementary
Ms. Chelsea D’Zurilla teaches K–2 EC at Surf City Elementary. She is known for her patient and caring approach with students. She takes time to build strong relationships and adjusts her instruction so each child can access learning in a way that works for them. Families and staff share that students feel safe and supported in her classroom.
Ms. D’Zurilla is attentive to the needs of her students, especially those who require additional support throughout the day. With a schedule that shifts as students come and go for services, she keeps instruction consistent and organized. She works closely with her Instructional Assistants to ensure centers and small-group activities run smoothly and with purpose.
One staff member shared that Ms. D’Zurilla handles challenging moments with calm and care. When a student becomes overwhelmed, she responds with steady reassurance and helps them regulate without drawing negative attention. She focuses on preserving student dignity while guiding them back to learning.
Thank you, Ms. D’Zurilla, for the thoughtful support you provide to students and staff at Surf City Elementary. 💛✅
Ms. Chelsea D’Zurilla teaches K–2 EC at Surf City Elementary. She is known for her patient and caring approach with students. She takes time to build strong relationships and adjusts her instruction so each child can access learning in a way that works for them. Families and staff share that students feel safe and supported in her classroom.
Ms. D’Zurilla is attentive to the needs of her students, especially those who require additional support throughout the day. With a schedule that shifts as students come and go for services, she keeps instruction consistent and organized. She works closely with her Instructional Assistants to ensure centers and small-group activities run smoothly and with purpose.
One staff member shared that Ms. D’Zurilla handles challenging moments with calm and care. When a student becomes overwhelmed, she responds with steady reassurance and helps them regulate without drawing negative attention. She focuses on preserving student dignity while guiding them back to learning.
Thank you, Ms. D’Zurilla, for the thoughtful support you provide to students and staff at Surf City Elementary. 💛✅
🎪 Reminder! Join us this Wednesday, March 11, from 4:30–7:00 p.m. at Heide Trask High School for our Kindergarten Registration & Preschool Information Event!
Families with children ages 3–5 are invited to meet PCS staff, connect with community partners, and enjoy free Carnival-themed fun.
Need to register on-site? Please bring your child’s birth certificate, proof of residency, health assessment, immunization records, and parent/guardian photo ID.
Learn more: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
🎪 ¡Recordatorio! Acompáñenos este miércoles 11 de marzo, de 4:30 a 7:00 p.m. en Heide Trask High School para nuestro Evento de Inscripción de Kindergarten e Información Preescolar.
Las familias con niños de 3 a 5 años están invitadas a conocer al personal de PCS, conectarse con organizaciones comunitarias y disfrutar de diversión gratis con tema de carnaval.
¿Necesita inscribirse en persona? Por favor traiga el certificado de nacimiento del niño, comprobante de residencia, evaluación de salud, registro de vacunas y una identificación con foto del padre/madre o tutor.
Más información:https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
Families with children ages 3–5 are invited to meet PCS staff, connect with community partners, and enjoy free Carnival-themed fun.
Need to register on-site? Please bring your child’s birth certificate, proof of residency, health assessment, immunization records, and parent/guardian photo ID.
Learn more: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
🎪 ¡Recordatorio! Acompáñenos este miércoles 11 de marzo, de 4:30 a 7:00 p.m. en Heide Trask High School para nuestro Evento de Inscripción de Kindergarten e Información Preescolar.
Las familias con niños de 3 a 5 años están invitadas a conocer al personal de PCS, conectarse con organizaciones comunitarias y disfrutar de diversión gratis con tema de carnaval.
¿Necesita inscribirse en persona? Por favor traiga el certificado de nacimiento del niño, comprobante de residencia, evaluación de salud, registro de vacunas y una identificación con foto del padre/madre o tutor.
Más información:https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
