🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Gina Holden, a Custodian at Surf City Middle School.
Gina helps take care of the building each day, but it’s the way she goes about her work that stands out to those around her. She makes a point to check in with staff, ask how they’re doing, and take a moment to listen.
She brings a smile to her work and treats people with kindness. Those brief conversations in the hallway or classroom may seem simple, but they can make a difference during a busy day.
💛💙 Thank you, Gina, for the work you do and for the kindness you show to the students and staff at Surf City Middle.
🚜 FFA Students Put Their Skills to the Test! 🛻
Pender High FFA, under the guidance of Tom Herren, hosted the FFA Federation Truck & Tractor Driving Event, bringing together students from Pender High, Heide Trask, and Topsail High to showcase their skills behind the wheel!
🏆 Tractor Driving – 1st Place
Matthew Shorette | Pender High School
🏆 Truck Driving – 1st Place
Nathan Chryst | Topsail High School
Congratulations to these talented students! Both first-place finishers will advance to the State Competition in Raleigh this February, representing our federation against competitors from across North Carolina.
A huge thank you to Pender High FFA and Mr. Herren for hosting this hands-on event and giving students an opportunity to learn, compete, and grow through FFA!
#PenderCTE #FFA #WorkBasedLearning #AgriculturalEducation #CTE #LearningByDoing
Pender High FFA, under the guidance of Tom Herren, hosted the FFA Federation Truck & Tractor Driving Event, bringing together students from Pender High, Heide Trask, and Topsail High to showcase their skills behind the wheel!
🏆 Tractor Driving – 1st Place
Matthew Shorette | Pender High School
🏆 Truck Driving – 1st Place
Nathan Chryst | Topsail High School
Congratulations to these talented students! Both first-place finishers will advance to the State Competition in Raleigh this February, representing our federation against competitors from across North Carolina.
A huge thank you to Pender High FFA and Mr. Herren for hosting this hands-on event and giving students an opportunity to learn, compete, and grow through FFA!
#PenderCTE #FFA #WorkBasedLearning #AgriculturalEducation #CTE #LearningByDoing
It was a Spec-Taco-lar Tuesday this past week at all schools in Pender County!
Chicken Soft Tacos to be exact :) Served alongside fresh fruit and vegetables.
Upcoming Taco Tuesdays in October:
October 13th - Walkin Tacos
October 27th - Beef Soft Tacos
Chicken Soft Tacos to be exact :) Served alongside fresh fruit and vegetables.
Upcoming Taco Tuesdays in October:
October 13th - Walkin Tacos
October 27th - Beef Soft Tacos
Freshly Baked Chocolate Chip Muffins available all week during breakfast at the Middle and High Schools. YUM!
Next week we are switching it up to offering Blueberry Muffins during breakfast! Come get you some :)
Next week we are switching it up to offering Blueberry Muffins during breakfast! Come get you some :)
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Cahari is a 1st grader at C.F. Pope Elementary, recognized for his leadership, kindness, and the way he treats his classmates.
Cahari sets a good example by following school and classroom expectations and being a friend to those around him. His teacher says he also has great manners. Whether he’s in the classroom or walking through the school, Cahari makes a point to say thank you when someone holds the door for him and shows respect to others. 😊
His everyday actions give his classmates a good example to follow and help create a kind and respectful classroom environment.
Outside of school, Cahari enjoys riding his mini bike and scooter 🛴, playing Roblox 🎮, and watching YouTube. His favorite foods are pizza 🍕 and chicken 🍗, and his favorite color is blue 💙.
One fun fact—Cahari is a big Hulk fan 💚! His grandma has a Hulk-themed car, and Cahari is already looking forward to the day he’s old enough to get his license and drive it himself. 🚗
💙 Thank you, Cahari, for being a kind friend and setting a good example at C.F. Pope Elementary!
Cahari is a 1st grader at C.F. Pope Elementary, recognized for his leadership, kindness, and the way he treats his classmates.
Cahari sets a good example by following school and classroom expectations and being a friend to those around him. His teacher says he also has great manners. Whether he’s in the classroom or walking through the school, Cahari makes a point to say thank you when someone holds the door for him and shows respect to others. 😊
His everyday actions give his classmates a good example to follow and help create a kind and respectful classroom environment.
Outside of school, Cahari enjoys riding his mini bike and scooter 🛴, playing Roblox 🎮, and watching YouTube. His favorite foods are pizza 🍕 and chicken 🍗, and his favorite color is blue 💙.
One fun fact—Cahari is a big Hulk fan 💚! His grandma has a Hulk-themed car, and Cahari is already looking forward to the day he’s old enough to get his license and drive it himself. 🚗
💙 Thank you, Cahari, for being a kind friend and setting a good example at C.F. Pope Elementary!
💙🍎 Teacher Tuesday: Ms. Hannah Stewart — Malpass Corner Elementary School
Ms. Hannah Stewart teaches at Malpass Corner Elementary School and is in her sixth year of teaching. She is known for building strong relationships with students while also setting clear expectations and encouraging them to do their best.
Ms. Stewart takes time to understand what individual students need to be successful. That can be especially important for students who have difficulty with transitions during the school day. Rather than relying on the same approach for everyone, she adjusts, tries different strategies, and works to help students feel comfortable while continuing to move forward with their learning.
Her support also extends to her colleagues. Ms. Stewart makes a point to encourage beginning teachers, share what she has learned, and remind them that they don't have to figure everything out on their own. At the same time, she is open about continuing to learn herself and is willing to try new ideas and learn from others.
Thank you, Ms. Stewart, for the patience, encouragement, and steady support you provide to students, families, and fellow teachers at Malpass Corner Elementary. 💛📚
Ms. Hannah Stewart teaches at Malpass Corner Elementary School and is in her sixth year of teaching. She is known for building strong relationships with students while also setting clear expectations and encouraging them to do their best.
Ms. Stewart takes time to understand what individual students need to be successful. That can be especially important for students who have difficulty with transitions during the school day. Rather than relying on the same approach for everyone, she adjusts, tries different strategies, and works to help students feel comfortable while continuing to move forward with their learning.
Her support also extends to her colleagues. Ms. Stewart makes a point to encourage beginning teachers, share what she has learned, and remind them that they don't have to figure everything out on their own. At the same time, she is open about continuing to learn herself and is willing to try new ideas and learn from others.
Thank you, Ms. Stewart, for the patience, encouragement, and steady support you provide to students, families, and fellow teachers at Malpass Corner Elementary. 💛📚
🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT: Highway 210 is closed in both directions near Griffith Road, by the J.H. Lea school construction site, due to a crash. Some afternoon bus routes may be delayed.
We’re working with emergency management on an estimated reopening time and will share updates. Families traveling through the area for school pickup should also plan for delays. Thank you for your patience.
We’re working with emergency management on an estimated reopening time and will share updates. Families traveling through the area for school pickup should also plan for delays. Thank you for your patience.
🌟 WHO SHOULD WE RECOGNIZE NEXT?
Each week, Pender County Schools highlights a student, teacher, employee and volunteer—and anyone can submit a nomination!
Know a student whose effort or kindness stands out? A teacher making a difference? An employee who helps the school day run smoothly? A volunteer who keeps showing up to help? Tell us about them! 💙
🎓 STUDENT
https://forms.gle/KPhKUiV8AK3RaR9fA
🍎 TEACHER
https://forms.gle/pF21qxP9xsBTNGN69
👏 EMPLOYEE
https://forms.gle/fA7vGNBYU9XxwuAv5
🤝 VOLUNTEER
https://forms.gle/xpf1awDPtF4dGU2H8
Help us share the people and stories our school community should know. Submit a nomination and tell us what makes your nominee worth recognizing!
Each week, Pender County Schools highlights a student, teacher, employee and volunteer—and anyone can submit a nomination!
Know a student whose effort or kindness stands out? A teacher making a difference? An employee who helps the school day run smoothly? A volunteer who keeps showing up to help? Tell us about them! 💙
🎓 STUDENT
https://forms.gle/KPhKUiV8AK3RaR9fA
🍎 TEACHER
https://forms.gle/pF21qxP9xsBTNGN69
👏 EMPLOYEE
https://forms.gle/fA7vGNBYU9XxwuAv5
🤝 VOLUNTEER
https://forms.gle/xpf1awDPtF4dGU2H8
Help us share the people and stories our school community should know. Submit a nomination and tell us what makes your nominee worth recognizing!
🤝 Inclusion matters at every stage of life.
On Saturday, Appalachian State University hosted the 10th Annual North Carolina Access and Inclusion Summit, bringing together nearly 300 attendees from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee including some of our folks from Surf City Middle and North Topsail Elementary.
💬 Educators, administrators, families, individuals with disabilities, researchers, service providers and advocates shared strategies, discussed current practices and explored ways to strengthen inclusion—from childhood through adulthood. The conversations brought different experiences and perspectives together around a shared goal: creating more opportunities for everyone to participate and belong.
The summit was co-sponsored by the North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children, App State’s Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program and partner organizations. 💛
On Saturday, Appalachian State University hosted the 10th Annual North Carolina Access and Inclusion Summit, bringing together nearly 300 attendees from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee including some of our folks from Surf City Middle and North Topsail Elementary.
💬 Educators, administrators, families, individuals with disabilities, researchers, service providers and advocates shared strategies, discussed current practices and explored ways to strengthen inclusion—from childhood through adulthood. The conversations brought different experiences and perspectives together around a shared goal: creating more opportunities for everyone to participate and belong.
The summit was co-sponsored by the North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children, App State’s Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program and partner organizations. 💛
Today we are celebrating the people in our kitchens who make every meal possible!
Happy National Food Service Workers Day to our hardworking staff 👏👏👏
They show up every day to make sure the students and staff of Pender County are served smiles and great food.
Thank you for all that you do!
Happy National Food Service Workers Day to our hardworking staff 👏👏👏
They show up every day to make sure the students and staff of Pender County are served smiles and great food.
Thank you for all that you do!
📣 Join us tomorrow night for the first PCS community forum on future growth and school planning!
📍 Topsail High School
🗓️ Tuesday, September 29
🕕 6 p.m.
Can’t attend in person? Watch the forum live on the Pender County Schools YouTube channel. ▶️
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@PenderCountySchools
Your participation will help shape the future of our schools! 🏫
📣 ¡Acompáñenos mañana por la noche en el primer foro comunitario de PCS sobre el crecimiento futuro y la planificación escolar!
📍 Topsail High School
🗓️ Martes 29 de septiembre
🕕 6 p.m.
¿No puede asistir en persona? Vea la transmisión en vivo a través del canal de YouTube de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender. ▶️
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@PenderCountySchools
¡Su participación ayudará a dar forma al futuro de nuestras escuelas! 🏫
📍 Topsail High School
🗓️ Tuesday, September 29
🕕 6 p.m.
Can’t attend in person? Watch the forum live on the Pender County Schools YouTube channel. ▶️
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@PenderCountySchools
Your participation will help shape the future of our schools! 🏫
📣 ¡Acompáñenos mañana por la noche en el primer foro comunitario de PCS sobre el crecimiento futuro y la planificación escolar!
📍 Topsail High School
🗓️ Martes 29 de septiembre
🕕 6 p.m.
¿No puede asistir en persona? Vea la transmisión en vivo a través del canal de YouTube de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender. ▶️
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@PenderCountySchools
¡Su participación ayudará a dar forma al futuro de nuestras escuelas! 🏫
Three schools. One county. A whole lot of Raider pride!
Yesterday, JROTC cadets from Pender, Heide Trask, and Topsail high schools represented Pender County Schools at the Raider competition at West Bladen High School. Teams from 10 schools competed across three divisions, and our cadets showed what it means to work together, push through a challenge, and support one another all the way to the finish.
Their hard work earned some outstanding results:
🏆 Mixed Division: Pender High School, 1st place; Heide Trask High School, 2nd place
🥈 Male Division: Pender High School, 2nd place; Heide Trask High School, 3rd place
🥈 Female Division: Topsail High School, 2nd place; Pender High School, 3rd place
The placements are worth celebrating, but so is everything it took to get there: the practices, the trust built between teammates, and the determination to keep going when the work got tough. These cadets represented their schools and our county with pride.
Thank you to our JROTC instructors for preparing and encouraging our students, and to the families and supporters who cheer them on. Congratulations to all of our PCS Raiders!
Different schools. Same county. Bigger purpose. ❤️🤍💙
#PenderCountySchools #PCSJROTC #RaiderTeams #StudentLeadership
Yesterday, JROTC cadets from Pender, Heide Trask, and Topsail high schools represented Pender County Schools at the Raider competition at West Bladen High School. Teams from 10 schools competed across three divisions, and our cadets showed what it means to work together, push through a challenge, and support one another all the way to the finish.
Their hard work earned some outstanding results:
🏆 Mixed Division: Pender High School, 1st place; Heide Trask High School, 2nd place
🥈 Male Division: Pender High School, 2nd place; Heide Trask High School, 3rd place
🥈 Female Division: Topsail High School, 2nd place; Pender High School, 3rd place
The placements are worth celebrating, but so is everything it took to get there: the practices, the trust built between teammates, and the determination to keep going when the work got tough. These cadets represented their schools and our county with pride.
Thank you to our JROTC instructors for preparing and encouraging our students, and to the families and supporters who cheer them on. Congratulations to all of our PCS Raiders!
Different schools. Same county. Bigger purpose. ❤️🤍💙
#PenderCountySchools #PCSJROTC #RaiderTeams #StudentLeadership
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Jordan Belton, Chef at Topsail Annandale Elementary School.
Jordan takes pride in preparing meals for students each day, but his connection with them goes beyond the food he serves. He enjoys the conversations, smiles, and laughter that come with seeing students in the cafeteria and works to make their time there a positive part of the school day. 🍎
Jordan is also a team player. He’s willing to step in when coworkers need help, answer questions, and share what he knows. His willingness to support others helps keep the cafeteria running smoothly each day.
💛💙 Thank you, Jordan, for taking care of our students and for being someone your coworkers can count on at Topsail Annandale.
This week we’re recognizing Jordan Belton, Chef at Topsail Annandale Elementary School.
Jordan takes pride in preparing meals for students each day, but his connection with them goes beyond the food he serves. He enjoys the conversations, smiles, and laughter that come with seeing students in the cafeteria and works to make their time there a positive part of the school day. 🍎
Jordan is also a team player. He’s willing to step in when coworkers need help, answer questions, and share what he knows. His willingness to support others helps keep the cafeteria running smoothly each day.
💛💙 Thank you, Jordan, for taking care of our students and for being someone your coworkers can count on at Topsail Annandale.
Today is National Teacher Assistant Day! 🍎👏 Our teacher assistants support learning, build relationships, and help classrooms run smoothly each day. Thank you for the patience, flexibility, and care you bring to our students and schools. 💙
Cape Fear Elementary School:
Mrs. Robertson and Ms. Henry's class continue to focus on building classroom community which includes becoming familiar with our school, who works in the school, and how everyone works together to make it a successful environment for all. On Tuesday they conducted a walk around the school to discover who they would see, what their job is, how they help our school, and of course take a picture with us.
🎓 TOPSAIL HIGH STUDENTS & FAMILIES: EXPLORE CAREER & COLLEGE PROMISE!
Interested in earning college credit, exploring a career field or working toward an industry credential while still in high school? Cape Fear Community College is hosting upcoming Career & College Promise (CCP) Information Sessions to help students and families learn more about available opportunities.
📅 September 30 | 6–7:30 p.m.
📍 CFCC Surf City Center, 621 NC Hwy 210 E., Hampstead
💻 October 13 & October 29 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Virtual sessions
Sessions will cover qualifications and eligibility, program pathways, student expectations, resources and more. Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up or use this link - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevUXoiOv7IsgglDUb3FkiJvfkdZHTycBSzUkFbqpAvsn917A/viewform?usp=header
Interested in earning college credit, exploring a career field or working toward an industry credential while still in high school? Cape Fear Community College is hosting upcoming Career & College Promise (CCP) Information Sessions to help students and families learn more about available opportunities.
📅 September 30 | 6–7:30 p.m.
📍 CFCC Surf City Center, 621 NC Hwy 210 E., Hampstead
💻 October 13 & October 29 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Virtual sessions
Sessions will cover qualifications and eligibility, program pathways, student expectations, resources and more. Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up or use this link - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevUXoiOv7IsgglDUb3FkiJvfkdZHTycBSzUkFbqpAvsn917A/viewform?usp=header
🌟 PCS VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 🌟
This week’s PCS Volunteer Spotlight recognizes Marsha Simmons for the time and support she continues to give to Topsail Middle School! 💙💛
Ms. Simmons is a familiar face at TMS events and has spent many hours helping the school’s media specialist with the annual book fair. Her dependable support helps make the event run smoothly while giving students another opportunity to get excited about reading. 📚
Her involvement doesn’t stop there. Over the years, Ms. Simmons has also supported Boosterthon activities, Bus Driver Appreciation and Teacher Appreciation Week, along with other PTO and school efforts.
Whether she’s helping with a major event or working behind the scenes, Ms. Simmons continues to give her time to support students, staff and the Topsail Middle School community.
👏 Thank you, Ms. Simmons, for being such a dedicated PCS volunteer!
This week’s PCS Volunteer Spotlight recognizes Marsha Simmons for the time and support she continues to give to Topsail Middle School! 💙💛
Ms. Simmons is a familiar face at TMS events and has spent many hours helping the school’s media specialist with the annual book fair. Her dependable support helps make the event run smoothly while giving students another opportunity to get excited about reading. 📚
Her involvement doesn’t stop there. Over the years, Ms. Simmons has also supported Boosterthon activities, Bus Driver Appreciation and Teacher Appreciation Week, along with other PTO and school efforts.
Whether she’s helping with a major event or working behind the scenes, Ms. Simmons continues to give her time to support students, staff and the Topsail Middle School community.
👏 Thank you, Ms. Simmons, for being such a dedicated PCS volunteer!
In anticipation for National Dumpling Day 2026 taking place this Saturday, our Elementary Schools in Pender County served CHICKEN & VEGGIE DUMPLINGS with egg fried rice!
It was certainly an egg-stravagant combo :) :)
It was certainly an egg-stravagant combo :) :)
