🇬🇧🎶 IT’S OFFICIAL!
The Topsail High School Marching Pirates are headed to London! 🎺🥁
Representatives from the London Parade visited Topsail High School to formally present the band with its invitation to perform in the 42nd Annual London New Year’s Day Parade on January 1, 2028.
The Marching Pirates will join performers from around the world as they represent Topsail High School, Pender County Schools, North Carolina and the United States on an international stage.
“This moment belongs to our students,” Director of Bands Jake Wentzek said during the ceremony.
There is plenty of work ahead, but this was a moment worth celebrating. Congratulations to our students, staff, families, boosters and everyone who has helped build the Topsail band program into what it is today.
London, get ready — the Marching Pirates are coming! 🇬🇧🏴☠️🎶
YouTube Link - https://youtu.be/9zDD8k65YqQ
The Topsail High School Marching Pirates are headed to London! 🎺🥁
Representatives from the London Parade visited Topsail High School to formally present the band with its invitation to perform in the 42nd Annual London New Year’s Day Parade on January 1, 2028.
The Marching Pirates will join performers from around the world as they represent Topsail High School, Pender County Schools, North Carolina and the United States on an international stage.
“This moment belongs to our students,” Director of Bands Jake Wentzek said during the ceremony.
There is plenty of work ahead, but this was a moment worth celebrating. Congratulations to our students, staff, families, boosters and everyone who has helped build the Topsail band program into what it is today.
London, get ready — the Marching Pirates are coming! 🇬🇧🏴☠️🎶
YouTube Link - https://youtu.be/9zDD8k65YqQ
💙🐾 Teacher Tuesday: Ms. Madison Garriss — Cape Fear Elementary School
Ms. Madison Garriss is a beginning teacher who stepped into the role of lead preschool teacher at Cape Fear Elementary this fall. She has spent time getting to know her students and families while continuing to learn and grow in her new role.
What stands out about Ms. Garriss is her willingness to ask questions and look for solutions. She regularly seeks input, researches new ideas, and finds ways to put what she learns into practice with her students. She also brings ideas back to her preschool team and is willing to learn from those around her.
One example came as Ms. Garriss introduced her students to Cape Fear Elementary’s schoolwide expectations and the opportunity to earn “paw prints.” She created visual reminders for her students, including portable versions she can take into the hallways and cafeteria. The visuals help her preschoolers understand what is expected of them throughout the school day.
Thank you, Ms. Garriss, for your willingness to learn and the time and care you are putting into building your preschool classroom at Cape Fear Elementary. 💛📚
Ms. Madison Garriss is a beginning teacher who stepped into the role of lead preschool teacher at Cape Fear Elementary this fall. She has spent time getting to know her students and families while continuing to learn and grow in her new role.
What stands out about Ms. Garriss is her willingness to ask questions and look for solutions. She regularly seeks input, researches new ideas, and finds ways to put what she learns into practice with her students. She also brings ideas back to her preschool team and is willing to learn from those around her.
One example came as Ms. Garriss introduced her students to Cape Fear Elementary’s schoolwide expectations and the opportunity to earn “paw prints.” She created visual reminders for her students, including portable versions she can take into the hallways and cafeteria. The visuals help her preschoolers understand what is expected of them throughout the school day.
Thank you, Ms. Garriss, for your willingness to learn and the time and care you are putting into building your preschool classroom at Cape Fear Elementary. 💛📚
🚗 DRIVER EDUCATION REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Pender County Schools is offering an upcoming Driver Education class at Pender High School for students who are ready to take the next step toward becoming safe, responsible drivers.
📍 Pender High School
📅 December 7–16
⏰ 3:45–6:45 p.m.
💲 Cost: $65
Students must be 14½ years old on or before the first day of class.
👉 Register and learn more: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/driver-education
🚗 ¡YA ESTÁ ABIERTA LA INSCRIPCIÓN PARA EDUCACIÓN VIAL!
Las Escuelas del Condado de Pender ofrecerán una próxima clase de educación vial en Pender High School para estudiantes que estén listos para dar el siguiente paso hacia convertirse en conductores seguros y responsables.
📍 Pender High School
📅 7–16 de diciembre
⏰ 3:45–6:45 p. m.
💲 Costo: $65
Los estudiantes deben tener 14 años y medio cumplidos a más tardar el primer día de clases.
👉 Inscríbase y obtenga más información: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/driver-education
Pender County Schools is offering an upcoming Driver Education class at Pender High School for students who are ready to take the next step toward becoming safe, responsible drivers.
📍 Pender High School
📅 December 7–16
⏰ 3:45–6:45 p.m.
💲 Cost: $65
Students must be 14½ years old on or before the first day of class.
👉 Register and learn more: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/driver-education
🚗 ¡YA ESTÁ ABIERTA LA INSCRIPCIÓN PARA EDUCACIÓN VIAL!
Las Escuelas del Condado de Pender ofrecerán una próxima clase de educación vial en Pender High School para estudiantes que estén listos para dar el siguiente paso hacia convertirse en conductores seguros y responsables.
📍 Pender High School
📅 7–16 de diciembre
⏰ 3:45–6:45 p. m.
💲 Costo: $65
Los estudiantes deben tener 14 años y medio cumplidos a más tardar el primer día de clases.
👉 Inscríbase y obtenga más información: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/driver-education
Happy National Coaches' Day! 🏈🏐🏀⚽ Today we recognize the coaches who teach teamwork, discipline, resilience, and leadership on and off the field. Thank you for investing in our student-athletes and school communities. 👏
🌟 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. 💙
