Due to a traffic accident in the area and heavy traffic volume on HWY 17, expect delays involving bus pickup and arrival at school. We appreciate your patience.

To borrow from Jim Nantz - "Hello friend!" 🌞

🎓 Pender Early College High School Parent Night Information Sessions! 🎓
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity for your student’s future? Join us to learn more about Pender Early College High School (PECHS) and how your child can earn college credits while completing high school!
📅 Monday, November 3rd at 6:00 PM
📍 CFCC Surf City Site
📅 Thursday, November 6th at 6:00 PM
📍 Pender Early College High School (PECHS)
👩🎓 Open to students currently in 8th–11th grades
✨ Come discover how PECHS helps students get a head start on college success!
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity for your student’s future? Join us to learn more about Pender Early College High School (PECHS) and how your child can earn college credits while completing high school!
📅 Monday, November 3rd at 6:00 PM
📍 CFCC Surf City Site
📅 Thursday, November 6th at 6:00 PM
📍 Pender Early College High School (PECHS)
👩🎓 Open to students currently in 8th–11th grades
✨ Come discover how PECHS helps students get a head start on college success!

🎃 Happy Halloween! 👻
Breakfast for lunch? Always a spook-tacular change of pace! 🥞🍳
Breakfast for lunch? Always a spook-tacular change of pace! 🥞🍳

🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Meet Montez, a student at Pender High School, recognized for his leadership, kindness, and helpfulness. Even in just the first weeks of school, Montez has gone above and beyond to make his classmates feel welcome. He lends a hand with schoolwork, encourages others, and creates a positive atmosphere in the classroom. During presentations, he empowers shy students by listening attentively, clapping when they finish, and showing genuine support—helping his peers build confidence.
Montez’s outgoing personality and artistic talents make him a role model at PHS, where his kindness continues to inspire those around him.
Outside of school, Montez enjoys fashion and art. His favorite foods are chicken alfredo, spaghetti, pizza, and wings, his favorite colors are pink and blue, and an interesting fact—he hopes to become a travel RN one day.
💙❤️ Congratulations, Montez—you are a shining example of Patriot leadership and kindness!
Meet Montez, a student at Pender High School, recognized for his leadership, kindness, and helpfulness. Even in just the first weeks of school, Montez has gone above and beyond to make his classmates feel welcome. He lends a hand with schoolwork, encourages others, and creates a positive atmosphere in the classroom. During presentations, he empowers shy students by listening attentively, clapping when they finish, and showing genuine support—helping his peers build confidence.
Montez’s outgoing personality and artistic talents make him a role model at PHS, where his kindness continues to inspire those around him.
Outside of school, Montez enjoys fashion and art. His favorite foods are chicken alfredo, spaghetti, pizza, and wings, his favorite colors are pink and blue, and an interesting fact—he hopes to become a travel RN one day.
💙❤️ Congratulations, Montez—you are a shining example of Patriot leadership and kindness!

📣 Exciting Career & Financial Literacy Initiatives Happening Today at Heide Trask High School! 💼💡
Today, our 9th grade students are taking an important step toward planning their futures through Career Development Plans in their PE classes! Under the leadership of Mrs. Siobhan Fargo, students are completing the Reality Check activity using the NC Careers Platform — an interactive tool that helps them explore how their career interests align with real-world lifestyle choices and financial goals. This hands-on experience empowers students to start thinking about what it takes to live independently and make informed decisions about their education and career paths. 🚀
Meanwhile, all students are participating in the Reality of Money Simulation, a partnership initiative between Heide Trask High School and the NC State Employees’ Credit Union (NCSECU). Led by Mrs. Sylvia Wilkins, NCSECU employees and staff, and HTHS team members, this engaging simulation gives students a firsthand look at managing finances — from budgeting and paying bills to making choices about housing, transportation, and family needs. 💰🏡
These activities are part of our ongoing Career and Technical Education (CTE) commitment to helping students become career-ready, financially literate, and prepared for success beyond high school.
#HeideTraskHigh #PenderCTE #CareerReady #FinancialLiteracy #RealityOfMoney #NCCareers #InvestInYourFuture #PowerOfCTE








Kickin' Bean & Beef Tortilla Bowl🌮
Fresh ingredients with flair! 🌶️ Our tortilla bowl is oven-baked, no fryers here... so you get all the crunch without the grease. We don’t use canned veggies, and our fruit is freshly cut every day for the freshest taste in every bite!
Fresh ingredients with flair! 🌶️ Our tortilla bowl is oven-baked, no fryers here... so you get all the crunch without the grease. We don’t use canned veggies, and our fruit is freshly cut every day for the freshest taste in every bite!

🍎 Teacher Tuesday Spotlight 🍎
Meet Ms. Katie White, a 1st grade teacher at Malpass Corner Elementary, who is being celebrated for her love, dedication, and phenomenal communication with families. With around 20 years of experience, Ms. White is known for making each day special for her students and ensuring they feel seen, supported, and cared for.
What stands out most about Ms. White is her heart for her students. From the very first day of school, she knew every child by name and worked to make each one feel valued as an individual. Parents consistently share how grateful they are for her thoughtful communication and the way she makes the classroom a safe, nurturing place for young learners.
One parent recalled when their child had a rare accident at school—Ms. White immediately reassured both the child and the parent, easing fears and showing compassion. It’s just one example of how she goes above and beyond every day to care for her students as if they were her own.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. White, for your kindness, communication, and commitment to your students. You are truly making a difference at Malpass Corner Elementary!
Meet Ms. Katie White, a 1st grade teacher at Malpass Corner Elementary, who is being celebrated for her love, dedication, and phenomenal communication with families. With around 20 years of experience, Ms. White is known for making each day special for her students and ensuring they feel seen, supported, and cared for.
What stands out most about Ms. White is her heart for her students. From the very first day of school, she knew every child by name and worked to make each one feel valued as an individual. Parents consistently share how grateful they are for her thoughtful communication and the way she makes the classroom a safe, nurturing place for young learners.
One parent recalled when their child had a rare accident at school—Ms. White immediately reassured both the child and the parent, easing fears and showing compassion. It’s just one example of how she goes above and beyond every day to care for her students as if they were her own.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. White, for your kindness, communication, and commitment to your students. You are truly making a difference at Malpass Corner Elementary!

📣✨ October is National Principals Month! ✨📣
All month long, we’ll be celebrating the incredible principals of Pender County Schools by sharing short video spotlights. 🎥
From what inspired them to lead, to their favorite memories from school, to the advice they’d give their younger selves — you’ll get a chance to see the heart, humor, and humanity behind the title “Principal.” 💙💛
Stay tuned throughout October as we feature principals from across our district. We can’t wait for you to hear their stories and get to know them even better! YouTube - https://youtu.be/t73Er-v6zlQ
All month long, we’ll be celebrating the incredible principals of Pender County Schools by sharing short video spotlights. 🎥
From what inspired them to lead, to their favorite memories from school, to the advice they’d give their younger selves — you’ll get a chance to see the heart, humor, and humanity behind the title “Principal.” 💙💛
Stay tuned throughout October as we feature principals from across our district. We can’t wait for you to hear their stories and get to know them even better! YouTube - https://youtu.be/t73Er-v6zlQ

📣✨ October is National Principals Month! ✨📣
All month long, we’ll be celebrating the incredible principals of Pender County Schools by sharing short video spotlights. 🎥
From what inspired them to lead, to their favorite memories from school, to the advice they’d give their younger selves — you’ll get a chance to see the heart, humor, and humanity behind the title “Principal.” 💙💛
Stay tuned throughout October as we feature principals from across our district. We can’t wait for you to hear their stories and get to know them even better! YouTube - https://youtu.be/jrft6WfGZ6
All month long, we’ll be celebrating the incredible principals of Pender County Schools by sharing short video spotlights. 🎥
From what inspired them to lead, to their favorite memories from school, to the advice they’d give their younger selves — you’ll get a chance to see the heart, humor, and humanity behind the title “Principal.” 💙💛
Stay tuned throughout October as we feature principals from across our district. We can’t wait for you to hear their stories and get to know them even better! YouTube - https://youtu.be/jrft6WfGZ6

📣Join the Pender County Special Education Parent Teacher Organization (SEPTO) for a parent meeting on Oct. 28, 5:30–7:30 PM at Topsail High School.
Meet the team, connect with others, and learn about available resources. 💙💛

❤️ Red Ribbon Week | October 27–31 ❤️
This week, PCS joins the nation in observing Red Ribbon Week, raising awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. 🚫💊
By making healthy choices today, our students are building a brighter tomorrow. Thank you to our families, staff, and community partners for supporting a safe, drug-free lifestyle.
This week, PCS joins the nation in observing Red Ribbon Week, raising awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. 🚫💊
By making healthy choices today, our students are building a brighter tomorrow. Thank you to our families, staff, and community partners for supporting a safe, drug-free lifestyle.

🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re proud to recognize Ms. Meagan Winstead, Early Literacy Specialist for multiple elementary schools. Ms. Winstead brings incredible energy, focus, and dedication to her work. Her leadership in flexible grouping and guiding ELA Data Digs has played a key role in driving student growth and academic progress across classrooms. Beyond her instructional impact, she is always ready to step in and support administrators and teachers, striving to help others succeed.
Ms. Winstead is also a tremendous colleague. She fosters a collaborative and encouraging environment where teachers feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and grow professionally. Her goal-oriented mindset and positive spirit inspire those around her to work together toward common goals and to reach higher every day.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Winstead, for your dedication, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to student and teacher success across Pender County Schools!
This week we’re proud to recognize Ms. Meagan Winstead, Early Literacy Specialist for multiple elementary schools. Ms. Winstead brings incredible energy, focus, and dedication to her work. Her leadership in flexible grouping and guiding ELA Data Digs has played a key role in driving student growth and academic progress across classrooms. Beyond her instructional impact, she is always ready to step in and support administrators and teachers, striving to help others succeed.
Ms. Winstead is also a tremendous colleague. She fosters a collaborative and encouraging environment where teachers feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and grow professionally. Her goal-oriented mindset and positive spirit inspire those around her to work together toward common goals and to reach higher every day.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Winstead, for your dedication, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to student and teacher success across Pender County Schools!

🎯 Putt for a Purpose! ⛳💚
Join us at Pirates Turf Mini Golf for a fun-filled fundraiser supporting the Pender Education Partnership (PEP)! Every swing and smile helps support students and educators across Pender County Schools through scholarships, classroom grants, and innovative learning initiatives.
Come enjoy some mini golf, laughter, and community spirit — and help make this event a hole-in-one for education! 🏆📚
👉 All proceeds benefit PEP.
Join us at Pirates Turf Mini Golf for a fun-filled fundraiser supporting the Pender Education Partnership (PEP)! Every swing and smile helps support students and educators across Pender County Schools through scholarships, classroom grants, and innovative learning initiatives.
Come enjoy some mini golf, laughter, and community spirit — and help make this event a hole-in-one for education! 🏆📚
👉 All proceeds benefit PEP.

What Makes a Reimbursable Meal?
Did you know that students must meet certain criteria when making their meal selections in our cafeterias? It’s not as simple as grabbing a slice of pizza!
To qualify as a reimbursable meal, students need to select specific components that ensure their tray includes a balanced and nutritious combination of foods. Our Aramark associates are trained to help guide students through this process, making sure every meal meets USDA standards while still being delicious and satisfying.
Did you know that students must meet certain criteria when making their meal selections in our cafeterias? It’s not as simple as grabbing a slice of pizza!
To qualify as a reimbursable meal, students need to select specific components that ensure their tray includes a balanced and nutritious combination of foods. Our Aramark associates are trained to help guide students through this process, making sure every meal meets USDA standards while still being delicious and satisfying.

💡✨ Today is National Lights On Afterschool Day! ✨💡
We’re proud to join schools and organizations across the nation in celebrating Lights On Afterschool — the only nationwide event that shines a spotlight on the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, families, and communities.
Our PACES program keeps the lights on for learning, creativity, and fun long after the school day ends! 🌟
We’re proud to join schools and organizations across the nation in celebrating Lights On Afterschool — the only nationwide event that shines a spotlight on the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, families, and communities.
Our PACES program keeps the lights on for learning, creativity, and fun long after the school day ends! 🌟

📣✨ October is National Principals Month! ✨📣
All month long, we’ll be celebrating the incredible principals of Pender County Schools by sharing short video spotlights. 🎥
From what inspired them to lead, to their favorite memories from school, to the advice they’d give their younger selves — you’ll get a chance to see the heart, humor, and humanity behind the title “Principal.” 💙💛
Stay tuned throughout October as we feature principals from across our district. We can’t wait for you to hear their stories and get to know them even better! YouTube - https://youtube.com/shorts/ss10bN3Rz0E
All month long, we’ll be celebrating the incredible principals of Pender County Schools by sharing short video spotlights. 🎥
From what inspired them to lead, to their favorite memories from school, to the advice they’d give their younger selves — you’ll get a chance to see the heart, humor, and humanity behind the title “Principal.” 💙💛
Stay tuned throughout October as we feature principals from across our district. We can’t wait for you to hear their stories and get to know them even better! YouTube - https://youtube.com/shorts/ss10bN3Rz0E

🌟 Hands-On Learning at PACES After-School! 🌟
Our Malpass Corner PACES students had an electrifying experience on October 20th during a special 4-H Electric Workshop 🔌💡. Guests from Pender Early College and Pender 4-H🍀 guided students as they built their very own lamps — which they’ll proudly demonstrate during our Lights On Project on October 23rd!
A huge thank you to Traci Spencer and Jacob Farrow for generously donating the electrical kits that made this bright learning opportunity possible! ✨
Our Malpass Corner PACES students had an electrifying experience on October 20th during a special 4-H Electric Workshop 🔌💡. Guests from Pender Early College and Pender 4-H🍀 guided students as they built their very own lamps — which they’ll proudly demonstrate during our Lights On Project on October 23rd!
A huge thank you to Traci Spencer and Jacob Farrow for generously donating the electrical kits that made this bright learning opportunity possible! ✨










📣✨ October is National Principals Month! ✨📣
All month long, we’ll be celebrating the incredible principals of Pender County Schools by sharing short video spotlights. 🎥
From what inspired them to lead, to their favorite memories from school, to the advice they’d give their younger selves — you’ll get a chance to see the heart, humor, and humanity behind the title “Principal.” 💙💛
Stay tuned throughout October as we feature principals from across our district. We can’t wait for you to hear their stories and get to know them even better! YouTube - https://youtube.com/shorts/TeVKxloivrE
All month long, we’ll be celebrating the incredible principals of Pender County Schools by sharing short video spotlights. 🎥
From what inspired them to lead, to their favorite memories from school, to the advice they’d give their younger selves — you’ll get a chance to see the heart, humor, and humanity behind the title “Principal.” 💙💛
Stay tuned throughout October as we feature principals from across our district. We can’t wait for you to hear their stories and get to know them even better! YouTube - https://youtube.com/shorts/TeVKxloivrE


