🌟 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
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Meet Lily, an 8th grader at West Pender Middle School, recognized for her academic excellence and positive spirit. Last year, Lily was the only 7th grader to earn the Principal’s List Award. She is also a proud Beta Club member and is already challenging herself with two high school credit classes this year.
Beyond academics, Lily is known as a friend to everyone. Though naturally shy, she is thoughtful, kind, and always considers the feelings of others—qualities that make her a valued part of the WPMS community.
Outside of school, Lily enjoys playing video games, building puzzles, and creating collages on records. Her favorite food is crab legs, her favorite color is green, and her pets include her dog Luna and a few cats—though her favorite is Stuff Stuff. A fun fact: Lily is half Native American and was diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy at birth, but she never lets it hold her back—except maybe during a game of putt-putt. ⛳
💛💙 Congratulations, Lily—you are an inspiring example of perseverance, kindness, and academic achievement at West Pender Middle!
Meet Lily, an 8th grader at West Pender Middle School, recognized for her academic excellence and positive spirit. Last year, Lily was the only 7th grader to earn the Principal’s List Award. She is also a proud Beta Club member and is already challenging herself with two high school credit classes this year.
Beyond academics, Lily is known as a friend to everyone. Though naturally shy, she is thoughtful, kind, and always considers the feelings of others—qualities that make her a valued part of the WPMS community.
Outside of school, Lily enjoys playing video games, building puzzles, and creating collages on records. Her favorite food is crab legs, her favorite color is green, and her pets include her dog Luna and a few cats—though her favorite is Stuff Stuff. A fun fact: Lily is half Native American and was diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy at birth, but she never lets it hold her back—except maybe during a game of putt-putt. ⛳
💛💙 Congratulations, Lily—you are an inspiring example of perseverance, kindness, and academic achievement at West Pender Middle!
🎓 Hey Pender County High School Students!
You could be one of the 70,000+ North Carolina students eligible for direct admission to college through NC College Connect — and this week, you can apply for FREE! 🙌
Don’t miss out on your chance to jump-start your college journey.
✅ Check your eligibility
✅ Explore participating colleges
✅ Apply today — no application fees!
👉 Visit NCCollegeConnect.org
for all the details.
🎓 ¡Atención estudiantes de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender!
Más de 70,000 estudiantes de preparatoria en Carolina del Norte califican para admisión directa a la universidad a través de NC College Connect, ¡y esta semana pueden aplicar gratis! 🙌
No pierdas la oportunidad de comenzar tu camino universitario:
✅ Verifica si calificas
✅ Explora las universidades participantes
✅ ¡Aplica hoy — sin pagar tarifa de solicitud!
👉 Visita NCCollegeConnect.org
para más información.
You could be one of the 70,000+ North Carolina students eligible for direct admission to college through NC College Connect — and this week, you can apply for FREE! 🙌
Don’t miss out on your chance to jump-start your college journey.
✅ Check your eligibility
✅ Explore participating colleges
✅ Apply today — no application fees!
👉 Visit NCCollegeConnect.org
for all the details.
🎓 ¡Atención estudiantes de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender!
Más de 70,000 estudiantes de preparatoria en Carolina del Norte califican para admisión directa a la universidad a través de NC College Connect, ¡y esta semana pueden aplicar gratis! 🙌
No pierdas la oportunidad de comenzar tu camino universitario:
✅ Verifica si calificas
✅ Explora las universidades participantes
✅ ¡Aplica hoy — sin pagar tarifa de solicitud!
👉 Visita NCCollegeConnect.org
para más información.
🍎 Teacher Tuesday Spotlight 🍎
Meet Ms. Cheryl King, a 6th–8th grade math teacher at Burgaw Middle School, who has dedicated 17 years to education. Ms. King is being recognized for her unwavering commitment to her students, colleagues, and families. Known for her persistence and love of teaching math, she helps students view the subject as something exciting and worth mastering, even when it feels challenging. She balances classroom instruction, Title I responsibilities, and parent communication with grace—always ensuring that families feel heard and supported.
What stands out most about Ms. King is her ability to blend professional strength with genuine care. She shares her knowledge, resources, and experience freely, while also creating a nurturing environment where students and colleagues feel valued. She is a true team player who brings people together, modeling collaboration, encouragement, and compassion at every step.
One colleague reflected on the difference she made during their first year of teaching: “Ms. King was one of the biggest reasons I was excited to come to work every day. She welcomed my ideas, encouraged me to step into leadership, and showed me that coworkers can truly feel like family.” Through her support, she not only helped a beginning teacher grow but also strengthened the learning experience for all students.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. King, for your wisdom
Meet Ms. Cheryl King, a 6th–8th grade math teacher at Burgaw Middle School, who has dedicated 17 years to education. Ms. King is being recognized for her unwavering commitment to her students, colleagues, and families. Known for her persistence and love of teaching math, she helps students view the subject as something exciting and worth mastering, even when it feels challenging. She balances classroom instruction, Title I responsibilities, and parent communication with grace—always ensuring that families feel heard and supported.
What stands out most about Ms. King is her ability to blend professional strength with genuine care. She shares her knowledge, resources, and experience freely, while also creating a nurturing environment where students and colleagues feel valued. She is a true team player who brings people together, modeling collaboration, encouragement, and compassion at every step.
One colleague reflected on the difference she made during their first year of teaching: “Ms. King was one of the biggest reasons I was excited to come to work every day. She welcomed my ideas, encouraged me to step into leadership, and showed me that coworkers can truly feel like family.” Through her support, she not only helped a beginning teacher grow but also strengthened the learning experience for all students.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. King, for your wisdom
🎉⛳ Join us “fore” a great cause! ⛳🎉
Grab your putters and bring your friends to Pirates Turf Mini Golf for a fun-filled fundraiser supporting the Pender Education Partnership (PEP)! 🏌️♀️💚
Every swing, smile, and hole-in-one helps support students and educators across Pender County Schools.
All proceeds go directly to PEP, helping fund student scholarships, classroom grants, and educational initiatives that make a lasting impact.
Come for the fun and let’s make this event a hole-in-one for education! 🏆📚
Grab your putters and bring your friends to Pirates Turf Mini Golf for a fun-filled fundraiser supporting the Pender Education Partnership (PEP)! 🏌️♀️💚
Every swing, smile, and hole-in-one helps support students and educators across Pender County Schools.
All proceeds go directly to PEP, helping fund student scholarships, classroom grants, and educational initiatives that make a lasting impact.
Come for the fun and let’s make this event a hole-in-one for education! 🏆📚
🟧Bullying Prevention Week | October 20–24 🟧
Bullying has no place in Pender County Schools. During Bullying Prevention Week, we stand together to promote kindness, respect, and safety in every classroom, hallway, and bus. 💬🤝
Let’s work together to be upstanders, not bystanders—and create schools where everyone feels safe and welcomed.
Bullying has no place in Pender County Schools. During Bullying Prevention Week, we stand together to promote kindness, respect, and safety in every classroom, hallway, and bus. 💬🤝
Let’s work together to be upstanders, not bystanders—and create schools where everyone feels safe and welcomed.
🎉💰 Financially Smart and Future Ready! 💰🎉
Over 40 students in Mrs. Turner’s 8th Grade Business and Entrepreneurship class at Surf City Middle School have earned their EVERFI Financial Literacy Credential! 👏
Through this interactive course, students explored essential money management topics like budgeting, saving, credit, investing, and responsible spending — building the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions both now and in the future. 💡
This achievement represents a big step toward becoming career and life ready, and it’s another example of how Pender County Schools is preparing students to be Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed after graduation.
A huge shoutout to Mrs. Turner for providing engaging, real-world learning experiences that empower students to think like entrepreneurs and manage their financial futures with confidence! 🙌
#PCSCareerReady #CTEWorks #FinancialLiteracy #MiddleSchoolCTE #SurfCityMiddle #FutureReady #Entrepreneurship #PenderPride
Over 40 students in Mrs. Turner’s 8th Grade Business and Entrepreneurship class at Surf City Middle School have earned their EVERFI Financial Literacy Credential! 👏
Through this interactive course, students explored essential money management topics like budgeting, saving, credit, investing, and responsible spending — building the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions both now and in the future. 💡
This achievement represents a big step toward becoming career and life ready, and it’s another example of how Pender County Schools is preparing students to be Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed after graduation.
A huge shoutout to Mrs. Turner for providing engaging, real-world learning experiences that empower students to think like entrepreneurs and manage their financial futures with confidence! 🙌
#PCSCareerReady #CTEWorks #FinancialLiteracy #MiddleSchoolCTE #SurfCityMiddle #FutureReady #Entrepreneurship #PenderPride
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Bobbie Bryant-Goodwin, Treasurer and Front Office Staff Member at North Topsail Elementary. Ms. Bobbie is known for her warm smile, joyful spirit, and the way she makes every parent, staff member, and volunteer feel welcome. She turns what could be an intimidating front office environment into a safe, supportive space where people feel heard and valued.
In addition to her daily responsibilities—where she wears many hats—Ms. Bobbie is always willing to lend her knowledge and guidance. As one PTA leader shared, she consistently points the board in the right direction and engages volunteers in a way that encourages them to return and stay connected with the school.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Bobbie, for your kindness, professionalism, and dedication to the North Topsail Elementary community. You truly make a difference every day!
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Bobbie Bryant-Goodwin, Treasurer and Front Office Staff Member at North Topsail Elementary. Ms. Bobbie is known for her warm smile, joyful spirit, and the way she makes every parent, staff member, and volunteer feel welcome. She turns what could be an intimidating front office environment into a safe, supportive space where people feel heard and valued.
In addition to her daily responsibilities—where she wears many hats—Ms. Bobbie is always willing to lend her knowledge and guidance. As one PTA leader shared, she consistently points the board in the right direction and engages volunteers in a way that encourages them to return and stay connected with the school.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Bobbie, for your kindness, professionalism, and dedication to the North Topsail Elementary community. You truly make a difference every day!
🍽️ Thank You for Celebrating National School Lunch Week! 🎉
We loved seeing so many new faces in our cafeterias! The Sausage & Cheesy Potato Soup was a huge hit with students. Made with fresh vegetables and a blend of spices for just the right kick of flavor.
Be sure to keep an eye out for next month’s menu drop for more exciting events and new Limited Time Offer entrées!
We loved seeing so many new faces in our cafeterias! The Sausage & Cheesy Potato Soup was a huge hit with students. Made with fresh vegetables and a blend of spices for just the right kick of flavor.
Be sure to keep an eye out for next month’s menu drop for more exciting events and new Limited Time Offer entrées!
📣✨ 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/qDGFx3x31JM
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/qDGFx3x31JM
💼 Career Development in Action at Burgaw Middle School! 💼
This week, Ms. Messick’s 8th grade students took a big step toward their futures by completing part of their NC Career Development Plan with support from Mrs. Simmons, PCS CTE Middle School CDC! 🌟
Students explored their work values — sorting priorities like pay, positive relationships, support, and working conditions — and discussed why it’s important that people value different things in the workplace. 💬✨
Using NCCareers.org, students discovered how understanding their values can guide them in choosing the right high school electives and future careers. 🎯
Ask your student to show you their plan — it’s an exciting glimpse into their path from classrooms to careers! 🚀
#PenderCTE #CareerReady #MiddleSchoolCTE #OnePender #BurgawMiddleSchool #CareerDevelopment #NCCareers #FutureFocused
📣 Pender County Schools CTE Spotlight!
Students from Topsail High School and Heide Trask High School are representing Pender County Schools today at the DECA Regional Leadership Conference at Mount Olive University! 🎓💼
These emerging leaders are looking sharp in their professional business attire and ready to showcase their skills in leadership, marketing, and entrepreneurship. 🌟
Way to go, Pirates and Titans — your hard work, confidence, and professionalism are shining bright today! 💙💛💚
#PenderCTE #DECA #FutureLeaders #OnePender #CareerReady #MountOliveUniversity #TopsailHighSchool #HeideTraskHighSchool
📣✨ 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/j2zaWk_7tek
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/j2zaWk_7tek
