🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Kelley Warren, Assistant Principal at Surf City Middle School.
Ms. Warren was nominated by a student who appreciates the time she takes to listen and offer support. Whether a student is facing a challenge or simply needs someone to talk to, she works to make sure students feel heard and comfortable asking for help.
A lot of the work of an assistant principal happens behind the scenes. Ms. Warren supports students, staff, and families throughout the school day while helping create an environment where students can learn, grow, and feel supported.
The student who nominated her pointed to her kindness, positive attitude, and encouragement as things that have made a difference in their experience at school.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Warren, for taking the time to listen and for the support you provide to students and staff at Surf City Middle School.
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Kelley Warren, Assistant Principal at Surf City Middle School.
Ms. Warren was nominated by a student who appreciates the time she takes to listen and offer support. Whether a student is facing a challenge or simply needs someone to talk to, she works to make sure students feel heard and comfortable asking for help.
A lot of the work of an assistant principal happens behind the scenes. Ms. Warren supports students, staff, and families throughout the school day while helping create an environment where students can learn, grow, and feel supported.
The student who nominated her pointed to her kindness, positive attitude, and encouragement as things that have made a difference in their experience at school.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Warren, for taking the time to listen and for the support you provide to students and staff at Surf City Middle School.
To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving nearly 30 million children each day, Pender County Schools is celebrating National School Lunch Week from October 12-16, 2026. The fun and creative campaign theme, “Cafeteria Circus: Where Healthy Choices Take Center Stage,” highlights the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom. Pender County is offering ALL STUDENT MEALS, both breakfast and lunch, AT NO COST during this week long carnival!
Please join the extravaganza and step up under the big top next week to celebrate all of our
spectacular child nutrition professionals who juggle & balance & dazzle all week long...helping to keep the show running here in Pender County!
Some of the fun meals offered next week include:
Clown Nose Strawberries
Ferris Wheel Whole Grain Waffles
Fire Breather Carrots
Tight Rope Red Pepper Strips
Strong Man Omelet
Clown Car Rib Sliders
Trapeze Chicken Sandwich
Doritos (whole grain reduced fat) Walkin-the-tightrope Tacos
Please join the extravaganza and step up under the big top next week to celebrate all of our
spectacular child nutrition professionals who juggle & balance & dazzle all week long...helping to keep the show running here in Pender County!
Some of the fun meals offered next week include:
Clown Nose Strawberries
Ferris Wheel Whole Grain Waffles
Fire Breather Carrots
Tight Rope Red Pepper Strips
Strong Man Omelet
Clown Car Rib Sliders
Trapeze Chicken Sandwich
Doritos (whole grain reduced fat) Walkin-the-tightrope Tacos
It's CRUNCH time :)
All middle and high schools in Pender County are offering the Southwest Crunch Burger this week!
Chef Jeff was out in a few schools last week serving samples of this Limited Time Offer monthly special.
This is certainly nacho average burger....hope to see yall in the cafeteria!
High Schools - Tuesday and Thursday
Middle Schools - Friday
🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | PENDERLEA SCHOOL
For Stephen Harris, principal of Penderlea School, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing students grow from their very first days of kindergarten all the way through eighth grade.
At a K-8 school, that means watching younger students look up to their older classmates and seeing eighth graders grow into leaders, role models and mentors for the students coming behind them.
Mr. Harris says what makes Penderlea special is easy to identify: the community. From students and staff to families and community members, he sees a strong support system that helps make the school unique.
And when he thinks back to his own school days, some of his favorite memories come from wrestling meets, teammates and the camaraderie that came with being part of a team. These days, though, there may be one sport he wouldn’t mind mastering. ⛳
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Mr. Harris, for all you do for the Penderlea School community! 💙 - https://youtube.com/shorts/9nHYZsqKVMI
For Stephen Harris, principal of Penderlea School, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing students grow from their very first days of kindergarten all the way through eighth grade.
At a K-8 school, that means watching younger students look up to their older classmates and seeing eighth graders grow into leaders, role models and mentors for the students coming behind them.
Mr. Harris says what makes Penderlea special is easy to identify: the community. From students and staff to families and community members, he sees a strong support system that helps make the school unique.
And when he thinks back to his own school days, some of his favorite memories come from wrestling meets, teammates and the camaraderie that came with being part of a team. These days, though, there may be one sport he wouldn’t mind mastering. ⛳
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Mr. Harris, for all you do for the Penderlea School community! 💙 - https://youtube.com/shorts/9nHYZsqKVMI
🎉 BIG NEWS FOR PENDER COUNTY SCHOOLS!
Dr. Brad Breedlove has been named the 2027 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year!
Dr. Breedlove received the statewide honor today in Greensboro after previously being selected as the Region 2 — Southeast Superintendent of the Year.
This recognition reflects his leadership, his commitment to students and staff, and the work taking place every day across Pender County Schools.
Congratulations, Dr. Breedlove! 👏
More to come...
Dr. Brad Breedlove has been named the 2027 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year!
Dr. Breedlove received the statewide honor today in Greensboro after previously being selected as the Region 2 — Southeast Superintendent of the Year.
This recognition reflects his leadership, his commitment to students and staff, and the work taking place every day across Pender County Schools.
Congratulations, Dr. Breedlove! 👏
More to come...
🍓🍌 A little measuring, a little mixing, and a whole lot of learning at Heide Trask!
Mrs. Sanders’ Food and Nutrition students put their measuring and recipe-reading skills to the test with scratch-made quick breads! From strawberry and chocolate chip to banana nut and savory zucchini bread, students cooked up delicious results while building skills they can use for life. 🍞😋
Our students are blessed to have Mrs. Sanders—a teacher who brings learning to life through meaningful, hands-on experiences! 😇👏
#PCSCTE #HeideTrask #HandsOnLearning #CookingUpGreatness
⚖️ Order in the court—Topsail High School edition!
THS Public Safety students brought courtroom learning to life with a mock trial in the media center! From presenting arguments to examining evidence, students practiced critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills that translate to everyday life.
This is what makes Luke Smith, PCS CTE’s NCCAT CTE Teacher of the Year, one of the best! He brings relevance to the classroom and creates meaningful learning experiences that reach far beyond it. 👏
With students stepping into their roles, the THS media center looked like a real courtroom in action!
#PCSCTE #TopsailHighSchool #PublicSafety #LearningByDoing #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
THS Public Safety students brought courtroom learning to life with a mock trial in the media center! From presenting arguments to examining evidence, students practiced critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills that translate to everyday life.
This is what makes Luke Smith, PCS CTE’s NCCAT CTE Teacher of the Year, one of the best! He brings relevance to the classroom and creates meaningful learning experiences that reach far beyond it. 👏
With students stepping into their roles, the THS media center looked like a real courtroom in action!
#PCSCTE #TopsailHighSchool #PublicSafety #LearningByDoing #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
🎉 NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH | C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY
For Brittany Moore, principal of C.F. Pope Elementary, education has always been about relationships, growth and making a difference.
She still remembers the teacher who made seventh grade fun and helped shape her own educational journey, someone who remains part of her life today. That same sense of connection is something Ms. Moore values at C.F. Pope, where she describes the school as a close-knit, family-oriented community where everyone knows one another and comes together to support students.
Her advice for students is simple but meaningful: every day is a new opportunity to make a difference, mistakes are part of learning, and there is always a chance to grow.
And if she had to eat one school lunch for an entire week? 🌮 Tacos.
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Ms. Moore, for all you do for the C.F. Pope Elementary community! 💙 YouTube Link - - https://youtube.com/shorts/hrRzT9gdJk8
For Brittany Moore, principal of C.F. Pope Elementary, education has always been about relationships, growth and making a difference.
She still remembers the teacher who made seventh grade fun and helped shape her own educational journey, someone who remains part of her life today. That same sense of connection is something Ms. Moore values at C.F. Pope, where she describes the school as a close-knit, family-oriented community where everyone knows one another and comes together to support students.
Her advice for students is simple but meaningful: every day is a new opportunity to make a difference, mistakes are part of learning, and there is always a chance to grow.
And if she had to eat one school lunch for an entire week? 🌮 Tacos.
Throughout National Principals Month, we’re getting to know the people behind the principal’s desk and celebrating the leadership they bring to our schools each day.
Thank you, Ms. Moore, for all you do for the C.F. Pope Elementary community! 💙 YouTube Link - - https://youtube.com/shorts/hrRzT9gdJk8
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Braylen is a Pre-K student at Malpass Corner Elementary, recognized for leadership, respect, and being a positive example for his classmates.
Since the first day of school, Braylen has done a great job following classroom routines and expectations. He listens carefully to directions, treats adults and classmates with respect, and is always willing to help. Whether he’s taking care of a classroom job, helping with cleanup, or showing a classmate what to do, Braylen leads by example. 😊
His teachers say his positive attitude and willingness to help encourage other students to make good choices, too.
Outside of the classroom, Braylen enjoys flag football 🏈 and, as he puts it, I like running!” 🏃 His favorite food is spaghetti 🍝, and his favorite color is blue 💙. He also has a bearded dragon named Tails 🦎.
💙 Thank you, Braylen, for being a helpful classmate and setting a good example at Malpass Corner Elementary!
Braylen is a Pre-K student at Malpass Corner Elementary, recognized for leadership, respect, and being a positive example for his classmates.
Since the first day of school, Braylen has done a great job following classroom routines and expectations. He listens carefully to directions, treats adults and classmates with respect, and is always willing to help. Whether he’s taking care of a classroom job, helping with cleanup, or showing a classmate what to do, Braylen leads by example. 😊
His teachers say his positive attitude and willingness to help encourage other students to make good choices, too.
Outside of the classroom, Braylen enjoys flag football 🏈 and, as he puts it, I like running!” 🏃 His favorite food is spaghetti 🍝, and his favorite color is blue 💙. He also has a bearded dragon named Tails 🦎.
💙 Thank you, Braylen, for being a helpful classmate and setting a good example at Malpass Corner Elementary!
🌿 Growing knowledge beyond the classroom!
Last week, Heide Trask High School’s Horticulture II students visited the Arboretum Gardens in Wilmington, connecting classroom learning with real-world plant identification as they prepare for their Horticulture Plant ID Credential. 🌱
Thank you, Mr. Mitchell, for providing such a relevant field trip and meaningful learning experience. Experiences like these help students grow their skills and see where their learning can take them!
#PCSCTE #HeideTraskHighSchool #Horticulture #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
Last week, Heide Trask High School’s Horticulture II students visited the Arboretum Gardens in Wilmington, connecting classroom learning with real-world plant identification as they prepare for their Horticulture Plant ID Credential. 🌱
Thank you, Mr. Mitchell, for providing such a relevant field trip and meaningful learning experience. Experiences like these help students grow their skills and see where their learning can take them!
#PCSCTE #HeideTraskHighSchool #Horticulture #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
🚓🏆 Help bring home a national win!
Our School Resource Officers work in partnership with Pender County Schools through programs like D.A.R.E., and now their D.A.R.E. Cars are competing on the national stage!
After earning first and second place in the North Carolina D.A.R.E. Officers Association competition, the cars are now entered in the D.A.R.E. America National Car Show and Competition — and community votes can help them win nationwide.
🗳️ Cast your vote here:
https://dare.org/d-a-r-e-car-show-vote/
Let’s show our support for the officers who work alongside our schools and students every day! 💙🚔
Our School Resource Officers work in partnership with Pender County Schools through programs like D.A.R.E., and now their D.A.R.E. Cars are competing on the national stage!
After earning first and second place in the North Carolina D.A.R.E. Officers Association competition, the cars are now entered in the D.A.R.E. America National Car Show and Competition — and community votes can help them win nationwide.
🗳️ Cast your vote here:
https://dare.org/d-a-r-e-car-show-vote/
Let’s show our support for the officers who work alongside our schools and students every day! 💙🚔
🇬🇧🎶 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 :)
