🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟

Mary Claire is a senior at Topsail High School, nominated by Nicole Kloesz, Student Council Co-Advisor, for community leadership.

Mary Claire was elected by her classmates as the Executive for Media and Communications for THS Student Council. In that role, she has helped share important back-to-school information and event details with students and families. She manages social media for both Student Council and Yearbook, and her digital design work has helped improve how the school communicates with the community.

Mary Claire also supports staff around the building by helping create posters and print materials for clubs, classrooms, and school events. She regularly attends events and encourages others to come as well. Her photos and posts help students and families stay connected and feel included in what’s happening at THS.

Outside of school, Mary Claire enjoys pickleball 🏓 and sailing at Camp Don Lee ⛵. Her favorite snacks are pizza 🍕 and Cheez-Its, and her favorite colors are blue and teal 💙💚—the Seahawk colors. She has a golden retriever named Zeke 🐶. One fun fact: Mary Claire taught herself how to play the guitar 🎸.

💙💚 Thank you, Mary Claire, for helping keep the Topsail High School community informed and connected.
17 days ago, Bob Fankboner
student spotlight mary claire topsail high
🎒📚 Pack the Future 2026 – Classroom Drive ✏️

The Pender County Housing Authority is bringing back Pack the Future, a school supply drive supporting local teachers and students ahead of the new school year.

Last year, our community showed up in a big way. Thanks to strong participation, classrooms across the county received essential supplies and teachers felt the support.

Now, they're gearing up for Summer 2026, and they need your help again!

🖍️ They’re collecting new school supplies that will be distributed directly to local teachers at the upcoming Teacher Supply Giveaway Event.

When you support a teacher, you support an entire classroom of students. ❤️

For more information or to get involved:
📞 910-259-1468
📧 Housinginfo@pendercountync.gov
17 days ago, Bob Fankboner
pack the future classroom drive

Have you ever wondered what other students are learning — or how they’re learning it? 🏫✨
What does a school day look like in another country? 🌍

Thanks to an ECU grant opportunity, Dr. Breedlove is visiting schools in Wales to get an up-close look at how education happens across the globe and he’s bringing PCS students along for the journey! ✈️🏴

Each day, he’s answering questions submitted by our students in a special video vlog straight from Wales. 🎥💬 From classroom routines to school culture, students are getting a firsthand look at learning beyond North Carolina.

Follow along and watch the daily updates here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP57o3AbgsYxPkYmoqV6jyzKMa__ATkgg

The world is closer than you think. 🌎💙

17 days ago, Bob Fankboner
where in the world is dr breedlove
🩺💙 Real World. Real Skills. Real Impact. Job Shadow Day 2026 – Medical Assistant Pathway! 💙🩺 Pender County Schools Medical Assistant students from all three high schools came together for the first iteration of Job Shadow Day 2026, and what an incredible experience it was! In partnership with Cape Fear Community College and UNC SERVE, our students stepped directly into the world of healthcare careers. The day began with CFCC Career Services guiding students through: ✔️ Healthcare career pathways ✔️ Postsecondary planning ✔️ Resume development tailored specifically to the healthcare field Then the real hands-on learning began in the Health Simulation Lab: 🫀 Operating EKG machines 🩹 Treating wounds 🫁 Listening to patient lung sounds 🚑 Performing CPR 💉 Practicing blood draws in the phlebotomy station Students didn’t just observe — they practiced, applied, and engaged in authentic clinical simulations that mirror real healthcare environments. To close out the day, students collaborated in teams to work through real-world, work-based healthcare scenarios — building communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills essential to the medical field. We are incredibly grateful to UNC SERVE for coordinating this powerful opportunity and helping create meaningful career-connected learning experiences for our students. 👏 Please join us in giving them a HUGE shoutout for investing in the future of healthcare right here in Pender County! This is what Career & Technical Education looks like — preparing students to be Enrolled. Enlisted. Employed. 💼🎓🇺🇸 #PenderCTE #JobShadowDay2026 #HealthcarePathways #WorkBasedLearning #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed
18 days ago, Career and Technical Education Department
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Teacher Tuesday: Ms. Sarah Booth — BMS

Ms. Sarah Booth serves as an 8th grade EC co-teacher at Burgaw Middle School, supporting students in grades 6–8. She works closely with classroom teachers and regularly pushes into classes to provide additional support where it’s needed.

Ms. Booth is known for being approachable and steady with both students and staff. She collaborates with teachers to make sure appropriate modifications and supports are in place each day. She also reviews student data consistently to monitor progress and adjust supports when needed.

Earlier this year, Ms. Booth reached out with questions about how to best support a Newcomer student. She was eager to learn and apply new strategies. After implementing additional supports, along with her own ideas, the student began showing strong growth in ELA. He is now actively participating in class and working with peers on group projects, even when language differences are present.

Thank you, Ms. Booth, for your commitment to student growth and your work with the staff and students at BMS. 🔥
18 days ago, Bob Fankboner
teacher tuesday sarah booth bms
Weekly Newsletter - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/9cHewyDaIYKAF Have a great weekend!
22 days ago, Bob Fankboner
PCS Weekly Newsletter
🌟 PCS CTE Teacher Highlight | Family & Consumer Science

Today we recognize our Family & Consumer Science CTE teachers! 🧵🍎

From early childhood education to nutrition, life skills, and career readiness, these educators help students build skills for both career success and everyday life.

👏 Thank you for supporting students in becoming confident, capable, and caring individuals.

#CTETeacherHighlight #FamilyAndConsumerSciences #LifeSkills #PCSCTE
22 days ago, Career and Technical Education Department
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🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟

This week we’re recognizing Ms. Missy Daniel, TIMS Coordinator in the Transportation Department.

Missy has been a reliable support when it comes to working through difficult transportation situations, especially for students experiencing homelessness. Part of our work is making sure students can stay at their school of origin whenever possible, and Missy plays a big role in helping make that happen.

She consistently helps find workable solutions and makes sure routes are in place so students can get to school safely and on time. Just as important, she handles challenging situations with a calm, professional attitude and is always pleasant to work with.

💛💙 Thank you, Missy, for the steady support you provide and for helping take care of our students and families in a real and practical way.
22 days ago, Bob Fankboner
feature friday missy daniel
🌟 PCS CTE Teacher Highlight | Health Science

We are proud to celebrate our Health Science CTE teachers! 🩺💙

These teachers prepare students for careers in healthcare, medicine, and human services, while emphasizing compassion, professionalism, and lifelong learning.

👏 Thank you for shaping the next generation of caregivers and healthcare professionals who will make a difference in our communities.

#CTETeacherHighlight #HealthScience #FutureHealthcare #PCSCTE
22 days ago, Career and Technical Education Department
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Yesterday marked the conclusion of this year’s SHED Competition, and what an incredible three days it has been! 🔨🏗️

Every student who participated should be extremely proud of their hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship. Beyond building sheds, students built connections — networking with contractors, learning from industry professionals, and even receiving job offers along the way!

Congratulations to our top teams:
🥇 Jacksonville High School – 1st Place
🥈 West Brunswick High School – 2nd Place
🥉 Croatan High School – 3rd Place

A huge thank you to today’s lunch sponsor, Cape Fear Seafood Company, for keeping everyone fueled for the final day!

It was exciting to see parents, students, teachers, CTE Directors, Board members, and Dr. Breedlove out on the field supporting all six schools that participated in this outstanding event. The energy and community pride were truly unmatched. 💙💛

Special thanks to Revel 42 Golf Carts for providing golf carts to help transport visitors around the grounds and over to see Be Pro Be Proud in action. Your support made a big difference!

We also extend our gratitude to Connect for Success NC for hosting another fantastic event and continuing to create meaningful workforce opportunities for our students.

📌 Mark your calendars now!
SHED: February 9–11, 2027
VOLT: February 10, 2027

Our underclassmen are already eager to spend the next year fine-tuning their skills to return stronger than ever!

There are still sheds available for purchase — $4,000 includes delivery and setup.
For more information, reach out to Mrs. Fargo at siobhan_fargo@pender.k12.nc.us.

Thank you to everyone who made this event such a success! 👏🔨⚡
22 days ago, Career and Technical Education Department
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🌟 PCS CTE Teacher Highlight | Agriculture

We’re proud to highlight our Agriculture CTE teachers! 🌱🚜

From plant and animal science to leadership through FFA, these educators teach students the importance of sustainability, responsibility, and hands-on learning. They connect classrooms to farms, food systems, and future careers.

👏 Thank you for growing knowledge, character, and opportunity—one student at a time.

#CTETeacherHighlight #AgEducation #FFA #PCSCTE
22 days ago, Career and Technical Education Department
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Just a reminder...
Pender Early College is hosting an information session TONIGHT for any students interested in transferring to PECHS. Parents may also find this extremely helpful. The online session begins at 6:00 PM
Google Meet joining info https://meet.google.com/qwv-sugj-bip

23 days ago, Bob Fankboner
pechs transfer student online information session
Black History in CTE Presents:

Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett – Health Science & Biotechnology

CTE Cluster: Health Science | STEM | Biotechnology

Black History in CTE Spotlight 🧬🩺
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett is a leading immunologist who played a key role in developing the COVID-19 vaccine. Her work highlights the power of science, perseverance, and purpose.

📍 Local Connection:
PCS Health Science and STEM programs expose students to biotechnology, medical research, and healthcare careers, preparing them for high-demand fields across North Carolina.

🧠 CTE saves lives—today and tomorrow.
23 days ago, Career and Technical Education Department
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Topsail High School takes home a second-place win in our annual VOLT competition!

Tucker Smith and Korey McKinley, students in Mr. English’s carpentry class, proudly represented Topsail in this year’s event. They were teamed up with LJ Electrical Company and mentored after school and on weekends to prepare for the competition.

What makes this achievement even more impressive is that neither student has taken an electrical class. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones.

A huge shoutout to Mr. English for advocating for our future workforce in the trades and for bringing Connect For Success NC back for year two of VOLT and year three of SHED!

Congratulations to everyone involved on this outstanding accomplishment!
24 days ago, Career and Technical Education Department
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🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟

Melissa is a 5th grader at Rocky Point Elementary, nominated by her music teacher, Laura Black, for leadership, kindness, and artistic talent.

Melissa is a hard-working student in both her homeroom and specials classes. Last year, she served as a student leader in the Rocky Point PALS Club, where she helped staff and students during morning arrival. Teachers describe her as responsible and dependable, and she sets a positive example for younger students at school.

Melissa is also a dedicated musician. She joined the orchestra program in 2023 and has spent the past two years learning the violin 🎻. This year, she will take on a leadership role in orchestra by helping new students as they begin learning a string instrument.

Outside of school, Melissa enjoys drawing 🎨. Her favorite food is lasagna 🍽️, and her favorite color is aqua 💧. She has a dog named Jack 🐶 and also has fish 🐟. One interesting fact about Melissa is that she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

💙 Thank you, Melissa, for being a kind leader and a great example at Rocky Point Elementary.
24 days ago, Bob Fankboner
student spotlight melissa rocky point elementary
🌟 Where Are They Now? Wednesdays | 3E Spotlight: Employed 🌟

This CTE Month, we’re proud to highlight our 3E Pathway: Employed and celebrate PCS graduates who are putting their skills to work in meaningful careers.

🚒 Meet Nathan Simmons, a proud PCS graduate currently working as a firefighter. Nathan shared that what he enjoys most about his career is being able to use hands-on skills to help people, especially in moments when it matters most.

While in high school, Nathan completed both the Horticulture and Carpentry CTE pathways. Through hands-on projects, working with tools, and learning the importance of doing things the right way, he gained skills and confidence that directly prepared him for the workforce. These experiences helped him realize that a hands-on career was the right fit for him.

As Nathan explored career options, conversations with his grandfather—who served as a firefighter in Midwest City—sparked his interest in the field. Seeing how hands-on skills could be used to serve others ultimately led him to pursue a career in firefighting.

💬 Nathan’s advice to PCS students:
Don’t choose a career just to make others happy. Choose something you can truly see yourself enjoying.

He also shared an important lesson from his journey: whatever goal you set, make sure you’re giving it your full effort.

👏 We are proud to celebrate Nathan Simmons as a PCS CTE Employed success story and a powerful example of how CTE prepares students for real-world careers that make a difference.

#WhereAreTheyNowWednesday #PCSCTE #3EPathway #Employed #CTEMonth #CareerReady
24 days ago, Career and Technical Education Department
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💙TEACHER TUESDAY📘

Ms. Jennifer Simmons is an EC teacher at North Topsail Elementary. One family shared how much of a difference she has made for their child both academically and personally. They said Ms. Simmons creates a space where their son can learn, grow, and also feel comfortable being himself.

Parents appreciate that she balances high expectations with kindness and patience. She encourages students to work through areas that are difficult, but she also notices their strengths outside of academics and takes time to build confidence in those areas too. Families say their child has shown growth in both academics and behavior because of the support and encouragement she provides.

What stands out most about Ms. Simmons is her genuine nature and the way she partners with families. A parent shared that during their child’s IEP meeting, Ms. Simmons spoke about their son in a way that really meant a lot to them. She shared personal strengths she had noticed, showing that she takes time to know students as individuals—not just as learners in the classroom.

Thank you, Ms. Simmons, for the care you show your students and for working closely with families at North Topsail Elementary. 💛
25 days ago, Bob Fankboner
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🎉 Job Shadow Day is February 27 — Sign Up Now! 🎉

We’re excited to announce that Pender County Schools Job Shadow Day is happening on Friday, February 27, 2026, and we want YOU to sign up!

Job Shadow Day gives students the opportunity to visit a workplace and see what a professional’s day is really like—learning beyond the classroom and into the real world.

👣 Who Can Participate?
All 7th–12th grade students are invited to join.

📝 How to Get Started:

Talk with your family and choose a job to visit (family, friends, or local businesses are welcome!)

Pick up an application from a CTE teacher or school counselor, or download it online

Join the Job Shadow Day Google Classroom (Code: w337uydp)

📅 Application Deadline:
Submit your completed application with required signatures to your school counselor by 2/20/26.

🔍 Why Job Shadow Day Matters:

Helps students explore career interests

Connects classroom learning to real-world careers

Supports informed postsecondary decisions

Provides meaningful workforce exposure

🎉 Last year, more than 700 PCS students participated, and we’re excited to make Job Shadow Day 2026 even bigger and better!

✅ Students who participate will receive an excused educational opportunity absence.

✨ Don’t miss this chance to explore your future—sign up today!

#JobShadowDay #PCSCTE #CTEWorks #CareerExploration #FutureReady
27 days ago, Career and Technical Education Department
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👮‍♂️💙 Happy National School Resource Officer Day! 🛡️🏫

Pender County Schools thanks our dedicated SROs who help keep our campuses safe, build strong relationships with students, and serve as trusted mentors and protectors. 🙌

Your presence, professionalism, and care mean so much to our school communities. Today—and every day—we appreciate all you do! 👏🚓
27 days ago, Bob Fankboner
2026 school resource officer day
Weekly PCS Newsletter - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/YCUi5e9dkI78A Have a great weekend!
29 days ago, Bob Fankboner
Weekly PCS Newsletter