Earlier today, there was a student health emergency that was caused by vaping at one of our high schools. First responders deployed preventive medicine during this emergency and the student was transported to a local hospital. This crisis provides all of us with a reminder of the very real dangers of vaping, and the actual harm it can cause. In case anyone is unaware, electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, other electronic smoking devices even if they do not contain tobacco or nicotine, all lighted and smokeless tobacco products, and any other items reasonably resembling tobacco are considered tobacco products and their use is prohibited in school buildings, on school campuses, and in or on any other school property owned or operated by the School Board. If you or a student you know is addicted to tobacco or e-cigarettes, please contact that student’s school counselor for support.
COOKIE MONSTER - word of advice, make sure the jar is full or it will drive Dara Stophel crazy! Cookies, pink & purple, Berenstain Bears - she's your average 1st grader, or maybe a bit above which is why she's the Star News Pender County Student of the Week https://bit.ly/3IBqul6
ONCE A PATRIOT - always a Patriot. Catch up with former Pender basketball standout Jajuan Carr who’s making a name for himself at CFCC. Thank you to the Star News for the story https://bit.ly/3fZp8UW
All Pender County Schools return to a normal schedule Monday
All Pender County School buildings will be closed on Friday. All after school and athletic events have been postponed due to the expected inclement weather and dangerous conditions.
WINTER WEATHER ALERT - Due to the threat of inclement weather, Pender County Schools will transition to virtual instruction on Friday, Jan. 21. Instructions for Friday participation will be provided to students prior to leaving school Thursday.
STUDENT OF THE WEEK - Ms. Carol Hett nominated Mattie Colclough as the Star News Pender County Student of the Week calling her one of Cape Fear Middle's ROCKS (respectful, ownership, cooperative, kind, safe). Click to read more about the 8th grader https://bit.ly/3tGqvQs
We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a Pender County Schools student who died as a result of a shooting Saturday evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family as well as the Surf City Middle School family.
This painful loss will raise many emotions and questions for our school community, especially our students. Counselors and the school psychologist will be available to help with the needs of students, parents and school personnel when classes resume on Tuesday.
"The senseless loss of such a young life is difficult to understand." Superintendent Dr. Steven Hill said. "Anytime you lose a student, regardless of circumstance, it's felt across the district. We will be here for our students, faculty and staff who need any extra support over the days ahead."
REMINDER - In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Pender County Schools will be closed on Monday, January 17.
Students from across the district checked the "S" box from STEM classes at the District Science Fair at Cape Fear Elementary School. Winners move on to the regional round at UNCW. Congrats to all on a very informative and creative evening. #STEM https://youtu.be/-VpXOGzqZ6w
NEVER TOO EARLY - just a reminder that the deadline for submitting applications to Pender Early College High School for the 2022-23 school year is Monday, January 31, 2022.
Follow this link for the application - https://bit.ly/34KvBAN
The district wide science fair is underway at Cape Fear Elementary School. More to come as the projects are judged and awards are handed out.
To help with recent staff shortages, a new directive by Gov. Roy Cooper will allow state employees to serve as substitute staff in schools. As a reminder here are the requirements for substitutes and bus drivers who are seeking to work with Pender County Schools.
Becoming a substitute teacher - https://bit.ly/31ZdMgs
BEST OF THE BEST - Topsail wrestler Ethan Blevins is ranked number one in the state with a perfect 36-0 record. Jackson Fuller from the StarNews caught up with the junior. You can read the story here https://bit.ly/3zTW9ez
Admires mom and dad and has a goal to land on the honor roll in college - Mecca Walker is checking the right boxes early so it's no shock the Surf City Middle 7th grader is this weeks Star News Pender County School's Student of the Week
https://bit.ly/3FnY9wF
During the Board of Education meeting Christie Brown (PECHS) and Dr. Larry Obeda (THS) accepted certificates from the State recognizing their outstanding graduation rates. Board Chair Brad George accepted for Pender County Schools which was named a Top Ten district.
Walk the Walk - Pender County Schools was recently recognized as a "Top Ten" school district for graduation rates (93.2%). Pender Early College High School achieved 100% graduation for 2020-21, Topsail High School achieved 95.2%.
https://bit.ly/3K2mT12
A big thanks to Topsail Magazine for putting the spotlight on Superintendent Hill's personal path and the one he envisions for students in Pender County Schools to succeed.
https://www.topsailmag.com/a-clear-path-forward/
After averaging 12 points in two wins over the holiday break,, Topsail's Lexie Dawson was named the StarNews Athlete of the Week https://bit.ly/3qbgF71 (photo courtesy - Star News)
