Black History in CTE:
Mae Jemison
CTE Cluster: STEM | Health Science | Engineering
Black History in CTE Spotlight 🚀🩺
Dr. Mae Jemison is a physician, engineer, and the first Black woman to travel into space. Her career blends science, health, and innovation—showing students that they don’t have to choose just one passion.
📍 Local Connection:
PCS CTE STEM and Health Science pathways introduce students to careers in medicine, engineering, and science, helping them explore big dreams that start right here in our classrooms.
💡 CTE opens doors to careers that change the world.
Mae Jemison
CTE Cluster: STEM | Health Science | Engineering
Black History in CTE Spotlight 🚀🩺
Dr. Mae Jemison is a physician, engineer, and the first Black woman to travel into space. Her career blends science, health, and innovation—showing students that they don’t have to choose just one passion.
📍 Local Connection:
PCS CTE STEM and Health Science pathways introduce students to careers in medicine, engineering, and science, helping them explore big dreams that start right here in our classrooms.
💡 CTE opens doors to careers that change the world.
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Travis is an 8th grader at Cape Fear Middle School, recognized for his hard work and leadership.
Travis was nominated for being a student others can look up to. He is a football captain and plays baseball, and the nomination shared that he has a good reputation with both classmates and teachers. Travis understands that people pay attention to how he acts, and he makes an effort to include others, give good advice, and help his peers stay on track.
Outside of school, Travis enjoys football 🏈 and dirtbike riding 🏍️. His favorite food is steak 🥩, and his favorite color is black. He has pets named Gator, Glitter, Hunter, and Rowdy 🐾. One fun fact—Travis bought his first car when he was 9 years old 🚗.
🖤 Thank you, Travis, for the leadership you show at Cape Fear Middle School.
🌟 Where Are They Now? Wednesdays | 3E Spotlight: Enrolled 🌟
This CTE Month, we’re proud to highlight our 3E Pathway: Enrolled and celebrate PCS graduates who are continuing their education and chasing their purpose.
🎓 Meet Nora Simmons, a proud graduate of Topsail High School and a current student at University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she is majoring in Middle Grades Education. Nora is also gaining hands-on experience through an internship at Scotts Hill Baptist Church, working with middle and high school students.
While at Topsail, Nora participated in Foods I & II and a Project Management Internship through CTE. These experiences helped her discover the importance of finding work she enjoys and showed her how dedication and effort lead to meaningful opportunities.
Inspired by her teachers and motivated by her love for working with students, Nora is now preparing to give back as a future educator—pouring into the next generation just as others poured into her.
💬 Her advice to current students:
Don’t settle for less. Challenge yourself, work hard, and pursue what you want to accomplish.
👏 We are proud to celebrate Nora as a PCS CTE Enrolled success story and a shining example of where CTE can lead.
#WhereAreTheyNowWednesday #PCSCTE #3EPathway #Enrolled #CTEMonth #FutureEducator
This CTE Month, we’re proud to highlight our 3E Pathway: Enrolled and celebrate PCS graduates who are continuing their education and chasing their purpose.
🎓 Meet Nora Simmons, a proud graduate of Topsail High School and a current student at University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she is majoring in Middle Grades Education. Nora is also gaining hands-on experience through an internship at Scotts Hill Baptist Church, working with middle and high school students.
While at Topsail, Nora participated in Foods I & II and a Project Management Internship through CTE. These experiences helped her discover the importance of finding work she enjoys and showed her how dedication and effort lead to meaningful opportunities.
Inspired by her teachers and motivated by her love for working with students, Nora is now preparing to give back as a future educator—pouring into the next generation just as others poured into her.
💬 Her advice to current students:
Don’t settle for less. Challenge yourself, work hard, and pursue what you want to accomplish.
👏 We are proud to celebrate Nora as a PCS CTE Enrolled success story and a shining example of where CTE can lead.
#WhereAreTheyNowWednesday #PCSCTE #3EPathway #Enrolled #CTEMonth #FutureEducator
💙TEACHER TUESDAY📚
Ms. Amanda Oberle teaches 5th grade ELA at Surf City Elementary. She creates a classroom where students feel comfortable reading aloud, sharing their thinking, and taking part in discussions. She also encourages students to take ownership of their work and treat each other with respect, which helps build a strong classroom community.
Visitors often notice how engaged students are during reading circles and small-group activities. Students work together, support one another, and stay focused on the lesson. The room is structured, but still allows students to feel confident and involved.
Ms. Oberle is also known for bringing a fun personality into the school day. One example staff shared is her tradition of wearing a different holiday outfit each day in December. It’s a small thing, but it brings smiles and helps students feel connected.
Thank you, Ms. Oberle, for the positive environment you create for students at Surf City Elementary. 💛
Ms. Amanda Oberle teaches 5th grade ELA at Surf City Elementary. She creates a classroom where students feel comfortable reading aloud, sharing their thinking, and taking part in discussions. She also encourages students to take ownership of their work and treat each other with respect, which helps build a strong classroom community.
Visitors often notice how engaged students are during reading circles and small-group activities. Students work together, support one another, and stay focused on the lesson. The room is structured, but still allows students to feel confident and involved.
Ms. Oberle is also known for bringing a fun personality into the school day. One example staff shared is her tradition of wearing a different holiday outfit each day in December. It’s a small thing, but it brings smiles and helps students feel connected.
Thank you, Ms. Oberle, for the positive environment you create for students at Surf City Elementary. 💛
🔨⚡ SHED & VOLT Competitions are coming to Topsail High School! ⚡🔨
From February 17–19, Topsail High School will host the SHED and VOLT Competitions, hands-on Career and Technical Education events that challenge students to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings.
SHED teams work together to design and build a shed within a set timeframe, demonstrating skills in construction, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
VOLT teams compete in an electrical wiring challenge, showcasing technical knowledge, safety practices, and precision under pressure.
Our students will compete against five other teams from across the Southeast region, working alongside industry professionals and being evaluated on both skill and craftsmanship.
We invite our community to come out and support our students as they showcase their talents, connect with industry partners, and demonstrate what CTE is all about. Come cheer them on, ask questions, and see skilled trades education in action!
From February 17–19, Topsail High School will host the SHED and VOLT Competitions, hands-on Career and Technical Education events that challenge students to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings.
SHED teams work together to design and build a shed within a set timeframe, demonstrating skills in construction, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
VOLT teams compete in an electrical wiring challenge, showcasing technical knowledge, safety practices, and precision under pressure.
Our students will compete against five other teams from across the Southeast region, working alongside industry professionals and being evaluated on both skill and craftsmanship.
We invite our community to come out and support our students as they showcase their talents, connect with industry partners, and demonstrate what CTE is all about. Come cheer them on, ask questions, and see skilled trades education in action!
Willard snow from the Yarborough's - thanks for sharing! #PCSsnow26
🎉 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
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
The Havens family shared a bit of their snow day fun #PCSSnow26
💬🎓 It’s National School Counselors Week! 💚📅
Pender County Schools celebrates the dedicated school counselors who support our students' academic success, emotional well-being, and future planning every single day. 🙌💼 From listening ears to guiding hands—you make a lasting impact!
Thank you for helping our students dream big, grow strong, and stay on course. 🌟💬
Pender County Schools celebrates the dedicated school counselors who support our students' academic success, emotional well-being, and future planning every single day. 🙌💼 From listening ears to guiding hands—you make a lasting impact!
Thank you for helping our students dream big, grow strong, and stay on course. 🌟💬
Pender County Schools Kindergarten Registration for 2026-27 is now Open.
Apply Now!
🎪✨ Kindergarten Registration & Preschool Information Night ✨🎪
Join us on March 11th from 4:30–7:00 p.m. at Heide Trask High School for a fun and informative evening for families with children ages 3–5!
🎠 This year’s theme is CARNIVAL, and we can’t wait to welcome you!
Come meet our PCS staff, connect with community partners, and enjoy:
🎈 Games & entertainment
🤝 Family resources
📚 Preschool & Kindergarten information
📝 Kindergarten Registration Support Available On-Site!
📌 Online registration opens February 2, 2026.
For more information, visit our website: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
We look forward to helping your family get ready for a great school year! 🎉
🎪✨ Registro de Kindergarten y Noche Informativa de Preescolar ✨🎪
Acompáñenos el 11 de marzo de 4:30 a 7:00 p.m. en Heide Trask High School para una tarde divertida e informativa para familias con niños de 3 a 5 años.
🎠 El tema de este año es CARNAVAL, ¡y estamos emocionados de darles la bienvenida!
Venga a conocer a nuestro personal de PCS, conectarse con socios comunitarios y disfrutar de:
🎈 Juegos y entretenimiento
🤝 Recursos para las familias
📚 Información sobre preescolar y kindergarten
📝 ¡Habrá apoyo disponible en el lugar para el registro de Kindergarten!
📌 El registro en línea abre el 2 de febrero de 2026.
Para más información, visite nuestro sitio web:
https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
¡Esperamos ayudar a su familia a prepararse para un excelente año escolar! 🎉
Join us on March 11th from 4:30–7:00 p.m. at Heide Trask High School for a fun and informative evening for families with children ages 3–5!
🎠 This year’s theme is CARNIVAL, and we can’t wait to welcome you!
Come meet our PCS staff, connect with community partners, and enjoy:
🎈 Games & entertainment
🤝 Family resources
📚 Preschool & Kindergarten information
📝 Kindergarten Registration Support Available On-Site!
📌 Online registration opens February 2, 2026.
For more information, visit our website: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
We look forward to helping your family get ready for a great school year! 🎉
🎪✨ Registro de Kindergarten y Noche Informativa de Preescolar ✨🎪
Acompáñenos el 11 de marzo de 4:30 a 7:00 p.m. en Heide Trask High School para una tarde divertida e informativa para familias con niños de 3 a 5 años.
🎠 El tema de este año es CARNAVAL, ¡y estamos emocionados de darles la bienvenida!
Venga a conocer a nuestro personal de PCS, conectarse con socios comunitarios y disfrutar de:
🎈 Juegos y entretenimiento
🤝 Recursos para las familias
📚 Información sobre preescolar y kindergarten
📝 ¡Habrá apoyo disponible en el lugar para el registro de Kindergarten!
📌 El registro en línea abre el 2 de febrero de 2026.
Para más información, visite nuestro sitio web:
https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
¡Esperamos ayudar a su familia a prepararse para un excelente año escolar! 🎉
Weekly PCS Newsletter - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/GpNR4zCAMf0BE Have a great weekend - stay warm!! ❄
Snow Day Fun! ❄️ Pender County Schools are closed on Monday, so let’s make the most of this winter wonderland! We want to see your best snow pictures—whether it’s building snowmen, sledding, or just enjoying the frosty views. Share your photos using #PCSSnow26, and we might feature our favorites! 📸☃️
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Tracy Townsend, Instructional Assistant at Penderlea School.
Ms. Townsend brings a steady level of care and commitment to her work each day. She supports students with patience and encouragement, and she works hard to build relationships that help students feel comfortable and confident in the classroom. She makes sure kids feel noticed and supported, and that matters.
Ms. Townsend is also a strong support for teachers. She steps in wherever help is needed and does it with a positive attitude. She brings creativity into the classroom and helps make learning more engaging for students. Her approach and mindset help set a good tone for the day and make the work feel more manageable for the people around her.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Townsend, for the care you show our students and the support you provide to the Penderlea School team.
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Tracy Townsend, Instructional Assistant at Penderlea School.
Ms. Townsend brings a steady level of care and commitment to her work each day. She supports students with patience and encouragement, and she works hard to build relationships that help students feel comfortable and confident in the classroom. She makes sure kids feel noticed and supported, and that matters.
Ms. Townsend is also a strong support for teachers. She steps in wherever help is needed and does it with a positive attitude. She brings creativity into the classroom and helps make learning more engaging for students. Her approach and mindset help set a good tone for the day and make the work feel more manageable for the people around her.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Townsend, for the care you show our students and the support you provide to the Penderlea School team.
🌟 Special Visit at South Topsail Elementary! 🌟
Today, South Topsail Elementary had the honor of welcoming 2025 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Rachel Candaso! 🍎✨
Pender County Schools was proud to host Ms. Candaso (Pitt County Schools) as she visited our campus and experienced the wonderful learning environment our students and staff create each day.
A special highlight of the day was having three outstanding students serve as her “chaperones,” giving her a guided tour and sharing all the great things happening around our school. 🏫💙
Thank you, Ms. Candaso, for inspiring educators and students across our state!
Today, South Topsail Elementary had the honor of welcoming 2025 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Rachel Candaso! 🍎✨
Pender County Schools was proud to host Ms. Candaso (Pitt County Schools) as she visited our campus and experienced the wonderful learning environment our students and staff create each day.
A special highlight of the day was having three outstanding students serve as her “chaperones,” giving her a guided tour and sharing all the great things happening around our school. 🏫💙
Thank you, Ms. Candaso, for inspiring educators and students across our state!
💙TEACHER TUESDAY🍎
Ms. Amanda Montaruli teaches Kindergarten at Surf City Elementary. This is her second year at SCE, and she also has teaching experience from Charleston, South Carolina. Staff describe her as someone who works hard, stays positive, and brings a steady, encouraging presence to the kindergarten team.
Ms. Montaruli is known for the way she connects with students and keeps her classroom welcoming. She supports children with patience and a kind approach, while still holding them to routines and expectations that help them grow.
Her coworkers also appreciate the support she gives the kindergarten team. She checks in often, helps others stay on track, and jumps in when something needs to be done. Several staff members shared that she responds quickly when someone has a question or needs help, no matter what time of day it is.
Thank you, Ms. Montaruli, for your positive attitude and the support you bring to students and staff at Surf City Elementary. 💛
Ms. Amanda Montaruli teaches Kindergarten at Surf City Elementary. This is her second year at SCE, and she also has teaching experience from Charleston, South Carolina. Staff describe her as someone who works hard, stays positive, and brings a steady, encouraging presence to the kindergarten team.
Ms. Montaruli is known for the way she connects with students and keeps her classroom welcoming. She supports children with patience and a kind approach, while still holding them to routines and expectations that help them grow.
Her coworkers also appreciate the support she gives the kindergarten team. She checks in often, helps others stay on track, and jumps in when something needs to be done. Several staff members shared that she responds quickly when someone has a question or needs help, no matter what time of day it is.
Thank you, Ms. Montaruli, for your positive attitude and the support you bring to students and staff at Surf City Elementary. 💛
The Pender County Health Department is monitoring an increase in measles cases across North Carolina and nearby states. There are currently no confirmed cases in Pender County.
Measles is very contagious, but it is preventable with vaccination.
If you think you or a family member may have measles symptoms, do not walk into a clinic — call first.
📞 (910) 259-1230
🔗 pendercountync.gov/196/Health-Department
El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Pender está monitoreando un aumento de casos de sarampión en Carolina del Norte y estados cercanos. Actualmente no hay casos confirmados en el condado de Pender.
El sarampión es muy contagioso, pero se puede prevenir con la vacuna.
Si cree que usted o un familiar tiene síntomas, no ingrese a la clínica — llame primero.
📞 (910) 259-1230
🔗 pendercountync.gov/196/Departamento-de-Salud
Measles is very contagious, but it is preventable with vaccination.
If you think you or a family member may have measles symptoms, do not walk into a clinic — call first.
📞 (910) 259-1230
🔗 pendercountync.gov/196/Health-Department
El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Pender está monitoreando un aumento de casos de sarampión en Carolina del Norte y estados cercanos. Actualmente no hay casos confirmados en el condado de Pender.
El sarampión es muy contagioso, pero se puede prevenir con la vacuna.
Si cree que usted o un familiar tiene síntomas, no ingrese a la clínica — llame primero.
📞 (910) 259-1230
🔗 pendercountync.gov/196/Departamento-de-Salud
Weekly PCS Newsletter - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/0YpsgLatBfXw3 Have a great, warm, and safe weekend!!
🌟 Feature Friday: Employee Spotlight 🌟
This week we’re recognizing Audra Williams, EC Specialist with our Exceptional Children (EC) Department.
Audra is a steady and supportive presence on the team. She brings a positive attitude to her work, treats others with kindness, and is always willing to step in when someone needs help. Her reliability and encouragement are noticed and appreciated by the people she works with.
Audra also helps create a work environment where teamwork matters. She shares what she knows, supports her colleagues, and stays approachable and professional in day-to-day situations. That kind of consistency helps strengthen communication and keeps the team moving forward.
💛💙 Thank you, Audra, for the support you provide and the role you play in helping our EC team work well together.
This week we’re recognizing Audra Williams, EC Specialist with our Exceptional Children (EC) Department.
Audra is a steady and supportive presence on the team. She brings a positive attitude to her work, treats others with kindness, and is always willing to step in when someone needs help. Her reliability and encouragement are noticed and appreciated by the people she works with.
Audra also helps create a work environment where teamwork matters. She shares what she knows, supports her colleagues, and stays approachable and professional in day-to-day situations. That kind of consistency helps strengthen communication and keeps the team moving forward.
💛💙 Thank you, Audra, for the support you provide and the role you play in helping our EC team work well together.
Eighth graders at Penderlea have completed their high school plans as part of the North Carolina Career Development Plan legislation. Pender High School's career development coordinator, Ms. Stokes, along with Ms. Thompson from Penderlea Leadership , collaborated with Michele Simmons PCS CTE middle school career development coordinator and other Penderlea staff to facilitate this activity for students.
During the session, students reviewed high school elective and core course options to create a targeted plan ahead of their ninth-grade registration, which will take place in February. They have stored their plans in a Google Classroom for high school that will be accessible to them as they advance. Be sure to ask them to show you their plan!
