📣 TEACHER TUESDAY: Kellie Henry, Topsail High School! 📚✨
With an incredible 30 years of teaching experience, Ms. Henry has taught every grade level from Pre-K to college graduate courses! Her passion for education started early—she always knew she wanted to work with children, serving as their friend, mentor, and biggest cheerleader. ❤️
Her favorite subject to teach? English! She loves discussing books and inspiring students to find joy in reading—her daily goal! 📖
Ms. Henry’s career is filled with countless special moments, from earning her National Board Certification and Doctorate degree 🎓 to the daily joys of connecting with students—whether it’s fist bumps, waves, or watching them shine in extracurricular activities.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading (often in her hot tub!), painting landscapes & animals, and spending time with her 10-year-old Jack Russell, Isabel—her "daughter" in a house full of boys! 🐶💖
Her favorite travel spots? Walt Disney World 🏰✨ and anywhere in the Caribbean. ☀️🌊
Her teaching philosophy? "The influence of a good teacher lasts forever." 🌟
🎉 Thank you, Ms. Henry, for your dedication to education and for inspiring a love of reading in your students! 👏
Pender High School is Raider Strong!
We are so proud of our incredible Raider teams for their outstanding performance in the 4th Brigade Raider Competition — covering six states and Washington, D.C.!
Mixed Team — 1st Place Overall!
They defended their title from last year and showed what hard work, dedication, and teamwork can accomplish!
Male Team — 5th Place Overall!
An impressive finish among fierce competition!
And a huge congratulations to Emma McKoy, who was named the Female Individual Champion!
These accomplishments are a testament to the commitment and Raider spirit of our students and coaches. We are #PenderProud!
📣 March is Social Work Month 🎉
Meet Rebecca McSwain, a dedicated school social worker with 21 years of experience! For the past two years, she has been a vital part of Cape Fear Middle School, advocating for students and families with compassion and expertise. Her extensive background in public education includes specializing in McKinney-Vento services with NCDPI. ✨
CFMS Principal Bobby Simmons shares, “Ms. McSwain’s genuine care for all students and families truly makes a difference. Her willingness to jump in and help whenever needed has transformed our culture at CFMS.”
🎤🎶 Fun Facts: Ms. McSwain loves traveling to Disney, singing karaoke, and competing in trivia!
Join us in celebrating Ms. McSwain and all our incredible school social workers for their dedication and impact! 💙👏
My bracket may be br🏀ken, but our internet connection no longer is! Have a great Friday.
🌱 Harvesting Tomorrow: Cultivating Sustainable Futures 🌱
Pender County Schools is excited to announce Agriculture Day is coming up on April 2, 2025, at Penderlea Farms!
All 5th-grade students will have the opportunity to experience hands-on learning in horticulture, animal science, and agricultural demonstrations, while exploring how agriculture impacts our daily lives.
📍 Location: Penderlea Farms, 1225 Stag Park Road, Burgaw, NC
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
We can't wait to see our students growing knowledge, planting seeds of curiosity, and learning about the future of sustainable agriculture! 🌾🐓🌿
#AgDay #FutureFarmers #PenderProud #HandsOnLearning
🎉 Feature Friday: Nancy Fusco | Exceptional Children's Teacher | PILA 🎉
Ms. Fusco joined the PILA Otters for the 24-25 school year and has already made an incredible impact! 💙 Her dedication, creativity, and ability to connect with students make her a standout educator. She fosters a love for learning, builds student confidence, and goes above and beyond to support both students and families.
Thank you, Nancy, for making a difference every day! 👏✨
Not the March Madness we were expecting t🏀day!
📣 March is Social Work Month 🎉
Meet David Dorsey, one of our dedicated school social workers! With over 15 years of experience—five of those serving the students and families of Pender County—Mr. Dorsey is committed to making a difference every day. He appreciates the ever-changing nature of his work, embracing the unique opportunities and challenges that come with supporting students and families. ✨
🌍 Fun Fact: Mr. Dorsey’s experiences extend beyond the U.S., including extended stays in Costa Rica and Ukraine!
Join us in thanking Mr. Dorsey and all our incredible school social workers for their dedication and impact! 💙👏
We're back with another! We can't help but be in awe over the breathtaking creations that encourage our amazing students to make healthy choices!
Today's fun and festive fruit display brightened up the day! Pineapple bunnies, butterflies, and fresh blueberries make the perfect healthy treat—and they’re almost too cute to eat!
#MrsJeansCreations #OnePender #AramarkFeedsPender #healthyeating #schoollunchmadefun #studentnutrition
🚀 Ready to take the next step in your career? Pender County Schools is hiring NOW! Attend our Career Fair on March 27 for a chance to land your next job on the spot! 💼✨
✅ On-site interviews
✅ Opportunities for classified & certified staff
✅ Pathways to administration
📍 Heide Trask High School | 🕠 4:30 - 7:00 PM
🔗 RSVP now: https://bit.ly/3DEaXnP
Your future starts here! 🎓 #PCSCareerFair #NowHiring #EducationJobs
🚀 ¿Listo para dar el siguiente paso en tu carrera? ¡Pender County Schools está contratando AHORA! Asiste a nuestra Feria de Empleo el 27 de marzo para la oportunidad de conseguir tu próximo empleo en el lugar! 💼✨
✅ Entrevistas en el lugar
✅ Oportunidades para personal clasificado y certificado
✅ Rutas hacia la administración
📍 Heide Trask High School | 🕠 4:30 - 7:00 PM
🔗 Confirma tu asistencia ahora: https://bit.ly/3DEaXnP
¡Tu futuro comienza aquí! 🎓
🌟 Student Spotlight: Amaury, 4th Grade | CF Pope Elementary
Kindness comes naturally to Amaury, and his actions truly make a difference! 💙 During a fire drill, Amaury noticed a fellow student becoming upset after getting separated from their teacher. Without hesitation, he put his arm around them, reassured them, and guided them outside calmly. Thanks to Amaury’s compassion, his classmate was able to stay composed in a stressful moment.
Amaury’s positive energy is contagious! He brings joy and laughter to his peers and teachers, making CF Pope Elementary a brighter place. 😊✨
🍐 Favorite Food: Pears & Oranges
🧡 Favorite Color: Orange
📺 Hobby: Watching YouTube
Keep shining, Amaury! Your kindness is an inspiration to us all! 🌟👏
“You’re the BERRY best!”
Students got another surprise today with these creative and healthy cucumber critters and strawberries! A little fun, a little fruit, and a whole lot of love went into these adorable snacks. We love making healthy choices exciting and delicious!
#MrsJeansCreations #OnePender #AramarkFeedsPender #HealthyEating #FunWithFood #SchoolLunchMagic #CreativeEats #StudentNutrition
YouTube link - https://youtube.com/shorts/JW0CYGlPAK4
🌾✂️ An historic day for Pender High School! On this National Agriculture Day, we proudly cut the ribbon on our brand-new agriculture barn, a project made possible by a $100,000 CTE grant! 🎉 Students, staff, and community members came together to celebrate this exciting step forward for agricultural education at PHS.
🐄💡 This barn isn’t just a building—it’s a hands-on learning space where students will gain real-world agricultural experience for years to come. CTE Teacher Mr. Thomas Herren calls this a defining moment in his teaching career, and Future Farmers of America President Jessica Williams shares how his passion has made a lasting impact on PHS students. 🌱
🎥 Watch our video to see how Mr. Herren’s dedication is shaping the future of agricultural education at Pender High! Today, we’re not just cutting a ribbon—we’re growing something great! 🌾💙 More on Mr. Herren’s grant - https://bit.ly/4kyQKQV
Celebrate a decade of supporting education in Pender County at the PEP 10th Anniversary Gala on May 17, 2025, at the Historical Society of Topsail Island. Enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, and a silent auction.
📅 Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
📍 Location: Historical Society of Topsail Island
⏰ Time: 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
🎟 Tickets: $100 in advance | $125 at the door
All proceeds support students and teachers in Pender County Schools. Secure your ticket today and be part of this special celebration! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://pendereducationpartnership.org/
📢TEACHER TUESDAY -Justine Christie, Topsail High School American History Teacher!🎊
Having worked for nine years, eight of which were spent in the NYC Department of Education, Ms. Christie has a deep passion for teaching. She became a teacher because she wanted to be the kind of mentor and support system she never had in school. She believes all students deserve to have an incredible high school experience with plenty of memorable moments.
Her favorite topic to teach? American History! She loves presenting history as an engaging story that transports students to the past.
One of her most rewarding experiences has been teaching at-risk youth in NYC, guiding students to reach their full potential.
Outside of class, she enjoys reading mystery & thriller novels, making memories with her family and friends, and visiting new places. She also recently joined the Topsail High School family as the JV cheerleading coach!📣
She shares a busy house at home with her two dogs, Bowser & Apollo, and one cat, Gibson. 🐶🐈
Her favorite vacation spot? Disney World! 🏰✨ She and her family are all about Disney.
Her motto in life? "Be the adult/teacher that you needed when you were a teenager in high school."💙
Thanks, Ms. Christie, for loving your students and for bringing history alive in your classroom!👏
Join us for an informative session on the consequences and health effects of substance use, including its impact on adolescent brain development and the increased risk of addiction. This session, presented by the Poe Center, will cover:
✅ The latest research on youth substance use
✅ Risk factors & protective measures
✅ Strategies to empower youth in making healthy choices
✅ Tools & resources for ongoing conversations
📅 March 26 | 6:00-7:30 PM | Heide Trask High School
📅 March 27 | 6:00-7:30 PM | Topsail High School
Let’s work together to educate and support our youth! 💙
Acompáñanos en una sesión informativa sobre las consecuencias y efectos del uso de sustancias, su impacto en el desarrollo del cerebro adolescente y el mayor riesgo de adicción. Presentado por el Poe Center, hablaremos sobre:
✅ Últimas investigaciones sobre el uso de sustancias en jóvenes
✅ Factores de riesgo y medidas de protección
✅ Estrategias para ayudar a los jóvenes a tomar decisiones saludables
✅ Herramientas y recursos para mantener conversaciones continuas
📅 26 de marzo | 6:00-7:30 PM | Heide Trask High School
📅 27 de marzo | 6:00-7:30 PM | Topsail High School
¡Juntos podemos educar y apoyar a nuestra juventud! 💙
🎶 PCS Musicians Shine at UNCP Honor Band! 🎶
Five talented Pender County Schools students participated in the UNCP Honor Band this past weekend! Representing three of our schools, these students joined musicians from 100 different schools for a full day of rehearsals and an incredible performance.
👏 Congratulations to:
🎼 Hazel Martin (SCMS - Clarinet)
🎼 Natalie Corbett (THS - Flute)
🎼 Elliot Kenan (THS - Tuba)
🎼 Adam Noonan (HTHS - Trombone)
🎼 Kayleigh McBride (HTHS - Clarinet)
Both the middle school and high school bands performed four outstanding pieces, showcasing their dedication and talent. We are so proud of these students for representing PCS so well! 🎷🎺🎵
📣 March is Social Work Month 🎉
Meet Abigail Long, one of our dedicated school social workers! Ms. Long is in her 4th year with Pender County Schools and serves as the social worker at Malpass Corner Elementary and West Pender Middle School. She is passionate about supporting students, families, and teachers to overcome challenges and create a positive school environment. ✨
“Whether it's teaching strategies to manage emotions, celebrating a student's success, or simply being a listening ear, my goal is to ensure every student feels supported and heard.”
🎉 Fun Fact: This is Ms. Long's third year coaching the MCES Lego Robotics Team! She loves seeing students use creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork to succeed.
Join us in thanking Ms. Long and all our amazing school social workers for their hard work and dedication! 💙👏
🎶 PCS Bands Shine at NCBA Music Performance Adjudication! 🎶
Our talented Pender County Schools band students recently showcased their hard work and musical excellence at the NCBA Music Performance Adjudication at the Minnie Evans Arts Center! This state-sanctioned event, held during Music in Our Schools Month, brought incredible performances from our schools.
🏆 Results:
🎼 Topsail High School – Superior (Wind Ensemble) & Excellent (Symphonic Band)
🎼 Topsail Middle School – Excellent
🎼 Surf City Middle School – Excellent
🎼 Burgaw Middle School – Participated for comments only and received amazing feedback! First time attending in 10 years!
🎼 Heide Trask High School – Excellent
ALL of our ensembles earned Excellent or Superior ratings – the highest possible! 🎷🎺🎵 We are so proud of these dedicated students and their directors for representing PCS with outstanding musicianship.
