Wishing the best of luck to our Science Olympiad team as they compete at Heide Trask High School on Saturday! Your dedication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are real-world strengths that will serve you well beyond the competition. We are so proud of our students and thankful for our staff that is supporting them!!
💙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. 💛
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. 💛
Help NTE race up the leaderboard in the Million Minutes Reading Challenge — Road to the Championship! 📚⏱️ Every minute counts. Share your reading time by scanning the QR code, or through the form in classlink! Ready to read for the win? 🏆 How many minutes will you add today?
Ready to make some noise? 🥁 Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 18th from 6:00–6:50 PM — NTE is thrilled to host Dancing Drum Family Drum Night! This high-energy, interactive drumming experience is perfect for kids and adults of all ages. Thanks to Mrs. Kropp, we were awarded a grant for a three-day residency, and the Family Night will be a highlight you won’t want to miss. The event takes place in the gym — please park in the back lot for easy access. We hope to see you!!! #onepender
💙TEACHER TUESDAY🔧
Mr. Kennard MacVaugh teaches K–5 STEM at North Topsail Elementary. Staff share that he has been a great fit in this role and has helped students stay curious, creative, and engaged in hands-on learning. His lessons give students a chance to build, test ideas, solve problems, and work through challenges using critical thinking skills.
Mr. MacVaugh also supports the school beyond his own classroom. He has led Science Olympiad for several years and works with grade levels to share science ideas and help connect STEM learning to what students are doing in other classes. Teachers appreciate having someone who can help strengthen science instruction across the school.
What stands out most about Mr. MacVaugh is how encouraging he is with both students and staff. He’s someone people go to when they need help fixing something, working through a problem, or just needing a quick word of support. He also makes time for students who need a break during the day, whether that’s a short walk and talk or a quick check-in.
One staff member shared that students often talk in PE about what they’re learning in STEM and how much they enjoy the class. During a lesson on force, rotation, and motion, students were able to connect the conversation back to what they had learned with Mr. MacVaugh. Another example is the way students seek him out each morning—one student makes it a point to greet him with a hug at car line every day.
Thank you, Mr. MacVaugh, for supporting students in so many ways at North Topsail Elementary. 💛
Mr. Kennard MacVaugh teaches K–5 STEM at North Topsail Elementary. Staff share that he has been a great fit in this role and has helped students stay curious, creative, and engaged in hands-on learning. His lessons give students a chance to build, test ideas, solve problems, and work through challenges using critical thinking skills.
Mr. MacVaugh also supports the school beyond his own classroom. He has led Science Olympiad for several years and works with grade levels to share science ideas and help connect STEM learning to what students are doing in other classes. Teachers appreciate having someone who can help strengthen science instruction across the school.
What stands out most about Mr. MacVaugh is how encouraging he is with both students and staff. He’s someone people go to when they need help fixing something, working through a problem, or just needing a quick word of support. He also makes time for students who need a break during the day, whether that’s a short walk and talk or a quick check-in.
One staff member shared that students often talk in PE about what they’re learning in STEM and how much they enjoy the class. During a lesson on force, rotation, and motion, students were able to connect the conversation back to what they had learned with Mr. MacVaugh. Another example is the way students seek him out each morning—one student makes it a point to greet him with a hug at car line every day.
Thank you, Mr. MacVaugh, for supporting students in so many ways at North Topsail Elementary. 💛
📚✨ The Book Fair is HERE — THIS WEEK! ✨📚
North Topsail Elementary’s Book Fair is officially open, and it’s the best week ever for book lovers! 🥳
🛍️ Easy way to shop:
Set up your child’s Scholastic eWallet so they can shop cash-free at the fair!
👉 Set it up here:
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/northtopsailelemschool
🙋♀️ Want to help out?
We would LOVE volunteers to help make this Book Fair a success!
👉 Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0848ADAD23A1F85-62249798-book
📖✨ Books, smiles, and excitement await — don’t miss out!
#BookFairWeek #NorthTopsailReads #ScholasticBookFair #eWalletReady
North Topsail Elementary’s Book Fair is officially open, and it’s the best week ever for book lovers! 🥳
🛍️ Easy way to shop:
Set up your child’s Scholastic eWallet so they can shop cash-free at the fair!
👉 Set it up here:
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/northtopsailelemschool
🙋♀️ Want to help out?
We would LOVE volunteers to help make this Book Fair a success!
👉 Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0848ADAD23A1F85-62249798-book
📖✨ Books, smiles, and excitement await — don’t miss out!
#BookFairWeek #NorthTopsailReads #ScholasticBookFair #eWalletReady
We can't wait to see everyone tomorrow, February 6, 2026! Normal school time.
Happy February Birthday to these Dynamic Dolphins!
Share your NTE snow day pics! Share your photos to #NTEsnow2026 #PCSSnow26 or upload them to the https://plicbooks.com/go/2CM53A to be considered for our NTE Yearbook!
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! 📸☃️
Dear Pender County Schools Families,
Because of the expected winter weather across our area this weekend, Pender County Schools will have a “snow day” on Monday, February 2nd.
A decision regarding Tuesday’s schedule will be announced at a later date to allow us to check on facilities and travel conditions. Teachers will prepare their students for the possibility of a remote learning day, we ask that families be prepared as well. Announcements will be made using our normal channels.
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding. Be safe, have fun, and stay warm!
Estimadas familias de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender:
Debido al clima invernal esperado en nuestra área este fin de semana, las Escuelas del Condado de Pender tendrán un “día de nieve” el lunes 2 de febrero.
La decisión sobre el horario del martes se anunciará en una fecha posterior para permitirnos revisar las instalaciones y las condiciones de viaje. Los maestros prepararán a sus estudiantes para la posibilidad de un día de aprendizaje remoto, y pedimos que las familias también estén preparadas. Los anuncios se harán a través de nuestros canales habituales.
Gracias por su flexibilidad y comprensión. ¡Manténganse seguros, diviértanse y abríguense!
Because of the expected winter weather across our area this weekend, Pender County Schools will have a “snow day” on Monday, February 2nd.
A decision regarding Tuesday’s schedule will be announced at a later date to allow us to check on facilities and travel conditions. Teachers will prepare their students for the possibility of a remote learning day, we ask that families be prepared as well. Announcements will be made using our normal channels.
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding. Be safe, have fun, and stay warm!
Estimadas familias de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender:
Debido al clima invernal esperado en nuestra área este fin de semana, las Escuelas del Condado de Pender tendrán un “día de nieve” el lunes 2 de febrero.
La decisión sobre el horario del martes se anunciará en una fecha posterior para permitirnos revisar las instalaciones y las condiciones de viaje. Los maestros prepararán a sus estudiantes para la posibilidad de un día de aprendizaje remoto, y pedimos que las familias también estén preparadas. Los anuncios se harán a través de nuestros canales habituales.
Gracias por su flexibilidad y comprensión. ¡Manténganse seguros, diviértanse y abríguense!
Help us celebrate the 100th day of school! #onepender
Good afternoon Pender County Schools families.
As the weather forecast continues to trend warmer Sunday into Monday, Pender County Schools will operate on a normal schedule on Monday, January 26th.
The latest information from the National Weather Service shows a "high confidence" of rain as temperatures warm on Sunday. We will continue to keep an eye on the weather and make any adjustments if necessary.
We thank you for your understanding and look forward to seeing our students on Monday morning.
Buenas tardes, familias de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender.
A medida que el pronóstico del tiempo continúa indicando temperaturas más cálidas desde el domingo hasta el lunes, las Escuelas del Condado de Pender operarán con un horario normal el lunes 26 de enero.
La información más reciente del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional muestra una “alta probabilidad” de lluvia a medida que las temperaturas aumenten el domingo. Continuaremos monitoreando las condiciones del tiempo y realizaremos cualquier ajuste necesario si se requiere.
Agradecemos su comprensión y esperamos ver a nuestros estudiantes el lunes por la mañana.
As the weather forecast continues to trend warmer Sunday into Monday, Pender County Schools will operate on a normal schedule on Monday, January 26th.
The latest information from the National Weather Service shows a "high confidence" of rain as temperatures warm on Sunday. We will continue to keep an eye on the weather and make any adjustments if necessary.
We thank you for your understanding and look forward to seeing our students on Monday morning.
Buenas tardes, familias de las Escuelas del Condado de Pender.
A medida que el pronóstico del tiempo continúa indicando temperaturas más cálidas desde el domingo hasta el lunes, las Escuelas del Condado de Pender operarán con un horario normal el lunes 26 de enero.
La información más reciente del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional muestra una “alta probabilidad” de lluvia a medida que las temperaturas aumenten el domingo. Continuaremos monitoreando las condiciones del tiempo y realizaremos cualquier ajuste necesario si se requiere.
Agradecemos su comprensión y esperamos ver a nuestros estudiantes el lunes por la mañana.
Help us advance in the Million Minute Reading Challenge! Visit the link or use the QR code and enter your time read each day!
💙TEACHER TUESDAY📚
Ms. Bailey Umbaugh is an ML (Multilingual Learner) teacher who supports students and staff across STE, TAE, NTE, TMS, and THS. She is in her 9th year of teaching and is a consistent support for ML students and families throughout the district.
Ms. Umbaugh builds strong relationships with students and families so they feel comfortable reaching out when they need help. She also serves as a resource for teachers and administrators in multiple buildings, helping staff think through how to best support students and respond when needs come up.
What stands out most about Ms. Umbaugh is her flexibility. With a schedule that spans five schools, she adjusts quickly and stays focused on what students need. During annual testing, staff in each building appreciate having her there to help things run smoothly.
Ms. Umbaugh is also known for being willing to step in wherever she’s needed and for keeping a positive attitude while doing it. Her sense of humor and steady presence help students, families, and staff feel supported.
Thank you, Ms. Umbaugh, for the work you do each day to support our ML students and school teams. 💛
Ms. Bailey Umbaugh is an ML (Multilingual Learner) teacher who supports students and staff across STE, TAE, NTE, TMS, and THS. She is in her 9th year of teaching and is a consistent support for ML students and families throughout the district.
Ms. Umbaugh builds strong relationships with students and families so they feel comfortable reaching out when they need help. She also serves as a resource for teachers and administrators in multiple buildings, helping staff think through how to best support students and respond when needs come up.
What stands out most about Ms. Umbaugh is her flexibility. With a schedule that spans five schools, she adjusts quickly and stays focused on what students need. During annual testing, staff in each building appreciate having her there to help things run smoothly.
Ms. Umbaugh is also known for being willing to step in wherever she’s needed and for keeping a positive attitude while doing it. Her sense of humor and steady presence help students, families, and staff feel supported.
Thank you, Ms. Umbaugh, for the work you do each day to support our ML students and school teams. 💛
Congratulations Science Fair Participants! #onepender
Big shout-out to the classes with the highest attendance in Q2! 🎉📚 Your dedication shows — we have surpassed our attendance goal of 95% for BOTH quarter one AND quarter two! Keep up the great work because attendance matters!
#onepender
#onepender
Safe schools + strong school spirit = NTE Dolphins! #onepender
We hope you had a wonderful break! Students return on Tuesday, 1/6!
Thank you Operation Military Kids Club !
#onepender
#onepender
