Coach D hosted the South Topsail Olympics this week, complete with ice skating ⛸️ , air hockey 🏒 , curling 🥌, ski jumps ⛷️ and bobsled!
Meteorologist Mr. Ian Boatman came to speak to 1st grade students today about weather and how to prepare when weather can become powerful. This was a great connection to our Wit and Wisdom and science curriculum! Thank you Mr. Boatman!
📚🏀 It’s Tournament Time!
South Topsail is proud to participate in the Road to the Championship: PCS March Reading Tournament 2026!
Schools across Pender County will compete in a bracket-style reading challenge. Every independent reading minute logged helps STE advance.
✔ Personal reading counts
✔ Log minutes in ClassLink
✔ Every page matters!!
Round 1 begins TODAY! Please help your child keep track of book TITLES and TOTAL NUMBER OF MINUTES they read each evening so they can log them in each morning.
Let’s read our way to the Championship Stingrays! 🏆📖
South Topsail is proud to participate in the Road to the Championship: PCS March Reading Tournament 2026!
Schools across Pender County will compete in a bracket-style reading challenge. Every independent reading minute logged helps STE advance.
✔ Personal reading counts
✔ Log minutes in ClassLink
✔ Every page matters!!
Round 1 begins TODAY! Please help your child keep track of book TITLES and TOTAL NUMBER OF MINUTES they read each evening so they can log them in each morning.
Let’s read our way to the Championship Stingrays! 🏆📖
South Topsail's resident old timers 👵 👴 celebrated 100 days of school last Friday- complete with cardigans, canes and confidence. Here's to 💯 days smarter 🧠 Stingrays!!
South Topsail's resident old timers 👵 👴 celebrated 100 days of school last Friday- complete with cardigans, canes and confidence. Here's to 💯 days smarter 🧠 Stingrays!!
Stingrays, let's support our CTE department by participating in CTE Spirit Week | February 9–13
Monday: Hats Off to CTE – Wear career-related hats or your best hat
Tuesday: Hooked on CTE – Wear your fishing gear
Wednesday: CTE Rocks! – Rock your CTE colors and rock-and-roll gear
Thursday: Enrolled, Enlisted, Employed Day – Wear college, career, or military shirts
Friday: Teacher Workday – Wear your CTE gear proudly
Monday: Hats Off to CTE – Wear career-related hats or your best hat
Tuesday: Hooked on CTE – Wear your fishing gear
Wednesday: CTE Rocks! – Rock your CTE colors and rock-and-roll gear
Thursday: Enrolled, Enlisted, Employed Day – Wear college, career, or military shirts
Friday: Teacher Workday – Wear your CTE gear proudly
See you tomorrow Stingrays!
🎉 Happy Birthday to our wonderful principal, Mrs. Bates! 🎂❄️
We may be stuck at home but our appreciation isn't going anywhere — share your favorite memory or birthday message below to make her day special! 💙
We may be stuck at home but our appreciation isn't going anywhere — share your favorite memory or birthday message below to make her day special! 💙
This February, South Topsail Elementary is honoring the voices, achievements, and stories that have shaped our world. From classroom projects to community spotlights, we're learning, reflecting, and celebrating together.
✨ Celebrating Mrs. Rodgers ✨
This School Counselors Week we’re honoring South Topsail Elementary's very own— Mrs. Rodgers. Her kindness, steady support, and endless encouragement help our kids thrive. 💛📚 We are all so thankful for all you do!
This School Counselors Week we’re honoring South Topsail Elementary's very own— Mrs. Rodgers. Her kindness, steady support, and endless encouragement help our kids thrive. 💛📚 We are all so thankful for all you do!
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!
The Hampstead Women's Club generously donated a brand new Otoscope 👂 to Nurse Heather this week! This amazing tool is just another way to assess our Stingrays, keeping everyone healthy and safe.
🌟 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!
STE 1st graders hosted Science Alliance 🧲 for an incredible in-house field trip today. They continued to learn about force🫸 🫷and motion 🏃♀️➡️ through several hands-on activities🧠!
LET'S GET READING, STINGRAYS!
PCS Superbowl Reading Challenge!
Begins January 24, 2026 to kick-off NFL Championship Weekend leading up to the Superbowl.
Rules:
1. Follow the PCS Million Minute Reading Challenge Guidelines.
2. Every thousand minutes logged per school will equal one touchdown with 7 points.
3. The school with the most touchdowns wins the game at the end of Superbowl Weekend (midnight, Feb 8, 2026).
4. Log reading minutes in PCS Million Minute Reading Challenge Google Form for each school found on Classlink.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxBq-WgzHBAZIkLzlxOwIsJVcqel5D6291FMbct2FYpuxF_g/viewform
The winning school will receive an ice cream party for all students and a staff breakfast or luncheon!
Competition will begin January 24th and run through midnight on February 8th of Superbowl weekend.
PCS Superbowl Reading Challenge!
Begins January 24, 2026 to kick-off NFL Championship Weekend leading up to the Superbowl.
Rules:
1. Follow the PCS Million Minute Reading Challenge Guidelines.
2. Every thousand minutes logged per school will equal one touchdown with 7 points.
3. The school with the most touchdowns wins the game at the end of Superbowl Weekend (midnight, Feb 8, 2026).
4. Log reading minutes in PCS Million Minute Reading Challenge Google Form for each school found on Classlink.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxBq-WgzHBAZIkLzlxOwIsJVcqel5D6291FMbct2FYpuxF_g/viewform
The winning school will receive an ice cream party for all students and a staff breakfast or luncheon!
Competition will begin January 24th and run through midnight on February 8th of Superbowl weekend.
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.
Start your engines — it’s almost time to race to fill the bucket! 🏁
Fill the Bucket takes place January 26–30.
Each grade will have a designated 5-gallon bucket outside the media center. Fill it with coins (no paper bills, please).
The grade that fills their bucket the most will take the checkered flag and win a special prize!
Media is full of fun this week! 🤖 🖥️
💙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. 💛
