The final countdown is ON! 🎓📅
Can you believe it? After today, there’s only ONE more Friday left in the school year for our traditional calendar schools! 😲☀️ Time is flying, and the excitement is building as we inch closer to summer—and for some, it’s already here. That’s right—some of our students officially graduated TODAY! 🎉🎓 (More on that incredible milestone coming up in the newsletter!)
With celebrations, awards, field days, and farewells just around the corner, there’s so much to soak in during these final days. Let’s take a look at all the moments that made this week special—and get ready to finish strong! 💪📚🌟
🌷 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! 💐❤️
As we head into the weekend, we want to take a moment to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmothers, guardians, and mother figures in our PCS community. Your love, support, and dedication make a lasting impact in the lives of our students and staff every day. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, helping with homework, or simply offering a listening ear, your role is invaluable—and deeply appreciated.
We hope your day is filled with joy, love, and the recognition you so richly deserve. 💙 #HappyMothersDay #OnePender #ThankYouMoms
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! 🎓
Today, we proudly celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our Pender Early College High School students who graduated from Cape Fear Community College with their associate degrees—weeks before they’ll even walk across the stage for their high school diplomas! 🏅📘 These hardworking students have taken full advantage of a unique opportunity offered within Pender County Schools—earning college credits at no cost while still in high school.
For those heading to a four-year university, this means entering college as juniors, saving valuable time and money while gaining a head start on their future goals. 💼🎓 We are so proud of their dedication, resilience, and commitment to academic excellence. Their success is a powerful example of what’s possible when students are supported and encouraged to aim high. Way to go, graduates! 👏💙 #OnePender
PCS HONORED WITH PURPLE STAR DESIGNATION FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR 🎖️🌟
Pender County Schools has been awarded the prestigious Purple Star designation for the fifth consecutive year in recognition of its continued commitment to supporting military families and students. This honor is part of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's (NCDPI) Purple Star Award initiative, which recognizes schools that implement military-friendly practices and ensure a supportive educational environment for military-connected students. Pender County Schools is among 453 schools statewide to receive this recognition for the 2024-25 school year.🏫
As a recipient of the State Superintendent's Purple Star District Award 🏅, Pender County Schools is one of 15 districts where every school has earned the Purple Star distinction. This recognition highlights the district’s ongoing efforts to provide dedicated resources, professional development for staff, and events honoring military families, such as Month of the Military Child 💜👧 and Veterans Day observances 🎖️. Pender County Schools remains committed to ensuring military students and their families feel supported throughout their educational journey.
🧠STUDENT VOICE IN ACTION: FINAL SUPERINTENDENT'S STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETS🎓💬
Today (Friday) marked the final meeting of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council for the 2024–2025 school year. This council, made up of high school students from across Pender County Schools, meets four times a year to share their experiences, offer insight, and collaborate directly with district leadership on ways to improve student life and learning. Their voices play a valuable role in shaping initiatives and bringing real student perspectives to the table.
At today’s meeting, students took a deep dive into the world of school finance, with an engaging and informative session led by Lisa Nowlin, PCS Chief Financial Officer. From budgeting basics to funding priorities, students had the opportunity to learn how financial decisions are made and how resources are allocated to support schools across the district. A big thank you to all the students who participated in the council this year—your ideas, input, and leadership are helping move PCS forward! 💡📊👏 #OnePender
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 13 - 6pm
The next Pender County Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Dr. Katherine Herring Resource Center. Families, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend or tune in to stay informed about important discussions and decisions impacting our schools. As always, we appreciate your continued engagement and support as we work together to shape the future of education in Pender County. 💼📚 #OnePender
🎉 PCS CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE AT ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT🌟🍎
Pender County Schools proudly honored some of its most inspiring educators during the annual PCS Awards Night, held at Heide Trask High School. The event recognized four outstanding individuals whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success have left a lasting impact on their schools and the district as a whole. 👏
This year’s honorees included:
🏆 Teacher of the Year – Michelle Lee, Topsail Annandale Elementary
🌱 Beginning Teacher of the Year – Sophia Foster, Burgaw Middle
👩🏫 Principal of the Year – Jill Robertson, North Topsail Elementary
🎓 Assistant Principal of the Year – Christina Eames, South Topsail Elementary
Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove shared his admiration for the winners, saying, “These four educators exemplify what makes Pender County Schools special—dedication, compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to student growth.”
We are incredibly proud to celebrate these individuals and grateful to all PCS educators for the heart and hard work they bring to our schools each day. 💙 #OnePender
🚀 STEM TAKES OFF AT CAPE FEAR MIDDLE SCHOOL! 🧪✈️
This week, Mr. Odom’s STEM classes at Cape Fear Middle School wrapped up the semester with one of their most anticipated traditions—Race Day and Launch Day! Students across all grade levels put their engineering and scientific knowledge to the test in a series of thrilling hands-on projects that blended learning with high-powered fun.
8th graders designed and raced CO₂ dragsters, competing to see whose design could conquer the 10-meter track the fastest. The winning dragster? It clocked in at an incredible 0.469 seconds! 🏎️💨 Meanwhile, 7th grade students launched chemical rockets, using science and precision to send their creations skyward. And 6th graders got in on the action too, building and launching water-powered rockets that soared through the air—an exciting introduction to propulsion and Newton’s Laws.
It was a week filled with excitement, learning, and hands-on success. Great job to all of our young engineers and scientists, and kudos to Mr. Odom for another unforgettable STEM experience! 🧠👏
🎓 PENDERLEA 5TH GRADERS COMPLETE D.A.R.E. PROGRAM WITH CONFIDENCE AND PRIDE! 👏👮♂️
Penderlea School recently celebrated a major milestone as its 5th grade students completed the 10-week D.A.R.E. (DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE EDUCATION) program, led by Deputy Hall of the Pender County Sheriff’s Office. From learning how to handle peer pressure to making safe, responsible choices, these young scholars gained valuable life skills that will serve them well into the future. 💪💬
Want to see how the program wrapped up and hear what Principal Harris had to say about the students' success? CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
🦕 4TH GRADE STUDENTS EXPLORE SCIENCE IN ACTION AT NC MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES 🔬🌍
Earlier this month, our 4th grade students took learning beyond the classroom with an exciting trip to the Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh! 🚌 The visit brought science to life as students explored exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, rocks, minerals, and gems, helping reinforce NC Science Standard 4.E.2.2 through real-world observation and discovery. 🪨🔎
From hands-on learning with animal furs and skeletons to using microscopes and scientific tools, students deepened their understanding of Earth’s history and the natural world. 🌿 It was a day full of curiosity, exploration, and unforgettable science connections! 🧠✨ CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
🏅 TOPSAIL’S EMMY CLARK NAMED NCHSAA HEART OF A CHAMPION AWARD WINNER! 🎉🥎🏀
Congratulations to Emmy Clark of Topsail High School, who has been named one of only 18 student-athletes statewide to receive the prestigious NCHSAA 2024–25 Heart of a Champion Award! ❤️👏 A standout in softball and women’s basketball and a UNCG Softball signee, Emmy was recognized for her exceptional sportsmanship, leadership, and community service.
Emmy truly embodies what it means to be a champion both on and off the field, and we’re incredibly proud to have her represent Pender County Schools. Way to go, Emmy! ⭐ #OnePender
🏐 TOPSAIL MIDDLE VOLLEYBALL FINISHES UNDEFEATED SEASON WITH CHAMPIONSHIP WIN! 🏆👏
A huge shoutout to the Topsail Middle School Volleyball team for completing a perfect season and bringing home both the regular season and tournament championships! 💪🏐 Their hard work, teamwork, and dedication all season long paid off in a big way—congratulations, Lady Pirates! 🎉
🏅 PENDERLEA’S EMILY PINER HONORED WITH SPRING TOURNAMENT SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD! 🖤👏
Congratulations to Emily Piner and all of the Spring Tournament Sportsmanship Award winners! 🎉 Your hard work, positive attitude, and team spirit truly stood out this season.
🏐 A special shoutout to our Penderlea Volleyball players—your chapter here may be closing, but we can’t wait to see you shine in high school. Go get ’em, girls! ☄️💪
From North Topsail Elementary - North Topsail celebrated our Proud Principal! Congratulations Mrs. Robertson on being named 2025-2026 Principal of the Year!
From Burgaw Middle - Students and staff participating in the Burgaw Fire Department Bike/Walk to School Day! 😎
AND...Congrats, grads!! BMS sent off the graduating classes of Pender HS and Heide Trask HS. The future looks bright ahead!! 🎓
From South Topsail Elementary - 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders were treated to a chorus concert this afternoon as our amazing singers 🎶 prepare for their performance at Spring Fling 💐 in Burgaw tomorrow.
From Topsail Annandale Elementary - We had many talented Ospreys represent TAES at Spring Fest today through the talent show, All County Choir and their art work. Way to SOAR!
AND...During Wit and Wisdom unit on the continents, students dove into the ocean to study octopuses. They love learning about fascinating animals from the different countries and surrounding oceans.
From Malpass Corner Elementary - This Friday we begin our EOG testing and Malpass has been gearing up for a great testing season! Our 300 hall has been decorated in an Under the Sea theme! 3rd grade is surfing into the EOGs, 4th grade is diving into the EOGs and 5th grade is chomping their academic goals! Tomorrow we will celebrate with an EOG Pump Up Party and the PHS seniors will come back for a walk down memory lane and we will all celebrate each other! Looking forward to a "fin" tastic end of the year!
AND...We were so excited to support Ms. Snyder, Beginning Teacher of the Year and Paige Hulon, MCES Teacher of the Year at the PCS Awards Night! These ladies are deserving of their honors and MCES is lucky to have them!
From Rocky Point Elementary - Thank you to all of our families that came out to Transition Night on Tuesday! Students got to meet the teachers in the next grade level and even received some academic materials to stay sharp over the summer!
From C.F. Pope Elementary - 🩺💙 Happy School Nurse Day & Nurses Week! 💙🩺 Today—and all week long—we’re celebrating the heart of student health and wellness: Nurse Bickta at C.F. Pope Elementary! From band-aids to big smiles, Nurse Bickta keeps our students safe, healthy, and cared for every single day. Her compassion, calm, and commitment make a difference in so many lives, and we are beyond grateful for all she does. 👩⚕️🌟Please join us in giving a huge thank you to Nurse Bickta for being such a vital part of our school family!
AND...🚴♀️🚶♂️ C.F. Pope Elementary, Burgaw Middle School & Burgaw Fire Department Team Up for Bike/Walk to School Day! 🚶♀️🚴♂️ What an incredible morning of community, health, and teamwork! 🎉 Students, families, and staff from C.F. Pope Elementary and Burgaw Middle School came together to celebrate National Bike/Walk to School Day—and we couldn’t have done it without the outstanding support of the Town of Burgaw Fire Department and Police Department. Their guidance and presence made the event safe, organized, and even more special. Thank you for being such dedicated partners in promoting healthy lifestyles and strong community ties. 👨🚒❤️Here’s to continued collaboration and more events that bring us together—one step and one pedal at a time! 🚲👟
From Cape Fear Elementary - Reading Olympics! 5th graders participated in 3 days of competitive games to prepare for their Reading EOG!
AND...Senior Walk this morning was spectacular!! Congratulations and continue to do great things!! The future is yours. Go make it amazing.
From Topsail High - It was a touching scene as the Class of 2025 strolled down memory lane! Thank you to our elementary and middle school staff and students for helping make Senior Walk so special! When we returned to THS, Seniors were treated to a delicious breakfast hosted by our PTSO! We appreciate each of our partners who have stood with us to celebrate our Graduates! Congratulations Class of 2025!
From Surf City Elementary - Our K-2 classes paired up with a 3-5 class to give them some love, support and encouragement for their upcoming tests. 💙💚
AND...4th grade students are wrapping up their study of the novel, Walk Two Moons, by writing about the lessons that the main character learned in the story. They are working on filling out a graphic organizer before writing/typing their papers. Great job, writers! ✏️
From Surf City Middle - 🎨✨ Each year, our talented 8th grade art students are invited to design the official t-shirt for the 8th grade band’s Carowinds trip. This year’s winning design was created by Ruth Barry, and it looked amazing! 👕🎉 Band students proudly wore Ruth’s design last Friday during their trip to Carowinds — a perfect way to showcase student creativity and school spirit! 🎶🎢 Congratulations, Ruth, and thank you for sharing your artistic talent with us all! 💙
AND...Ms. Rose wins the Best Hall Pass award!
From Pender High - Catch these characters and more in Show 2 of Beetlejuice Jr. at Pender High School Saturday, May 10th at 1:00. Get your $10 tickets now. It’s Showtime!
From Pender Innovative Learning Academy - On Wednesday, the staff was greeted by a reminder that they touch lives one child at a time!! They all enjoyed a Chik-fil-a breakfast at their monthly faculty meeting and a little token of Otter appreciation!!
AND...All of the otters LOVE Nurse Malissa!! Happy School Nurse Day!! We are so grateful that you spend every day with us!
From Heide Trask High - Putting on band aides, Stopping a bloody nose, Holding on to ice packs, Giving out change of clothes. Tirelessly healing all day long. Just to make sure nothing goes wrong. Our students are safer because of you. Thank you, Nurse Amy, for ALL that you do! Happy School Nurse Day/Nurses Week to our incredible school nurse, Amy Peterson!
From Pender Early College - Congrats to PECHS Teacher of the Year Allison Copenhaver! Well earned and well deserved. We are so lucky to have such an excellent math teacher.
AND...Let the games begin! Pictures from PECHS End of the Year House Games!
From Topsail Middle - What an incredible achievement for the Topsail Middle Science Olympiad Team at the State Tournament held at NC State University! Competing against 43 schools, including charter and magnet schools, our team made us proud by finishing in the top 10 in Optics and almost placing in Reach for the Stars! A heartfelt shout-out to all the parents and coaches who supported us on this journey!
AND...Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Last week, THS Seniors walked down memory lane, celebrating their journey. We are so proud of you! Best of luck as you close this chapter and embrace the next! Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate 🏴☠️
From Cape Fear Middle - Thank you to Linda Dinkelacker, VP School Philanthropy, and the Assistance League of Greater Wilmington for funding our book study for next year. Your generous donation will be used to put a book in every one of our students' hands for our book study.
AND...🎉School Nurse's Day🎉 Again, thank you Nurse Jill for all you do for our school community. We are glad you are a part of the CFM community. Hopefully, you feel celebrated today.
From West Pender Middle - 🌀 Spinning creativity into shape! Ms. Happy's art students are mastering the pottery wheel and crafting stunning ceramics from scratch. Proud of their focus, patience, and creativity! 🏺🔥
🌟 Pender County Schools is seeking dedicated educators to join our team! ✏️ Be part of our mission to inspire and educate young minds. Retirees (meeting NC Return to Work laws) are also welcome to join us! #ExperienceTheExcellence 📚 APPLY HERE
🚍Join the team at Pender County Schools as a valued school bus driver! 🚌 Experience the pride of safely transporting students to and from school while playing a vital role in their educational journey. 🌟 With competitive pay and the opportunity to make a positive impact on young lives, driving with us is more than just a job—it's a rewarding experience! - APPLY HERE
🔥 Pender County Schools is committed to engaging students in exciting experiential learning activities that will prepare them for their futures. These experiences are designed to equip our students with the skills needed for enrollment, enlistment, or employment upon graduation. We're proud to offer incredible opportunities in Career and Technical Education! 🛠️👩🔬👨🎓 Click HERE for the latest from CTE Director Dominique Bates #CTEforNC #ExperienceTheExcellence
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Created with images by izzetugutmen - "back to school" • Tierney - "Mothers Day message with small pink roses" • STOATPHOTO - "Whats New. Communication, business and knowledge concept. Wooden table" • charles taylor - "random post it stickers" • photocrew - "Nachrichten" • fgnopporn - "Application icons interface on hand. Social media concept"