“April showers bring May flowers…” and our schools are in full bloom! 🌸📚
As we step into May, there’s a fresh sense of energy across Pender County Schools—and this week has been a beautiful reminder of everything that’s growing and thriving in our district! 🌼 From the joy of the Elementary School Special Olympics to the powerful tradition of Topsail High seniors walking the halls of their former schools 👩🎓👨🎓, it’s been a week full of connection, celebration, and pride.
We were proud to celebrate National Principal Day this week, recognizing the incredible leaders who guide our schools every single day. 👏 And as we look ahead to Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re getting ready to shower our amazing educators with the gratitude they deserve. 🍎✏️ May is a month of milestones, and we’re just getting started—let’s dig into all the great moments from across PCS! 🌷💙 #OnePender
CFM STAFF PRAISED FOR SWIFT RESPONSE DURING MEDICAL EMERGENCY
A Cape Fear Middle School parent recently shared a heartfelt message expressing deep gratitude for the professionalism and compassion shown by staff during a medical emergency involving her child.
When her daughter experienced a medical episode during class, school personnel immediately took action—calling EMS, clearing the classroom, and ensuring the student received attentive care until emergency responders arrived. Staff members, including the school nurse, counselor, SRO, and administrators, worked together seamlessly to provide support and protect the student’s privacy. Even after the incident, school staff coordinated efforts to assist with the family’s other children and followed up to check on the student’s recovery.
The parent praised the Cape Fear Middle team for their training, coordination, and genuine care, calling the response “swift, professional, and truly awesome.” She added, “I felt like my child was given the best care she could get in the situation and I am so grateful to this staff for just jumping into action and handling it so beautifully.”
This moment is a powerful reminder of the dedication of our educators and staff who go above and beyond to care for our students—especially in times of need.
ELEMENTARY SPECIAL OLYMPIANS TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT
Today, Pender County Schools was proudly represented at the Elementary School Special Olympics, held at Legion Stadium in New Hanover County. It was a day filled with smiles, cheers, and unforgettable moments as students came together to compete, support one another, and celebrate inclusion through sports. 🏃♂️🎉
From running races to softball tosses, our athletes gave it their all—showing determination, courage, and heart in every event. A huge thank you to our staff, volunteers, families, and friends who came out to cheer them on. 👏💫 Events like this remind us of the power of community, and we are incredibly proud of every student who participated and represented PCS with pride and joy. #OnePender
ORDER OF THE PATRIOT FOCUSES ON THE WHOLE STUDENT
Pender High School wrapped up the week with a powerful celebration of student achievement during its Order of the Patriot Award Ceremony 🎓✨. Held Friday, the event recognized students who stood out for their work ethic, integrity, personal growth, and commitment to excellence. The award, launched this year, allows teachers to nominate students monthly, with final honorees selected by each department.
During the ceremony, each recipient received a certificate and a color-coded medal based on their grade level 🏅—a meaningful symbol of their efforts and success. Teachers shared stories highlighting the unique journeys and accomplishments of their students, making the ceremony both heartfelt and inspiring.
"This award is about more than academics—it’s about character and perseverance," said Principal Nick Paquette. Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove added, "Programs like Order of the Patriot reflect the values we want to instill in all students: hard work, integrity, and resilience." 💪📚 You can view photos from the ceremony HERE
ORDER OF THE PATRIOT RECIPIENTS (Name, Year, Department)
Carter Winter (12) English; Alasha Dixon (11) English; Evan Jordan (11) Math; Bethanny Ingram (10)Math; Kenyatta Jacobs (10) Science/PE; Esme Segers (10) Science/PE; Johniah Thomas (10)
History; Fernando Sanchez Cortez (10) History; Zyiah Williams (11) Arts/World Language; Michael Cardona (12) Arts/World Language; Damien Thomason (9) CTE; Kinslee Wilson (9) CTE; Luis Cruz Sanchez (11) Multi Language Learning; La' Sean Gardner (10) Student Services; Marshawn Perry (10) Student Services
PCS WORKING TO SUPPORT EDUCATOR WELLNESS
Pender County Schools is proud to welcome Equitable Advisors as the new sponsor of our Beginning Teacher Support Program (BTSP)! 🎉 Their partnership is already making an impact by focusing on one of the most important topics in education today—educator wellness. With Equitable’s support, PCS aims to provide targeted professional development to support the well-being of our educators, ultimately strengthening our teacher pipeline and improving student outcomes. 🍎💼
As part of this exciting new partnership, staff are invited to attend a National Educator Webinar on Educator Wellness taking place on Monday, May 6, from 7:00–8:00 PM. 🧘♀️📅 The session will offer strategies for self-care and well-being, and there will be raffle prizes for participants! To join, staff can RSVP HERE
We also encourage everyone to check out Equitable’s recent South by Southwest panel discussion, which explores how prioritizing educator wellness leads to stronger student achievement. 🎥🗣️ This collaboration reflects Equitable’s commitment to uplifting communities through support for students and teachers alike—a mission that aligns perfectly with the goals of PCS and our BTSP.
PENDER EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP 10TH ANNIVERSARY GALA!
We are excited to invite you to the Pender Education Partnership’s (PEP) 10th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, May 17, 2025! 🎂✨ Celebrate a decade of supporting education in Pender County at the beautiful Historical Society of Topsail Island. 🌊🏝️
The evening will include dinner 🍽️, dancing 💃🕺, and a silent auction 🎁, with wine 🍷 and beer 🍻 available at a cash bar.
📅 Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
📍 Location: 720 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC
⏰ 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. Your attendance will help make a difference! 🌟
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.pendereducationpartnership.org.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎊👨🎓👩🎓
SURF CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL 6TH GRADERS CELEBRATE GREEK DAY IN STYLE
Surf City Middle School’s 6th grade students stepped back in time to celebrate Greek Day with a fun and educational local field trip to Kiwanis Park! 🇬🇷🎭 Students arrived dressed in togas and enjoyed a variety of games and activities that brought ancient Greek culture to life. It was a day full of energy, learning, and memorable experiences.
As part of the celebration, the 6th grade B-Day Theatre Arts class presented a Reader’s Theatre performance of “King Midas and the Golden Touch.” 🎤📖 Held outside in front of Mrs. Council’s Theatre Arts classroom, students took turns reading aloud from scripts, enhancing their fluency while engaging their peers in a timeless tale from Greek mythology.
WEST PENDER MIDDLE STUDENTS DIVE INTO POTTERY WITH VISITING ARTISTS
🎨 West Pender Middle School recently had the unique opportunity to host two professional teaching artists thanks to a Grassroots Arts Program grant awarded to Pender County Schools. Over two days, artists Renato Abate and Anne McCombie worked with 8th grade art students, introducing them to the world of pottery through hands-on learning experiences.
Students explored the fundamentals of working with clay and learned how to use pottery wheels, guided step-by-step through the creative process. 🌀👩🎨 This immersive workshop gave students not only new technical skills but also a chance to express themselves artistically in a new and exciting medium.
The visit was made possible by the Grassroots Arts Program, which helps provide quality arts programming in all 100 North Carolina counties. 🌟 By bringing local artists into the classroom, the initiative ensures that students have meaningful, community-centered access to the arts—right here in Pender County.
PECHS SENIOR LANDS FULL-TIME JOB WITH CORNING AFTER INTERNSHIP SUCCESS
🎉 Congratulations to Johnathan Davis, a senior at Pender Early College High School, who has accepted a full-time position with Corning Inc. after a successful internship and part-time role at the company’s Optical Fiber Plant in Wilmington. His journey began through a competitive Co-op program last summer, where he gained hands-on experience in industrial, electrical, and mechanical systems.
The internship fulfilled PECHS’s requirement that all students complete at least 30 hours of real-world career experience, but for Davis, it became much more. With support from his Cape Fear Community College instructors, Davis—who is earning his associate’s degree in Mechatronics—excelled in the program and was ultimately offered a full-time position with Corning upon graduation. ⚙️💼
Thanks to the unique partnership between PECHS and CFCC, Davis will graduate with both his high school diploma and a debt-free associate’s degree, launching a promising career path in his hometown. 🧑🔧 “Jonathan is a prime example of how internships can lead to life-changing opportunities,” said PECHS Principal Daniel Sidor.
WEEKLY SCHEDULES
C⚾NGRATS!
🐝 ⚾️ Congratulations 8th grade baseball players! 🖤🎉
We have enjoyed watching you grow on and off the field and wish you the best as you close this middle school chapter of life.
SPRING SPORTS 'PAT' ON THE BACK
From Cape Fear Elementary - Sunshine, fresh air, and a good book — the perfect recipe for a beautiful day. Try taking a book outside today!
From Topsail High - Today we are pleased to share the sixth and final individual to be recognized as an outstanding senior who exhibits the six qualities of a Topsail Pirate - Positive . Involved . Responsible . Attentive . Thoughtful . Empowered. This week we are focusing on the Empowered trait. Empowered means to be strong and sure of oneself. The student that represents the “E” in Pirate exudes confidence as they take initiative, practice self reliance, advocate for improvement, and take an active leadership role in our school. The 24-25 Empowered Pirate is Morgan Augustine. Morgan has embodied the empowered mindset while at Topsail High School. She has worked to advocate for student needs, serving as a student liaison with school administration and helping to lead the Interclub Council to connect THS club initiatives together. Serving the community through volunteer work and her Carolina Cares charity that supports women's and children's centers in our area, it is clear to see that Morgan has a vision to help others and sees it through. Congratulations Morgan! We are so proud of you!
From South Topsail Elementary - What an honor to have so many graduating Stingray Seniors 👩🎓 👨🎓 walking the halls this morning! ❤️❤️❤️
AND...Our Battle of the Books team travelled to Bayboro, NC yesterday to compete in the regional competition after coming in first place 🥇 at the district level. Congratulations for making it to the podium!!! 🥉🥉🥉We are all so proud of your dedication and eagerness to dig into some great books! 📚
From Malpass Corner Elementary - Our first annual MCE Staff Underground Spirit Week is this week. Day 1 was a CCESS! Students were asking ... what is going on with the teachers??!! Can you guess what Day 1 was?
From Penderlea School - Eighth grade students were reviewing atoms and balancing chemical equations with an escape room. These are some of the many students that solved the puzzles and escaped.
From Topsail Annandale Elementary - Congratulations to the Topsail High Class of 2025! We were so excited to celebrate you at the senior walk this morning.
AND...Huge thanks to our HS lacrosse team for helping with morning carline today! Your teamwork and positive energy made everyone's day start a little brighter! 💙🥍👏🏻
From West Pender Middle - Our West Pender Robotics Team won 1st place at Thursday’s Regional Robotics Competition at Heide Trask! 🎉 They showed amazing innovation, teamwork, and “gracious professionalism” while proudly representing our school.
From Cape Fear Middle - EOG review has begun at CFMS. Today, our students concentrated on math review throughout the school during Grizzly Time. Ms. Ferrentino’s class did a great job. They were engaged and very competitive with jeopardy.
From Topsail Middle - Witnessing middle school students read to each other is pure magic! 📚✨
AND...The Egg drop was a huge success! We had over 130 participants and 3 devices that were able to protect the egg from an 80ft drop! Thanks to Pender County EMS for helping making this a great experience for our students!
From Pender Early College - Congrats to Riley Clark, Phoebe Salzano, Zoey Reitan and Jacob Farrow who were inducted to CFCC's Phi Theta Kappa last night. Alyssa Ramos was also recognized for graduating. Jacob Farrow and Dayleen Maldonado were also elected as PTK officers.
From North Topsail Elementary - We were so excited to welcome back our dolphins from THS! Congratulations class of 2025!!!
AND...Mrs. Holt's second graders are using blocks and tiles to make arrays. This is getting them ready for 3rd grade multiplication!
From Pender Innovative Learning Academy - The students and staff would like to share an appreciation post for our favorite otter, Mrs. Braune! Your sleepless nights do not go unnoticed. Happy Principal Day! You always do what's best for the students and staff at PILA! Thank you for all that you do.
From Burgaw Middle - Tending to the BMS Garden! 👩🏽🌾🌻👨🏽🌾
From Pender High - Getting the junior class ready for their senior year! The Class of 2026 has been busy with a class information night and a college tour of UNCW.
From Surf City Middle - Emotions were strong this morning as our very first 6th graders walked our halls as graduating seniors. Great job Sharks/Pirates! We could not be more proud of every one of you!
🌟 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
PENDER-TOPSAIL POST & VOICE - Front Page
WECT - Pender County Schools embraces AI in the classroom with a set of new policies
WWAY - Proposed NC bill seeks to provide free breakfast in public schools
PORT CITY DAILY - School Meals for All hosts local town hall in support of state-funded meals for every child
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