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There is no school for students on the JCPS traditional calendar on Friday, September 22, 2023. This is a teacher workday.
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Big applause for Talon Brown, our next Character Education Award recipient for September!
A senior at Cleveland High, Brown shows lots of initiative daily, as he is always reaching out to other students and teachers. He embodies the essence of perseverance, proving that with the right mindset and determination, one can conquer anything that life throws their way. ✨
![Talon Brown](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5291159/large_kn51ysQGW6Kkf7qUu0w3Dg.jpeg)
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Let's celebrate Taylor Hyman, another September Character Education Award recipient!
A 7th grader at Swift Creek Middle, he has demonstrated many positive character traits, from respect to perseverance to compassion. Hyman shows compassion to classmates during group activities by including others that may not have a partner, and offering assistance to those who are struggling with classwork. He is always happy and has kind things to say even in tough situations.
Keep up the good work! 🤩
![Taylor Hyman](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5282850/large_5JdAk3yJHLiHYQKqX-6Wag.jpeg)
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Shout out to Harper Benson, one of our September Character Education Award recipients. New to Polenta Elementary, Benson is a fifth grader and already shines through her kindness and caring demeanor. Although she is new to the school, Benson stepped up to help a student who started school once the year had begun.
Way to go!👍
![Harper Benson](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5265790/large_em23CeBnuwGIBQRLckX8yQ.jpeg)
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Two things are certain. First, we have amazing students and staff! Second, we never get tired of celebrating their successes!
We had a great time as JCPS principals received their 2022-2023 academic success banners last evening. You will see these banners proudly hanging in the schools as early as next week.
![2023 Academic Celebration](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5255326/large_VkJ6kNfvpz9A4Ll_AI02Hw.jpeg)
![2023 Academic Celebration](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5255330/large_V1buKVv1tBzK3pnK-Y3sRg.jpeg)
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![2023 Academic Celebration](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5255345/large_qE3b8fs2tew31GXIffJr1Q.jpeg)
![2023 Academic Celebration](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5255348/large_94D2DxajCGl5Ois9WnoxOQ.jpeg)
![2023 Academic Celebration](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5255350/large_DTlTZX2q8LgBDZyiSdNqyQ.jpeg)
![2023 Academic Celebration](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5255351/large_y_ACAwghWmD_J4YsCp3Y0g.jpeg)
![2023 Academic Celebration](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5255354/large_s_yUhpl1gisJQFqcih3Aew.jpeg)
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Our students and schools have done it again! Data recently released from the State Board of Education shows that our students and schools are continuing to excel and outperform years past. JCPS is one of only six districts in the entire state that have exceeded pre-pandemic levels of achievement! On top of that 44% of our schools were in the top 20% in North Carolina for growth. That is truly something to be proud of! We can't wait to continue to celebrate our successes in the days ahead!
![JCPS Infographic](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5179758/large_CNK_qJSzdM5iQKU1FG9p8Q.png)
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We had a wonderful first day back to school and want to thank all of our students, staff, and families for working together to make today a success. We want to share a few reminders to keep things running smoothly in the days and weeks ahead.
In the first few weeks of school, it’s typical for our bus routes and carpool lanes to run a bit slower than normal. Our drivers are getting used to new routes, there are more drivers on the road, our students are getting into a routine, and most importantly - we are focused on keeping everyone safe at all times. We ask that you keep these things in mind if our arrival and departure procedures are moving more slowly than we anticipate. If your student is a bus rider, we encourage you to download the EduLog Parent Portal App, for real time information on where your student's bus is on their route.
We also want to remind our families that the majority of our schools are offering free breakfast and lunch this school year. All schools, with the exception of Clayton High, Cleveland Elementary, Cleveland High, Corinth Holders High, and Powhatan Elementary, will offer free breakfast and lunch through the Community Eligibility Provision. Families with students attending non-qualifying schools are encouraged to complete a Free and Reduced meal application to receive benefits for this school year. This form, which can be found on the district website, assists our schools in many other services throughout the year, and can be beneficial for our families and students.
Lastly, please be reminded that all of our school campuses now have a weapons detection system in place at the entrances of our school. All students, staff, and guests will be expected to pass through the system upon arrival to our campuses.
This first week of school is a busy time, with a lot of excitement for our students. Please be reminded that attendance will be taken daily. However attendance calls for students who are marked tardy or absent will not resume until next week.
We thank you in advance for your help in making this a great school year.
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The air was full of excitement this morning as tens of thousands of JCPS students made their way back to schools for the start of the 2023-24 school year. Hugs and smiles were plentiful as students reunited with friends and staff. JCPS hopes everyone had a great first day, and here's to the start of another amazing school year!
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Just one more sleep until we welcome our students back to school!! We hope all of our students get a good night's rest and are excited to take on the day tomorrow! We can't wait to see you in the morning! ❤️📚🍎
![back to school](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5053082/large_zSOXmgQQAqMTRxLzzzZfXw.png)
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Just one more sleep until we welcome our students back to school!! We hope all of our students get a good night's rest and are excited to take on the day tomorrow! We can't wait to see you in the morning! ❤️📚🍎
![back to school](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5053040/large_0c2ffRwvRow30q6nsTgf0g.png)
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We're just FIVE days from the first day of school! Can you believe it?! Be sure to check the Johnston County Public Schools mobile app off of your school supplies list! Parents, teachers, and students will use the mobile app for our two-way communication tool this school year! Download it in the Apple or Google Play store today so you're ready for the first day!
![JCPS Mobile App](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/5018473/large__wmuTgh1fwmraZEEfi9rcQ.png)
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All students enrolled in a qualifying Johnston County Public School (with the exception of 5 non-qualifying schools) will receive a healthy Breakfast and lunch at no cost to the household this upcoming school year through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
Households of students that attend a qualifying CEP school will no longer need to submit a Free and Reduced Meal Benefit Application for the upcoming school year. Students that attend a non-qualifying school will still have the opportunity to submit a meal benefits application in order to qualify for free, reduced, or paid eligibility status. Applications for the 2023-2024 school year will be accepted starting July 10, 2023.
For more information, click here: https://bit.ly/3P10t3J
![2023 Free Food](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/4979290/large_bgVSufSJfBFxtTy0yen7sw.jpeg)
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Corinth-Holders Elementary Families - help us welcome your new Interim Principal, Mr. Kenneth Bennett! The Johnston County Board of Education named Mr. Bennett Interim Principal at their regular session meeting this evening.
Mr. Bennett is a long-time JCPS administrator, former JCPS Principal of the Year, and an outstanding educator. We look forward to all of the wonderful things he and the CHES Pirates will do together! Families should look for further communication for the 2023-2024 school year to come from Mr. Bennett and his team in the coming days.
![CHES Welcome Photo for Kenneth Bennett](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/4904144/large_rizh1Ttf73nLfFgHCpFseA.png)
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Our families seemed to like the one-stop-shop format for Orientation Information on our website - so we thought we'd make school supply lists just as convenient! Supply lists for our elementary and middle schools for the 2023-2024 school year are available now at: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/schoolsupplies
We hope this makes you getting ready for the first day of school - August 28th - a little bit easier!
![School Supply Lists](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/4903978/large_diMF76bR1yEq0eeO_AZjBA.png)
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Johnston County Early College Academy and Johnston County Career & Technical Leadership Academy students and staff were fully engaged during their first day of the 2023-24 school year!
Best of luck to our students and staff!
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Please join us in officially welcoming back all of our students at Johnston County Early College Academy and Johnston County Career and Technical Leadership Academy for the 2023-2024 School Year!! 🎉🥳
![JCECA and JCCTLA Welcome](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/4900929/large_dn4TvLcFDkzt3GsodE1CxQ.png)
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Please join us in giving a huge CONGRATULATIONS to our Principal of the Year, Mrs. Paige Barnes from West Clayton Elementary, and to our Assistant Principal of the Year, Dr. Tobias Hocutt from Four Oaks Middle School!! These two outstanding administrators received their award today in front of their peers and family members.
Mrs. Barnes and Dr. Hocutt - we are so thankful for all of the tremendous work you do for the students of Johnston County Public Schools. You all are an asset to our team - and we couldn't do this without you! 🎉🤩
![Tobias Hocutt and Family](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/4878203/large_Og6CgoFDHXmvanM6RUOYmA.jpeg)
![Paige Barnes and family](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/4878204/large_e0pMYBWQgw054mEpwGZdhg.jpeg)
![Paige Barnes, Eric Bracy, Tobias Hocutt](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/4878205/large_tYHnn3PQx19_vjNjHAkVmQ.jpeg)
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Attention Innovation Academy Families - let us introduce you to your new and AMAZING principal - Mrs. Elizabeth Patton. She's served in education for nearly 15 years, most recently as the JCPS Executive Director of High School Education. Mrs. Patton is an incredible asset to our team - and we can't wait to see all of the wonderful things she accomplishes at Innovation Academy! Join us in welcoming her to the Pioneer family!! 🎉🤩
![Elizabeth Patton Welcome Photo](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/4863634/large_wkaGBaFZrQFSsqt3_rwptA.jpeg)
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It's officially AUGUST - which means we'll be back to school before you know it! Parents, rejoice...and students pretend like you didn't see this post. 😎
We're excited to tell you about our new principal placements for the 2023-2024 school year! Mrs. Crystal Gregory, formerly Principal of Innovation Academy- Johnston County Public Schools, is officially taking the reigns as Principal of Smithfield-Selma High School!! Mrs. Gregory and her team accomplished big things at Innovation Academy, and we can't wait to see what she does next!
Spartan families - please join us in giving Mrs. Gregory a warm welcome! 🥳
![Crystal Gregory, welcome photo at Smithfield-Selma High](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/4861079/large_fcVMl-3u7VpUUzi8NIwS9Q.jpeg)
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Our first round of Summer Information Fair events are happening now! Join us from now until 7:00 PM at North Johnston Middle, Cleveland High, Corinth Holders High, and South Johnston High to receive important information from Transportation Services, School Nutrition, and Student Information!
More: https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/article/1164174
![Summer Information Fair](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/4854342/large_TMLGZP4OtxcjWKdsDLF1mg.jpeg)