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April is National Occupational Therapy Month!
This month we celebrate and honor JCPS occupational therapists and the meaningful differences they make in the lives of children. Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based profession that enables people of all ages to participate in daily living or live better with injury, illness, or disability.
A big round of applause for our occupational therapists!๐
![Occupational Therapy Month](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7484252/large_Occupational_Therapy_Month.png)
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JCPS invites you to join us in recognizing our many military-connected children this April during the Month of the Military Child!
![Month of the Military Child](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7633572/large_2024_Military_Child_Graphic.png)
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Have a Happy Easter!๐ฃ
![Happy Easter](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7409542/large_Happy_Easter__2_.png)
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Brad Betterton, Athletic Director at Archer Lodge Middle was awarded with the Middle School Athletic Director of Excellence by the North Carolina Athletic Director Association!
Betterton was recognized at the North Carolina Athletic Directors State Conference for his significant contributions on the middle school level in the field of athletic administration in the state. The inaugural year for the Athletic Director of Excellence Award, Betterton was one of only six middle school athletic directors from around North Carolina to be recognized.
Congratulations and keep up the amazing work!
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
![Brad Betterton](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7607788/large_IMG_0029-Enhanced-NR.jpg)
![Brad Betterton](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7607780/large_Betterton_Small3.jpg)
![Brad Betterton](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7607781/large_Betterton_small7.jpg)
![Brad Betterton](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7607784/large_Betterton_small2.jpg)
![Brad Betterton](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7607785/large_Betterton_small5.jpg)
![Brad Betterton](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7607786/large_Betterton_small.jpg)
![Brad Betterton](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7607782/large_Betterton_small4.jpg)
![Brad Betterton](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7607783/large_Betterton_small6.jpg)
![Brad Betterton](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7607787/large_IMG_9995-Enhanced-NR.jpg)
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FREE summer learning opportunities for rising 6-12 graders are here!๐
Join JCPS Career & Technical Education for the 2024 Summer Career Accelerator program. Experiences include career exploration, skill development, and networking opportunities for students in rising grades 6-12.
Learn more and register here: https://cteinjoco.info/summer_programs/
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
![CTE Accelerator Program](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7435133/large_CTE_Accelerator_Program.png)
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Congratulations to Ashley Holloman, 2024 JCPS Career & Technical Education Teacher of the Year!
Holloman has been an agriculture education teacher & FFA Advisor at Corinth Holders High for nine years, and a JCPS team member for 10. With this award, she is now one of 24 finalists for NC CTE Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced at a celebration event in the fall.
JCPS is so proud, and we wish her the best of luck! ๐
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
![Ashley Holloman](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7605087/large_CTE_Teacher_of_the_Year.jpg)
![Ashley Holloman](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7605092/large_CTE_Teacher_of_Year1.jpg)
![Ashley Holloman](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7605090/large_CTE_Teacher_of_Year2.jpg)
![Ashley Holloman](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7605091/large_CTE_Teacher_of_Year5.jpg)
![Ashley Holloman](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7605088/large_CTE_Teacher_of_Year4_1_.jpg)
![Ashley Holloman](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7605089/large_CTE_Teacher_of_Year4.jpg)
![Ashley Holloman](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7605086/large_CTE_Teacher_of_Year6.jpg)
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Spring Break is here!๐
Students on the traditional calendar begin Spring Break tomorrow, March 29 through Monday, April 8. Those students return to school on Tuesday, April 9.
JCPS wishes everyone a safe and relaxing Spring Break!
![Spring Break 2024](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7483394/large_Spring_Break_2024.png)
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Clayton High was the first of four JCPS high schools to participate in the S.A.F.E. Mock Car Crash Program.
Ahead of prom, Spring Break, and the upcoming summer travel season, juniors and seniors watched the mock car crash on the school's football field. The educational visual program is a large collaborative effort between state and local organizations as a way to show young drivers how dangerous distracted driving can be to them and others.
Stay S.A.F.E during prom and Spring Break! ๐
![mock car crash event](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7583606/large_IMG_4360.jpg)
![clayton high mock car crash](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7583610/large_IMG_4293.jpg)
![clayton high mock car crash](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7583608/large_IMG_4426.jpg)
![mock car crash event](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7583604/large_IMG_4524.jpg)
![clayton high mock car crash](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7583612/large_IMG_4229.jpg)
![clayton high mock car crash](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7583602/large_Coach_Anderson.jpg)
![clayton high mock car crash](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7583611/large_IMG_4433.jpg)
![mock car crash](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7598238/large_Cheryl_Leonard_1x1.jpg)
![mock car crash](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7598235/large_EMS_1x1.jpg)
![mock car crash Clayton High](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7589910/large_Clayton_Mock_Car_Crash_students_1X1.jpg)
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JCPS and Campbell University signed documentation for the expansion of the TA (Teacher Assistant) to Teacher Program!
For several year, JCPS and Campbell University have partnered to provide the school districtโs TAs a pathway for obtaining licensure to become teachers with JCPS. Currently, there are 20 participants in the program and the expansion will allow for 30 TAs to obtain licensure.
The TA to Teacher program provides tuition assistance to JCPS part-time or full-time teacher assistants to pursue a college degree that will result in teacher licensure. Through the program, JCPS will pay up to a total of $5,250 per academic year, up to three academic years, for tuition and other educational expenses (e.g. standard fees, textbooks). Tuition assistance is available to part-time and full-time TAs.
JCPS is excited to continue its partnership with Campbell University!๐
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
![Campbell signing](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7576226/large_IMG_9898__1_.jpg)
![Campbell signing](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7576224/large_IMG_9899.jpg)
![Campbell signing](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7576225/large_IMG_9943.jpg)
![Campbell signing](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7577384/large_Group_Pic.jpg)
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A friendly reminder...
Spring Break for students on the traditional calendar begins Friday, March 29, and runs through Monday, April 8. Those students return to school on Tuesday, April 9. ๐
![Spring Break 2024](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7482789/large_Spring_Break_2024.png)
![](https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/233155/circled_cab3e8db-ba13-41c9-8750-26675f09481e.png)
Ready to take a break?
Spring Break for students on the traditional begins Friday, March 29 and runs through Monday, April 8. Traditional calendar students return to school on Tuesday, April 9.๐
![Spring Break](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7482412/large_Spring_Break_2024.png)
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It's World Down Syndrome Day!
For people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities, stereotypes can stop them from being treated like other people. This year's theme calls for people around the world to #EndTheStereotypes!
![World Down Syndrom Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7310705/large_World_Down_Syndrome_Day.png)
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The JCPS High School Battle of the Books took place on Tuesday!๐
West Johnston High took first place, with Johnston County Early College Academy earning second place. West Johnston High advances and will represent JCPS at the regional competition on April 9th at 9 AM in Harnett County.
Good luck!๐
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
![Battle of the Books](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7504629/large_High_School_Battle_of_the_Books_.png)
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JCPS hosted the the Town Hall meeting on March 18 as a platform for community members and stakeholders to provide input and feedback, and to view the progress made so far on the plan.
We value the input provided during the meeting and throughout the process!
![TH](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7497906/large_2024_Town_Hall-4.jpg)
![TH](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7497902/large_2024_Town_Hall-2.jpg)
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It's the first day of Spring! Here's to longer and warmer days!๐
![Hello Spring](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7308160/large_First_Day_of_Spring.png)
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Johnston County Public Schools wants your feedback on its next Strategic Plan. In the fall, we received input from over 12,000 members of the Johnston County Public Schools community on what we need to move our district forward over the next five years.
Please plan to join us this evening, Monday, March 18th, from 6:00-7:15 pm at Swift Creek Middle School to learn how we have incorporated community feedback and weigh in on our progress thus far. Participants will preview the districtโs new vision, mission, values, and goals before engaging in table discussions that will inform revisions moving forward.
See you there!
![TH](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7349722/large_JCPS_Town_Hall_Flyer_2_English.jpg)
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Happy St. Patrick's Day!๐
![St. Patrick's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7301543/large_Happy_St._Patrick_s_Day_Instagram_Post.png)
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Local author Julie Johnson visited Glendale-Kenly Elementary during Read Across America Week. To the delight of all kindergarten and first graders, Johnson read her book "Bessie" about a cow and her adventures on the Johnson farm. ๐
#ReadAcrossAmerica
![Julie Johnson](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7456632/large_Julie_Johnson_Author.jpg)
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Students at Clayton Middle were dressed to impress for the school's career fair!
Twenty business and educational institutions were on hand to provide information and answer questions to the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. The goal of the career fair was to give them the opportunity to explore possible career pathways, many of which are offered through JCPS Career and Technical Education. ๐
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
![Career Fair](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7456056/large_Career_Fair11.jpg)
![Career Fair](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7456058/large_Career_Fair5.jpg)
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![Career Fair](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7456051/large_IMG_4103.jpg)
![Career Fair](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7456057/large_Career_Fair1.jpg)
![Career Fair](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7456054/large_Career_Fair8.jpg)
![Career fair](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7456052/large_IMG_4091.jpg)
![Career Fair](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7456050/large_Career_Fair10.jpg)
![Career Fair](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7456055/large_Career_Fair7.jpg)
![Career Fair](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7456053/large_Career_Fair2.jpg)
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Rounding out our March Character Education Awards is Derek Belleza-Franco!
A 5th grader at West Smithfield Elementary, he is nominated for Dependability. As a member of the Science Olympiad team, he is a good leader and listens to his teammates, giving them a chance to engage and share their thoughts.
Keep up the good work!๐
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
![Derek Belleza-Franco](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/johnston_county_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/7438224/large_Derek_Belleza-Franco.png)