Another impactful day of Professional Learning Communities for our principals with Solution Tree!
This continued learning strengthens our commitment to growth and improved outcomes for every student, and we are excited to see these strategies in action across our schools!
#JCPSForward
#LeadingForward





As Assistant Director of School Nutrition Services, Lynne Bergeron is a vital leader within JCPS, playing an essential role in supporting students through nutritious meals and program management. Her dedication helps ensure students have the fuel they need to learn, grow, and thrive each day.
Lynne invites you to join the JCPS team and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of students across our schools.
View current job opportunities here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/employment
#AGreatPlaceToWork
#JCPSForward

Third through fifth students packed the gymnasium for a pep rally to mark the start of the reading competition. The students were bursting with excitement, showing off their signs.
Malcolm Mitchell, founder of Read with Malcolm - Share the Magic Foundation and Super Bowl Champion, appeared via Zoom, encouraging students to read for as many minutes as possible. Winners will be announced on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the same day as the Super Bowl.
Members of the South Johnston High football team were also lending their support and giving high fives to kindergarteners, 1st, and 2nd graders as they paraded through the event holding up their favorite books.
Good luck to all of the students as they read their way to success!









Are you interested in a meaningful career with lasting rewards? Are you passionate about shaping the future?
Join Johnston County Public Schools at our Job Fair on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Smithfield-Selma High!
Why JCPS?
✅ Competitive pay
✅ State health benefits
✅ Opportunities for growth and incentives
✅ A great place build your career and life
Don't miss this opportunity! Scan the QR code or register at: https://bit.ly/jobfair2026
Can’t wait and want to join the team today? The job vacancies page here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/employment

Step inside IDEAL Academy at South Johnston High! 🌎🌾 https://bit.ly/4q5IHxc
IDEAL Academy, a JCPS Choice Program in partnership with the University of Mount Olive, allows students interested in agriculture and environmental studies to earn both their high school diploma and an Associate Degree within four years. 🎓
Through this program, education goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. It opens doors to meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
#JCPSForward

Join us this Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, at 2 PM for our Welcome Wednesdays session, an open-door approach to assisting individuals aspiring to become a part of the JCPS team!
Welcome Wednesdays is a hands-on, in-person opportunity for individuals to receive assistance with applications and to ask questions about the various job openings we have within the district.
See you soon!

JCPS is thrilled to announce an exciting community event you won’t want to miss! Our wonderful partners, the Johnston County Ed Foundation, will host a Harlem Wizards basketball fundraiser on February 9, 2026, at Smithfield-Selma High School. The event will begin at 6:30 PM, and doors will open at 5:30 PM.
We invite all JCPS families, staff, and community members to join us for an unforgettable night of high-flying basketball where some of your favorite principals, teachers, coaches, and support staff will compete against the Harlem Wizards!
If you are looking for an evening of fun, laughter, and unforgettable entertainment, for an even greater cause, mark your calendar now!
🎟️ To register, click here: https://bit.ly/4pmDBeM

The New Year is here and applications are open! 🗓️
Don't miss this opportunity to start the new year exploring new possibilities! JCPS will host a Choice Programs Information Night on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Smithfield-Selma High School from 5:45 PM to 8 PM.
Attendees will be provided 15-minute information sessions about the various programs offered to 8th graders and a Q&A session.
The application window for students wanting to attend High School Choice Programs starts today, January 1st, and will end on February 15th.
Click here to learn more about JCPS Choice Programs: https://bit.ly/4abrFH4

Johnston County Public Schools wishes everyone a Happy New Year!

Sarah Willoughby, Principal at West Clayton Elementary, is one of many school-based administrators who ensure that our students and staff are safe and have a great learning and work environment.
Sarah invites you to join the JCPS team by applying for the various positions currently available in our schools!
View current job opportunities here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/employment

Cleveland High’s Quarterback Isabella “Izzy” Sholar, the Carolina Panthers High School Flag Football Player Of the Year, is one of eight finalists for the 2025 Girls National Flag Football Player of the Year Award.
Read more about Sholar and this nomination here: https://bit.ly/3YMcMWy
Congratulations Izzy! We're all rooting for you! 🎉 The winner will be announced on January 10th.


Merry Christmas Eve!

We are excited to share that for the 2024-2025 academic year, two seniors and two 2025 graduates are candidates for the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma™, and three seniors and two 2025 graduates are candidates for the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.
The College Board AP Capstone is a two-year program based on two AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. The program helps students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and research and presentation skills that are essential to academic and career success.
Instead of learning subject-specific content, these courses develop students’ skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presenting. Students who complete the two-year program can earn one of two different AP Capstone awards, the AP Capstone Diploma™ or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™, which are valued by colleges across the United States and around the world.
To read more about these candidates and the AP Capstone Program, click here: https://bit.ly/4aZyi1r

The countdown to graduation is on! 🎓🎉
Full details for Class of 2026 ceremonies are available on the JCPS Graduation Information webpage: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/graduation
For school-specific questions, contact your school.

A festive welcome this morning at South Smithfield Elementary for the last day before break, with a special appearance from Superintendent Dr. David Pearce! 🌟







Known for her warm smile, sense of humor, and strong work ethic, Martinez brings positivity to the school community while taking her responsibilities seriously. She is deeply valued by students, staff, parents, and the broader Pine Level community.
In her Spotlight Q&A, Martinez expresses the love she has for Pine Level Elementary. Read it here: https://bit.ly/4qij8ZM
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS

This is a friendly reminder of the Christmas break closure dates for students on the traditional calendar.
There will be no school from December 22 through January 5, 2026.
Enjoy the holidays and have a safe, joyful break!

Christmas carolers from Clayton High Honors Chorus treated Riverwood Middle students and staff to traditional Christmas songs, with a few fun ones mixed in. They also took their holiday cheer and shared it with staff at the A.G. Glenn Building. The halls were filled with music, and everyone’s hearts were full of joy.
Thank you to the JCPS Fine Arts Department for providing this special performance!










