Johnston County Public Schools is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Summer Feeding Program. The JCPS School Nutrition Program will, once again, provide free summer meals for children 1-18 years of age.
Households must register by March 31 using the 2026 Summer Meal Pack Order Form here: https://bit.ly/4rKf85e
Read more details here: https://bit.ly/4aPc4yL
The JCPS annual job fair was a huge success!!!
This year, we welcomed a record-breaking 306 attendees into Smithfield-Selma High with interest in joining the JCPS team. There were nearly 450 pre-registrations and applicants as far as Ohio, Minnesota, Washington, Virginia, Tennessee, and New York. Two attendees even signed early contracts for the 2026-2027 school year!
"Our school system's job fair was a tremendous success, bringing together passionate educators and dedicated staff who are eager to make a difference in students' lives. The overwhelming turnout and positive energy reflected our community's strong commitment to excellence in education and opportunity for all,” said Linda Edmundson, Chief of Human Resources.
Read more about our 2026 JCPS annual job fair here: https://bit.ly/4aQ4mEJ
We continue to seek individuals who are committed to making a difference. It is not too late to join JCPS! Want to view our current job openings? Check them out here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/employment
This week is Read Across America Week and we have lots of fun things planned for each day. Tuesday is Top Hat Tuesday and students can wear hats or dress as the Cat in the Hat, Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday and students can wear mismatched or crazy clothes, Thursday is Thing One and Thing Two Day, and Friday is Fox in Socks Day and students can wear crazy socks on that day.
Tomorrow, Tuesday March 3rd is Voting Day. River Dell is one of 6 Johnston County Schools that the Board of Elections has chosen to be a voting site. We have taken every precaution to ensure safety for the students and staff at RDE. Voting will occur in the Gym and no students will be on that hallway at all during the day. The doors to that hallway will also be closed and locked so no voters can enter the building where students and staff are working. Also, or School Resource Officer, Deputy Justin Griffiths, will be on campus all day monitoring the voting area and keeping us safe. Art, Music, and PE will not be in that hallway tomorrow. Those teachers will be traveling around and coming to classrooms. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
Friday is a JCPS Early Release Day. Student dismissal will begin at 1:45.
A big congratulations to our River Dell Battle of the Books Team for winning the JCPS Elementary Battle of the Books Competition. This is the very first time in RDE history that our school has won, and we are so very proud of this team and their coaches, Mr. Contos and Mrs. Hasick. Way to go!
We hope you all have a wonderful week and remember, once a Racer, always a Racer.
We are beyond excited for the 2026 Showcase of Stars happening THIS WEEK! ⭐
Join us on March 6th and 7th as our talented students take the stage and showcase their incredible performances! This is a show you won’t want to miss.
Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4bzsX1c
The JCPS Job Fair is happening TODAY at Smithfield-Selma High from 9 AM to 12PM.
Stop by and see us today if you are interested in a meaningful career with lasting rewards!
We are one week out from the 2026 Showcase of Stars! ⭐
Join us on March 6th and 7th as our talented students take the stage and showcase their incredible performances! This is a show you won’t want to miss.
Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4bzsX1c
Don’t forget! The JCPS Job Fair is TOMORROW, February 28, 2026, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Smithfield-Selma High!
Are you interested in a meaningful career with lasting rewards? Are you passionate about shaping the future?
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!
Make a difference this summer by helping our students start their mornings with a book. 📖
To sign up:
- Complete the sign-up form: https://bit.ly/JCPSbuddy2026
- Register with JCPS: https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/volunteers
Calling all rising Kindergarten families! 🎒
Join us for Kindergarten Readiness Nights from 5:00–6:30 PM, where your future Kindergartener can practice the lunch line, explore a school bus, and enjoy hands-on learning stations to build their excitement and confidence!
Register today: https://bit.ly/KR_2026
The National Board Certification is one of the most respected professional certifications available in education and provides numerous benefits to educators, students, and schools. The certification was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished educators and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.
“I am incredibly proud of our National Board recipients for the dedication, resilience, and countless hours of hard work they invested to reach this remarkable achievement. The hundreds of hours candidates have spent reflecting on student learning outcomes create lasting, meaningful impact for the students they serve every day,” Janelle Bishop, JCPS Director of Professional Learning, stated.
To learn more about the National Board Certification and to celebrate our recipients, visit our website here: https://bit.ly/4aQIxDI
🔗 https://youtu.be/n5a8wtmMmOY
#ILeadWithMyHeart
#JCPSForward
Inspired by the book “Leading with the Heart,” written by Mike Krzyzewski, the event recognizes one staff member from each school and various central services departments. Honorees were nominated by their peers based on several factors, including an enduring commitment to their role, a positive attitude, and an undeniable lasting impact on others.
We honor all 54 recipients for their commitment and their work that does not go unnoticed. Thank you! ✨
Read more information on the recipients and the event here: https://bit.ly/46RjgI7
Stay tuned for a recap video…
#ILeadWithMyHeart
#JCPSForward
Ready, set, KINDERGARTEN! 🎉🎒✏️
Registration is open for the 2026-2027 school year, and we’re excited to welcome our newest learners!
Get started today on our website: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/enrollment
Joyner, a 31-year veteran educator, stays committed to growing in her career. She continuously reflects and refines her approach and builds on proven strategies because she believes lifelong learning is essential. This dedication makes a lasting impact on students and staff!
Read more about Joyner in her Spotlight Q&A here: https://bit.ly/4abcYp0
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
Tomorrow, Thursday, is a Duty Free Lunch day. We are still looking for volunteers to help out, even if you are available for as little as 30 minutes. Thanks in advance for your support. The Sign Up Genius is linked on our RDE Facebook Page.
Tomorrow night is also our rescheduled PTA Meeting. It will be held in the Media Center at 6:00. Childcare will be provided.
Friday is National School Resource Officer Day. We want to give a shout out to Deputy Justin Griffiths and thank him for all he does for us all here at River Dell each and every day.
This Saturday is the highly anticipated Glow Dance. This is definitely one of the students' favorite events of the year. The times are as follows: 10:00-11:30 for PreK, Kindergarten, 1st grade, and EC, 12:00-1:30 for 2nd and 3rd grades, and 2:00-4:00 for 4th and 5th grades. You can preorder tickets or purchase tickets at the door. There will also be pizza, popcorn, drinks, face painting, and glow items for sale. We can't wait to see everyone there!
Last night the JCPS Board of Education made a change to the calendar. Due to the previous inclement weather, Johnston County Public Schools was closed on February 5, 2026. The Board elected to make up the day on March 9, 2026, which was originally scheduled as a Work Day.
Lastly, this is a reminder that next Monday, February 16th is a JCPS Teacher Workday, so there will be no school for students.
We hope everyone has a great night and remember, once a Racer, always a Racer.
📣📣 JCPS will be open on February 6, 2026, operating on its regular schedule! 📣📣
Based on the current weather forecast, there is a potential for black ice and frozen precipitation. We will remain in contact with local emergency officials and national weather services, and if additional school schedule changes are necessary, we will provide an update by 6 AM, Thursday, February 5, 2026.
School nutrition will serve breakfast upon students’ arrival. Early morning care will open two hours later than the normal start time. All extracurricular activities will resume.
Thank you and have a great evening!
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to work through these weather events.
Due to the inclement weather and the hazardous road conditions, Johnston County Public Schools will remain closed on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, and all extracurricular activities have been canceled. The district will operate under Condition 4 of the inclement weather plan.
Condition 4 is the Remote Learning Day option. Please visit the JCPS website at www.johnston.k12.nc.us/inclementweather for full details.
We will continue to monitor weather conditions over the coming days and provide updates on district schedule changes.
As always, safety is our top priority as we follow the guidance of local safety and emergency officials. We will continue to monitor the conditions and provide updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Please be safe!
Due to the inclement weather and the hazardous road conditions, Johnston County Public Schools will remain closed on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and all extracurricular activities have been canceled. The district will operate under Condition 4 of the inclement weather plan.
Condition 4 is the Remote Learning Day option. Please visit the JCPS website at www.johnston.k12.nc.us/inclementweather for full details.
We will continue to monitor weather conditions over the coming days and provide updates on district schedule changes.
As always, safety is our top priority as we follow the guidance of local safety and emergency officials. We will continue to monitor the conditions and provide updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
❄️ Please be safe and enjoy a wonderful day in the snow! ⛄️
