When work becomes difficult, Tucker stays focused, asks thoughtful questions, and keeps trying until he succeeds. He also encourages classmates and models patience and effort. His resilience, growth mindset, and strong commitment have led to steady academic progress and make him a positive role model at West Smithfield Elementary.
Congratulations, Tucker, for being recognized as the March Character Ed Student for West Smithfield Elementary! 👏
As a 21-year veteran educator, former Pine Level Elementary and Polenta Elementary Assistant Principal, Lauren Strickland has built a career focused on dedication, a commitment to others’ success, and continuous growth.
After receiving her master's in administration from Campbell University, Strickland stepped into the role of assistant principal at Pine Level Elementary, where she served for 3 years. During that time, she strengthened her leadership foundation, developed her core principles, and implemented initiatives that supported success.
Strickland has achieved many noteworthy accomplishments since joining JCPS, including being named the 2025-2026 Assistant Principal of the Year at the 2025 Leadership Conference!
Most recently, Strickland was named the Principal of Glendale-Kenly Elementary, another great example of her continued hard work and commitment to making a lasting impact on the school community.
Congratulations, Lauren Strickland! 👏
You can learn more about our 2025-2026 Assistant Principal of the Year, here: https://bit.ly/40YYNxV
Watch our highlight video here: https://youtu.be/F0OLcH6L5N4
Enrollment for the 2026–2027 JCPS Preschool program is open now. We look forward to welcoming our newest little learners!
Learn more: https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/preschool
The deadline to complete the Family-School Relationships Survey is April 2nd.
We will be surveying JCPS families in order to gain insight into your perception of our school and district effectiveness. To ensure we continue to provide high quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our learners and prepare them for college and career, we need your feedback.
You may complete the survey online using a computer, tablet, or smartphone here: https://bit.ly/3O00dFq
We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses. If you have any questions about the survey administration, please contact your child’s school.
In the classroom, she participates actively and encourages others to feel included. As a member of the volleyball team, she models strong sportsmanship and helps new players feel welcome. Through her empathy, responsibility, and leadership, Yaneidy shows compassion each day.
Congratulations, Yaneidy, for being recognized as the March Character Ed Student for Selma Middle! 👏
During the discussion, our Student Leaders shared valuable viewpoints and experiences on a range of topics, including the impact of social media, the use of technology in schools, the importance of extracurricular involvement, mental health, and more.
One key focus of conversation was what it means to be “Life Ready” and how JCPS can best support students in preparing for life after high school.
It was an engaging discussion that will have a lasting impact on future JCPS students.
As Chief of Facilities and Capital Projects, William Earl Massengill Jr., does many things for JCPS. From maintaining safe, welcoming schools to leading major improvement projects, his work helps ensure every student and staff member has a space built for success.
William invites you to join the JCPS team and be part of the work happening behind the scenes to support our schools every day.
View current job opportunities here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/employment
#AGreatPlaceToWork
#JCPSForward
All-County choral students from four JCPS middle schools performed pieces including Deep River, The Little Creek, and the Latin piece Dies Irae. The conductor was Andrew Revels, accompanied by pianist Tracy Finch.
There was also amazing artwork from Swift Creek Middle and McGee’ Crossroads Middle students displayed in the lobby of Corinth Holders High.
Thank you to the choral directors, art teachers, and the entire JCPS Fine Arts Department for this extraordinary evening!
Aaliyah Rhue, a fifth-grade student at Selma Elementary, exemplifies the character trait of dependability. As a member of the Student Ambassador Team and the Science Olympiad team, she consistently attends meetings and events and gives her best effort.
Aaliyah completes her work on time, follows classroom expectations, and comes to school prepared each day. She also takes initiative by helping classmates and supporting teachers when needed. Her reliability, positive attitude, and strong sense of responsibility make her a great role model for her peers.
Congratulations, Aaliyah, for being recognized as the March Character Ed Student for Selma Elementary! 👏
Calling all rising Kindergarten families! 🎒
You still have the opportunity to join us for Kindergarten Readiness Nights from 5:00–6:30 PM! 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
Ennis herself is a proud product of JCPS and has learned from many great educators over the years. Their influence inspired her to pursue a career in education.
Ennis has been with JCPS for 13 years, all spent at Powhatan Elementary, where she was a classroom teacher for six years. She transitioned to the media center and expanded her knowledge by earning a master’s degree in library science.
Read more about Ennis in her Spotlight Q&A here: https://bit.ly/3PfCuRY
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
Zoey consistently strives to do the right thing and serves as a positive role model for her peers. She represents herself, her family, and Riverwood Middle School with pride and integrity.
Congratulations, Zoey, for being recognized as the March Character Ed Student for Riverwood Middle! 👏
Join us on March 19th at Four Oaks Elementary School or April 14th at Polenta Elementary from 5:00–6:30 PM for Kindergarten Readiness Night! These afternoons will be full of great information to help families feel confident and ready for their students' first day!
The Benson Area Chamber recognized two Benson Middle staff members at their A Night To Celebrate Banquet on February 26, 2026.
The Chamber named Benson Middle teacher Franklin Ruiz as the 2025 Benson Area Chamber Teacher of the Year, and Benson Middle School Resource Officer Jaclyn Kliest as the 2025 Benson Area Chamber Police Officer of the Year.
We are so proud of these two individuals for the dedication and effort they put forth at Benson Middle, which earned them these recognitions! Read more here: https://bit.ly/4bu5tsu
Join us this Wednesday, March 18th, 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!
🌟 The 2026 Showcase of Stars event videos are now available for streaming. Whether you'd like to revisit the performance or watch for the first time, you can enjoy the memorable moments and talent!
Click the link for more details: https://broadcasting.johnston.k12.nc.us/
Though quiet and reserved, Monroe communicates with excellent manners and respectfully seeks support when needed. She stays focused, works well independently or with others, and is always willing to help classmates.
Monroe lives by the Golden Rule and is known for her humility, respect, and gratitude. Her teachers view her as a model of strong character and work ethic.
Congratulations, Monroe, for being recognized as the March Character Ed Student for Riverwood Elementary! 👏
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
Due to the forecast of inclement weather, the associated high wind and the uncertain timing, Johnston County Public Schools will be closed for all students on Monday, March 16, 2026, as well as all extracurricular activities. The district will operate under Condition 3 of the inclement weather plan.
Based on the guidance issued by local safety officials, the forecasted high winds will present hazardous travel for our school buses and potentially cause property damage.
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this weather event.
Have a great evening!
This year was a back-to-back win for Johnston County Early College Academy, as the team took home first place in Battle of the Books for the second year in a row. In second place was North Johnston High, and third was South Johnston High.
The Johnston County Early College Academy team advanced and will compete against other schools in the Region 3 Battle of the Books Competition on March 20, 2026!
Read more about this year’s high school Battle of the Books competition here: https://bit.ly/3PiIidj
