Through the Sports Medicine program, she demonstrates professionalism and dedication while serving student-athletes and coaches. Her service extends to West View and Cleveland Elementary, Zeta Archonettes, and her church through youth ministry and media support.
Aaliyah leads through her actions, consistently encouraging others and making a positive difference. She truly represents the character of a Cleveland Ram and what it means to "Dare to Be Extraordinary!"
Congratulations, Aaliyah, for being recognized as the September Character Ed Student for Cleveland High! 👏
Your JCPS story didn’t end when you crossed the stage at graduation. We want to know where life has taken you since then!
Have you reached a career goal, started a family, or taken on an adventure worth sharing? We’d love to hear what’s happening in your life and celebrate with you.
Share your updates and stories by filling out the JCPS Alumni Highlight form here: https://bit.ly/4rh0K5h
#JCPSEOM | Congratulations to Scott Stanley, Warehouse/General Services Foreman, our Classified Employee of the Month for September! 👏
Stanley has dedicated 26 years to JCPS, beginning his career as a custodian at Princeton School before becoming head custodian at South Smithfield Elementary. For the past four years, he has held the role of foreman in the General Services Department.
Throughout his career, Stanley has seen the value of teamwork and building strong relationships. He believes that it is what drives success, and his commitment to collaboration continues to make a difference across JCPS.
Read more about Stanley’s career on his Spotlight Q&A here: https://bit.ly/4rcgYfS
#JCPSForward
Join us this Wednesday, September 16th, 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!
His initiative, positive attitude, and maturity make him someone his teachers and classmates can count on!
Congratulations, Braylen, for being recognized as the September Character Ed Student for Cleveland Elementary! 👏
Grade-level proficiency, which is defined as students earning a Level 3, 4 or 5 on End-of-Grade and End-of-Course assessments, increased an impressive 3.8 percentage points, rising from 57.2% in 2025 to 61.0% in 2026.
These results are an exciting reflection of the progress taking place across JCPS and demonstrate that our district is moving Forward with strong momentum toward higher levels of student achievement and academic growth.
#JCPSForward
#StrongerTogether
#JCPSCharacterEd | Penny Dupree is an outstanding example of self-discipline! She consistently gives her best, actively participates in class, and approaches every task with a positive attitude. She challenges herself to exceed expectations and produce quality work. She is also kind, respectful, and caring toward others.
Her thoughtful choices, strong work ethic, and focus demonstrate that self-discipline means giving your best, even when things are challenging. Penny is a wonderful role model and a true representation of Polenta Puma pride!
Congratulations, Penny, for being recognized as the September Character Ed Student for Polenta Elementary! 👏
“This is great news, and it will be rewarding celebrating with the schools and T-Mobile,” noted Director of Athletics and Driver Education Josh Plisko. “We feel these selections reflect the ongoing passionate involvement with scholastic-based athletics in our district from all stakeholders in all sports.”
Read more about the 5K Friday Awards here: https://bit.ly/4ywIDKM
Check out the October calendar and see what’s coming up across JCPS!
Graduation rates continued to improve during the 2025-2026 school year, with JCPS reaching an outstanding 92.6%, compared to the state rate of 88.8%.
A graduation rate that exceeds the state average is a significant accomplishment, and it reinforces JCPS’s commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and graduate prepared for college, careers, and life beyond high school.
This achievement reflects the collective efforts of our entire school community to provide the high-quality education students need to reach graduation and prepare for their next chapter.
Today, 25 years later, we continue to remember and honor the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001.
This morning, firefighters, local law enforcement, military personnel, community members, JCPS leadership, and leaders from across Johnston County gathered with the students and faculty of Smithfield-Selma High School for our annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Together, we honored the lives forever changed by that day and the courage, sacrifice, and unity that followed.
Read more about this significant ceremony here: https://bit.ly/46eQK2H
#NeverForget
Having 91% of our schools earn an A, B, or C is a meaningful accomplishment that demonstrates the strength of academic performance across JCPS and reflects the hard work of students, educators, school leaders and families. This success is further supported by the fact that 73.5% of JCPS schools met or exceeded growth expectations, with four schools ranking among the top 20% of schools statewide for academic growth.
Together, these results demonstrate the continued progress taking place across our schools and reinforce JCPS’s commitment to providing students with the high-quality education they deserve.
#JCPSForward
#StrongerTogether
#JCPSCharacterEd | Since beginning fifth grade, Audrey Bjorling has gone above and beyond to model self-discipline for her classmates. She faces challenges with confidence and perseverance, believing in herself every step of the way.
A natural problem solver, Audrey contributes thoughtful ideas for overcoming obstacles. She also demonstrates self-discipline during group work, taking initiative to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and respected.
Audrey consistently puts forth her best effort and exemplifies the character traits of a model student and citizen. She is truly a role model for her peers.
Congratulations, Audrey, for being recognized as the September Character Ed Student for Swift Creek Elementary! 👏
For the past five years, Clark has made his classroom a place where students can explore, create, build confidence, and discover their unique strengths. Whether he is leading hands-on learning in the classroom, coaching on the field or court, or mentoring student leaders, Clark’s impact reaches far beyond a single role.
Read more about Clark, his experience as an educator, and future plans in his Spotlight Q&A on our website: https://bit.ly/3VkgTuw
#JCPSForward
The overall performance composite is a measure that reflects the percentage of students who demonstrate grade-level proficiency on state assessments across tested subjects and grade levels, providing a broad picture of academic performance across the district.
This ranking reflects the hard work of our students, educators, school leaders, families and community partners who are committed to improving student achievement and academic growth. While we celebrate this accomplishment, JCPS remains focused on moving Forward and continuing to raise expectations and outcomes for every student.
#JCPSForward
#StrongerTogether
#JCPSDataPerformance | Johnston County Public Schools is proud to be ranked 29th out of 115 school districts in North Carolina based on its overall performance composite, placing JCPS among the top-performing districts in the state.
The district’s goal, as laid out in the Strategic Plan, is to be ranked in the top 20% in the district. The performance demonstrated by JCPS during the 2025-2026 continues a positive move in that direction.
Way to go JCPS!
#JCPSForward
#StrongerTogether
The future of Clayton High School is taking shape! We invite our community to join us for the Clayton High School Topping Out Ceremony on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM at 409 S. Robertson Street, Clayton, NC 27520, as we recognize this exciting moment in the construction and progress of the Clayton High rebuild!
Today, we honor the American labor movement and its contributions to the growth and achievements of our nation. We recognize the people whose work helps make our communities stronger!
#StrongerTogether
#JCPSForward
Have a safe holiday!
