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


Clayton High senior Y’Zana Lee Randle received the inaugural Marlon Lee Scholarship on Senior Night during halftime at the Girls’ Varsity basketball game. The $1500 scholarship was presented by the Smithfield-Selma High Class of 1992. The Marlon Lee Scholarship, named after Randle’s father, who passed on May 25, 2025, was a proud product of Johnston County Public Schools.
He graduated from Smithfield-Selma High Class of 1992, where he played on the Spartans basketball team. “It means a lot to me to be the first recipient of the Marlon Lee Scholarship. The fact that my dad’s good works were seen and valued by so many is a true reflection of his leadership,” Randle remarked.“
Learn more about Y'Zana and the legacy behind the scholarship here: https://bit.ly/4aPXW7f




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



Robin Koppen plays an essential role in JCPS as a Communication Specialist, capturing the moments and stories that reflect who we are and keep our community connected!
Through writing, photography, interviews, and creative storytelling, she highlights student and staff achievements, keeps families informed, and celebrates the people who make JCPS a great place to learn and work.
Robin invites you to join the JCPS team!
View current job opportunities here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/employment
#AGreatPlaceToWork
#JCPSForward

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 School!
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! Register at: https://bit.ly/jobfair2026
Can’t wait and want to join the team today? Check out the job vacancies page here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/employment

As an SRO, like others, Gibbons could not imagine doing anything else. He values building strong, trusting relationships with students and finds the greatest reward in knowing he is helping guide them on their journey and making a lasting difference in their lives.
Thank you, Officer Gibbons! 🌟


The first 10 years of her career were spent doing undercover work, and Blalock enjoyed the fast-paced environment. When the SRO position opened at her alma mater, North Johnston High, she decided to give it a try.
Blalock is proud to walk the halls of her alma mater and make an impact in the lives of students. She is highly respected as an SRO and loved throughout the school with her no-nonsense approach.
Thank you, Deputy Blalock! 🌟


The groundbreaking ceremony brought together students, staff, alumni, and community leaders to celebrate the exciting future ahead. Watch the recap to relive this special moment and see what’s in store for Clayton High!
#JCPSForward
🔗 https://bit.ly/4cKJMGS
Macon is an outstanding young man who sets the example for his peers through leadership and hard work.
He loves baseball and has been a Bulldog baseball player since middle school. At Princeton Middle High, he is an active member of FFA, Chess Club, and Beta Club, and he serves as the Princeton High Class of 2026 Class President. He also attends Praise Sanctuary Church, where he is a servant leader among his peers.
His future plans include considering Division II baseball offers, pursuing higher education, and a career in the finance industry.
We are proud to recognize Macon as a member of the 2025-2026 Superintendent Student Leader cohort! 👏

When Deputy Fuentes was out on the road, he dealt with a lot of young adults, and his supervisor noticed that he had a way of connecting with them in a positive way. He knew that if Fuentes became an SRO, he would pour into them, and Fuentes has done just that.
This year, he started a program called Real Talk With Deputy Fuentes, as a way for students to have an opportunity to talk about whatever may be going on in their lives with him and their peers.
Thank you, Deputy Fuentes! 🌟


Robbins truly enjoys supporting the students, staff, and their families. She takes pride in helping the school run smoothly while creating a welcoming and organized environment for everyone who enters the front office.
It is especially meaningful for Robbins to work in the same school system where she grew up and to give back to the community that helped shape her.
Robbins expands on her love of JCPS and her role at Four Oaks Middle in her Spotlight Q&A: https://bit.ly/4rmOijv
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS

Today was the official groundbreaking ceremony, and the entire community was on hand to witness this historic moment. The seats were filled with excited current students, school administration, alumni, JCPS Cabinet, members of the Johnston County Board of Education, Johnston County Commissioners, and local representatives.
The highly anticipated project marks a new beginning for Clayton High, which was established in 1901. The first graduating class held commencement in 1904 with just three graduates. In December of 1955, the first of the buildings now occupied by Clayton High was completed.
The rebuilding of Clayton High will provide Clayton families and the entire community with a facility that they can be proud of for many years to come. The building itself is expected to be completed by December 2027, with the entire campus slated for full completion in Fall 2028.
Stay tuned for more photos and a recap video!










Being an SRO has allowed her to give back to the community. For Moore, the most important aspect of her role is building trust and a good rapport with the students. As an SRO, her job is never the same from day-to-day, acting as a mentor, a counselor, and a nurse, and she loves it!
Thank you, Officer Moore! 🌟


🔗 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










Joshua McNeil, serving as an officer with the Benson Police Department for 9 years, has been an SRO at Benson Elementary for 3 years.
When the SRO position at Benson Elementary became available, McNeil decided to apply because he enjoyed working with children. At first, he was unsure of how it would work out, and now he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!
He loves setting a positive example of law enforcement. One of the highlights each day for McNeil is handing out small tokens for students who have a birthday.
Thank you, Officer McNeil! 🌟


Addison is a leader both inside and outside the classroom who consistently demonstrates respect, kindness, and responsibility. An excellent student, she is organized, hardworking, and always willing to encourage and assist others. As a fifth-grade safety patrol leader, Addison takes her role seriously, ensuring students are where they should be and greeting younger classmates during morning arrival.
She leads by example by including others and encouraging her peers to do the same. Addison’s positive leadership and strong character make her an outstanding role model.
Congratulations, Addison, for being recognized as the February Character Ed Student for Four Oaks Elementary! 👏

The event will be held at 409 S Robertson Street, Clayton, NC 27520!
Join us in celebrating this great milestone! 🎉

We are still dreaming about the high-flying, dunk-fest from the Harlem Wizards show! 🏀
Check out the recap video to see amazing highlights from this extraordinary event! https://bit.ly/4bZwHtc
