Casey, better known as CJ Denton, exemplifies the character trait of respect and leads through his actions each day. He consistently shows kindness, compassion, and consideration toward classmates and teachers, always willing to help without being asked.

In and out of the classroom, CJ listens attentively, follows directions, and approaches every task with a positive attitude and strong sense of responsibility. He makes thoughtful choices and holds himself to high standards.

When challenges arise, CJ remains calm and encouraging, helping create a safe, supportive learning environment.

Congratulations, CJ, for being recognized as the February Character Ed Student for Benson Elementary! 👏
3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
Casey CJ Denton
Congratulations to Heidi Joyner, Curriculum Coach at River Dell Elementary! She is our Certified Employee of the Month for January! 👏

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
3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
Heidi Joyner Headshot

8th graders and parents, don’t miss out! 🚨

High School Choice Program applications are currently open on our website! 🔗 www.johnston.k12.nc.us/choiceprograms

The application deadline is this Sunday, February 15th! Now is the time to apply!

3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
Choice Programs Applications Are Open
Johnston County Public Schools proudly announces Mr. Nicholas Taylor as the principal of Smithfield Middle School, effective March 1, 2026. Mr. Taylor is currently serving as Assistant Principal of Smithfield Middle.

Mr. Taylor has been making a positive impact in the lives of students for more than 23 years, serving in many roles and transforming many lives.

His leadership skills and knowledge of education practice and processes have been instrumental in improving student performance, and JCPS looks forward to witnessing sustained growth in the days and years ahead.

Congratulations Mr. Taylor!
3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
Nicholas Taylor Headshot
Please join us in celebrating Mr. Shawn Bates as he has been named principal of Thanksgiving Elementary, effective March 1, 2026.

Mr. Bates currently serves as Assistant Principal of Dixon Road Elementary. He has more than 25 years of experience in education, all in Johnston County, 15 of which were as a school-based administrator.

Mr. Bates’ leadership and guidance will ensure continued excellence for the Thanksgiving Elementary students, staff, and community.
3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
David Shawn Bates Headshot
Johnston County Public Schools is proud to announce that Mrs. Lauren Strickland, current Assistant Principal of Polenta Elementary and former Assistant Principal of Pine Level Elementary, will be stepping into the role as Principal of Glendale-Kenly Elementary, effective March 16, 2026.

With 21 years of experience in education altogether, and 4 years in school-based leadership, our current Assistant Principal of the Year is experienced in providing the leadership necessary for academic success.

We are elated for Mrs. Strickland and look forward to seeing her continue the excellence the community is known for.

Congratulations, Mrs. Strickland!
3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
Lauren Strickland Headshot
Join us in celebrating Dr. Tobias Hocutt as he has been appointed Principal of Cooper Academy, effective April 13, 2026.

Dr. Hocutt has held many meaningful positions during his 16-year career, most notably serving in Johnston County as Assistant Principal at Cleveland High and Four Oaks Middle. Dr. Hocutt has a unique ability to integrate a social component into his leadership style, which always helps him to make a relational impact within the schools that he leads.

JCPS is excited about this new opportunity and looks forward to seeing Cooper Academy move forward under his leadership!
3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
Dr. Tobias Hocutt Headshot
Congratulations are in order for Mrs. Ashley Radford, current principal of Princeton Elementary, as she continues her educational career by stepping into the role of Chief Academic Officer (CAO), effective March 1, 2026.

Bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience, Mrs. Radford brings institutional knowledge, passion, and dedication to Johnston County Public Schools and its community.

As CAO, Mrs. Radford will play an instrumental role in the day-to-day learning of all JCPS students.
3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
Ashley Radford Headshot

During the February 10, 2026, regular scheduled meeting, the Johnston County Board of Education approved revisions to the 2025-2026 traditional calendars.

Due to 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.

Please note that this revision does not apply to the Johnston County Career and Technical Leadership Academy or the Johnston County Early College Academy student or staff calendars.

The newly revised 2025-2026 calendars can be viewed by visiting the calendar page on the JCPS website at www.johnston.k12.nc.us/districtcalendar.

Thank you for your support as we continue to ensure that our children receive a high-level education!

3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
2025-2026 Revised Student & Staff Calendars
Johnston County Public Schools will host a ground breaking ceremony for the Clayton High rebuild on Thursday, Feb 19, 2026, at 10 AM!

The event will be held at 409 S Robertson Street, Clayton, NC 27520!

Join us in celebrating this great milestone! 🎉
3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
Clayton Ground Breaking Ceremony

Yesterday, the Harlem Wizards wowed the sold-out crowd at Smithfield-Selma High with their interactive family show, featuring incredible ball-handling, jaw-dropping trick shots, and high-flying dunks.

The gym was full, the energy was high, and the smiles said it all! 🏀

Thank you to the Harlem Wizards, the Johnston County Education Foundation, and our amazing JCPS community for an incredible night of basketball and unforgettable entertainment!

3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game
Looking for a new, rewarding job that makes a difference today while impacting the future? We have various job openings that will allow you to become a part of a wonderful team and make a difference in the lives of many!

Join us this Wednesday, February 11th, 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!
3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
Welcome Wednesday
📣 Calling all 8th Graders and Families! 📣

Discover what Early College Academy has to offer at 8th Grade Family Information Night!

Applications are currently open and run through February 15th for the 2026-2027 school year.

So, join us tomorrow, February 10th, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the Tart Auditorium Lobby at Johnston Community College, to get all your questions answered, meet the staff, and learn all about ECA!
3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
ECA 8th Grade Information Night

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! 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

3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
JCPS Job Fair

Introducing our JoCo All-Stars! 🏀⭐

These talented players are ready to represent JCPS and bring the energy as we take on the Harlem Wizards on February 9, 2026!

Leading the JoCo All-Stars is Coach Lyn Andrews! Together, they are gearing up for an unforgettable night of basketball, friendly competition, and lots of fun!

The countdown is officially on!

To get your tickets, click here: https://bit.ly/4pmDBeM

3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
JoCo All-Stars Roster

Introducing more of our JoCo All-Stars! 🏀⭐

These talented players are ready to represent JCPS and bring the energy as we take on the Harlem Wizards on February 9, 2026! They are gearing up for an unforgettable night of basketball, friendly competition, and lots of fun!

We’ll be rolling out the rest of the All-Stars roster today! The countdown is officially on!

🎟️ To get your tickets, click here: https://bit.ly/4pmDBeM

3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
JoCo All-Stars Roster

Introducing more of our JoCo All-Stars! 🏀⭐

These talented players are ready to represent JCPS and bring the energy as we take on the Harlem Wizards on February 9, 2026! They are gearing up for an unforgettable night of basketball, friendly competition, and lots of fun!

We’ll be rolling out the rest of the All-Stars roster today! The countdown is officially on!

🎟️ To get your tickets, click here: https://bit.ly/4pmDBeM

3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
JoCo All-Stars Roster

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 purchase tickets, click here: https://bit.ly/4pmDBeM

3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
Harlem Wizards

Introducing more of our JoCo All-Stars! 🏀⭐

These talented players are ready to represent JCPS and bring the energy as we take on the Harlem Wizards on February 9, 2026! They are gearing up for an unforgettable night of basketball, friendly competition, and lots of fun!

We’ll be rolling out the full All-Stars roster as game day approaches! The countdown is officially on!

To get your tickets, click here: https://bit.ly/4pmDBeM

3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
JCPS All-Stars Roster

📣📣 JCPS will be open on February 6, 2026, operating on its regular schedule! 📣📣

3 months ago, Johnston County Public Schools
JCPS, Feb 6, Regular Schedule