We are excited to share that for the 2024-2025 academic year, two seniors and two 2025 graduates are candidates for the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma™, and three seniors and two 2025 graduates are candidates for the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.
The College Board AP Capstone is a two-year program based on two AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. The program helps students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and research and presentation skills that are essential to academic and career success.
Instead of learning subject-specific content, these courses develop students’ skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presenting. Students who complete the two-year program can earn one of two different AP Capstone awards, the AP Capstone Diploma™ or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™, which are valued by colleges across the United States and around the world.
To read more about these candidates and the AP Capstone Program, click here: https://bit.ly/4aZyi1r

The countdown to graduation is on! 🎓🎉
Full details for Class of 2026 ceremonies are available on the JCPS Graduation Information webpage: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/graduation
For school-specific questions, contact your school.

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 JCPS’s most captivating athletes will compete against the Harlem Wizards! Come cheer as some of your favorite principals, teachers, coaches, and support staff step onto the court for some friendly competition, school spirit, and lots of laughs. This high-energy evening promises fun, laughter, and unforgettable entertainment for students, families, and staff, all while supporting a great cause.\
🏀 Who are the Harlem Wizards?
The Harlem Wizards are a nationally renowned basketball entertainment team known for their incredible ball-handling skills, jaw-dropping trick shots, and interactive, family-friendly showmanship. Blending athletic talent with comedy and crowd engagement, the Harlem Wizards create an electrifying experience that delights audiences of all ages while promoting positive messages about teamwork, education, and community.
🏀 Who is the Johnston County Ed Foundation?
This event is spearheaded by the Johnston County Education Foundation, which plays a vital role in supporting JCPS by investing directly in our educators and classrooms. Through grant funding and other initiatives, the Foundation helps bring innovative instructional projects to life, supports creative teaching strategies, and enhances learning opportunities for students across the district. Events like this fundraiser make it possible for the Foundation to continue expanding its impact in JCPS schools.
So, if you are looking for great entertainment, for an even greater cause, mark your calendar now and get ready for a night of excitement, community engagement, and fun for everyone!
🎟️ To register, click here: https://bit.ly/4anzlrL

Congratulations to all of those who competed at the Johnston County Cheerleading Championships last night on their outstanding performances! 👏
Teamwork, dedication, and skill were on full display as each team showcased routines they’ve spent so much time perfecting. 📣✨
Read more about the spirit-filled night here: https://bit.ly/3XP4Of2
Check out more photos on our new Athletic Zone page! You can also follow the latest updates on all athletic events. https://bit.ly/4aIZpO4










All students and staff should report to schools and campuses on a two-hour delay.
We have been advised that the potential of black ice is possible tonight through Tuesday morning, creating hazardous travel conditions. To allow for better road visibility for our bus drivers, students, and staff drivers, we will be on a two-hour delay tomorrow. We encourage all travelers, especially our student drivers, to travel with caution.
School nutrition will serve breakfast upon students’ arrival. Early morning care will open two hours later than the normal start time.
Thank you for your understanding as we work with local safety and emergency officials to ensure that we are all safe during these inclement weather events.

❄️ Due to inclement weather, Johnston County Public Schools will operate under Condition 3 tomorrow. Students will not report to school, but the day will not need to be made up because of total instructional hours.
📘 While students are home, please take a moment to review the exam schedule and important details included in this week’s newsletter, along with other updates and reminders as we move into exam season.
📬 You can read the full newsletter at the link in your email, on our website, and on social media. 👉 https://app.smore.com/n/vfysd

Due to the forecast of inclement weather and per the guidance of local emergency and safety officials, Johnston County Public Schools will be closed for all students tomorrow, Monday, December 8, 2025, as well as all extracurricular activities. The district will operate under Condition 3 of the inclement weather plan.
View the inclement weather plan online at www.johnston.k12.nc.us/inclementweather.
Please be safe and have a great evening!


Please take note of the important dates if your student will be graduating mid-year for the 2025–2026 school year. 🎓
You can view the schedule here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/graduation
Congratulations to our graduates, and good luck in your future endeavors! 🥳

📝 Our final exam schedule is now available in this week’s online newsletter. Exams will take place the week of December 15.
🕒 If you would like your child to leave early after exams, please remember that a signed and dated note is required each day you want them dismissed. The note must include your signature and a parent phone number and will serve as the student’s pass to exit the building.
📄 If your student has been absent, and you would like the absence to be excused, please send a note stating the reason. As a reminder, absences next week may affect exam exemption status, so please make sure to send documentation for any absence. All notes are due no later than this Friday, December 5.
📬 You can find the exam schedule and more details in this week’s newsletter. The link can be found in your email, on our website, and on social media.
👉 https://secure.smore.com/n/b8tju

This week's "News from the Pirate Ship"
🦃 This is a short week as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday. There will be no school Wednesday through Friday so our students and staff can rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family.
📅 Make-up pictures for underclassmen students who were absent on picture day are scheduled for December 4.
🎅 Please check the newsletter for more information about upcoming events, including FFA’s Breakfast with Santa and other events happening on campus.
📬 You can read more in this week’s newsletter, and the link can be found in your email, on our website, and on social media. 👉 https://secure.smore.com/n/g9a3k
Let’s make it a great week, Pirates! 💜💛


This week's "News from the Pirate Ship"
🇺🇸 Tuesday, November 11 – No school in observance of Veterans Day.
📘 Wednesday, November 12 – Progress Reports will be updated in Infinite Campus.
💜 Thursday, November 13 – We’ll celebrate World Kindness Day. Let’s spread kindness across Pirate Nation!
📝 Thursday and Friday, November 13–14 – Sophomores will take the PreACT during the school day. Please encourage your student to get a good night’s sleep and arrive on time.
🎓 Monday, November 17 – Join us for Scholarship and FAFSA Night at 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center for hands-on help completing the FAFSA.
📬 You can read more in this week’s newsletter, and the link can be found in your email, on our website, and on social media. 👉 https://secure.smore.com/n/5zqf0a
Let’s make it a great week, Pirates! 💜💛


Here are a few important updates for this week in Pirate Nation.
📌 Report Cards and Reassignment Letters – First quarter report cards and reassignment letters go home tomorrow, October 28. Please review your student’s progress and note directions for families requesting reassignment back to CHHS.
📌 Evening Academy – Free tutoring is available through our Evening Academy program. Please visit our website for sign-up.
📌 Underclassmen Pictures – Underclassmen picture day is Thursday, October 30.
Find full details in this week’s newsletter: https://secure.smore.com/n/02hk4
Let’s make it a great week, Pirates!

We’re celebrating North Carolina College Application Week with a full week of school spirit and dress-up fun!
🎽 Tuesday: Wear your favorite college jersey
🪖 Wednesday: Be All You Can Be — wear military or camo gear
👩⚕️ Thursday: Future Ready Day — dress for your future occupation
🏛 Friday: Rep your favorite college or university!
Show off your Pirate pride as you plan for your future — whether it’s college, career, or military! ⚓ #PirateNation #CollegeSpiritWeek #CHHSProud

Each month, we recognize one staff member and one student who truly embody what it means to be PIRATES — Proud, Inspired, Relentless, Accountable, Together, Empowered, and Strong.
We’re so proud to celebrate both Ms. Walker and Bella for living out the values that make Pirate Nation the best place to be! 💜💛


Picture Day is Coming Soon! Underclassmen Picture Day is October 30. Picture Day is right around the corner! CADY will be set up at our school on 10/30 to take student photos for the yearbook. Don’t forget to dress for the occasion. Keep the memories alive! Right now CADY is offering $10 off your purchase when you pre-order your photos before 10/30 at CADY.com/pictureday
We’re excited to see your smiling faces!

Here are a few important updates for this week in Pirate Nation!
📌 PTSA Needs Volunteers – Our amazing PTSA is looking for parents to help with donations and set-up for the annual Staff Chili Day! 🍲 Please check this week’s newsletter for the Sign-Up Genius link.
📌 Quarter Ending / Teacher Workday – The first quarter ends this Friday, and students will be out of school on Monday, October 20 for a teacher workday.
📌 Blood Drive – Our TSA is sponsoring a Blood Drive on Monday, October 20 in the main gym. 💉 Visit our newsletter or website to sign up to donate!
📌 NC College Application Week – Next week is NC College Application Week! 🎓 Many NC colleges and universities will be offering free applications. We’ll also have fun dress-up days to celebrate!
You can find full details in this week’s online newsletter here ➡️ https://secure.smore.com/n/w39uz
Thank you for your continued support, Pirate Families! Let’s make it another great week in Pirate Nation! ⚓💜💛


