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
Ready, set, KINDERGARTEN! 🎉🎒✏️
Registration is open for the 2026-2027 school year, and we’re excited to welcome our newest learners!
Get started today on our website: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/enrollment
In case you missed it, here’s a look back at a night dedicated to celebrating excellence across JCPS: https://bit.ly/40V3TLv ✨🪩
If you would like to read more about our inaugural Spotlight on Excellence celebration, check out our website: https://bit.ly/3Pn4TFy
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
Schools excitedly hosted special community guests including educators, business partners, parents, and even special visits from Superintendent Dr. David Pearce, Board Chair Lyn Andrews, and Lt. Governor Rachel Hunt.
JCPS truly believes that sparking a passion for reading is one of the best things that can be done for children and for society as a whole!
Thank you to all of our volunteers who participated this week!
Last night, 26 JCPS employees were honored at the inaugural Spotlight on Excellence Employee of the Year Celebration! ✨🪩
The Spotlight on Excellence Celebration highlights the hard work of educators and staff while directly acknowledging their impact on improving student outcomes and organizational success. These individuals have greatly contributed to JCPS’ overall success’ and keep the district moving forward!
“Excellence in education is not defined by title. It is defined by dedication, compassion, and commitment that every student has the opportunity to succeed,” said Dr. Takicey Dunston, 2025-2026 JCPS Principal of the Year.
See the full list of honorees here: https://bit.ly/3Pn4TFy
#JCPSForward
Join us tomorrow, March 6th, and Saturday, March 7th, as our talented students take the stage and showcase their incredible performances at the 2026 Showcase of Stars!
This is a show you won’t want to miss. ⭐
Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4bzsX1c
Johnston County Public Schools is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Summer Feeding Program. The JCPS School Nutrition Program will, once again, provide free summer meals for children 1-18 years of age.
Households must register by March 31 using the 2026 Summer Meal Pack Order Form here: https://bit.ly/4rKf85e
Read more details here: https://bit.ly/4aPc4yL
The JCPS annual job fair was a huge success!!!
This year, we welcomed a record-breaking 306 attendees into Smithfield-Selma High with interest in joining the JCPS team. There were nearly 450 pre-registrations and applicants as far as Ohio, Minnesota, Washington, Virginia, Tennessee, and New York. Two attendees even signed early contracts for the 2026-2027 school year!
"Our school system's job fair was a tremendous success, bringing together passionate educators and dedicated staff who are eager to make a difference in students' lives. The overwhelming turnout and positive energy reflected our community's strong commitment to excellence in education and opportunity for all,” said Linda Edmundson, Chief of Human Resources.
Read more about our 2026 JCPS annual job fair here: https://bit.ly/4aQ4mEJ
We continue to seek individuals who are committed to making a difference. It is not too late to join JCPS! Want to view our current job openings? Check them out here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/employment
We are beyond excited for the 2026 Showcase of Stars happening THIS WEEK! ⭐
Join us on March 6th and 7th as our talented students take the stage and showcase their incredible performances! This is a show you won’t want to miss.
Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4bzsX1c
The JCPS Job Fair is happening TODAY at Smithfield-Selma High from 9 AM to 12PM.
Stop by and see us today if you are interested in a meaningful career with lasting rewards!
We are one week out from the 2026 Showcase of Stars! ⭐
Join us on March 6th and 7th as our talented students take the stage and showcase their incredible performances! This is a show you won’t want to miss.
Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4bzsX1c
Don’t forget! The JCPS Job Fair is TOMORROW, February 28, 2026, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Smithfield-Selma High!
Are you interested in a meaningful career with lasting rewards? Are you passionate about shaping the future?
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!
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
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
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!
