During its October 28, 2025, Special Session meeting, the Johnston County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the plans for the highly anticipated Clayton High School rebuild, which is a project that marks a new era for education in Clayton and surrounding communities.
The new 278,000-square-foot facility will serve as a cornerstone for 21st-century learning, designed with a focus on safety and security, state-of-the-art learning environments, athletic and fine arts spaces, and innovative technology and learning labs. While the design embraces modern educational needs, it also preserves elements of the school’s historic culture that have defined generations of Clayton Comets.
The new school will accommodate 2,000 students in grades 9–12 and feature a three-story academic wing alongside a two-story arts and athletics wing. Its open-concept design will promote flexible, collaborative learning spaces that foster creativity, innovation, and teamwork. The building itself is expected to be completed by December 2027, with the entire campus slated for full completion in Fall 2028.
“This is more than a building, it is a commitment to the future of our students and our community,” said Dr. David Pearce, Superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools. “The new Clayton High School will reflect the academic excellence, pride, and unity that have always defined the Comet spirit. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together around a shared vision for its children.”
Learn more about the Clayton High rebuild project here: https://bit.ly/47eA9xf
Big shoutout to our September Super Star Teacher, Ms. Jodi Mack!
Help us celebrate our September Super Star Teacher, Ms. Jodi Mack!
Ms. Mack brings creativity, energy, and heart to Clayton Middle every day. She makes learning fun, connects lessons to real life, and inspires her students to reach their goals.
Check out Ms. Mack’s surprise visit from the Clayton Chamber of Commerce as they stopped by to share this exciting celebration with her!
We’re so proud of you, Ms. Mack — thank you for all you do for our Eagles!
This week at Clayton Middle:
ATHLETICS!
Debate Club on Monday
FFA on Tuesday
First Priority on Wednesday
Drama Club on Thursday
Don't forget School Picture Day is Tuesday! These photos will be in this year's Yearbook so come dressed to impress and don;t forget your SMILE!
And SPIRIT WEEK is coming!!! Start planning your outfits for each day and get ready for our first Pep Rally of the year as well as Football UNDER THE LIGHTS!
Clayton Middle School has maintained a Performance Grade of C and that is something to celebrate!
This success reflects the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the ongoing support from our families and community. Every step forward is proof that when we work together, our Eagle family SOARS.
Here’s to continuing the growth and progress at CMS—because we know the best is yet to come!
Whether it’s checking in with students, supporting teachers, or creating a safe and welcoming space, Student Services is always here to ensure success inside and outside the classroom.
Let’s give a huge THANK YOU to our incredible Student Services team for all the ways they support our school community each and every day!
Community Partner Spotlight!
The staff at CMS were surprised with new microwaves and a coffee bar set up in each of the 4 teacher work rooms! A HUGE thank you to the Petit's of P2 Handyman Services for your generous donation. We can't thank you enough for kicking off our much needed Teacher Workroom updates!
Tonight, your Clayton Eagles face off against the Riverwood Ravens under the lights at Clayton High School!
Location: Clayton High
Kickoff: 6:45 PM
Let’s PACK the stands, bring the Eagle Spirit, and cheer our team on to victory! Get there early for the best seats—you won’t want to miss this rivalry game!
Can’t make it to the field? No problem! Catch the action live on 87.9 FM or stream it online here: https://wearecrn.com
Let’s go, Eagles!
Every student will get a chance to shop with their class, and families can join the fun during Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 23rd.
Want to get involved?
We’re looking for volunteers to help with morning supervision and during Curriculum Night. Duties include keeping an eye on students and helping restock items—no money handling required! Sign up today: tinyurl.com/fall25bookfairvolunteer
Another way to support: Share the Fair!
You can donate online, at the fair, or simply round up your purchase to the next whole dollar. Every penny goes right back into the CMS Library to bring NEW books to our shelves!
Tip for Families: Create an eWallet for your student today so there’s no need to send in cash!
Visit the fair online to shop, donate, or add money to your child’s account:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/claytonmiddleschool
We can’t wait to see our Eagle readers explore, discover, and fall in love with new books this week!
It was great visiting South Johnston High, Meadow School, Innovation Academy, Selma Elementary, East Clayton Elementary, and West View Elementary today as we recognize them each as a school moving forward!
These schools received this acknowledgment for their outstanding performance in the 2024-2025 school year!
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
#JCPSForward
JCPS continues to shine! 🌟
We are excited to announce that Johnston County Public Schools has continued its journey to becoming one of the best districts in the state, according to 2024-2025 data recently released by NCDPI.
A few of the district highlights included a significant increase in student proficiency scores and school performance grades, with 93% of our schools having a school letter grade of A, B, or C! 75% of our schools met or exceeded growth, which is well above the state average.
Amazingly, 15 of our schools rank in the top 20% statewide, with seven schools in the top 10% for growth! Graduation rates for JCPS schools continue to rise, with JCPS reaching 92.5%, which is significantly higher than the state average of 87.7%
A huge thank you to our incredible educators, hardworking students, and supportive families for helping drive this success forward! 📈
Find more data and details here: http://bit.ly/3JPzfhi
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
#JCPSforward
Click here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/beginningoftheyeardocuments
📢 Documentos de inicio de año deben completarse antes del comienzo del año escolar. ¡Haga clic en el enlace a continuación, tómese unos minutos y complete estos documentos hoy mismo!
Haz clic aquí: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/beginningoftheyeardocuments
Click here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/beginningoftheyeardocuments
Documentos de inicio de año deben completarse antes del comienzo del año escolar. ¡Haga clic en el enlace a continuación, tómese unos minutos y complete estos documentos hoy mismo!
Haz clic aquí: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/beginningoftheyeardocuments
Johnston County Public Schools is committed to providing quality education to its students and professional learning environments for its staff, free of distractions, and supporting high-quality teaching and learning, enhancing student well-being, and maintaining a safe and focused school environment.
Recent studies indicate that cell phone use, particularly for social media and interaction, can interfere with students' ability to focus on learning and negatively impact students in many ways. Excessive use of cell phones and social media has been linked to lower academic performance, increased behavioral issues, and other conditions that hinder students' ability to excel.
In recent legislation, House Bill 959, Session Law 2025-38, revisions were made addressing clear guidelines for the use of cell phones to include educational purposes. The Johnston County Board of Education has adopted Policy Code: 4318 Use of Wireless Communication Devices.
Families are strongly encouraged to review the policy in its entirety.
Visit the JCPS website for more information and links: HERE.
