Winter Break is almost here! ❄️
Friendly reminder that we have an Early Release this Friday, Dec. 19th at 1:55 PM.
Make sure to your pickup plans accordingly! We wish our entire community a safe and happy Holiday Break. Enjoy the time off, and we’ll see you again on January 6th!
✨ Reminder: Classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 6th.
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
It is with a full heart and mixed emotions that I write this letter to share an important update with you. After much reflection and consideration, I have accepted a position in Human Resources with Wake County Public Schools. This decision was not an easy one, as Glendale-Kenly Elementary School has truly been my home for more than ten years.
I want to reassure you that I will remain at Glendale-Kenly Elementary School through March 13. During this time, I am fully committed to supporting our students, staff, and families and ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition.
Serving as a part of this incredible school community has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. Glendale-Kenly is more than a school, it is a family. I am deeply grateful for the trust, support, and partnership of our parents, the dedication and passion of our staff, and the joy, resilience, and spirit of our students. Every day, our Wildcats remind me why this work matters.
Together, we have celebrated milestones, overcome challenges, and worked tirelessly to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to learn. The love and commitment that define this community are truly special, and they are what made this decision so difficult.
While I am excited about this next chapter and the opportunity to continue supporting educators and schools in a new way, leaving Glendale-Kenly will never be easy. This school will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will carry the memories, relationships, and lessons learned here with me wherever I go.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving your children and working alongside such an extraordinary community. Glendale-Kenly Elementary School will always be home to me.
With gratitude and love,
Kelly Holland
Principal
Glendale-Kenly Elementary School
It is with a full heart and mixed emotions that I share this news with you. After much reflection and consideration, I have accepted a position in Human Resources with Wake County. This was an incredibly difficult decision, as Glendale-Kenly Elementary School has been my professional home for more than ten years.
I want you to know that I will remain at Glendale-Kenly through March 13. During this time, I am fully committed to supporting you, our students, and our families, and to ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition.
Working alongside such a dedicated, passionate, and caring staff has been the greatest privilege of my career. Each of you pours your heart into this school every single day, and it shows in the way our students learn, grow, and feel loved. The culture of collaboration, resilience, and compassion that defines Glendale-Kenly exists because of you.
Together, we have celebrated successes, navigated challenges, and supported one another through it all. I am incredibly proud of the work we have done and the community we have built. The relationships I have formed with you will always mean more to me than any title or position.
While I am excited about this next chapter and the opportunity to support schools and educators in a new way, leaving this staff is not easy. Glendale-Kenly will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will carry the lessons, laughter, and memories from this team with me wherever I go.
Thank you for your dedication, your professionalism, and your unwavering commitment to our students. It has been an honor to serve as your principal and to be part of this incredible team.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Kelly Holland
Principal
Glendale-Kenly Elementary School
#GlendaleKenlyElementary #ThankYou #CommunitySupport #BethanyMissionaryBaptistChurch
We are SO excited to announce our annual Holiday Spirit Week! We can't wait to see all of our wonderful Glendale-Kenly students show off their creativity and holiday cheer from December 15th – 19th!
Check out the dress-up days below and start planning your outfits now!
🍎 Happy Holidays from Glendale-Kenly Elementary! 🌟
It's time to recharge! Please note that Glendale-Kenly Elementary will be closed for Holiday Break from December 22nd through January 6th.
We hope all of our wonderful students and families enjoy a restful break and create fantastic new memories together! Take time to relax, have fun, and enjoy the season.
We look forward to seeing everyone back, refreshed and ready for the New Year, on Tuesday, January 6th!
Enjoy the break, GKE family! ❄️
He supports his classmates' learning English, helps peers who feel overwhelmed, and makes sure no one feels left out, whether in class, at recess, or during group work.
Yerik notices needs, offers help without hesitation, and lifts others up with patience and genuine encouragement. His leadership and big heart inspire compassion in everyone around him.
Congratulations, Yerik, for being recognized as the December Character Ed Student for Glendale-Kenly Elementary! 👏
The 2nd/3rd Grade PTA performance has been rescheduled to Monday, December 15th at 6:00 PM.
Please update your calendars. We look forward to seeing our students shine on stage!
Nurturing the academic and personal development of children in Johnston County Public Schools, Amber Ballance, a teacher at Glendale-Kenly Elementary, is shaping the bright futures of our students.
Amber invites you to join the JCPS team and continue making an impact!
View current job opportunities here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/employment
#AGreatPlaceToWork
#JCPSForward
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 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!
Good evening families,
Due to tomorrow’s two-hour delay, the third-grade field trip has been rescheduled. We will share the new date once it is confirmed.
Please remember that students will not be allowed in the building until 10:25 AM. Upon arrival, students will go to breakfast or report directly to their classrooms. Students who attend before-school care may arrive beginning at 8:30 AM.
Have a great night.
See you December 1st! 🎉
GKE will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th in honor of Veterans Day. We look forward to seeing back on Wednesday!
Celebrating Principal Kelly Holland
October we celebrated National Principals Month, and we want to take a moment to recognize our incredible principal, Mrs. Kelly Holland.
Mrs. Holland is more than just a leader, she is the heart of our school. She leads with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to doing what’s best for our students, staff, and community. Her high morals, genuine care, and selfless spirit are evident in everything she does.
Mrs. Holland consistently puts others before herself, ensuring that every decision is made with love and purpose. We are truly grateful for her leadership, her kindness, and her dedication to making our school a place where everyone can thrive.
Thank you, Ms. Holland, for all you do! 💙
