Taja serves as a member of the Student Government Association and has earned an impressive 4.2 GPA. This reflects her strong commitment to academic excellence and her ability to balance rigorous coursework with leadership responsibilities.
Through the Career and College Promise Program at Johnston Community College, Taja is pursuing studies in Criminal Justice. She has also been accepted into Phi Theta Kappa, the official honor society for two-year colleges, recognizing her academic success and commitment to scholarship.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Taja is a creative and well-rounded individual. She enjoys drawing and expresses her artistic talents. In addition, she has a passion for music and plays multiple instruments, including the guitar and flute.
We are proud to recognize Taja as a member of the 2025-2026 Superintendent Student Leader cohort! 👏
Congratulations to Elma Arquillano, Ana Zuniga, and Carlotta Stillings from Selma Elementary, and Rebecca Reeves and Oscar Anasco Quezada from Smithfield-Selma High, for being named a semifinalist for the 2026 Flame For Learning Award! 🎉
This recognition highlights the meaningful impact that these individuals make in their classrooms each and every day, and we are so proud to celebrate them at the annual Flame For Learning Awards on April 21st!
✨ Click here to see their Best Practice that set them apart: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/flameforlearning
Join us this Wednesday, April 15th, 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!
Congratulations to Alexa Knight and Courtney Barefoot from Meadow School, and Cori Walker and John Ross Robertson from South Johnston High, for being named a semifinalist for the 2026 Flame For Learning Award! 🎉
This recognition highlights the meaningful impact that these individuals make in their classrooms each and every day, and we are so proud to celebrate them at the annual Flame For Learning Awards on April 21st!
✨ Click here to see their Best Practice that set them apart: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/flameforlearning
The countdown to kindergarten has begun!
Join us tomorrow, April 14th, at Polenta Elementary from 5:00–6:30 PM for Kindergarten Readiness Night! It will be an afternoon full of great information to help families feel confident and ready for their students' first day! 🏫🎒
Come out and support our athletes loud and proud on April 16th, 17th, and 24th at Smithfield-Selma High as they inspire us all! 💪
📚✏️ It’s time to get ready for preschool!
Enrollment for the 2026–2027 JCPS Preschool program is open now. We look forward to welcoming our newest little learners!
Learn more: https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/preschool
Graduation is just around the corner, and the anticipation is building! 🎓🎉
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.
Patty Whittington, Associate Superintendent of School Performance, is very instrumental in ensuring that Johnston County Public Schools is successful in every way. Her commitment to supporting leadership and school-based administrators is essential. With more than 20 years of experience, her passion, care, and deep expertise have been evident in her work!
Patty invites you to join the JCPS team!
View current job opportunities here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/employment
#AGreatPlaceToWork
#JCPSForward
Don't miss this exciting opportunity! 🎫
The Golden Ticket gives you the chance to receive a $5,000 scholarship from the Johnston County Education Foundation!
Click this link to enter: https://bit.ly/4sLjn0T
We wish everyone a fun-filled and safe break. ☀️🌻
Our bus drivers go the extra mile. 🛣️ Here is just a glimpse of their skill and dedication: https://bit.ly/413DFXr
Thank you to our amazing bus drivers for your commitment and for keeping our students safe each and every day! 💛
We are looking for Summer Reading Buddies! 😎
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
From Straight Line to Backup and Right Turn, bus drivers tackled 8 challenging maneuvers with precision and focus. These everyday experts keep our students safe, and today at the annual district competition, they showed just how talented they are!
Mrs. Edgerton has more than 26 years of education experience, nearly 5 years as a school-based administrator.
She brings great leadership skills and understands the importance of relationship and community, which will help her to continue the upward trajectory the Princeton community is known for!
Join us in welcoming Mrs. Edgerton to the JCPS family!
Join us this Wednesday, April 1st, 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!
14 Johnston County Public Schools elementary teams participated in the 2026 Elementary Science Olympiad Competition at The Clayton Center last Friday. 🔍🧪
Our 3rd-5th grade students competed in 15 different events, including Planet Protectors, Ping Pong Parachute, Dino Nuggets, and Ramp & Roll.
Congratulations to Polenta Elementary for winning 1st place! West View Elementary took home the 2nd place title, and 3rd place went to Corinth-Holders Elementary!
The future of science is looking bright! A big round of applause for all of the participants! 👏
Read more about this exciting event here: https://bit.ly/4dPc4AD
You still have the opportunity to join us for Kindergarten Readiness Nights from 5:00–6:30 PM! 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
When work becomes difficult, Tucker stays focused, asks thoughtful questions, and keeps trying until he succeeds. He also encourages classmates and models patience and effort. His resilience, growth mindset, and strong commitment have led to steady academic progress and make him a positive role model at West Smithfield Elementary.
Congratulations, Tucker, for being recognized as the March Character Ed Student for West Smithfield Elementary! 👏
As a 21-year veteran educator, former Pine Level Elementary and Polenta Elementary Assistant Principal, Lauren Strickland has built a career focused on dedication, a commitment to others’ success, and continuous growth.
After receiving her master's in administration from Campbell University, Strickland stepped into the role of assistant principal at Pine Level Elementary, where she served for 3 years. During that time, she strengthened her leadership foundation, developed her core principles, and implemented initiatives that supported success.
Strickland has achieved many noteworthy accomplishments since joining JCPS, including being named the 2025-2026 Assistant Principal of the Year at the 2025 Leadership Conference!
Most recently, Strickland was named the Principal of Glendale-Kenly Elementary, another great example of her continued hard work and commitment to making a lasting impact on the school community.
Congratulations, Lauren Strickland! 👏
You can learn more about our 2025-2026 Assistant Principal of the Year, here: https://bit.ly/40YYNxV
Watch our highlight video here: https://youtu.be/F0OLcH6L5N4
