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.
The JCPS Middle School Track Championships, held at Cleveland High, brought together the district’s top student-athletes for a day of speed, strength, and spirited competition.
Congratulations to the Cleveland Middle boys track & field team and the Riverwood Middle girls track & field team, who took home the first-place trophies.
See the final results for all events on the JCPS Athletic Zone website: https://bit.ly/4cBNbrh
Join us this Wednesday, April 29th, 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!
Conductor Sally K. Albrecht, who has led honor choirs across the country, worked with the students throughout the day. Albrecht has conducted at renowned venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center.
As families arrived, they were welcomed by artwork from the Elementary School All-County Honors Artists, with selections curated by the Johnston County Arts Council and the North Carolina Museum of Art.
A special thanks to the JCPS Fine Arts program for allowing our students to showcase their talents and creativity!
What an incredible way to close out the Special Olympics Johnston County Spring Games 2026!
Today, we had 22 middle and high school teams representing JCPS, and our Special Olympics athletes made the day unforgettable! They led the day from start to finish with determination, lots of energy, and incredible support for one another.
We are so grateful for Special Olympics Johnston County, our Special Olympics athletes, JCPS staff, volunteers, and families who made the Spring Games amazing!
Read more about the third and final day here: https://bit.ly/4sUSFCe
The 2026 Flame For Learning Award Ceremony was a night full of well-deserved recognition for these incredible educators who help shape our schools every day.
Check out our recap video! https://bit.ly/4cMxaxA
Jakiyrah is empathetic to those who feel they don’t belong, helping them recognize their strengths and feel valued. She listens without judgment and shows consistent kindness and care.
As a tour guide for fifth graders, Jakiyrah helped students feel welcomed and eased their transition to middle school. A leader on the cheerleading squad, she supported younger teammates and led by example. Jakirah is a positive role model who fosters acceptance and belonging in every interaction.
Congratulations, Jakiyrah, for being recognized as the April Character Ed Student for Smithfield Middle! 👏
Andrew gives generously of his time, including helping teammates with transportation, which he sees as an opportunity to build connections. His character will leave a lasting impact on the school community.
Congratulations, Andrew, for being recognized as the April Character Ed Student for Smithfield-Selma High! 👏
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
We had an unforgettable night celebrating 20 exceptional JCPS educators at the 32nd annual Flame For Learning Award Ceremony in the presence of friends, family, colleagues, and more!
There were 218 nominations for this year’s title, representing 15 schools across the school district. Nearly all semifinalists were first-time nominees, underscoring the depth of outstanding educators across the JCPS team. Nominated by colleagues and administrators, the semifinalists advanced through a judging process that included interviews and submitting their classroom best practices for review.
On behalf of Johnston County Public Schools, the Johnston County Board of Education, and the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers, congratulations to all of the semifinalists, finalists, and James Johnson, the 2026 Teacher of the Year. 👏
Read more about the 2026 Flame For Learning Award Ceremony here: https://bit.ly/3QpEnMz
Johnston County Public Schools hosted its 32nd annual Flame For Learning Awards this evening, naming James Johnson, Agricultural Mechanics teacher from North Johnston High, as the 2026 Teacher of the Year.
Johnson was one of four Flame for Learning Award finalists, including Moesha Gonzales of Swift Creek Middle, Lena LeBoeuf of Swift Creek Elementary, and Rebecca Reeves of Smithfield-Selma High.
On behalf of Johnston County Public Schools, the Johnston County Board of Education, and the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers, congratulations to all of the semifinalists and James Johnson, our 2026 Teacher of the Year!
Whether in class, competitions, or FBLA, he acts with fairness, respect, and professionalism. Trusted by peers and teachers, Kai-Lin leads by example and contributes to a positive, ethical school community.
Congratulations, Kai-Lin, for being recognized as the April Character Ed Student for Princeton Middle/High! 👏
Johnny takes such pride in his work and invites you to join him!
View current job opportunities here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/employment
#AGreatPlaceToWork
#JCPSForward
Congratulations to Christina Schaffer, Visual Arts teacher at Smithfield Middle! She is our Certified Employee of the Month for April! 👏
Schaffer began her educational career 21 years ago, but her love for art began much earlier. She discovered her passion for making art in the fourth grade and knew she wanted to share it with others through becoming a teacher.
Scahaffer shares her love for art education and her core belief that “art is for everyone” in her Spotlight Q&A on our website: https://bit.ly/4mJcMlx
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
She also demonstrates strong self-discipline, completing her work despite a busy schedule and seeking extra practice when needed.
Focused and determined, she avoids distractions and always strives to do her best. Londyn is a caring, hardworking student and a positive role model for her peers.
Congratulations, Londyn, for being recognized as the April Character Ed Student for South Smithfield Elementary! 👏
The momentum continued on day two of Special Olympics Johnston County Spring Games as we saw big smiles and incredible spirit from our Special Olympics athletes and supporters. 💪
We are so proud of everyone and all they’ve accomplished, and we are looking forward to next week to see what day 3 brings!
From start to finish, here’s a recap of the past two days: https://bit.ly/4sJ5zU2
Congratulations to Amanda Dauphinais from Innovation Academy, Erica Morse from Polenta Elementary, and Hermilo Arbuyes, Jr. from Cleveland 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
Organized and dependable, Annaleigh follows through on every commitment. She manages her time well, completes her work, and shows perseverance and initiative in her learning.
Beyond academics, Annaleigh is kind, respectful, and encouraging to others. Her leadership, integrity, and compassion make Annaleigh a strong role model and valued member of her school community.
Congratulations, Annaleigh, for being recognized as the April Character Ed Student for Princeton Elementary! 👏
There was so much excitement from the start! Before the games began, the teams paraded around the track to the cheers of the families and friends gathered in the stands.
From 100-meter races and running jump, to tennis ball throw, and bowling, our elementary Special Olympics athletes showed incredible athleticism, determination, and sportsmanship.
Huge thanks to Special Olympics Johnston County for partnering with JCPS to put together this great event at Smithfield-Selma High.
Stay tuned for day two!
Congratulations to Natalia Jaramillo from Cooper Academy, Darby High from Clayton High, Tracy Mitchell from East Clayton Elementary, and Meagan Leas from Archer Lodge Middle 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
