Known for her warm smile, sense of humor, and strong work ethic, Martinez brings positivity to the school community while taking her responsibilities seriously. She is deeply valued by students, staff, parents, and the broader Pine Level community.
In her Spotlight Q&A, Martinez expresses the love she has for Pine Level Elementary. Read it here: https://bit.ly/4qij8ZM
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS

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

He shows emotional maturity when he stays focused on his work and never disrupts others or gets distracted himself.
As a member of our Safety Patrol, his dependability helps to keep all students safe by ensuring that students follow the hallway rules each morning.
Congratulations, James, for being recognized as the December Character Ed Student for Pine Level Elementary! 👏

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!


Pine Level Elementary students showed their spirit with the annual Red Ribbon Parade, proving that saying “boo to drugs” never goes out of style!
Students, staff, community members, and local leaders joined together to promote a bright, drug-free future! 💪🚫
Thank you, Mr. Sasser, and all of the event coordinators for helping remind our students about Red Ribbon week and the importance of living a drug-free life!
Read more here: https://bit.ly/47RqPzu










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.

The JCPS 2025 Leadership Conference is in the books! 📚
The final day began with the announcement of our 2025-2026 Principal of the Year Dr. Takicey Dunston of Benson Elementary School, and Assistant Principal of the Year Lauren Strickland of Polenta Elementary.
Attendees then participated in Grade Alike sessions which allowed for synergistic planning and thought sharing.
During his closing remarks, Superintendent Dr. Pearce charged the administrators with sharing and applying what they learned with their teams and carrying the vision forward. ➡️
“When leaders rise, kids win!” -Thomas Murray
#ForwardConference2025
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS










JCPS is grateful that you have chosen to bring your passion for education to the students and staff in our school district!
Congratulations to both of these forward-focused leaders on this honorable recognition! 👏
#ForwardConference2025
#GreatThingsAreHappeninginJCPS











