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
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
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!
Special Olympics Johnston County Spring Games start TOMORROW, and we are so excited!
Come out and support our Special Olympics athletes loud and proud on April 16th, 17th, and 24th at Smithfield-Selma High as they inspire us all! 💪
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! 💪
We wish everyone a fun-filled and safe break. ☀️🌻
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
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
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
The deadline to complete the Family-School Relationships Survey is April 2nd.
We will be surveying JCPS families in order to gain insight into your perception of our school and district effectiveness. To ensure we continue to provide high quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our learners and prepare them for college and career, we need your feedback.
You may complete the survey online using a computer, tablet, or smartphone here: https://bit.ly/3O00dFq
We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses. If you have any questions about the survey administration, please contact your child’s school.
🌟 The 2026 Showcase of Stars event videos are now available for streaming. Whether you'd like to revisit the performance or watch for the first time, you can enjoy the memorable moments and talent!
Click the link for more details: https://broadcasting.johnston.k12.nc.us/
Due to the forecast of inclement weather, the associated high wind and the uncertain timing, Johnston County Public Schools will be closed for all students on Monday, March 16, 2026, as well as all extracurricular activities. The district will operate under Condition 3 of the inclement weather plan.
Based on the guidance issued by local safety officials, the forecasted high winds will present hazardous travel for our school buses and potentially cause property damage.
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this weather event.
Have a great evening!
Join us on March 19th at Four Oaks Elementary or April 14th at Polenta Elementary from 5:00–6:30 PM for Kindergarten Readiness Night! These afternoons will be full of great information to help families feel confident and ready for their students' first day!
Ready, set, KINDERGARTEN! 🎉🎒✏️
Registration is open for the 2026-2027 school year, and we’re excited to welcome our newest learners!
Get started today on our website: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/enrollment
In case you missed it, here’s a look back at a night dedicated to celebrating excellence across JCPS: https://bit.ly/40V3TLv ✨🪩
If you would like to read more about our inaugural Spotlight on Excellence celebration, check out our website: https://bit.ly/3Pn4TFy
Join us for Kindergarten Readiness Nights from 5:00–6:30 PM, where 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
Schools excitedly hosted special community guests including educators, business partners, parents, and even special visits from Superintendent Dr. David Pearce, Board Chair Lyn Andrews, and Lt. Governor Rachel Hunt.
JCPS truly believes that sparking a passion for reading is one of the best things that can be done for children and for society as a whole!
Thank you to all of our volunteers who participated this week!
Last night, 26 JCPS employees were honored at the inaugural Spotlight on Excellence Employee of the Year Celebration! ✨🪩
The Spotlight on Excellence Celebration highlights the hard work of educators and staff while directly acknowledging their impact on improving student outcomes and organizational success. These individuals have greatly contributed to JCPS’ overall success’ and keep the district moving forward!
“Excellence in education is not defined by title. It is defined by dedication, compassion, and commitment that every student has the opportunity to succeed,” said Dr. Takicey Dunston, 2025-2026 JCPS Principal of the Year.
See the full list of honorees here: https://bit.ly/3Pn4TFy
#JCPSForward
