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
Join us tomorrow, March 6th, and Saturday, March 7th, as our talented students take the stage and showcase their incredible performances at the 2026 Showcase of Stars!
This is a show you won’t want to miss. ⭐
Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4bzsX1c
Read Across America Week continues with Thing One and Thing Two Thursday, and Fox in Socks Friday (on Friday, wear your fun and crazy socks). On Friday, we will be welcoming guest readers to our classrooms to read to our students. Also, a reminder that Friday is a JCPS Early Release Day. Dismissal will begin at 1:45.
Lastly, if you pick your students up at the WALKER area, and you drive a golf cart, it is imperative that you keep your golf cart on the grassy area closest to the parking lot (not the grass on the school building side). Please keep golf carts off of the sidewalk at all times as this could be very dangerous to our families that are on foot. The sidewalk is for people walking only.
Thank you so much for keeping the safety of our students and their families first.
We hope you have a great night and remember, once a Racer always a Racer.
Johnston County Public Schools is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Summer Feeding Program. The JCPS School Nutrition Program will, once again, provide free summer meals for children 1-18 years of age.
Households must register by March 31 using the 2026 Summer Meal Pack Order Form here: https://bit.ly/4rKf85e
Read more details here: https://bit.ly/4aPc4yL
The JCPS annual job fair was a huge success!!!
This year, we welcomed a record-breaking 306 attendees into Smithfield-Selma High with interest in joining the JCPS team. There were nearly 450 pre-registrations and applicants as far as Ohio, Minnesota, Washington, Virginia, Tennessee, and New York. Two attendees even signed early contracts for the 2026-2027 school year!
"Our school system's job fair was a tremendous success, bringing together passionate educators and dedicated staff who are eager to make a difference in students' lives. The overwhelming turnout and positive energy reflected our community's strong commitment to excellence in education and opportunity for all,” said Linda Edmundson, Chief of Human Resources.
Read more about our 2026 JCPS annual job fair here: https://bit.ly/4aQ4mEJ
We continue to seek individuals who are committed to making a difference. It is not too late to join JCPS! Want to view our current job openings? Check them out here: www.johnston.k12.nc.us/employment
This week is Read Across America Week and we have lots of fun things planned for each day. Tuesday is Top Hat Tuesday and students can wear hats or dress as the Cat in the Hat, Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday and students can wear mismatched or crazy clothes, Thursday is Thing One and Thing Two Day, and Friday is Fox in Socks Day and students can wear crazy socks on that day.
Tomorrow, Tuesday March 3rd is Voting Day. River Dell is one of 6 Johnston County Schools that the Board of Elections has chosen to be a voting site. We have taken every precaution to ensure safety for the students and staff at RDE. Voting will occur in the Gym and no students will be on that hallway at all during the day. The doors to that hallway will also be closed and locked so no voters can enter the building where students and staff are working. Also, or School Resource Officer, Deputy Justin Griffiths, will be on campus all day monitoring the voting area and keeping us safe. Art, Music, and PE will not be in that hallway tomorrow. Those teachers will be traveling around and coming to classrooms. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
Friday is a JCPS Early Release Day. Student dismissal will begin at 1:45.
A big congratulations to our River Dell Battle of the Books Team for winning the JCPS Elementary Battle of the Books Competition. This is the very first time in RDE history that our school has won, and we are so very proud of this team and their coaches, Mr. Contos and Mrs. Hasick. Way to go!
We hope you all have a wonderful week and remember, once a Racer, always a Racer.
We are beyond excited for the 2026 Showcase of Stars happening THIS WEEK! ⭐
Join us on March 6th and 7th as our talented students take the stage and showcase their incredible performances! This is a show you won’t want to miss.
Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4bzsX1c
The JCPS Job Fair is happening TODAY at Smithfield-Selma High from 9 AM to 12PM.
Stop by and see us today if you are interested in a meaningful career with lasting rewards!
We are one week out from the 2026 Showcase of Stars! ⭐
Join us on March 6th and 7th as our talented students take the stage and showcase their incredible performances! This is a show you won’t want to miss.
Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4bzsX1c
Don’t forget! The JCPS Job Fair is TOMORROW, February 28, 2026, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Smithfield-Selma High!
Are you interested in a meaningful career with lasting rewards? Are you passionate about shaping the future?
Why JCPS?
✅ Competitive pay
✅ State health benefits
✅ Opportunities for growth and incentives
✅ A great place build your career and life
Don't miss this opportunity!
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
Calling all rising Kindergarten families! 🎒
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
The National Board Certification is one of the most respected professional certifications available in education and provides numerous benefits to educators, students, and schools. The certification was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished educators and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.
“I am incredibly proud of our National Board recipients for the dedication, resilience, and countless hours of hard work they invested to reach this remarkable achievement. The hundreds of hours candidates have spent reflecting on student learning outcomes create lasting, meaningful impact for the students they serve every day,” Janelle Bishop, JCPS Director of Professional Learning, stated.
To learn more about the National Board Certification and to celebrate our recipients, visit our website here: https://bit.ly/4aQIxDI
🔗 https://youtu.be/n5a8wtmMmOY
#ILeadWithMyHeart
#JCPSForward
Inspired by the book “Leading with the Heart,” written by Mike Krzyzewski, the event recognizes one staff member from each school and various central services departments. Honorees were nominated by their peers based on several factors, including an enduring commitment to their role, a positive attitude, and an undeniable lasting impact on others.
We honor all 54 recipients for their commitment and their work that does not go unnoticed. Thank you! ✨
Read more information on the recipients and the event here: https://bit.ly/46RjgI7
Stay tuned for a recap video…
#ILeadWithMyHeart
#JCPSForward
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
Joyner, a 31-year veteran educator, stays committed to growing in her career. She continuously reflects and refines her approach and builds on proven strategies because she believes lifelong learning is essential. This dedication makes a lasting impact on students and staff!
Read more about Joyner in her Spotlight Q&A here: https://bit.ly/4abcYp0
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS
