March 1:
Good afternoon Knight families, this is Nick Taylor, newly appointed and very proud principal of Smithfield Middle School with this week’s important information and updates.
Monday, March 2nd is our Spring Family Night from 6:00-7:30pm. This year our theme is “Cultures Around The World” Come out and celebrate the different cultures represented at Smithfield Middle and engage in fun and engaging learning activities from each of our content areas.
As we work to make Smithfield Middle a great school for all to learn we want to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to complete our parent survey, and please register to be a Level 2 volunteer. This will allow you to participate in a variety of school events including field day, any field trips, and help out during EOG’s. Parent Survey
EOG Retest Letters are coming home tomorrow. Please sign and return them this week so your student will be ready for the EOG’s at the end of the year. Getting a 3,4, or 5 on the EOG will provide you with more course options as you go to the next grade.
Looking ahead, on March 16th I will be hosting “Talk With Taylor” these will be two opportunities to come in and learn a bit about me and my vision for the school. There will also be opportunities to ask questions. You are invited to attend either session at 9:00am or 6:00pm in the Library. Spanish interpreters will be present at both sessions. I look forward to meeting with you and talking about the future of Smithfield Middle.
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 incredibly proud of these students as they showed immense focus and confidence on stage. Way to go!
Jacob Winfield from Innovation Academy came out on top as the champion, followed by Aydee Martinez from Smithfield Middle with second place and Joshua Sanderford from Meadow School with third place.
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!
Join us as our middle school students take the stage to show off their spelling skills and hard work. It’s sure to be an afternoon filled with fun and a little friendly competition!
Twelve of our middle school teams took part in the 2026 Battle of the Books Middle School District Competition! All of the teams showcased their impressive reading knowledge and teamwork! 📚👏
Each year, the teams come ready to compete, bringing their knowledge and energy to the event. This year, Swift Creek Middle inched out Riverwood Middle by one point, taking first and second places respectively, with North Johnston Middle earning the third-place spot.
Read more about this year’s Battle of the Books Middle School District Competition here: https://bit.ly/4rFdGBf
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
Feb. 22 Update:
Monday afternoon from 5:00-6:00 we have a meeting for all parents/guardians fo Spring Athletes. Our Athletic Director will discuss district and school policies. There are forms that must be completed by parents. We look forward to seeing our Spring Athletes and parents Monday evening,
We have a school dance planned for Friday Feb. 27. Students will need to purchase a ticket at school Wednesday-Friday during lunch. Tickets are $5. The dance is from 3:15-5:15. We ask all rides to be in the bus parking lot by 5:00.
For all Chorus students participating in Showcase of Stars, all forms need to be turned into Mrs. Spencer no later than Friday, Feb 27, 2026. If both the field trip and the video release form are not turned in by this date, your child will not be able to participate in the field trip for the dress rehearsal on Monday, March 2, nor the performance on Friday, March 6 at JCCC. Please sign and return all necessary forms promptly.
For families who need to purchase tickets, please go to this website. https://jcpsfinearts.my.canva.site/showcaseofstars All attending family members will need to purchase separate tickets. Tickets are on sale for $20 until February 28. After this date, tickets will then be $25. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Spencer for more information.
🔗 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
Feb 16 Update:
Any student that has not participated in a sport and is interested in Spring Sports ( baseball, softball, girls soccer and boy/girls track) needs a current physical for tryouts. Tryouts for these teams will take place Feb.18, 19, 20 from 3:30-5:30. Our Athletic Director will be checking grades and attendance to make sure students are eligible to participate.
Mr. Taylor has been making a positive impact in the lives of students for more than 23 years, serving in many roles and transforming many lives.
His leadership skills and knowledge of education practice and processes have been instrumental in improving student performance, and JCPS looks forward to witnessing sustained growth in the days and years ahead.
Congratulations Mr. Taylor!
Discover what Early College Academy has to offer at 8th Grade Family Information Night!
Applications are currently open and run through February 15th for the 2026-2027 school year.
So, join us tomorrow, February 10th, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the Tart Auditorium Lobby at Johnston Community College, to get all your questions answered, meet the staff, and learn all about ECA!
📣📣 JCPS will be open on February 6, 2026, operating on its regular schedule! 📣📣
Based on the current weather forecast, there is a potential for black ice and frozen precipitation. We will remain in contact with local emergency officials and national weather services, and if additional school schedule changes are necessary, we will provide an update by 6 AM, Thursday, February 5, 2026.
School nutrition will serve breakfast upon students’ arrival. Early morning care will open two hours later than the normal start time. All extracurricular activities will resume.
Thank you and have a great evening!
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to work through these weather events.
