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

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










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

Mr. Bates currently serves as Assistant Principal of Dixon Road Elementary. He has more than 25 years of experience in education, all in Johnston County, 15 of which were as a school-based administrator.
Mr. Bates’ leadership and guidance will ensure continued excellence for the Thanksgiving Elementary students, staff, and community.

📣📣 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!

