Nick Rotenberry Receives Flame for Learning
Nick Rotenberry, a fourth grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Polenta Elementary, was named Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2024 Teacher of the Year. In partnership with Triangle East Chamber, the 30th annual Flame for Learning Award celebration was held at The Barn at Broadslab in Benson, honoring all of the 20 semifinalists. As the recipient of the Flame for Learning Mr. Rotenberry will represent Johnston County in the regional competition for North Carolina Teacher of the
Smithfield-Selma High Hosts Annual Special Olympics Spring Games
SMITHFIELD, NC – On Thursday and Friday, April 18-19, 2024, the Johnston County Special Olympics Spring Games were held at Smithfield-Selma High. The Spring Games is an annual event offering track and field competitions for elementary, middle, and high school students. The events included Softball Throw, Tennis Ball Throw, Running Jump, Standing Jump, 10 Meter Assisted Walk, Wheelchair Race, and 25, 100, 50 and 100 Meter Walk and Runs. Each athlete was eligible to compete in one track and one
JCPS Breaks Ground On Swift Creek Elementary School
SMITHFIELD, NC – On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) broke ground on the school district’s newest project, Swift Creek Elementary, located at 4188 Cleveland Road, Smithfield. The 49th school in the district, Swift Creek Elementary is instrumental in alleviating some of the capacity challenges due to the exponential growth in the central Johnston County area. The state-of-the-art building offers a modern day feel, without sacrificing key aspects. Security and
Johnston County Early College Academy Senior Jara Ashley is Poised for Success
SMITHFIELD, NC – Johnston County Early College Academy (JCECA) senior Ashley Jara was chosen to take part in the North Carolina’s Governor’s Page Program. Jara and around 10 other high school students from around North Carolina earned the opportunity to engage in four days of hands-on participation in state government. Since she was young, Jara has always been fascinated with the government. She remembers seeing Hilary Clinton on television when she was growing up and that inspired her. “There's
Johnston County Public Schools Wants Your Feedback On Its Next Strategic Plan
Johnston County Public Schools wants your feedback on its next Strategic Plan. In the fall we received input from over 12,000 members of the Johnston County Public Schools community on what we need in our district's next strategic plan. Please plan to join us on Monday, March 18th, from 6:00-7:15 pm at Swift Creek Middle School to learn how we have incorporated community feedback and weigh in on our progress thus far. Participants will preview the district’s new vision, mission, values, and
2024 Flame for Learning Semifinalists Announced
Johnston County's Top Educators Vie for Teacher of the Year at the 30th Annual Flame for Learning Award Ceremony Johnston County's Teacher of the Year is poised to be recognized at the prestigious 30th Annual Flame for Learning Award Ceremony, set to take place on April 23, 2024, at the Barn at Broadslab. This event will not only celebrate the pinnacle of educational excellence but also shine a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of twenty semifinalists vying for this honor. The Flame
Johnston County Public Schools Holds Student Teacher Signing Day
On Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) held its second annual teacher signing day. The event, mirrored after a sports contract signing ceremony, recognized and celebrated student teachers who have committed to staying on with JCPS. This year, six JCPS student teachers signed their one-year contracts in front of friends, family, teachers, and school district administrators. “We are so excited for them to begin their journey as a teacher with our district next school
Johnston County’s Own Crowned Miss America’s Teen
SMITHFIELD, NC - Hanley House, a junior at Cleveland High School (CvHS), was crowned Miss America’s Teen 2024 at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando on January 13, 2024. Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) is proud to recently conduct House’s first official in-person interview as Miss America’s Teen. Just over one year ago, on a whim, House decided to step out of her comfort zone and enter her first-ever pageant, Miss Cleveland High. She always watched Miss America on television, never thinking
State Superintendent Visits Cleveland Elementary
CLAYTON, NC - North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt visited Cleveland Elementary on Wednesday, December 12, 2023, Accompanied by NC Department of Instruction Regional Coordinator Dr. Kendra King and Special Advisor to Superintendent for Principal Engagement Tabari Wallace. Fifth grader Parker Mortenson welcomed Truitt, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy, JCPS cabinet members, and several Johnston County Board of Education members to
Smithfield-Selma High Hosts Topping Out Ceremony
SMITHFIELD - Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) held a Topping Out Ceremony at Smithfield-Selma High on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. The Topping Out Ceremony was a celebration of the nearly completed auxiliary gym at Smithfield-Selma High. The gym is the final project of the 2018 Bond Referendum. In addition, the auxiliary gym will include a locker room, weight room, and restrooms for use by students, staff, and the public. Students and staff will have the additional space for educational
JCPS eighth grade students get hands-on experience at JOCO WORKS 2023
SMITHFIELD, NC - Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) eighth grade students attended the JOCO WORKS 2023 Career Expo at Johnston Community College (JCC) November 2-3. Approximately 3,500 eighth-grade students had the opportunity to connect with more than 40 local industries, including Grifols, Caterpillar, and event sponsor, Novo Nordisk. Through hands-on experiences, JOCO WORKS is a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming the way JCPS eighth graders in Johnston County explore
Johnston County Eighth Graders to Attend JOCO WORKS Career Expo at JCC
Thousands of Johnston County eighth graders will attend JOCO WORKS, a collaborative career expo, at Johnston Community College Smithfield, N.C., (October 26, 2023) – JOCO WORKS Career Exposition, presented by Novo Nordisk, is back at Johnston Community College. The event which presents real-world simulations and information about career options will be held November 2-3, 2023. Over three thousand Johnston County eighth graders are expected to attend this industry-led collaborative supported by
Cleveland High’s Hanley House named Miss North Carolina’s Teen 2023
Hanley House lives by the phrase, “Always be ready!” The Cleveland High junior’s father instilled that notion in her at an early age. Although she didn’t quite understand it at first, as she has gotten older House is beginning to understand its meaning. And it has never been more pertinent than at this moment in her life. Over the summer, House was named Miss North Carolina’s Teen 2023. Unlike most young women who compete in these types of events, this was only House’s second pageant…ever. On a whim,
JCPS Welcomes Students Back for the 2023-24 School Year
Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) kicked off the 2023-24 school year on Monday, August 28, welcoming tens of thousands of students back to all 48 schools. Although rain showers were moving through Johnston County, the excitement could not be dampened. Families lined up early in anticipation of what the new school year would bring. Students had their new backpacks filled with supplies, and parents snapped those first day of school pictures. Fourth-grade West Clayton Elementary student Jounas Acosta
Brian A. Jones selected as the 2023 Administrative Auxiliary Services Employee of the Year
Director of Enrollment and Information Systems, Brian A. Jones was selected as Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2023 Administrative Auxiliary Services Employee of the Year. Brian is a graduate of Leadership Johnston. Receiving multiple nominations from his colleagues, Jones’ positive attitude was a recurring theme throughout. One nominator wrote, “Brian has a bright and infectious attitude. His presence is felt in the room, and he has a ‘can do’ attitude.” “I’ve always had that
JoCo TEACH awards inaugural scholarship to Smithfield-Selma High senior
Carter Clever, a senior at Smithfield-Selma High School (SSS) and a 2023 Johnston Community College graduate was awarded one of the first Johnston County Teaching Educators And Coming Home (JoCo TEACH) program scholarships. Clever received $30,000 to attend the college of his choice through the JoCo TEACH program. Established in 2019, JoCo TEACH is a program designed to invest in and recruit diverse students seeking a degree as educators. It provides a seamless pathway for students to earn their
Clayton High School Holds Student Appreciation Luncheon Sponsored by Hatley Construction & Repair
Clayton, NC — Hatley Construction & Repair, a leading Clayton-based firm, sponsored the Student Appreciation Luncheon for students participating in the CORE, Carpentry 1, and Carpentry 2 programs at Clayton High School on Friday, May 12. Annually, these programs engage approximately 250 students, providing them with vital, practical skills in construction and repair. “The trade industry is a vital cornerstone of our society, one that is often overlooked, especially on the educational level; the
Melissa Pearce named JCPS 2023 Teacher of the Year
Cleveland High English teacher Melissa Pearce was named the Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2023 Teacher of the Year. With the naming Pearce made history, as she is the first person to ever receive the award twice. Pearce received the award for the first time 2007 and was named a finalist for the award in 2022. Pearce has been an educator with JCPS for the past 19 years. She has been teaching for 20 years, spending her first year teaching in Pamlico County. “It wasn’t quite home,” she said.
Madavia Johnson named Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year
Madavia Johnson, a teacher at McGee’s Crossroads Middle, was crowned Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year by Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS). Johnson is a seventh grade English language arts and social studies teacher. Nominated by their administrators, each of the 34 candidates went through an interview process. On Thursday, April 20, 2023, all 34 nominees were celebrated with a special ceremony for them and their families at Selma Elementary. Johnson was one of three finalists
Johnston County Public Schools’ Job Fair Is a Huge Success
On Saturday, April 15, 2023, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) had its annual job fair at West Johnston High. The event welcomed candidates from as close as Johnston County, and many from out of state. “The cafeteria was filled with positive energy, and a steady stream of candidates throughout the morning,” Brian Vetrano, JCPS Chief of Human Resources, said. School administrators from all 48 schools were on hand to greet candidates face-to-face, tell them about their particular school
Smithfield-Selma High Senior Earns Experience of a Lifetime
Smithfield-Selma High senior and Smithfield native Jude Reece was recently among a special group of students invited inside the halls of power in Washington, D.C. through the U.S. Senate Youth Program. He was one of only two delegates from North Carolina, and one of 104 delegates from across the country chosen for this honor. Greer Suggs, Reece’s English teacher, told him about the program, and he immediately jumped at the opportunity. To earn a spot, he wrote an essay about the role of the
Learn About JCPS Summer Camps
DISTRICT C TEAMSHIPAttention Rising Grades 10-12 Looking for a way to enhance your teamwork and leadership skills this summer? In the Leaders at Work District C Teamship experience, students work together to solve real world problems for a real local business. A final pitch event allows students to present their proposal to industry representatives & community members. Check out this video to see last year's JCPS students in action: https://youtu.be/m6PFZ3cb9Js Dates: June 19-22 and June 26-29 (must
JOCO WORKS 2022 Sparks Career Interests for Eighth-Grade Students
Launched in 2019, the event was virtual for the last two years, this being the first year since the pandemic it was held face-to-face again. More than 3,000 eighth-grade students of Johnston County Public Schools attended JOCO WORKS 2022. Students were taken to JCC in Smithfield where students had the opportunity to connect with more than 40 local industries, including Grifols, NC Department of Transportation, and Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk, one of the largest employers in Johnston County, was the
Teacher Assistant of the Year rewarded for good works
Johnston County Public Schools Teacher Assistant Chellie Cherry from West Smithfield Elementary was named the 2022 Teacher Assistant of the Year. The reason is crystal clear. A dedicated employee of Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) for nearly 30 years, she has spent twenty-two of those years as a teacher assistant, an amazing feat in and of itself. The cherry on top is that she is a teacher assistant of exceptional students. A native of Johnston County and a graduate of
2022 Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame Recipients Named at Annual Banquet
Johnston County Public Schools inducted six new members to the Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame on May 7, during the annual Hall of Fame Banquet held at Princeton High. In the fall of 2005, the high school athletic directors and principals met with JCPS administrators and presented the need to preserve the accomplishments and memories of the men and women who established athletic history in Johnston County. A Hall of Fame committee consisting of JCPS personnel was encouraged to
Junior Women’s League of Smithfield Provisional Members Exceed Goal in Peanut Butter Collection for Children and Add Blessing Boxes
Smithfield, N.C. – The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield’s Spring Provisional class set a goal to collect 3,300 jars of peanut butter for Johnston County Public Schools’ students in the local BackPack Buddies program. This program provides children from low-income households with nutritious, kid-friendly groceries for the weekend when free school lunches and breakfasts are not provided. An astounding 4,932 jars of peanut butter of every size were collected through 14 Official Peanut Butter Buddies
2022 Johnston County Teacher of the Year is Homegrown Success
Four Oaks Elementary third grade teacher Jennifer Beninate was named the 2022 Johnston County Teacher of the Year at the annual Flame for Learning Award banquet on April 26. Beninate is the epitome of a teacher, which by definition is someone who imparts knowledge and enlightens. It’s immediately obvious that teaching is her calling. She draws inspiration from her idol Mary Poppins and speaks to her students lovingly and calmly. “Teaching is just a way I get to be Mary Poppins every day,” she
JCPS TA of the Year is Chellie Cherry, West Smithfield Elementary
Johnston County Public Schools teacher assistant Chellie Cherry from West Smithfield Elementary was named the 2022 Teacher Assistant of the Year at their organization's annual banquet. Teacher Assistants work alongside teachers to give students additional attention and instruction. Darrick McNeill is the Principal of West Smithfield Elementary. Cherry’s coworkers said that she is beyond deserving of the Teacher Assistant of the Year award, and is an integral part of the West Smithfield Elementary
SelmaWorks! Resource Fair Brings Workforce and Community Services to Selma Residents
SelmaWorks! Resource Fair Brings Workforce and Community Services to Selma ResidentsFree event targets residents most in need. April 4, 2022 – The SelmaWorks! Resource Fair will take place at the Richard B. Harrison Gymnasium from 10am-2pm on Friday, April 22. The event is a partnership between Capital Area Workforce Development (CAWD), NCWorks, Johnston Community College and Johnston County Public Schools. The resource fair will feature several organizations that provide services to help individuals in
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 88 donates 500 book bags to JCPS
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 88 donates 500 book bags to JCPS Written By: Robin Koppen, JCPS Communication Specialist SMITHFIELD, NC - The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #88 (FOP 88) bought and donated 500 backpacks to help children in Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS). Members of the FOP 88 worked alongside JCPS school social workers, school counselors, student advocates, school nurses, assistant principals, and some central office staff to fill the bags on Thursday, Mar. 17, at the
LEADERSHIP JOHNSTON LAUNCHES CLASS OF 2022
SMITHFIELD, NORTH CAROLINA, January 15, 2022— A fully engaged Leadership Johnston program returns to Johnston County this year! The eleven-month program is designed for those who want to learn more about the county while developing and refining leadership skills. Through a variety of personal growth opportunities, individuals will gain a more in-depth understanding of the many facets of Johnston County, build crisis leadership and change management skills, and learn the skills necessary for effectively