With over 1,700 entries across North Carolina, our students earned an incredible 88 awards, including Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and Honorable Mentions! 🥇🥈🎖️ Their artwork was proudly displayed at ECU this past month and celebrated during a special gallery reception and awards ceremony.
We are especially proud that each high school had Gold Key winners, whose artwork will now advance to national judging in New York — a tremendous honor as they compete alongside top arts magnet and private schools across the state! 🎉🖌️










🦆 Young Waterfowlers’ Day 🦆
Friday, February 13 is Young Waterfowlers’ Day. We invite students, staff, families, and the Carteret community to wear camouflage in tribute to young lives lost and to honor traditions that continue to shape our heritage.
Read the proclamation here

Carteret County Public Schools has been working closely with county emergency management officials and monitoring conditions throughout the day. Roadways across the county remain wet and slushy, and with temperatures dropping into the low 20s overnight, conditions are expected to refreeze and create widespread icy roads by morning. Forecasts indicate temperatures will not rise above freezing until around 10:00 a.m., meaning a delay would not significantly improve travel conditions.
As a result, CCPS will operate under the following conditions:
📅 Friday, February 6, 2026 ⬇️
💻 Remote learning day for all students
🏠 Remote workday for all staff
🏀 All extracurricular and athletic activities can resume late Friday afternoon as temperatures are expected to remain above freezing through Saturday morning and roads should be clear
Please stay safe and warm. We look forward to seeing our students and staff in person on Monday. 💙

After consulting with the National Weather Service and Carteret County Emergency Services, and assessing driving conditions across the county, Carteret County Public Schools has determined that while many main roads are clear, numerous secondary roads remain covered with snow and ice and are not expected to improve this evening.
As a result, CCPS will operate under the following conditions:
📅 Thursday, February 5, 2026 ⬇️
💻 Remote learning day for all students
🏠 Remote workday for all staff
🚫 All extracurricular and athletic activities are cancelled until further notice
🔒 All schools and CCPS buildings remain closed until conditions improve.
🔎 What’s Next?
We will reassess conditions tomorrow and share an update regarding Friday’s school day as quickly as possible on Thursday.
Thank you for your patience and continued support as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff. 💙

Due to ongoing, weather-related school and district closures and remote learning days scheduled for Tuesday, February 3rd and Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, CCPS is making the following additional announcement ⬇️
📌 Board of Education Meeting Update
• The February Board of Education Meeting, regularly scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, has been cancelled 🚫📋
📅 Next Scheduled Meeting
• Wednesday, March 4, 2026
• CCPS Central Services, 107 Safrit Drive, Beaufort 🏫
ℹ️ Board of Education Information
General information about Board of Education meetings, including calendars, agendas, minutes, and recordings of previous meetings, can be found at:
👉 www.carteretcountyschools.org/page/board-of-education

CCPS continues to work with the National Weather Service and Carteret County Emergency Services to monitor frigid temperatures and travel conditions following heavy snow accumulation this past weekend.
Due to ongoing conditions, Carteret County Public Schools will be operating under the following conditions ⬇️
📌 Tuesday, February 3rd and Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
• Will be remote learning days for students 📚
• Will be remote workdays for all staff 💻
🚫 Activities & Facilities
• All extracurricular and athletic activities remain cancelled until further notice 🏀
• All schools and CCPS buildings remain closed until conditions improve 🏫
📣 Please continue to monitor official CCPS communication channels for updates.
Stay warm and safe, CCPS families!

CCPS continues to work with the National Weather Service and Carteret County Emergency Services to monitor severe weather conditions that affect our community.
Due to current, multiple weather forecasting models predicting heavy snow accumulation as well as frigid temperatures throughout the weekend and early next week, Carteret County Public Schools will be operating under the following conditions ⬇️
📌 Beginning Saturday, January 31, 2026
• All extracurricular and athletic activities are cancelled for the weekend and until further notice 🏀🚫
📌 Monday, February 2, 2026
• Will be a snow day (no school) for students ❄️
• Will be an optional workday for staff
• All schools and CCPS buildings will be closed 🏫
📌 February 16, 2026
• Was originally a teacher workday
• Will now be a regular school day, and students will report to school 📚
🌨️ Looking Ahead
If severe weather continues to affect our area after Monday, February 2nd, schools will most likely be operating under remote learning for students. If this is the case, please be prepared. School staff and teachers have communicated protocols for remote learning to your students, in case it becomes necessary.
📣 More information will be communicated on Monday to students, staff, and parents, as we continue to monitor the progression of weather conditions.
Please stay warm and safe, CCPS families!










What skills will your student need to succeed after graduation? Whether they are headed to a university or a high-wage career, we want to ensure our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs give them the best possible start. 🎓
We are currently conducting our Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA), and we need YOUR input to help us decide: ✅ Which new career pathways to open ✅ Which industry certifications to prioritize ✅ How to make sure every student has access to these opportunities
Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
⏱ Time: Less than 5 minutes 🗓 Deadline: February 6, 2026 🔗 Take the Survey: https://bit.ly/CCPSCTEParent2026
Thank you for being a partner in your student's success! ⚓️ #CarteretCountySchools #CTE #BuildingFutures #CCPS

❄️ This decision was made in coordination with local weather and emergency management officials. Pre-dawn temperatures across the county are forecasted to be in the teens, with wind chills in the single digits.
🚌 The two-hour delay will allow temperatures to rise after sunrise, providing safer and more comfortable conditions for students who wait outdoors for school buses.
🧤🧥 While tomorrow’s temperatures will be frigid, the rest of the week is forecasted to be somewhat warmer, but still quite cold. If your student is in need of a coat or gloves, please work with your school counselors or social workers to see if cold weather items are available in order to keep your student(s) as warm as possible at school bus stops.

Carteret County Public Schools is excited to welcome our Class of 2039! If your child will turn 5 on or before August 31, 2026, it’s time to get ready for Kindergarten Registration & Open House for the 2026–2027 school year.
📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026
⏰ 1:00 – 6:00 PM (Floating Hours)
📍 At your child’s assigned elementary school
🏫 Participating Schools:
• Atlantic Elementary
• Beaufort Elementary
• Bogue Sound Elementary
• Harkers Island Elementary
• Morehead City Primary
• Newport Elementary
• Smyrna Elementary
• White Oak Elementary
👨👩👧👦 What to Expect:
• Complete kindergarten registration
• Meet teachers and school staff
• Tour the school campus
• Take kindergarten pictures 📸
📝 Please Bring:
• Certified birth certificate (no copies)
• Proof of residence (utility bill)
• Custody paperwork (if applicable)
• IEP (if applicable)
• Immunization record & NC Health Assessment (can be added after physical)
💻 Online Registration Opens February 1:
👉 bit.ly/ccpsnewregistration
🌟 Why Families Choose CCPS Kindergarten:
• Research-based instruction
• All K-5 teachers trained in the Science of Reading 📚
• Low student-teacher ratios
• FREE tuition & FREE transportation 🚌
• Nutritious meals 🍎
• Safe, supportive campuses
• Strong arts, PE, music & STEM programs 🎨🎶🔬
• Certified teachers in every classroom
At CCPS, kindergarten is more than a starting point—it’s the foundation for a lifetime of learning and success. We can’t wait to meet our newest students! 💙💛
#CCPSKindergarten #ReadyForSchool #FutureLeaders #CCPSProud

Recertifications:
Alicia O'Brien MPS
Callie Smith BSES
David Stroud BCMS
Stacy Boucher CHS
Tracy Abbott CHS
Stephanie Goodwin SES
Heather Blackwell BCMS
Alex Glass NMS
Carrie Stroud DPI
Aleczina Briley BCMS
Stephanie Dollar BMS
Newly Certified:
Sharon Voss WOES
Kelsey Bennett BCMS
Sherri Whipple MES
Rebecca Self WOES
Carol Martinez BES
Ann Kelly NMS
Heather Montero NMS
Jeffrey Danielson WCHS
This distinction represents one of the highest accomplishments in the teaching profession, and it reflects serious dedication, countless hours of hard work, and deep investment in CCPS students, classrooms, and schools. We are incredibly proud of our educators' commitment to excellence and passion for elevating learning across our district. 🍎👏

Carteret County Public Schools is again partnering with the NC Department of Public Instruction, Office of Exceptional Children, to gather important feedback through the annual Parent Input: Special Education Survey.
📝 This brief, 2-minute survey gives parents and guardians the opportunity to share how well your school and district include you in:
✔️ The IEP process
✔️ Your child’s education and services
💡 Why participate?
Your anonymous responses help the State and CCPS understand what is working well and where parent involvement can be strengthened.
🌍 Language support available!
Helpful videos and resources are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
📅 Survey Open: January 1 – June 30
🔒 Anonymous & confidential
👉 Take the survey here:
https://go.ncdpi.gov/25-26Ind8ParentSurvey
👉 More information, translations, and videos:
https://www.carteretcountyschools.org/o/ccs/page/family-community-information
📄 Need a paper copy? Flyers are being distributed at your school.
Thank you for helping us improve services and strengthen partnerships for our exceptional children! 💙






🎉 Congratulations, West Carteret High School! 🎉
West Carteret High School has been named to the AP School Honor Roll, earning Bronze-level recognition from the College Board.
Bronze recognition is awarded to schools that meet key benchmarks for student participation and success in AP coursework: 40% College Culture, 25% College Credit, and 2% College Optimization.
West Carteret met and exceeded these measures with a 40% College Culture score, 34% College Credit score, and 7% College Optimization score—a strong reflection of the school’s commitment to college readiness and academic excellence.
Well done to the students and staff who made this achievement possible! 📚🎓👏
Read More Here: https://www.carteretcountyschools.org/article/2630219
#AnchoredInExcellence #APHonorRoll #CollegeReady #WCHS

✨ **First Semester Exams Begin Monday!** ✨
We’re wishing all our high school students the very best as first semester exams kick off on Monday. You’ve worked hard—now take a deep breath, stay focused, and do your best. We believe in you! 💪📚
🔔 **Important Reminders for Students:**
• Check your exam schedule for **exam times and locations**
• **Charge your Chromebook fully the night before each exam**
• Arrive prepared, rested, and ready to succeed
👨👩👧 **Parents & Guardians:**
Please check in with your student, as **exam schedules often differ from regular school-day schedules** and may change the times students are on campus.
❓ **Questions or Need More Info?**
Contact your student’s school directly or visit the school’s website and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
Let’s finish the semester strong—good luck to all our students! 🌟





This distinction represents one of the highest accomplishments in the teaching profession, and it reflects your serious dedication, countless hours of hard work, and deep investment in CCPS students, classrooms, and schools. 🌟
We are incredibly proud of your commitment to excellence and your passion for elevating learning across our district. Thank you for all you do for Carteret County Public Schools! 🍎👏
Note: NBCT will release a full list of CCPS educators who earned first-time or renewal status later this month, and those names will be shared here as well. Tag someone you know who got the congratulatory email on Friday!

🎶 Celebrating Excellence in the Arts! 🎶
Last night, we proudly recognized several outstanding high school students who earned the prestigious North Carolina Honors Chorus designation! 🌟 These talented singers represent the very best of CCPS, and we were thrilled to present certificates to those able to attend.
👏 Congratulations to:
🎤 Kooper Coleman, Senior – East Carteret High School
🎤 Charlie Morris, Senior – East Carteret High School
🎤 Isaac Moss, Senior – East Carteret High School
🎤 Thomas Murray, Senior – West Carteret High School
A special shout-out to their incredible choral directors—Joella Morris and Jeffrey Danielson—for guiding and inspiring these musicians. 🎼✨
🎶 Also earning Honors Chorus but not present due to their concert tonight:
🌟 Eryn Mackey, Senior – Croatan High School
🌟 Jasper Kelley, Junior – Croatan High School
🌟 Ryan Shusko, Junior – Croatan High School
🌟 Adalyn Taylor, Sophomore – Croatan High School
With thanks to their director, Ashton Humphrey! 🎵
We are so proud of these students for their dedication, talent, and hard work. 🎉 Keep shining, CCPS musicians! 💙💛
✨ Additional Recognition
Superintendent Richie Paylor also presented our Board Members with the Gold Bell Award, signifying that 100% of the Board completed 12+ hours of professional training between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. A commendable commitment to leadership and service! 👏📘
