
Our bus drivers and transportation team gathered this week for our opening bus meeting as we prepare to welcome students back Monday!
A reminder to everyone: Bus safety is everyone’s responsibility. Please slow down around school buses, follow all stop-arm laws, stay seated and follow your driver’s directions, and help keep our students safe getting to and from school. 💙
A special THANK YOU to our generous sponsors for supporting our transportation team and students: Captain’s Choice Seafood, Anchor Dental, Mary Cheatham King, Black Ruby Marine, Sports Center, Local Point Church, and Kittrell’s Auto/Marine Parts! We appreciate you! 🙌
Have a safe first day, Carteret County! 🎒🚌




📍 Crystal Coast Civic Center (203 College Circle, Morehead City)
🗓️ Wednesday, October 7, 2026
⏰ 9:00–11:00 AM
👉 To substitute teach for Carteret County Public Schools, you must have an Effective Teacher Training Certificate and/or a teaching license (current, expired, or out-of-state licenses are accepted).
💻 Email Katherine Goodwin at:Katherine.Goodwin@carteretk12.org to register today!
🍎 We look forward to welcoming new substitute teachers to the CCPS team and appreciate your willingness to support our students and schools! 💙

Our teachers and support staff are engaging in critical training and professional development to help ensure every student has the tools and support they need to succeed this school year. 🎓💙
One example: Last week, our Middle Grades EC, ELA, Science, and Social Studies teachers participated in professional development focused on The Reading Routine™ framework—building strategies to help students confidently tackle complex, grade-level reading across all content areas. 📖
We’re proud of our staff’s commitment to continuous growth and to student success! We can’t wait to put these strategies into action when our students return! 🏫✨




Beginning this school year, Carteret County Public Schools is transitioning to the NEW Senior Tar Heel Athletic Card! 🎟️💙
If you're 60 or older, you'll now enjoy an even better way to support our student-athletes! 🙌
✅ FREE admission to most regular-season CCPS high school and middle school athletic events
✅ Accepted at participating school districts across North Carolina
✅ Easier, more streamlined process to receive your card
✅ More opportunities to cheer on student-athletes throughout the state! 📣🏀⚾🏈🥎⚽🏐
📢 Please Note:
🚫 CCPS Senior Athletic Passes issued during the 2025-2026 school year have expired and will not be reissued. The Senior Tar Heel Athletic Card will now take their place.
🏅 Superintendent Richie Paylor shared:
"CCPS athletic programs are very successful, with many state championships under our belts, and we are proud of that tradition. We also want all of our fans to be able to attend as many games as possible, and this includes our senior residents. We believe the Tar Heel Card will only enhance that process."
📍 Get Your FREE Senior Tar Heel Athletic Card:
Carteret Senior Services
Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center of Excellence
📍 3820 Galantis Drive, Morehead City
📞 (252) 247-2626
❤️ Thank you to all of our amazing senior fans for your continued support of CCPS athletics! We can't wait to see you in the stands this season! 🎉💙💛
#CCPS #SeniorTarHeelCard #GoCCPS #SupportStudentAthletes #OneCommunity #FridayNightLights #CheerThemOn #TarHeelCard

Looking for a rewarding job that fits your lifestyle? Join the CCPS Transportation Team and help safely transport the next generation of learners! ❤️💙
Why drive for CCPS?
✅ Flexible schedule
💰 Competitive pay
📍 Work close to home
🎓 Paid training provided
🌟 Make a lasting impact in students' lives every single day
🚍 Bus driver training classes are offered throughout the year, so there's always an opportunity to get started!
Ready to get behind the wheel and make a difference?
📞 Joey Guthrie, Director of Transportation
📱 252-728-4635
📧 joey.guthrie@carteretk12.org
🙌 Join our team and help keep Carteret County moving!
#CCPSCareers #JoinOurTeam #DriveTheDifference #SchoolBusDriver #WorkLocal #EducateEngageEmpower

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community and local shoppers, school supplies have been collected, organized, and are ready for Carteret County students! ❤️ This is the 14th year of our community School Supply Distribution!
Last year, we distributed approximately 800 backpacks, 300 pairs of shoes, and more than 100 free haircuts! 🙌
📍 MAIN DISTRIBUTION
🗓️ Wednesday, August 12
⏰ 8:00–11:00 AM
📌 Parkview Baptist Church
🎒 FREE backpacks and school supplies
👟 FREE shoes
💇 FREE haircuts
Organizations:
Title Wave School Mobile Library, CCPS Child Nutrition, Carteret County Health Department and more will also be on hand with resources.
Students must be present to receive a backpack. Limit 5 backpacks per family. Serving Carteret County students only.
---
🌊 DOWN EAST DISTRIBUTION
🗓️ Saturday, August 15
⏰ 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
📌 Scout Den in Davis, NC
🎒 Backpacks and school supplies
👟 Shoes
💇 Free haircuts
Available on a first-come, first-served basis
---
🏫 FINAL BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLY PICKUP
🗓️ Sunday, August 16
⏰ 4:00–5:00 PM
📍 Bogue Sound Elementary
📍 Newport Middle
📍 Beaufort Elementary
🎒 Backpacks and school supplies only
We can’t wait to help Carteret County students head back to school prepared and ready for a great year! 🍎📚✏️
#StuffTheBus #CarteretCounty #BackToSchool #CommunityStrong #ReadyForSchool



Carteret County Public Schools is proud to recognize Ms. Styron as the 2026 Outstanding Math Teacher 👏
Casey’s recognition reflects her outstanding commitment to mathematics instruction and student achievement. Her students consistently demonstrate exceptional growth and proficiency, including perfect or near-perfect performance in key measures. 📈⭐
She combines high expectations with the individualized support students need to succeed, helping them build both math skills and confidence. 💙
Congratulations, Casey, on this well-deserved honor representing Atlantic Elementary School and CCPS. 🎊👏
#CCPS #EducateEngageEmpower #OutstandingMathTeacher #AtlanticElementary

At Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting, Carteret County Public Schools was honored to receive Duke Energy's 2026 Business Energy Excellence (BEE) Award in recognition of our district's ongoing commitment to energy efficiency and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
Since 2022, our district has achieved some incredible results:
⚡ 1,247,389 kWh of verified energy savings
💰 $186,320 in Duke Energy incentive funding
📉 $127,689 in estimated utility cost savings
💵 More than $314,000 in combined financial value through incentives and avoided energy costs
🌎 353 tons of estimated carbon emissions reduced
These savings help us invest resources where they matter most—supporting students and classrooms while creating more efficient and sustainable learning environments across our schools.
The award was accepted by Kenny Pederson, Director of Facility Support Operations, Lewis Seely, Leadman Electrician, and James Williams, Electrician. We also recognize Marc Warren and Clark Joyner, Electricians, who were unable to attend the meeting.
Please join us in congratulating this outstanding team for their dedication and hard work in helping CCPS operate more efficiently while making a positive impact on our schools and community! 👏💙💛
#CCPS #EnergyExcellence #DukeEnergy #TeamCCPS #EducateEngageEmpower





📱 Skip the First-Day Paperwork!
No paper packets. No first-night rush. 🙌
Student Renewals/Updates are OPEN STARTING TODAY and from August 4–31, so you can complete your child's required back-to-school forms online before school starts.
In just a few minutes, you can:
📞 Update phone numbers & emergency contacts
🏠 Submit address changes (with proof of residence)
🩺 Review medical information
📸 Complete photo permissions
💻 Sign technology agreements
⚠️ Don't wait! Students with outstanding Renewals/Updates will not receive their Chromebook or iPad until the process is complete.
You'll need your own Parent Portal account (student logins won't work). Need to activate your account? Watch this quick how-to: bit.ly/ccpsparentportalactivation
Questions? Your school's data manager or front office is happy to help. 💙

🚌🎒 HELP US STUFF THE BUS 2026! ✏️📚💙
🛒 How can YOU help?
📅 August 7, 8 & 9
📍 Morehead City Walmart & Staples
✅ Grab a school supply list card.
🛍️ Pick up a few extra supplies while you shop.
🚌 Drop them off at one of our big yellow CCPS buses outside!
Every donation helps! ❤️
Think...
✏️ Pencils
🖍️ Crayons
🖊️ Pens
🖍️ Markers
📄 Paper
📒 Notebooks
📁 Folders
...and so much more!
Can't make it to Walmart or Staples? No problem! 😊
📍 Drop off school supplies at community collection sites including:
🏗️ Safrit's Supply Company
🦷 Coastal Dentistry
…and other participating collection locations throughout Carteret County!
Together with our amazing Team Hosts:
💙 Parkview Baptist Church
❤️ Ann Street United Methodist Church
💛 Carteret County Public Schools
💚 Carteret Education Foundation
Save the Dates:
🎒 BACKPACK DISTRIBUTION DAYS
📅 Wednesday, August 12
⏰ 8:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 Parkview Baptist Church
Families can receive:
🎒 Backpacks filled with school supplies
👟 FREE shoes (while supplies last)
💇 FREE haircuts
🤝 Plus support from dozens of caring community volunteers and sponsors like the Health Department, School Nutrition Offices, Carolina Complete Health, and others!
📍 Satellite Distribution Sites
📅 Friday, August 15
📍 Scout Hut – in Davis (Down East Distribution Day)
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
🎒 Backpacks
💇 Free haircuts
📅 Saturday, August 16
⏰ 4:00–5:00 p.m.
📍 Broad Creek Middle School
📍 Newport Middle School
📍 Beaufort Middle School
🎒 Backpack pickup available at all three locations.
💙 Every notebook. Every box of crayons. Every backpack makes a difference.
Together, let's help every Carteret County Public Schools student start the year prepared, confident, and ready to learn! 📚🍎✏️
#StuffTheBus2026 #CCPSStrong #CommunityPowered #BackToSchool #CarteretCounty #OneCommunityOneMission #SupportOurStudents #EducateEngageEmpower

🚌🎒 HELP US STUFF THE BUS 2026! ✏️📚💙
🛒 How can YOU help?
📅 August 7, 8 & 9
📍 Morehead City Walmart & Staples
✅ Grab a school supply list card.
🛍️ Pick up a few extra supplies while you shop.
🚌 Drop them off at one of our big yellow CCPS buses outside!
Every donation helps! ❤️
Think...
✏️ Pencils
🖍️ Crayons
🖊️ Pens
🖍️ Markers
📄 Paper
📒 Notebooks
📁 Folders
...and so much more!
Can't make it to Walmart or Staples? No problem! 😊
📍 Drop off school supplies at community collection sites including:
🏗️ Safrit's Supply Company
🦷 Coastal Dentistry
…and other participating collection locations throughout Carteret County!
Together with our amazing Team Hosts:
💙 Parkview Baptist Church
❤️ Ann Street United Methodist Church
💛 Carteret County Public Schools
💚 Carteret Education Foundation
Save the Dates:
🎒 BACKPACK DISTRIBUTION DAYS
📅 Wednesday, August 12
⏰ 8:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 Parkview Baptist Church
Families can receive:
🎒 Backpacks filled with school supplies
👟 FREE shoes (while supplies last)
💇 FREE haircuts
🤝 Plus support from dozens of caring community volunteers and sponsors like the Health Department, School Nutrition Offices, Carolina Complete Health, and others!
📍 Satellite Distribution Sites
📅 Friday, August 15
📍 Scout Hut – in Davis (Down East Distribution Day)
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
🎒 Backpacks
💇 Free haircuts
📅 Saturday, August 16
⏰ 4:00–5:00 p.m.
📍 Broad Creek Middle School
📍 Newport Middle School
📍 Beaufort Middle School
🎒 Backpack pickup available at all three locations.
💙 Every notebook. Every box of crayons. Every backpack makes a difference.
Together, let's help every Carteret County Public Schools student start the year prepared, confident, and ready to learn! 📚🍎✏️
#StuffTheBus2026 #CCPSStrong #CommunityPowered #BackToSchool #CarteretCounty #OneCommunityOneMission #SupportOurStudents #EducateEngageEmpower

Looking for a rewarding job that fits your lifestyle? Join the CCPS Transportation Team and help safely transport the next generation of learners! ❤️💙
Why drive for CCPS?
✅ Flexible schedule
💰 Competitive pay
📍 Work close to home
🎓 Paid training provided
🌟 Make a lasting impact in students' lives every single day
🚍 Bus driver training classes are offered throughout the year, so there's always an opportunity to get started!
Ready to get behind the wheel and make a difference?
📞 Joey Guthrie, Director of Transportation
📱 252-728-4635
📧 joey.guthrie@carteretk12.org
🙌 Join our team and help keep Carteret County moving!
#CCPSCareers #JoinOurTeam #DriveTheDifference #SchoolBusDriver #WorkLocal #EducateEngageEmpower

🚌🎒 HELP US STUFF THE BUS 2026! ✏️📚💙
🛒 How can YOU help?
📅 August 7, 8 & 9
📍 Morehead City Walmart & Staples
✅ Grab a school supply list card.
🛍️ Pick up a few extra supplies while you shop.
🚌 Drop them off at one of our big yellow CCPS buses outside!
Every donation helps! ❤️
Think...
✏️ Pencils
🖍️ Crayons
🖊️ Pens
🖍️ Markers
📄 Paper
📒 Notebooks
📁 Folders
...and so much more!
Can't make it to Walmart or Staples? No problem! 😊
📍 Drop off school supplies at community collection sites including:
🏗️ Safrit's Supply Company
🦷 Coastal Dentistry
…and other participating collection locations throughout Carteret County!
Together with our amazing Team Hosts:
💙 Parkview Baptist Church
❤️ Ann Street United Methodist Church
💛 Carteret County Public Schools
💚 Carteret Education Foundation
Save the Dates:
🎒 BACKPACK DISTRIBUTION DAYS
📅 Wednesday, August 12
⏰ 8:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 Parkview Baptist Church
Families can receive:
🎒 Backpacks filled with school supplies
👟 FREE shoes (while supplies last)
💇 FREE haircuts
🤝 Plus support from dozens of caring community volunteers and sponsors like the Health Department, School Nutrition Offices, Carolina Complete Health, and others!
📍 Satellite Distribution Sites
📅 Friday, August 15
📍 Scout Hut – in Davis (Down East Distribution Day)
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
🎒 Backpacks
💇 Free haircuts
📅 Saturday, August 16
⏰ 4:00–5:00 p.m.
📍 Broad Creek Middle School
📍 Newport Middle School
📍 Beaufort Middle School
🎒 Backpack pickup available at all three locations.
💙 Every notebook. Every box of crayons. Every backpack makes a difference.
Together, let's help every Carteret County Public Schools student start the year prepared, confident, and ready to learn! 📚🍎✏️
#StuffTheBus2026 #CCPSStrong #CommunityPowered #BackToSchool #CarteretCounty #OneCommunityOneMission #SupportOurStudents #EducateEngageEmpower


📍 Crystal Coast Civic Center (203 College Circle, Morehead City)
🗓️ Wednesday, October 7, 2026
⏰ 9:00–11:00 AM
👉 To substitute teach for Carteret County Public Schools, you must have an Effective Teacher Training Certificate and/or a teaching license (current, expired, or out-of-state licenses are accepted).
💻 Email Katherine Goodwin at:Katherine.Goodwin@carteretk12.org to register today!
🍎 We look forward to welcoming new substitute teachers to the CCPS team and appreciate your willingness to support our students and schools! 💙

Yesterday, our CCPS Child Nutrition team met with Aramark Student Nutrition for an introductory meeting, where employees learned more about Aramark's programs, systems, and vision for enhancing school meals. It was also a great opportunity for staff to ask questions and learn what to expect as we begin this exciting partnership! 🤝💙
We're looking forward to working together to provide our students with even more nutritious, delicious meal options while continuing the outstanding service our cafeteria teams provide every day. 🍓🥦🍕🥛
📢 Want to learn more about our new partnership with Aramark? Read the full announcement in the News section of our website:
🔗 https://www.carteretcountyschools.org/news
Together, we're fueling student success—one meal at a time! 🍽️💙💛
#CCPS #EducateEngageEmpower #SchoolNutrition #Aramark #FuelingFutures
Beginning this school year, Carteret County Public Schools is transitioning to the NEW Senior Tar Heel Athletic Card! 🎟️💙
If you're 60 or older, you'll now enjoy an even better way to support our student-athletes! 🙌
✅ FREE admission to most regular-season CCPS high school and middle school athletic events
✅ Accepted at participating school districts across North Carolina
✅ Easier, more streamlined process to receive your card
✅ More opportunities to cheer on student-athletes throughout the state! 📣🏀⚾🏈🥎⚽🏐
📢 Please Note:
🚫 CCPS Senior Athletic Passes issued during the 2025-2026 school year have expired and will not be reissued. The Senior Tar Heel Athletic Card will now take their place.
🏅 Superintendent Richie Paylor shared:
"CCPS athletic programs are very successful, with many state championships under our belts, and we are proud of that tradition. We also want all of our fans to be able to attend as many games as possible, and this includes our senior residents. We believe the Tar Heel Card will only enhance that process."
📍 Get Your FREE Senior Tar Heel Athletic Card:
Carteret Senior Services
Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center of Excellence
📍 3820 Galantis Drive, Morehead City
📞 (252) 247-2626
❤️ Thank you to all of our amazing senior fans for your continued support of CCPS athletics! We can't wait to see you in the stands this season! 🎉💙💛
#CCPS #SeniorTarHeelCard #GoCCPS #SupportStudentAthletes #OneCommunity #FridayNightLights #CheerThemOn #TarHeelCard

Carteret County Public Schools is excited to announce a new partnership with Aramark Student Nutrition to manage our Child Nutrition Services beginning this school year!
Students can look forward to:
🍽️ More menu variety
🥕 Fresh, nutritious food choices
🎉 Fun cafeteria promotions and events
✨ Updated signage at some schools
The friendly cafeteria staff our students know will still be there, meal prices and payment systems will remain the same, and school allergy protocols will continue as always.
At Aramark Student Nutrition, their mission says it best:
"At Aramark Student Nutrition, we see the potential in every student. By serving nutritious, delicious foods in engaging, creative ways, we can brighten days and fuel futures."
We're excited about this new partnership and the opportunities it brings to enhance the school dining experience for our students! 💙💛
#CCPS #EducateEngageEmpower #SchoolNutrition #FuelFutures

It's time for our 14th Annual Community-Supported School Supply Collection! 🎉
Together with our amazing Team Hosts:
💙 Parkview Baptist Church
❤️ Ann Street United Methodist Church
💛 Carteret County Public Schools
💚 Carteret Education Foundation
..with hundreds of volunteers and many other Carteret County donors, businesses, churches, and community partners, we're working to make sure every student starts the school year with the supplies they need to succeed! 🍎✏️📓
🛒 How can YOU help?
📅 August 7, 8 & 9
📍 Morehead City Walmart & Staples
✅ Grab a school supply list card.
🛍️ Pick up a few extra supplies while you shop.
🚌 Drop them off at one of our big yellow CCPS buses outside!
Every donation helps! ❤️
Think...
✏️ Pencils
🖍️ Crayons
🖊️ Pens
🖍️ Markers
📄 Paper
📒 Notebooks
📁 Folders
...and so much more!
Can't make it to Walmart or Staples? No problem! 😊
📍 Drop off school supplies at community collection sites including:
🏗️ Safrit's Supply Company
🦷 Coastal Dentistry
…and other participating collection locations throughout Carteret County!
Save the Dates:
🎒 BACKPACK DISTRIBUTION DAYS
📅 Wednesday, August 12
⏰ 8:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 Parkview Baptist Church
Families can receive:
🎒 Backpacks filled with school supplies
👟 FREE shoes (while supplies last)
💇 FREE haircuts
🤝 Plus support from dozens of caring community volunteers and sponsors like the Health Department, School Nutrition Offices, Carolina Complete Health, and others!
📍 Satellite Distribution Sites
📅 Friday, August 15
📍 Scout Hut – in Davis (Down East Distribution Day)
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
🎒 Backpacks
💇 Free haircuts
📅 Saturday, August 16
⏰ 4:00–5:00 p.m.
📍 Broad Creek Middle School
📍 Newport Middle School
📍 Beaufort Middle School
🎒 Backpack pickup available at all three locations.
💙 Every notebook. Every box of crayons. Every backpack makes a difference.
Together, let's help every Carteret County Public Schools student start the year prepared, confident, and ready to learn! 📚🍎✏️
#StuffTheBus2026 #CCPSStrong #CommunityPowered #BackToSchool #CarteretCounty #OneCommunityOneMission #SupportOurStudents #EducateEngageEmpower

Carteret County Public Schools is excited to welcome Ms. Karen Wood back as our new Director of Early Childhood Education and Principal of our Carteret Preschool Center, effective July 28, 2026! 🍎📚
With 26 years of experience in education, Ms. Wood returns to CCPS after serving the past three years as the Northeast Region Early Literacy Consultant for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. She began her career as a Pre-K teacher and has served students and families as an administrator in Cumberland, Craven, and Carteret counties, as well as an NC Pre-K Family Literacy Specialist.
💬 "I am honored and excited to return home to Carteret County Public Schools as the Director of Early Childhood Education. I look forward to working alongside our educators, families, and community partners as we continue building a strong foundation for lifelong success, ensuring our youngest learners truly 'Start Here' through the outstanding preschool programs offered in Carteret County Public Schools." -Ms. Karen Wood
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Wood back to the CCPS family! We know her experience, leadership, and passion for early childhood education will make a lasting impact on our youngest learners. ❤️
#CCPSProud #StartHereStayHereGrowHere #EarlyChildhoodEducation #WelcomeBack #CarteretPreschoolCenter
