
At Morehead City Primary, the journey begins. 💙
Located on Country Club Road, Morehead City Primary serves PK–3 students in Carteret County Public Schools—giving our youngest learners a strong, focused start from day one 📚✨
As part of our district’s grade-level model, students begin here in Primary (PK–3), then continue to Intermediate (4–5 at Camp Glenn) and Middle School (6–8)—growing each step of the way with the support they need at every stage 🌱
Inside our classrooms, students build confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills through hands-on learning and strong relationships 🤝
Families are part of the experience, too—creating a welcoming school community where students don’t just attend… they belong ❤️👨👩👧👦
This is where it all starts—and it’s a strong start.
🔗 Enroll today: bit.ly/enrollccps








Recognized were:
Madison Madden, CHS, FBLA Central Region Vice President State Officer
Maggie Lewis, ECHS, SkillsUSA 3rd place in Creed Speaking
Skyler Outland, WCHS, SkillsUSA 3rd place in Job Skills Demonstration
Emma Foley, WCHS, SkillsUSA 2nd place in Culinary Arts
Steven Ferguson, CHS, Skills USA 2nd place Computer Programming
Vivian Rivera, CHS, Skills USA 2nd place in Creed Speaking at Federation
Tyler Adams, CHS, FFA 1st place in Tool Identification at Federation
Hunter Slicker, CHS, FFA 1st place in Tool Identification at Federation
Cayden Smith, CHS, FFA 1st place in Tool Identification at Federation
Madilyn Peeples, WCHS, Skills USA 1st Place in Job Skills Demonstration and Elected as State Officer
TJ Murray, WCHS, Skills USA 1st Place in Customer Service
Croatan High School
Maritzel Perez-DeLa Cruz - Social Science
Olivia Gumbel - Choral Music, Soprano 2
John McGrail - Instrumental Music, Euphonium
Gavin Zheng - Mathematics
East Carteret High School
Julia Propst - English
West Carteret High School
Natalie Dumont, Choral Music, Alto 1
Zeppelin Gavalis, - Visual Art
Makenna Mayo - Social Science
At tonight's Board of Education Meeting, Chair Katie Statler recognized the our talented Honors Band and All-State Jazz Band students
Middle School Honors Band
Adyson Hardy – Bassoon, 3rd Chair (Broad Creek MS)
Alexander Allen – Clarinet, 17th Chair (Broad Creek MS)
Jackson Condie – Snare/General, 4th Chair (Broad Creek MS)
Adeline Rose Mloganoski – Clarinet, 3rd Chair (Morehead City MS)
Ella Buckel – Clarinet, 19th Chair (Morehead City MS)
Eliot Edwards – Trumpet, 1st Chair (Morehead City MS)
Holt Perry – Horn, 8th Chair (Morehead City MS)
Chris Gandarilla-Gomez – Tuba, 1st Chair (Morehead City MS)
Brennan Allen – Tuba, 3rd Chair (Morehead City MS)
Middle School All-State Jazz Band
Eliot Edwards – 1st Chair Trumpet, Jazz A Band (Morehead City MS)
Ryder Fitzpatrick – Bass, Jazz B Band (Broad Creek MS)
High School Honors Band
Tommy Kellis – Trombone (9–10), 5th Chair (West Carteret HS)
Kinley Pinckard – Clarinet (11–12), 5th Chair (West Carteret HS)
High School All-State Jazz Band
Tommy Kellis – 2nd Chair Trombone, Jazz A Band (West Carteret HS)
Jackson Wright – 2nd Chair Tenor Sax, Jazz A Band (East Carteret HS)
Directors
Broad Creek Middle School – Dave Stroud
East Carteret High School - Ashley Wright
Morehead City Middle School – Jason Robison
West Carteret High School – Andrew Wright
From its early days to the campus we see today, this school has continued to evolve while holding tight to what matters most: strong relationships, strong learning, and strong community ties 🤝📚
Located in a welcoming, close-knit community, Smyrna Elementary has always been more than just a school building—it’s a place where families are part of the school family from the very beginning ❤️👨👩👧👦
Today, as part of a shared campus with Down East Middle School, that tradition continues—connecting generations of students, parents, and educators under one shared commitment to students 🌱
Posting memories below of your time walking down the halls at SES are encouraged!
🔗 Enroll today: bit.ly/enrollccps


In this photo, Janet Gillikin shares yearbooks from her time in the 1950s as a student, including a special “then and now” moment from when she and Kenneth were voted Most Athletic 🏆📖 Moments like these reflect the deep roots and lasting traditions of Smyrna Elementary School—and now Down East Middle School—within the Down East community.
For decades, this campus has been more than a school; it’s been a true part of the fabric of the communities it serves—shaped by families, friendships, and shared memories that span generations 🌊❤️
Do you have old photos or memories from your time at SES? We’d love to see them! Share them in the comments below 📸👇
🔗 Enroll today: bit.ly/enrollccps




In this lesson, a student is working in her HMH reading book, carefully defining key vocabulary words connected to her text 📚✏️ This close reading practice helps students build comprehension, strengthen language skills, and become confident, independent readers 💡
At Smyrna, students are challenged and supported as they grow into thoughtful learners who can understand and use academic vocabulary in meaningful ways 🌱
Ready to be part of the learning?
🔗 Enroll today: bit.ly/enrollccps


As the School Resource Officer for Smyrna Elementary and Down East Middle, Deputy Boyette helps keep our campuses safe while also building meaningful connections with students every day 🤝
In this photo, he’s taking a moment to connect—playing rock, paper, scissors with a student ✊, because those small interactions help build big trust ❤️
Through mentoring, encouragement, and fun activities like “Stump the SRO,” where he reads alongside students and answers their questions at lunch 📚🍎, he’s helping foster a love of learning and positive relationships across campus.
With recent additions like new security walls funded through bond support, our campus is even more secure, ensuring students and staff can focus on learning in a safe environment 🔒
More than an officer, he’s a mentor, a role model, and a true member of the school family ❤️
Come be part of a community where students feel safe, supported, and ready to grow 🌱
🔗 Enroll today: bit.ly/enrollccps



By building, sorting, and exploring, these young learners are developing a deeper understanding of shapes—turning abstract concepts into something they can see and touch ✋✨
It’s engaging, meaningful learning that builds strong foundations for the future! 🌱
Ready to get started?
🔗 Enroll today: bit.ly/enrollccps


Through hands-on activities and guided support, these young learners are connecting science concepts to the world around them—one step at a time 🌎✨
It’s all part of creating strong foundations for future success!
Ready to grow with us? 🌱
🔗 Enroll today: bit.ly/enrollccps


Hands-on learning in action at Smyrna Elementary! 🎉 Our kindergarten students are building strong math foundations through small group instruction, where every learner gets the support they need.
In this group, students are working with their Teacher Assistant to add and subtract within 10, using their fingers to show numbers and create concrete representations 🤲➡️🔢
It’s learning you can see, touch, and understand—setting the stage for future success! 🌱
Ready to get started? Enroll today:
🔗 bit.ly/enrollccps

📍 Nestled in the heart of Down East Carteret County, Smyrna Elementary School has long been a cornerstone of its community and recently celebrated it's Centennial Anniversary. 🌊🏫
For generations, this school has served families across Smyrna and surrounding communities—once operating as a traditional K–8 school that brought students of all ages together under one roof.
As the needs of the community evolved, so did the campus. Today, Smyrna Elementary and Down East Middle School share the same location, continuing a proud tradition of education while better supporting students at each level 🎓
More than just a school, Smyrna Elementary is a true gathering place for the Down East community—a place where relationships are built, traditions are honored, and generations of families have walked the same halls ❤️
Recently, important upgrades like new security walls—made possible through bond funding—have strengthened the campus, ensuring a safe and secure environment for students and staff 🔒
From its deep roots to its continued growth, Smyrna Elementary remains a vital part of the Down East story 🌅

All month long, we’re shining a spotlight on our schools! Each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, an elementary school will take over our page to show you what makes their school a great place to learn and grow.
This week:
📅 Tuesday – Smyrna Elementary
📅 Wednesday – Morehead City Primary
📅 Thursday – Morehead City Elementary
Follow along, get a closer look inside our classrooms, and see the difference for yourself.
📲 Enroll today: https://bit.ly/enrollccps
When you see a school you love—like, comment, and share! 👏











Today is all about celebrating the incredible people who make Carteret County Public Schools one of the very best in North Carolina — ranked 3rd in the state for academic excellence!
We are proud to honor outstanding individuals in the following categories:
✨ Classified Employee of the Year
✨ Certified Employee of the Year
✨ Assistant Principal of the Year
✨ Principal of the Year
✨ Teacher of the Year
🎉 And yes… one exceptional educator will drive away as our Teacher of the Year in a Chevy Equinox EV for an entire year, thanks to Kurtis Chevrolet!
Join us LIVE on Facebook at 1:30 PM to celebrate these amazing educators and see who takes home the honors — and the keys! 🚗
Let’s come together to recognize the h

Today, we celebrate excellence across Carteret County Public Schools, and it simply would not be possible without the generous support of our amazing community partners.
A heartfelt thank you to our Event Sponsors:
🌟 Carteret County Farm Bureau (Gold)
🌟 Plain Jane’s Cleaning and Janitorial Supply (Silver)
🌟 Carteret Education Foundation
🌟 Safrit’s Building Supply
🚗 Special thanks to our Car Sponsor, Kurtis Chevrolet, for providing an unforgettable driving experience for our Teacher of the Year!
👏 We are also grateful for our Category & Partner Sponsors:
RE/MAX Ocean Properties, Hite Associates, Frank Door, Kirkman Whitford Law Firm, The Smile Makers, Sanborn Orthodontics, 21CS, and Chick-fil-A.
🍽️ And a huge thank you to Morehead City Country Club for hosting us and providing a wonderful luncheon for this special celebration.
Your support allows us to recognize the very best of CCPS and celebrate the people who make our district one of the top-performing in North Carolina. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our students, staff, and schools!
#CCPSProud #ThankYouSponsors #ExcellenceInEducation
























