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PCS School Choice Lottery

Pitt County Schools to Host High School Information Night for Homeschool and Private School Families

PCS Closed For Students, Optional Workday For Staff On Thursday-Friday (Feb. 5-6)

PCS To Remain On Remote Status For Students And Staff Wednesday (February 4)

PCS To Remain On Remote Status For Students And Staff Tuesday (February 3)

PCS CONNECT Podcast

Season 2 | Episode 5: Ginny Collins and Michelle Money, Advanced Teaching Roles
In this insightful episode we sit down with two dedicated Pitt County Schools educators, Ginny Collins and Michelle Money, to discuss their experiences in Advanced Teaching Roles (ATR) and how it has transformed their approach to teaching and collaboration. We explore the role of Communities of Practice (CoPs) in reshaping how they work across schools and grade levels, creating more effective solutions to shared challenges. Our guests share the impact this collaborative process has had on their daily teaching practices and the positive effects on student engagement and learning outcomes, particularly in literacy.
Season 2 | Episode 4: Kim Anderson, PCS Lead Social Worker
Join us for an insightful conversation with Kim Anderson, a licensed clinical social worker and lead social worker for Pitt County Schools. In this episode, we dive into the pressing issue of homelessness within the school system, exploring its profound impact on students and families. Kim shares her experiences, insights, and the vital support services available to help students facing housing instability. Don't miss this important conversation about how we can make a difference together.
Season 2 | Episode 3: Dr. Steve Lassiter, PCS students

In Pitt County Schools, students are at the center of every conversation. In this episode of #pcsconnect , we’re excited to hear from three remarkable student leaders: Michael Raye, a senior from Innovation Early College High School; Hailey Mickey, a 10th grader at South Central High School; and Kenneth Villeda, a dedicated student from Wellcome Middle School.

Join us as we dive into meaningful discussions about school safety, what makes Pitt County Schools a desirable place to learn, their aspirations for the future, and the vital relationships they build with their teachers. This is the third installment in our series, and it promises to inspire and enlighten.
Season 2 | Episode 2: Dr. Steve Lassiter, PCS parents
We continue our series with interim superintendent Dr. Steve Lassiter with a uniquely special episode in which we turn over hosting duties ... to him. In Part II, Dr. Lassiter embraces the opportunity to chat with Pitt County Schools parents and answer questions about topics of interest as we prepare to head into the 2024-25 school year. We offer a distinct word of thanks to our guests - Diane Taylor, Jamie Lynn Cash and Joshua Breazeale - for visiting us on PCS Connect.
Season 2 | Episode 1: Dr. Steve Lassiter, Pitt County Schools Interim Superintendent
To kickoff Season Two of PCS Connect, we welcome Pitt County Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Steve Lassiter. Before assuming the top acting leadership role for PCS, which began August 1, Dr. Lassiter has served our district for a collective 15 years as deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent for education programs and services, principal, assistant principal and teacher. We discussed his journey as an educator, which includes his eastern North Carolina roots, and talked at-length about his priorities and vision during this period of transition under his guidance.
Episode 17: PCS Director of Data, Research & Accountability Shannon Wainright
As we near the end of another school year, it also means we're approaching the testing period - a time that often produces anxiety and angst for both students and parents. Pitt County Schools Director of Data, Research & Accountability Shannon Wainright offers insight to the process, how data is analyzed and used to sustain efforts to improve student achievement, and perhaps most importantly, offer helpful tips how to manage stress, properly prepare and implement strategies for those days. Additionally, we talked about opportunities which exist AFTER testing from a support and retake standpoint.
Episode 16: PCS Student Services Focused Inquiry Team (FIT)

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a perfect time to connect with the PCS Student Services Focused Inquiry Team (FIT):

Corrine Davis - School Counselor, Bethel

Jessica McIntyre - School Social Worker, WMS, NPHS, Bethel

Laura Bennett - School Counselor WGP

Rene Lee Bryan - School Social Worker GRW, Pactolus, Stokes

This podcast will explore resiliency practice within our schools and equip students, staff, and families with strategies and resources to overcome stressful situations.
Episode 15: 2024-25 PCS Teacher of the Year Rachel Candaso
The 2024-25 Pitt County Schools Teacher of the Year - Rachel Candaso - joins us on Episode 15 to talk about her unusual but rewarding journey as an educator. In her fourth year at Wellcome Middle School, Ms. Candaso, currently serves as an AVID teacher and site coordinator after earning her certification two years ago via a non-traditional route - an alternative pathway to licensure. She initially arrived in Pitt County through the Teach for America organization after earning bachelor degrees in political science and criminal justice. Hear about her experiences growing up in Guam and Arizona, and how she's now making an impact in eastern North Carolina.
Episode 14: PCS Director of IT Cory Rankin
Episode 14 offers listeners an opportunity to learn about information technology, a critical operating aspect of our district that many might either take for granted or are intimidated by in our ever-evolving and advancing world. The only constant in the technology industry is change, so we are fortunate to have PCS Director of IT Cory Rankin provide us with comprehensive insight on where we were, where we are and where we're headed to as a district which places a premium on utilizing cutting edge technology. Also, as a cybersecurity specialist, Cory will discuss some of the preventative and security measures he's implemented and how those have enhanced both user and data capabilities and protection across our district.
Episode 13: Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Trent McGee
Find out why Pitt County is such a desirable place to work, play and raise a family by listening to Episode 13 featuring Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Trent McGee. One of the centerpieces of the quality of life we enjoy in our area is a rich and multi-faceted partnership between our school system and the Chamber - one that is firmly committed to grow minds and invest in our future. Among the many highlights discussed include Grow Local, Teen Leadership Institute, a newly-established scholarship for a PCS graduate and support for the Pitt County Educational Foundation Teacher Executive Institute.
Episode 12: Director of Transportation Richard Hutchinson
Pitt County Schools' Director of Transportation Richard Hutchinson joins us for Episode 12 to discuss a myriad of topics, many that help keep the wheels in motion across our expansive district. He'll also talk about how evolving technology and a commitment to efficiency has helped address challenges that are unfortunately prevalent in this sector of our service to students and families, not only here, but across the country. He was appointed to his current position in October of 2022 after serving on-campus administrative leadership roles for the previous 15 years, which included 11 within PCS - as assistant principal at J.H. Rose High School and Ayden-Grifton High School.
Episode 11: Director of Student Services Mrs. Karen Harrington
Student-centered topics are on the forefront in Episode 11 as we feature Director of Student Services Mrs. Karen Harrington, who talks about Pitt County Schools' effort to provide an exceptional learning environment for all students in our system despite societal challenges that many face each day. Her staff's work, along with counselors, social workers and nurses, promote partnerships with our educators, parents and members of the community that focus on providing preventive care and support the removal of barriers that affect our students. In addition, means to help students find pathways that present them with the best possible chance for success - opportunities like open enrollment - are discussed, along with how those processes work.
Episode 10: Annual School Calendar Discussion
Episode 10 features a topic that is of great interest in our community and one that generates passionate discussion - the annual school calendar. Two individuals who play key roles in its development process, PCS Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Kristi Rhone and District Attorney Ms. Emma Hodson, explain the origination, creation and approval of the calendar. Both address misconceptions that currently exist and offer clarity and transparency to the process, the need for the collection of feedback and how it is utilized, its ties to state laws and how you can support efforts to see a change that would help students.
Episode 9: 2023-24 PCS Teacher of the Year Ainsley VanBuskirk
Joining us on Episode 9 is Pactolus Global School first-grade teacher Mrs. Ainsley VanBuskirk. In addition to serving as the sitting 2023-24 Pitt County Schools Teacher of the Year, Mrs. VanBuskirk was recently selected as a Milken Educator Award recipient - a prestigious national honor awarded annually to only the most exceptional educators. She became Pitt County's first Milken Award recipient since 1999, joining an exclusive network that not only includes teachers, but principals and administrators across all 50 states. We hope you enjoy this heart-warming journey of a truly home-grown educator.
Episode 8: Innovation Early College High School Principal Dr. Jennifer James
Dr. Jennifer James, the 2023-24 Pitt County Schools Principal of the Year, is featured in Episode 8 to reflect back on her path as an educator and administrator, as well as discuss her unique current leadership role at Innovation Early College High School, which is located on the ECU campus. Dr. James is the founding principal at IECHS, which opened its doors a little over five years ago and continues to reach new heights that has enabled many first-generation students to experience substantial growth through - true to its name - innovative instruction and an unparalleled culture of excellence.
Episode 7: Community Partner, Great Harvest Bread Co.
Pitt County Schools values our community partners as they provide support and resources to help our students and teachers grow and thrive. Gregg Green, owner of Great Harvest Bread Co., has been a tremendous collaborative partner with the Pitt County Educational Foundation and established a Community PTA in 2022. Join Gregg and Joy Strayhorn (operations manager) as they elaborate on their dedication to PCS, community engagement, and share tips for a healthy work environment and healthy living.
Episode 6: PCS Director of Athletics Rob Maloney and Isaiah Crumpler
In Episode 6, we'll talk about a topic that builds both affinity and community. It has been often said that athletics is similar to a front porch - not the most important part of a house, but undoubtedly the most visible. Pitt County Schools is proud of its rich past, exciting present and promising future on the fields and in the arenas of competition. The recent past includes a combined 13 state team and individual state championships since the start of the 2022 calendar year, and we delve into present and future with our two guests - PCS Director of Athletics Rob Maloney and D.H. Conley High School student-athlete Isaiah Crumpler.
Episode 5: Pitt Pirate Robotics
Meet Pitt Pirate Robotics, founding lead mentor, Ann McClung and J.H. Rose High School student, Carson Fraley, as they share information regarding Pitt Pirate Robotics programs and STEM opportunities throughout Pitt County. Ann McClung is a former veteran PCS science teacher who continues to work with interested students pursuing their STEM interests through the FIRST Robotics Program.
Episode 4: Tom Kulikowski and Clinton Todd, PCEF

Episode 4 of the PCS CONNECT podcast features an organization that is at the heart of Pitt County Schools, the Pitt County Educational Foundation (PCEF).

Guests Tom Kulikowski (PCEF Board chair) and Clinton Todd (PCS Talent Acquisition Coordinator) joined Beth Ulffers (PCEF Executive Director) to gain an understanding of the multifaceted programs that support PCS teachers and students throughout the district.
Episode 3: Dr. Kristi Rhone and Ms. Tinisha Banks, HR
While there has been no shortage of headlines over the last few years, the same can't be said for teachers, administrators and other staff in schools across the nation. Unfortunately, Pitt County Schools is not immune to vacancies within its system and that is a topic that will be discussed in this episode of PCS Connect with Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Kristi Rhone and Certification Specialist Ms. Tinisha Banks. Both will address the shortages, but more importantly, explain strategies and solutions to help PCS in its recruitment and retainment efforts.
Episode 2: Mrs. Allison Setser & Mr. Wynn Whittington, Principals
With the first week of a new school year underway, it is fitting that this edition of PCS Connect features Eastern Elementary School Principal Mrs. Allison Setser and Pitt County Early College High School Principal Mr. Wynn Whittington. Both have served top leadership positions at schools in our district for a combined 19 years and we're hopeful their collective experience will answer questions parents might have, help promote relationships between school and home, and perhaps most importantly, prepare children for academic and emotional success.
Episode 1: Dr. Ethan Lenker, Pitt County Schools Superintendent
Pitt County Schools Superintendent Dr. Ethan Lenker, who is currently the longest-serving district leader in North Carolina, discusses the upcoming school year and the state of public education locally, regionally and nationally in this inaugural edition of PCS Connect. In this podcast, Dr. Lenker shares what makes PCS and Pitt County communities unique, along with creating opportunities for students, discussing advanced teaching roles and his long-standing influence on educational leadership.

One 9 Thematic Schools including schools of the Arts, Global Health and Wellness, STEM, Leadership and 2 Dual Language Immersion programs

2000+ students receiving documented skill credentials yearly through CTE courses

Fact 3 38 sections of advanced courses offered to 674 middle school students in 2020-21. (Earth/Environmental Science, Math 1, World History)

7 Industry Partners committed to paid student pre-apprenticeships through Tradesformers

290+ sports team opportunities for middle and high school students

443 Teachers in Leadership Development Programs through the Division of Excellence and Equity in Leadership

Fact 7 18 School Psychologists, 26 School Resource Officers, 21 Social Workers, and 18 School Nurses cover 38 PCS schools

100+ businesses participating in Grow Local, connecting students to community and career options

3 High Level Extension Programs for students such as the Health Sciences Academy, Pitt Technical Academy, and Pharma K-12

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