🎨✨ We are proud to showcase student artwork in our District Office! Each month, the display will rotate to feature pieces created by talented young artists from across our schools.
For the month of December, we are excited to highlight artwork from students at Bladenboro Middle School. Their creativity and teamwork shine through in a collaborative mural that now brings school spirit and inspiration to our office walls.”🌟
We look forward to celebrating student artists from every school throughout the year—another way we’re highlighting the many gifts and talents of our #LearnersToLeaders.
For the month of December, we are excited to highlight artwork from students at Bladenboro Middle School. Their creativity and teamwork shine through in a collaborative mural that now brings school spirit and inspiration to our office walls.”🌟
We look forward to celebrating student artists from every school throughout the year—another way we’re highlighting the many gifts and talents of our #LearnersToLeaders.
December BOE Meeting Highlights
🇺🇸 A special thank you to Victoria Baiza Rivon and Paisley Singletary from Bladenboro Middle School for leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
✨Spotlights and Recognitions✨
📝 Mr. Dixon from the local VFW presented an award to Jackson Bridgers from East Bladen High School. Not present was Alayah Turner from Elizabethtown Middle School.
🍳 Congratulations to the following students who earned their ServSafe Food Manager Certification: Sheyla Majera, Joanna Rodriguez, Jania Leach, Kali Allen, Charlotte Cookson, Haley Taylor, Vera Valentiner, and Armando Reyna-Vicencio
⚽ North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association Awards
Jonah Bryan: All-Region
Jayce Hatcher: All-Region
Ishaq Algozy: All-State
Davion Lewis: All-State
Jay Raynor: Regional Coach of the Year
Eric Sandoval: Regional Assistant Coach of the Year
🏈 Congratulations to the EBHS JV Football team on being named Carolina Conference Co-Champions: Ryne Priest, Ethan Burden, Damian Maynor, Prince McKoy, Omar Powell, Joel Lewis, Avery McKinley, Darnell Rouse, Anthony Jones, Prince Powell, Marley Whitaker-Vaughan, Lakota Schmale, ZahMarion Pone, Chase Moultrie, Khyrin Hairston, Chandler Wall, Cayden Morton, Deunta Travis, Kenley Parks, Hysiah Baldwin, Kwesi Holloway, Mason Sanford, Kanye Smith, Elijah Smith, Mason Durden, Tryone Freeman, Jemel Carter, Coach Teffrey McKoy, Asst. Coach Cory Corbett, and Asst. Coach Alex Barbour.
💫Students and Employees of the Month💫
Each month, Bladen County Schools recognizes students and employees who exemplify what it means to be learners and leaders in our district.
Our Students of the Month demonstrate kindness, responsibility, academic effort, and a commitment to growth—modeling Leader in Me habits that make their schools better places to learn.
Our Employees of the Month show outstanding professionalism, teamwork, and care—leading with heart whether in the classroom, on a bus, in the cafeteria, or behind the scenes.
Congratulations to all of our December honorees.
👥Board Organization: The Board of Education elected Mackie Singletary as Board Chair and Tim Benton as Vice Chair for the upcoming year.
📋Information Items
🏗️ Facilities Update: Bennine Lennon, Director of Maintenance, provided a comprehensive breakdown of major projects he and his team have completed across the district, including bathroom renovations, HVAC replacements, and infrastructure improvements at schools throughout the county.
🍽️ School Nutrition Equipment Update: Crystal O'Briant, Director of School Nutrition, provided an update on kitchen equipment needs across the district and shared that the department is pursuing grant funding to address equipment repairs and replacements.
📋 Board Committees Policy Review: Dr. Atkinson reviewed the board committees policy. The Board Chair will create committee assignments effective January 1, 2025. Board members were asked to submit their committee preferences by December 15th.
The BOE Approved....
✓ East Arcadia School Consolidation Study: The BOE approved moving forward with scheduling public hearings on the potential consolidation of East Arcadia School with Clarkton School of Discovery. Important Note: This action authorizes public hearings only—no decision has been made regarding school closure. Public hearings will be held at both East Arcadia School and Clarkton School of Discovery, with dates to be determined and announced. The public hearings will follow board meeting public comment guidelines, with the exception of the 30-minute time limit. Additional information will be forthcoming. A copy of the study as well as the presentation from the board meeting are available on our website.
✓Use of Wireless Communication Devices Policy: The BOE approved the Use of Wireless Communication Devices Policy. This policy aligns with our Code of Conduct.
📆Key Dates and Reminders
All schools will have early release during the final week before winter break
Friday, December 20 is the last day before break—all buildings close at 1 PM.
Required teacher workday on January 2, 2026
Students return to school on Monday, January 5, 2026.
📊Superintendent's Report Highlights
🔍 Financial Audit: Dr. Atkinson has engaged with an auditing firm to conduct a comprehensive financial audit. The firm is scheduled to return in February with their findings.
📈 Strategic Plan: The district will begin the process of overhauling its strategic plan to align with State Superintendent Green's updated state plan. The process is expected to take 4-6 months, with the goal of having a new strategic plan in place by July 1, 2026. The process will include input from students, staff, and the community.
🙏 Community Thanks: Dr. Atkinson extended thanks to Baldwin Branch Church for their support of the district.
🤝 County Commissioner Meeting: The superintendent is working to schedule a meeting with the new county commissioner leadership in January to discuss district needs and priorities.
🇺🇸 A special thank you to Victoria Baiza Rivon and Paisley Singletary from Bladenboro Middle School for leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
✨Spotlights and Recognitions✨
📝 Mr. Dixon from the local VFW presented an award to Jackson Bridgers from East Bladen High School. Not present was Alayah Turner from Elizabethtown Middle School.
🍳 Congratulations to the following students who earned their ServSafe Food Manager Certification: Sheyla Majera, Joanna Rodriguez, Jania Leach, Kali Allen, Charlotte Cookson, Haley Taylor, Vera Valentiner, and Armando Reyna-Vicencio
⚽ North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association Awards
Jonah Bryan: All-Region
Jayce Hatcher: All-Region
Ishaq Algozy: All-State
Davion Lewis: All-State
Jay Raynor: Regional Coach of the Year
Eric Sandoval: Regional Assistant Coach of the Year
🏈 Congratulations to the EBHS JV Football team on being named Carolina Conference Co-Champions: Ryne Priest, Ethan Burden, Damian Maynor, Prince McKoy, Omar Powell, Joel Lewis, Avery McKinley, Darnell Rouse, Anthony Jones, Prince Powell, Marley Whitaker-Vaughan, Lakota Schmale, ZahMarion Pone, Chase Moultrie, Khyrin Hairston, Chandler Wall, Cayden Morton, Deunta Travis, Kenley Parks, Hysiah Baldwin, Kwesi Holloway, Mason Sanford, Kanye Smith, Elijah Smith, Mason Durden, Tryone Freeman, Jemel Carter, Coach Teffrey McKoy, Asst. Coach Cory Corbett, and Asst. Coach Alex Barbour.
💫Students and Employees of the Month💫
Each month, Bladen County Schools recognizes students and employees who exemplify what it means to be learners and leaders in our district.
Our Students of the Month demonstrate kindness, responsibility, academic effort, and a commitment to growth—modeling Leader in Me habits that make their schools better places to learn.
Our Employees of the Month show outstanding professionalism, teamwork, and care—leading with heart whether in the classroom, on a bus, in the cafeteria, or behind the scenes.
Congratulations to all of our December honorees.
👥Board Organization: The Board of Education elected Mackie Singletary as Board Chair and Tim Benton as Vice Chair for the upcoming year.
📋Information Items
🏗️ Facilities Update: Bennine Lennon, Director of Maintenance, provided a comprehensive breakdown of major projects he and his team have completed across the district, including bathroom renovations, HVAC replacements, and infrastructure improvements at schools throughout the county.
🍽️ School Nutrition Equipment Update: Crystal O'Briant, Director of School Nutrition, provided an update on kitchen equipment needs across the district and shared that the department is pursuing grant funding to address equipment repairs and replacements.
📋 Board Committees Policy Review: Dr. Atkinson reviewed the board committees policy. The Board Chair will create committee assignments effective January 1, 2025. Board members were asked to submit their committee preferences by December 15th.
The BOE Approved....
✓ East Arcadia School Consolidation Study: The BOE approved moving forward with scheduling public hearings on the potential consolidation of East Arcadia School with Clarkton School of Discovery. Important Note: This action authorizes public hearings only—no decision has been made regarding school closure. Public hearings will be held at both East Arcadia School and Clarkton School of Discovery, with dates to be determined and announced. The public hearings will follow board meeting public comment guidelines, with the exception of the 30-minute time limit. Additional information will be forthcoming. A copy of the study as well as the presentation from the board meeting are available on our website.
✓Use of Wireless Communication Devices Policy: The BOE approved the Use of Wireless Communication Devices Policy. This policy aligns with our Code of Conduct.
📆Key Dates and Reminders
All schools will have early release during the final week before winter break
Friday, December 20 is the last day before break—all buildings close at 1 PM.
Required teacher workday on January 2, 2026
Students return to school on Monday, January 5, 2026.
📊Superintendent's Report Highlights
🔍 Financial Audit: Dr. Atkinson has engaged with an auditing firm to conduct a comprehensive financial audit. The firm is scheduled to return in February with their findings.
📈 Strategic Plan: The district will begin the process of overhauling its strategic plan to align with State Superintendent Green's updated state plan. The process is expected to take 4-6 months, with the goal of having a new strategic plan in place by July 1, 2026. The process will include input from students, staff, and the community.
🙏 Community Thanks: Dr. Atkinson extended thanks to Baldwin Branch Church for their support of the district.
🤝 County Commissioner Meeting: The superintendent is working to schedule a meeting with the new county commissioner leadership in January to discuss district needs and priorities.
School leadership in action! Principals and APs gathered at NCPAPA today, united in their commitment to North Carolina students.
Tonight's BOE meeting can be viewed online by clicking the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvW0qOxX1wM
Notice of Regular Scheduled Board Meeting
The Bladen County Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 8 at 6 pm. The meeting will be held in the boardroom at the District Administration Building.
This is an official meeting and action items and personnel matters will be on the agenda, as per NCGS 143.318.11 (a)(1); and to consult with an attorney, if needed, as per NCGS 143.318.11 (a)(3).
The Bladen County Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 8 at 6 pm. The meeting will be held in the boardroom at the District Administration Building.
This is an official meeting and action items and personnel matters will be on the agenda, as per NCGS 143.318.11 (a)(1); and to consult with an attorney, if needed, as per NCGS 143.318.11 (a)(3).
🎉Congratulations to Hayley Baxley at Bladenboro Middle School, another BCS💡Bright Ideas Education Grant recipient!
Four County EMC Community Engagement Specialist Hannah Mabe presented a $1,890 grant award to teacher Hayley Baxley. Hayley’s plan for her grant is to create a hands-on life skills café that gives students with disabilities real opportunities to practice daily living and vocational skills. Students will learn how to handle money, read menus, follow multistep directions, prepare simple items, and communicate with peers and customers in a supportive school setting. This structured environment helps build independence, confidence, social competence, and future employment readiness.
Four County EMC is proud to support educators whose innovative projects enrich classroom instruction across a variety of disciplines including music, art, history, reading, science, technology, math, and engineering.
This year, Four County EMC awarded more than $40,000 in Bright Ideas grant funding to teachers across our service territory. To learn more, visit https://www.fourcty.org/community/bright-ideas/.
We can't wait to see this project come to life!
Four County EMC Community Engagement Specialist Hannah Mabe presented a $1,890 grant award to teacher Hayley Baxley. Hayley’s plan for her grant is to create a hands-on life skills café that gives students with disabilities real opportunities to practice daily living and vocational skills. Students will learn how to handle money, read menus, follow multistep directions, prepare simple items, and communicate with peers and customers in a supportive school setting. This structured environment helps build independence, confidence, social competence, and future employment readiness.
Four County EMC is proud to support educators whose innovative projects enrich classroom instruction across a variety of disciplines including music, art, history, reading, science, technology, math, and engineering.
This year, Four County EMC awarded more than $40,000 in Bright Ideas grant funding to teachers across our service territory. To learn more, visit https://www.fourcty.org/community/bright-ideas/.
We can't wait to see this project come to life!
Prepared. Trained. Ready.
Today, members of our staff completed Stop the Bleed training in partnership with the Bladen County Sheriff's Office. Every team member in Bladen County Schools completes this training to ensure they have the skills to respond in critical moments.
This is training we hope we never have to use—but we're committed to ensuring our schools are as safe and prepared as possible. When it comes to protecting our students and staff, we leave nothing to chance.
Thank you to the Bladen County Sheriff's Office for this vital partnership. Together, we're building a safer tomorrow.
Today, members of our staff completed Stop the Bleed training in partnership with the Bladen County Sheriff's Office. Every team member in Bladen County Schools completes this training to ensure they have the skills to respond in critical moments.
This is training we hope we never have to use—but we're committed to ensuring our schools are as safe and prepared as possible. When it comes to protecting our students and staff, we leave nothing to chance.
Thank you to the Bladen County Sheriff's Office for this vital partnership. Together, we're building a safer tomorrow.
🎉Congratulations to Kim Jones at West Bladen High School, a💡Bright Ideas Education Grant recipient!
Four County EMC Community Engagement Specialist Hannah Mabe presented a $2,000 grant award to teacher Kim Jones. This funding, made possible by Four County EMC members, will help create a Sensory Exploration Zone, a dedicated space designed to enhance student learning, comfort, and connection.
Four County EMC is proud to support educators whose innovative projects enrich classroom instruction across a variety of disciplines including music, art, history, reading, science, technology, math, and engineering.
This year, Four County EMC awarded more than $40,000 in Bright Ideas grant funding to teachers across our service territory. To learn more, visit https://www.fourcty.org/community/bright-ideas/.
We can't wait to see this project come to life!
Four County EMC Community Engagement Specialist Hannah Mabe presented a $2,000 grant award to teacher Kim Jones. This funding, made possible by Four County EMC members, will help create a Sensory Exploration Zone, a dedicated space designed to enhance student learning, comfort, and connection.
Four County EMC is proud to support educators whose innovative projects enrich classroom instruction across a variety of disciplines including music, art, history, reading, science, technology, math, and engineering.
This year, Four County EMC awarded more than $40,000 in Bright Ideas grant funding to teachers across our service territory. To learn more, visit https://www.fourcty.org/community/bright-ideas/.
We can't wait to see this project come to life!
Holiday creativity is in full swing at Bladenboro Middle School! 🎨 Students are creating special decorations for their school tree—each ornament is a unique reflection of their creativity and holiday cheer. 🎄
🌟 Student of the Month Spotlight 🌟
Congratulations Kali from West Bladen High School!
Kali is an outstanding student-athlete and a valued member of the West Bladen Volleyball team. She consistently demonstrates hard work and dedication both on the court and in the classroom. Kali is a conscientious student who sets a great example for her peers through her focus, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.
Join us in celebrating Kali's outstanding contributions to our school community! 👏
Congratulations Kali from West Bladen High School!
Kali is an outstanding student-athlete and a valued member of the West Bladen Volleyball team. She consistently demonstrates hard work and dedication both on the court and in the classroom. Kali is a conscientious student who sets a great example for her peers through her focus, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.
Join us in celebrating Kali's outstanding contributions to our school community! 👏
🌟 Student of the Month Spotlight 🌟
Congratulations Omarion from West Bladen High School!
Omarion exemplifies what it means to be an active community member at West Bladen. With his positive energy and school pride, Omarion helps set the tone each day, often making announcements and serving as a voice many recognize throughout the school.
Join us in celebrating Omarion's outstanding contributions to our school community! 👏
Congratulations Omarion from West Bladen High School!
Omarion exemplifies what it means to be an active community member at West Bladen. With his positive energy and school pride, Omarion helps set the tone each day, often making announcements and serving as a voice many recognize throughout the school.
Join us in celebrating Omarion's outstanding contributions to our school community! 👏
🦃Happy Thanksgiving!
This Thanksgiving, we hope you know how grateful we are for each of you—our students, our families, and our incredible staff. Your dedication, support, and partnership make our schools stronger every single day, and we are truly thankful for the Bladen County Schools family.
This Thanksgiving, we hope you know how grateful we are for each of you—our students, our families, and our incredible staff. Your dedication, support, and partnership make our schools stronger every single day, and we are truly thankful for the Bladen County Schools family.
We are incredibly grateful for the organizations and individuals who invest in our schools and students. Your support makes a real difference in creating safe, welcoming learning environments where our children can thrive.
Today, we want to recognize Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for their generous donation of cleaning supplies to Bladen Lakes Primary School. This thoughtful contribution helps us maintain clean, healthy spaces for our students and staff every day.
Thank you, Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, for being such a valued partner in education. Together, we're building a stronger community! 💙
Today, we want to recognize Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for their generous donation of cleaning supplies to Bladen Lakes Primary School. This thoughtful contribution helps us maintain clean, healthy spaces for our students and staff every day.
Thank you, Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, for being such a valued partner in education. Together, we're building a stronger community! 💙
🌟 Student of the Month Spotlight 🌟
Congratulations Jakhi from Tar Heel School!
Jakhi demonstrates great character and commitment to his academic studies. Participating actively in class and leading by example, his dedication to learning and positive influence on peers make him an outstanding role model in our school community.
Join us in celebrating Jakhi's outstanding contributions to our school community! 👏
Congratulations Jakhi from Tar Heel School!
Jakhi demonstrates great character and commitment to his academic studies. Participating actively in class and leading by example, his dedication to learning and positive influence on peers make him an outstanding role model in our school community.
Join us in celebrating Jakhi's outstanding contributions to our school community! 👏
🌟 Student of the Month Spotlight 🌟
Congratulations Jewel from Tar Heel School!
A strong work ethic and determination are trademarks of this outstanding student at Tar Heel School. Jewel consistently demonstrates dedication to her studies. She serves as an excellent role model for her peers through hard work and perseverance.
Join us in celebrating Jewel's outstanding contributions to our school community! 👏
Congratulations Jewel from Tar Heel School!
A strong work ethic and determination are trademarks of this outstanding student at Tar Heel School. Jewel consistently demonstrates dedication to her studies. She serves as an excellent role model for her peers through hard work and perseverance.
Join us in celebrating Jewel's outstanding contributions to our school community! 👏
There was laughter, a few tears , and a custom song (!) as we said farewell to Susan Harrison, Carrie Singletary, and Wendell Williams at their retirement celebration. 🎉
Susan is retiring from Bladen County Schools with 31 years of service, and while Carrie has only been with the school system 7 years, she has left a lasting impression , and Wendell Williams has been with us for 29 years!
These three rockstars have been dedicated members of the BCS team.—their work has been done with heart and their contributions have been crucial to our district's mission.
We wish them all the best and hope they know how much they will be missed. 💙
Susan is retiring from Bladen County Schools with 31 years of service, and while Carrie has only been with the school system 7 years, she has left a lasting impression , and Wendell Williams has been with us for 29 years!
These three rockstars have been dedicated members of the BCS team.—their work has been done with heart and their contributions have been crucial to our district's mission.
We wish them all the best and hope they know how much they will be missed. 💙
🌟 Student of the Month Spotlight 🌟
Congratulations Makayla from Elizabethtown Primary School!
Makayla is a hard worker and always eager to learn. She is a joy to have in class. Makayla's positive attitude and dedication to learning make her a wonderful role model for her peers.
Join us in celebrating Makayla's outstanding contributions to our school community! 👏
Congratulations Makayla from Elizabethtown Primary School!
Makayla is a hard worker and always eager to learn. She is a joy to have in class. Makayla's positive attitude and dedication to learning make her a wonderful role model for her peers.
Join us in celebrating Makayla's outstanding contributions to our school community! 👏
🌟 Student of the Month Spotlight 🌟
Congratulations Jase from Elizabethtown Primary School!
Jase is a model classroom citizen. He consistently follows directions and works hard. Jase shows kindness to all of his classmates and his positive attitude and dedication make him a shining example for students throughout our school.
Join us in celebrating Jase's outstanding contributions to our school community! 👏
Congratulations Jase from Elizabethtown Primary School!
Jase is a model classroom citizen. He consistently follows directions and works hard. Jase shows kindness to all of his classmates and his positive attitude and dedication make him a shining example for students throughout our school.
Join us in celebrating Jase's outstanding contributions to our school community! 👏
📆 Calendar Reminder!
→ Wednesday, Nov. 26 is an OPTIONAL Teacher Workday, no school for students.
→ All schools and departments are closed Thursday, Nov. 27 & Friday, Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. 🦃
→ Wednesday, Nov. 26 is an OPTIONAL Teacher Workday, no school for students.
→ All schools and departments are closed Thursday, Nov. 27 & Friday, Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. 🦃
💫From history to opportunity💫
For over a century, Booker T. Washington served our community. After closing in 2016, this historic building sat empty until a powerful partnership brought it back to life.
“Closing a school is never an easy decision, it affects entire communities and families who have deep roots in these buildings;” said Bladen County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Atkinson. “While conversations regarding school closures are always difficult, it is uplifting to see Booker T. Washington brought back to life in such a meaningful way. What once was a painful closure has become a blessing returned—a vibrant facility that’s now serving our community and opening doors for our students in new ways.”
Students from East and West Bladen High School recently toured the beautifully renovated Booker T. Washington campus, now home to Bladen Community College’s state-of-the-art culinary program. This partnership shows the power of community collaboration with students at the center.
Read the full story 🔗 https://www.ednc.org/bladen-community-college-is-bringing-a-century-old-school-out-of-retirement-to-serve-children-families-and-their-community/
📸 Photos courtesy of Bladen Community College
For over a century, Booker T. Washington served our community. After closing in 2016, this historic building sat empty until a powerful partnership brought it back to life.
“Closing a school is never an easy decision, it affects entire communities and families who have deep roots in these buildings;” said Bladen County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Atkinson. “While conversations regarding school closures are always difficult, it is uplifting to see Booker T. Washington brought back to life in such a meaningful way. What once was a painful closure has become a blessing returned—a vibrant facility that’s now serving our community and opening doors for our students in new ways.”
Students from East and West Bladen High School recently toured the beautifully renovated Booker T. Washington campus, now home to Bladen Community College’s state-of-the-art culinary program. This partnership shows the power of community collaboration with students at the center.
Read the full story 🔗 https://www.ednc.org/bladen-community-college-is-bringing-a-century-old-school-out-of-retirement-to-serve-children-families-and-their-community/
📸 Photos courtesy of Bladen Community College
