✨ Teamwork in action! ✨
Our students know that learning is better together—from sharing supplies to sharing smiles, it’s moments like these that remind us how bright the future is in Bladen County Schools. 💙📚
8 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Two young students sit at a classroom table smiling and sharing markers while working on assignments

✏️📚 Backpacks packed, smiles bright—
The first day of school was pure delight!
Here’s to learning, laughter, and cheer,
Bladen County Schools—your best year is here! 🎉✨

8 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Student with pink backpack greeted by community members outside school on the first day.
Three senior girls smile in front of trophy case wearing decorated jeans for Class of 2026.
Two men in suits shake hands and smile in East Bladen High School hallway.
Teacher addresses young students seated on mats during class circle time.
Principal greets student arriving at school drop-off with a smile.
Teacher speaks to students sitting at desks on the first day of class.
Young student colors worksheet at classroom table on the first day of school.
Staff member in red uniform wipes down cafeteria tables to prepare for students.
Student works at desk cutting and gluing paper into a notebook during class

🎓 Keeping the Focus on Learning

At Bladen County Schools, our focus is on creating classrooms where students can learn, grow, and succeed without unnecessary distractions.

To support this commitment, we want to remind families and students of our Personal Electronic Device Policy:

During instructional time, devices such as cell phones, earbuds, and smartwatches must be powered off and put away, unless a teacher gives permission to use them for learning—devices should never interfere with instruction or the learning environment.

By working together, we can maintain classrooms that are focused, respectful, and free from distractions—helping every student thrive.

📘 Learn more in the 2025-2026 Code of Conduct in the Documents section of the app or on our website: bladen.k12.nc.us

✨ Together, we are building distraction-free classrooms where students move From Learners to Leaders.

8 months ago, Bladen County Schools
A student places a cell phone into a numbered pocket on a wall organizer in a classroom, supporting a distraction-free learning environment.

What an incredible day across Bladen County Schools! ✨

Our schools were buzzing with excitement as students and families filled the halls during Open House.

Thank you to all of our families for taking the time to connect with us today—your partnership plays a key role in student success. 💙 A special thank you as well to our principals, teachers, and staff for creating such warm and welcoming environments for our students to grow and learn.

We can’t wait to officially kick off the 2025–2026 school year together on Monday! 📚✏️🍎

#WeAreBCS #teambladen #LearnerstoLeaders

8 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Parent helps child fill out paperwork at a classroom table during Open House.
Staff member points out details on paperwork to a parent during Open House, near a back-to-school display.
Three smiling children hold treats and stand among floating bubbles outside during Open House.
Parent and staff member review papers during Open House in a school media center.
Administrator greets a student and parent under a “Welcome Back to School” banner.
Principal talks with a smiling student holding a folder in the school lobby.
Teacher reviews a schedule with a student and parent during Open House at West Bladen.
Teacher welcomes a student and parent in a classroom during Open House, smiling with a clipboard
Families gather during Open House, meeting staff and preparing for the new school year.
Three staff members stand beside a “Welcome to Elizabethtown Middle” sign in a hallway.
This morning, the Bladenboro Rotary Club presented Bladenboro Primary School and Bladenboro Middle School each with a $1,000 donation generated through their annual golf tournament.

We are grateful for the continued partnership and generosity of our community organizations. Present for the check presentation were Rotarians Jeff Smith, Eddie Walters, Tim and Pam Benton, along with Superintendent Dr. Jason Atkinson, Deputy Superintendent Ann Brown, and principals Jennifer Marlowe and John Ammons, respectfully.

Thank you, Bladenboro Rotary Club, for investing in our students and schools! 💙📚

#WeAreBCS #teambladen #LearnerstoLeaders
8 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Group photo in school hallway as Bladenboro Rotary presents donation check.
Group photo at Bladenboro Middle as Rotary presents $1,000 check to school principal.

✨ Tonight, both East Bladen High School and West Bladen High School welcomed the Class of 2029 at Freshman Orientation!

It was great to have students back on campus, meeting teachers and connecting with classmates as they prepare for an exciting year ahead.

Welcome to the Nest, Eagles, and welcome to the Castle, Knights—your high school journey starts here! 🦅👑

8 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Six East Bladen Eagle Ambassadors hold welcome signs inside the school lobby.
Students and staff chat at information tables during freshman orientation.
Teacher speaks with students and families during East Bladen orientation.
Families and students line up at the main office during orientation check-in.
East Bladen mascot poses with three students in front of an Eagles backdrop.
Parent and student receive help at a registration table with laptops open.
Students engage at a colorful activity booth with a spinning prize wheel.
West Bladen cheerleaders pose with a staff member during orientation night.
Parent reviews Quest at the Castle sheet with student at West Bladen.
Two West Bladen students with backpacks smile and talk in the hallway.
✨ What a Blast! ✨

We loved seeing so many of our students and families at the annual Back-to-School Blast! The excitement for the first day of school was contagious, and we can’t wait to see everyone again at Open House next week.

A huge thank you to Bladen Community College for hosting and helping our students start the year off strong! 💙🎒📚

#WeAreBCS #teambladen #FromLearnersToLeaders
9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Group of five Bladen County Schools staff smiling in front of district backdrop
Three elementary students with backpacks smiling in front of Bladen County Schools backdrop
Three staff members holding folders and smiling in a school hallway
Four young children with backpacks smiling and raising hands while seated on bench
Student with backpack and parent smiling in front of Bladen County Schools backdrop
Staff member high-fives a student while handing out folders at school entrance.
Two middle school students posing with clear backpacks in front of district backdrop
Student smiles while entering school with backpack, greeted by staff
Six children smiling with backpacks posing together in front of district backdrop
Student and staff member look at a paper together in school hallway
🌟 Thank You, Smithfield! 🌟

Bladen County Schools extends a heartfelt thank you to Smithfield Women’s Connect – Tar Heel Chapter and the dedicated employees at Smithfield Tar Heel for your generous donation of school supplies.

Your support helps ensure that our students start the school year prepared and ready to learn. We are grateful for your commitment to our schools and community! 💙📚✏️

#WeAreBCS #teambladen #LearnerstoLeaders
9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Smithfield Women’s Connect Tar Heel Chapter and employees donate school supplies by a bus.
📚✨ Back-to-School Blast – This Saturday! ✨📚

Join us at Bladen Community College this Saturday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. for their annual Back-to-School Blast! 🎒✏️

BCS principals will be on hand helping to distribute school supplies — so come say hello, grab what you need, and get ready for an amazing school year!

We can’t wait to see our students and families there! 💙💛

#WeAreBCS #teambladen #LearnerstoLeaders
9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Graphic for Bladen Community College’s Back-to-School Blast on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 8 a.m.–12 p.m., inviting all Bladen County K–12 students to pick up free school supplies. Colorful text, megaphone icons, and school supply illustrations are featured.Graphic for Bladen Community College’s Back-to-School Blast on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 8 a.m.–12 p.m., inviting all Bladen County K–12 students to pick up free school supplies. Colorful text, megaphone icons, and school supply illustrations are featured.
Welcome to the BCS Family! 🍳☕

This morning, we celebrated our newest team members at the annual New Employee Breakfast — a warm welcome to those joining Bladen County Schools!

All week, these talented educators have been learning and preparing for the year ahead with district administrators and NC New Teacher Support Program Instructional Coach, Carrie Brewington. Through the district’s Beginning Teacher program, these educators will continue to receive guidance, resources, and encouragement throughout their first three years in the classroom — because great teaching grows with great support.

We’re excited for the difference they will make in the lives of our students, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish in 2025–2026! 💙💛

#WeAreBCS #teambladen #LearnerstoLeaders

9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Three people stand behind a table with orange juice cups and tea jugs in a decorated cafeteria
Two men in orange shirts talk at a red table in a cafeteria with folded tables in the background
Four people sit at an orange table with Cougar paw wall art in a school cafeteria
Two women smile at a blue table with folded napkins and programs in front of them.
Four people stand together behind a blue table with folded napkins and programs
Three women sit at a blue table with an Elizabethtown Primary School sign in a cafeteria
Three men holding plates of scrambled eggs stand by buffet trays in a cafeteria.
Two women greet and shake hands at a buffet line with trays of scrambled eggs in a cafeteria.
Woman in blue patterned blouse smiles with hand on chin, standing in front of two blurred people.
Woman serves scrambled eggs from buffet trays while others wait in line holding plates
🎒💙 A huge thank you to the DMV Call Center for once again rallying behind our students with your annual school supply drive! Your generosity ensures our learners have the tools they need to succeed, and your continued partnership reminds us that community support makes all the difference.
9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Group of people standing behind tables filled with donated school supplies for students and classrooms.
Boxes of school supplies including paper, glue, markers, crayons, backpacks, and other classroom items.
Stacks of filler paper, Crayola supplies, binders, glue sticks, and assorted school supplies in boxes.
🎓 This week, East Bladen High School proudly celebrated the summer graduation of Marco Gonzalez! 🎉 We are incredibly proud of his dedication and perseverance, and we wish him the very best as he takes the next big step—serving our country in the United States Navy. ⚓️ Congratulations, Marco! Thank you for your dedication to both your education and our nation. #WeAreBCS #teambladen #LearnerstoLeaders
9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
A wide shot of a graduation ceremony with attendees seated facing a man in academic regalia speaking at a podium in front of an East Bladen Eagles backdrop.
A man in academic regalia speaks at a podium in front of an East Bladen Eagles backdrop, with a woman in a black robe and a seated graduate in a blue cap and gown smiling beside him.
A man in academic regalia speaks at a podium in front of an East Bladen Eagles backdrop, with part of another person’s robe and shoe visible in the frame.
A graduate in a blue cap and gown stands on stage with two men in academic regalia, one handing him a diploma, while a woman in a black robe looks on.
A graduate in a blue cap and gown with a white stole shakes hands with another man in academic regalia while holding a diploma in front of an East Bladen Eagles backdrop.
A graduate in a blue cap and gown with a white stole shakes hands with a man in academic regalia, both smiling at the camera while holding a diploma in front of an East Bladen Eagles backdrop.

🎒✨ A new school year, a fresh chapter!

Bladen Early College High School kicked off the first day with energy, smiles, and big goals for 2025–2026. Here’s to learning, growing, and leading—together! 📚

9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
A school bus driver wearing glasses and a teal shirt smiles while holding a clipboard inside the bus.
A student and a woman in a striped shirt and green pants exchange a high-five outside on a sidewalk
A man in a suit speaks to students in a classroom with a screen displaying “Welcome Nighthawks!” behind him
Two smiling women stand indoors holding papers; one wears a red dress and glasses, the other a teal top and glasses.
A large group of students sit and stand in a classroom, listening to a speaker at the front; college pennants line the walls
A cafeteria worker in a green shirt smiles from behind the serving counter with ice cream sandwiches on top.
A woman in a striped shirt and green pants sits at a desk, talking with four standing students in a classroom
A student in a black T-shirt types on a laptop at a desk with a red-and-white tumbler; classroom items are visible in the background
A man in a suit and a woman in a graphic T-shirt sit on a bench in a hallway, working on laptops together
Two men stand side by side in a school hallway smiling at the camera; one wears a suit, the other a pink-and-blue plaid shirt.
🎨 Bladen Early College High School kicked off the year with a creative team-building activity, welcoming lots of new staff! Staff painted “layers” of art to symbolize the layers of support we build for student success. It's going to be a great year!💙
#LearnerstoLeaders #teambladen #WeAreBCS #BCSTeamwork
9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Woman smiling while painting with watercolors at a table.
Group of adults sitting at a long table painting together.
Two women focused on watercolor painting at a decorated table.
Man painting with watercolors on a clipboard.
Woman painting with watercolors on paper at a black-covered table.
Man standing and smiling while watching women paint at a table.

The Bladen County Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 11 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).

9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Graphic with light blue background announcing "Board Meeting, Monday, August 11, 6 PM" with Bladen County Schools logo at the bottom.

As we prepare for the new school year, we're taking a look back to revisit and celebrate highlights from this past year!

For the third year in a row, the joy of reading took center stage at Dublin Primary School thanks to the return of Book Harvest’s Books on Break program. The initiative, which provides students with access to free, high-interest books to read over summer vacation, is designed to combat summer learning loss and foster a lifelong love of reading.

This year’s program was made possible in part by a generous $10,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. “We believe in the power of education,” said Pam Hardy, government and community relations manager for Duke Energy. “We’re proud to have played a role in bringing the Books on Break program to Bladen County.”

During the two-day event at Dublin Primary, students were invited to browse through hundreds of brand-new books across various reading levels and genres, hand-selecting ten books each to take home and keep. The excitement was palpable as students explored titles that sparked their curiosity and matched their personal interests.

The program’s roots at Dublin Primary trace back to Susie Holland, a retired school librarian and former DPS teacher, who initially brought the idea to life. Now three years strong, Books on Break continues to be a meaningful part of the school’s literacy efforts, offering students not just books—but a gateway to discovery, imagination, and growth.

We can't wait to welcome these readers back to school and hear all about their reading adventures!

#WeAreBCS #teambladen #LearnerstoLeaders

9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
A young boy stands in a school library holding a copy of Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes while looking at a display of Pete the Cat books arranged on an orange-covered table. Shelves of books and a whiteboard are visible in the background.
A smiling young girl stands in a library holding a copy of Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! while gripping a blue "Books on Break" drawstring bag. Other children are visible in the background browsing books.
A young student kneels on the floor in a school library, reaching into a blue drawstring backpack. He is wearing a black and gray hoodie and jeans. Bookshelves and other students sitting on a colorful rug are visible in the background.
Top-down view of two girls sitting on a colorful rug reading books. One girl is reading Crayons Rock! while both have their blue “Books on Break” drawstring bags nearby.
A young student sits on the classroom floor reading a book titled Owl Diaries: Eva Sees a Ghost. She is wearing a rust-colored hoodie and red holiday-themed pants with reindeer designs, with a blue drawstring bag resting beside her. The setting appears to be a school library or classroom with bookshelves and desks in the background.
Two girls sit cross-legged on a colorful classroom rug, reading books together. One holds a Pete the Cat book while the other looks on. Adults and other students browse books in the background.
A group of elementary students wearing blue "Books on Break" drawstring backpacks sit on the floor, attentively listening to a woman seated in a yellow rocking chair. Behind her is a colorful display featuring a green backdrop, a sign that reads “Welcome to Books on Break,” and a table filled with children’s books. The setting appears to be a school hallway or media center decorated for the event.
A young girl wearing a Barbie-themed shirt browses a table full of colorful children's books, including several titles from the Pete the Cat series. She holds a blue drawstring book bag in one hand while reaching for a book with the other. Other students and shelves of books are visible in the background of the school library.
A smiling boy stands at a table covered with a red tablecloth, reaching for a book while holding his blue "Books on Break" bag. The table displays a variety of colorful children’s books. Other students browse in the background.
Two young girls stand at a green-covered table in a school library, excitedly opening their blue drawstring book bags. Shelves filled with books and labeled bins line the background, along with colorful decorations and a tall vase of dried floral arrangements.
📚 The countdown is on! We can’t wait to welcome students back for the 2025-2026 school year.

🗓️ Early College High School begins Monday, August 11
🗓️ Traditional Schools begin Monday, August 25

Let’s make it a great year—from learners to leaders! 🌟 #WeAreBCS #BackToSchool #FromLearnersToLeaders #LearnerstoLeaders
9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
A colorful flat-lay image announcing the first day of school for Bladen County Schools. In the center, a white paper with text reads: “First Day of School. Early College High School - Monday, August 11. Traditional Schools - Monday, August 25.” The paper is surrounded by school supplies including pens, pencils, erasers, paper clips, star cutouts, foam letters, and Bladen County Schools notepads, all arranged on a pink background.
📈 Focused on the Future of BCS 📈

This week our District-Wide School Improvement Team Retreat brought together school and district leaders committed to one shared goal—student success.

From reviewing data to setting actionable priorities, our teams collaborated across schools to align strategies, strengthen instruction, and support continuous improvement. With our district theme, From Learners to Leaders, guiding the work, the retreat was about building a stronger, more unified path forward for every student in Bladen County Schools.

We’re proud of the dedication, insight, and teamwork on display—because when we grow together, our students thrive. 💙📚

#WeAreBCS #teambladen #learnerstoleaders
9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Group of educators gathered outside under a pergola near the waterfront during a leadership retreat.
Large group of staff seated at round tables inside a decorated event space listening to a speaker.
East Bladen High School team writing “PLC = community” on chart paper during group activity.
Tar Heel team writing “PLC = Data Driven, Team Collaboration” on chart paper during discussion.
Two educators from Bladenboro Middle School posting their PLC definition on the wall.
Small group of Elizabethtown Middle School leaders engaged in conversation on an outdoor patio.
Team of school staff participating in a breakout session under a covered pavilion.
Bladenboro Middle School team collaborating at a table with laptops and materials.
Clarkton School of Discovery team in discussion during the PLC session.
West Bladen High School team collaborating during a table discussion at the retreat.
📸 Leadership in Action!

Last week, our school and district leaders came together for a powerful series of meetings focused on growth, collaboration, and vision. As we prepare for the year ahead, we’re aligning our efforts around our district theme—From Learners to Leaders—and recommitting to telling the story of what makes our schools special!

Through collaborative planning sessions and continued work with Leader in Me, our leaders are setting the stage for a year of empowerment, purpose, and student-centered learning in every school.

#WeAreBCS #fromlearnerstoleaders #teambladen #LeadershipMatters
9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Four school leaders participate in a collaborative planning session, organizing colorful sticky notes on a large easel pad during a leadership meeting. One facilitator gestures while others listen and contribute, highlighting teamwork and preparation for the upcoming school year.
School and district leaders engage in conversation during a leadership meeting. In the foreground, two women share ideas with smiles and notes in hand, while other team members collaborate in the background, reflecting a positive and collaborative atmosphere.
School leaders participate in a table activity during a leadership meeting, exchanging ideas and documents with enthusiasm. A man and woman smile as they engage in discussion, surrounded by notebooks, nameplates, and snacks, highlighting a collaborative and energized atmosphere.
Leaders engage in animated conversation during a professional development session. A woman in a yellow sweater gestures enthusiastically across the table, while others listen and contribute in the background. The table is filled with notebooks, laptops, coffee, and name tags, reflecting active collaboration and planning.
A school leader in a bright blue dress speaks with enthusiasm during a leadership meeting, holding a notecard and gesturing while engaged in conversation. The table in front of her displays a nameplate, snacks, and drinks, while colleagues collaborate in the background.
Two school leaders, seated at a table labeled with nameplates for John Ammons and Shannon Ross, engage in focused discussion during a leadership meeting. Notebooks, a laptop, and a bowl of candy are spread out on the table, reflecting active collaboration and planning.
Leland Hyer and Chris Orrock sit side by side at a table during a leadership meeting, engaged in discussion with notebooks, laptops, and nameplates in front of them. A bowl of candy and bottled water suggest a productive and comfortable working environment. A third participant is seated to the right, writing on a notepad.
A school leader uses a green marker to write on a large easel pad during a leadership activity. The pad features a large red "A" graphic labeled with planning goals, representing a collaborative exercise focused on achievement and school improvement.
A school leader sketches a visual representation of key priorities on a large easel pad, illustrating “Trusted Relationships” and “Family & Community Partnerships” alongside a drawing of three figures standing on books. The graphic emphasizes the importance of connection, trust, and engagement in education.
School leaders Bobby Godwin and William Johnston focus on their work during a leadership session. Seated at a shared table with nameplates, laptops, notebooks, and materials, they review notes and write as other team members collaborate in the background, reflecting dedication to planning for the year ahead.
📸 Last week, Bladen County Schools principals John Ammons (Bladenboro Primary), Chris Orrock (West Bladen), Bobby Godwin (Elizabethtown Middle), Chris Carroll (East Bladen), Amanda Murillo (Clarkton School of Discovery), and Kristy Smith (Elizabethtown Primary) took part in the NCPAPA Early Career Principals Training.

We’re proud to support our leaders as they grow professionally and work to make a lasting impact in their schools! #LeadershipMatters #WeAreBCS #FromLearnersToLeaders
9 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Principals John Ammons, Chris Orrock, Bobby Godwin, Chris Carrol, Amanda Murillo and Kristy Smith