🎒💙 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.
8 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
8 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! 📚

8 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
8 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).

8 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

8 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
8 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
8 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
8 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
8 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Principals John Ammons, Chris Orrock, Bobby Godwin, Chris Carrol, Amanda Murillo and Kristy Smith
📚✏️ Back-to-School Supply List: Grades K–2 ✏️📚

Get ready for a great start to the 2025–2026 school year! Here’s what students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade will need:

• Clear or mesh bookbag 🎒
• Pencils ✏️
• Crayons – 24 pack 🖍️
• Large pink erasers
• Glue sticks (4)
• Composition books (2)
• Pencil box
• Notebook paper (1 pack)
• Headphones (wired – no earbuds) 🎧
8 months ago, Elly Johnson
A kindergarten student smiles while holding a sign that reads, “I ❤️ kindergarten because… I like the way it looks and it is the best.”
📘✏️ Back-to-School Supply List: Grades 3–5 ✏️📘

It’s almost time to kick off another exciting school year! Here’s what students in Grades 3 through 5 will need for the 2025–2026 school year:

• Clear or mesh book bag 🎒
• Pencils ✏️
• Crayons (24 pack) or colored pencils
• Large pink erasers
• Glue sticks (4)
• Composition books (2)
• Pencil box or pouch
• Notebook paper (2 packs)
• One-inch 3-ring binder
• Headphones (wired – no earbuds) 🎧

Stay organized and ready to learn — the countdown to day one is on!
8 months ago, Elly Johnson
A student smiles while holding a large poster about cells, featuring hand-drawn illustrations and colorful handwritten notes, in a school cafeteria.
📗✏️ Back-to-School Supply List: Grades 6–8 ✏️📗

Middle schoolers, we’re getting ready for a strong start to the new year! Here’s what students in Grades 6 through 8 will need:

• Clear or mesh book bag 🎒
• Pencils ✏️
• Dry erase markers
• Loose-leaf notebook paper
• Two-inch 3-ring binder
• Colored pencils
• Pencil box or pouch
• Composition notebooks (4)
• Tab dividers for binder
• Highlighters
• Three-prong folders with pockets (4)

A little preparation now sets the stage for a successful year ahead!
8 months ago, Elly Johnson
A student smiles while holding a decorated box labeled "Tar Heel Beta Supply Box," filled with donated supplies. Large red hearts decorate the sides of the box.
📙✏️ Back-to-School Supply List: Grades 9–12 ✏️📙

High school students — the 2025–2026 school year is almost here! Be ready to lead with these essential supplies:

• Clear or mesh book bag 🎒
• 3-ring binders or notebooks (4)
• Pencils and pens ✏️🖊️
• Loose-leaf notebook paper
• Index cards
• Colored pencils
• Highlighters

Preparation is the first step toward success. Let’s make it a great year!
8 months ago, Elly Johnson
A student carefully pours pancake batter onto a griddle while two others prepare ingredients in the background during a cooking activity.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of our amazing community partners, Big Swin's V-Twins in Fayetteville for their ongoing commitment to Bladen County students through their annual school supply drive—supporting BCS students since 2015!

Your generosity helps ensure our students have the tools they need for a successful school year. 💙
8 months ago, Elly Johnson
Members of Big Swins standing beside orange car with trunk open and full of school supplies
Bladen County Schools principals and assistant principals with the team from Big Swins and school supplies
Big Swin's delivers school supplies
three motorcycles and an orange car in front of building
A gathering of school supplies
🎉 We're counting down the days! Bladen County Schools is excited to welcome our students and families back for an incredible new school year! 📚✏️
Join us at your school’s Open House to meet your teachers, tour the building, and get ready for a strong start. Whether you're returning or joining us for the first time, we can’t wait to see you!

📅 Check out the flyer below for dates and times for each school.
Let’s make this year one to remember—From Learners to Leaders! 💙💛
8 months ago, Elly Johnson
Back to School Open House schedule for Bladen County Schools on August 21, 2025. Elementary schools (Bladen Lakes, Bladenboro, Dublin, East Arcadia, Elizabethtown Primary) hold open house from 1–5 PM. Middle schools (Bladenboro, Clarkton School of Discovery, Elizabethtown Middle, Tar Heel) from 2–6 PM. High schools (East Bladen and West Bladen) from 4:30–7:30 PM. The graphic includes school-themed illustrations and the Bladen County Schools logo.
Spanish-language graphic titled “Regreso a la Escuela - Casa Abierta” (Back to School - Open House) with the date “21 de agosto de 2025.” Lists open house times for Bladen County Schools: elementary schools from 1–5 PM, middle schools from 2–6 PM, and high schools from 4:30–7:30 PM. Includes school-themed illustrations and the Bladen County Schools logo. Ask ChatGPT
🎉 School’s Out for Summer! ☀️ We would like to wish all of our students, families, and staff a safe, restful, and fun-filled summer break! Thank you for an incredible school year filled with learning, growth, and community. We are so proud of all that our students and staff have accomplished—and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back in August. Enjoy your summer! 💙📚 — ¡Terminaron las clases y se acerca el verano! ☀️ ¡Les deseamos a todos nuestros estudiantes, familias y personal unas vacaciones de verano seguras, relajantes y divertidas! Gracias por un increíble año escolar lleno de aprendizaje, crecimiento y comunidad. Estamos muy orgullosos de todo lo que nuestros estudiantes y personal han logrado, y estamos ansiosos por darles la bienvenida a todos en agosto. ¡Disfruten del verano! 💙📚
10 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Hello Summer
FREE SUMMER MEALS for Kids & Teens! 🍽️ The Bladen County Schools School Nutrition Department is excited to offer FREE, healthy meals all summer long for all children 18 years old and younger—no registration or ID required! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Choose the location that works best for YOUR family: 📍 On-Site Meals Locations: East Arcadia School Elizabethtown Primary West Bladen High School 📌 Monday–Thursday 📅 June 11 – August 7 🍽️ Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 AM 🍽️ Lunch: 11:00 AM–1:30 PM 📞 Questions? Call our School Nutrition Team at 910-862-4136. 📄 Flyers with detailed info are posted below. Let’s fuel our kids with healthy meals all summer long! ☀️🍴
10 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Free Summer Meals June 11-August 7 Monday-Thursday
The Bladen County Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, June 9, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the board room 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). -- La Junta de Educación del Condado de Bladen celebrará su reunión ordinaria el lunes 9 de junio a las 18:00 h. La reunión se celebrará en la sala de juntas del Edificio de Administración del Distrito. Esta es una reunión oficial y en la agenda se tratarán temas de acción y asuntos de personal, según NCGS 143.318.11 (a) (1); y se solicitará la consulta con un abogado, de ser necesario, según NCGS 143.318.11 (a) (3).
10 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Board Meeting Monday June 9 6pm