News
Bertie County Schools held its annual Leadership Retreat, bringing together principals, district administrators, and key staff for collaboration, planning, and professional development.
The retreat focused on team building, leadership development, and setting priorities for the upcoming school year. Sessions covered instructional strategies, student support services, and data-driven decision making. “This retreat allows us to align our goals and ensure we are working together to improve outcomes for all students,” said Superintendent Dr. Otis Smallwood. Leaders also participated in workshops and activities designed to strengthen communication and collaboration across the district. As Bertie County Schools prepares for the new school year, the retreat reinforced the district’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
The Bertie County Board of Education has officially approved the 2025-26 school calendars, which is now available for public viewing. The newly adopted calendar outlines key dates, including the first and last days of school, holidays, teacher workdays, and early release dates.
A special thanks goes to the calendar committee for their valuable input in shaping the schedule to best serve students, staff, and families.
To view the full calendars, please click on the picture.
Meet Mr. Jair Cooley
Entrepreneurship Teacher and Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at BHS. Click on the picture to see the video.
Meet Mrs. Charlene Ruffin-Taylor
Career Management and Marketing Teacher at BHS. Click on the picture to see the video.
PRESS RELEASE
1/29/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the public and the news media that the Bertie County Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled board meeting on Tue
The Board will convene in closed session at *5:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing confidential personnel matters pursuant to N.C.G.S. §143-318.11(a)(1),(a)(3),(a)(6
Public Comment
The public comment portion of the meeting will be held as listed on the agenda. Members of the public will also have the opportunity to submit public comments in writing, as indicated below. Each person is limited to one public comment per meeting.
Process: Citizens wishing to provide public comments may do so in writing by emailing them to whall@bertie.k12.nc.us with the words "public comment" in the subject line. The deadline to submit public comments via email is at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025.
Zoom is available to the public to participate during this meeting.
To listen to our meeting online, click or copy and paste this link into your browser:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 894 2309 6008 Password: 951862
Dial-in number: 1-309-205-3325 US
Questions? Please call the Clerk to the Board, Whitney Hall, at 252-794-6025.
Bertie County Schools is teaming up with ECU Health and Wellness Center of Ahoskie to help YOU prioritize your health and wellness in 2025!
Thanks to this new partnership, our employees can enjoy an exclusive 50% membership discount—making it easier to focus on a healthier, happier YOU. Let’s start the year strong together!
The Honorable Judge Versheina Ballance-Johnson administered the Oath of Office to Mrs. Reba Carlton and Mrs.Tarsha Dudley. Congratulations on their re-election.
On Thursday, November 15, 2024, Selesa Johnson-Daniels was recognized as the Most Outstanding Elementary Math Teacher for Bertie County Public School district's 2024-2025 school year. The North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM), in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), presented this distinguished award.
The award celebrates exceptional educators who demonstrate innovative teaching practices, inspire student success, and contribute significantly to mathematics education in their school districts. Her unwavering commitment to fostering a love of learning and building strong mathematical foundations for young students set her apart from her peers.
“Receiving this award is a humbling experience,” said Daniels. “It reflects my efforts and the support of my colleagues, students, and school community. I’m grateful to be part of shaping the next generation of thinkers.”
Our community partners came together to support our trunk-or-treat event last night, and we are incredibly grateful for their participation. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as families enjoyed a variety of festive activities. One of the highlights of the evening was the haunted house, which was introduced as a new feature this year. It attracted significant attention and proved to be a massive success, delighting both children and adults alike. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event memorable!
The Connect Bertie Podcast is back with an exciting new season, featuring a fresh lineup of topics and guests. Tune in for engaging discussions and valuable insights that you won't want to miss!g new season, featuring a fresh lineup of topics and guests. Tune in for engaging discussions and valuable insights that you won't want to miss! Coming soon is part 2 of Principal appreciation.
Bertie County School celebrated the official ribbon-cutting at Roy L. Bond, Jr. Stadium. The event honored Roy L. Bond, Jr.'s legacy, with members of the Bond family, including Mrs. Bond, present to cut the ribbon. Board members, former coaches, county commissioners, and community leaders attended to pay tribute to Roy L. Bond, Jr.'s contributions to the school and community. The stadium now stands as a symbol of pride and a lasting memory for future generations.
🎃👻 Join us for Trunk-or-Treat with Bertie County Schools! 👻🎃
📅 Date: October 31st
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Bertie County Schools
Get ready for a spooktacular evening of fun, candy, and creative trunk displays! 🎉 Dress up in your favorite costume, bring your family, and enjoy a safe and festive Halloween event. We can't wait to see you there! 🍬🧛🕸️
#TrunkOrTreat #BertieCountySchools #HalloweenFun #CommunityEvent
This month, we recognize principals' incredible commitment, leadership, and vision to their schools and communities. Let's take a moment to appreciate and celebrate their important role in shaping our schools.
Bertie County Schools recently hosted its First Beginning Teachers Conference (BTCON 24), an enriching experience for beginning teachers. The conference provided an opportunity for new educators to delve into various topics such as curriculum mapping, small group interaction, diving into IEPs, and lesson planning by design. The support from visiting districts and DPI representation was greatly appreciated, as it enhanced the overall learning experience.
Due to the weather conditions expected in our area, we have made the decision to close school on 9/27/2024. The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.
Important Information:
- No School: All classes and activities are canceled for the day.
- Communication: We will keep you updated regarding any further changes via the school website and social media
- Stay Safe: Please ensure your child stays safe during this time.
It is with great pleasure that the Bertie County Schools Exceptional Children’s Department nominates Mrs. Austin H. Vaughan as the 2024 Educator of Excellence.
Mrs. Vaughan serves as the School Psychologist and MTSS Coordinator for Bertie County Schools. She currently holds a North Carolina School Psychologist license and has provided services in education for 12 years. She is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the North Carolina School Psychology Association (NCSPA). In addition to her dedication to improving outcomes for students, her willingness to support her colleagues is canny. She is a native of Bertie County and has established a great rapport with parents and colleagues.
The Superintendent's Teacher Advisory Council met today. The purpose of the meeting was to provide a voice for teachers and staff in the district's decision-making process and to provide Dr. Smallwood with insights, suggestions, and perspectives on critical educational issues that will positively impact students' social, emotional, and academic outcomes.
Due to the threat of inclement weather, all after-school activities and athletic practices are canceled.
Bertie County Schools is pleased to announce its results and share that for the second year in a row, we are not a low-performing district. Thank you to everyone for their hard work in helping Bertie County Schools shine.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for Bertie County Schools' new athletic complex will be held on October 18, 2024. This occasion will mark the official opening of the new football field and track. The celebration will be attended by former coaches, community members, and students. The ribbon cutting ceremony will symbolize the beginning of a new era for Bertie County Schools' athletic programs.
Happy first day of the new school year to Bertie County Schools! I hope it’s filled with excitement, new opportunities, and great experiences for students and teachers alike. As we start this journey, let’s embrace the challenges with enthusiasm and aim high. May this year be a time of growth, achievement, and meaningful connections. Together, let’s set high expectations, support one another, and strive to make every day a step toward success. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
We are pleased to announce that Dr. John W. Hodge, a renowned expert in the field of education, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for Convocation 2024. Dr. Hodge's extensive experience and profound insights are anticipated to deliver a powerful and impactful message that will inspire and motivate all attendees. We are looking forward to welcoming him and gaining valuable knowledge from his address at the upcoming convocation.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. John W. Hodge
Bertie High School Awards Night is May 23, 2024 at 6 PM. This event celebrates the achievements of our students. It is an evening of recognition, honor, and celebration, where students are recognized for their academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and contributions to the school community
The 2024 Seniors Class at Bertie Early College and Bertie High School represent an incredible group of students who have achieved remarkable accomplishments during their academic journey. As they prepare to graduate, we would like to extend our warmest congratulations to each and every one of them.
Only 30 out of the 100 North Carolina 9th graders earn a degree or credential within 6 years of graduating high school. A better-educated North Carolina is the key to economic prosperity and upward mobility for all citizens. MyFutureNC aligns and coordinates local, regional, and state actions to dramatically increase the attainment of industry-valued credentials and postsecondary degrees to achieve the state's attainment goal of two million North Carolinians aged 25-44 to hold an industry-valued credential or postsecondary degree by 2030.
We are making progress.
We are excited to introduce the newest member of our team, Terrance White, as the Director of Transportation. His vast experience working with Bertie County schools has led him to this leadership role, where he will oversee all transportation operations.
As Director of Transportation, he will manage all aspects of transportation, including coordinating bus routes, schedules, and maintenance, as well as ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards. Terrance's leadership skills and ability to collaborate with various stakeholders make him an ideal fit for this position.
We are confident that under Terrance's guidance, our transportation department will continue to thrive and provide exceptional service to our community. Please join us in welcoming Terrance White to our team. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration with him as we strive to provide the best transportation services for our students.
We are thrilled to announce some exciting news!
Six out of seven schools in our district have met or exceeded growth expectations in their test scores, which is a remarkable achievement. Another significant milestone for the district, we are no longer labeled a low-performing school district by the State. Two schools that were previously labeled as low-performing have now advanced out of that category. We are excited about this positive transformation but we recognize that there is still work to be done.
Two of the key factors contributing to our district's improved performance are our renewed focus on empowering students (Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing) and an Intentional Focus on Teaching and Learning. We have implemented innovative teaching methodologies, personalized learning approaches, and tailored support systems that cater to the unique needs of each student. By fostering a student-centered environment, we have witnessed a significant increase in motivation, engagement, and overall academic achievement.
Our district has not been without its fair share of challenges. However, we have embraced these obstacles as opportunities for growth and change. We have implemented targeted interventions to address specific areas of improvement, provided professional development opportunities for our educators, and established a culture of continuous learning and improvement. By tackling these challenges head-on, we have paved the way for our current success and future achievements.
As we celebrate, we recognize that our journey toward excellence is an ongoing endeavor. While we take pride in our progress, we remain committed to further elevating the quality of education in our district. Our success in meeting and exceeding growth expectations not only showcases our dedication but also instills confidence in parents and the school community. Together, we will continue to move in the right direction, ensuring that every student receives the education they deserve and empowering them to reach their full potential.
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Dr. Otis Smallwood and the Bertie County School Board joined other community leaders at the groundbreaking ceremony for Bertie High School's new athletic field. We are proud to be able to provide our students with state-of-the-art facilities that will foster a sense of pride and belonging. We look forward to the completion of this project and the positive impact it will have on our students and the entire community. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Steven Howard as the new Director of Elementary Education at Bertie County Schools. With his extensive experience as an Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and most recently as the Principal at Pollocksville Elementary School, Mr. Howard brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. His unwavering commitment to providing every student with a high-quality education is a testament to his passion for education. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our students and community.
We've got some exciting news to share -Dr. Smallwood gave his second scholarship last night! Let's all give a big round of applause and congratulations to Devona Cooper! We're so proud of you and can't wait to see what else you accomplish. Keep up the incredible work! 🎉👏"Congratulations
As part of the Bertie Early College Awards Program, Dr. Smallwood awarded one of two $1,000 scholarships to a highly deserving student, Quanaezon Person. Quanaezon plans on attending Western Carolina University in the fall of this year.
District Improvement Plan as well as individual school improvement plans can be reviewed at:
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