By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – From graduation ceremonies to arts performances and athletic triumphs, Chatham County Schools‘ Public Information Officer, Jessica Pasion, detailed a series of initiatives and events that showcased the dedication of educators, the creativity of young authors, and the success of various programs designed to inspire and empower students. Ms. Pasion did her presentation at June’s Breakfast Club event at 79 Degrees West in Pittsboro.
School Lunch Hero Day and Nurses Day
In May, Chatham County Schools celebrated School Lunch Hero Day, recognizing the vital role cafeteria staff play in ensuring students receive nutritious meals. Pasion emphasized the importance of these unsung heroes, noting that all cafeterias in the district achieved a 100% rating.
Additionally, May 7 was School Nurses Day, a moment to honor the nurses who help maintain students’ health and well-being throughout the school year. As the academic calendar winds down, these celebrations serve as a reminder of the essential services that support student learning.
Honoring Beginning Teachers
Chatham County Schools also took time to celebrate its beginning teachers during an event at the central office. Pasion noted that the district values the contributions of new educators, referring to them as “BTS” (Beginning Teachers). This year, the district recognized their efforts with a special ceremony, where one standout teacher was awarded the title of Beginning Teacher of the Year. “We really like to elevate and lift up our beginning teachers,” Pasion explained, acknowledging the challenges they face in their first years of teaching.
Young Authors Ceremony
One of the district’s longstanding traditions is the Young Authors Ceremony, which has been held for over 30 years. This event celebrates the creative talents of students from first to eighth grade who have published their own books. Pasion shared her enthusiasm for the program, recalling a favorite story about “pizza on a moon.”
Dual Language Program
Chatham County Schools is proud to celebrate the graduation of 42 seniors from its dual language program at Jordan Matthews High School. This program aims to equip students with bilingual skills, enhancing their marketability in the workforce. Additionally, Seaforth High School celebrated its inaugural cohort of dual language graduates, marking a significant milestone for the district’s commitment to language education.
AVID Program and College Commitment Day
Chatham County Schools is committed to preparing students for their futures, and the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program plays a crucial role in this effort. Middle school students in the AVID program recently participated in college tours, gaining exposure to various post-secondary education options.
College Commitment Day was another significant event, where students from Central High School proudly announced their plans for further education. Every participating student successfully secured a placement in either a four-year college or community college, a testament to the hard work and dedication of both students and staff.
Performances and Initiatives
The arts are alive and well in Chatham County Schools, as evidenced by a series of performances and initiatives celebrated throughout May. Pasion shared the news about students from Chatham Grove Elementary performing the national anthem at a Durham Bulls game, as well as the recent band concert at Bennett School, marking a significant milestone for the K-12 institution.
In an effort to foster collaboration among smaller music programs, the district launched the West Chatham Concert Band, which includes students from multiple schools. The band recently achieved a Superior rating, showcasing the talent and hard work of its members.
Theatrical performances also took center stage, with North Chatham Elementary presenting “Finding Nemo” and Margaret B. Pollard Middle School staging “The Wizard of Oz.”
Exceptional Children’s Art Festival
The Exceptional Children’s Art Festival provided a platform for students with special needs to express their creativity and talent. This annual event promotes inclusivity and celebrates the unique abilities of all students, offering them a safe space to shine.
Track and Field Success
In the realm of athletics, Chatham County Schools celebrated the achievements of Seaforth High School’s men’s track and field team, which recently secured a state title for outdoor track and field. This victory followed their success in winning an indoor state championship.
Watch on YouTube – Public Information Officer Jessica Pacion highlights Chatham County School successes – 6.3.25
00:14 Chatham County Schools celebrates May achievements in academics, athletics, and arts.
- Jessica Pacion, Public Information Officer, emphasizes the focus on comprehensive educational success.
- The school district achieved a 100% rating in cafeterias during School Lunch and Hero Day events.
01:18 Celebrating Chatham County School staff for student well-being and education.
- Recognition of staff who ensure student nourishment and health, including a tribute to school nurses.
- An event to honor beginning teachers, highlighting their importance in fostering a supportive learning environment.
02:12 Chatham County Schools promote student success in academics, athletics, and arts.
- Virginia Cross Elementary students engaged with award-winning author Pam Yunos Ryan, receiving signed books.
- The Young Author Ceremony celebrated 30 years of fostering creativity among students from first to eighth grade.
03:06 Chatham County School highlights student success in AVID and dual language programs.
- Students in the AVID program toured local colleges, enhancing their exposure to post-K12 opportunities.
- Jordan Matthews High School celebrated graduates from its dual language program, showcasing bilingual education achievements.
04:03 Chatham County School highlights successes in dual language and college commitments.
- Seaforth High School celebrates its first year of a dual language program, equipping students with bilingual skills for better career opportunities.
- College Commitment Day showcases AVID students from Chatham Central High School, with all participants securing placements in further education.
04:56 Chatham County Schools celebrate music and performance achievements.
- Chatham Grove Elementary students performed the national anthem at a Bulls game, showcasing their talent.
- Bennett School held its first band concert in years, highlighting the new West Chat Concert Band initiative.
05:46 Chatham County Schools showcase diverse artistic talents in recent performances.
- North Chatham Elementary’s spring concert featured a lively performance of Finding Nemo, enhancing student engagement in the arts.
- Exceptional Children (EC) students displayed their creativity at the annual EC Art Festival, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in arts education.
06:43 Chatham County School celebrates recent track and field championships.
- Seaffort’s men’s track and field team won the state title for outdoor track after also securing the indoor championship.
- The Public Information Officer emphasized an open-door policy for community engagement and queries.