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PSRC Monthly Newsletter

Your source for PSRC happenings

PSRC MonthlyNewsletterYour source for PSRC happenings

June 3, 2026

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month, National Hunger Awareness Month and Safety Month.

Quote of the Month Quote of the Month

“Make the most of yourself... for that is all there is of you.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson


Important Information Important Information

PSRC Families important early release information
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Spring Semester Exams Early Release Times

Below is the schedule for Spring Semester Exams with release times.


Traditional High Schools

June 3 - 4, 2026

Release Time 2:00 pm


June 5, 2026

Release Time 1:30 pm


June 8, 2026

Release Time 1:00 pm

Last Day of School Release Schedule Last Day of School Release Schedule

Last Day of School Release
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PSRC Family, This is a reminder from the Public Schools of Robeson County that the last day of school for students will be Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with an early release schedule.

Elementary schools will dismiss between 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Middle schools will dismiss between 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.
High schools will dismiss between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.

Please plan accordingly for transportation and afternoon arrangements. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact your child’s school directly. We hope everyone has a happy, healthy and safe summer break!

2026 Graduation Schedule 2026 Graduation Schedule

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The Public Schools of Robeson County is proud to announce the graduation schedule for the Class of 2026. Families, friends, staff members, and community supporters are invited to join in celebrating the accomplishments of graduating seniors as they prepare to take the next step toward college, careers, military service, and beyond.


“These ceremonies represent the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and growth for our students,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “We are proud of the Class of 2026 and look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our families and communities across Robeson County.”


The 2026 graduation schedule is as follows:

  • May 22, 2026

    • Early College High School - 10 a.m., RCC Auditorium

  • June 12, 2026

    • St. Pauls High School - 9 a.m., UNCP Givens Performing Arts Center

    • Lumberton High School - 9 a.m., LHS Gym

    • Red Springs High School - 9 a.m., RSHS Football Field

    • Purnell Swett High School - 9 a.m., PSHS Gym

    • Fairmont High School - 1 p.m., UNCP Givens Performing Arts Center


Graduation ceremonies will celebrate the achievements, leadership, and resilience demonstrated by students throughout their educational journeys.


PSRC encourages attendees to arrive early and follow any guidance provided by individual schools regarding parking, seating, and venue procedures.


The district congratulates all graduating seniors and wishes them continued success as they begin a new chapter in life.

2026 Summer Meals Program Schedule 2026 Summer Meals Program Schedule

Summer Meals Schedule
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The Public Schools of Robeson County Child Nutrition Department is proud to announce the 2026 Summer Meals Program schedule, ensuring children across Robeson County continue to have access to nutritious meals while school is out for the summer.


The Summer Meals Program will provide free breakfast and lunch at multiple school locations throughout the district beginning June 15, 2026.


Meal service hours will include breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please note that meal service will be suspended July 2–3, 2026, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. In addition, no meal services will be offered on Fridays during the month of July.


“Summer meals play an important role in supporting the health and well-being of our students when school is not in session,” said Charlene Locklear, PSRC Child Nutrition Director. “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue serving families throughout the summer months.”


June 15 – June 29 Meal Sites

  • Long Branch Elementary

  • Magnolia Elementary

  • Pembroke Elementary

  • Peterson Elementary

  • Rosenwald Elementary

  • Rowland-Norment Elementary*

  • St. Pauls Elementary

  • Union Elementary*

  • Lumberton Jr. High


June 15 – July 31 Meal Sites

  • Fairmont High

  • Lumberton Senior High

  • Pembroke Middle

  • Prospect Elementary

  • Red Springs High

  • St. Pauls High

  • Purnell Swett High

  • W.H. Knuckles Elementary


July 28 – August 14 Meal Site

  • L. Gilbert Carroll Middle School


Boxed Meal Sites in July

The following sites will transition to boxed meal distribution during July:

  • Rowland-Norment Elementary

  • Union Elementary


PSRC encourages families to take advantage of the Summer Meals Program to help students remain fueled, healthy, and ready for a successful new school year.


For additional information about the PSRC Summer Meals Program, families may contact the Public Schools of Robeson County Child Nutrition Department at 910-671-6000.

2026 Summer Boxed Meal Program 2026 Summer Boxed Meal Program

Box Meal Pickup Flyer
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The program offers weekly meal boxes containing breakfast and lunch items for eligible children ages 1-18. Families may register to receive meals at one designated pick-up location throughout the duration of the program.


Weekly meal distributions will take place in July with pick-up available from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (adjusted due to the Independence Day holiday week)

  • Thursday, July 9, 2026

  • Thursday, July 16, 2026

  • Thursday, July 23, 2026

  • Thursday, July 30, 2026


Families may select one of the following meal distribution sites:

  • Fairmont Middle School

  • Oxendine Elementary School

  • Parkton Elementary School

  • Rex-Rennert Elementary School

  • Rowland Norment Elementary School

  • St. Pauls Middle School

  • Union Chapel Elementary School

  • Union Elementary School


To participate, families must complete a separate registration form for each child by visiting robeson.k12.nc.us. Children may only be registered at one meal distribution site, and multiple site pickups are not permitted.


Parents or guardians of children with food allergies who wish to request an alternate meal option should contact Crystal Hunt at crystal.hunt@robeson.k12.nc.us.

PSRC Summer Camps PSRC Summer Camps

Summer Camp Schedule
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☀️ PSRC 2026 Summer Camp Schedule

📚 Read to Achieve (Grades 2–3)

  • June 16–19, June 22–26 & June 29
  • 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

🌎 Migrant Education (Grades Pre-K–12)

  • June 16–19, June 22–26 & June 29
  • 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

🗣️ Multilingual Learners (Grades K–12)

  • June 16–19, June 22–26 & June 29
  • 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

🪶 Indian Education (Grades 3–8 & High School VISION Students)

  • June 16–19 & June 23–25
  • 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

🔧 Career & Technical Education (Rising 9th Graders)

  • June 16–19, June 22–26 & June 29
  • 8:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

🎓 Credit Recovery (Grades 9–12)

  • June 16–19, June 22–26 & June 29
  • 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Seniors must complete requirements by June 25.

⭐ Extended School Year (Grades K–12)

  • July 27–30 & August 3–13
  • 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Provides special education services for eligible students.

📞 For additional information, please contact your child's school.

PSRC News PSRC News

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Coming in August 2026

The Robeson Career and Technical Education Center project is more than a new building—it's a transformative investment in the future of our students and the economic vitality of our region.


Currently under construction, this state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for innovation, skill-building, and career readiness, aligning educational opportunities with the evolving demands of the workforce in Robeson County and beyond. The Robeson CTEC building also will be home to the newly constructed Robeson Planetarium and Science Center.


Click here to read more and to take a virtual tour.

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Lumberton FFA celebrates student achievement, earns top 3 chapter recognition in state

The Lumberton FFA Chapter recently celebrated another successful year during its Annual Awards Banquet held at the Southeastern Agricultural Center. Approximately 275 members, parents, sponsors, alumni, school officials, and community supporters attended the event to recognize the accomplishments and leadership of FFA members throughout the 2025–2026 school year. During the ceremony, the chapter proudly announced that the Lumberton FFA Chapter has been selected as a Top 3 Chapter in North Carolina through the National Chapter Award Program and will be recognized during the 97th North Carolina FFA State Convention this June.


Access the full article here.

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Dr. Debra Dowless receives top recognition through Relay Graduate School Fellowship

The Public Schools of Robeson County’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction has received the highest honor for her work in the 2025-2026 cohort of the Relay Graduate School of Education’s Leverage Leadership Institute Fellowship.


Dr. Debra Dowless has been recognized as a Platinum Plus Leader for her hard work and dedication in the Relay Graduate School of Education’s Leverage Leadership Institute Fellowship. Dowless joins PSRC Relay-Leverage Leadership Coach Amanda Graham and Dr. Windy Dorsey-Carr, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability, in receiving this prestigious recognition.


Access the full article here.

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PSRC ECHS graduates 64 students

Sixty-four PSRC Early College High School graduates walked across the stage and into their future Friday, May 22, 2026 during the school’s commencement ceremony held in the A.D. Lewis Auditorium of Robeson Community College.


Access the full story here.

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PSRC welcomes new Family Engagement Specialist Gabrielle Dunlap

The Public Schools of Robeson County recently welcomed a new Family Engagement Specialist to the team.


Gabrielle Dunlap stepped into the role effective May 11 with a host of experience working in areas that support student learning and youth development. She worked most recently as a Program Assistant/ Tutoring Coordinator at the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office Police Activities League Program, where she supported academic enrichment initiatives and youth-focused programming.


Access the full article here.

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Public Schools of Robeson County celebrates excellence during 2026 awards ceremony

The Public Schools of Robeson County proudly celebrated outstanding educators, staff members, retirees and school leaders during the 2026 PSRC Awards Ceremony held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural Events Center. The evening recognized individuals whose dedication, leadership and service continue to make a lasting impact across the district.


Several district-level honorees were recognized. School-level Teachers of the Year, Teacher Assistants of the Year and National Board Certification Recipients were also recognized alongside retirees whose years of dedicated service have made a lasting impact on the students and families of Robeson County.


Access the full story here.

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PSRC named National Beta District of Distinction

National Beta proudly recognizes Public Schools of Robeson County as a 2025-2026 National Beta District of Distinction, an honor awarded to school districts that demonstrate a strong commitment to academic achievement, leadership development, and service engagement. This distinction is reserved for districts in which every eligible school offers National Beta and actively inducts qualifying students in grades 4-12. PSRC is among a select group of districts across the nation to earn this prestigious recognition for the 2025-2026 school year. In fact, PSRC proudly holds the distinction of being the largest National Beta District of Distinction in the nation.

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2 educators receive grants

  • Congratulations to our educators who earned grants through the Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics (PRISM) Program.

  • Christian Chavis – Computer Engineering Teacher, Robeson County Career Center
    • Awarded a $4,500 PRISM Grant for Ignite the Circuit: Soldering for Future Innovators.
    • Project introduces students to electronics, soldering, engineering concepts, and hands-on STEM learning.

  • Kayla Hendrix – First Grade Teacher, Peterson Elementary School
    • Awarded a $4,500 PRISM Grant for Little Sprouts, Big Discoveries: Hydroponics for Young Learners.
    • Project introduces hydroponic gardening to help students explore science, plant growth, nutrition, environmental stewardship, and cross-curricular learning.

  • Access the full story here.
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    PSRC recognizes May Impact Award recipients

    The Public Schools of Robeson County honored its May Impact Award recipients during the May 12, 2026, Board of Education meeting. The awards recognize employees who exemplify the district's "One Team, One Goal" motto through service, leadership, and dedication.


    • Laurent Saint Pierre – Math Teacher, Red Springs High School (Certified Impact Award)
    • Karina Zarate – Secretary and Girls Soccer Coach, Red Springs High School (Classified Impact Award)
    • Erica Setzer – Chief Finance Officer, PSRC Central Office (Central Office Impact Award)
    • Jared Cole Wilkins – District Technology Specialist, PSRC Central Office (Central Office Impact Award)

    Access the full article here.

    June is Safety Month June is Safety Month

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    Summer Safety Tips for PSRC Families

    As summer break begins, Public Schools of Robeson County encourages families to make safety a priority. Together, we can ensure our students have a happy, healthy and safe summer break!


    ☀️ Sun Safety

    • Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors.

    • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

    • Wear hats, sunglasses and lightweight clothing.

    • Stay in the shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).

    • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

    💧 Water Safety

    • Never allow children to swim without adult supervision.

    • Follow all pool, lake and beach safety rules.

    • Wear a life jacket when boating or participating in water activities.

    • Teach children to swim and understand basic water safety.

    • Encourage children to stay within their swimming abilities.

    🚲 Play Safely

    • Wear a properly fitted helmet when biking, skating or riding scooters.

    • Use age-appropriate equipment and protective gear.

    • Play in safe, designated areas away from traffic.

    • Stay aware of surroundings and watch for vehicles.

    • Practice kindness and good sportsmanship while playing with others.

    📱 Stay Connected

    • Know where your children are and who they are with.

    • Establish family check-in times and expectations.

    • Make sure children know how to contact a trusted adult.

    • Encourage awareness of surroundings when away from home.

    • Balance screen time with outdoor play and family activities.

    🏠 Home Safety

    • Never leave young children unattended.

    • Keep doors and windows secured.

    • Store medications, cleaning supplies and sharp objects out of reach.

    • Review emergency contact information with your children.

    • Ensure smoke detectors are working properly.

    🔥 Fire Safety

    • Keep matches, lighters and grills away from children.

    • Never leave a grill, campfire or fire pit unattended.

    • Follow local burn bans and fire restrictions.

    • Create and practice a family fire escape plan.

    • Teach children what to do in case of an emergency.

    ⛈️ Weather Safety

    • Check the weather forecast before outdoor activities.

    • Stay hydrated and take breaks in hot weather.

    • Move indoors during thunderstorms and severe weather.

    • Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

    • Keep emergency supplies available during storm season.

    🚗 Travel Safety

    • Always wear a seatbelt.

    • Make sure children are properly secured in age-appropriate car seats or booster seats.

    • Avoid distractions while driving.

    • Follow traffic laws and speed limits.

    • Plan ahead and take breaks during long trips.

    💙 A Message from PSRC

    Together, we can ensure our students have a happy, healthy, and safe summer break. Thank you for partnering with Public Schools of Robeson County to keep our children safe, supported and ready for a great summer!

    School Health Services Corner School Health Services Corner

    From Ms. Jan's Desk From Ms. Jan's Desk

    School Health Services Corner
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    School Health Services Corner: From Ms. Jan’s Desk

    Summer break is a time for fun, relaxation, and making memories, but it is also important to keep healthy habits in place. Public Schools of Robeson County Health Services encourages families to prioritize wellness throughout the summer months so students return to school healthy, energized, and ready to learn.


    ☀️ Beat the Heat

    North Carolina summers can be hot and humid. Help children stay safe by:

    • Drinking water regularly throughout the day.

    • Taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

    • Wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing.

    • Applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before outdoor activities.

    • Watching for signs of overheating, including dizziness, headaches, nausea, or unusual fatigue.

    ✅ Summer Health Reminders

    Keep these healthy habits going all summer long:

    • Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

    • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

    • Practice good handwashing habits.

    • Limit sugary drinks and choose water whenever possible.

    • Balance screen time with outdoor play, reading, and family activities.

    🧠 Healthy Minds Matter

    Summer routines often look different than the school year, which can affect a child's emotional well-being.

    Encourage your child to:

    • Spend time outdoors.

    • Read regularly.

    • Stay connected with friends and family.

    • Talk openly about their feelings.

    • Practice gratitude and positive thinking.

    Remember: Mental health is just as important as physical health.

    🚑 When to Seek Medical Care

    Contact a healthcare provider if your child experiences:

    • Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

    • Difficulty breathing.

    • Severe allergic reactions.

    • Persistent fever.

    • Symptoms of dehydration.

    • Serious injuries from sports or outdoor activities.

    In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

    🎒 Looking Ahead to Back-to-School

    Summer is the perfect time to prepare for a healthy start to the new school year:

    • Schedule annual wellness visits.

    • Update immunizations if needed.

    • Schedule dental and vision appointments.

    • Review medications and health plans.

    • Complete sports physicals before fall athletics begin.


    Together, we can help our students enjoy a safe, healthy, and happy summer while preparing for a successful return to school this fall.

    June Events and Reminders June Events and Reminders

    • June 1: End of Nine Weeks

    • June 9: PSRC Board of Education Meeting at 6 pm, Last Day for Students

    • June 10-12: Required Teacher Workdays,

    • June 12:Graduation Days, Project Graduation

    • June 14: Flag Week, Flag Day

    • June 15: Required Teacher Workday, Last Day for Teachers

    • June 19: Juneteenth

    • June 21: Father's Day

    2025-2026 Academic Calendars 2025-2026 Academic Calendars

    Please save these calendars to your phone for planning purposes.

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    2025-2026 Testing Calendars 2025-2026 Testing Calendars

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    Access Testing Calendars & PSRC ECHS Testing Calendars Here

    2026-2027 Academic Calendars 2026-2027 Academic Calendars

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    Accessibility Statement Accessibility Statement

    The Public Schools of Robeson County is committed to ensuring that its website, school websites, and mobile applications are accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to comply with Section 508 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 A and AA standards.


    If you encounter any issues while accessing our web content or mobile apps, or if you have feedback regarding our accessibility efforts, we encourage you to contact us. Your input is vital in helping us improve our services and ensure equal access for everyone.


    Contact Information:

    • Email: accessibility@robeson.k12.nc.us

    • Phone: 910-671-6000


    We will provide materials and publications in alternative formats upon request. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need assistance or have questions regarding accessibility.


    Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to create an inclusive environment for everyone. Any reported accessibility issues will be promptly reviewed and addressed.

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    Public Schools of Robeson County

    "One Team, One Goal"

    We serve more than 20,000 students across 40 instructional sites, including PSRC Early College at RCC and the Robeson County Career Center.


    To keep up with PSRC district happenings, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and our district website at robeson.k12.nc.us.

    Email: webmaster@robeson.k12.nc.us
    Website: robeson.k12.nc.us
    Location: 100 Hargrave Street, Lumberton, NC, USA
    Phone: 9106716000
    Facebook: facebook.com/PublicSchoolsofRobesonCounty
    Twitter: @PSRCEDU

    Public Schools of Robeson County
    www.robeson.k12.nc.us
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