Community Connections

Summer messaging update and request for feedback

We value your insights on this message. Take this short survey to tell us how we’re doing. We will use your feedback to make improvements when we return with our next edition in August.

District direction: What partners should know

2026 Senior Spotlights

Every senior has a story – and we’re proud to share them. Our Senior Spotlights celebrate graduating students from across WCPSS who have made an impact in their schools, communities, and beyond. Through their experiences, achievements, and future plans, these stories highlight the many pathways to success and the opportunities that helped shape their journey. Meet our graduating seniors:

– Nathan Byrd, South Garner High

– Angel Edelen-Pinkney, Vernon Malone College and Career Academy

– Cadhla O’Dwyer, Leesville Road High
– Kendall Wardsworth, Rolesville High

Congratulations, class of 2026! What to know to celebrate grads

Graduation is one of the most meaningful moments in public education because it represents years of hard work, perseverance, and growth for our students. This year we will see approximately 12,475 seniors cross the stage and turn their tassels. Hats off to these graduates, who, so far, have earned more than $93 million dollars in scholarships.

Select schools held their spring graduations in May, with most ceremonies occurring in June. Check the Graduation Schedule to find out when and where ceremonies will take place, and access the livestream links for each ceremony. From where to park to what you can bring inside, we’ve got that information and more on our website. Learn more.

Message from the Board Chair: Congratulations on another year of learning and growth

In this video message, Board of Education Chair Tyler Swanson congratulates students who are graduating or transitioning grade levels and all students and staff on another successful school year. Watch now.

Mobilizing community support for student success

Reminder: Sponsorship opportunities available for our Summer Leadership Conference

We invite businesses and organizations to partner with us as a sponsor for our Summer Leadership Conference. This two-day professional learning experience brings together our principals, assistant principals, and district leaders to strengthen leadership, collaboration, and outcomes for the students we serve. Your sponsorship will directly support high-quality learning, meaningful connections, and innovative practices that impact schools across our district.

We value the role of community organizations in supporting public education and would be honored to partner with you for this important work.

Review Superintendent Taylor’s invitation and sponsorship form to learn more about sponsorship levels, associated benefits, and instructions for next steps.

Safe Storage: June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month

While safe gun storage is a vital topic all year long, June is a great time to learn about its importance during National Gun Violence Awareness Month. Resources for information and where to obtain gun lock devices are available on our Safe Gun Storage page. Learn more.

Wake County children need you, learn more about how you can help

Foster care is short-term and focused on helping families reunify. Right now, there are more than 500 children and teens in Wake County custody – many still awaiting a foster home. You can change that! Foster parents provide stability and support during a critical time in a child's or a teen's life. Wake County offers training and ongoing support every step of the way. If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time to learn more and see how you can help a child stay connected to their school, friends, and community. Register for an information session.

Your voice matters!

Help shape our Student Enrollment Plan

Each year, we develop an enrollment plan to make sure our schools grow in smart, sustainable ways that keep students at the center. Your input helps us shape these decisions, but even more importantly, your role as a community partner helps us reach families across Wake County. Sign up for focus groups to explore enrollment topics.

Behind every success: Students, staff, and partners

Dr. Mariah Walker is the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year

Congratulations to Dr. Mariah Walker, principal of Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy, on being named the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Walker will serve as an ambassador for the approximately 2,700 principals across North Carolina through a two-year advisory with the State Board of Education and a seat on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Public School Forum. Learn more.

Matin Maani is our 2026 Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Matin Maani, a seventh grade social studies teacher at Apex Friendship Middle, who was named the 2026 Wake County Public School System Teacher of the Year. Maani has been an educator at Apex Friendship for the last four years, after earning his Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Language Arts and Social Studies Education from NC State. His teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student deserves both access and opportunity to succeed, and that meaningful learning happens when students feel safe, seen, and empowered to grow. Learn more.

Congratulations to our spring staff graduates!

Congratulations to staff from across the district who are celebrating graduations this spring! These dedicated employees have spent countless hours as part-time students while also serving our district. More than 50 of our staff members notified the district that they earned a degree in higher education this spring. We appreciate their hard work and dedication.

Graduating seniors commit to WCPSS at Future Teachers signing night

Congratulations to our newest Future Teachers! In May, over two dozen graduating seniors committed to a future in education, by majoring in education in college and returning to our district to teach. We held a signing day for these outstanding students, and celebrated their accomplishments with their families.

The following week, we brought 134 current program participants together for their annual conference. This year's conference included 45 cohort-specific learning sessions led by nearly 70 different presenters from 26 Central Services departments, schools, and partner organizations. We’re proud to be growing our own group of future educators for the district. Learn more.

Upcoming opportunities: Mark your calendar

July 7 – First day of school for multi-track year-round calendar schools
July 27 – First day of school for modified calendar schools
July 30 – First day of school for Track 4-only calendar schools
Aug. 5 – First day of school for Wake STEM Early College High
Aug. 6 – First day of school for early colleges and leadership academies
Aug. 24 – First day of school for traditional calendar schools

Staff connections

Meet Michele Woodson, assistant superintendent for Student Support Services

Staff Connections aims to highlight one of the many people who power public education in Wake County. Our goal is to introduce you to the staff members behind the scenes — those who build partnerships, support schools, and make learning possible for students across the district.

With more than 30 years of service in education, Michele Woodson brings a wealth of leadership experience to the mission of student success. Her career path – spanning roles from classroom teacher and instructional coach to principal, chief academic officer, and now assistant superintendent – reflects a deep-seated commitment to every level of the school system. A lifelong learner, Woodson holds degrees and advanced licensure from East Carolina University, Elon University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Liberty University.

Woodson is a fierce advocate for improving student outcomes through systemic change. She is particularly passionate about the transformative power of restorative practices, believing that when we support educators in shifting their mindsets and cultivating the right conditions for belonging, we unlock the full potential of every student.

Contact Michele at mwoodson@wcpss.net.

Stay connected

If you have not yet done so, “Put Yourself on the Map!” Whether you've partnered with us in the past, want to become a partner in the future, or currently work with us, this initiative will connect our staff with your organization’s unique services to better support our families and school communities. Nonprofits, religious organizations, private foundations, and other community groups are encouraged to submit an organizational profile. Be sure to spread the word!

You’re receiving this newsletter because we’ve connected with you previously through a partnership, initiative, or shared event. If you know a colleague or organization that should be included, please share this with them. They can subscribe here.

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