💙 Happy Social Worker Appreciation Week! 💙

Elizabethtown Middle School would like to give a special shoutout to Ms. Elizabeth Santiago, our incredible school social worker!

Ms. Santiago works tirelessly behind the scenes to support our students, families, and staff. Her compassion, dedication, and willingness to help others truly make a difference in our Cougar community each and every day. Whether she is helping students overcome challenges, connecting families with resources, or offering a listening ear, Ms. Santiago embodies the caring spirit that helps our students grow from Learners to Leaders.

We are grateful for the kindness, support, and positive impact she brings to Elizabethtown Middle School. Thank you, Ms. Santiago, for everything you do for our Cougar Family! 🐾🧡🖤

#ETMSCougars
#CougarFamily
#LearnersToLeaders
#SocialWorkerAppreciationWeek
#ThankYouMsSantiago
about 1 month ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Two women stand smiling in front of a decorative wall display that reads “Be Kind to Yourself.” One woman is presenting the other with a wrapped gift, recognizing her during Social Worker Appreciation Week at Elizabethtown Middle School.
Don't Miss It!!!
about 1 month ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Colorful flyer for the ETMS Book Fair 2026 featuring cartoon students reading and floating among books and a rocket. The event will be held at the Elizabethtown Middle School Media Center from Tuesday, March 10 through Friday, March 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. daily. Families are invited to attend after the Multicultural Celebration and explore a wide variety of books for readers of all ages.
Thank You for Supporting Student-Led Conferences at Elizabethtown Middle School!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our students and their families who participated in our recent Student-Led Conferences at Elizabethtown Middle School. These conferences gave our students the opportunity to take ownership of their learning by sharing their academic progress, goals, and achievements with their families.

It was inspiring to see our Cougars confidently communicate about their grades, growth, and plans for continued success. Moments like these truly reflect our mission of developing Learners to Leaders.

We appreciate the strong partnership between our school and families. Your support helps empower our students to grow in responsibility, confidence, and leadership every day.

Thank you for being such an important part of the Cougar Family! 🐾🧡🖤

#ETMS #CougarFamily #LearnersToLeaders #StudentLedConferences #CougarPride
about 1 month ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Students stand at the front of a classroom speaking with a teacher while classmates watch, practicing communication and leadership skills.
Two teachers sit at desks listening and preparing as students present during a classroom activity.
Students stand and present ideas to a teacher while classmates observe in a collaborative classroom discussion.
A student presents academic progress data on a screen while speaking to classmates from a standing desk.
A student presents a slide about school discipline and responsibility while speaking to the class using a laptop and display screen.
🏀🧡🐾 ETMS Eighth Grade Senior Night Celebration! 🐾🧡🏀

What a special evening celebrating our Elizabethtown Middle School 8th Grade Basketball and Cheerleading Seniors!

Our gym was filled with Cougar Pride as we recognized these outstanding student-athletes and cheerleaders for their dedication, leadership, and heart throughout their middle school careers. From exciting game moments to spirited sidelines, they have represented ETMS with excellence both on and off the court.

Surrounded by their families, teammates, coaches, and supporters, each senior was honored for the commitment, perseverance, and school spirit they have shown as proud members of the Cougar Family.

We are incredibly proud of the growth these students have demonstrated — not just as athletes and cheerleaders, but as leaders. They truly embody our Learners to Leaders mission and show what it means to work hard, support one another, and finish strong.

Congratulations to our 8th grade seniors! Your Cougar family is cheering you on as you take your next steps toward high school and beyond. Once a Cougar, always a Cougar! 🐾🧡

#CougarPride
#CougarFamily
#LearnersToLeaders
#SeniorNight2026
#CougarStrong
about 1 month ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
High school band performing in the gym bleachers. Students in blue band shirts play brass and woodwind instruments while a director conducts in front. Spectators sit in the background.
Basketball player stands on the court with family members during a senior night recognition. Family members hold flowers and gift baskets while spectators watch from the bleachers.
wo ETMS Lady Cougars basketball players stand with family members on the court holding flowers and basketball-themed gifts. Balloons and senior night posters are visible in the background.
ETMS girls basketball player stands with family members holding orange and black pom-poms, balloons, and a senior night gift basket during recognition on the gym floor
Cougars basketball player wearing jersey number 4 stands with family members on the court. A basketball-shaped balloon floats above them during senior night celebration.
ETMS basketball player stands with family members holding gold number balloons and gifts during senior night recognition. Cheerleaders and spectators sit in the bleachers behind them.
Student athlete stands with family members holding a decorated senior poster board that reads “8th Grade Level Complete.” They pose together on the gym floor during recognition.
Cougars basketball player wearing jersey number 2 stands with family members on the court. A basketball balloon floats overhead as they pose for senior night.
ETMS basketball player wearing jersey number 1 stands with family members holding a framed photo collage and gift basket. Basketball balloons float above them in the gym.
Cougars basketball player wearing jersey number 3 stands with family members during senior night recognition. One family member holds a baby while another holds a large gold balloon and gift basket.

Elizabethtown Middle School Multicultural Celebration!!!!
Parents are invited to come to the ETMS Cafeteria during your child’s lunch period to enjoy our Multicultural Celebrations. See the image below for our schedule of events. If you would like to purchase lunch to join your child, please rsvp at the link below by noon on Tuesday March 3, 2026.
Click Here to RSVP

about 1 month ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Flyer for Elizabethtown Middle School Multicultural Celebration 2026. The background shows a globe with famous landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, Big Ben, and Asian pagodas, along with small cultural dancers and clouds. The event dates are March 9–13, 2026. Each day lists a grade level and time during lunch: Monday (Ms. Edward’s class, 10:30–11:00 a.m.), Tuesday (5th grade, 12:18–12:43 p.m.), Wednesday (6th grade, 10:56–11:20 a.m.), Thursday (7th grade, 11:23–11:48 a.m.), and Friday (8th grade, 11:52 a.m.–12:17 p.m.). Text at the bottom invites parents to attend in the ETMS cafeteria during their child’s lunch period and RSVP by noon on March 3, 2026, if they plan to purchase lunch.
👑🏀 Homecoming Royalty at Elizabethtown Middle School! 🏀👑

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 ETMS Homecoming Queen, Ny’Ashia Lyles, and Homecoming King, Jayden Smith!

These outstanding students represent the very best of our Cougar Family. Their leadership, character, and school spirit shine both on and off the court. We are so proud of the way they embody our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Communication, and Helpfulness each and every day.

Congratulations, Ny’Ashia and Jayden! 👑🧡🖤 You wear your crowns well, and we are proud to call you Cougars!

#ETMSCougars #CougarPride #Homecoming2026 #LearnersToLeaders 🧡🐾
about 1 month ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Four individuals stand together at center court in a school gymnasium during a basketball event. Two students wear crowns and sashes, suggesting a homecoming or court recognition. The female student is dressed in a black and white cheer uniform and holds a bouquet of flowers. The male student wears a white “Cougars” basketball uniform with a black sash and crown. They are flanked by two adults—one woman in an orange blouse and black pants, and one man in a gray suit and tie. Bleachers with spectators are visible in the background, along with orange and black school decorations.
Support ETMS Beta's First Annual Book Drive!!
about 1 month ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
A bright orange, black, and white poster for Elizabethtown Middle School Junior Beta Club’s “1st Annual Book Drive.” The design features a tall stack of colorful books on the left with bold lettering on the right that reads “BOOK DRIVE.” The event is held in honor of Read Across America Week 2026, and donated books will be distributed to local children and families to promote literacy in the community. The drive takes place March 2–6, 2026, at 1496 Highway 701 South, Elizabethtown, NC 28337. Suggested donations include illustration storybooks, children’s chapter books, dictionaries, teen novels, literature books, philosophy books, hobbyist books, and art and culture books. A note at the bottom states that all books should be in new condition, and the ETMS Junior Beta Club thanks participants for their support.

🚌💛 Happy School Bus Driver Appreciation Week! 💛🚌

Our Cougar Family proudly celebrates the incredible bus drivers who safely transport our students to and from Elizabethtown Middle School each day!

A very special THANK YOU to:
🚌 Katrina Wright
🚌 Brittany Barnette
🚌 Ricky Peoples
🚌 Ms. Jessup
🚌 Mrs. Hayes
🚌 Terry Floyd (Not Pictured)

Rain or shine, early mornings and long afternoons — you are the first smile many of our students see each day and the last caring adult they see before heading home. Your dedication, patience, and commitment to safety do not go unnoticed.

Because of you, our students arrive ready to learn and return home safely. You truly help us live out our Learners to Leaders mission by ensuring every Cougar starts and ends their day with care and consistency.

We are so thankful for each of you and the important role you play in our school community! 🧡🐾

Thank you Barefoot Brew for helping us celebrate our bus drivers with your generous donation of gift cards for each of our drivers!

#CougarFamily
#LearnersToLeaders
#ThankABusDriver
#SchoolBusDriverAppreciationWeek

about 2 months ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
A smiling female bus driver wearing a “School Bus Driver” shirt stands in a school parking lot beside a man in a red jacket. They are holding a small appreciation gift bag. Parked cars and trees are visible in the background during early morning light.
A bus driver wearing black and orange Cougar gear and sunglasses stands next to a man in a red jacket in the school parking lot. A yellow school bus is visible in the background. They are smiling and holding a small appreciation gift bag.
Two bus drivers stand on either side of a man in a red jacket in the school parking lot. Both drivers are holding appreciation gift bags. Trees and parked vehicles are visible in the background in warm morning sunlight.
A bus driver wearing an orange Elizabethtown Middle School shirt stands indoors beside a man in a red jacket. They are smiling and holding a gift bag in front of a wall display featuring the school’s mission statement and a large Cougar paw print.
BCS Families—

📅 Calendar Update: Thursday, February 26th will now be a NO SCHOOL day for students (currently scheduled as a half day). Staff will use this day for professional collaboration.

Please mark your calendars with this change!.
about 2 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Graphic of a yellow sticky note pinned to a blue school-themed background with icons. Text reads “Calendar Update” above the Bladen County Schools logo.
We've got School Spirit, how about you?
#Cougarpride
about 2 months ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Orange and black ETMS Spirit Week flyer with cougar paw prints. Spirit Week is February 16–20. Monday: Celebrity Day (school appropriate). Tuesday: Wear Red Day for stroke awareness in honor of Mr. Johnston. Wednesday: Career Day. Thursday: Spirit Day (5th–gray, 6th–white, 7th–black, 8th–orange). Friday: Anything But a Backpack Day. Pep rally on Thursday, February 19. Spirit links sold in homeroom for 25¢ each; winning homeroom earns a pizza or ice cream party.
🐾🧡 Congratulations, Shinta Harris! 🧡🐾
2 months ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Graphic congratulating Shinta Harris for winning the North Carolina Association for Middle Level Education’s Student Voice Competition. The design features celebratory text praising Shinta’s winning poetry entry, “What Middle School Means to Me,” and highlighting his leadership, creativity, and Cougar pride. On the right, Shinta is shown smiling in front of library bookshelves, wearing an orange Elizabethtown Middle School Cougar hoodie. The graphic uses orange, gray, and blue accents and congratulatory design elements.
Congratulations to our newly elected Student Government Association!
2 months ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Graphic announcing Elizabethtown Middle School Student Government for the 2026–2027 school year. The design features student portraits displayed around a central Cougar-themed frame.  President: Sincere Washington and Vice President: Kylie Tucker are shown at the top. Secretary: Kingston Harris and Treasurer: Jayden Garcia are shown at the bottom. All students are smiling and standing in front of library bookshelves. The center of the graphic reads “Elizabethtown Middle School Student Government 2026–2027” with Cougar and civic-themed icons.
This week, we are proud to celebrate Dr. Barretta Smith, our incredible school counselor, during National School Counselors Week!
2 months ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Graphic celebrating National School Counselors Week featuring Dr. Barretta Smith of Elizabethtown Middle School. One photo shows Dr. Smith standing beside a colleague while holding a small gift in a Cougar-themed space. A second smaller photo shows Dr. Smith smiling and wearing festive reindeer antlers. The orange Cougar-branded graphic includes text praising Dr. Smith for going above and beyond to support students academically, socially, and emotionally, and thanking her for her compassion, professionalism, and leadership.
BCS Families—

Bladen County Schools will operate on a 2 hour delay tomorrow, Thursday, February 5. While, road conditions have significantly improved, the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for our area due to the possibility of freezing rain overnight. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution all Bladen County Schools and departments will operate on a 2 hour delay tomorrow.

If overnight or early morning conditions require a change to the delay, a decision will be made by 7 am.

We appreciate your cooperation as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff. We encourage everyone to closely monitor all communication channels for additional updates and look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning.
2 months ago, Bladen County Schools
dark blue graphic with white text that says WEATHER UPDATE
BCS Families—

Bladen County Schools will continue with asynchronous remote learning tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4. District administrators have been in communication with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Bladen County Emergency Services and there continues to be widespread concern with ice on secondary roads.

All events and activities scheduled for Wednesday, February 4 are canceled.

Asynchronous learning means that students will work independently on assignments that teachers have either posted in Canvas, Google Classroom, or sent home with students Friday. Staff will receive information regarding work schedules from their supervisors.

A decision regarding school operations for Thursday, February 5 will be made no later than 6 pm Wednesday.

We appreciate your cooperation as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff, and we encourage everyone to closely monitor all communication channels for additional updates.

Thank you and please stay warm!
2 months ago, Bladen County Schools
dark blue graphic with the words "weather update" in white
🎉 ETMS Eighth Grade Students of the Month 🎉

We are proud to recognize two Cougars who exemplify leadership, growth, and responsibility both inside and outside the classroom!

🌟 Dylan Crescencio-Colorado demonstrates Habits 1, 3, and 4 by advocating for himself and taking ownership of his learning. He recently showed maturity and self-awareness by requesting a class change that better supported his academic success. Dylan consistently displays leadership in the hallways, classrooms, and during school activities. Since the start of the school year, he has shown significant growth, and we are proud of the progress he continues to make.

🌟 Adamari Paredes Palacio demonstrates Habits 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 through her respect, leadership, and positive attitude. She builds strong relationships with both teachers and peers and is always willing to explain concepts to help others succeed. Adamari consistently shows self-control, resilience, and the ability to learn and grow from her mistakes.

She models school pride through her actions, strong attendance, and self-advocacy. Adamari embraces a growth mindset, using Get, Do, and See strategies to overcome challenges, and she never makes excuses when faced with difficult tasks. Her determination and leadership make her a wonderful role model and a deserving Student of the Month.

👏 Congratulations to Dylan and Adamari for representing Elizabethtown Middle School with pride and purpose! 🧡🖤
#ETMSPride #StudentsOfTheMonth #LearnersToLeaders #7Habits #CougarStrong 🐾
2 months ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Two Elizabethtown Middle School students stand side by side in a school hallway in front of a colorful inspirational poster. One student wears a black hoodie and pants, and the other wears a striped sweater and jeans, both facing the camera and representing ETMS Students of the Month.
🎉 ETMS Seventh Grade Students of the Month 🎉

We are proud to recognize two outstanding Cougars who exemplify leadership, responsibility, and a commitment to excellence!

🌟 Jeniyah Whittington is an outgoing student who truly meets no strangers and brings positive energy into the classroom each day. She consistently demonstrates Habit 1: Be Proactive by taking responsibility for her learning and completing all assignments on time and with care. Jeniyah also exemplifies Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind, as she sets high academic goals and works diligently to achieve them, earning A/B Honor Roll status.

She shows strong leadership and dependability when entrusted with responsibilities, completing errands promptly and respectfully. In addition to her academic success, Jeniyah maintains excellent attendance and is actively involved in all sports offered at Elizabethtown Middle School. Her leadership, commitment, and positive attitude make her a wonderful role model and a well-deserved Student of the Month.

🌟 Karmello Rogers consistently exhibits the highest standards of leadership among his peers. He is honest, driven, and well respected by both students and staff. Karmello models Habit 1: Be Proactive by persistently aiming high and taking full advantage of his learning opportunities, as shown through his membership in Beta Club and his strong academic performance with all A’s and B’s.

He also exemplifies Habit 3: Put First Things First, approaching every task with focus, care, and responsibility. Karmello is meticulous in his work, respectful to everyone, and dependable when entrusted with responsibilities. Recently, he was selected and trained by the East Bladen High School JROTC as one of only four students chosen to handle the school’s flag detail for the 2026–2027 school year. His leadership, dedication, and positive attitude make him truly deserving of this recognition.

👏 Congratulations to Jeniyah and Karmello for representing Elizabethtown Middle School with pride! 🧡🖤
#ETMSPride #StudentsOfTheMonth #LearnersToLeaders #7Habits #CougarStrong 🐾
2 months ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Two Elizabethtown Middle School students stand side by side in a school hallway in front of a colorful inspirational poster. One student wears a blue shirt and black jacket, and the other wears a red shirt and jeans, both facing the camera and representing ETMS Students of the Month.
🎉 ETMS Sixth Grade Students of the Month 🎉

We are excited to recognize two outstanding Cougars who exemplify growth, character, and a commitment to excellence!

🌟 Lauren Washington is a proud Beta Club member who is quiet, respectful, and consistently eager to improve in every class. She successfully balances multiple extracurricular activities, including band, while maintaining strong academic performance. Lauren demonstrates excellent character, has no behavioral concerns, and serves as a positive role model for her peers through her strong work ethic and positive attitude.

🌟 Joel Arteaga-Gonzalez has shown tremendous growth since Student-Led Conferences. He earned perfect attendance for Semester One and consistently stays on top of his assignments. Joel regularly asks how he can continue to improve academically, remains attentive during instruction, and is always willing to help others. His dedication, responsibility, and growth make him well-deserving of this honor.

👏 Congratulations to Lauren and Joel for representing Elizabethtown Middle School with pride! 🧡🖤
#ETMSPride #StudentsOfTheMonth #LearnersToLeaders #CougarStrong 🐾
2 months ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Two Elizabethtown Middle School students stand side by side in a school hallway in front of a colorful inspirational poster. Both students are smiling at the camera, wearing black tops, and representing ETMS Students of the Month.
🎉 ETMS Fifth Grade Students of the Month 🎉

We are proud to recognize two outstanding Cougars who exemplify leadership, character, and a commitment to success!

🌟 Alana Perkins truly embodies the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and has been a leader in her classroom since day one. She works well with her classmates and is always willing to share thoughtful feedback during lessons. Alana consistently completes her assignments on time and already demonstrates a strong focus on her future goals. Her continuous effort and impressive academic growth make her a well-deserved Student of the Month.

🌟 Ariel Zambrano is a shining example of diligence and positivity. He puts first things first by staying focused and completing his work, no matter the challenge. Ariel’s respectful attitude and ability to get along with everyone help create a welcoming and supportive classroom environment. His determination and significant academic growth this year truly set him apart.

👏 Congratulations to Alana and Ariel for representing Elizabethtown Middle School with excellence and leadership! 🧡🖤
#ETMSPride #StudentsOfTheMonth #LearnersToLeaders #7Habits #CougarStrong 🐾
2 months ago, Elizabethtown Middle School
Two Elizabethtown Middle School students stand side by side in a school hallway in front of a colorful poster with inspirational words. Both students are wearing dark hoodies and face the camera, representing ETMS Students of the Month.

BCS Families—

Due to continued concerns with travel conditions in our area, Bladen County Schools will continue with asynchronous remote learning on Tuesday, February 3.

Asynchronous learning means that students will work independently on assignments that teachers have either posted in Canvas, Google Classroom, or sent home with students Friday. Staff will receive information regarding work schedules from their supervisors.

All events and activities scheduled for Tuesday, February 3 are canceled.

A decision regarding school operations for Wednesday, February 4 will be made no later than 6 pm Tuesday, February 3.

We appreciate your cooperation as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff, and we encourage everyone to closely monitor all communication channels for additional updates.

Thank you and please stay warm!

2 months ago, Bladen County Schools
dark blue graphic with white text that reads "weather update"