001Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. The idea academy is one of the Johnson County public schools choice programs. It's the one that we offer here at South Johnson High School uh as a focus for students who are interested in going into agricultural environmental studies. Students who are looking at developing a career uh oriented focus uh had the opportunities to kind of dip their toes into all the different aspects of agriculture environmental study. Um and then we have students once they they work their way through they complete their internships um at the end of their senior year they can move that into a parlay that into an opportunity within the workforce. We have a student who finished uh graduated last year uh who completed the Caterpillar internship program as well as uh
002earned his associates degree at the through the University of Mount Olive. Um and now he's had some opportunities uh afforded to him in some different areas within his career with that associates degree already to move into a a chance to start working and building into his future career endeavors. what the University of Molly brings to the table, not only is proximity, we're less than 40 minutes away. Um, but we also bring a degree of content experts. Um, we bring some resources to the table. And as ideal students, they are considered the same as any other UMO students. to have access to the writing center, the counseling center, the academic resources center, all the other um benefits of a full-time student on campus. The students at South Johnson are entitled and have access to those same
003benefits. Uh what the Ideal Academy is to me is it's a it's a family. It's a place where kids um well I mean obviously they can show their love for agriculture. Um but these kids they're like a family. To me, the Ideal Academy is a great opportunity to grow and be who you really want to be. All of these different pathways isn't just for a specific thing. It allows you to branch off. Like, if you want to be a nurse, you can be a nurse. It helps you decide on along the way. coming into these classrooms is a little different than going into your normal um history or math classroom because we offer the blended classes. So, right out the gate, their freshman year, they're um they're together. Um so, they're collaborating, cooperating, um they're
004doing things together. Um and they end up like a family and it is really amazing to see. I mean, a such a broad subject really, but um I knew I wanted to do a topic engineering and I I knew this place offered college credits and I thought about a engineering because, you know, I just I knew I wanted to do engineering and I love agriculture in general, you know, whether it was animals or just working outside. So, I come here and they actually allow you to intern and which is a great thing because I started taking the math classes and um I interned in a place in downtown Raleigh and I realized it wasn't everything I thought it was going to be. It's totally different actually. It's not like what you would read online. And
005then I started taking more classes like welding classes and then construction classes and then I decided I want to go more towards trade which still is agricultural like it's related. It all is. Uh, and so I think not only are we setting the students up for success when they move on to um their college choices or the university choices, whether it's an associates or a bachelor's or higher level degree, but also for the students who want to move right into either community college certifications or go ahead and and get into the workforce, they're prepared to do that because of the opportunities they've had within the program and their time here at South Johnson. When I first started being a ambassador, uh, I went to the choice program night at Trip S and talking I like
006I never was really an outgoing person at talking a lot to everybody, but that really showed me that I can be an outgoing person and, you know, not be scared to talk to people cuz that night I talked to a ton tons of people and trying to get them to join the Ideal Academy and stuff. And I reflected on that night when I left and I said the academy the academy has really grown me even just through one year. It has really grown me to be able to talk to more people and stuff like that. So that is probably my wow moment figuring out that the Ideal Academy teaches you not just agriculture but also public speaking skills and stuff like that to grow you as a person. At first, I didn't really want to
007be in the ideal academy cuz I was going to be like away from all my normal friends that were in my um little area. But I am glad that I was able to like make meet the people that I did and take the classes that I did take because it does like it makes my future look a lot brighter. One thing that sets a lot of academy students apart is their soft skills. Um, the ability to show up on time, to be able to communicate effectively verbally w with other individuals, to work as a team, to collaborate with others. Those soft skills put them ahead of their um colleagues um in the job setting. Freshman year, I went to English class and he said, "Today we are going to be building windmills." And I mean,
008I would never expect to go into English class and be building something. You know, I expected to be reading a book, but we go in there and we started reading a book about building windmills. A boy, it was called A Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. That's what the book was. So, we actually spent like a week or two building windmills. And then we'd spend some other times when um English was partnered with animal science. we'd come down here and learn more about the animals, you know. I just you don't get that in standard English classes. So, I think that would be the big wow moment for me. It's more of a family to me personally because I've grown to know all my teachers, you know, and I've grown to know all my peers and stuff
009because we've taken the same classes together like all through high school. I know them now. I know their know where they came from and stuff cuz not everybody comes from agriculture or like a farming background. That's the good thing about the Ideal Academy. You can all come together and it's like a family. >> It really is a good academy and I'm glad I joined because I wouldn't be here now if I didn't and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't know what to do next. So, I am grateful that I am here and for the people that I've met along the way. Ideal has been a big thing for me because no one in my family has ever had opportunities like I have. Um, so I'm it's very I'm very grateful for it cuz it opened so
010many things for me that I never thought I would be able to accomplish in my life. >> I think the most impressive um heartfelt thing to me about the ideal academy is the opportunity for the students um just to just to work together and do handson learning with something that they're passionate about. So, I'm thrilled that we offer this opportunity here at South. We're always continually working to make it better because we're trying to create leaders. Uh these kids are our future. So, what we offer here is very, very important to us. Um and it's just a great opportunity for the kids. Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where there's Always something great happening. Today, we're taking you on a visual tour, giving you a major update on our exciting construction and bond projects. Our
011first stop is Cooper Academy, a campus that's undergone a massive renovation and revitalization. Thanks to the 2022 bond, we added 20 classrooms, new offices, resource rooms, staff workrooms, and muchneeded group restrooms. These additions have truly tied the school together, and Cooper is already getting a boost from the 2024 bond. The entire campus now features a brand new state-of-the-art fire alarm system. Next up is Swift Creek Elementary, a truly exciting addition to our district. This marks our 25th elementary school, a testament to Johnston County's vibrant growth. This stunning over 900 capacity school showcases vibrant colors and brilliant economic design. The construction of the new Wilson's Mills High School or WHS is progressing rapidly and remains on schedule for its fall 2026 opening. Visit the site today and you'll see significant progress outside. All spectator stands are
012in place and the athletic fields are either fully installed or well underway. The exterior of the building is nearing completion, giving a clear view of the finished structure. Inside, work is moving just as quickly. The first and second levels are heavily sheetrocked, framing is nearly complete, and crews have even begun priming the walls. We are so pleased with the speed and quality of this construction and look forward to sharing more milestones as we head toward the 2026 school year. We had the opportunity, thanks to the county commissioners, to go ahead and reduce overcrowding and remove mobiles at Cleveland High School. This was a fast-paced project that was completed in time for students to come back to school. This addition made it possible to remove all the mobiles on campus and make a secure traversal between
013classes without the need to go outside or to mobile. During the October 28th, 2025 special session meeting, the Johnston County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the Clayton High rebuild project. This exciting, long- aaited project will provide state-of-the-art facilities for Johnston County students, including 99 total teaching spaces, 19 CTE classes/labs, 13 science labs, a main and auxiliary gym, athletic fields and facilities, an extraordinary auditorium with a seating capacity of 762, and so much more, providing the learning spaces Clayton area families will be proud of for many years to come. The new 278,000q ft² facility will serve as a cornerstone for 21st century learning, designed with a focus on safety and security, state-of-the-art learning environments, athletic and fine arts spaces, and innovative technology and learning labs. While the design embraces modern educational needs, it also
014preserves elements of the school's historic culture that have defined generations of Clayton Comets. The Johnston County Board of Commissioners will vote on the project during their upcoming November regular scheduled meeting. JCPS plans to begin construction soon. The 2024 bond is already putting shovels in the ground across the county. Currently underway, we have the full buildout of Thanksgiving Elementary, adding six classrooms. Cleveland Elementary and Fork Oaks Elementary are both receiving major, muchneeded HVAC overhauls to bring them up to today's standards. And finally, projects in the design phase include additions at McGee Elementary to add two new four classroom wings, a new metal roof project over at East Clayton Elementary, and an exciting track and tennis court upgrade starting at North Johnston High in May of 2026. North Johnston High will also be receiving a press box
015for their baseball/softball field that will start in the next few weeks. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. The ideal academy is one of the Johnson County Public Schools choice programs. It's the one that we offer here at South Johnson High School uh as a focus for students who are interested in going into agricultural environmental studies. Students who are looking at developing a career oriented focus uh had the opportunities to kind of dip their toes into all the different aspects of agriculture environmental study. Um, and then we have students once they they work their way through, they complete their internships um, at the end of their senior year, they can move that into or parlay that into an opportunity within the workforce. We have a student who finished uh, graduated last year uh, who completed the Caterpillar
016internship program as well as uh, earned his associates degree through the University of Mount Olive. Um, and now he's had some opportunities uh afforded to him in some different areas within his career with that associates degree already to move into a a chance to start working and building into his future career endeavors. what the University of Molly brings to the table. Not only is proximity, we're less than 40 minutes away. Um, but we also bring a degree of content experts. Um, we bring some resources to the table and as ideal students, they are considered the same as any other students that have access to the writing center, the counseling center, the academic resources center, all the other um benefits of a full-time student on campus. the students at South Johnson are entitled and have access
017to those same benefits. Uh what the Ideal Academy is to me is it's a it's a family. It's a place where kids um well I mean obviously they can show their love for agriculture um but these kids they're like a family. To me the Ideal Academy is a great opportunity to grow and be who you really want to be. all of these different pathways isn't just for a specific thing. It allows you to branch off like if you want to be a nurse, you can be a nurse. It helps you decide on along the way. Coming into these classrooms is a little different than going into your normal um history or math classroom because we offer the blended classes. So, right out the gate, their freshman year, they're um they're together. Um, so they're collaborating,
018cooperating, um, they're doing things together. Um, and they end up like a family and it is really amazing to see. I mean, a's such a broad subject really, but um I knew I wanted to do a topic engineering and I I knew this place offered college credits and I thought about a engineering because, you know, I just I knew I want to do engineering and I love agriculture in general, you know, whether it was animals or just working outside. So, I come here and they actually allow you to intern and which is a great thing because I started taking the math classes and um I interned in a place in downtown Raleigh and I realized it wasn't everything I thought it was going to be. It's totally different actually. It's not like what you would
019read online. And then I started taking more classes like welding classes and then construction classes and then I decided I want to go more towards trade which still is agricultural like it's related. It all is. Uh, and so I think not only are we setting the students up for success when they move on to um their college choices or the university choices, whether it's an associates or a bachelor's or higher level degree, but also for the students who want to move right into either community college certifications or go ahead and and get into the workforce, they're prepared to do that because of the opportunities they've had within the program and their time here at Southn. Awesome. When I first started being a ambassador, uh, I went to the choice program night at Trip S. and
020talking. I like I never was really an outgoing person and talking a lot to everybody, but that really showed me that I can be an outgoing person and you know not be scared to talk to people cuz that night I talked to tons of people and trying to get them to join the ideal academy and stuff. And I reflected on that night when I left and I said the academy the academy has really grown me even just through one year it has really grown me to be able to talk to more people and stuff like that. So that is probably my wow moment figuring out that the Ideal Academy teaches you not just agriculture but also public speaking skills and stuff like that to grow you as a person. >> At first I didn't really
021want to be in the Ideal Academy cuz I was going to be like away from all my normal friends that were in my um little area. But I am glad that I was able to like make meet the people that I did and take the classes that I did take because it does like it makes my future look a lot brighter. One thing that sets a lot of the academy students apart is their soft skills. um the ability to show up on time, to be able to communicate effectively verbally w with other individuals, to work as a team, to collaborate with others. Those soft skills put them ahead of their um colleagues um in the job setting. >> Freshman year, I went to English class and he said, "Today we are going to be building
022windmills." And I mean, I would never expect to go into English class and be building something, you I expected to be reading a book, but we go in there and we started reading a book about building windmills. A boy, it was called A Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. That's what the book was. So, we actually spent like a week or two building windmills. And then we'd spend some other times when um English was partnered with animal science. We'd come down here and learn more about the animals. You know, I just you don't get that in standard English classes. So, I think that would be the big wow moment for me. It's more of a family to me personally because I've grown to know all my teachers, you know, and I've grown to know all my
023peers and stuff because we've taken the same classes together like all through high school. I know them now. I know they're know where they came from and stuff cuz not everybody comes from agriculture or like a farming background. But that's the good thing about the ideal academy. You can all come together and it's like a family. It really is a good academy and I'm glad I joined because I wouldn't be here now if I didn't and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't know what to do next. So I am grateful that I am here and for the people that I've met along the way. Ideal has been a big thing for me because no one in my family has ever had the opportunities like I have. Um, so I'm it's very I'm very grateful for it
024cuz it opened so many things for me that I never thought I would be able to accomplish in my life. >> I think the most impressive um heartfelt thing to me about the Ideal Academy is the opportunity for the students um just to just to work together and do handson learning with something that they're passionate about. So, I'm thrilled that we offer this opportunity here at South. We're always continually working to make it better because we're trying to create leaders. Uh these kids are our future. So, what we offer here is very, very important to us. Um and it's just a great opportunity for the kids. Heat. Heat. Welcome to Johnston County Public Schools, where there's There's always something great happening. Today, we're taking you on a visual tour, giving you a major update on
025our exciting construction and bond projects. Our first stop is Cooper Academy, a campus that's undergone a massive renovation and revitalization. Thanks to the 2022 bond, we added 20 classrooms, new offices, resource rooms, staff workrooms, and muchneeded group restrooms. These additions have truly tied the school together, and Cooper is already getting a boost from the 2024 bond. The entire campus now features a brand new state-of-the-art fire alarm system. Next up is Swift Creek Elementary, a truly exciting addition to our district. This marks our 25th elementary school, a testament to Johnston County's vibrant growth. This stunning over 900 capacity school showcases vibrant colors and brilliant economic design. The construction of the new Wilson's Mills High School or WHS is progressing rapidly and remains on schedule for its fall 2026 opening. Visit the site today and you'll see
026significant progress outside. All spectator stands are in place and the athletic fields are either fully installed or well underway. The exterior of the building is nearing completion, giving a clear view of the finished structure. Inside, work is moving just as quickly. The first and second levels are heavily sheetrocked. Framing is nearly complete, and crews have even begun priming the walls. We are so pleased with the speed and quality of this construction and look forward to sharing more milestones as we head toward the 2026 school year. We had the opportunity, thanks to the county commissioners, to go ahead and reduce overcrowding and remove mobiles at Cleveland High School. This was a fast-paced project that was completed in time for students to come back to school. This addition made it possible to remove all the mobiles on
027campus and make a secure traversal between classes without the need to go outside or to mobile. during the October 28th, 2025 special. The idea academy is one of The Johnson County Public Schools Choice programs is the one that we offer here at South Johnson High School as a focus for students who are interested in going into agricultural environmental studies. Students who are looking at developing a career uh oriented focus uh have the opportunities to kind of dip their toes into all the different aspects of agriculture environmental study. Um and then we have students once they they work their way through they complete their internships um at the end of their senior year they can move that into a parlay that into an opportunity within the workforce. We have a student who finished uh graduated last
028year uh who completed the Caterpillar internship program as well as uh earned his associates degree through through the University of Mount Olive. Um, and now he's had some opportunities uh afforded to him in some different areas within his career with that associates degree already to move into a a chance to start working and building into his future career endeavors. what the University of Man brings to the table, not only is proximity, we're less than 40 minutes away. Um, but we also bring a degree of content experts. Um, we bring some resources to the table and as ideal students, they are considered the same as any other students. to have access to the writing center, the counseling center, the academic resources center, all the other um benefits of a full-time student on campus. The students at
029South Johnston are entitled and have access to those same benefits. Uh what the Ideal Academy is to me is it's a it's a family. It's a place where kids um well I mean obviously they can show their love for agriculture. Um but these kids they're like a family. To me, the Ideal Academy is a great opportunity to grow and be who you really want to be. All of these different pathways isn't just for a specific thing. It allows you to branch off. Like, if you want to be a nurse, you can be a nurse. It helps you decide on along the way. coming into these classrooms is a little different than going into your normal um history or math classroom because we offer the blended classes. So, right out the gate, their freshman year, they're
030um they're together. Um so, they're collaborating, cooperating, um they're doing things together. Um and they end up like a family and it is really amazing to see. I mean, a such a broad subject really, but um I knew I wanted to do a topic engineering and I I knew this place offered college credits and I thought about a engineering because, you know, I just I knew I want to do engineering and I love agriculture in general, you know, whether it was animals or just working outside. So, I come here and they actually allow you to intern and which is a great thing because I started taking the math classes and um I interned in a place in downtown Raleigh and I realized it wasn't everything I thought it was going to be. It's totally different
031actually. It's not like what you would read online. And then I started taking more classes like welding classes and then construction classes and then I decided I want to go more towards trade which still is agricultural like it's related. It all is. Uh, and so I think not only are we setting the students up for success when they move on to um their college choices or the university choices, whether it's an associates or a bachelor's or higher level degree, but also for the students who want to move right into either community college certifications or go ahead and and get into the workforce, they're prepared to do that because of the opportunities they've had within the program and their time here at South Johnson. When I first started being a ambassador, uh, I went to the
032choice program night at Trip S and talking I like I never was really an outgoing person and talking a lot to everybody, but that really showed me that I can be an outgoing person and, you know, not be scared to talk to people cuz that night I talked to a ton tons of people and trying to get them to join the ideal academy and stuff. And I reflected on that night when I left and I said the academy the academy has really grown me even just through one year it has really grown me to be able to talk to more people and stuff like that. So that is probably my wow moment figuring out that the Ideal Academy teaches you not just agriculture but also public speaking skills and stuff like that to grow you
033as a person. At first, I didn't really want to be in the ideal academy cuz I was going to be like away from all my normal friends that were in my um little area. But I am glad that I was able to like make meet the people that I did and take the classes that I did take because it does like it makes my future like a lot brighter. One thing that sets a lot of the academy students apart is their soft skills. Um, the ability to show up on time, to be able to communicate effectively verbally w with other individuals, to work as a team, to collaborate with others. Those soft skills put them ahead of their um colleagues um in the job setting. Freshman year, I went to English class and he said,
034"Today we are going to be building windmills." And I mean, I would never expect to go into English class and be building something, you know? I expected to be reading a book, but we go in there and we started reading a book about building windmills. A boy, it was called A Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. That's what the book was. So, we actually spent like a week or two building windmills. And then we'd spend some other times when um English was partnered with animal science. we'd come down here and learn more about the animals, you know. I just you don't get that in standard English classes. So, I think that would be the big wow moment for me. It's more of a family to me personally because I've grown to know all my teachers, you
035know, and I've grown to know all my peers and stuff because we've taken the same classes together like all through high school. I know them now. I know they're know where they came from and stuff cuz not everybody comes from agriculture or like a farming background. That's the good thing about the Ideal Academy. You can all come together and it's like a family. >> It really is a good academy and I'm glad I joined because I wouldn't be here now if I didn't and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't know what to do next. So, I am grateful that I am here and for the people that I've met along the way. Ideal has been a big thing for me because no one in my family has ever had the opportunities like I have. Um, so
036I'm it's very I'm very grateful for it because it opened so many things for me that I never thought I would be able to accomplish in my life. I think the most impressive um heartfelt thing to me about the ideal academy is the opportunity for the students um just to just to work together and do handson learning with something that they're passionate about. So, I'm thrilled that we offer this opportunity here at South. We're always continually working to make it better because we're trying to create leaders. Uh, these kids are our future. So, what we offer here is very, very important to us. Um, and it's just a great opportunity for the kids.