Penderlea School welcomed students back to campus on Monday, July 20, marking the beginning of the 2026–27 school year and another opportunity for the school community to lead the way in learning, leadership and growth.
Throughout the first week, classrooms and hallways were once again filled with the energy of students reconnecting with friends, meeting their teachers and settling into new routines. Faculty and staff worked to create a welcoming start while helping students build the confidence and habits needed for a successful year.
This year, Penderlea is beginning its work with Leader in Me, a schoolwide approach that helps students develop important life skills, recognize their leadership potential and take greater ownership of their academic learning. Through this work, students will be encouraged to set goals, make responsible decisions, collaborate with others and understand the role they play in their own success.
“At Penderlea, leading the way means helping every student recognize that they have the ability to grow, contribute and make a difference,” Penderlea Principal Mr. Stephen Harris said. “Through Leader in Me, we are giving students the tools to take ownership of their learning while also building the confidence, responsibility and life skills they will carry with them well beyond the classroom.”
Penderlea is also building upon its recent academic success by maintaining a focused approach to three major instructional priorities: small-group instruction, student discourse and the effective use of data.
Small-group instruction allows teachers to respond more directly to students’ individual strengths and needs. Meaningful student discourse gives learners opportunities to explain their thinking, listen to different perspectives and deepen their understanding through conversation. The purposeful use of data helps teachers monitor progress, adjust instruction and provide the support each student needs to continue growing.
Together, these “three big rocks” will guide the school’s instructional work and support its commitment to ensuring that every student is engaged, challenged and prepared for continued success.
As the first week comes to a close, Penderlea’s students and staff are already demonstrating the enthusiasm, leadership and determination that will carry them throughout the year. With a strong foundation in place and a shared commitment to leading the way, the Penderlea community is ready for an outstanding 2026–27 school year.