Greetings, Panther Families!
We are excited to welcome our families to Open House tonight from 4:00–6:00 p.m.! We look forward to seeing you and helping our students and families get ready for an exciting new school year.
Kindergarten Orientation
Kindergarten Orientation will take place today from 2:00–4:00 p.m. in the Media Center.
2:00–2:30 p.m.: Formal Kindergarten presentation in the Media Center
2:30–4:00 p.m.: - Opportunity to meet Kindergarten teachers in the gymnasium
Please note that only Kindergarten families will be permitted to visit teachers during the early orientation time. Kindergarten families are also welcome to visit their child’s teacher during the traditional Open House from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
PreK–2nd Grade Open House Location
Due to the temporary closure of our Annex building for air-quality testing, all PreK–2nd grade teachers will host Open House in the school gymnasium tonight.
While we know this is not the traditional Open House experience, our teachers are excited to meet families, answer questions, and help everyone feel prepared for the first day of school.
Once the Annex has been deemed safe for students and staff to access, we will be flexible in allowing parents and guardians an opportunity to walk their child to their classroom and become familiar with the building, since you will not have the opportunity to visit the classrooms tonight.
Building Update & First Day of School
As we have shared throughout this process, we remain committed to being transparent and keeping our families informed about the status of the Annex and the testing process.
The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. Students and staff will not return to the Annex until the building has been determined to be safe for occupancy.
Results from the most recent testing are expected to be available Friday afternoon. Once those results are received, we will provide an update regarding whether our school year will begin as scheduled.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the building or school operations, please contact Ms. Moore, Principal, directly:
📧 brittany_moore@pender.k12.nc.us
📞910-789-6021
Despite the circumstances we are currently navigating, our Panther staff is ready to hit the ground running! We are excited about the 2026–2027 school year and cannot wait to welcome our students back.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued partnership. We’ve got this, Panther Families! 💙💛
We’ll see you tonight!
Staying informed is an important part of our school-home partnership! We encourage all families to take a few minutes each week to read and review the Panther Press for important updates, upcoming events, school expectations, reminders, and opportunities to stay connected with C.F. Pope Elementary.
We know how busy life can be, but taking a few minutes to review the Panther Press each week can help ensure that your family doesn’t miss important information.
Link to weekly memo: https://pendercountync.edurooms.com/newsletters/c-f-pope-elementary/newsletters/the-panther-press
Read it. Review it. Stay connected. Stay Panther Proud! 💙💛🐾
Thank you for partnering with us to make this a successful school year for every Panther!
New energy-efficient LED lighting is being installed in the cafeteria dining hall, creating a brighter and more welcoming space for students and staff to gather and enjoy meals together. ✨🍎
It’s another summer improvement helping our schools shine for the year ahead!
🚌 Need school bus transportation on day one?
All students who need bus transportation for the first day of school must be registered by August 10.
Requests submitted after the deadline cannot be guaranteed service during the first 10 school days. Register by August 10 to help ensure your student has transportation available when school begins.
Thank you for helping us prepare for a safe and successful start to the school year!
Enroll - https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
🚌 **¿Necesita transporte en autobús escolar desde el primer día?**
Todos los estudiantes que necesiten transporte en autobús escolar el primer día de clases deben estar inscritos a más tardar el **10 de agosto**.
No se puede garantizar el servicio durante los primeros 10 días de clases para las solicitudes recibidas después de la fecha límite. Complete la inscripción antes del 10 de agosto para ayudar a garantizar que su estudiante tenga transporte disponible cuando comiencen las clases.
¡Gracias por ayudarnos a prepararnos para un inicio seguro y exitoso del nuevo año escolar!
Inscribirse - https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
📅 Thursday, August 6
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Black River Health Services
301 S. Campbell St., Burgaw
❤️ Free and open to the entire community! School supplies will be available while supplies last.
🎒✏️ ¡Prepárense para el nuevo año escolar! Black River Health Services invita a las familias a un evento GRATUITO de regreso a clases con útiles escolares, actividades para niños, recursos familiares y organizaciones comunitarias.
📅 Jueves, 6 de agosto
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Black River Health Services
301 S. Campbell St., Burgaw
❤️ ¡El evento es gratuito y está abierto a toda la comunidad! Los útiles escolares estarán disponibles hasta agotar existencias.
Today, we proudly welcomed our rising **Kindergarten** and **3rd grade** Panthers as they kicked off our **Panther Prep Summer Bridge Program!** This exciting week is designed to build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and prepare our students for the next step in their educational journey.
Our rising kindergartners are becoming familiar with school routines while making new friends and developing a love for learning. Our rising third graders are sharpening their reading and math skills as they prepare for the important transition into upper elementary.
We can't wait to see all of the growth, learning, and smiles this week brings. Here's to a strong start and an even brighter school year ahead!
💙🖤💛 **Once a Panther, Always a Panther!**
#PantherPrep #FutureReady #CFPopeElementary #PantherPride #GrowingGreatness #PenderCountySchools
📚 The countdown is on—just 38 days until students on our traditional calendar return to school on Monday, August 24!
As we prepare for the 2026–27 school year, families are asked to complete their student’s Beginning of Year Information Update. This update is not required for newly enrolled students.
Keeping contact and emergency information current helps ensure a safe, smooth and successful start from day one.
We can’t wait to welcome our students back! 🚌✏️🏫
As our 21st Century Camp comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible teachers and staff from across the district who dedicated their time, energy, and passion to making this summer an unforgettable experience for our students.
Because of your commitment, our students explored new opportunities, strengthened their skills, built meaningful friendships, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for investing in our children and helping make this summer one filled with learning, laughter, and lasting impact. We appreciate each of you for making a difference! 💙💛
#21stCenturyCamp #SummerLearning #MakingMemories #PantherPride #PenderCountySchools
🧠✨ **Thank You, Camp Invention Team!** 🚀
**Camp Invention** came to a close last week, and we extend our sincere appreciation to the outstanding teachers and staff from across **Pender County Schools** who made this experience possible.
Thank you for inspiring creativity, encouraging innovation, and providing hands-on, engaging learning opportunities for students from across the district. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment helped create an unforgettable week filled with discovery, collaboration, problem-solving, and fun.
Because of you, our students leave with new knowledge, greater confidence, and memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for investing in the future of our young innovators!
💙💛 **We appreciate all you do for our students and our school community!**
#CampInvention #PenderCountySchools #STEMEducation #FutureInnovators #SummerLearning #MakingMemories
The application for our Panther Prep Summer Bridge Program for rising Kindergarten and rising 3rd Grade students closes TONIGHT at 11:59 PM!
Don't miss this opportunity to help your child build confidence and get a head start for the new school year.
🔗 Complete the application using the Google Form below, or visit the C.F. Pope Elementary School website or Facebook page for the link.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwfwKJOdpl-WQ1V8ih312z41ih_ykP1bpDsDO37F-vZm48xA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111974712488281164181
We can't wait to welcome our future Panthers and rising 3rd graders for a week of learning, growth, and fun! 💙🖤💛 #CFPopeElementary #PantherPrep #PantherPride #ReadySetRoar #PenderCountySchools
We hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! As we prepare to kick off another amazing school year at C.F. Pope Elementary, we encourage you to mark your calendars with these important dates and events.
From our Panther Prep Summer Bridge Program to Kindergarten Orientation, Open House, and the First Day of School, we're excited to welcome our Panthers back for an incredible 2026–2027 school year!
📚 Exciting News! Thanks to the generosity of our amazing community sponsors, school supplies will be provided for all C.F. Pope Elementary students for the 2026–2027 school year. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and commitment to supporting our students' success.
Be sure to save this communication, share it with other Panther families, and stay connected for more back-to-school updates.
💙💛 It's going to be a PAW-some year at C.F. Pope Elementary! 🐾
🏀 At C.F. Pope Elementary, crews are resurfacing the basketball court on the playground as part of our district’s Capital Improvement Plan.
🛠️ Projects like this help improve safety, extend the life of our facilities, and create better outdoor spaces for students.
👏 We’re grateful for the continued support that makes these improvements possible — and we’re excited for students to enjoy this upgraded space when they return! 💙 YouTube - https://youtu.be/D5Zd-2N6OWE
Do you have a passion for working with young children? Are you a dependable, caring professional looking to make a difference every day?
C.F. Pope Elementary is seeking TWO Preschool Instructional Assistant/Bus Driver team members to join our amazing Panther family!
We're looking for individuals who:
🍎 Love working with children
🚌 Have a positive attitude and strong work ethic
💙 Are professional, dependable, and team-oriented
🌟 Want to help create a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment for our youngest Panthers
If you're ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of children while becoming part of a supportive school community, we'd love to hear from you!
📍 Apply today and help us inspire, support, and grow the next generation of learners!
💻Online Application Link: https://www.applitrack.com/pender/onlineapp/
🏁 **Start Your Engines... Panther Prep Applications Are NOW OPEN!** 🏁
Is your child a **rising Kindergarten or rising 3rd grade student**? Give them a head start before the new school year with our **Panther Prep Summer Bridge Program!** 💙💛🐾
📅 **Program Dates:** Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31
⏰ **Time:** 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. daily
Students will participate in engaging learning activities, become familiar with school routines and expectations, and build confidence as they transition into the next grade level.
📝 **Applications are NOW OPEN and will be accepted through Friday, July 10.**
Due to limited funding, enrollment is limited to:
✅ 30 rising Kindergarten students
✅ 30 rising 3rd grade students
Priority consideration will be given to:
• Rising Kindergarten students who did not attend a Pre-K program
• Rising 3rd grade students who ended 2nd grade in the red or yellow on mCLASS
**All rising Kindergarten and 3rd grade families are encouraged to apply!**
🚗 Please note: Transportation will be the responsibility of parents/guardians.
📧 Families selected for the program will be notified by email on **Monday, July 13**.
🔗 Complete the application using the Google Form linked below or visit our school website or Facebook page. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwfwKJOdpl-WQ1V8ih312z41ih_ykP1bpDsDO37F-vZm48xA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111974712488281164181
Questions? Contact Ms. Moore, Principal, at **(910) 789-6021**.
💙🐾 **Let's get our Panthers ready to cross the finish line strong before the school year even begins!**
On behalf of our entire school community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our staff, families, students, community members, and supporters who took the time to advocate for the needs of our district as we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.
Your emails, phone calls, attendance at meetings, and unwavering support demonstrated the power of a community united around a common purpose—ensuring that every child has access to the instructional services and support they need to be successful. Because of your collective voice, we were able to work together with the Pender County Board of Commissioners and gain their support in funding the remaining gap needed to maintain critical instructional services for our students and staff.
We are especially grateful to the members of the Pender County Board of Commissioners for listening, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and recognizing the importance of investing in public education. Their willingness to hear the needs of our district and support solutions that prioritize student success reflects a shared commitment to the future of our children and community.
This outcome is a reminder that when we come together with a common goal, our voices make a difference. Thank you for standing up for our students, supporting our educators, and demonstrating what it means to be a true school community.
Together, we will continue to do great things for the children of Pender County Schools.
🎉💙 Happy Retirement, Mrs. Neil! 💙🎉
Today, we celebrate an incredible educator, advocate, mentor, and friend as Mrs. Neil prepares for retirement from C.F. Pope Elementary and Pender County Schools after more than 30 years of dedicated service to students and families.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Neil has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children as an Exceptional Children teacher. Her unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of every learner, her compassionate heart, and her tireless advocacy for students have helped generations of children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom and will continue to be felt for years to come.
We were honored to surprise Mrs. Neil with a special retirement luncheon organized by our amazing EC Team, along with the support of Mama Farrior and the Harris family. The celebration was made even more meaningful as teachers, staff members, administrators, former colleagues, family members, and friends gathered to recognize and celebrate her remarkable career and legacy.
Mrs. Neil's dedication, wisdom, kindness, and servant leadership have left an indelible mark on our Panther family. While we will certainly miss her daily presence, we are grateful for the countless lives she has touched and the example she has set for all of us.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Neil on an extraordinary career and wishing her a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, family, travel, and all the blessings she so richly deserves.
💙 Thank you, Mrs. Neil, for 30+ years of making a difference.
🐾 Once a Panther, Always a Panther!
#CFPopeElementary #PantherPride #RetirementCelebration #ThankYouMrsNeil #ExceptionalChildren #PenderCountySchools #LeavingALegacy
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Katie Washington, EC Teacher Assistant at C.F. Pope Elementary School.
Ms. Washington is a dependable and caring member of the school team. While she is assigned to support one student, she builds strong connections with many students throughout the building. During lunch, she often chooses to sit with students, taking time to talk with them and make sure they feel included and supported.
When her assigned student is absent or arrives late, Ms. Washington steps in to help wherever she’s needed. She looks for ways to support other students and staff without being asked, which helps keep things running smoothly in the classroom.
She also brings a positive and welcoming presence to the school. She checks in with coworkers, offers encouragement, and helps create an environment where people feel comfortable and supported.
💛💙 Thank you, Ms. Washington, for the care and consistency you bring to students and staff at C.F. Pope Elementary.
