🏀 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.

Our EOG Retesting Schedule is approaching, and we want to ensure every eligible student has the opportunity to demonstrate their growth and success! 🌟
If your child is eligible for retesting, a parent permission form must be completed in order for them to participate. This is an important opportunity for students to improve their performance and show what they know.
✅ Please complete the Google Form as soon as possible using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoEm4sl5zqj-IFC3lv_hKBDrCwxgW0c4AXGsbeyxl_k8Xj2A/viewform
Thank you for your partnership and continued support as we work together to help our students finish strong! 💙🐾 #PantherPride #FinishStrong #EOGRetesting


What a year it has been and we cannot wait to celebrate!!!! End of Year Promotion Ceremonies - 5/20 Kindergarten at 8:30 and 5th grade at 10:00


We also had a blast showing our school spirit with today’s 90’s theme—whether rocking preppy looks or sporty vibes, staff brought the energy and fun as we stepped back into a totally awesome decade!
We are so grateful for a PTO that continues to pour into our staff and help make Teacher Appreciation Week such a memorable experience. Thank you for all you do to support our school community! 💙📚✨

It was wonderful to see students and families visiting classrooms, meeting teachers, and getting a glimpse of the exciting learning experiences ahead in the next grade level. These moments help build confidence, strengthen connections, and set our students up for a strong start to the new school year.
We truly appreciate your partnership and commitment to your child’s education. Thank you for taking the time to be a part of this important event—we are grateful for our amazing school community!
We are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead! 💙📚✨







Today’s spirit theme brought all the fun and throwback vibes as students and staff showed up dressed as their favorite 90’s characters and celebrities. From iconic cartoons to legendary pop culture looks, our school was full of creativity, laughter, and 90’s energy all around! 📼✨
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make today special. Be sure to stay tuned as we continue celebrating our incredible teachers and staff all week long with more spirit days, fun festivities, and surprises ahead! 💜💛 #TeacherAppreciationWeek #CFPopeProud #90sTheme #ThankYouPTO










This week, we’re celebrating the heart, dedication, patience, creativity, and love our teachers pour into our students every single day. 🍎📚
Students and families from across our district sent in video messages to help us say one big, heartfelt THANK YOU. To make sure every school community can be celebrated together, we’ve combined the messages into one special video per school, and we’ll be sharing them throughout the week. 🎥🏫
These videos are filled with smiles, gratitude, and reminders of the incredible impact teachers make far beyond the classroom. 💛
To every teacher: thank you for showing up, lifting up, encouraging, inspiring, and believing in our students. You are appreciated more than words can say. 🌟
C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY YOUTUBE LINK - https://youtube.com/shorts/3fUcjl0h4OE

A huge thank you to our amazing PTO for treating our staff to the Brown Dog Coffee Truck this morning—such a perfect way to start the day! 💛
Today’s 90’s theme, “Favorite 90’s Outfit,” brought all the fun and nostalgia! From denim on denim to bright colors and throwback styles, our staff showed up and showed out! 😎📼
We are so grateful for the energy, dedication, and love our teachers and staff pour into our students each and every day. This week is all about celebrating YOU!
Stay tuned… more fun to come as we continue our 90’s-themed Teacher Appreciation Week! ✨
#TeacherAppreciationWeek #90sVibes #ThankATeacher #PTOlove







A heartfelt THANK YOU to our amazing PE teacher, Mrs. Croom, for planning and executing such a fun-filled, well-organized day for our students. Your energy and dedication truly made this event a success!
We also want to recognize our outstanding Specialists and Support Staff for stepping in wherever needed and helping everything run smoothly—your teamwork does not go unnoticed.
To our families and community members, thank you for showing up, cheering on our students, and lending a helping hand. Your presence made the day even more special!
And a very special shoutout to Pender High School’s JROTC and student volunteers for assisting with running stations and supporting our students throughout the day. We appreciate your leadership and service!
It truly takes a village, and today was a perfect example of that. 💙💛
📸 More pictures to come!
#PantherPride #FieldDayFun
Panther Family, it’s time to show our AMAZING teachers just how much they mean to us! 💛 From May 4–8, we’re celebrating with all the throwback 90’s vibes—and we need YOUR help to make it extra special!
Parents, guardians, and community members—let’s shower our teachers with love all week long through small gestures that make a BIG impact! Whether it’s a favorite drink ☕, a fun snack 🍪, school supplies ✏️, or a heartfelt note 💌, every act of appreciation counts.
✨ Join in the fun with our themed days:
🕶️ Monday: 90’s Dress-Up + Favorite Drink
🎤 Tuesday: 90’s Character Day + Snack Treats
📚 Wednesday: 90’s School Vibes + Classroom Supplies
💖 Thursday: Throwback Style + Thank You Notes
🎒 Friday: 90’s Spirit Day + Gift Cards or Teacher Wish List Items
Let’s work together to remind our teachers just how valued and appreciated they are. Because at C.F. Pope… YOU make a difference! 🐾💫
#TeacherAppreciationWeek #PantherPride #90sVibes #ThankATeacher #YouMakeADifference

Ms. Russell is in her second year of teaching at C.F. Pope Elementary. Families share that she is attentive, communicative, and focused on helping students grow in all areas.
Parents appreciate the way she keeps them informed about both progress and areas where students may need extra support. They also note the care she shows in the classroom and the way she connects with her students.
One parent shared a moment at home when their child was working on a word search and began sounding out and blending letters into words. When asked where she learned that skill, the student said, “Ms. Russell taught me.” For the family, it was a clear example of the progress their child has made this year.
Thank you, Ms. Russell, for the support and care you provide to students and families at C.F. Pope Elementary. 💛✅

Ms. Falk consistently goes above and beyond for all stakeholders, especially her students. Her innovative thinking, creativity, and instructional ideas have not only strengthened her own classroom but have also had a meaningful impact on her mentee.
She continues to serve as a strong example of instructional excellence and remains an inspiration to colleagues across our school community.
Congratulations, Ms. Falk, and thank you for your dedication to supporting both students and new teachers!

