🌟Meet Kensely Minor, the new STEM teacher at C.F. Pope Elementary! A proud graduate of the University of Maryland, Ms. Minor comes to Pender County Schools after more than 10 years in the corporate world, where she worked in human resources. She’s also a PCS parent, and after spending time as a substitute teacher last year, she discovered a passion for teaching that led her to the classroom full-time.
Her first week of school was full of energy, excitement, and hands-on learning. “The kids were really excited for the new specials program and STEM, so we had a great week,” Ms. Minor shared. Students jumped right into designing and building cars, and she’s already working on ways to tailor lessons for grades K-5. “They like the hands-on experience, and they’re very engaged in STEM,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Ms. Minor has big plans for her students. “I really want to get the kids into coding and robotics, even add some agriculture into STEM, so we have big plans,” she said. More than anything, she values the connections she’s already making. “Just getting to know the kids on a personal level—week one, I’ve already created some relationships, and that’s been great.” We are proud to welcome Ms. Minor to our PCS family! 💙💛
🌟Do you know a PCS student who deserves the spotlight? 🌟
We’re looking for students who inspire, achieve, lead, and make a difference in their schools and community.
Nominate a student today and help us share their story with the PCS family!💙💛 Nominate Here - https://forms.gle/TyCZKWRnNorAkUsJA
🌟¿Conoces a un estudiante de PCS que merece ser destacado? 🌟
Buscamos estudiantes que inspiren, logren, lideren y marquen la diferencia en su escuela y comunidad.
¡Nomina a un estudiante hoy y ayúdanos a compartir su historia con la familia PCS!💙💛 https://forms.gle/TyCZKWRnNorAkUsJA
This is a reminder that our 3rd grade students will take the BOG3 tomorrow!
This is a state assessment that 3rd grade students take each year. More information can be found using the link provided. https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/testing-and-school-accountability/state-tests/beginning-grade-3-reading-test
With this free app, parents can:
✅ See their child’s bus location on a map
✅ Get alerts when the bus is near your stop or school
✅ Gain peace of mind with notifications when the bus arrives in your area
The good news is that traffic flow improved by 30 minutes in some areas after adjustments from day one. While we continue to make changes, the Here Comes the Bus app can provide extra confidence and convenience for families.
These thoughtful gifts were the perfect way to kick off the year and remind our staff just how loved and appreciated they are. We are so grateful for the continued support of our Panther family! 🙌💙 #CFPopeElementary #PantherPride #ThankYouPTO
What an energizing way to kick off the day for our C.F. Pope staff—we are so grateful for the love and support from our school community! 🙌💙 #PantherPride #CFPopeElementary #ThankYouPTO
✨🎉 What a fantastic first day at C.F. Pope Elementary! 🎉✨
Our Panthers came back with big smiles, eager hearts, and so much excitement for the year ahead. 💙🐾 A huge thank you to our amazing staff and families for making today such a success—we’re off to a strong start! 💪📚
Here’s to a year filled with growth, joy, and Panther pride! 🐾💙 #PantherPride #FirstDay2025 #CFPopeElementary
Thank you, C.F. Pope Elementary parents and families!
We’re so grateful for the amazing turnout at Open House and for your continued support. A special shout-out to our PTO for providing a delicious Texas Roadhouse lunch and essential supplies for our teachers — you help make our school shine! 🌟 We can’t wait to welcome our Panthers back on Monday! 🐾📚
Tonight is Open House for both our Elementary Schools and High Schools!
🕓 Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
This is a great chance to meet teachers, tour classrooms, and get ready for a strong start to the school year. We look forward to seeing our families this evening! 💙💛
📅 Thursday, August 21, 2025
🕓 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Join us as we kick off an exciting school year!
👟🎒 FREE clothes, shoes, supplies, and books – available in the cafeteria while they last!
We can’t wait to welcome our students and families back! 💙🐾
#BackToSchool #OpenHouse #PantherPride #FreeSchoolSupplies #FreeShoes
C.F. Pope Elementary showed up, represented with pride, and demonstrated the Panther spirit in every session. Our team left inspired, energized, and ready to make this the best school year yet!
#EngageED #PenderPride #PantherNation #PCSStrong
Don't forget that Open House will be this Thursday, 8/21 from 4 until 6 pm! Make plans to come meet your teacher(s) for the 2025-2026 school year, find out information about buses, and see your Panther Nation friends and staff! We cannot wait to see you!
Just a reminder that registration and Beginning of Year (BOY) updates are open for all new and returning students for the 2025-26 school year — including incoming kindergartners!
Getting started early helps ensure a smooth transition and proper planning for our schools. These updates must be completed for students to be assigned a Chromebook!
📍 Start the enrollment process here: https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
We can’t wait to welcome your student to the PCS family! 💙💛
Come meet your child’s teachers, explore classrooms, and get ready for a great school year!
🗓 Open House Dates:
Elementary Schools: August 21, 4-6 PM
Middle Schools: August 20, 4-6 PM
High Schools: August 21, 4-6 PM
Pender Innovative Learning Academy: August 20, 4-6 PM
Let’s start the year strong — we can’t wait to see you there! 💛💙
Our Bus Stop Lookup tool is now updated with routes, pickup times, and drop-off times for the new school year. This is the easiest way to confirm your child’s bus information before the year begins.
📍 Click here to check your stop: https://bit.ly/3HtS5tz
Let’s make the first day run smoothly for everyone!
🛡️ As part of the Protecting Our Students Act (S.L. 2023-128), these age-appropriate videos help students recognize and report signs of abuse, neglect, or unsafe situations and emphasize that reporting is always confidential.
🎥 Pender County Schools is committed to complying with this mandate and making sure students know how to stay safe and seek help if needed. Look for information from your school in your email or sent home with your student once classes begin.
Learn more from the State here ➡️ https://bit.ly/3HbOqAq
Join our Panther family! We’re excited to announce two new opportunities to be part of a dedicated and dynamic school community committed to excellence in education.
🧪 STEM Teacher – Inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation in young learners through hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math experiences.
📞 Front Desk Receptionist – Be the warm, welcoming face of our school, supporting students, families, and staff with professionalism and Panther pride!
If you're passionate about making a difference and creating a positive impact in the lives of students, we’d love to hear from you!
📍 Location: C.F. Pope Elementary
🔗 Apply today at: https://pendercountyschools.schoolspring.com/
📅 Positions open until filled!
📣 SAVE THE DATE, C.F. Pope Families! 🗓️
We’re gearing up for a strong start to the 2025–2026 school year! Be sure to check the flyer for all the details about upcoming summer and beginning-of-year events at C.F. Pope Elementary.
🔔 REMINDER for Returning Families:
To ensure a smooth start, please complete the Beginning-of-Year Information Application using the link below:
👉 https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/enroll
✅ This is required for returning students only.
🚫 New and Kindergarten families who have already completed enrollment do not need to complete this form.
We’re excited to welcome our Panthers back! 🐾💙💛
#CFPopePanthers #SaveTheDate #BackToSchool #PantherPride
📢 Acceptance emails for the Panther Prep Summer Bridge Program were sent out today! Be sure to check your inbox and confirm your child’s spot.
Still interested in applying? Good news! 🎉
We've extended the application deadline to Wednesday, July 16 at 6:00 PM ⏰
This program is open to rising Kindergarten & 3rd grade students and includes engaging activities, breakfast & lunch, and a strong start to the new school year! 🌟
🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/Sb1wY1pgDNPcVQcs7
#PantherPrep #CFPopeElementary #SummerBridge #PantherPride #ReadyToRise
📅 July 21–25 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Daily
📍 C.F. Pope Elementary School
We’re excited to launch Panther Prep, a FREE Summer Bridge Program for our rising Kindergarten and 3rd grade students! This exciting week includes:
✅ Engaging academic activities
✅ Introduction to school structures
✅ Practice with routines to ensure a smooth transition into the new school year!
🚗 Please Note:
Due to limited funding, enrollment is capped at 30 Kindergarten and 20 3rd Grade students.
Priority will be given to:
🔹 Kindergarteners who did not attend Pre-K
🔹 3rd graders who were red or yellow in mCLASS at the end of 2nd grade
📌 ALL rising K & 3rd grade families are encouraged to apply!
🚌 Transportation is not provided—families will need to arrange drop-off and pick-up.
📝 Application Window: July 3 – July 11
📧 Acceptance Emails Sent: Monday, July 14
📲 Apply now using the Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/599o3DPiRtebpo117
📞 Questions? Contact Principal Moore at (910) 259-0145
🎉 Let’s get ready to rise and shine, Panthers! 🐾
#PantherPrep #SummerBridge #CFPopeElementary #KindergartenReady #ThirdGradeSuccess #PenderPride
