Pender Innovative Learning Academy

Oliver the otter is super excited to introduce two of his favorite people at PILA!! A super happy Administrative Professional Day to Ms Jan Richardson, our combo Data manager & Bookkeeper. She wears so many hats at PILA that she should have her own hat rack. We want to wish a happy Unicorn Day to our very own unicorn, Ms Laura Beveridge. She is the only testing & student services coordinator in Pender County. She is constantly juggling at least four different tasks!! We are so lucky they both love ALL the otters!!! #makingprogress #onepender

Olive the otter is shocked at how much is left to do in the last FIVE weeks of the school year. Use this link to get ALL the details: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wKPybAf7PtI3dC9kHV1-fzSPCwN9iTML0B0YHB2XqhU/edit?usp=sharing

Looking for a fun and engaging summer opportunity for students ages 10–14? 🌟

UNCW’s Junior Seahawk Academy is back for Summer 2026 with hands-on experiences in STEM, healthcare, and teacher education. Students will explore real-world learning through live demonstrations and interactive activities.

📅 Session 1: June 29–July 2
📅 Session 2: July 7–10
🕣 Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Sayed Hall
💻 Zoom options available
💲 Cost: $25

High school students can also get involved as Junior Mentors and gain valuable leadership experience.

Apply today and learn more: uncw.edu/ed/jrseahawk

Oliver the otter is SUPER proud of this elementary otter for his Honorable Mention in the Pender Springfest Logo contest! We love it when our otters step out of their comfort zones and expand their horizons!! #makingprogress. #onepender

Oliver the otter invites everyone to come visit him and all of his friends at the PCS job fair at Heide Trask High school today from 4:30-7:00. #makingprogress #onepender

Oliver the otter can't wait for AG day on Wednesday!! Remember this week is only a 4 day week since Spring Break begins Friday. Check out this link to find out what else is happening at PILA this week. Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rTjJhD1OxOEVTd1LfPJ6fi-ZuHjnEimgqWV3ULV8JXA/edit?usp=sharing

#makingprogress #onepender

Oliver the otter is over the moon excited that this otter has met ALL requirements to graduate!! Hard work DOES pay off! We are so proud!! #makingprogress #onepender

Oliver the otter is getting SUPER excited about all of the students meeting the requirements to graduate!! Here is another otter that is ready to put in the teal cap and gown in May!! #makingprogress. #onepender

Talking about achievement!! This has GOT to be tallest Senior Selfie yet!! Oliver the Otter is going to be working overtime adding names to the program for graduation in May!! Here is ANOTHER otter that has met ALL graduation requirements. #makingprogress #onepender

Today has been all about achievement at PILA!! Oliver the Otter is AMAZED at how many minutes everyone is reading, especially one of our youngest otters! #makingprogress #onepender

It is that time of year!!! Oliver the Otter is starting to add names to the end of year graduation program! We are super excited to say that this otter has met all graduation requirements. #makingprogress #onepender

The middle school students were learning about PI this afternoon as well. They read Sir Cumference and the First Round Table. They followed up by throwing "pies" at Mr Brooks. Oliver the Otter sure is glad that Mr Brooks volunteered for the pie throwing!! #makingprogress #onependet

The learning NEVER stops at PILA!! Even though there was a field trip today, the otters are already hard at work academically. Tomorrow is "pi day". (3/14) and the elementary students are learning how to make PIES!! #makingprogress #onepender

Oliver the Otter has heard that the students had an AMAZING time on their field trip today!! Everyone stepped out of their comfort zones and tried something new. It does look like Mrs Braune is a little tired though!! #makingprogress #onepender

Oliver the Otter is proud to announce that the 2026-2027 PILA Teacher of the Year is Mrs Donna Springfield. She is one of a very special team of educators that work together to bring the very best educational experience to all the otters in grades K-12. #makingprogress #onepender

Oliver the Otter is super excited that these 4th grade otters were able to go enjoy the NC Symphony today at the CFCC Wilson Center. #makingprogress #onepender

Straight from Wales, the final reader of the day was Dr Breedlove!!! He read a family favorite about violins. We really appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy day to come read to our students!! #makingprogress #onepender

Dr Grim, Chief Officer of Operations, joined the elementary otters today for some reading time. He had a great discussion with students about the places they want to go!! #makingprogress #onepender

Mr Macon, Director of Technology Services, spent time reading today in both the elementary and middle school classrooms. The students say that he has the VERY BEST voices!!! #makingprogress #onepender

Ms Jennifer Herbstreit, the Director of Secondary Education, visited the elementary classroom this afternoon to read. #makingprogress. #onepender