Good evening Penderlea Families,
As we move into the week of September 7th through September 12th, here are some important reminders and updates to help keep your family informed and prepared for the weeks ahead. Thank you for staying connected and involved!
Fall Break Reminder
This week is our last week of school before Fall Break. Fall Break begins on Monday, September 15th, and students will return on Monday, October 6th.
Let’s finish the week strong—every day matters! We will be excited to welcome our Hornets back after a well-deserved break.
International Literacy Day – Monday, September 8
Tomorrow is International Literacy Day, a day to celebrate the power of reading and its role in opening doors for our students. We encourage all Hornet families to take time to read together—whether that means reading to your child, reading with them, or having your child read to you.
Even just 15 minutes of shared reading can build skills, spark conversations, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Let’s join together as a community to make reading a daily habit!
Picture Proofs Are On the Way!
Student picture proofs have been shipped and should be arriving in the next few days.
This year, Strawbridge Studios has introduced a NEW Code Lookup Tool to make ordering pictures easier than ever. Families can simply scan the QR code on the flyer and follow the directions to access their child’s picture ordering gallery. For security, you’ll just need your child’s last name and Student ID number.
I’ll attach the flyer with the QR code to this email and here is a link so you can easily access it.
If you have any questions or need help with the Code Lookup Tool, Strawbridge’s Customer Service team is available through the Live Chat feature at www.strawbridge.net
Athletics Games This Week!
Football:
Away at Surf City. Wednesday, September 10th at 4:30pm
Admission for middle school and up is $5
Softball:
Home games:
Monday September 8th at 4:30pm
Thursday, September 11th at 4:30pm
Admission for middle school and up is $5
Don’t forget: Penderlea Game Passes are available and include admission to regular season home games all year long! Student passes are $25, Parent passes are $50, and a combo pass (for 2) is $65!
We can’t wait to see our community filling the stands and cheering on our teams! Go Hornets!"
Girls on the Run & STRIDE Sign-Ups Open
We are excited to begin a new season of Girls on the Run and STRIDE at Penderlea! Practices will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:15–4:15 PM here at school, with the season culminating in a 5K celebration on Saturday, December 7th.
These programs help students build confidence, teamwork, and healthy habits while working toward an exciting goal together. Please see the attached flier for more information and sign-up details.
Fall Mums Fundraiser
Our Junior Beta Club is selling fall mums! Support our Penderlea Junior Beta Club by purchasing beautiful mums this season. Proceeds will help our students continue serving both our school and community. See attached flier for more information.
Tuition-Free Dual Enrollment Opportunities
Cape Fear Community College is hosting three upcoming information nights to share details about tuition-free dual enrollment programs available to students, including the College Accelerated Program (CAP), Pender Early College High School (PECHS), and other options.
This is the first time all three opportunities will be presented together in one session, making it easier for families to get the full picture without attending multiple events.
Information Night Dates & Locations
Topsail High School – Monday, September 8
Heide Trask High School – Wednesday, September 10
We encourage all interested 7th and 8th grade students and their families to attend one of these sessions to learn more about the incredible opportunities ahead. Flyers with details are also being shared on PCS social media and attached to this email.
School Pictures – Save the Dates
We want to be sure families have plenty of notice for this year’s student, class, and sports pictures:
Student & Class Pictures
Fall Makeups – October 22 (a great opportunity if your child missed fall pictures this past week)
Kindergarten Cap & Gown – February 26
Classroom Group & Spring Pictures – March 31
Upcoming Sports Pictures
Football & Softball – September 8
Cheer – October 8
Attached to this email, you will find more information regarding upcoming sports pictures. Additional ordering details will be shared closer to each date.
Paint the Penderlea Spirit Rock!
Families can now reserve and paint the Spirit Rock to celebrate birthdays, achievements, or show school spirit!
Reservations are $5 and must be made in the front office
Painting is allowed 4–7 PM the day before your reservation
Students must be supervised, and families must bring their own supplies
Messages must be school-appropriate, and the rock must be repainted after one week
More details and full guidelines:
View the Spirit Rock Procedures
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out via email at pls_info@pender.k12.nc.us or call the school at 910-285-2761.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Together we will continue to make Penderlea the Place to Be!
Stephen Harris
Principal-Penderlea School
