Good evening Penderlea Families,
As we move into the week of October 20th through October 24th, 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!
Penderlea Fall Fundraiser
Our Penderlea School Fall Fundraiser has kicked off, and we’re asking for your support to help make it a success!
Funds raised go directly toward enhancing our school programs, supporting classroom needs, and creating more opportunities for students to learn and grow. Every order and every share makes a difference!
Please take a few minutes to review the fundraiser materials that were sent home and help your child participate.
Sales are due by October 28th.
Together, we can continue building the strong, vibrant school community that makes Penderlea the Place to Be!
Softball Shoutout- Hornet Pride Shines Bright
We recently received a wonderful message from the Assistant Principal at Cape Fear Middle School, recognizing the outstanding behavior and sportsmanship of our Penderlea softball team and coaches.
He shared how impressed he was with our players’ positive attitude, respect, and encouragement for other teams, as well as the kindness shown by our coaches.
A huge thank-you to our softball players and coaches for representing Penderlea with class, leadership, and heart. You continue to make us proud and show what it truly means to be a Hornet!
Upcoming Testing Schedule
This week, students in grades 5th and 8th grade will take their NC Check-In assessments:
Wednesday, October 22: Science (Grades 5 & 8)
Please help your student come prepared each day with a good night’s rest and a charged Chromebook.
3rd Grade Parent Night – October 21st at 5:30 PM
All 3rd grade families are invited to join us on Tuesday, October 21st at 5:30 PM in the Penderlea School Library for our 3rd Grade Parent Night!
This event will help families learn what to expect during this important school year, including information about EOGs, NC Check-Ins, Read to Achieve, intersession, and more.
Food will be provided, and a Spanish translator will be on site. We hope to see all of our 3rd grade families there!
Basketball Cheer, Boys Basketball & Girls Soccer Tryouts
Tryouts happening this week!
Monday, October 20th
Boys Basketball, Girls Soccer, and Basketball Cheer
Tuesday, October 21st
Boys Basketball, Girls Soccer, and Basketball Cheer:
Wednesday, October 22nd
Basketball cheer only
Tryouts will run after school until 4:30 PM each day.
All student-athletes must have their forms completed in BigTeams and a parent or guardian must have attended a Penderlea Athletic Parent Meeting in order to try out.
If your family attended the parent meeting in August, that meeting counts toward this requirement.
We’re excited to kick off another great season of Hornet athletics
Bullying Prevention Awareness Week – October 20–24, 2025
This week, Penderlea will recognize Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, a time to learn about the different types of bullying, how to stand up for yourself and others, and how to report concerns safely.
We’ll also have special theme days throughout the week to promote kindness, inclusion, and unity:
Monday: Being Kind is No “Sweat” – Wear your comfy sweatshirts and sweatpants.
Tuesday: Team Up Against Bullying – Show your team spirit by wearing your favorite sports team gear.
Wednesday: Kindness is Always in Style – Dress to impress (this is also Make-Up Picture Day).
Thursday: We’re Dreaming of a Future Without Bullying – Wear your favorite pajamas (no bedroom shoes, please).
Friday: Unity Day – Wear orange to show your support for bullying prevention and kindness.
Let’s work together to make Penderlea a safe, caring, and inclusive place for all students!
Strength in Unity – Penderlea vs. Surf City Middle School
On Thursday, October 30th, our Hornets and the Surf City Sharks are teaming up to support a great cause!
Instead of collecting a gate fee, all donations will go directly to The Real Housewives of Topsail Island, a local group that supports women in our community who are battling cancer.
Event Details:
Girls Soccer: 4:15 PM (or earlier if officials arrive)
Boys Basketball: 4:30 PM
Location: Penderlea School
Fans are encouraged to wear pink and donate what you can to show support. Let’s fill the stands, cheer on our Hornets, and come together for a cause that matters!
Vision Screenings – November 17
Penderlea will conduct vision screenings for students in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades on Monday, November 17th.
The screening includes a standard vision check and, if needed, a Spot Vision Screening, which is a quick, non-invasive way to identify possible vision concerns. No physical contact is required during these screenings.
If you would like to opt your child out of the vision screening, please contact our school nurse, Mrs. Brown, prior to November 17th.
Flu Clinic at Penderlea – November 6th
Penderlea School will host a flu vaccination clinic on Wednesday, November 6th, beginning at 7:30 AM.
Attached below is the consent form that must be completed for any student or staff member who wishes to receive the flu vaccine. Please review, complete, and return the form as soon as possible to ensure your child is included.
This clinic is a convenient way to help keep our Hornet community healthy as we move into the colder months.
You can access the consent form using the link attached to this message.
Flu Vaccine Consent Forms:
Staff Consent Form - https://form.jotform.com/252656140740150
Student Consent Form - https://form.jotform.com/252656216931156
Formulario de Consentimiento del Estudiante - https://form.jotform.com/252656755627166
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
Kindergarten Cap & Gown – February 26
Classroom Group & Spring Pictures – March 31
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
