Good evening Penderlea Families,
Here are some important information and updates for the week of February 23rd through February 27th and beyond. Thank you for staying connected and involved.
Attendance Achievement
We are proud to recognize Mrs. Sapp class for reaching Level 2 in attendance achievement.
Consistent attendance plays a critical role in student success, and we are proud of the commitment shown. Great job!
Road to the Championship: PCS March Reading Tournament 2026
Penderlea is participating in the Road to the Championship: PCS March Reading Tournament, a districtwide, bracket-style reading competition where schools compete head-to-head by logging independent reading minutes.
We are excited to share that Penderlea automatically advanced to the Sweet 16 and will face North Topsail during the week of March 1–7.
This will be our only full week in session during the tournament, so we are encouraging all of our Hornets to read as much as possible that week.
How Families Can Help:
Encourage your child to read independently at home.
Only independent, personal reading counts (personal choice books, independent audiobooks, etc.). Required classroom assignments do not count.
Help your child log their minutes in the official Million Minute Reading Challenge Google Form in ClassLink during the competition week.
Direct link to the form: https://bit.ly/PLSMMRC
Every minute counts toward our school’s average, and scores reset each round — so this week is critical.
Let’s rally together and show what Penderlea readers can do. Together, we can make this round ours!
College Accelerator Program (CAP) Application – Spring 2026
We are excited to share that the College Accelerator Program (CAP) Application for Spring 2026 is now open and will remain available through March 20th.
The CAP program provides eligible high school students with the opportunity to begin earning college credit while still in high school. This is a valuable opportunity for students who are ready to challenge themselves academically and explore advanced coursework.
Eligible 8th grade students can access the CAP application through Google Classroom. We encourage families to talk with their student about this opportunity and ensure the application is completed before the deadline.
If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, please reach out to the school for additional guidance.
Application link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehFF2a6WtAPu4mxMJWFXKgprp4LUeodNRVEjD9lZlXxuQ8jQ/viewform?usp=send_form
Important Health Education Reminder – 4th & 6th Grades
Families of students in 4th and 6th grades are reminded that opt-out forms are due by February 23rd.
Forms should be returned only if you DO NOT want your child to participate in the upcoming health lessons.
4th Grade: Substance misuse awareness and medication safety
6th Grade: The dangers of vaping
If you do not wish for your child to participate, please return the opt-out form by the deadline.
Nurse Communication Update – Rooms App
Our school nurse is using the Rooms app more frequently to communicate with families regarding non-emergency visits to the nurse’s office. This helps reduce phone calls during the workday.
The Rooms app will be used for updates when a student visits the nurse but does not need to be picked up or does not have a medical emergency.
If you are not currently using the Rooms app, this is a great time to download the app and ensure notifications are turned on so you can stay informed.
Yearbook Sales & 8th Grade Ads
Yearbooks will be sold online only this year and must be preordered. There will not be additional copies available for purchase later, so families are encouraged to order early.
Families of 8th grade students may also purchase a yearbook ad to celebrate their student. This is a great way to recognize your child with a special message and photos.
Ordering information will be shared below. Don’t miss out!
CTE Job Shadow Day – February 27, 2026
Pender County Schools will host a districtwide Job Shadow Day on Friday, February 27, 2026, for students in grades 7–12. This is a valuable opportunity for students to explore a career of interest while earning an excused educational absence.
The deadline to submit required paperwork was February 20th. Students who have already secured a placement should be sure they have joined the Job Shadow Day Google Classroom using the code w337uydp and completed all required steps.
Special Olympics Spring Games Registration
Does your student want to participate in the Special Olympics Spring Games? Registration is open now and closes on February 28, 2026.
Registration: The process is entirely online.
Need Help? Attend the Athlete Registration Night on January 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM at Heide Trask High School for in-person assistance.
2026-2027 Kindergarten Enrollment
We are pleased to announce that the Kindergarten Enrollment application for the 2026-2027 school year will be available to the public starting Monday, February 2nd.
Families can access the application through the following links:
Application: Use the 2026-27 Kindergarten Enrollment Application link directly.
2026-2027 Preschool Applications Open
Applications for the 2026-2027 Preschool program are now live on the Pender County Schools website! If you have a little one ready for preschool, be sure to apply soon. Acceptance letters will begin going out on April 1, 2026.
Reassignment Request
In an effort to accommodate the educational preferences of families in the Pender County School District, officials have opened the reassignment request period for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year. Parents who wish to enroll their students in a Pender County school outside of their designated zone, with the exception of Pender Early College and Pender Innovative Learning Academy, are encouraged to participate in the application process.
Due to schools in the Topsail and Surf City school districts being over capacity, no new applications will be accepted. However, students who currently attend these schools on reassignment will have the opportunity to complete an application. Specific guidance on completing this application process will be provided by your student’s school.
The application period opens on January 5, 2026, allowing parents time to consider alternative educational options for their children.The deadline for submitting reassignment requests is February 28, 2026.
In County Reassignment Request
PCS Employee Student Reassignment Request
2nd Annual Penderlea School Alumni Game Night - Saturday, February 28th
We are excited to invite our Penderlea community to one of our most anticipated events of the year — the 2nd Annual Throwback Alumni Basketball Game Night happening THIS Saturday, February 28th!
If you joined us last year, you know just how much fun this event was. The gym was full of energy, alumni were back on the court, and families enjoyed a great night of basketball and school spirit. We’re excited to bring everyone together again to celebrate Penderlea pride and support our athletes!
We are still looking for Alumni to join our teams for the games! Please contact Mrs. Umphress if you are interested.
We hope you and your family will come out for a fun-filled night of basketball, community, and Hornet pride. Last year was an unforgettable evening, and we can’t wait to do it again!
Thank you for your continued support of Penderlea School.
Go Hornets! 
Weekly Athletics Calendar
We will recognize our 8th grade cheerleaders, girls basketball players, and boys soccer players at the conclusion of their games on Thursday, February 26th.
Workouts for Baseball and Volleyball
Volleyball workouts: Feb. 23rd until 4:30 pm
Baseball workouts: Feb. 25th and Feb. 26th until 4:30 pm
Athletes must meet all eligibility requirements to be able to stay for these workouts. This includes Big Teams account created and forms completed, and a parent has to have attended the mandatory parent meeting.
Mandatory tryouts for baseball and volleyball will be next week.
Save the Date for Penderlea Day!
Penderlea Day will be April 11th this year! This is a day filled with fun & fellowship right here at Penderlea School. Please make plans to join us!
If you are interested in being a part of Penderlea Day, either through entertainment, being a vendor, bringing a touch-a-truck entry, or setting up as a community resource, please contact the school!
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
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
