Good evening Penderlea Families,
Here are important information and updates for the week of August 10th through August 14th and beyond. Thank you for staying connected and involved.
Leader in Me Family Night
We are excited to invite you to our Leader in Me Family Night on September 15th from 4:30pm - 6:00pm in the Gym.
This will be a fun evening for the whole family. As you make your way through the gym, you'll have the chance to visit different stations that focus on each of the 8 Habits. Every station will include a simple activity that families can complete together while learning more about the habits your child is practicing at school.
We'll also have snacks available and each family will leave with a craft that you can complete together and take home.
Because this is a floating event, you are welcome to arrive at any time during the evening and participate at your own pace.
We hope you'll make plans to join us. It will be a great opportunity to spend time together while learning more about the Leader in Me program and how these habits can be used at home as well as at school.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Afternoon Pick-Up Reminder
As a reminder, all families picking up students in the afternoon should be in the car rider line no later than 3:00 PM. Our regular dismissal begins at 2:50 PM, and being in line on time helps us ensure a safe and efficient dismissal for everyone.
Any student who has not been picked up by 3:05 PM will be brought to the front office. At that point, a parent or guardian will be required to come inside the school to pick up their student.
Beta Club – Save the Dates!
We have two upcoming Beta Club events for our families to add to their calendars!
Parent Beta Meeting – Thursday, August 13 at 4:30 PM
This meeting is for parents and guardians of returning, current 5th–8th grade Beta Club members. Families will receive important information about Beta Club activities and expectations for the year.
Beta Bingo Night Fundraiser – Tuesday, August 25 from 5:30–7:30 PM
Join us for a fun evening of Bingo while supporting our Penderlea Beta Club! This event will serve as a Beta Club fundraiser, and we hope to see our Penderlea families come out and participate.
We are also looking for donations for Bingo Night prizes. If you have connections with a local business or have items you would be willing to donate, please contact Ms. Anderson.
Required Student Safety Video – Grades 6–8
As required by North Carolina law, students in grades 6–12 must receive age-appropriate information about recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect, including sexual abuse. As part of this requirement, our 6th–8th grade students will view a state-provided student safety video at the beginning of the school year.
Families who would like to preview the materials can use the links provided below. Families may also choose to opt their student out of viewing the video by signing and returning the opt-out letter. A paper copy of the letter will be sent home with students on the first day of school and must be returned no later than Thursday, August 27. Only one signed letter needs to be returned.
Learn More/Review Resources:
Opt-Out Letter:
Preview the Middle School Video:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KsbMwtu1JuE-5hl2lIHEiBI3dN_idKIn/view
We encourage families to review the information and reach out with any questions. Thank you for partnering with us as we work to keep our students informed, supported, and safe.
Help Buzz Up Our School Store!
Our school store is a favorite among our students, and you can help keep it stocked! We are accepting donations of items such as stickers, fidgets, keychains, candy, bracelets, school supplies, wrapped snacks, and other small prizes.
Please see the below flyer for a list of requested donation items, and our Amazon Wishlist. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make our school store a success!
Please reach out to Mrs. Thompson for more information. stacie_thompson@pender.k12.nc.us
Fall Picture Day – August 26
Mark your calendars! Fall Picture Day is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Strawbridge Studios will be on campus to photograph all students. Be on the lookout for ordering information and reminders from the school. We encourage families to review the picture day flyer for ordering details, and information about when to expect your child's picture package.
FCA Kickoff:
Our kickoff FCA event will be held on Tuesday, August 11th. Pickup is in the car lane at 4:30 pm. This event is open to all middle school students! Please make plans to join us.
This Week in Hornet Athletics:
There will be optional workouts for football, football cheer, and softball on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Middle schoolers who would like to attend must have all forms completed in Final Forms, and a parent/guardian should’ve attended last week’s meeting. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Umphress.
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