Good evening Penderlea Families,
Here are important information and updates for the week of August 17th through August 21st and beyond. Thank you for staying connected and involved.
Teacher Workday – No School Tuesday
As a reminder, Tuesday, August 18th is a Teacher Workday. There will be no school for students on Tuesday. Students will return to their regular schedule on Wednesday, August 19th.
Progress Reports – August 20th
Our first Progress Reports of the school year will go home with students on Thursday, August 20th. We encourage families to review their child's progress and use this as an opportunity to celebrate successes, identify areas for growth, and set goals for the weeks ahead.
Personal Electronic Device Reminder
As a reminder, students should not use cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, or other personal electronic devices during the school day. This includes smart watches. Smart watches should not be worn during the school day.
If a student brings a cell phone, smart watch, or other personal electronic device to school, it must be turned off and put away in the student’s bookbag for the duration of the school day.
Hat Day Fridays
Students can show a little school-day style while supporting the Penderlea School Store with Hat Day Fridays! Students who participate may wear a hat on Fridays with the purchase of a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearlong pass.
All funds raised will go toward supporting our school store and providing items and rewards for students. Please see the flyer for pricing and information on how to purchase a Hat Day pass.
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!
Beta Bingo – Save the Date!
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 was sent home with students 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.
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.
This Week in Hornet Athletics:
Mandatory Tryouts are this week for football, softball, and cheer! Please see the schedule below for each sport. Students are only eligible if they have all Final Forms completed and have had a parent attend the mandatory parent meeting. All middle school teachers have the list of eligible athletes and will only allow students to stay for tryouts if they have completed all requirements. Softball will look a bit different this year as we will combine with BMS and WPMS and become the Patriots, similarly to our football team. This is why you will notice that tryouts and practice for softball will be located at Pener Memorial Park, and parents are required to provide transportation to/from practice and home games for softball. Cheer and football will both remain at Penderlea School (for tryouts, practices, and home games). 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