Weekly Update

Good evening Penderlea Families,

Here are important information and updates for the week of September 14th through September 18th and beyond. Thank you for staying connected and involved.

Leader in Me Family Night

Our Leader in Me Family Night is this week! Join us on Tuesday, September 15, from 4:30–6:00 p.m. in the Penderlea Gym.

This will be a fun evening for the whole family and a great opportunity to see what our students are learning beyond academics. Families will move through stations focused on each of the 8 Habits, complete activities together, and learn more about how these habits help students build leadership, responsibility, communication, problem-solving, and other real-world skills.

We will also have snacks available, and each family will leave with a craft to complete together and take home.

Because this is a floating event, families are welcome to arrive at any time between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. and participate at their own pace.

We hope you will make plans to join us this week. We are excited to welcome our families into the building and share more about how Leader in Me is helping prepare our Hornets for success in school, future careers, and life.

 

Penderlea Running Club

We are excited to introduce a new Penderlea Running Club for boys and girls in grades 5–8. The club will begin after Fall Break and will meet from 3:15–4:15 p.m., with specific practice dates to be shared soon.

The Running Club will focus on building strength, endurance, flexibility, stamina, and confidence while helping students prepare for activities such as cross country, track and field, and local 5K events throughout the year.

Students who participate will need an up-to-date sports physical on file and a signed parent waiver.

If your family is interested in signing your student up or would like more information, please contact Nurse Renee Brown at renee_brown@pender.k12.nc.us.

Say Something Anonymous Reporting System Training

As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, our middle school students will participate in a training session on the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System on Wednesday, September 16.

This training will help students understand how to use the anonymous reporting system if they become aware of a safety concern involving themselves, another student, or the school community. Students will learn when and how to report concerns appropriately and why speaking up can play an important role in keeping our school safe.

This training is being provided in accordance with North Carolina state requirements related to anonymous tip lines. We want families to be aware of this upcoming training and encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of reporting safety concerns to a trusted adult or through the appropriate reporting system.

Fall Break Reminder

Fall Break will begin after next week, starting Monday, September 21. We hope our Hornet families enjoy the extended break and have a safe and restful time together.

Students will return to school on Monday, October 12. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the next stretch of the school year.

Fall Break Academic Support Opportunity

Selected students in 3rd through 8th grade were sent home a letter last week inviting them to participate in additional academic support during Fall Break on September 22–24.

This is a great opportunity for students to receive some extra help, strengthen important skills, and continue making academic progress during the break.

Families of selected students should review the letter that was sent home for additional details. If you have any questions about the opportunity, please reach out to your child’s teacher. If your family is interested in participating, please sign up using the letter that was sent home.

Change of Clothes Request 

To help us ensure your child remains comfortable during the school day, please keep a spare change of clothes in their backpack. These items are essential for bathroom accidents, messy projects, or outdoor play.

Recommended items: (Please make seasonal adjustments as the temperature changes)

  • Shirt

  • Shorts, pants, or leggings

  • Underwear & socks

Please label all items and pack them in a zippered storage bag. If the spare clothes are used, we will send them home with your child; please provide a fresh set the following day.

Thank you for your support. Our school has a limited supply of spare clothing, so having a change on hand helps us ensure your child is always comfortable.

School Picture Proofs & Online Ordering Information

Picture proofs are on the way and should arrive in the next few days! You can order pictures online immediately using the new online lookup tool—no waiting for a paper code.

How to Order Online:

  1. Scan the QR code on the flyer or go to www.strawbridge.net/picture-day-lookup.

  2. Search for our school name and select state.

  3. Click Get Code next to our picture day.

  4. Enter your student’s last name and Student ID number to unlock their gallery.

Need Help? Contact Strawbridge Customer Service via live chat at www.strawbridge.net, email cservice@strawbridge.net, or call (866) 624-6229.

Fall Sports Picture Days – September 15 & 16, October 1

Strawbridge Studios will be at Penderlea on Tuesday, September 15 for football and Wednesday, September 16 for cheer to take fall sports pictures. Families of participating student-athletes should review the Strawbridge information provided below for picture-day and ordering details.

Softball will have their photos taken on October 1st at Pender Memorial Park.  Coaches will provide more information as the date approaches.

This Week in Hornet Athletics:

Our Patriots are on their home turf this week!  All home softball games will be played at Pender Memorial Park in Burgaw and all home football games will be played here at Penderlea School.  Start time for both sports is 4:30pm and admission is $5, cash only for middle school age and up. We hope to see everyone in the stands cheering on our Patriots! 

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