Good evening, Warrior Families, this is Principal Garza with your Weekly Warrior Message.
Welcome back! We are excited to begin the second semester and start strong in 2026. Our students are returning with energy, and we are ready to support them as they continue growing academically, socially, and emotionally. As we head into the new semester, we are asking students to bring their Main Character Energy—showing up ready to learn, take ownership of their choices, and be fully present each day. At WPMS, we believe every student’s story matters, and our staff is committed to helping them grow into confident, capable young adults.
Important Reminders
Students return on Tuesday, January 6.
Monday, January 5, is a teacher workday — no school for students.
Doors open at 7:20 AM.
The tardy bell rings at 7:45 AM.
Students arriving by car after the tardy bell must be checked in by an adult through the front office.
Weather & Dress Reminders: As North Carolina weather can be unpredictable, we encourage students to dress in layers and come prepared for changing temperatures throughout the day, especially during arrival, dismissal, and outdoor activities.
Cell Phone Reminder: Please note that North Carolina state law requires student cell phones to be turned off while on campus. We appreciate your support in reinforcing this expectation so we can maintain a focused and distraction-free learning environment.
Welcome to Our New Assistant Principal: Please join us in welcoming Ms. Jessica Randall to the Warrior family! Ms. Randall joins us as our new Assistant Principal and comes to WPMS from Malpass Corner Elementary School. She is also a member of our local community, and we are excited to have her on our leadership team.
School Reassignment Information (2026–2027): In an effort to accommodate family preferences within Pender County Schools, the reassignment request period for the 2026–2027 school year is now open.
Application opens: January 5, 2026
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Families wishing to enroll their child in a school outside of their designated zone (excluding Pender Early College and Pender Innovative Learning Academy) may apply using the appropriate form:
House Shirts Still Available: We still have house shirts available for purchase! Cost: $20.00 Students may purchase during their lunch period.
Athletic Updates
Tryout information: Girls basketball tryouts are Tuesday, Jan. 6th and Wednesday Jan. 7th - until 4:45PM; Boys soccer tryouts will be held Wednesday, Jan. 7th & Thurs. Jan. 8th - until 4:45PM Cheerleading tryouts will be Friday, Jan. 9th until 4:30PM
A big shout out to WPMS 8th grade formal team to opening concessions for our home games - bring your money and support our fundraiser to host the best 8th grade formal to date.
Upcoming Events
January 8: Reading NC Check-In
January 13–14: iReady Reading Diagnostic/Report Cards
January 16: Advisory Honor Roll Recognition
January 21: Math NC Check-In
All Weekly Warrior Messages can be found here: https://sites.google.com/pender.k12.nc.us/weekly-warrior-message/home
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are helping our students show up, grow, and thrive. As always, if you’re going to be here, be here—because what we do together truly matters.
Have a wonderful evening, and we look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday.
Stay Connected
Download the PCS App (select West Pender Middle)
Twitter: @wpm_warriors
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/westpendermiddl
[WPMS Website]https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/o/wpms
#MainCharacterEnergy | #WarriorPower | #OnePender