PHMS Breaks School Record on Family Survey Participation Rate!

 

We’d like to thank everyone who took time to complete the WCPSS Family Survey for Pine Hollow Middle School over the past several weeks. We are excited to share that we posted the highest participation rate that we’ve ever had as a school! It truly takes all of us working together to make our school a better place, and we are so appreciative of the part that our families play in supporting our school community!

Happy Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Appreciation Day to Ms. Dawson

 

Did you know that this Monday, May 18 is National Speech-Language Pathologist Appreciation Day? To mark this celebration, we are honoring our very own Ms. Dawson as Pine Hollow’s SLP Her incredible work gives students the tools to communicate, connect, and shine. We are so grateful for Ms. Dawson and all that she does to make a difference every day.

Help Us Get Ready for EOGs With Encouraging Banner Messages

 

We have made banners for each grade level to hang in the hallways during EOGs. We are inviting YOU to leave an encouraging message for your child and/or for all of the students on the grade-level on the banners. If you are able and would like to come to the school, we will have two opportunities to do so: 

1. Drop In - Thursday, May 21 from 3:30 - 5:30 PM in the Library

2. Drop In - Tuesday, May 26 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the Library

 

We will provide the banners and markers for you!  If you are unable to come in-person, please fill out this form to either leave a comment to add or request a notecard/envelope to submit a handwritten note for the banner. Please fill out the form by Thursday, May 21. 

Soaring into Success Spirit Week for EOC/EOGs (May 25-29)

 

As we prepare for our end-of-year testing, we invite our students and staff to participate in a special “Soaring into Success” Spirit Week to do our absolute best on EOC/EOG testing. Below are the spirit days for the week of May 25.

 

• Tuesday (May 26): Our Scores are Bright — Wear Neon and/or Bright Colors!

• Wednesday (May 27): Bring Your A-Game — Represent your favorite team, game, or player!

• Thursday (May 28): Rock the EOC/EOGs — Dress as your favorite band or musical artist!

• Friday (May 29): Don’t Sweat the EOC/EOGs — Wear your athleisure wear or comfy clothes for our first day of testing!

Important Information about EOC & EOG Testing

 

At the end of May and beginning of June, all students will be taking EOC/EOG (End-of-Grade and End-of-Course) tests that are required by state law. Below is the calendar of actual testing dates. Please go ahead and mark these dates on your calendar as it is absolutely CRITICAL that we complete testing for all students within this tight timeframe. If there are unavoidable conflicts, please contact our testing coordinator Mrs. Stern via email (jstern@wcpss.net) immediately.

 

 

This year, students who score “Not Proficient” on their state assessment will have the opportunity to take the test a second time. This retest gives students another chance to demonstrate their learning and growth. While we encourage you to consider allowing your student to participate in retesting if they qualify, please know that participation in retesting is completely voluntary and requires parent/guardian permission. 

 

Families will be contacted if their students qualify on/around June 2 or 3, at which point parents/guardians will be able to share whether they want their student to have the opportunity to retest. Due to planning that is required to facilitate this, families will need to make a decision within a day or two to ensure that we can appropriately schedule all students.

 

For your planning purposes, the retest dates for the end of the school year are tentatively slated to be June 8, 9, and 10.

It’s the Final Countdown for Yearbooks!

 

The 2025-26 school yearbooks are almost sold out! Click here to order one for your student before it’s too late (our school's order number is 21759)! This year, students who pre-purchase a yearbook will also be invited to an exclusive Yearbook Distribution & Signing Party. If you would like your child to receive a yearbook, please act fast because once they’re gone, they’re gone! 

Students Not Returning to PHMS/WCPSS in 2026-27?

 

If your rising 7th or 8th grader will not be returning to Pine Hollow Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year, please email our data manager Mrs. Thomas to let her know as soon as possible. She can be reached via email at bwthomas@wcpss.net. Please be sure to include information about where your child will be attending the 2026-2027 school year. If you have any additional questions regarding your child not returning to Pine Hollow, please feel free to reach Mrs. Thomas by phone at (919) 694-8880, ext. 22699.

Athletics Updates

 

To keep up to date with the weekly schedule, game results, outstanding game performers, tryout requirements and all things related to Pine Hollow Athletics, be sure to check out The Flight Log. You can also follow the Athletics department on Instagram and check the Athletics Website.

Thank You to Our 2025-26 PTSA School Sponsors

 

A special thank you to the generous local businesses who have signed on to be a sponsor for the 2025-26 school year. If your company—or one that you know—is interested in serving as a sponsor, please connect with our PTSA Fundraising Co-Chairs at phmsptsafundraising@gmail.com.

 

 

Please Take the WCPSS Family Survey for Pine Hollow

 

This is a reminder that the WCPSS Family Survey closes on May 15. Please take a moment to complete this survey to help us know how we’re doing as a school so we can work to continue improving. Parents/guardians only need to complete the survey once for each school where they have a child enrolled. To access the survey, please click here.

Celebrating our Teachers & Staff

 

This past week, we had the chance to celebrate and spoil our wonderful teachers and staff as a part of Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you so much to everyone who assisted in making this week special, whether individually or as a part of collective efforts. A special thank you to our PTSA who was instrumental in coordinating many of the festivities for the week!  This week, we will keep the celebrations going as we recognize and celebrate Testing Coordinator Appreciation Day on April 13. We are so thankful for our school testing coordinator Mrs. Stern and her commitment, attention to detail, and unwavering support that make a tremendous difference for both students and staff. We appreciate everything she does to keep our testing process organized, smooth, and successful. 

Important Information about EOC & EOG Testing

 

At the end of May and beginning of June, all students will be taking EOC/EOG (End-of-Grade and End-of-Course) tests that are required by state law. Below is the calendar of actual testing dates. Please go ahead and mark these dates on your calendar as it is absolutely CRITICAL that we complete testing for all students within this tight timeframe. If there are unavoidable conflicts, please contact our testing coordinator Mrs. Stern via email (jstern@wcpss.net) immediately.

 

 

This year, students who score “Not Proficient” on their state assessment will have the opportunity to take the test a second time. This retest gives students another chance to demonstrate their learning and growth. While we encourage you to consider allowing your student to participate in retesting if they qualify, please know that participation in retesting is completely voluntary and requires parent/guardian permission. 

 

Families will be contacted if their students qualify on/around June 2 or 3, at which point parents/guardians will be able to share whether they want their student to have the opportunity to retest. Due to planning that is required to facilitate this, families will need to make a decision within a day or two to ensure that we can appropriately schedule all students.

 

For your planning purposes, the retest dates for the end of the school year are tentatively slated to be June 8, 9, and 10.

More Adult Volunteers Needed for Dance This Week

 

We are excited to host our 8th grade semi-formal dance this week. That being said, we still need assistance from adult volunteers to assist with setup, chaperoning, and/or clean up. If you are interested in volunteering, please click here to sign up. 

8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance on Friday, May 15

 

As mentioned above, we have our 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance on Friday, May 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm (for PHMS students only). The theme for the dance will be “A Night Under the Stars,” as voted on by our 8th graders. Dance tickets will be $15 per student and will be sold during 8th grade lunch (11:35 am - 12:00 pm) beginning on Tuesday, May 12 through Thursday, May 14. Tickets will also be sold before school on Friday, May 15.

It’s the Final Countdown for Yearbooks!

 

The 2025-26 school yearbooks are almost sold out! Click here to order one for your student before it’s too late (our school's order number is 21759)! This year, students who pre-purchase a yearbook will also be invited to an exclusive Yearbook Distribution & Signing Party. If you would like your child to receive a yearbook, please act fast because once they’re gone, they’re gone! 

Students Not Returning to PHMS/WCPSS in 2026-27?

 

If your rising 7th or 8th grader will not be returning to Pine Hollow Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year, please email our data manager Mrs. Thomas to let her know as soon as possible. She can be reached via email at bwthomas@wcpss.net. Please be sure to include information about where your child will be attending the 2026-2027 school year. If you have any additional questions regarding your child not returning to Pine Hollow, please feel free to reach Mrs. Thomas by phone at (919) 694-8880, ext. 22699.

Athletics Updates

 

To keep up to date with the weekly schedule, game results, outstanding game performers, tryout requirements and all things related to Pine Hollow Athletics, be sure to check out The Flight Log. You can also follow the Athletics department on Instagram and check the Athletics Website.

Thank You to Our 2025-26 PTSA School Sponsors

 

A special thank you to the generous local businesses who have signed on to be a sponsor for the 2025-26 school year. If your company—or one that you know—is interested in serving as a sponsor, please connect with our PTSA Fundraising Co-Chairs at phmsptsafundraising@gmail.com.

 

 

 

NC Math Check-Ins on Monday (5/4)

 

This is a friendly reminder that all students will take their final math NC Check-In assessment on Monday, May 4 at the start of the school day.  The entire school will be testing beginning at 8:15 am, so please help us by ensuring that all students arrive at school on time so that we can get started with testing ASAP. Please remind your child to bring their CHARGED Chromebook and to do their absolute best!

Please Take the WCPSS Family Survey for Pine Hollow

 

As of May 1, we’ve heard from about 155 of the approximately 600 families at Pine Hollow MS in the annual WCPSS Family Survey that went live on Monday, April 6. Please, please, please take a moment to complete this survey to help us know how we’re doing as a school so we can work to continue improving. Parents/guardians only need to complete the survey once for each school where they have a child enrolled. To access the survey, please click here.

Help Us Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week Next Week (May 4 - 8)

 

This week (May 4-8) is National Teacher Appreciation Week!? As such, our PTSA and your PHMS Administration are excited to celebrate teachers and staff all week. We invite you to join us in celebrating our incredible teachers and staff by treating them to a little extra kindness throughout the week. If you are looking for a way to make a special teacher or staff member’s day, here are two ways you can do that:

 

• Send a Quick (Digital) Note of Appreciation: The fall gratitude notes were such a huge hit with staff that we’re doing it again! Take a moment to share  a brief note of gratitude with a staff member using this Google Form available here. Complete your submission by Wednesday, May 6 for message deliveries at the end of the week!

 

• Assist PTSA with Snack Donations: During Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, our PTSA will be partnering with the admin team to provide a series of snacks and meals for staff. If you would like to contribute to this, please feel free to sign up for something you’d like to contribute at this SignUpGenius link. Items can be dropped off in the main office up until Monday, May 4.

Important Information about EOC & EOG Testing

 

At the end of May and beginning of June, all students will be taking EOC/EOG (End-of-Grade and End-of-Course) tests that are required by state law. Below is the calendar of actual testing dates. Please go ahead and mark these dates on your calendar as it is absolutely CRITICAL that we complete testing for all students within this tight timeframe. If there are unavoidable conflicts, please contact our testing coordinator Mrs. Stern via email (jstern@wcpss.net) immediately.

 

 

This year, students who score “Not Proficient” on their state assessment will have the opportunity to take the test a second time. This retest gives students another chance to demonstrate their learning and growth. While we encourage you to consider allowing your student to participate in retesting if they qualify, please know that participation in retesting is completely voluntary and requires parent/guardian permission. 

 

Families will be contacted if their students qualify on/around June 2 or 3, at which point parents/guardians will be able to share whether they want their student to have the opportunity to retest. Due to planning that is required to facilitate this, families will need to make a decision within a day or two to ensure that we can appropriately schedule all students.

 

For your planning purposes, the retest dates for the end of the school year are tentatively slated to be June 8, 9, and 10.

8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance on Friday, May 15

 

As a reminder, we will have our 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance on Friday, May 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm (for PHMS students only). The theme for the dance will be “A Night Under the Stars,” as voted on by our 8th graders. Dance tickets will be $15 per student and will be on sale during 8th grade lunch (11:35 am - 12:00 pm) beginning on Tuesday, May 12 through Thursday, May 14. Tickets will also be sold before school on Friday, May 15.

 

We are very appreciative of our PTSA Dance Committee for all of their work to coordinate this event for our eighth graders; however, we still need assistance from adult chaperones. If you are interested in and willing to chaperone the dance, please click here to sign up.

Approximately 65 Yearbooks Left for Purchase!

 

The 2025-26 school yearbooks are almost sold out! As of May 3, we only have about 65 yearbooks left for purchase (that’s right—only 80 yearbooks left!). Click here to order one for your student before it’s too late (our school's order number is 21759)! This year, students who pre-purchase a yearbook will also be invited to an exclusive Yearbook Distribution & Signing Party. If you would like your child to receive a yearbook, please act fast because once they’re gone, they’re gone! 

Spirit Rock Update from PTSA

 

We’ve noticed a need to clarify expectations around renting the PHMS Spirit Rock. While we love seeing the celebratory messages, some of the posted guidelines—available on the PTSA website—have not always been followed.

 

Since the school opened, the Spirit Rock has been used to celebrate birthdays, school events, and to share encouraging messages. One long-standing tradition is for the outgoing 8th grade class to sign the back of the original Spirit Rock during their end-of-year celebration. This tradition has taken place on the rock near the flags, prior to the addition of the second rock by the carpool loop. Since the addition of the second rock, outgoing 8th grade students are also allowed to sign the back of this rock as well.

 

To preserve this tradition and maintain consistency, we ask that when either Spirit Rock is rented, only the front (face) or sides of the rock is painted. Please DO NOT paint the back of either rock. For full rental guidelines, please visit the PTSA website. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep this tradition intact.

Students Not Returning to PHMS/WCPSS in 2026-27?

 

If your rising 7th or 8th grader will not be returning to Pine Hollow Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year, please email our data manager Mrs. Thomas to let her know as soon as possible. She can be reached via email at bwthomas@wcpss.net. Please be sure to include information about where your child will be attending the 2026-2027 school year. If you have any additional questions regarding your child not returning to Pine Hollow, please feel free to reach Mrs. Thomas by phone at (919) 694-8880, ext. 22699.

Athletics Updates

 

To keep up to date with the weekly schedule, game results, outstanding game performers, tryout requirements and all things related to Pine Hollow Athletics, be sure to check out The Flight Log. You can also follow the Athletics department on Instagram and check the Athletics Website.

Thank You to Our 2025-26 PTSA School Sponsors

 

A special thank you to the generous local businesses who have signed on to be a sponsor for the 2025-26 school year. If your company—or one that you know—is interested in serving as a sponsor, please connect with our PTSA Fundraising Co-Chairs at phmsptsafundraising@gmail.com.

 

 

 

No School for Students on Friday, May 1

 

This is a friendly reminder that this Friday, May 1, is a teacher workday. As such, students will NOT have school. We hope you all enjoy the three-day weekend.

Thank You for Assistance with Saturday Campus Cleanup

 

On Saturday, April 25, a couple dozen students, parents, staff, and community members came together to spruce up our school grounds by getting their hands dirty by picking weeds, trimming bushes, and doing some light planting around campus! We are so appreciative of everyone who found time to be a part of this project to make our school look more appealing.

Please Take the WCPSS Family Survey for Pine Hollow

 

As of today, we’ve heard from about 140 of the approximately 600 families at Pine Hollow MS in the annual WCPSS Family Survey that went live on Monday, April 6. Please, please, please take a moment to complete this survey to help us know how we’re doing as a school so we can work to continue improving. Parents/guardians only need to complete the survey once for each school where they have a child enrolled. To access the survey, please click here.

Student Engagement Perceptions Survey Coming Soon

 

In the spring, WCPSS students in grades 5-13 will be asked to complete the annual WCPSS Student Engagement Survey. Your child will be given an opportunity to complete this survey during the school day over the next few weeks.  The survey includes questions about teacher-student relationships, relevance of school work, and future aspirations and goals. Click here to review the questions included on this survey. If you would prefer that your child NOT participate in this survey, please complete this digital opt-out form by 3:00 pm on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Spirit Days for School Lunch Hero Week This Week (April 27 - May 1)

 

Friday, May 1 is School Lunch Hero Day! Since we do not have school on Friday, May 1, we will celebrate our Child Nutrition Staff all this week for School Lunch Hero Week. As such, we hope everyone will join in a few fun-filled spirit days this week to recognize our cafeteria staff for all they do each day.

• Tuesday (4/28): Pajama Day (Like the comfort and care our cafeteria staff provides each day through warm and cozy meals, wear your favorite school-appropriate pajamas or cozy attire)

 

• Wednesday (4/29): Storybook Character Day (Just as our CNS/cafeteria staff helps to write happy stories for students each day, we invite you to dress as your favorite book character).

 

• Thursday (4/30): Sports Fan Day (In celebration of our true team players who help our schools win each day by providing healthy and hearty meals for students, don’t forget to represent your favorite sports teams with  jerseys, hats, team colors, etc.)

Help Us Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week Next Week (May 4-8)

 

Did you know that next week (May 4-8) is National Teacher Appreciation Week!? As such, our PTSA and your PHMS Administration are excited to celebrate teachers and staff all week. We invite you to join us in celebrating our incredible teachers and staff by treating them to a little extra kindness throughout the week. If you are looking for a way to make a special teacher or staff member’s day, here are two ways you can do that:

 

• Send a Quick (Digital) Note of Appreciation: The fall gratitude notes were such a huge hit with staff that we’re doing it again! Take a moment to share  a brief note of gratitude with a staff member using this Google Form available here. Complete your submission by Wednesday, May 6 for message deliveries at the end of the week!

 

• Assist PTSA with Snack Donations: During Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, our PTSA will be partnering with the admin team to provide a series of snacks and meals for staff. If you would like to contribute to this, please feel free to sign up for something you’d like to contribute at this SignUpGenius link. Items can be dropped off in the main office up until Monday, May 4.

Assistance for 8th Grade Semi-formal Dance on Friday, May 15

 

As a reminder, we will have our 8th Grade Semi-formal Dance on Friday, May 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm (for PHMS students only). The theme for the dance will be “A Night Under the Stars,” as voted on by our 8th graders. We are very appreciative of our PTSA Dance Committee for all of their work to coordinate this event for our eighth graders; however, we still need assistance from adult chaperones. If you are interested in and willing to chaperone the dance, please click here to sign up.

Approximately 80 Yearbooks Left for Purchase!

 

The 2025-26 school yearbooks are almost sold out! As of April 26, we only have about 80 yearbooks left for purchase (that’s right—only 80 yearbooks left!). Click here to order one for your student before it’s too late (our school's order number is 21759)! This year, students who pre-purchase a yearbook will also be invited to an exclusive Yearbook Distribution & Signing Party. If you would like your child to receive a yearbook, please act fast because once they’re gone, they’re gone! 

Students Not Returning to PHMS/WCPSS in 2026-27?

 

If your rising 7th or 8th grader will not be returning to Pine Hollow Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year, please email our data manager Mrs. Thomas to let her know as soon as possible. She can be reached via email at bwthomas@wcpss.net. Please be sure to include information about where your child will be attending the 2026-2027 school year. If you have any additional questions regarding your child not returning to Pine Hollow, please feel free to reach Mrs. Thomas by phone at (919) 694-8880, ext. 22699.

Athletics Updates

 

To keep up to date with the weekly schedule, game results, outstanding game performers, tryout requirements and all things related to Pine Hollow Athletics, be sure to check out The Flight Log. You can also follow the Athletics department on Instagram and check the Athletics Website.

Thank You to Our 2025-26 PTSA School Sponsors

 

A special thank you to the generous local businesses who have signed on to be a sponsor for the 2025-26 school year. If your company—or one that you know—is interested in serving as a sponsor, please connect with our PTSA Fundraising Co-Chairs at phmsptsafundraising@gmail.com.

 

 

 

WCPSS Family Survey Now Open — Please Take as Soon as Possible

 

The annual WCPSS Family Survey went live on Monday, April 6, and we want to hear from you! Help us make your child's school experience as positive and beneficial as possible by giving honest, thoughtful responses to the questions in our family survey from April 6 - May 15. Parents/guardians only need to complete the survey once for each school where they have a child enrolled. To access the survey, please click here. As of Sunday, April 19, we have heard from approximately 115 families—which means we need to hear from about 125 more families to keep our three-year trend of improving response rates year after year!

Thank You to All Who Participated in “Passport to Progress” Event

 

This past Thursday, April 16 we hosted our first “Passport to Progress” Family & Community Engagement event and we sincerely appreciate everyone who  attended and/or participated in any way. Thank you for your support and engagement. Your feedback is greatly appreciated in helping us plan our next event in the fall. If you did not have a chance to fill the survey out yet, please do so at the following link: https://forms.gle/eazvrQ8RwJ7ftW9z9. 

Join Us for Campus Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 25

 

On Saturday, April 25, we will hold a campus wide clean-up day to mark and celebrate Earth Day (click here to see flyer). We will get started at 9:00 am and wrap up around 11:00 am. During this time, we will pick up trash and litter around campus, remove weeds from flower beds and walkways, and even plant flowers around the main entrance of the school. To sign up to volunteer, go to the following link: https://bit.ly/PHMScleanup425. 

Don’t Forget to Return Unwanted Spring Portraits

 

Last month, students who took spring pictures received portrait packages during homeroom. As a reminder, if you do not want to purchase these portraits, please have your student return them to their homeroom. If you wish to purchase portraits, you can do so using the payment envelope that was shared in the package or online (see instructions provided in portrait package).

Final Countdown to Order Yearbooks at Discounted Rate

 

The 2025-26 school yearbooks are almost sold out! We have approximately 100 yearbooks left for pre-sale at the discounted rate of $45. This year, students who pre-purchase a yearbook will also be invited to an exclusive Yearbook Distribution & Signing Party. If you would like your child to receive a yearbook, please act fast because once they’re gone, they’re gone! Click here to order one for your student before it’s too late (our school's order number is 21759)! 

Not Returning to PHMS/WCPSS in 2026-27?

 

If your rising 7th or 8th grader  will not be returning to Pine Hollow Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year, please email our data manager Mrs. Thomas to let her know as soon as possible. She can be reached via email at bwthomas@wcpss.net. Please be sure to include information about where your child will be attending the 2026-2027 school year. If you have any additional questions regarding your child not returning to Pine Hollow, please feel free to reach Mrs. Thomas by phone at (919) 694-8880, ext. 22699.

Athletics Updates

 

To keep up to date with the weekly schedule, game results, outstanding game performers, tryout requirements and all things related to Pine Hollow Athletics, be sure to check out The Flight Log. You can also follow the Athletics department on Instagram and check the Athletics Website.

Thank You to Our 2025-26 PTSA School Sponsors

 

A special thank you to the generous local businesses who have signed on to be a sponsor for the 2025-26 school year. If your company—or one that you know—is interested in serving as a sponsor, please connect with our PTSA Fundraising Co-Chairs at phmsptsafundraising@gmail.com.