Note: This letter was posted to ClassDojo on August 6, 2026.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope you and your family are enjoying a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer! As we eagerly prepare for the start of another exciting school year, the faculty and staff at Pine Forest Middle School have been working diligently to ensure that our students return to a welcoming, engaging, and supportive learning environment. It is my honor and privilege to welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and remain committed to providing every student with a high-quality educational experience that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and character development. We firmly believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential to student success, and we look forward to working together throughout the year.
Open House
We are pleased to invite you to our Open House on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
● 6th Grade: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
● 7th & 8th Grades: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Each session will begin with a brief welcome and informational meeting in the auditorium. Following the presentation, families will have the opportunity to:
● Meet teachers and school staff.
● Visit classrooms.
● Learn about grade-level expectations and procedures.
● Receive important information about the upcoming school year.
● Become familiar with our campus and available resources.
We strongly encourage all students and families to attend this important event.
Important Back-to-School Information
Student Schedules -Student schedules will be mailed during the second week of August. Students will also have an opportunity to retrieve their schedules during Open House.
Bus Transportation- Bus assignments will be available in the cafeteria during Open House. Families needing to submit new transportation requests may do so at that time.
Car Rider Procedures- Morning car rider drop-off begins promptly at 7:00 AM. For student safety, please do not drop students off before this time, as staff supervision will not be available.
Dress Code- Dress code guidelines are enclosed with this letter and are also available on the school website. We appreciate your support in ensuring students arrive each day dressed appropriately and ready to learn.
Book Bags- While clear or mesh book bags are encouraged, all book bags will be stored in student lockers during the instructional day. Students should bring only the materials needed for their classes.
Student Locks- Locks are available for purchase through School Cash Online. Once purchased, the lock becomes the student's permanent lock for use throughout their time at Pine Forest Middle School.
Attendance- Regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in student achievement. We encourage families to ensure students attend school daily and arrive on time. Additional attendance information is available on the Cumberland County Schools website.
Morning Tardies- Our instructional day begins promptly at 7:30 AM. Students arriving after 7:30 AM are considered tardy. Any student arriving after this time must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to the front office for check-in.
Student Registration and Health Information
Please note that shot records, physical examinations, medication forms, enrollment paperwork, and other registration documents will not be accepted during Open House.
The school office will reopen beginning Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and will be available throughout the week from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM to assist families with enrollment, health records, medication forms, and other student registration needs.
Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Students
We are excited to announce that Pine Forest Middle School has once again qualified for the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2026–2027 school year. As a result, every student enrolled at Pine Forest Middle School will receive breakfast and lunch each school day at no cost.
No meal application is required. Families who wish to purchase à la carte items may continue to add funds to their child's cafeteria account by sending cash or a check with their student or by using the online payment system through MySchoolBucks. We encourage every family to take advantage of this outstanding benefit as we continue to support the health and well-being of our students.
Fall Athletics
Students interested in participating in fall sports: volleyball, girls' track, boys' soccer, or football should begin preparing now for the upcoming athletic season. The first day of fall sports practice is Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Students must have a current athletic physical on file, and all required Finalforms paperwork completed before they will be permitted to participate in tryouts or practice. No exceptions can be made, so families are encouraged to complete these requirements as early as possible. Finalforms link: https://cumberland-nc.finalforms.com/?forward_path=%2Fdocumentation%2Fstaff_roles_permissions#notifications
Looking Ahead
At Pine Forest Middle School, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Our dedicated faculty and staff are excited to partner with you as we inspire students to become confident learners, responsible citizens, and future leaders. Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We are honored to serve your family and look forward to an incredible school year filled with growth, achievement, and success. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We look forward to seeing you at Open House and welcoming our students back for another outstanding school year. Together, we will make the 2026–2027 school year one of excellence, growth, and success!
Sincerely,
Cornelius L. Felder
Principal
Pine Forest Middle School