Central Elementary

Was it really just a week ago that our school staff celebrated with a "Souper" Bowl party?

2 days ago, Sara Holt

Four people sit around a white rectangular cafeteria table beneath large multi‑pane windows showing bare trees outside. From left: a dark‑haired woman with glasses (dark vest, grey shirt, maroon pants) smiles with her chin on her hand; across from her an older blonde woman in a patterned top waves and holds food; on the right two younger women in light baseball caps and sweatshirts smile while eating. Trays with partitioned food, red and green plastic cups, a soda can, a tumbler, and a smartphone sit on the table. Empty cafeteria tables and light tile flooring are visible in the background.

Five people sit along two long dining tables under large windows. On the left are three women (one in pink holding a bottle, an older blonde woman, and a dark‑haired woman eating from a tray). Facing the camera on the right are a smiling man in a light grey hoodie and a woman in an olive sweater. Multiple compartmented food trays, small bowls, plastic Coca‑Cola bottles, a red cup, and a teal thermos are on the tables. The mood is relaxed and friendly.

A busy communal meal in a large dining hall: about 20–30 adults sit at long tables with attached stools, eating and socializing under recessed ceiling lights and high multi‑pane windows that show trees outside. People in the foreground smile toward the camera; tables hold plates, trays, cups and bottles. Light cinderblock walls and a colorful wall decoration are visible, giving the scene a warm, social atmosphere.

Indoor community meal with buffet: three women sit at a table in the foreground eating from trays and drinking from red plastic cups (one woman wears a colorful beanie and smiles). Behind them, two servers stand at a buffet table draped with a green “GAME TIME” cloth—one wears a camouflage jacket, the other a sweatshirt reading “CAROLINA.” Wall posters read “BULLY FREE ZONE” and show a school app QR code and contact info. Slow cookers and serving dishes are set up, and other attendees sit at tables in the background.

First full day back and our teachers and kiddos are working hard at Central Elementary 💯 Happy heart ❤️🐾❤️

4 days ago, Sara Holt

A classroom during a math lesson: a teacher in a black top and skirt stands left of a large projected screen showing a word problem—“There are 7 children at the playground. More children join. Now there are 13 children. How many joined?” with the equation “7 + ____ = 13.” Students sit on the floor facing the screen; desks with markers, containers, and worksheets fill the foreground. Walls display an alphabet chart, a February calendar, a class schedule, and posters. A whiteboard lists “Lunch: 11:15–11:45” and “Specials: 12:20–” with names. Date and time on the board read “2-11-26” and “12:06.” A bulletin board with phonics notes is partially visible.

Small-group phonics activity at a round table: a teacher in a red-and-white striped sweater writes on a laminated sheet while four young children follow along with their own laminated sheets and markers. Classroom walls show consonant and phonics posters (e.g., “sh,” “ch,” “th,” letter charts). Shelves with colorful bins, desks, and a child lying on the floor are visible in the background. Red cups hold writing utensils on the table.

Flat lay of student materials and shoes: two pairs of children’s high-top sneakers (navy/black with orange accents on left; white/red patent on right) arranged on a wooden surface. Below the left shoes is a book titled “Who Is Michael Jordan?” Two identical worksheets with an outline of a high-top sneaker and blank writing lines sit to the right. A yellow sticky note with a short list of names is in the top right corner.

Classroom reading area with alphabet and sight-word charts: wall charts show letters paired with student names and many sight words (e.g., “are,” “me,” “they,” “where,” “who”) plus phonics cards and picture cues. Three children sit on floor chairs reading and one child sits at a round table with supplies. A book display rack holds children’s books; labeled storage bins list student names.

Math center at a round table: a teacher and several children sit at a round table working together. Walls are decorated with a number line (0–100), a “MATH” banner, number-word cards (one–eighteen), a shapes poster, and a 1–100 chart. A hand-drawn sun, puppet theater, bookshelf with a globe, and classroom bins are visible; windows show paper snowflake decorations.

Whole-group instruction on the floor: a female adult in a white sweater with red hearts sits on the floor leading children who raise hands; a male adult stands nearby. The room shows an alphabet border, a vowel chart, a whiteboard, a “FEBRUARY 2024” chart, an American flag, and a ceiling-mounted projector. Desks with colored supply containers and student storage pockets appear in the foreground.

Students aren't the only ones who enjoy a good snow day! Our staff had the best time taking a short break outside on our work day.

13 days ago, Sara Holt

A large group of adults stand smiling outside a brick school building on a snowy day, bundled in winter coats and hats. Several people hold colorful plastic sleds—red, blue, and green—while snow-covered grass and bare trees are visible in the background.

A close-up selfie of a smiling woman wearing glasses and a winter jacket, laughing excitedly in the foreground. Behind her, a group of adults pose with colorful sleds in the snow outside a brick school building, dressed in winter clothing and smiling.

Mark your calendars!

Kindergarten registration will open on March 30th for students who turn 5 years old on or before August 30, 2026.

24 days ago, Sara Holt

Colorful flyer titled “Flying Into Kindergarten.” Illustrated directional signs point to text reading “Join us for… Kindergarten Registration.” Registration begins March 30, 2026, for students who will be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2026. A yellow sign says “Scan this QR code to access more information about kindergarten registration,” next to a QR code. The background features a globe, airplanes, a suitcase, passport, boarding pass, and travel-themed graphics. At the bottom, contact information reads: “Questions? Contact Leslie Coleman-Cassell at (336) 627-2686.”

Spanish-language, colorful flyer titled “Volando hacia Kindergarten.” Illustrated directional signs read “Los invitamos a… Registración de Kinder.” Text states that registration begins March 30, 2026, for all students who will turn 5 years old on or before August 31, 2026. A yellow sign says “Escanee este código QR para obtener más información sobre la inscripción de kindergarten,” next to a QR code. The background features a globe, airplanes, and travel-themed illustrations including a suitcase, passport, and boarding pass. At the bottom, contact information reads: “¿Tiene preguntas? Comuníquese con Leslie Coleman-Cassell al (336) 627-2686.”

Mrs. Hill, our instructional coach, taught a professional development workshop at this year's Ignite and Inspire Conference. We are so thankful for her knowledge and willingness to help teachers learn new things!

24 days ago, Sara Holt

teacher stands in front of active board with a screen "Ready, Set, Spike!" and holds a box of Legos

Congratulations to Ms. Sanchez.📣She won the DKG grant that will help support literacy in her classroom. We are so proud of her. ❤️🐾❤️

2 months ago, Sara Holt

An elementary classroom where several students sit at desks coloring drawings. A teacher wearing a festive holiday sweater and a bright green beanie stands smiling near the students. The classroom includes colorful rugs, posters, and learning materials on the walls.

Three adults stand together in an elementary classroom smiling for a photo. The person in the center holds a paper or certificate. Behind them are classroom supplies, a brick wall, and educational posters.

A teacher wearing a holiday sweater raises both arms excitedly while students continue working at their desks coloring pictures. The classroom features a colorful rug, desks with pencils and crayons, and learning displays on the walls.

Winter Literacy Night was a success! Students visited each grade level for festive holiday read-alouds, and our teachers dressed to match their books. A magical night of stories, smiles, and school spirit! ❄️📚

2 months ago, Sara Holt

Classroom scene with students and adults seated at individual desks facing the front. Overhead are fluorescent lights and two wooden ceiling fans. In the foreground a young person in a dark jacket and glasses stands facing the room; nearby a student with reddish-brown hair wears a purple long-sleeve shirt patterned with small white Jack Skellington–style ghosts and sits at a front desk facing away from the camera. Adults sit among the students — one with long gray hair and a beard at center-right, another with dark hair seated beside a baby in a black car seat or stroller. On the far right an individual dressed as a festive elf in a red suit with white trim and a pointy hat is seated on a shelf or counter. Light-colored walls surround the room; the left wall features a large whiteboard with a projector above it and a long strip showing a number line and alphabet. To the right of the whiteboard are decorated bulletin boards, shelves, and an American flag. The floor is light tile.

A classroom decorated with colorful holiday string lights and a large projected fireplace scene. A teacher sits on a chair at the front of the room holding a picture book, smiling as several young students sit on a rug facing her. Some students wear festive pajamas and one is wrapped in a blanket. The room is dimly lit except for the fireplace projection and string lights, creating a cozy, warm atmosphere. Classroom furniture, posters, and cabinets are visible in the background.

Bright elementary classroom during a group reading or storytelling session. In the foreground about 15–20 young children sit on a colorful rug, facing several adults dressed as elves; two elf-costumed adults sit at the front (one on the right is holding an open book and appears to be reading) while a third elf stands at left holding a baby. One child stands at left wearing a blue Sonic the Hedgehog onesie. Overhead fluorescent lights and a ceiling-mounted projector illuminate the room.

Seven women pose together in a brightly decorated elementary classroom, dressed in coordinated holiday-themed outfits that resemble snowmen (white tops with large black “buttons,” scarves, pom‑pom headbands, and a black top hat on one wearer). From left to right they wear combinations of white tops, black pants, a gray knit dress, a cream sweater, and a blue denim jacket with bright pink pants; several wear headbands or festive accessories and one woman has an identification badge. They stand on a dark green rug in front of classroom displays and furniture; behind them are shelves, a patterned bench, and bulletin boards decorated with stockings and a pink owl cutout.

A classroom portrait of an adult woman and a young boy standing side by side. The woman on the left wears a tall white chef’s hat, glasses, a black long-sleeve sweater, dark gray pants, and a white apron; she smiles and holds two small yellow rectangular boxes. The boy on the right wears a blue-and-white Sonic the Hedgehog patterned full-body pajama suit and smiles at the camera. Behind them are light-colored student desks with black chairs on a beige tiled floor.

Four women stand side‑by‑side in a school hallway, smiling at the camera. From left to right: a woman with light hair pulled back wearing a red/black/white plaid shirt, wooden‑bead necklace and red/yellow patterned earrings (ID badge visible); a woman with long dark wavy hair wearing a blue/white plaid shirt over a dark top; a woman with lighter hair wearing a brown/white plaid shirt and a watch; and a woman with long brown hair wearing a black/white plaid shirt over dark pants. They stand in front of a white brick wall decorated with a colorful triangular‑flag bunting and student artwork flags that repeat the phrase “ALL ABOUT ME” (the leftmost flag reads “MY FAVORITE…” with a drawing).

Interior classroom scene with adults and young children gathered for a group activity. In the foreground several adults sit at small dark-wood tables with green stools or on the floor; one adult wears patterned pajamas, another a red-and-black plaid shirt, and a third a pink shirt reading “UNC HEALTH Rockingham.” Children and more adults sit on rugs and low wooden-stump seats in the midground facing a woman leading the activity. The room has light gray walls, a tiled floor with visible bear-paw footprints, fluorescent ceiling lights, and a large whiteboard at the back framed by an alphabet chart (“Aa Bb Cc … Zz”).

four parents stand at the back of a classroom listening to a story

computer screen shows image of three teachers dressed as elf on the shelf

Teacher stands at the front of the room and reads a story while students sit in chairs listening

We are so proud of our third-grade students! They put on a wonderful performance for their peers, our staff, and their families. We’d also like to give a special shout-out to Ms. Huss for all of her hard work preparing our students for the big night.

2 months ago, Sara Holt

A large group of third-grade students stand on risers on a school stage, singing during a performance. Two boys stand at microphones in front of the group, reading or speaking from a music stand. In the foreground, many younger students sit on the floor watching the performance. The background includes black stage curtains and a light-colored brick wall.

Here is alt text for the image: **Alt text:** A large group of elementary students stand on risers in a school gymnasium, performing together while an audience of students sits on the floor watching. Several students in the front row of the performers have stepped forward and are doing hand motions as part of the performance. Above the stage, two banners hang on the brick wall reading “School of Distinction” and “School of Honors Excellence.” The gym is brightly lit with exposed ceiling beams.

A large group of third-grade students stand on risers on a school stage, singing during a performance. Four students stand at microphones in front of the group, reading or speaking from a music stand. In the foreground, many younger students sit on the floor watching the performance. The background includes black stage curtains and a light-colored brick wall.

A large group of third-grade students stand on risers on a school stage, singing during a performance. In the foreground, many younger students sit on the floor watching the performance. The background includes black stage curtains and a light-colored brick wall.

Thanks to our wonderful PTA for organizing and running this year's Holiday Shoppe.

2 months ago, Sara Holt

Three adults stand in a classroom. One is helping a female student purchase items in the holiday shoppe. The other two are standing and talking to each other. A female student stands behind them looking on.

Parents and students are seen shopping the Holiday Shoppe in a classroom.

Two women stand, leaning together, in the holiday shoppe. There is a table in front of each filled with merchandise for students to purchase.

Prior to our snow days, we had three students who had the opportunity to participate in our District Science Fair. We are so proud of these Panther cubs.

2 months ago, Sara Holt

“Three young children stand side by side against a beige wall on a polished brown floor. The child on the left wears a pink jacket, patterned leggings, and tan boots with white fur trim. The child in the middle wears a camouflage-print shirt over a black long-sleeve top, light jeans, and black shoes. The child on the right wears a black hoodie with a geometric design, black pants, and black shoes. All three children are smiling and facing the camera.”

After reading Balloons on Broadway and learning all about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, our second grade students created their own balloons and had their own parade.

2 months ago, Sara Holt

A large group of elementary-aged children stand together on a gymnasium stage, each holding a colorful balloon decorated with different drawings and designs. The kids are smiling and raising their balloons high in the air. Behind them hangs a curtain, and above are school banners recognizing distinctions and honors. An American flag stands to the right side of the stage. The gym floor and walls are visible in the foreground.

The countdown to Winter Break is about to get more festive with our December Spirit Month at Central Elementary! 🎄✨ Get ready for dress-up days, holiday fun, and tons of school spirit! We can't wait to see our students and staff celebrate together all month long!

3 months ago, Sara Holt

A colorful December Spirit Month calendar for Central Elementary with festive holiday graphics such as candy canes, holly, a gingerbread cookie, ornaments, and snowflakes. The calendar lists themed dress-up days from December 1–19. Themes include: Merry Monday Morning (holiday pajamas), Santa’s Helpers (dress as reindeer or elves), Tree Toppers (holiday hats), Grinch vs. Santa (wear red or green), Country Christmas (camo, flannel, or plaid), Christmas Vacation (dress for holiday plans), Holiday Character Day (favorite holiday movie or book character), Merry & Bright Day (bright colors), Frost Bite (snowman or winter outfits), Festive Friday (Christmas sweaters or tees), Candy Cane Day (red, white, or stripes), Toasty Toes (holiday socks), All Decked Out (holiday decorations), Night Before Christmas Break (holiday pajamas), and Rocking into Winter Break (dress like a Christmas song). Decorative holiday images and the words “Merry Christmas” and “Joy” appear around the calendar.

We always love when Wendy McKinney visits Central Elementary ❤️🐾❤️ Refresher on Tolman Kits to support early literacy📖

3 months ago, Sara Holt

“A group of five adults stand smiling in a classroom behind a set of student desks. They are holding colorful educational craft materials, and there are bins and bags of supplies on the desks in front of them. Behind them is a bulletin board decorated with bright colors and an American flag on the wall.”

We celebrated our students who completed their first quarter reading longs with a Glow Dance Party.

3 months ago, Sara Holt

A group of students dance together in the dark gym

three girls stand together smiling. two wear glow in the dark sunglasses.

a group of students are seen standing together dancing in the gym

five boys stand together, one wears glow in the dark sunglasses

three girls stand in circle in the gym. one dances while the others watch.

four girls smile together with their glow in the dark necklaces and sunglasses

six students stand together making silly faces

two boys and a girl stand with their light up sunglasses pretending to do the Thriller dance

a girl holds a boy up in the air. he has his arm raised with neon sunglasses in his hand.

Limo lunch for our students who sold 5 or more boxes of chocolate during our fall fundraiser👏 Thank you for your support of Central Elementary ❤️🐾❤️

3 months ago, Sara Holt

Students sit in group with hands raised inside of limo with green lights illuminating background

male student in orange shirt eats cheeseburger and covers mouth with his hand.

Two students lean on each other as they sit at a table

five boys sit together in back of limosuine and are illiminated by glow lights

boy sits inside of restaurant leaning on table

three boys smile together while sitting at table in restaurant

Boy sits in limo and is illuminated by red light.

Congratulations to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Science Fair winners ❤️🐾❤️ We are so proud of these students and we are excited to have them represent Central Elementary at the District Science Fair 🔬

3 months ago, Sara Holt

A split image showing three elementary school students holding certificates. On the left, a child stands in front of a blue bulletin board with the phrase “Sprinkle Kindness and Confetti,” smiling and holding a certificate and a small treat. On the right, two children stand side-by-side in front of a colorful “We Are Better Together” bulletin board, each smiling and holding their own certificate.

The Panther Cub visited Ms. Sanchez's first grade class yesterday to celebrate them for having the highest attendance percentage for the month of October ❤️🐾❤️ We are so proud of these kiddos 👏

3 months ago, Sara Holt

Students and teacher stand at the front of the room with black panther cub mascot.

Students and teacher stand at the front of the room with black panther cub mascot. Mascot is seen with hands in the air.

The teacher stands back to back with the black panther cub mascot.

The black panther cub mascot is seen giving high fives to students as they sit on the classroom carpet.

Students sit on carpet watching program on active board while black panther cub sits on carpet too.

We are so proud of our Central Panther Cubs who participated in our Science Fair yesterday 🥼 Congratulations to our first, second, and third place winners ❤️🐾❤️

3 months ago, Sara Holt