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Principal’s Message

Hello Pershing Families,

I am proud the proud principal of Pershing School and I am thrilled you chose Pershing to educate your child during the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. Our school retained it’s “A” rating while significantly improving academic proficiency in both subject areas and demographics. We are a school defined by love, care and support, where students are seen and where our teachers are wholeheartedly invested in the well-being of your child. I look forward to another great year with you as we forge a new pathway to success. 

As we move forward, I want to share a few reminders that require everyone’s support. The systems we have in place are designed with student safety, efficiency, and academic success in mind. While not every decision may be popular, please know that each one is made with the best interests of our entire school community at heart.

The Pershing Weekly is now available: The Pershing Weekly (08/09/2026)

Important Reminders

First Day Back to School Information

• Please review the Back to School Information under School Information, there you will find important information on 1st day procedures
• Please review the Arrival and Dismissal information under School information on our website, there you will find important information on our dismissal and arrival procedures
  • We include Safe Walking Routes
  • Walker/Bike Rider Guidelines 2026-2027
  • Car Rider Guidelines 2026-2027

Golf Cart Safety and Micromobility Devices: We've seen a few families using golf carts or other motorized/battery powered transportation mediums this past year, which can be a helpful workaround for carline but safety must come first.

• Do not drive golf carts, unicycles or motorized bikes on sidewalks where students are present.
• Please park off campus and walk up when dropping off or picking up.
• Always ensure the area is clear of students and adults before operating a golf cart during arrival or dismissal.
• Additionally, please review OCPS communication on students utilizing micromobility vehicles. We are a K-8, therefore, these devices are not permitted on campus after the grace period set by OCPS. Additionally, no one is permitted to ride a bicycle, skateboard, use a micromobility device or any other form of mobility device while on campus (walkers and other forms of medically necessary devices are excluded). All devices must be walked on campus

Carline Procedures

• Morning drop-off is single lane only; afternoon dismissal uses both lanes.
• Cars enter through Overlake Ave. in the mornings and afternoon, Pershing Ave. gate is only open from 8:45 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. daily
• Please make sure your car tag is clearly displayed in the afternoon and that your child’s backpack tag is securely attached.
• We ask families not to arrive for dismissal before 2:35 p.m. (1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays). Clogging roadways or blocking neighbor driveways is not in line with our values so we ask that you use the appropriate options for arrival and dismissal.
  • Please do not park on side streets or the church and walk up to get your student
• Additionally, we ask all middle school families not to arrive until 3:04 p.m. (2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays) due to the new middle school end time

Dress Code Reminder We follow the OCPS Student Code of Conduct for dress.

• Shorts and skirts must meet the required length. Please view the OCPS Student Code of Conduct
• Trench coats, military fatigues, biker shorts, yoga shorts, and similar styles are not appropriate for school.
  • These may be fine for sports or leisure, but in a school setting prove often to be problematic. Please check your student’s attire each morning.

Attendance & Capacity Transfers We’re continuing our journey of excellence and that starts with strong attendance.

• Students must arrive on time and attend school regularly.
• We are closely monitoring attendance and tardies and will address truancy as necessary.
• Families with students attending on a capacity transfer agreed to specific expectations, including punctuality, regular attendance, and adherence to the OCPS Code of Conduct.
  • Failure to meet these expectations may result in a transfer back to your home school.

Arrival Procedures for the 1^st Day

• Please note, there has been a change to our arrival time. Students are not permitted on campus until 8:05 a.m., there is no supervision on campus until then (unless your child is enrolled in Dramatic Education before care) and the carline will also start at 8:05 a.m. Please also note that all cars enter through the Overlake Avenue entrance in the mornings.
• K-5 Parents/guardians may walk their child to class on Tuesday, 8/11 starting at 8:05 a.m. Families will need to park in the parking lot and walk their students to the main hallway entrance (located next to the front office) to enter the building. Parents can walk their child to the classroom for drop off. We ask that you then exit the building. The tardy bell rings and instruction begins at 8:45 a.m.
• MS students will enter the school through the front door and report to the gym until the first bell. MS students report to their 1st period classroom when the first bell rings at 8:40 a.m.
• Please be cautious when walking in the parking lot as this is an active car line. If you live close to the school, please consider walking or bike riding to reduce vehicle congestion. Starting on Wednesday, 8/12 parents/guardians can walk students to the entrance of the main hallway doors only. *Students can arrive on campus starting at 8:05 a.m. unless they are enrolled in Dramatic Education before care.
• Parents dropping off students in the car line need to pull all the way forward and follow all instructions by staff in the car drop off line. Cell phone use is not permitted, and the speed limit is 5 mph at all times. Please watch carefully for pedestrians in the parking lot.
• Free breakfast is served in the cafeteria daily 8:05 a.m. – 8:35 a.m.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Let’s keep this spirit of teamwork alive as we navigate the school year together. As always, love, care, and support will be our guiding force as we educate and uplift every student.

Go Panthers!

Sanjay C. Brown
Principal, Pershing School