Principal’s Newsletter
October 2024 Fall Edition
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Dear Pioneer Colt Families,
As we embrace the not so crisp (hot) autumn air and the vibrant colors of the season, I want to take a moment to reflect on our wonderful school community and share some important updates.
BookFair: I am excited to share that our fall book fair was a tremendous success! This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support of our parent volunteers and dedicated staff members.
Your hard work and enthusiasm made a significant impact, creating an engaging environment that inspired our students to explore new books and discover a love for reading. From organizing the event to setting up the displays and assisting our young readers, each of you played a vital role.
Thank you once again for your commitment and teamwork. Together, we are fostering a lifelong love of reading in our students!
Parent-Teacher Conferences: We value your partnership in your child's education. Parent-Teacher Conferences were held the week of September 23rd-27th. This was a great opportunity to discuss your child's progress and set goals for the rest of the year. If you were unable to attend your child’s conference, please reach out to their teacher to connect regarding your student’s academic progress.
Important Dates for the Fall Semester:
September 30th - October 11th: No School - Fall Break
October 14th: SCHOOL RESUMES from Fall Break (Welcome back)
October 21st: Fun Run Kick Off Assembly
October 24th: School Site Council (SSC)
October 25th: Family Movie Night & PJ at 5:30 - 8:00 pm
October 30th: ELAC Meeting
October 31: Halloween Celebration & Costume Parade
November 1st - NO SCHOOL - Professional Development for Staff
November 8th: Veteran’s Assembly in the morning
November 11th - Veterans Day - Holiday - NO SCHOOL
November 22nd - Adjusted Day (See schedule for your child’s release time)
November 25th - 29th - Thanksgiving Break
December 6th - Family Art Night
December 20th - Adjusted Day
December 23rd - January 3rd - Winter Break
January 6th - School Resumes from Winter Break
Highlights from September: September was a month filled with excitement! Our students participated in a variety of activities, including maintaining the garden, helping with chair stacking, corn shucking, applying and interviewing for student leader positions, and learning while having fun which brought students together for fun, food, and games. A huge thank you to our parents and staff for making this month a success!
Safety First: As the weather changes, we would like to remind everyone to dress your children appropriately for the cooler temperatures. Layering clothing can help keep them comfortable throughout the day.
Additionally, please take a moment to review our drop-off and pick-up procedures to ensure the safety of all our students. We kindly ask all adults to be patient during these busy times and to utilize the crosswalks for everyone's safety.
Please note that only the following students should be picked up in the kindergarten loop: TK, Kindergarten, and students from Rooms 5, 6, and 28. All other students must be picked up in the main pick-up loop.
Health & Wellness: As we enter flu season, we want to remind all families to stay vigilant about health and wellness. Please encourage your child to practice good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, to help prevent the spread of illness.
Staying healthy involves caring for both the body and mind. Remind your child to eat nutritious foods, stay active, and get plenty of rest. It’s equally important to pay attention to emotional well-being. If your child ever feels overwhelmed or needs someone to talk to, please encourage them to reach out to an adult or our school counselor. They are here to provide support and help navigate any challenges.
Your child’s health matters, and asking for help is a strong step toward maintaining a balanced and happy life. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our community healthy!
Celebrating Diversity: This month, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! Activities will include cultural presentations and classroom discussions that emphasize respect and promote learning about Latin American cultures. We will also be honoring Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) for those students who would like to bring pictures of their loved ones to include in our display.
We encourage families to share traditions or cultural stories with the class—please reach out if you're interested!
Volunteer Opportunities : We are always looking for enthusiastic parents to join our volunteer team. If you’d like to help with events, classroom activities, or the upcoming book fair, please contact our Parent Collective volunteer co-coordinators; Brandi Somers & Tammie Macdonald.
Communication: We invite all parents to join us on ParentSquare, our primary mode of communication beginning this year. By signing up, you'll stay connected with important updates, events, and classroom activities happening at school. It’s a great way to keep informed about your child's education and engage with our school community (In the language you speak at home). We look forward to seeing everyone on ParentSquare and fostering an open line of communication throughout the year! ParentSquare Most Frequently Asked Questions What is ParentSquare Video
Final Thoughts: Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in our school community. Your active participation makes a significant difference in creating a nurturing and inspiring environment where our children can learn and grow. Together, we can foster a culture of collaboration and encouragement, helping each student reach their full potential. We truly appreciate your commitment and look forward to continuing this journey together as we support our students in their educational endeavors!
Warm regards,
Maria-Elena Becerra
Principal
Pioneer Elementary School – Where Everyone Belongs!
2010 Shady Willow Lane
Brentwood, CA 94513
925-513-6410