Paularino Panther News
August 4, 2023
Principal's Message
Dear Paularino Families,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! I'm Mrs. Annalisa Schwartz, principal at Paularino Elementary. This begins my fourth year as principal at Paularino and I can't explain how much I love this school! At Paularino we have fantastic teachers, amazing support staff, and awesome kids. I'm starting my 19th year in education. My previous roles have been education specialist, general education teacher, special education coordinator, assistant principal, and now principal. My husband and I just celebrated our 8th anniversary and we have two boys, Harrison and Thomas. I enjoy spending quality time with my extended family, watching movies with my kids, and going to Disneyland.
First Day of School: Our first day is August 21. School starts at 8:05am. Out front gates open at 7:35am and students will line up on the blacktop by a sign with their teachers name. Parents are welcome on the blacktop but once the school day starts parents will need to exit campus.
Aeries Data Confirmation: You will be receiving your student data confirmation in the mail with instructions to complete your online Aeries Parent Portal. Please follow the directions and complete the confirmation online. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the office or come in and we can assist you.
After School Program: There have been some changes with our after school programs. See information below for our new program Think Together (to replace Project Kidz Connect). Think Together is a free after school program open to all Paularino students TK - 6th grade starting from dismissal until 6:00pm daily. Please see flyer below and click the image to register. A registration form will need to be completed for each student you wish to enroll. You can also access registration here. If you prefer, paper copies are available in the office.
Paularino PTA: The Paularino PTA has a great year of events and activities lined up to enrich our students education. Please consider becoming a PTA member. Your $15 donation will support assemblies, activities, supplies, field trips... and more! Becoming a PTA member does not mean volunteering, just a donation to support our school. Click this link to become a PTA member. https://jointotem.com/ca/costa-mesa/paularino-pta If you would like to volunteer - we have plenty of opportunities such as Grade Level Parent, Jog-A-Thon, Kona Ice, and more. You can email the Paularino PTA at paularinopantherspta@gmail.com for PTA questions and volunteer opportunities.
Meet and Greet: Parents and students are welcome to come to campus on Friday April 18th from 11:00am - 12:00pm to meet the teacher. This is an opportunity for students to meet their new teacher before school starts.
I will be sending this newsletter every Friday afternoon via email and text. When completing your data confirmation please make sure your email and phone number are up to date for emergencies as well as school information.
I look forward to a wonderful year. Welcome back Panthers!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Schwartz
Upcoming Dates
August 18, 2023: Meet & Greet 11:00am - 12:00pm
August 21, 2023: First Day of School
August 31, 2023: Back to School Night 5:30pm - 6:30pm
September 4, 2023: No School Labor Day
Think Together After School Program
NMUSD Resource Fair
In partnership with the Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living and IKEA, Newport-Mesa Unified School District invites you to a resource fair to connect you with community partners offering a variety of resources for school-aged children. Please make sure to register by clicking the flyer.
Resource Fair
August 5, 2023
9 am to 1 pm
IKEA
1475 S. Coast Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
While supplies last, the event will include free shoes, backpacks, school supplies, food, health screenings, other no cost resources, and fun activities for the whole family.
Mobile Clinic
NMUSD Preschool Programs
Daily Schedule
Grades TK-6 Daily Schedule:
7:35 AM - Gates Open
8:05 AM - School Starts
2:20 PM Dismissal Monday through Friday
Masks are optional for all. Good hand hygiene (sanitizer/washing) will be practiced daily.
Arrival procedures
Please park and walk your child to the front gates or pull through the Paularino parking lot at the front of the school.
Bus riders and walkers will use the side gate on Coolidge.
All parents/guardians will remain in their cars while students unload and walk through the gates.
Free breakfast is served daily and available for all students.
Students who arrive after 8:05 am will be marked tardy.
Due to safety protocols, parents are not allowed through the gates except for special events or Flag Deck.
Recess
Supervision is provided to support and reinforce recess and lunch expectations.
Lunch
Free school lunch is available for all students. If your child does not want a school lunch, please pack them a lunch.
Supervision is provided to support and reinforce recess and lunch expectations.
Dismissal
Monday through Friday dismissal is 2:20 PM.
Students are released outside the front gates, primary in front of the MPR and upper by the marquee. Bus riders and walkers will use the side gate on Coolidge.
All parents remain in their cars.
Attendance
If your child is feeling ill or has symptoms such as cough, stomachache, fever or chills please keep them home and consult your physician.
If your child will be absent, please call the attendance line at (714) 424-4742 and leave a message with your name, your child's name, reason for absence, and a phone number.
Dress code
Please send your student to school with appropriate clothes and shoes for the school day. Per our dress code, flip flops are not permitted on campus and are a safety concern when students play at recess and lunch.
During warmer weather please make sure your child is wearing school appropriate clothing.
Please send your student with a reusable water bottle (no glass). We have bottle filling stations around campus.
Cell Phones and Smart Watches:
- Cell phones and smart watches are not to be used on campus. Students can keep them in their backpack during the day or give them to their teacher for safe keeping. If a student is found using a cell phone during school it will be taken to the office and a parent or guardian will need to pick it up.
Birthdays and Celebrations:
- Please do not distribute birthday party invitations at school.
- If you would like to celebrate your child's birthday during the school day you can send a healthy snack such as apple sauce, fruit, sugar free popsicles, fruit snacks, fruit roll ups, Go-Gurt, and individually wrapped crackers. Items not allowed: cupcakes, cakes, lunch replacements (pizza) and treat bags. Thank you for understanding.
Thank you for your continued support.
Flag Deck Protocols
Safety Reminders
When dropping off or picking up your student please use the sidewalk for the safety of all students, staff, and parents.
When in the car line please remain in your car. This will help the car line to move faster with children getting in and out on their own. A staff member will be there to assist if needed. Please use kindness and patience when waiting for your student.
If walking across Paularino Ave please wait for the crossing guard to assist in the crosswalk. This is for the safety of all walkers and cars.
Thank you for your cooperation to keep all students, staff, and families safe.
Paularino PTA Membership
Join the PTA! For just $15 you will help our Panthers experience extracurricular programs such as Scholastic News, Walk Through History, field trips, and more! There is no commitment to volunteer - just a small donation to our school to help enrich the education of our students.
Attendance
Paularino Elementary
1060 Paularino Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: (714) 424-7950 Fax: (714) 424-4741
Attendance Line: (714) 424-7950 Press 2
Follow us on Instagram @paularinopanthers