Portal Elementary Newsletter

Principal: Megan Schumacher

Administrative Assistant: Carrie Evert

Location: 9920 Brentwood Dr, La Vista, NE, 68128

Phone: 402-898-0425

Website

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We had a fun week at school! Our themed days helped us feel connected together as we worked to raise money for the playground. Today's Star Run was a blast, students and staff alike enjoyed the day! Thank you to the PTO for a wonderful morning we are so grateful for your dedication to our school, students and community.

Thank you to all the generous parents, grandparents, family, neighbors, and friends who donated to our 2024 Portal Star Run to raise money for a new playground and outdoor enhancements. Special thanks to all the sponsors who were so generous and made it possible so that 100% of the donations go back to Portal! Thank you to all the Portal teachers and staff who support, promote, coordinate, and cheer the students on every year for the Star Run! THANK YOU!

The PledgeStar will be open through October 4 for any last minute donations; however, no prizes are awarded after today. Gift matching still needs to be collected before final numbers are released but at this time the Star Run has raised over $40,000 – WOW! THANK YOU! Raffle prizes were drawn this afternoon and will be going home with the students.

A huge shout out to the Star Run Chair, Jessica Palimenio, and her volunteers Treightin Palimenio, Sheri Wells-Chesley, Tracy Dale, Christie Mullison, Vickie Clayton, and all the volunteers who helped make the Star Run successful today – THANK YOU!

These amazing kids had a positive office referral from staff who recognized their hard work!

Happy Mango Bakery - 1 Dozen Cupcakes Katie Holbus

Papio Bowl - $50 Gift Certificate Ryan Serrano

Papio Fun Park - 2 Extreme Wrist Bands Madison Chesley, Samuel Shin, Corbin Carson, Logan Grafelman, Giada Gamon, Chase Cattau, Logan Strandring, and Amy Carlson

Infinite Loop Virtual Reality - 1 hour play card Adelyn Kuechenmeister, Emma Warehime

Vala's Pumpkin Patch -2 GA Tickets Zach Trapp

Omaha Children's Museum Family Admission (4 Passes) Hudson Real

Amazon Gift Card $100 Value Sasha Rons, Franklin Freeman

Swimtastic Swim School (Swim/Birthday Party) Molly Babcock

Blue Sushi Grill $100 gift card Hugo Douthett

The Rose Theater 4 pack of tickets Nolan LaPointe

Bounce U -5 jump Passes & $25 gift card) Jameson Sullivan

Backyard Playworld - 8 play passes Parker Salak, Merrick Palimenio, Kelsey Dibelka

Urban Air 2 platinum jump passes Charlie Ayles, Kylie Ballou

Dave's Cakes -1 Dozen Cupcakes Cooper Smith, Lexi Brazeal, Declan Sullivan

Fall conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, October 8th and Thursday, October 10th from 3:30pm - 7:30pm. You can sign up for a time to meet with your child's teacher by clicking the link below or scanning the QR Code. We look forward to connecting with all of our families!

The Portal PTO provides a meal for teachers each night of Parent-Teacher Conferences. We need volunteers to donate snacks and drinks to accompany the meals. Please review the available items in the link and click the button to sign up.

Please drop off non-perishable items (labeled PTO Conference Meals) to the front office by Friday, October 4. The fruit and vegetable items should be dropped off on Tuesday, October 8th, to ensure they remain fresh.

If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Babcock at (402) 917-6235 or melbabcock23@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting your Portal community!

Check out what's going on in music class by joining the "Portal Music Stars" FB Group.

Throughout the school year, this private group is where you will find videos and pictures highlighting what is happening in music class. It is an opportunity for us to informally perform, celebrate learning, and also a good conversation starter for you at home!

Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1050601358455581/

Music Performances: Every student will have the chance to perform at least once this year. Formal evening programs are planned for grades 1, 2, 4, and 5, while informal performances will be held for grades K, 3, and 6. These informal performances may be combined with other school events and/or involve multiple grade levels, giving all students a comprehensive musical experience.

Portal Music Performance Dates: (please note times)

- Kindergarten - Bring a Parent to Music Class (Late Spring - 2025)

- 1st Grade @ 5:45pm on Tuesday, March 4, 2025

- 2nd Grade @ 5:45pm on Thursday, February 27, 2025

- 3rd Grade @ Curriculum Event (TBD)

- 4th Grade @ 6:45pm on Thursday, February 27, 2025

- 5th Grade @ 6:45pm on Tuesday, March 4, 2025

- 6th Grade @ DARE Graduation - Spring 2025

We know you’ve experienced a PLCS staff member going above and beyond for you, a student, a parent, a peer, or a community member! Please share your gratitude and help us recognize that employee by completing this short nomination form. Click the title above for a direct link!

Trunk or Treat will take place on Friday, October 18, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Portal parking lot. The Trunk or Treat “Candy Monster” will once again make an appearance near the front office where families can deposit bags of candy for the trunks to use during the event. We run short on candy each year so please consider “feeding” the monster by donating a bag of candy when you are at parent teacher conferences or at any time leading up to the event.

A Signup Genius will be available shortly where you can register to participate by providing a decorated trunk. Please mark your calendars to attend a spooky night of fun for Portal students and families! Any questions please contact chair, Kim Smith (kimmacsmith@gmail.com).

Oct. 4th - Skate Party at Skate City (see below)

Oct. 3rd - 10th - Book Fair

Oct. 8th & 10th - Parent Teacher Conferences

Oct. 11th & 14th - No School

Oct. 17th - 1st Quarter Report Cards Open for Viewing

Oct. 18th - Trunk or Treat in Portal Parking Lot, 6-7:30pm

Oct. 25th - Picture Retakes

It's almost Scholastic Book Fair time! From October 3-October 10, every purchase benefits our school and allows us to purchase new books for the library. The book fair will be open during the day for students only, parents & children may shop together at parent teacher conferences.

Shop during conferences on October 8 & 10th from 3:30-7:30 pm and during your student's library class time October 3-10th. Online shopping is available, as well as eWallets, at https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/portalelementaryschool1

We are utilizing a Sign-Up Genius for lunch visitors. If there is more than one visitor in your group, each visitor must be signed up for a slot. Slots are listed as 11:40am - 1:10pm, but please come during your children's lunch time.

Visitors may bring lunch or purchase lunch at school (if you want to purchase lunch at school, it must be called in to the front office no later than 8:45am). If you are purchasing school lunch, please bring exact change, $4.80. If you have any questions, please call Carrie Evert at 402-898-0425.

The Sign Up link thru October is live!

The Papillion La Vista Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age or other protected status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Students: Dr. Trent Steele, Director of Secondary Human Resources and Student Services, 420 South Washington Street, Papillion, NE 68046 (402) 537-6214 (trent.steele@plcschools.org). Employees and Others: Dr. Kati Settles, Assistant Superintendent Human Resources, 420 South Washington Street, Papillion, NE 68046 (402) 537-6206 (kati.settles@plcschools.org.org). Complaints or concerns involving discrimination or needs for accommodation or access should be addressed to the appropriate Coordinator. For further information about anti-discrimination laws and regulations, or to file a complaint of discrimination with the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education (OCR), please contact OCR at One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street #320, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, (816) 268-0550 (voice), or (877) 521-2172 (telecommunications device for the deaf), or ocr.kansascity@ed.gov.