Ridgecrest Panther Press

News from Mrs. Gardner and Mrs. Nguyen

It’s a great day to be a PANTHER!

Dear Parents,

We loved all the names you suggested for our new panther, but we still can't decide! Please vote for one of the finalist names. https://forms.office.com/r/QsUJRfXdGK

Mark Your Calendars!

The fifth grade moving up ceremony will be held, Thursday, May 29th, at Anona United Methodist Church, 13233 Indian Rocks Road in Largo. Doors open for families at 9:30am, the ceremony begins at 10:00am. Students will need to report to school on time by 8:45am and will be transported by bus from the school to the church for the ceremony. Students may be released to their families after the ceremony. The parent or guardian must present proper ID for scholars to be released early from the church. Permission slips must be completed and returned by May 23rd to participate in the ceremony.

VPK to Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 27th, at 9:00am, in Wigfall Hall. (Students may invite a total of 4 people to attend, this number to include the parents) Please RSVP to lugomartinezm@pcsb.org to make sure you have a seat. Students are asked to wear 'semi formal' clothes that day if possible. Your child may be signed out of school after the ceremony in the front office by a parent or guardian with proper ID.

Looking forward to seeing you all around campus!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Gardner

Mrs. Nguyen

Dear Ridgecrest Families,

As I prepare to step away from my role as the Assistant Principal, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and respect for this incredible school community. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each of you. Serving as your Assistant Principal has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Over the years, we’ve celebrated achievements, overcome challenges, and grown together in ways that have left a lasting impact on me both professionally and personally. Your partnership, trust, and unwavering support have been the foundation of everything we've accomplished together. Whether through your involvement in school events, your encouragement of your children, or your collaboration with our staff, you have helped make this school a place where students feel seen, supported, and empowered. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished – not only in academic progress, but in building a culture rooted in respect, inclusivity, and shared purpose.

While I may be moving to Woodlawn Elementary School as the Assistant Principal, please know that I will carry with me the lessons, laughter, and connections we've built. The memories of this community and the incredible families within it will always remain close to my heart. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your children’s educational journey. I leave with pride in all we’ve achieved and hope for all that’s still to come.

Wishing you continued success and every blessing for the future.

With sincere appreciation,
Mrs. Nguyen

May

5/26 - Memorial Day - All Schools Closed, enjoy the 3 day weekend!

5/27 - VPK to Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony - 9:00am Wigfall Hall, 4 attendees per child, please RSVP to lugomartinezm@pcsb.org

5/28 - 🧑🏻‍🎓👩🏻‍🎓 5th Grade Social - 👨🏻‍🎓👩🏻‍🎓 volunteers needed.

5/29 - Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony 10:00am, Anona United Methodist Church, 13233 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL

• Last day of School for Students - REGULAR SCHOOL HOURS, not a half day, as originally scheduled due to Hurricanes.

⛵🌴👙🎣🏊🏻‍♂️😎🏄🏻‍♂️🍉⛳HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER! 🩴🍧⛲🏊🏻‍♀️🚤🔅👙🌴🍉🏄🏻‍♂️😎🍧

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

Rising 6th Grade Summer Reading Challenge Update:

Students can stop by the front office at any of these designated locations between June 16th-June 26th to grab a copy between the hours of 8:00 am-12:00 PM. The book will also be available via SORA which is a digital library accessible via Clever for those that prefer to check out a digital copy. Books can be read on any digital device, including cell phones.

The Middle School Summer Reading Challenge has been extended to September 12th to ensure that all students have access and the opportunity to get a book and participate, including newcomers and those that were not able to get to the school sites in June. Challenges will be accessible through Clever by June 1st.

Additional BINGO boards (Literary & Informational) will be added as well, and students can read ANY text to complete one or both of those challenges.

Middle School Book Pick-Up Locations:

• Azalea Middle
• Bay Point Middle
• Carwise Middle
• Dunedin Highland Middle
• Fitzgerald Middle (At Pinellas Park High)
• James B. Sanderlin PK8
• John Hopkins Middle
• Largo Middle
• Meadowlawn Middle
• Madeira Beach K-8
• Oak Grove Middle
• Osceola Middle
• Palm Harbor Middle
• Pinellas Park Middle
• Safety Harbor Middle
• Seminole Middle
• Tarpon Springs Middle
• Tyrone Middle

Scholars Entering in Grades K-5

Log on using the link below for details!

https://pinellas.renaissance.com/reading-campaign/summer-reading-challenge/

The fifth-grade social event will be held on Wednesday, May 28th, at the YMCA next door, we could always use more registered volunteers to help make the party run smoothly! For more information email, darnellj@pcsb.org, or scan the QR code in the article above. Students are expected to bring a water bottle, wear sneakers and casual clothing, and bring a change of clothes with them as there will be water play, but NO SWIMMING. The activities begin at 9:00am and go until 1:30pm, lunch is provided by PTA, students may be dismissed early from the front office with proper ID. Volunteers are asked to be at the school by 8:15am to help with set up.

****Donations are being accepted in the front office for the fifth grade social, things like water, snacks and crafting supplies are always needed to make the event special. There are about 100 students and about 20 volunteers that need watered and snacks!****