PGES Pride Press March 2024

We have spent the last several months reflecting on, researching, and developing a new mission statement for our school. This was important work for us to engage in as a mission statement defines our purpose and explains our why. We are proud to share we have finalized our new mission. "Learning for All. No Exceptions." We take pride in this powerful declaration and all it communicates about our school and community that knows no bounds. It is bold and deliberate to include the work of many, "No Exceptions." We hope you, too, will be filled with a sense of pride when you read our new mission statement considering what it means for your child as a student at PGES.

Together in Education,

Alisha Erickson

Friday, March 8th - Early Dismissal day!

MAC available until 6:00pm at PGS

Spaces are limited.

March 11th - 15th - Spring Break.

MAC will be open at Johnson Elementary. You can fill out the sign up sheet in the office or print one off to turn in by following this link: https://www.fssd.org/departments/finance-administration/mac-extended-care

All sign ups are due by Wednesday, March 6.

March 29 - Mac is CLOSED

It is hard to believe, but it is time for KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION. Please be sure to supply us with a completed Tennessee Certificate of Immunization, including proof of physical, for your incoming kindergarten student. Immunizations must be up-to-date per state requirements, and proof of physical must be dated August 1, 2023 or later. Incomplete immunization records will not be accepted and will prevent your child from starting school on time. If your child has a summer medical appointment, please be sure to submit their immunization records and proof of physical before the school year starts. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Nurse B. at boyntonmar@fssd.org or 615-790-4720.

The character word in March is HONESTY.

In Guidance, we have been discussing the importance of HONESTY. We have also been

discussing the importance of having a growth mindset vs, a fixed mindset when we deal with

our thoughts and attitudes about ourselves.

We will also be discussing some effects and consequences of smoking, drinking and other

drugs. We will be talking about making healthy choices and smart decision making when it

comes to what we put in our bodies. Some tips on how to talk to your elementary children

about the effects and consequences of using tobacco, alcohol and other drugs can be

found at https://addictionisreal.org/parent-toolkit/talking-about-drugs-with-kids-in-

elementary-schoolers/

We’ve been busy this semester in the Computer Lab! In January and February, our students completed Digital Citizenship lessons to learn how to be safe and kind online. All of our students continue to work on keyboard and mouse skills and typing. We’ve learned that every finger has a home on the keyboard (the home row). The goal for older students is to join the “Totally Rad Typists” list by averaging 20 words per minute with a 90% accuracy on their lessons. To extend learning at home, ask your student about the STOP method for online safety (Step away, Tell a trusted adult, Only go to okay sites, and Pause and think) and what letters are on the home row.

Grades 1-4 will be skating Feb. 29 to March 6 during their entire 1 hour related arts block. Students will need to wear socks daily in order to skate. This is for sanitation and safety reasons. Please remember to send a helmet from home if you marked that selection on the skate form. It is very helpful to put the student's name on the helmet since the entire grade level skates at the same time. Students will learn how to put skates and safety equipment on independently. (Students have been working on shoe tying skills for several months now.) We all start on mats and learn to stop, start, and fall safely. More advanced skaters will learn to corner, skate backward, and stop/change directions quickly. We've been teaching skating for over 20 years since it's a great cardiorespiratory, balance, and lifelong activity! It's always a highlight of the year. ​

We did it again! We have been named a TN Department of Education Reward School. This distinction is given to schools that demonstrate high levels of performance and/or improvement in performance by meeting objectives across performance indicators and student groups. The Reward School distinction places significant emphasis on performance and improvement across all indicators from the prior school year. We are proud of our teachers and students whose hard work and focus earned this distinction for the third year in a row!

Time to Order Your Yearbook!

The last day to order will be March 20th.

Price is $35 +tax

Two easy ways to order:

1. Go to this link https://jhacompany.com/collections/poplar-grove-elementary-school or scan the QR code.

2. If you want to pay with cash or check, you may pick up an order form in the front office.

Voluntary Pre-K is a state funded program for families who meet income qualifying guidelines.

Families who have children who were born on or between August 16, 2019 and August 15, 2020 are eligible to apply.

Consideration will also be given for children born on or before October 15, 2020.

Classes meet Monday-Friday, 8:00-2:00, in FSSD schools.

PLEASE COMPETE A VOLUNTARY PRE-K APPLICATION ONLINE AT https://www.fssd.org/departments/teaching-learning/early-learning

Saturday, March 23

9AM-11AM

Poplar Grove School

Scan the QR code to register for the recruitment fair or request additional information about Franklin Special School District.

Thursday, February 29

5:00-7:00 PM

Sneak Peak! On Thursday, February 29 As a part of our Family Literacy Night we will also have our Computer Lab open from 5:00-7:00 with plenty of help for families who would like to register for the 24-25 school year that evening. Check this chore off your list early!

March 1st - March 31st

Current students register by going to www.FSSD.org

click on “registration”.

• If you are a Current Out of Zone family and have a rising Kindergartener, rising 5th grader, or new student who you would like to attend PGES or PGMS please reach out to Kristen Brown @ 615-790-4720 for information on how to register.

• If your student will NOT be returning to PGES, please let us know ASAP. There is a withdrawal form you will need to fill out and return to us.

We need 1 NEW (current) Proof of Residency dated Feb. 1 or later.

Documents may be uploaded, brought to the office, or emailed to brownkri@fssd.org

Monday, March 4

Be sure to thank Mr. Charlie, Mr. Rusty and our evening custodians, Mr. Leo, Mr. Jose, Mr. Daniel, and Ms. Connie today for all the hard work they do keeping our school clean and well maintained.

March 4-8, 2023

This year theme is "Surfs Up"

We will be having:

Sand Parfaits

Squidamon Rolls

Shark pancakes

Turtle waffles

And if we're lucky some dolphins might show up!!

SMILE! Spring Pictures will be taken on Wednesday, March 6th.

Get your quarters ready for the 2nd Grade Product Service Fair on Friday, March 8 from 8:00-9:15 am. Students will be learning about consumers, producers, marketing, and business models all while offering great homemade products for sale.

Thursday, March 21

We will wear yellow and blue today to show our support of our friends and World Down Syndrome Day.

Come support the PGMS Drama Department as they perform Stockington, Maine in the Performing Arts Center March 21-23 at 6:30 with an additional performance on the 23rd at 2:00. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased by following this link https://prod1.agileticketing.net/WebSales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=425148~24aa882a-d421-4941-ab6b-151179e5aa08&epguid=c31ba8dc-a964-4533-9034-5b78e714baac&

In the town of Stockington, Maine, the Sawkson family is in a bit of trouble. Their beloved factory is in danger of going under, and their twin daughters are fighting over who will be the next to run it. Come join us as we tell this all-original tale, written by some of our very own PGMS students!

Look for your child’s report card to come home on, March 22. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. Please remember to return the envelope as we use the same one throughout the school year.

On Wednesday, March 27th at 7:45 AM there will be a PTO Meeting at Poplar Grove School in the Middle School Cafeteria.

We will discuss the remaining events for this school year, Staff Appreciation Week, and open positions for committee leads in 2024-2025. We look forward to seeing you!

April 16 - ELA Part 1 (Writing) - 80 minutes

April 17 - ELA Part 2 and 3 - 70 minutes total

April 18 - ELA Part 4 and Science - 80 minutes total

April 19 - Make-up tests only

April 22 - Math, Part 1 (no calculators) - 50 minutes

April 25 - Math, Part 2 and 3 (calculators) - 60 minutes total

April 24 & 25 - Make-up tests only