
PGES Pride Press February 2025
A Message from Dr. Erickson
Greetings Families,
The hard work and focus of all our teachers and students is paying off. Below you will see the increase in percentage of students who are proficient and advanced in reading and math based on various benchmark assessments from August to December. As the school year progresses, the benchmark increases so these gains are certainly something to be proud of and we have already begun strong action plans in the areas we need to target some additional support.
Reading
Kinder- 34% → 56% AIMs Letter Word Sound Fluency
1st- 52% → 55% AIMs Oral Reading Fluency
2nd- 62% → 65% iReady Reading
3rd- 66% → 70% iReady Reading
4th- 70% → 81% iReady Reading
Math
Kinder- 60% → 84% AIMs Number Naming Fluency
1st- 30% → 87% AIMs Math Fact Fluency
2nd- 56% → 67% iReady Math
3rd- 78% → 79% iReady Math
4th- 69% → 72% iReady Math
Together in Education,
Alisha Erickson
Early Dismissal and President's Day
February 14
February 17
No School February 17 in observance of President's Day.
MAC News
On Friday, February 14th MAC will be open until 6:00 PM after early dismissal. There are limited spots. Sign up sheets will be available in the PGES office.
On Monday, February 17th MAC will be held at Johnson Elementary due to the President's Day Holiday. Signing up ahead of time is not necessary.
Notes from Nurse B
Please make sure your student is dressed appropriately for the weather and the school day activities. A jacket/warm layer of clothing is needed for the early mornings, recess and dismissal. A lighter layer/shirt and sneakers are necessary for daily PE.
Please continue to encourage your student to wash their hands often to prevent the spread of germs. Handwashing, plenty of sleep and nutritious meals help keep our students healthy and ready to learn.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call or email me at boyntonmar@fssd.org or 615-472-3906.
Mr. Welch's Counselor's Corner
The Paws Report
You may be wondering what are some of the positive behavior interventions provided at school? With our talented and caring teachers and staff… we are able to meet the behavioral needs of our students with our school-wide PBIS program, Check In / Check Out (CICO), and Parent Partnerships. You know better than we do that our children thrive when we set routines, expectations, and boundaries. Who couldn’t use a little extra support these days? If you are interested in learning more about any of these interventions, please reach out to Mrs. Carroll (Assistant Principal) at carrolljan@fssd.org or 615-790-4720. We love partnering with you in your child’s academic and behavioral education!
There's an APP for That!
PGS STRIVES TO BE A COMMON SENSE SCHOOL
Learn how you can be an informed parent in the digital world - use the QR codes below.
TOPIC: Spotting Fake News Online
Arrival and Dismissal
Morning Arrival
A few reminders regarding Morning Arrival:
Please pull up all the way to the car in front of you. There should only be a few inches in between each car. This allows more cars to enter the drop off lane and prevents backup on the main roads.
Students need to remain in their cars until the doors open at 7:00.
Dismissal Thank You
Snow Days
Stay in the know on school closings or late starts by making sure your contact information stays updated in our front office. Contact 615-790-4720 if you need to make any changes and make sure that you have downloaded Parent Square. You can also get up to date information by following us on X @fssdPGES or by liking us on FACEBOOK. Remember we are Franklin Special District NOT Williamson County School District or Franklin County.
PTO POSTS
Please see below for a few opportunities to support our school and volunteer your time and show your appreciation for our faculty and staff at PGS.
Staff Potluck Sign-ups
The January potluck was moved to Wednesday, February 5 due to the weather and school being off. If you have already signed up and plan to still bring on 2/5, no changes needed. If you are unable to do 2/5, please remove on Sign-Up Genius or let Kate Habegger (kate.habegger@gmail.com) know so she can make this slot available. If you haven't signed up, please review what is needed on the sign-up by clicking HERE.
Thanks, in advance, for your help and involvement!
Used Book Sale Donations Needed
Please donate your gently used books for the PGS Used Book Sale! Collections bins are located in each school lobby.
- Picture Books
- Chapter Books
- Novels & Graphic Novels
- Non-fiction
We will have sections for kids, teens and parents to shop. All funds raised benefit both the elementary and middle school libraries.
Mark your calendar for Sale Dates: March 3rd - 7th
Questions? Email
Molly Pinkley (mollypinkley@gmail.com ) or
Jenny Baer (jsbaer@bellsouth.net )
Green Team
PE Updates
Tennis Shoes vs Boots, Sandals, and all other shoes
Skating is Coming...Are You READY????
Kids Heart Challenge
Please be on the lookout for Kid's Heart Challenge Packets in February! Students will learn jump rope skills, how to keep their hearts healthy, and also help boys and girls with sick hearts by donating to the American Heart Association. Our donations/collections will be completely ON-LINE again this year. Prizes will be awarded just before or after spring break. You are also invited to come and Jump Rope or turn ropes during our Kid's Heart Challenge! The event will take place during the related arts block on Friday, February 14. Please note the schedule below as PE times are different on early dismissal days!!
Related Arts Schedule for Early Release Days
Kindergarten 8:50 - 9:20
1st grade 8:20 - 8:50
2nd grade 9:20 - 9:50
3rd grade 9:50 - 10:20
4th grade -10:20 - 10:50
Ordering Yearbooks!
There are 2 deadlines this year
March 28 for cash/check orders
May 3 for online orders
Price is $40 +tax
To order:
1. Click HERE or scan the QR code in the photo.
Spirit Wear
FEBRUARY PROMOTIONS!
10th - 16th: 25% off water bottles
17th - 23rd: $8 off all long sleeve tees
24th - March 2nd: 25% off all bags
Don't miss these opportunities to save!
Shop HERE.
Poplar Grove Open House for Prospective Families
Do you know of families who you think may benefit from being a part of Poplar Grove Elementary School? We would love to have them come visit us during our Open House on Friday, February 28 anytime from 8:00-1:00.
- families who may be looking for a school where they can watch their children learn and grow under the same roof from kindergarten to 8th grade -who want a school that feels like an extension of their family.
- families whose life could be simplified by having a school with one drop off and pick up location/time for all their children, kindergarten through 8th grade.
- families who you think would love PGS.
Please have them contact our front office at 615-790-4720 for more information. In case your friends, family members, or neighbors ask you questions, here are the four different paths offered to become part of the PGES family:
1. They are a zoned PGS student.
2. They are a zoned FSD student and you submit the out of zone application.
3. You live in Williamson county and request to attend PGS as a tuition student (tuition is $2000 for the year).
4. You live outside of Williamson county and request to attend PGS as a tuition student (tuition is $4000 for the year).
Thank you for helping us to get the word out.
Young Scholars Institute
Are you ready to plan for your child's summer adventures?
FSD Young Scholars registration is now open. Young Scholars is an enrichment program that allows students to take classes from a variety of topics in the summer. It is open to students who have finished 1st- 8th grades. Young Scholars is June 2-6 and 9-13, students may register for one or both weeks. Registration information and the brochure describing classes can be found by clicking HERE.
Community Events
Centennial High School Winter Baseball Camp
Centennial High School is hosting a baseball camp on Saturday, February 8 from 9:00-12:30 for students in 1st-8th grades. Cost is $75 per child with discounts for additional children. Scan the QR code in the photo or click HERE to register. Deadline to sign up online is Saturday, February 1.
Centennial High School Basketball Feeder School Night
Free admission to all elementary and middle school students zoned for CHS if they wear their school spirit shirt or jersey on Friday, February 14. Girls tipoff is at 6:00 pm and boys tipoff is at 7:30. All students must be accompanied by an adult and adults must pay purchase a general admission ticket.
CHS Cheer Clinic
CHS basketball cheerleaders are also hosting a clinic on March 1st for rising 5th - 9th grades. Half Day price is $45 and full day price is $75. Register by scanning the QR code in the photo or clicking HERE. For questions you may reach out to Coach Olivia at olivia.joubert@wcs.edu
Upcoming Events
School Counselor Appreciation Week
We are so thankful for all of the ways that Mr. Welch impacts our students, staff, and families. February 3-7 is our opportunity to say thank you for all he does. We love you Mr. Welch!
Cafécito with Liaisons
On Thursday, February 6 our Spanish speaking families are invited to join Ms. Jessica and Mr. Barrett for a morning of coffee and hearing about several upcoming events. They will be meeting in the Middle School cafeteria at 7:45.
Valentine's Day Parties
Valentine parties will be held on Friday, February 14th. Parents are welcome to attend.
Kindergarten - 9:20-10:05
1st - 8:50 - 9:35
2nd - 4th 8:30-9:15
SRO Appreciation Day
Let's all plan to show our appreciation to Deputy Byram on Friday, February 14th! Cards, hugs, and high 5's are more than welcome. We are so thankful for his calming presence, helpfulness, and for keeping us safe!
Pride Time
Friday, February 14th is a Pride Time Friday. Families are welcome to join us in the MS Gym. We'll get started right at 7:35. If your child is receiving a Pride Award you will be contacted by his or her teacher.
Kids Heart Challenge
Friday, February 14 we will hold our Annual Kid's Heart Challenge during the related arts block. Families are invited to come and Jump Rope or turn ropes during our Kid's Heart Challenge! Please note the schedule below as PE times are different on early dismissal days!!
Related Arts Schedule for Early Release Days
Kindergarten 8:50 - 9:20
1st grade 8:20 - 8:50
2nd grade 9:20 - 9:50
3rd grade 9:50 - 10:20
4th grade -10:20 - 10:50
Faculty/Student/Alumni Basketball Game
Come and watch the current 8th grade basketball players take on the faculty & alumni in a “completely fair & unbiased” game of basketball. This is a longstanding tradition and a very fun family night. Thursday, Feb. 20 from 6:30-7:30 pm
Black History Month Musical Celebration
On Thursday, February 20th at 1:00 the 2nd Grade students of PGES will present a musical celebration in our Performing Arts Center (PAC) of many African American musicians and ensembles. These musicians have contributed to modern music history and will be recognized and celebrated during this program.
Featuring songs from:
Louis Armstrong
The Jackson 5
Aretha Franklin
and more!
Parents are welcome to come and watch the program. Please sign in directly at the PAC.
Spirit Night
Be on the lookout for a flyer with additional information about our Spirit night at La Hacienda on February 25th from 4:00 to 9:00 PM.
Fourth Grade Choir Festival
All fourth-grade students are invited to learn songs from our middle-level choir teachers and practice with current middle-level choir members. We’ll end the day with an on-stage performance for families.
Participating students will also receive an event t-shirt and be provided a pizza lunch.
The cost for this day long event is $25. Register your child here and find payment information in the form description and the form submission message.
2025-2026 School Registration
FSSD will begin the Registration Process for the 2025-2026 School Year on March 3 running through March 31st.
- Out of Zone applications (FSSD residents) will be accepted from February 17-March 19, 2025, and notifications will be made by March 31, 2025
- Out of District applications (tuition families) will be accepted starting on February 17, 2025 with notification as to acceptance by April 4, 2024.
More information will be coming soon but for now, start saving 1 proof of residency: Electric, Water, Gas, and Cable Bills dated Feb. 1 or after are great. Other options are a copy of your lease or a mortgage statement.
February Calendar
FSD Vision Statement
Excellence in Teaching and Learning for All
PGES Mission Statement
Learning for All. No exceptions.
Contact Us
1030 Excellence Way
Franklin, TN 37069
615.790.4720