PBC Parent/Families Newsletter

Dear Pieter B. Parents and Families,

As we welcome the beginning of a new school year, I hope you have all been enjoying the warmth of summer and are reenergized for the exciting journey that lies ahead. It is with great enthusiasm that I take this opportunity to share with you our building-wide goals for the 2023-2025 academic years. These goals serve as our compass, guiding us towards providing the best possible education and support for your children. Together, as a united school community, we are committed to ensuring the academic and social-emotional success of each student within our walls.

Goal #1: English Language Arts (ELA)

• Kindergarten and First Grades: During the 2023-25 school years, students in grades K-1 will increase the number of students meeting or exceeding grade level benchmarks by 7% (5 students) each year using the composite score of the Fastbridge Early Reading Assessment. (Kindergarten Baseline 65% Target 72% ) (Grade 1 Baseline 45% Target 52%)

• Second and Third Grades: Increase the number of students meeting or exceeding grade level benchmarks by 7% (11 students) each year using the FastBridge CBMR Assessment. (Grade 2 Baseline 64% Target 71% ) (Grade 3 Baseline 66% Target 73%)

• Fourth and Fifth Grades: Increase the number of students meeting or exceeding grade level benchmarks by 7% (10 students) each year using the DRA 3 Screening Assessment from November to June. (Fall benchmark data will determine the target).

Goal #2: Math

• Kindergarten-5th Grade: During the 2023-25 school year, K-5 students will achieve a grade level average of 80% on all of the cumulative common assessments, building-wide.

Goal #3: Social-Emotional Learning

• Increase positive behaviors, which will result in 85% of the student body receiving a positive referral. (Target number of students: 367).

Attendance Goal

• Reducing the number of chronically absent students by 10%.

• Baseline: 16% (69 students).

• Target: 6% (26 students).

Together, let's continue to make progress towards each of these goals. We can better achieve these goals as one collective unit between families, students, and school staff. If you have any further questions about these goals, please reach out to your student(s)' classroom teacher.

With Much Appreciation,

Mr. Hakim I. Jones, Principal

Victoria DeGouff, Assistant Principal

Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School

Pieter B. Costume Information for Halloween

Dear Pieter B. Families,

We understand that Halloween is a fun time of year for many students. This year, on Tuesday, October 31st we are allowing students and school staff to wear their Halloween costumes to school or any black and orange attire they may own. We understand that some students may not celebrate Halloween or may prefer not to wear their costumes to school. Students can also wear any green or yellow to celebrate Pieter B.’s colors if they do not want to participate.

To ensure that we are following all school and districted related rules and policies, and ensuring the safety of all students, the following types of costume attire are prohibited:

● No guns, swords, or any type of weapons (even if just toys).

● No face paint or fake blood.

● No costume masks.

● No bloody, gory, or scary costumes

● No inflatable costumes

● No props (anything you need to hold on to or carry around)

Please ensure that the following costume items above are not worn to school on this day. If any of these items are brought to school, teachers/staff will have the student put the items or costume in their backpack for the remainder of the day. Please ensure that costumes are comfortable for them to move around and participate in regular school activities throughout the day, can not be easily torn, and are safe for all. Thank you for making this opportunity a safe and happy experience for all!

With Much Appreciation,

Mr. Hakim Jones

Principal

Did you notice that we now have TWO small "houses" in front of our school? In addition to our Little Free Library (Give a book; Take a book), we now have a Puzzle Box house. This is operating under the same guidelines (Give a puzzle; Take a puzzle).

We are grateful to Local Girl Scout Troop #1146 who created this while working on their Silver Award which is the second highest level of award in Girl Scouts. Part of earning this award is giving back to the community, what it would mean to the community, how it could help the community, as well as the positive outcome of the project. Each Scout had a minimum of 50 hours invested in the Puzzle Box project. The members of Girl Scout Troop 1146 are Rachel Carkner, Alice Nickerson, Arianna and Lillianna Smith.

Please feel free to enjoy both of these wonderful, free resources for your families!

October 5th - PBC Apple Run (Rain date) 2:30 p.m.

October 6 - Emergency Release Dismissal (15 mins early)

October 8 - Columbus & Indigenous Peoples' Day (No School - District Closed)

October 12 - PBC PTO mtg 6:30 p.m.

October 13 - PBC X-Country Run

October 16 - 20 - Fire Prevention Week

October 17 - Staff Development Day (Early Dismissal PK- 12)

*October 30- PBC Picture Day (This is a change in date)

October 27 - PTO at PBC sponsored Trunk or Treat from 6 p.m.- 7p.m.

November 5 - Daylight Saving Time Ends

November 7- Staff Development Day (STAFF ONLY)

November 10- Veterans Day ( No School- District Closed)

November 17 - Fall Picture Make-Up day

November 22-24 - Thanksgiving Recess

December 13, 14 & 19 - Parent Conferences Early Dismissal (K-8)