PCR-3 Community Advisory: Apply by Sept. 1

Platte County School District values community input in shaping the future of our schools. We’re kicking off another year of the PCR-3 Community Advisory, a group that reviews progress on our strategic plan and provides input on District operations and educational programs.

All residents, employees, and students are welcome to join. Current members will be contacted about continuing. If interested, new members should apply by September 1. The first general membership meeting is October 6.

Communication Reminders

Stay connected with PCR-3! This e-Treasures newsletter goes out monthly, on the Friday after each Board of Education meeting, to all families, staff, and subscribed community members.

We also use School Messenger for calls and texts to quickly share schedule changes, emergency updates, and important announcements. To receive texts, simply text YES to 67587 (standard messaging rates apply).

Student Device Insurance - Enroll by Oct. 1

Device insurance for student devices has moved to a new system for the 2026-27 school year. Families who wish to participate must enroll by October 1 through your PowerSchool Parent Portal account.

• Enrollment Cost: $30 per student device
• Free/Reduced Meal Students: $0 enrollment cost
• How to Enroll: Log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal account and complete the Insurance Form under "Forms." Via the PowerSchool app, go to "More," then "Forms." The $30 enrollment fee will be collected within the form.

Insurance can significantly reduce the cost of repairs or replacement. With insurance, the cost for a standard repair is $40, while lost or stolen devices have a $100 replacement fee. Without insurance, families are responsible for the increased repair or full replacement costs. Visit the One-to-One Learning page of our website for additional Student Device FAQs and responsibilities.

Y Club Enrollment for 2026-27

The Before and After School Program available to families at PCR-3 is Y Club. Children in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade benefit from homework enrichment, physical activity, and small and large group activities with a focus on building community and youth voice and leadership. Full-time and part-time Y Club is available at each of our elementary buildings, and two pre-K sites, along with Y Club on days when school is out of session for inclement weather, seasonal breaks, and other days off (enrollment permitting). Operating hours are each weekday from 6:30am until school begins, and again after school until 6pm. Registration is still open. If you have any questions about the Y Club program, please contact YMCA at (816) 360-3390.

Advertise and Partner with PCR-3

PCR-3's Advertising and Sponsorship program provides highly visible messaging options to promote your business to thousands of potential customers across our District community. We have a new ANCHOR PARTNER opening on our Pirate Stadium scoreboard, several opportunities at Platte Purchase Middle School and at our softball fields, as well as Pirates ROCK building sponsorships.

If interested, please contact Laura Hulett, Director of Communications (816-858-5420), or Gabe Middleton, Activities Director (816-858-2822).

All-School Reunion: Oct. 2-4

Pirate Alumni: Mark your calendars for October 2-4, 2026 as we celebrate an All-School Reunion Weekend! Plans are underway for a meaningful weekend tied to Homecoming, giving Pirates from every class the chance to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate memories. The reunion event will be at the Platte County Fairgrounds on October 3. Ticket sales ($45/person) for the reunion event close September 18:

• By Mail - Make checks payable to: Platte County R-III Pirate Alumni, P.O. Box 161, Platte City, MO 64079
• Purchase Online

Visit our Alumni Page for full weekend details including Homecoming Festivities, School Tours & "Chalk Talks," Decade Gatherings, and our Alumni Worship Service. 

Pirate Pride: SkillsUSA Champions; Officer Bruns Legacy

For the Pirate Pride portion of the August meeting, the Board recognized NCC SkillsUSA students who brought home two national championships from the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, (the first time in NCC history having two in the same year). Congratulations to Grace Marier, Harmoni Leal, Landen Higgins and Alejandra Flores on their national titles in Job Skills Demo and Career Pathways Showcase in Law Enforcement, and to PCHS junior NCC student Camden Noller on his ninth-place national finish in Industrial Motor Controls. We also celebrate the dedication of NCC’s SkillsUSA advisors and the lasting legacy of the late Officer Darrick Bruns, whose more than 20 years of mentorship helped students achieve seven national titles and countless other successes. A memorial scholarship has been established for NCC students in Officer Bruns's honor.

Extraordinary Educators

Each month, PCR-3 will recognize staff members who are bringing our Strategic Plan to life by exemplifying one or more of the following strategies: providing meaningful experiences; creating safe, respectful environments; fostering a culture of innovation and excellence; and building collaborative community partnerships.

Our Technology and Information Management teams were recognized as Extraordinary Educators at the August meeting for the tremendous work they do behind the scenes to keep our District moving forward. From preparing more than 4,000 devices and supporting a major transition to Apple technology to improving data systems, connectivity, phones, and other infrastructure, their expertise and problem-solving help create the tools and systems our students and staff need to thrive. Our Teaching & Learning Department was also recognized as for their intentional investment in instructional leadership and educator learning throughout the summer. From leadership retreats and Pirate Bootcamp to Summer Learning Academy and professional learning for administrators and staff, this team has been building the relationships, systems, and instructional practices that help ensure meaningful learning experiences and continued growth for every Platte County Pirate.

2025 Bond Issue Project Update

Dr. Devin Doll, Executive Director of Operations, reviewed construction progress of our 2025 Bond Projects.

PCHS Phase 2: On the exterior, metal wall panels are nearing completion. Inside the classroom wing, resinous flooring, ceiling tile grid, kitchen equipment installation, decorative railings, final painting, and mechanical-electrical-plumbing finishes are all underway. In the band and vocal wing, drywall has been completed, and taping, sanding, and finishing are underway. Primer and the first coat of paint have also begun. Video Production and Journalism classrooms at the top of the learning stairs are now complete and ready for the fall 2026 semester. Exterior asphalt has been completed, and landscaping has started, along with new parking lot striping. These new parking lots will be ready for use for the start of school.


Compass Elementary Parking Improvements: This project is now complete and ready for the 2026-27 school year. We hosted a short and sweet ribbon cutting with staff earlier this week!

NWDC Project Update

Dr. Devin Doll, Executive Director of Operations, reviewed construction progress of the Northland Workforce Development Center. The exterior metal panel installation and glazing systems are underway. Inside, the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems continue along with drywall installation. The Childcare Center structural steel is now complete, and asphalt was recently laid on the west half of the site. In the coming weeks, the building’s roof will be complete and we will begin the installation of paint on the 2nd floor.

Updated Instructional Model: A Stronger Learning Experience for Every Student

At the August meeting, Dr. Hawar Khalandi, Executive Director of Teaching & learning, shared an update to our instructional model that builds on the great work already happening in our classrooms across PCR-3. Grounded in decades of research on what helps students learn best, this update brings greater consistency to strong practices, clear learning goals, strong and timely feedback, well-designed lessons, and consistent ways to track student progress and celebrate success, so every student, in every classroom, benefits from them. The focus is on effective teaching and building a system that continually grows and improves, so every PCR-3 student gets a strong start and keeps thriving.

Pirates ROCK Kickoff/ Tailgate - Aug. 28

PCR-3 kicks off its 21st year of character education on August 28. To celebrate, wear your orange and black next Friday, join the community from 5-6:30pm at Price Chopper in Platte City for a community tailgate, and enjoy free popcorn at the first home football game. Additional event details.

PCHS Cheer Super Saturday Clinic - Sept. 12

PCHS Cheer is sponsoring their 40th annual “Super Saturday" cheer clinic on Saturday, September 12 for grades PreK-8th at PCHS. Participants are invited to perform at the September 30 Victory Supper during Homecoming week. Click here for additional event details and registration.

Platte City Fall Festival - Sept. 24

Platte City's Fall Festival is coming to Main Street on Thursday, September 24. Enjoy an evening filled with food, vendors, and tons of fun! Community performances will begin at 5:30 PM. Additional event details.

Community Education Fall Classes

Northland Career Center is proud to offer Community Education opportunities that bring hands-on skills and lifelong learning to our local community. Our programs are open to learners of all ages and skill levels, providing training in areas such as welding, culinary arts, creative arts, and more! For current class offerings and registration details, visit our website or call (816)-858-5505. View our upcoming Fall 2026 brochure!

August 25: First Day of 2026-27 School Year

August 28: Pirates ROCK Kickoff/Community Tailgate, First Home Football Game

September 7: No School, Labor Day Holiday

September 17: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30pm, (reconvene from closed session which begins at 5:30pm)

September 21: No School, Professional Learning Day

Thank you to our Pirates ROCK Stars!

Thank you to all our Pirates ROCK Star business partners who support character education in our schools. If you are interested in becoming a partner, please contact Laura Hulett.

The mission of the Platte County School District is to ensure our learners thrive in an ever-changing world with confidence and resilience, prepared to pursue their unique futures.