August 22, 2025

PCR-3 Cell Phone Free in 2025-26

This school year Platte County School District has implemented a Cell Phone Free plan during the school day to support focused learning, respectful interactions, and a safe, welcoming school environment. The plan is in alignment with new Missouri legislation (Senate Bill 68) and means students will keep their personal devices put away during the school day so they can fully engage in learning and social connections.

Learn more about what this means, what devices are included, and how we’ll support students in adapting to this change by clicking here.

PowerSchool Parent Portal; Meal Payments

Parents can use Parent Portal to keep up to date on grades and assignments (for students in grades 6-12), attendance, and now you can make meal and student fee payments directly from Parent Portal. New parents who did not receive their new PowerSchool Access ID and Password at registration days or back-to-school nights, should contact your child's school for assistance.

To make an online meal payment or pay any applicable student fees, log on to Parent Portal via a browser (not available via the app). From the start page, click “Balance” from the left-hand navigation. Meals balances and any applied fees associated with your student will be shown. Click the green “Make a Payment” which will take you to our online payment system. Online transaction fees will not be applied to any meal payments. Parents can also deposit money for meal transactions and fees by sending payment via check or cash to their child's school.

Northland Workforce Development Center Groundbreaking - Aug. 27

Please join us for the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Northland Workforce Development Center on August 27. We will have two ceremonies - 8:30am and 2:30pm for staff, students, and other special guests. See flier for details!

PCR-3 Community Advisory: Apply by September 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 strategic goals 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 meeting is September 23.

Y Club Enrollment for 2025-26

The Before and After School Program available to families in the Platte County R-3 School District is Y Club. Children prekindergarten 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, along with Y Club on days when school is out of session for inclement weather, seasonal breaks, and other days off (enrollment permitting). Y Club is also being offered for Great Beginnings students starting this school year. 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.

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).

Pirate Pride: Summer School and Summer Learning Teams

For the Pirate Pride portion of the August meeting, the Board recognized staff who played key roles in providing valuable summer learning opportunities for both students and staff. Special thanks to Jessica Chiddix, Bridget Klingele, and Trevor Tietz for coordinating and supporting our Summer Learning Academy for staff, and to Ashley Dice, Justina Holt, Ashley Schultz, Lori Mann, Valerie Stambersky, Michael Powers, Allison Page, Emily Miller, Mindy Wheeler, and Robert Mueller for serving as Summer School principals. Both opportunities saw increases in participation.

2025 Bond Issue Project Update

At the August meeting, Newkirk Novak project managers, reviewed construction progress of our 2025 Bond Issue projects.

Pathfinder Playground: A portion of the new playground is already open for student use. The highly anticipated "Pirate Ship" and other specialty equipment are scheduled to arrive in early September, with installation and turf finishing to follow. Final fence work will be completed once the playground installation wraps up and the playground is estimated to be completed mid-October.

Platte Purchase Site Amenities: Plumbing fixtures have been installed, and crews are wrapping up mechanical, electrical, and plumbing finishes. Additional work this month includes countertops, doors, toilet partitions, and landscaping. A ribbon cutting is planned for September 18, ahead of the first home middle school football game.

PCHS Phase 2: Following demolition earlier this summer, Phase 2 construction is underway. The building pad is complete for the fine arts and classroom wing, and footings will begin this month. Storm structures are being installed, with underground utilities to follow. The bus loop stairs are complete, providing easier access to the parking lot. Brick staining on the Wilson Center is also underway to match the new construction.

Pirates ROCK Kickoff/ Tailgate: Sept. 5

PCR-3 kicks off its 20th year of the character education program on September 5. To celebrate, wear your orange and black on 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. See flier for details.

PCHS Cheer Super Saturday: Sept. 6

PCHS Cheer is sponsoring their 39th annual “Super Saturday" cheer clinic on Saturday, September 6. Participants are invited to perform at the October 1 Victory Supper during Homecoming week. See flier for details. Click here to pre-register.

PCHS Cheer Stunt Clinic - Sept. 10

PCHS Cheerleading is inviting 4th-8th graders to learn stunting skills with them at their stunt clinic on September 10. Sign up here and see flier for details.

PCHS Volleyball Alumni Night: Sept. 23

PCHS Volleyball is hosting an Alumni Appreciation Night September 23 at the Pirate Fieldhouse! Come celebrate, reconnect, and cheer on our Pirates! Once a Pirate, always a Pirate! Free admission for alumni who complete this form. Alumni shirts available for purchase by clicking here. See flier for 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. You can also view our upcoming Fall 2025 brochure HERE!

Screenagers Film Screening: Oct. 23

Join us for this special free screening of “Screenagers” at Platte Purchase Middle School on October 23. Through storytelling, surprising insights from leading experts, this film reveals how screens are shaping kids’ development and offers actionable solutions to help adults empower kids to navigate the digital age and find balance. Pizza dinner and childcare provided for those who register. See flier for details and register here.

September 1: No School, Labor Day

September 5: Pirates ROCK Kickoff Community Tailgate, 5pm, Platte City Price Chopper

September 15: No School, Professional Learning Day

September 18: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30pm, (reconvene from closed session which begins at 5:30pm)

September 29-October 3: Homecoming Week

Thank you to our Pirates ROCK Stars!

Thank you to all our Pirates ROCK Star business partners who support character education in our schools. For the 2025-26 school year we have an opening in our District-wide partnership and openings at all of 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.