Dear Families,

As spring blooms and the weather warms, our school is filled with renewed energy and excitement. April marks the beginning of our final two months together this school year—a time that is both fun-filled and incredibly important for our students' growth and success.

Why These Last Two Months Matter

While April and May bring lighter schedules, special events, and the promise of summer, they are also critical windows for learning and preparation. The skills and habits your child develops now—including strong reading abilities, confident problem-solving, and positive classroom routines—will directly support their transition to the next grade level. These weeks are our opportunity to ensure every student finishes strong and starts next year ready to succeed.

Balancing Fun with Focus

We know that spring brings outdoor recess, field trips, and all the wonderful energy of warmer weather. We celebrate this joy! At the same time, we're committed to maintaining academic momentum. End-of-year assessments, while they may sound formal, are simply snapshots of what your child has learned. They help us understand student growth and identify where we can best support each learner.

Testing: What You Should Know

As we approach assessment season, please know:

• These tests show us progress. We're measuring growth, not perfection.
• Your child is prepared. We teach the skills and content all year long.
• Calm confidence helps. Encourage your child with a positive, reassuring attitude.
• Good sleep and breakfast matter. Send your child to school well-rested and nourished on testing days or encourage your child to eat school breakfast!
• We celebrate effort. We focus on what your child tried, not just the score.

How You Can Support Your Child

Every family effort makes a difference! Here are key ways you can help during these final months:

• Prioritize attendance. Regular attendance helps your child stay connected to their learning and friendships.
• Maintain bedtime routines. Consistent sleep schedules support focus, behavior, and academic performance.
• Read together. Whether your child reads to you or you read aloud, daily reading is the best investment in their learning.
• Stay positive about school. When families show enthusiasm and encouragement, children thrive.
• Communicate with teachers. Let us know about changes at home or concerns about your child's progress.

Celebrating Together

We look forward to sharing joy with you this spring! By working together—school and family—we create the conditions for each student to finish this year with pride and step into next year with confidence.

Thank you for partnering with us to make this a wonderful year of learning, growth, and joy.

With warmth and appreciation,

Olivia Dickey

PES School Principal