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Panther Pulse School Newsletter - July 23, 2026

Welcome

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! On behalf of our entire Penn Elementary staff, it is our pleasure to welcome both our returning families and those joining our school community for the very first time. WeWe hope your summer provided opportunities to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories with family and friends. As we prepare to open our doors, our teachers and staff have been working diligently to create engaging classrooms and meaningful learning experiences where every child feels welcomed, challenged, and inspired.
At Penn Elementary, we believe that strong partnerships between home and school are the foundation of student success. We look forward to working alongside you to ensure this is a year filled with learning, growth, kindness, and achievement.

 

ParentVUE - Important

One of the most important steps families can take before the first day of school is completing the annual Back-to-School Packet in ParentVUE. You will receive an email inviting you to complete the packet on August 10th. This process verifies emergency contacts, health information, transportation details, and other important student records, ensuring we have the information needed to keep your child safe and supported throughout the school year.
Once completed, ParentVUE will provide access to:
  •  Bus Information beginning August 14
  • Teacher Assignments beginning August 17 &18

Please make sure all contact information is current so that you receive important school communications throughout the year.

Breakfast and Lunch

Penn Elementary continues to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. As a result, all students may receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. Students who wish to purchase optional items, such as snacks or bottled water, may do so using funds added to their account through MySchoolBucks or by sending cash or checks to school.

 

Kindergarten Blitz and Orientation - Save the dates

Kindergarten Blitz

On Monday, August 17th at approximately 10:30 a.m., Penn staff members will visit the homes of our incoming kindergarten students to deliver welcome bags and greet our newest learners.

Kindergarten Orientation

Thursday, August 20th -  Families will attend a brief welcome session in the Gym with the Principal before visiting classrooms and meeting teachers. We have divided our Kindergarten families into 2 groups by last name.

A–L  Last Names
Welcome Session: 1:00–1:15 p.m.
Classroom Visits: 1:15–2:00 p.m.
M–Z Last Names
Welcome Session: 2:30 –2:45 p.m.
Classroom Visits: 2:45–3:30 p.m.

 

 

1st - 5th Grade - Save the dates

  • *New Student Orientation (Grades 1-5) Friday - August 21 | 9:00–10:00 a.m. Students and families who are new to Penn gather in the GYM at 9:00 to meet the Principal and then visit the classrooms.

 

  • *Returning Student "Say Hello" Event (Grades 1-5) Friday - August 21 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.Returning students and families are invited to drop off supplies, visit classrooms, and reconnect with teachers.

Family Engagement Opportunities

We encourage families to become active members of our school community.

  • PTO: Support school events, fundraising efforts, and student activities.
  • School Advisory Council: Partner with school leadership to provide feedback and support school improvement.
  • Family Learning Nights: Join us throughout the year for engaging academic and community-building events.
  • PAWS-Parents Active With Students – Info session Sept 24 6:30-7:30

Calendar

  • August 10 – ParentVUE Back to School Packets go live

  • August 14 – Initial bus information available in ParentVUE if you have Completed the Back-to-School Packet

  • August 17 - Teacher information available in ParentVUE if you have Completed the Back-to-School Packet

  • August 17 – Kindergarten Home Visit Blitz

  • August 20 – Kindergarten Orientation A-L 1:00-2:00; M-Z 2:30-3:30

  • August 21 – New Student Orientation 9-10:00

  • August 21 – Returning Student "Say Hello" 10-11:00

  • August 24 – First Day of School- Doors open 9:00

  • August 24 – PTO Boo-Hoo Breakfast – 9:00-9:45

  • August 27 – First Lockdown Drill

  • September 4–7 – Labor Day Holiday No School

Thank You,

Elliot F. Bolles,  Principal

Christy Parthenakis, Assistant Principal

Aprale Gonsalves, Assistant Principal

K'Shaki Middleton, Administrative Intern

 

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