Preston Puma Newsletter
Every Student. Every Day.
August 28th, 2026
Message from the Principal
What a Wonderful First FULL Week
What a fabulous first FULLish week of school! Thankfully things were a "bit" cooler and Monday was our only short day. So much happened this week. Our students began working on MAPS testing to provide teachers a baseline for instructional needs. There were some fabulous outfits and smiles for picture day (seriously one of my favorite days). Sports are in full swing. Our clubs are starting to meet. Students pretty much know their schedules and have figured out lockers and routines. Sixth graders got some Preston gear. It was a good week to be a PUMA!
On the safety side of things, we ran our first fire/evacuation drill. Students did a great job following protocol and safely exited the building in under 90 seconds - that is over 650 people clearing the building - WOW! Next week we will continue our safety training with a full review of our lockdown procedures and then practice with a drill. Please be sure to reach out with any questions you may have.
Have a great weekend, Preston PUMA Community!
Honored to be your Principal
Gwynne Johnson
Additional Safety Highlights
Traffic Patterns & Mini-Bikes
Traffic Patterns
Beginning of the school year always brings about recreating routines. Thank you to our family members who have reached out regarding safety concerns in the drop-off & pick-up lanes. And thank you to SRO Savage for her continued support. If you did not get a chance to read her email earlier this week, here is a LINK to our Preston Website where you can view the traffic patterns for both times of day. Please know that we listen and are here to help.
Mini-Bikes
These are not allowed on campus. In fact, our students are too young to have them on public streets.
Bike Racks & E-Bike Upate
What you need to know....
BIKE RACKS
In the interest of keeping all of our students safe, we are moving the bike racks in the back of the building (bus Zone) to the front. This will keep our students safe and ease the congestion for our bus drivers.
EBikes
And for those of you asking about E-bikes, here are some guidelines about different classifications and what is allowed.
Upcoming Dates & Reminders
August 31st & September 1st: Math will be taking MAPS testing
September 7th: Labor Day / No School
COMPUTERS: Please remind your student to have a fully charged computer ready to go every day!
Athletics
Good Luck, Pumas!
Our fall sports competitions kick off this week with Cross Country competing in the John Martin Invite at Stew Case Park. Competitions will continue throughout the week as our Pumas take the field, court, and course.
Please remind our student-athletes of the importance of balancing their commitment to their teams with their commitment to the classroom. Staying on top of schoolwork and maintaining strong academic habits are essential to being a successful student-athlete.
Good luck to all of our Pumas! Compete hard, support your teammates, and represent Preston with pride, sportsmanship, and integrity!
Go Pumas!
Bill Saint
Assistant Principal, Athletic Director
Student Playbook
What is the PUMA Student Playbook?
This is how we do business and students know how to be successful as a Preston PUMA! During the first few days of school, we cover what we like to call PUMA 101. During this time we outline for students what it looks like to be a PUMA and review all policies and expectations. We believe that clarity is kindness and that consistency builds our school community. In the next few newsletters, we will highlight policies that keep our learning environment safe and ready to learn. Please never hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are your partners in your student's journey.
Attendance Matters!
Every School Day Matters and You Belong in PSD! Our school teams are ready from day one to work with you to build good attendance habits. We are here to partner with you to address any barriers that may keep you from coming to school every day.
Attending school every day is essential for learning and success and we are so glad you’re here. Each day or class period missed is a lost opportunity to engage with new material, meet new friends, or participate in classroom activities. Build good attendance habits from day one! Let your teachers know how to help you make it to school every day.
Order Your School Photos!
Order a Yearbook!
Yearbook Baby Ads for 8th Grade Families
Club Corner
Lego Robotics
Tuesdays: The Preston Lego robotics club meets from 2:30 to 3:30 in room S115. The club is open to anyone. No previous robotic experience is needed. If you have any questions, ask Mr. Edler.
Preston Parent Association
Join the Preston Parent Association (PPA)
The Preston Parent Association is an easy way for parents to help our awesome school and build community with one another. Our meetings are all on zoom, on the second Wednesday of the month from 7-8pm. They are not required, but we would love to have many of you there.
Lots of our members are full time working parents and we make it as easy as possible to participate. In addition to the monthly meetings we have fun community events planned and several ways parents can volunteer with the school. To join, simply fill out the form at the link below and venmo a suggested donation of $10. Don't have venmo? Leave a check made out to Preston Parent Association in our mailbox at the school.
Questions? Email PPA President Krista Dias at ppopreston@gmail.com