Mustang Messenger Volume #1

Tomorrow is the big day—the first day of school! We are so excited to welcome our Mustangs back for another successful year at Pittsburgh Minadeo PreK-5. This special edition of the Mustang Messenger is packed with information to help you and your child feel prepared and confident as we begin the 2025–26 school year.

Inside you’ll find:

• Pertinent details about the first day of school

• Helpful tips for getting your child back into a steady school routine

• Arrival and dismissal procedures to ensure safe and smooth transitions

• A PTO spotlight showcasing family involvement opportunities

• A welcome message for our new team members

• Important upcoming dates you won’t want to miss

Please take a few moments to review this newsletter together with your child—it’s a great way to spark conversation, ease first-day jitters, and get everyone excited about the year ahead.

This year, our schoolwide theme is “Rooted in Purpose.” Each of us—students, staff, and families—plays a vital role in helping our community grow strong, stay grounded in our values, and reach new heights of learning and achievement.

Here’s to a joyful and purposeful start to the school year. We can’t wait to see our Mustangs back in action tomorrow!

With excitement,

Principal Mason

As we prepare to kick off the new school year, here are a few important reminders for the first day:

• Grades 1-5: The first day of school is Monday, August 25, 2025.
• Early Childhood: Phase-In Day for families is also on Monday, August 25. Families received their scheduled time slot from Ms. Lowry. The first full day for Early Childhood students will be on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
• Kindergarten: The first day of school is Thursday, August 28, 2025.
  
  

Visitor Policy

All visitors must have a pre-scheduled appointment and will not be permitted entry during the arrival and dismissal times. We understand that saying goodbye to your child on the first day can be an emotional moment, often more so for the adults. However, to foster a sense of independence and to create a safe and welcoming environment for children of all ages, we ask that parents prepare to say their goodbyes at the door and allow their child to transition into the building independently. Rest assured, our school staff and Pittsburgh Public Schools volunteers will be at the front door to meet and greet them.

Digital Communications

With the exception of statewide assessment reports, report cards, and progress reports, Minadeo’s parent communications will be fully digital. If you require a paper copy sent home, please request one. We’re pleased to share that the majority of feedback regarding this shift has been overwhelmingly positive.

Forms Reminder

The district is now shifting all back to school forms electronically. Please complete the online forms at www.pghschools.org.

Technology

As a 1:1 district, all students will receive a device. Kindergarten students will receive ipads and students in grades 1-5 will receive laptops. All parents/guardians must complete the Acceptable Use Policy for each child. Please ensure that your child brings their device and charger to school, daily.

As we get ready for the first day of school, here are some best practices to help your child transition smoothly and set them up for success:

1. Establish a Routine: Start adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake-up schedule to align with the school day. Consistent sleep routines help children feel rested and ready to learn.

2. Talk About the School Day: Discuss what a typical day at school might look like, including any new routines or expectations. This can help ease any anxiety and build excitement for the first day.

3. Pack and Prepare: Together with your child, pack their backpack the night before with all necessary supplies. This can help them feel prepared and reduce any morning stress.

4. Encourage Independence: Practice skills like tying shoes, opening lunch containers, and packing up at the end of the day. Encouraging independence builds confidence in your child.

5. Discuss Cell Phone Policy: Please remind your child that cell phones should be turned off and stored in their locker during school hours. We will teach and reteach this expectation throughout the first week. If a cell phone is taken, it will need to be picked up by a parent from the school.

• Bus and Van Riders will enter through the front entrance on Lilac Street. We kindly request that parents keep this area clear during drop-off. Do not park on Lilac Street.
• Walkers and Parent Drop-Off will occur on the side of the building. Parents can pull into the gated area, but for safety, please stay behind the cones. We ask that back-to-school photos be taken ahead of time to allow a smooth transition for other families.
  
  

Students are considered tardy after 9:25 AM, at which point they must enter through the front door and sign in at the main office. Late breakfast will be available until 10:30 AM.

• Morning Procedure: After passing through the metal detectors:
  • Students who eat breakfast should go straight to the cafeteria and remain there until transitioning with their homeroom teacher.
  • Students who do not wish to eat breakfast can report directly to the auditorium for Morning Meeting.
    
    

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the entire school will participate in Morning Meeting. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students will follow the same arrival procedure but will go straight to homeroom for community time.

Dismissal Procedure:

All students will be dismissed from their 8th period class. They will already have their belongings.

Bus/Van Riders will report to their bus and exit through the Lilac Street entrance.

Parent Pick-Up: Please do not arrive at the school before 3:45 PM. Early Childhood students will be dismissed from the side entrance. When pulling into the lot, please be prepared to provide your student’s name and grade level. Once they come out, they will report directly to your vehicle. For safety, after your child is in the car, please leave school grounds promptly. The playground will remain closed until all students have been dismissed.

The Minadeo PTO is excited to welcome everyone to the 2025–26 school year!

We are grateful for their continued partnership and all of the ways they support our students and staff. Already this year, they’ve brightened our hallways with beautiful decorations, provided lunch for our staff training, and gifted teachers supply-filled bags to help students get started strong. They also hosted a table at Back to School Night and are preparing to welcome students on the first day!

We’re looking forward to another great year together and invite you to join in the fun. Our first big events are the first PTO Meeting on September 17th and the Back to School Picnic on September 25.

If you’re looking for ways to get involved, the PTO is always in need of volunteers! Thank you in advance for your continued support of fundraisers throughout the year—these make field trips, events, and classroom resources possible for our kids.

We can’t wait to see you at our upcoming events and appreciate your partnership in making this year a success!

We are excited to welcome the newest Minadeo Mustangs!

Mrs. Ashlee Blake, Project Assistant​

Ms. Shelby Woodard, SDSS​

Mr. Jonathan Clay, Art Teacher​

Ms. Marci Balistrieri, Life Skills Teacher ​

Ms. Shawn Harris, Early Childhood​

Mr. Nicholas Phillips, Emotional Support​

Officer Meloney Dennis, School Safety​

Ms. Jazeera Bowe, Food Services​

Ms. Mindy Mix, English Language Development​

Mrs. Laura Whelan, Reading Specialist​

Mx. AJ Ross, Building Substitute​

Ms. Kristin Scott, Early Childhood Supervisor

Please find attached the welcome back letter sent to families over the summer with pertinent information regarding the first day of school.

August 25, 2025: Day 1, EC Phase In Day, Kindergarten Assessments, First Day of School for Grades 1-5

August 26, 2025: Day 2, EC First Day, Kindergarten Assessments

August 27, 2025: Day 3, Kindergarten Assessments

August 28, 2025: Day 4, First Day of School, Kindergarten

August 29, 2025: Day 5

September 1, 2025: Labor Day, No School, All PPS Holiday

September 2-5, 2025: Class Meetings

September 2, 2025: Day 6

September 3, 2025: Day 1

September 4, 2025: Day 2

September 5, 2025: Day 3

September 6, 2025: 2nd Annual PPS Parent University

September 12, 2025: Half Day, All Student Dismissal at 12:30 pm

September 15- October 15, 2025: Hispanic Heritage Month

September 17, 2025: September PSCC Meeting 5-6 pm, PTO Meeting 6-7 pm

September 18, 2025: 3rd Annual Take a Child to School Day

September 23, 2025: Rosh Hashanah, No School, School-Only Vacation Day

September 25, 2025: PTO Back to School Picnic 5:30 - 7:30 pm

September 26, 2025: Half Day, All Student Dismissal at 12:30 pm

The PTO has shirts for sale on-site for $10. There is a $5 additional charge for customization.

We also are continuing the online store! Purchase your gear at https://stores.inksoft.com/PittsburghMinadeoPreK5/shop/home.