The Paw Print
Week of November 24-28 and December 1-5, 2025
School Information
School Office Hours: 7:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Bell Schedule
7:20 Breakfast is open to ALL students.
TK Early Bears - 7:50 - 12:10 M, Tu, Th, F & 7:50-12:00 W
TK Late Bears - 9:00 - 1:20 M, Tu, Th, F; 9:00-1:10 W
Grades K-6
7:50 - 2:15 M, T, Th, F
7:50 - 1:15 (every Wednesday)
Reporting an Absence
1) Call our attendance line at 714-986-7110 #3
2) Email Stacy Pinegar at spinegar@pylusd.org
Street Paving
We want to make you aware that the Public Works Department will be repairing and paving per the attached photo. The project timeframe is Nov. 17, 2025 - Jan. 1, 2026. Currently, the streets around Brookhaven ES and the backside of El Dorado HS are slated to be worked on 12/6/2025 and 12/20/2025. We will update you on any new developments as this project progresses.
What's Happening This Week
Mon.- Fri. , Nov. 24-28
Thanksgiving Break (school resumes December 1)
**LAST CALL for Brookhaven Spirit Wear on Nov. 30
Mon. , Dec. 1
School Choice Window Opens (see flyer below)
2:15 - Lego Engineering
Tue., Dec. 2
Running Club at recess (weather permitting)
6th Grade Walkthrough Ancient Civilizations
Wed., Dec. 3 - EARLY RELEASE - 1:15 dismissal
College T-Shirt Wear
1:15 - Play Rehearsals
Restaurant Night: Chipotle
6:00 - GATE Parent Information Meeting at Brookhaven MPR for GATE qualified and pending students (see flyer below)
Thurs., Dec. 4
Running Club at recess (weather permitting)
Trimester Awards
6:00 - 6th Grade Camp information Meeting at Brookhaven MPR
Fri., Dec. 5
Wear Brookhaven Spirit Wear
6th Grade Camp Payment #3 DUE
Funky Friday at Lunch
Coming Up...
12/8 - PTA Meeting
12/10 - School Choice Tour #1
12/11 - PAL Meeting
12/11 - GATE Magnet Meeting at Tynes
12/12 - School Choice Tour #2
12/19 - Bear Hug Store
12/22-1/2 - Winter Break (school resumes January 5, 2026)
Illness
The cold and flu season is upon us! Please review the following school illness guidelines to keep all of our Brookhaven Bears healthy!
Character Trait of the Month
Caring
Students understand that caring — including the virtues of compassion, kindness, benevolence, altruism, charity, generosity, and sharing — is the heart of ethics and they strive to demonstrate a concern for the well-being of others by displaying compassion for those in pain or need by providing support in the form of donations and/or personal service.
Key Beliefs
I will be a better student if I act on the following beliefs. I can
- show care and concern for others.
- be kind and considerate even when others are not.
- help find a way to help others.
- show concern for others’ well–being.
- act compassionately and with empathy.
- be willing to show mercy and forgiveness.
English Learners
Let's Talk: Notes from the School Psychologist
Supporting Learning Over Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving Break is a wonderful time for families to rest, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate gratitude. It can also be a great opportunity to keep children engaged in simple, fun activities that support learning—without feeling like extra schoolwork. Here are a few easy ways to make the break both enjoyable and educational:
1. Read Together Daily
Spend a few minutes each day reading with your child. Whether it’s a favorite picture book, a chapter from a longer story, or even a recipe, reading helps build vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
2. Invite Your Child Into the Kitchen
Cooking is a fantastic way to build math and reading skills. Let your child help measure ingredients, read directions, or set a timer. These small tasks support math concepts and following step-by-step instructions.
3. Encourage Writing
Ask your child to write a short note to someone they’re thankful for, create a grocery list with you, or keep a simple journal about their break. Writing doesn’t have to be formal—it’s all great practice!
4. Explore the Outdoors
Take a walk, visit a park, or go on a “nature scavenger hunt.” Ask your child to observe and describe what they see. This builds language skills and curiosity about the world.
5. Practice Real-World Math
Have your child help count items, compare prices at the store, or estimate how long tasks will take. These quick, everyday moments reinforce math in meaningful ways.
6. Play Games Together
Board games, card games, puzzles, and building activities all help develop problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking—and they’re fun family bonding time.
7. Talk About Traditions and Family History
Sharing stories and asking questions strengthens vocabulary, listening skills, and cultural understanding. Kids love hearing about childhood memories, family traditions, and favorite holiday moments.
With a little creativity, learning can stay active throughout the break while still feeling relaxed and enjoyable. Most importantly, enjoy your time together—connection is one of the most meaningful ways to support your child’s growth. Happy Thanksgiving!
Attendance
We are thankful for you!
As we prepare to take time off from school for the Thanksgiving break, we want to share our gratitude for everyone in our school community. Your partnership makes it possible for students to come to school every day, on time and ready to learn.
Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to connect with peers and teachers, and to grow personally, socially and academically.
We are thankful for:
Our students and their families who show up to school regularly, even when it isn’t easy.
Our staff who go above and beyond to help make school a welcoming learning environment and help us stay safe, connected and excited about learning.
Our many healers and helpers from support staff and volunteers who provide the extra hands and attention our students need.
We appreciate each one of you. If your family or your child needs support, please reach out to Principal Laura Fisher at LFisher@pylusd.org.
We are grateful for everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra days off during this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you again when school resumes on Monday, December 1, 2025
Thank you for partnering with us!
6th Grade News
Tuffree Orientation
Sixth grade orientation and parent info night for Tuffree Middle School will be on February 24th. More info to come. If you would like to schedule a campus tour at TMS, you can do that here. Please reach out to Ms. Barton directly with any questions you may have sbarton@pylusd.org.
PYLUSD Civility Policy
Promoting Respectful Communication
At PYLUSD, we believe that respect and kindness create the best environment for learning and collaboration. Our goal is to ensure all interactions among parents, staff, students, and visitors are positive, professional, and focused on supporting students.
Our Shared Commitment
• Treat one another with respect and courtesy.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
• Communicate calmly, constructively, and respectfully.
• Work together toward positive solutions.
What We Expect
• Avoid shouting, profanity, or threats.
• Do not disrupt school activities or meetings.
• If emotions run high, we may pause the conversation and reschedule.
When Behavior Becomes Disruptive
Unsafe, threatening, or abusive behavior may result in being asked to leave campus. Continued issues could limit access to school grounds, and law enforcement may be contacted if necessary.
Our Promise
Brookhaven staff are committed to:
• Listening with empathy and professionalism.
• Modeling civility for our students and community.
• Working with you to resolve concerns respectfully.
Thank you for helping us create a safe, positive, and respectful school environment for everyone!
Musical
Important Musical Dates
Rehearsal Dates: 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3*, 12/10*, 1/7*, 1/14*, 1/21* (*kinder joins)
Tech & Show Week: 1/25-31/26
Brookhaven PTA
PTA has some amazing events and activities planned for us this year! Here are a few things coming up:
* Yearbook sales
* Spirit Wear Sales
* Ice Cream Sales every Friday ($1)
Spirit Wear - Store REOPENED!
PTA has re-opened the spirit wear store! The shop is open now until 11/30 and items should arrive 12/15 - right before winter break. This would make a great gift for your student or favorite Brookhaven supporter!
Yearbook
Make sure to follow us on social media and keep an eye out for photo submission links for the yearbook throughout the year!
JOIN PTA!
CareerLink & Academies Pathways
Did you know that Valencia High School offers a Val Tech Program with pathways in the Computer Sciences; Arts, Media and Entertainment; and Business and Finance? Check out their video and visit their website to learn more about it! Please contact the Principal, Chris Herzfeld at cherzfeld@pylusd.org for more information.
District News
School Choice Transfer Window Opens December 1
The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) is pleased to share that the School Choice Transfer Request period for the 2026–2027 school year will open earlier than in previous years—beginning December 1, 2025.
During this time, families of current or incoming Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 12th-grade students who wish to attend a PYLUSD school other than their school of residence may submit a School Choice Transfer Request for the 2026–2027 school year.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) -12 School Choice Transfer Request Window
Dates: December 1, 2025 – January 16, 2026
Notification Date: On or before February 13, 2026
Families are encouraged to submit their transfer requests during this priority window to ensure full consideration. Requests received after January 16, 2026, will be placed on a waitlist and considered only if space becomes available.
Please note:
New students should first enroll at their school of residence before submitting a School Choice Transfer Request.
Transfer requests submitted during the priority window are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis. All requests received within the window are considered equally.
Transfer approvals are based on space availability. Some schools may be deemed “impacted” due to high enrollment and may have limited capacity for new transfers.
Beginning December 1, 2025, families may submit School Choice Transfer Requests electronically through Informed K12. The application link will be available on the district’s School Choice Transfers webpage at that time.
For additional information about School Choice Transfers—including frequently asked questions and eligibility requirements—please visit www.pylusd.org/schoolchoice.
Community News
Resources if you are facing food instabiltiy
OC Second Harvest Food Bank provides support across Orange County.
Second Harvest Food Bank, as of 10/13/2025. There is no limit to the number of food distribution locations families can visit.