Park Ridge ES: Parent Newsletter

November 4th- Election Day (No School)

November 7th- Veterans Day Event

November 11th- Veterans Day (No School)

November 13th- Kindergarten Field Trip to Braehead

November 18th- PTO Spirit Night: Panera

November 20th- Picture Retakes

November 20th- STEAM NIGHT at PRES!!!!

November 21st- PTO Popcorn Friday

November 26th-28th- Fall Break

There is no school on Tuesday, November 4th in observance of Election Day.

Last weekend, one of our Park Ridge families experienced an unexpected loss. Our hearts go out to them during this incredibly difficult time. As a school community, we want to come together to provide care, comfort, and practical support in any way we can.

During times like these, even small gestures can make a big difference. If you feel called to help, we encourage contributions such as gift cards for food or household necessities, which can be dropped off at the front office. We will make sure these are delivered to the family.

Thank you to the Park Ridge community for showing compassion, love, and support. Your thoughtfulness and generosity help lift up our families and remind them they are not alone. Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

We are so excited to welcome our new nurse to the Park Ridge Family!

"My name is Megan Warford. I am originally from Charleston, South Carolina. I moved to Virginia in 2001 and live in Colonial Beach. I live with my husband, Tony, and our 2 kids, Jesse 11 and Aubrey 9. I have been a nurse since 2009 and have done pediatrics for all of those years except 2. I originally went to college to be a teacher. So thank you all for what you do because it is very hard and underappreciated. I love college football Saturdays and I cheer for my South Carolina Gamecocks, even though they are never very good. I love going back home to visit family. Being with my husband and kids on the water or at the beach. I am very excited to be here at PRES. So far I am loving it and appreciate everyone for being so supportive. I am looking forward to making this my home."

Welcome, Mrs. Warford!

Thank you for your support during the 2025 Trunk or Treat! We appreciate everyone who decorated a vehicle, dressed up, or donated candy. Thanks for helping make this event a huge success! 🎃

Please know that we are here to support you, your family, and our students during this time. When families are under stress, children feel it too — which is why our shared commitment to providing a safe, caring, and steady environment for every student matters now more than ever.

Here are some resources that may be helpful:

• Meal Benefits: Families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year. If income changes because of furloughs, layoffs, or job losses, families may become newly eligible. Once approved, benefits remain for the school year and into the next.

• Mental Health Support: We are committed to the wellbeing of all students and staff. Each school has a counseling department, along with an assigned school psychologist and social worker, to support students. We also provide resources and programs to help promote overall wellness in our community.

• Community Resources: Stafford County libraries and parks continue to offer free programs and activities that can benefit students, families, and staff.

Shutdowns bring stress and uncertainty, but we are not alone. Together, we will continue to support our students, our families, and one another.

We invite all Veterans or active members of the armed services who signed up to participate in our Veterans Day Celebration to arrive by 8:45 AM on November 7th, 2025 for refreshments. Our assembly will begin at 9:15 AM. We would love it if you could dress in your uniform if possible.

Please reach out with any questions to Renee Donovan, donovanrl@staffordschools.net.

We will be collecting food again for the American Legion Food Drive. Boxes will be in the lobby from November 5th - December 14th, with the food being collected by the American Legion on December 15th.

Thank you for your support!

We’re excited to share that our event will feature preplanned activity stations for students to explore—and we’d love for our families to take part! If you’re interested, you can sign up to facilitate one of these stations (we’ll provide all the details and materials). Your participation helps make this event truly special for our students. Whether you choose to attend, volunteer, or donate supplies, your support is deeply appreciated.

If you are interested in hosting, please RSVP here.

For questions or accommodations, please contact Jalita Johnson, Assistant Principal at johnsonjj@staffordschools.net/540-658-6320.

Patriot parents will soon be allowed to join their child for lunch in the cafeteria. Parents will be required to remain in the cafeteria with their student's class, and return to the office at the conclusion of lunch.

Stay tuned for more information!

🥗 November 18, 2025

🥗 4:00-8:00 PM

🥗 940 Wonder Road

25% of sales benefit the Park Ridge PTO!

The Park Ridge PTO is excited to announce the launch of the brand new Spirit Store!

Orders can be placed anytime during the year, and spirit wear will be delivered to classrooms periodically as it is delivered to the school.

Check out the brand new SWEATSHIRTS and PAJAMA PANTS! 🫶🏼🫶🏼

Spirit Wear Store

Join the PRES Spirit Council in collecting pop tabs to help support the Ronald McDonald House - Greater Washington, DC.

Their Mission:

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC) provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

Collection jars will be in classrooms beginning next week!

Stafford County Public Schools invites you to the 4th Annual Multicultural Fair on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mountain View High School!

Join us as we celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make Stafford a wonderful place to live, work, and learn.

Discover stories, performances, cultural displays, food, and fun for the whole family.