Panther Pulse
October 21, 2026
Changes to Dismissal and Parking
A number of people noticed challenges with our arrival and dismissal traffic earlier this year. We reached out to the security department and had a formal traffic study completed. The results of the study, noted that there were no unsafe conditions, but they made a few recommendations to improve our school's traffic. Starting on Wednesday, November 4th Penn will be adopting a No Pick up after 3:30 pm policy. This will reduce congestion in the office as well as reduce movement of cars in the front. The second change involves parking when picking up or dropping off students. Visitor Parking and Staff Parking will flip flop. The spaces closest to the school will now be reserved and used by staff. The next row will be for visitor parking. Cars that come to park and pick up will now be away from the car rider line. This will reduce people backing out into the car rider line. It will also, funnel pedestrians to use the crosswalk. These changes will take a little while to get used to, but if we are all patient and take our time, the new flow will be better for everyone and keep our students and families safe.
PTO Trunk or Treat
Reminder that Friday, October 23rd is our PTO Trunk or Treak. It is a wonderful free family event where children can dress up and collect candy from our volunteers cars. It is set up inside the bus loop in the back of the school. Please refer to the multiple hand outs for specifics. It is 5:30-Dark.
Thank you PTO
Literacy Spirit Week Oct 26 - Oct 30
There was some confusion about Spirit week this month and we apologize for the change. Our Spirt Week in October is build around literacy and it will be Oct 26-Oct 30. It culminates with students wearing costumes on Friday October 30th as part of Book Character Dress-Up Day. Here is a break down of the week.
Monday Oct 26 - Cozy up with a good book - Wear comfy clothes
Tuesday Oct 27 - Hats off to Reading Day - Wear your favorite hat, cap, bow etc
Wednesday Oct 28 - Read the Rainbow Day - Wear your grade level's Color:
K - Red; 1st Orange; 2nd Yellow; 3rd is Green; 4th is Blue; 5th is Purple -
Thursday Oct 29 - Words Have Power Day - Wear a shirt with a message on it.
Friday Oct 30 - Book Character Dress Up Day - Dress like your favorite character. REMEMBER:
School Appropriate Costumes; No Mask that cover the face; No weapons or weapon look-alikes
ParentVUE APP - Check in / out
We have instituted a new check in/out system for parents when picking up or dropping off your child. To use the system easily, parents need the ParentVue App on their phone. The App is available either for Apple phones or Android. Get the app, sign in and you will be ready for a smooth pick up or drop off. Thanks,
Veterans Day Celebration
At PENN we celebrate our Veterans every year. We ask all veterans, active duty, retired, former military to join us in this important recognition. This year, on Tuesday, November 10th we start with Pastries for Patriots where veterans and their children can join us in the library for coffee, juice, and donuts from 9:00-9:25. At 9:45 the whole school will have an assembly by the flag pole. Each service will be recognized by our chorus. Please join us and help our student appreciate our veterans.
Thank You,
Dr. Elliot F. Bolles
Principal
Aprale Gonsalves
Assistant Principal
K'Shaki Middleton
Administrative Intern
PENN Elementary, 12980 Queen Chapel Road, Woodbridge VA 22193 - 703-590-0344