Frog News

Welcome to Week 2! We have experienced such a wonderful start to the school year, with our dedicated staff focusing on creating vibrant learning communities and building a deep sense of belonging for every child. Along with fostering those connections, our focus has been ensuring safety and clear expectations both inside our classrooms and across all our common areas.

It has been a joy to watch our community in action this week. I have seen experienced Penny Creek students guiding new friends in the lunchroom, and our thoughtful 4th and 5th graders stepping up to walk our brand-new kindergarteners to their classrooms on their very first day. Around the building, our halls are filled with joyful engagement, tons of smiles, and immense pride in student work. A special thank you to our incredible parent volunteers who have been present to support our students and staff during arrival, during lunch and recess, and throughout the day. It is truly a gift to be a part of the Penny Creek comm(unity)!

As we settle into our routines, please take a moment to review a few respectful reminders so we can keep our school running smoothly and safely together:

• Safety & Parking Lot Expectations: Safety is our utmost priority. Please follow the directions of the adults in safety vests in the parking lot. We ask that everyone remain patient, stay aware of surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, and continue moving forward in the drop-off and pick-up line. Please remain inside your car—our staff and volunteers will gladly help your student get to and from your vehicle! If your child is a bus rider, please continue to help them memorize and practice their bus route number.
• Dismissal Plan Changes: While our front office team always does their best to communicate schedule updates, we cannot guarantee that end-of-day dismissal changes will reach a student in time if the call is made late in the afternoon. Thank you for helping us by communicating any changes as early in the day as possible!
• Healthy Lunch Options: The drinks we choose can make a big difference in how we feel and learn. Students are encouraged to bring healthy beverages with their lunches, such as water, milk, or juice. We do not recommend sodas and caffeinated energy drinks at school. Choosing healthy drinks helps students stay hydrated, focused, and prepared for a successful day of learning.
• Get Involved: PTA & Natural Leaders
• Support Our PCE PTA: If you are able, please consider joining our PTA! Joining helps you remain involved, demonstrates support for our school, and is a fun way to meet other parents. Joining the PTA is a wonderful way to show gratitude for everything they do for our Penny Creek community—there is no requirement to attend meetings, though we would love to have more parents and caregivers present! Our first meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 21 at 5:45 PM in the school library.
• Natural Leaders Program: We have such an amazing Natural Leaders program at Penny Creek! Natural Leaders serves as a vital bridge between our school and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds to ensure we are supporting families in understanding how to navigate school, get connected with others, and feel a true sense of belonging. The great news? You can be a part of both the PTA and Natural Leaders!
• Curriculum Night (Wednesday, September 23): Please mark your calendars for Penny Creek Curriculum Night! Curriculum Night is a wonderful opportunity to learn about your child’s classroom routines, units of study, and what to expect during the year. You will hear directly from your child’s teacher and meet other families in the same class. It is an important night of learning and community, and we hope you will join us! Please look for more details coming soon from your child’s classroom teacher about specific times and the forma for the evening.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to making Penny Creek such an extraordinary place to learn and grow.

Better Together,

Dr. Liz Ritz

Principal, Penny Creek Elementary

ERitz@everettsd.org

It has been amazing getting to know your special children! Greeting smiling faces, seeing learning happen in the classroom, watching students play kindly at recess. Your students are already showing Penny Creek PRIDE!

Please know that we will keep you updated via ParentSquare often and know that you can always reach out to us. Below are some helpful tips to simplify your life with these essential apps.

Download these apps for free:

• ParentVUE: Your one-stop portal for student information

ParentVUE is your one-stop shop for information about your student’s academic life, including grades, schedules, calendars, test scores, attendance and more. Learn more here.

On August 2, Synergy was updated to the latest version. Families will need to update their ParentVUE app to the newest version. When you open the app, you will be prompted to select "Update" and follow the prompts. Instructions here.

• ParentSquare: Your go-to communications hub

• MyStop: Your school bus tracker

Track your student’s bus in real time and plan your morning with ease. Learn more here.

Colleen Williams

Assistant Principal, Penny Creek Elementary

CWilliams@everettsd.org

Wednesday, September 2

• First Day of School Grades 1 - 5

• Learning Improvement Friday - Student Dismissal at 2:15 p.m.

• No School - Labor Day Holiday

• First Day of School for Kindergarten

• Spirit Day - Frog Friday
• Learning Improvement Friday - Student Dismissal at 2:15 p.m.
• PTA Back to School Night 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Friday, September 18

• PTA Popcorn Friday
• Learning Improvement Friday - Student Dismissal at 2:15 p.m.

Monday, September 21

• PTA General Meeting 5:45 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Wednesday, September 23

• Curriculum Night
• Grades K, 1, 2 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
• Grades 3, 4, 5, & Judd 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

Friday, September 25

• Learning Improvement Friday - Student Dismissal at 2:15 p.m.

• Natural Leaders Meet Up 6:00 p.m. Library

For accuracy of your student's records, complete the Information Update Form!

This important process gives families the opportunity to review and update student and guardian details to ensure school records remain accurate and current.

Why is this important?

• Emergency Contact & Safety: Accurate phone numbers, addresses, and emergency contacts allow us to reach you quickly when it matters most.
• Preferences & Permissions: Families can choose to opt in or out of information sharing with colleges and military recruiters, and update family meal status, which can qualify students for reduced fees for athletics and ASB activities.
• Health Information: Keeping medical conditions, allergies, and medication information up to date helps us maintain your child’s safety during the school day.
• Communication: Correct contact information ensures you receive school announcements, teacher communications, report cards, and district updates.
• Legal & Custody Information: Confirming guardian rights and permissions helps protect your student’s well-being. Guardian information may include a default value from the system conversion, which may not always be accurate.
  
  

What you need to do:

1. Log in to the ParentVUE portal.

2. On a computer browser, click “Online Registration” in the top-right corner. In the app, tap the “Online Registration” icon twice to open it in a new window.

3. Select Annual Information Update Form and review student record(s).

4. Make any necessary changes and click Submit.

If you have problems logging in to ParentVUE, please open a Help Desk ticket for support.

Thank you for your time and partnership in keeping our student records accurate.

Welcome to the 2026-27 school year!

Please review the updated Penny Creek A to Z Student Handbook for important schoolwide information.

The Transportation Department uses the Versatrans My Stop application for bus route tracking and information. The Versatrans My Stop application provides you with an estimated time of arrival for your student's school bus. Please continue to arrive at the scheduled bus stop location 5 minutes prior to the scheduled stop time.

Kindergarten students will not be dropped off at their bus stop if a parent/guardian is not at the bus stop to meet them unless a Permission to Release Student at Bus Stop and Release of Responsibility has been completed for processing.

For more Transportation forms, please visit the Transportation "Contact Us" webpage.

Transportation@everettsd.org

425-385-4144

Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year Penny Creek Families!

Welcome to a brand-new school year and new beginnings! Whether you're returning to Penny Creek or joining our school for the first time, we are so happy to have you as part of our learning community.

Dr. Anana and Mr. Richert are your school counselors, and we’re here to support your child through all the ups and downs of the school year - academically, socially, and emotionally. Our role is to help every student feel safe, confident, and capable of doing their best in and out of the classroom.

How We Support Students:
✔ Classroom lessons focused on the prevention of bullying, how to stay safe at school & home, career exploration, and emotional wellness.

✔ Small groups to build skills like friendship, self-regulation, stress management, & more.
✔ One-on-one check-ins for students who need extra support.
✔ Resources for families navigating challenges or transitions.

We believe that strong partnerships with families is key for student success. So, if you have a concern, a question, or something important to share about your student - please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Let’s make this upcoming school year a joyful, successful, and meaningful one for all our Penny Creek students. We’re so grateful to be on this journey with you!

📞 How to Contact Us

✉️ Dr. Christy Anana
Phone: 425-385-7210
Email: canana@everettsd.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday/ 8:25am to 3:55pm

✉️ Robert Richert
Phone: 425-385-7220
Email: rrichert2@everettsd.org

Office Hours: Tues., Thurs. and some Fridays/ 8:25am to 3:55pm

Penny Creek Elementary School Counseling Webpage: PCE Counseling

Your PTA Board is already up and running and looking forward to a fun school year! Join the PTA to show support and consider volunteering.

Our first event, Back to School Night, is a perfect family night filled with fun activities and getting to see classmates outside of school! Join us from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11 and consider volunteering for a shift that night! We will have chalk, bubbles, temporary tattoos and our 5th grade fundraising committee will be selling pizza. And for the first time, we will have a "pre-season" Penny Creek Pacers Run. Families are encouraged to go down to the field and run or walk just like the kids do during Pacers!

On, September 21 at 5:45 p.m. in the PCE Library, we have our first PTA general meeting. We will be discussing our budget, fundraising needs, projects, upcoming events and volunteering needs. Meet other parents and have a chance to learn about what is happening at the school!

As you know we are a volunteer organization and all the events and programs we support are made possible through donations. Our main fundraiser kicks-off September 22 and the celebration is October 1. Last year, we were able to provide additional teacher grants, the new Gaga Ball Pit and a laminator that all staff use! If you have questions, please email pennycreekpta@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

2026-2027 PTA Board

ARRIVAL: supervision will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Parent drop off (Ferry Lanes) - drive up while remaining in the car.

• This is supervised until 9:10 a.m.
• Enter the parking lot through the west entrance.
• Turn right into the Parent drop off lane loop.
• Follow the Parent drop off lane around in front of the gym. Pulling forward to the undercover playground area.
• Stay in the right lane, making sure to drive slowly.
• Driver remains in the car.
• When the car comes to a complete stop, the student unloads from the passenger curb side door.
• Students will walk through the undercover area and on to the campus.
• Driver departs from the Parent drop off by following the lane to the west exit on to 132nd Street SE.

Parking car at main parking lot and drop off student.

• Park car in main parking lot and walk on to campus using the crosswalk.
• Parents walk students to the front iron gate drop off point by the office (blue area on map).

Arrival after 9:15 a.m. - park your vehicle and walk with your student into the office. A guardian or designee will need to sign in your student at the office. Students arriving after 9:15 a.m. will be tardy.

DISMISSAL: begins at 3:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 2:15 p.m. Friday

Parent pick up (Ferry Lanes) - drive up & pick up while remaining in the car.

• This is supervised until 3:40 p.m.
• Enter the parking lot through the west entrance.
• Turn right into the Parent pick up lane loop. There are three ferry style lanes to wait in.
• Penny Creek staff member will release each ferry lane in an orderly manner.
• When the lane is released, follow the Parent pick up line to the front of the undercover playground area.
• Make sure to drive slowly and to pull as far forward as possible. Students will be waiting in the undercover area.
• Driver remains in the car.
• When the car comes to a complete stop, the student will load into the car from the passenger curb side door.
• Driver departs from the Parent pick up by following the lane to the west exit on 132nd Street SE.

Parking car at main parking lot to pick up students at departure time.

• Park car in main parking lot and walk on to campus using the crosswalk.
• Parents wait for students to be released from the doors located between Office and Kindergarten Playground (green area on map).

If your student is absent or tardy from school, please report your students absence in your ParentVUE account (preferred) or email the attendance office at pceattendance@everettsd.org to let us know the reason for the absence or tardy.

• Absences must be reported (by email or note) within 5 calendar days after a student returns back to school, not including Holidays or weekends, in order to have the absence reviewed to be excused.
• Automated attendance calls will be sent out daily at 10 a.m. If your student will be absent or tardy you must notify the office before 9:15 a.m. If it is reported after this time, you may receive the automated call.
• Please view the Everett School District Attendance Procedure 3122P for more information (including definitions of absences).
• Did you have a medical appointment for your child, or they were sick, and you brought them to the doctor? If so, make sure to ask for a medical note from the provider. Email the note to the attendance office so those absences can be coded as a medical note excused absence.
• Please fill out a Prearranged Absence Form if your student will be going on vacation/traveling or will miss school for an extended period of time. As per district policy, the principal or designee may excuse up to five (5) school days for a prearranged absence per student each school year.

If your student needs to leave before the end of the school day, email the school office at PennyCreek@everettsd.org in advance. Please include in your email message:

• The specific DATE
  
• The TIME you will pick up your student. Please know, we will call your student to the office once you have arrived to the school.
  
• WHO will be picking up your student. If an adult designee is coming to pick up your student, an email from the guardian needs to be sent to confirm the information.

For the safety and security of students, we will ask for photo identification.

If the plan on how your student is going home at the end of the school day changes, we ask that a guardian sends an email to the school office at PennyCreek@everettsd.org and the classroom teacher by 2:45 pm.

Please include in your email message:

• name of your student
• name of their teacher
• details of the the change of plan
  
  

Our office will deliver this information to your student. This method of communication helps to support our staff with accurate dismissal information.

MISSION STATEMENT: The Penny Creek staff, in partnership with our students, families and communities, ensures high levels of learning for all students.

VISION STATEMENT: We will implement equitable practices, enabling students to:

• develop emotional health and well-being, self-advocacy, and skills that create connection, belonging and purpose.
• build respectful relationships by showing kindness, compassion, and integrity.
• demonstrate curiosity and persevere through challenges and rigorous learning opportunities.
• think critically, both independently and collaboratively, to solve problems, maintain healthy communities, and become life-long learners.
• acquire knowledge and skills needed to succeed in middle school and beyond.