Wildcat Weekly- 8/31-9/4

Message from Mrs. LeMaster 🐾
Dear Pomerado Families,
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Friday Flag and Principal’s Coffee! It was wonderful to see so many families on campus, connect with our community, and start this new school tradition together. I’m grateful for the opportunity to get to know more of our Pomerado families and share a little time together.
This was certainly a warm week! Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we made adjustments to help keep our students comfortable and safe during the heat. We are looking forward to some cooler weather ahead!
As we continue settling into the school year, I’m so proud of the way our students are learning, growing, and demonstrating PRIDE each day. Please continue talking with your child about Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Demonstrating Gratitude, and Empathy and asking them how they are showing PRIDE at school.
Thank you for being such an important part of our Pomerado community. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
Lauren LeMaster
Attendance Changes: Excused vs Unexcused Absences
Attendance Matters!
We’d like to share some helpful clarification about excused vs. unexcused absences, make-up work, and chronic absenteeism. A parent/guardian reporting an absence does not automatically make it excused, as California law determines which reasons qualify.
Our attached letter provides important information about:
- What qualifies as an excused or unexcused absence
- Make-up work and grading
- How all absences—excused and unexcused—count toward chronic absenteeism
Thank you for partnering with us to support regular attendance and student success!
🐾 2026–2027 Volunteer Updates! 🐾
Want to volunteer at Pomerado this school year? We’re excited to welcome our Wildcat volunteers back! 💙
Before applying, please note these important updates:
📋 New application: All volunteers (new and returning) must complete the 2026–2027 application.
🪪 Photo ID required: Upload a current government-issued photo ID (military ID is not accepted). Your application name must match your ID exactly.
🩺 UPDATED TB clearance: All volunteers are required to provide TB clearance using the California School Employee TB Risk Assessment Questionnaire
We can no longer accept physician notes, patient portal screenshots, blood test results submitted without the required questionnaire, or other forms of TB verification.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- A completed California School Employee Tuberculosis Risk Assessment Questionnaire
- A clearance chest X-ray report, if required based on the assessment
📚 AB 1913 Training Required for Level 1 Volunteers training must be completed within 90 days of applying, with the certificate uploaded to your application. Please see our 2026-27 Volunteer Information sheet for information regarding completing this training.
⏰ Please be patient! Volunteer applications will be processed as our school routines and procedures are established. We will try out best to have your application reviewed and approved within 5 business days.
We appreciate your patience and support as we get the new school year underway!
School Picture Day is Coming Soon 📸
School Picture Day is coming up on Tuesday, September 8! Flyers with ordering information will be coming home soon. If your student is absent, Make-Up Picture Day will be Tuesday, September 15.
🐾 Character Strong: Respect
This month, our Character Strong focus is Respect—seeing the value in all people and things and treating them with care. Talk with your family about what Respect means to you and how you can practice it together!
Respect is one of three traits we’ll explore this year as we help our Wildcats Be Kind, build relationships, resolve conflicts, and become leaders. We focus on our character trait of Respect from August 24th through September 18th. Please see attached Respect newsletter which highlights what students are learning and practicing at school.
Community Corner
Learn more about our onsite Parent and Community Liaison Bilingual!
See attached introduction to Mrs. Lluvia Delgado
Caring Connections Parent Education Opportunities
Our district’s Caring Connections Parent Education website has new and exciting courses being offered. Check the website at the beginning of each term for the new courses offered to parents, families, and our school community; scholarship opportunities may be available. Click HERE to view the PUSD CCC Parent Education Fall Courses.
🐾 PAWs 🐾
🐾 First PAWS Foundation Meeting of the School Year! 🐾
Join us for our first PAWS Foundation Meeting of the school year! Whether you are a returning family or new to Pomerado Elementary, all parents, guardians, and staff are welcome.
First PAWS Foundation Meeting of the School Year
When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Pomerado MPR (Multi-Purpose Room)
We look forward to seeing you there as we launch a fantastic new school year together!
🍔 5th Grade Booster Restaurant Night: Mendocino Farms! 🥗
🍦 A Big Thank You from the 5th Grade Boosters! 🍨
Thank you so much to everyone who came out to Handel's Ice Cream to support our 5th Grade Booster fundraiser! 🐾✨
Our next Restaurant Night: Mendocino Farms!
Take a break from cooking and support our 5th graders! Head over to Mendocino Farms for lunch, dinner, or a quick bite, and a portion of all eligible sales will go directly to support our 5th Grade Boosters. 🎒✨
🗓️ Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM to Close
📍 Location: Mendocino Farms 10715 Scripps Poway Parkway
🍦Ice Cream Social is Back! 🍨✨
Get ready for one of our favorite Pomerado traditions! Join us for the return of the Pomerado Ice Cream Social— Friday, September 4, 2026! The perfect way to cool off, kick off the long holiday weekend, and catch up with school friends and families! 🎒🐾
Time for a Closet Clean-Out! 👕👗
Got clothes your kids have outgrown? We are collecting gently used clothing for our upcoming Rewear Sale, and we need your help!
This is a great way to clear out closets, support our school community, and help families gear up for the season with affordable clothing options.
Donation Details:
Dates: September 8th – September 18th
Drop-off Location: Front Office
What to Donate: Clean, gently worn clothing of all types and sizes (shirts, pants, jackets, spirit wear, costumes ,etc.) in good condition.
Start gathering your donations and drop them in the collection bin in the front office starting Tuesday, September 8th. Thank you for your support in making this event a success!
Bingo!!!!
Save the Date: Pomerado Bingo Night! 🎱Mark your calendars for an evening of fun, prizes, and community! Join us for Bingo Night on Thursday, September 17th.
It’s the perfect chance to gather with fellow Wildcat families, play a few rounds, and win some great prizes.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, September 17th
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Pomerado Elementary MPR
🏈 Pomerado Night at the SDSU Aztecs Football Game! 🔴⚫
Join us at Snapdragon Stadium to cheer on Aztec Football and support Pomerado Elementary! A portion of every ticket purchased through our special link goes directly back to the Pomerado Elementary School Foundation. 🎒✨
📅 Event Details
🗓️ Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
⏰ Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Snapdragon Stadium
Your donations make a HUGE difference in our classrooms, and we want to make every cent count for your kids!
This year, in lieu of providing supplies from a traditional list, we ask each family to donate $30–$40 (or any amount you are able to contribute) to our individual classroom supply funds. Money will be used to purchase school supplies throughout the school year.
Why the change? We’ve found this is not only a cheaper and easier option for families, but it also ensures each teacher can purchase exactly what the class needs, when it's needed, with nothing going to waste! 💵✏️📌
How to Donate:
- Methods: Cash, checks, or Amazon Gift Cards
- When: Donations can be dropped off during the first weeks of school or after Back to School Night
- Checks: Please make checks payable to Pomerado Elementary School Foundation
🛒Prefer to shop a physical list instead? If you would still prefer to shop a list yourself, you can check out the items needed per grade level here.
🔗https://pomerado.powayusd.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3788722&type=d&pREC_ID=2450769
Note: All donations are voluntary; a donation is not required to participate in any school activity.
Thank you so much for your support! ❤️
🎉Back by Popular Demand: Birthday Banners!🎉
🎉Celebrate your student’s special day in a big way! By popular demand, our custom Birthday Banners are back for the school year. Show your child some extra love on their birthday with a personalized banner displayed right at school.🎂
Spaces and dates fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve yours early!
August & September Menus
Save The Date 🗓️
Monday, September 7- Labor Day ~ No School
Tuesday, September 8- School Picture Day
Wednesday, September 9- 5:30-7 pm PAWs Meeting (MPR)
Tuesday, September 15- Picture "Make Up" Day
Thursday, September 17- 5:30-7 pm Bingo Night (MPR)
Pomerado Elementary Contact Information
12321 Ninth Street, Poway CA 92064
Principal: Mrs. Lauren LeMaster
Office Contacts
Office Number: (858) 748-1320
Lorena Leonard (Office Manager) lleonard@powayusd.com
ESS: (858) 679-8946
Marcella Clark (ESS Supervisor) maclark@powayusd.com
Attendance
Attendance Hotline
(858) 679-2604
Attendance Email
A students absence should be reported within 24 hours. When calling or emailing; please state your name, relationship to student, student name, teacher, and reason for absence.