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

We are filled with gratitude after our Veterans Day Celebration.

Thank you to every family who joined us, spoke at the event, and helped us honor our heroes with such amazing turnout! Your participation turned the event into a truly meaningful celebration, showing the next generation the power of unity, patriotism, and deep respect for service. We are so proud of our community and the spirit you brought to the day!

There is no school on Tuesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day.

Parents and guardians, please send your student with weather appropriate clothing, and don't forget a coat! 🍂

Picture Retake Day will be Thursday, November 20th. Please let your child's teacher know if you would like them to participate in picture retakes.

Check out what's happening in the library!

What an incredible day at the Girls on the Run 5K last week at the Fredericksburg Nationals stadium! Our girls ran, walked, and cheered their hearts out — showing just how strong, confident, and determined they’ve become through this amazing program.

Girls on the Run teaches so much more than running — it’s about teamwork, goal setting, self-confidence, and celebrating every step along the way. We are so proud of each participant for crossing that finish line and embodying the spirit of joy, courage, and perseverance.

A huge THANK YOU for our Girl on the Run leaders, Mrs. Gallant, Ms. Hines, Ms. Hargrove, and Ms. Brown Robinson. Your dedication and time made all the difference for our team.

Here’s to the girls who run the world — and to the coaches, families, and volunteers who helped make it all possible!

We are preparing to have a wonderful STEAM night for our PRES families. There are a few stations where we have the opportunity to include parent volunteers. The stations are ready made and do not require any prework on your part. Instructions and materials are already packaged for these stations. All we're missing is you!

Follow the link to SIGN UP to facilitate a station.

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

Check out these amazing outfits, and a huge shout out to our amazing kindergarten team for celebrating this milestone every year!

The Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities workshop is designed to help parents understand the important choices that can shape their child’s school experience and future success. You’ll learn what key decisions come up during your child’s educational journey — and when it’s the right time to start thinking about them. Don’t wait — space is limited, so we encourage everyone to register as soon as possible!

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.

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 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!

This is a FREE event sponsored by the Park Ridge PTO for all students.

🥗 November 18, 2025

🥗 4:00-8:00 PM

🥗 940 Wonder Road

25% of sales benefit the Park Ridge PTO!

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.