Park Ridge ES: Parent Newsletter

October 31st- Surprise Outdoor Assembly for Students

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.

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’re excited to celebrate the week of Halloween with a Spirit Week full of festive fun! This is a great way to build school spirit, bring some joy to our hallways, and create memorable moments for our students.

This is a reminder that Friday is Story Book Character Day! Students and staff are encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook characters. Please remember: no masks and no weapons as part of costumes.

We are excited to share that on Wednesday, October 29th, the farm is coming to Park Ridge to visit our Kindergarteners! The farm will be set up in the parking lot near the Activity Hall/Cafeteria.

If you need to visit the school on this day, we kindly ask that you park in the front parking lot. The lot near the Activity Hall/Cafeteria will be closed for the entire day to ensure student safety.

We would love to honor your service to our country in our 2025 Veterans Day Celebration. Our Veterans Day Celebration will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025. We invite you to arrive by 8:45 AM for refreshments with our assembly beginning at 9:15 AM. If you are a Veteran or active member of our armed services and would like to participate in our Veterans Day Celebration, please complete this form with your name, branch, and rank. We would love it if you could dress in your uniform if possible. In addition to completing this form, please send a picture through email to be included in our Veteran’s Day slideshow. Submit your picture to donovanrl@staffordschools.net

Sign Up to Participate

Please submit information no later than Friday, October 31, 2025.

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.

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!