Pray-Woodman Elementary School

Come share your ideas, ask questions or simply learn more about PTO. We’d love to have you join us at the school from 5:30–6:30 p.m.!

Start the new school year with a night of fun for the whole family! Enjoy unlimited go-kart rides, laser tag, mini golf, and bumper cars for just $20 per person. Arcade games and concessions will also be available.

Food trucks will be on-site for families to enjoy!

September

• 3 Fall Picture Day
• 3 PTO Meeting 5:30 – 6:30 pm
• 7 NO School Labor Day
• 10 PTO Spirit night at 5:00 – 8:00 pm All Star Sports
• 21-25 Spirit Week Different Abilities, Same PRIDE
• 29 PTO Chipotle Spirit Night 4 – 8 pm

At Pray-Woodman Elementary, we know that showing up matters, and not just for the big field trip days or holiday parties! Every single day at school is a chance for your child to learn, grow, and connect with friends and teachers.

Did you know…

• Missing just 2 days a month adds up to nearly 20 days in a school year—that’s like missing an entire month of learning!
• Students who miss 10% or more of the school year (about 18 days) are considered “chronically absent,” and research shows that these students are more likely to fall behind in reading and math.
• Even excused absences can have the same impact on learning as unexcused ones, because no matter the reason, being present in class is what helps kids stay on track.

Think of it like a puzzle: every school day is a piece. When too many pieces are missing, the picture just doesn’t come together the same way.

What You Can Do:

• Try to schedule appointments after school when possible.
• Save vacations for school breaks.
• Encourage good sleep routines so mornings feel easier.
• Talk positively about school—kids notice!

Together, we can help every student build strong habits now that set them up for success for years to come.

Let’s make this year one of the best, one school day at a time!

Visit our website at www.usd266.com/pws.

Connect with Ms. Dow at tdow@usd266.com or call 316-721-0902.

Pray-Woodman Elementary School is located at 605 W. Academy Ave. in Maize.

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Hello, PWS Families!

Can you believe we’re already in September? It has been wonderful having our building filled with students again! These first few weeks have been full of excitement, learning, and lots of practice as students get comfortable with classroom routines and building-wide expectations.

As we head into our third week of school, I want to take a moment to talk about something we may be seeing at home—big feelings about coming to school. After more than 20 years in education, there is one thing I know about September: kids are tired…and honestly, so are the grown-ups!

You may see some extra tears, frustration, or even a little resistance when it’s time to come to school. This is normal. Starting a new school year is a big transition, and it takes time for everyone to settle into a new routine.

Please know that you don’t have to navigate those challenges alone. If your child is having a difficult time with the transition to school or you would like some support, we are here for you! Our PWS support team is incredible. We have two full-time counselors, a student support liaison, and a social worker, all with amazing skills and experience to help students and families work through big feelings, build confidence, and make the transition back to school a little easier.

Thank you for partnering with us as we help your child find their rhythm this school year. We are so happy to have them here, and I truly look forward to seeing their smiling faces each and every day!

Visit our website at www.usd266.com/pws.

Connect with Mrs. Harris at charris@usd266.com or call 316-721-0902.

Pray-Woodman Elementary School is located at 605 W. Academy Ave. in Maize.

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Fall picture packages were sent home this week—be sure to check your child’s backpack!

How to order:

Cash or check – Return the packet to your child’s classroom teacher.

Online – Visit Inter-State Studio and enter code 0476FBB.

Need help with your order? Visit inter-state.com/support.

After Picture Day:

Parents will receive an email with a link to view their child's picture and order online. Photos will be delivered approximately 3-4 weeks.

The Pray-Woodman PTO has launched a new spirit wear line featuring PWS gear for students, families and staff. The online store is open through Sept. 13.

Shop the PWS spirit wear collection

Pray-Woodman PTO Fall Clean-Up Fundraiser is underway! Families can stock up on trash bags while supporting PWS PTO and the activities and events they provide throughout the school year.

Maslow’s Pantry is here to support Maize students and families who may be experiencing food or clothing insecurity. If you or someone you know could use support, please use the link below to access resources and request assistance.

Want to support Maslow’s Pantry? The same link also includes information about how you can donate and help provide essential items to families in our community.

Find support or learn how you can help!

Pray-Woodman will be celebrating Different Abilities, Same PRIDE Spirit Week! Throughout the week, students will enjoy engaging activities in their specials classes (Library, Music, PE, and STEAM) that encourage empathy, understanding, and respect for people with different abilities.

Our goal is to help students celebrate the unique strengths each person brings to our community, while fostering a school culture of kindness, inclusion, and PRIDE in one another.

Join us Tuesday, September 29, from 4–8 p.m. at Chipotle. Order online for pickup using code T7LK2DX or show this flyer in the restaurant. Thank you for supporting Pray-Woodman.

We'd love to hear your input and welcome your help in any way! Ready to join PWS PTO? Fill out our online form here, no commitment and no fees:

If you or someone you know would like to join PTO and help make our children's school life a success, email us at pwspto@yahoo.com or tdow@usd266.com! Feel free to SHARE, and we hope to see you at the meeting!

Dillons Community Rewards: Register your Dillon's Plus Card with "Pray-Woodman Elementary Parent Teacher Organization" and it automatically donates a percentage to PWS every-time you shop! Our organization number is TH774.

The Box Tops app makes it easy to earn cash for our school just by scanning receipts from everyday products you already buy. Every little scan helps provide resources and programs that benefit our Pray-Woodman Pride!

Discover how easy it is to help at boxtops4education.com!

Student Sign In / Sign Out

Pray-Woodman uses a paperless form for student sign-ins and sign-outs to better protect student and family privacy. Please use your cell phone to scan the QR code in the office and fill out the form.

Please call the Pray-Woodman student pick-up line at (316) 721-0902 (option 5) by 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. For Wednesday, please call by 2 p.m.

All visitors and volunteers wishing to enter the school during school hours must enter through the office and present a government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license). This includes parents, guardians, and grandparents. Please allow extra time for us to either scan your ID or look up your information if you're already in our system.

Name Tags and Lanyards

All students and staff are required to wear a personalized name tag and school lanyard. If your child needs a replacement, teachers will notify you. The cost for a replacement name tag or lanyard is $3 each. Please send payment with your child—either in cash, check, or via Skyward. If you have any questions, feel free to call the school office at 316-721-0902.