JANUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER

Happy 2026!
We are thrilled to have our students embark on continued opportunities of learning, growth, and community. In this newsletter, you’ll find notifications of upcoming events, school celebrations, and other pertinent information.

We hope you find this newsletter informative and helpful. Let's make the 2nd semester the best yet!

Welcome back, families, and Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome our students back to school as we begin the second half of the year together. As we return, our focus is on teaching, learning, and making sure every child continues to grow and succeed. This time of year is important as we build on the progress already made and set goals for the months ahead. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we move forward!

Best wishes,

Dr. Michele O'Steen, Principal

Join us for Family BINGO Night on Thursday, January 22nd! It's bound to be a time of great fun with one of everyone's favorite games!

The cost to participate is $5.00, and the proceeds will benefit the Panda Elites Cheer Team. Mark your calendars now, and make plans to attend!

Each month, students are recognized for consistently exhibiting positive behavior. Our PBIS celebration intentionally includes a time of special fun and surprises meant to encourage and motivate students toward making positive choices. In order to attend, students must remember to model our expectations daily and in every area on campus.

Pittman's Behavioral Expectations (PAWS):

P = Be PEACEFUL

A = Be AWARE

W = Be WISE

S = Be SAFE

Congratulations to our Students of the Month for December!

Instead of asking, "How was school today", try asking...

1. Was there anything fun or unexpected that happened today?
2. What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
3. What are you most looking forward to in school tomorrow?

Answering these types of questions can lead to rich conversations with your child, which in turn helps them with articulation and expression. Make it a habit of probing just a bit deeper to hear about all of the wonderful learning opportunities they encounter during the school day!

Parents, you are your child’s first teacher and support to the education your child receives at school. Teaching and learning are strengthened with you.

Written and verbal expression are integral components to a student's academic growth, and below are a few tips that can be used for at-home written and verbal extensions:

Writing & Speaking

To build writing and speaking skills, have your child:

• change the ending to a movie or a story;
• write a letter to a family member or friend that lives in another city/state;
• journal or reflect when traveling;
• create their own comic strips;
• use a flashlight to create a shadow wall and write words that are given to them;
• write or give a review of their favorite story or movie.

The most important relationship that a child can have is one that grows and develops with parents, guardians, or caregivers. This foundational relationship helps to shape those of the child's future. Safety, love, respect, and other components of character are the direct result of parent - child connection. The following is a list of ways for parents to deepen those connections:

1. Listen and empathize. See things from your child’s perspective and look for a win-win solution to any issues.
2. Slow down and savor the moment. Use interactions with your child as moments to connect. With your child, savor a hug, listen to his/her laughter, look eye to eye, and enjoy simple moments together.
3. Bedtime snuggle & chat. Set bedtime earlier to allow snuggle time together. Listen, acknowledge feelings, and work together to solve and address problems.
4. Show up. Before you know it, moments with your child will lessen as they mature and move on. When interacting with him/her, BE PRESENT. Let everything else go, & savor each moment you have.

Parents, WE NEED YOU! Ensure that our scholars get adequate nightly rest, are present, on time, and ready for daily learning! Yes...ATTENDANCE MATTERS!

• Regular school hours are 7:45 - 2:35; half days are 7:45 - 11:00. *Students can arrive as early as 7:15.
• The car rider's gate closes at 7:40.
• A tardy arrival is 7:46. If a student is tardy, he/she must be signed in by a parent or guardian.
• No checkouts after 2:00PM.
• Dismissal begins at 2:35. Car riders should be picked up by 3:05.
• Our school’s expectations are PAWS: Be PEACEFUL, Be AWARE, Be WISE, and Be SAFE. We work diligently to keep a safe and healthy school environment. Please review these expectations regularly with your child.

• Please update emergency cards. Ensure that parent contact information is accurate & updated if changed.
• All visitors must have a valid ID to be on the school campus.
• Please stay in the carpool line for student drop-off and pick-up. We ask that you do not park and walk with your scholar during those times.

Thank you for taking the time to read through our newsletter. We are excited to partner with you in making this school year successful and enriching for all our students. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 504-340-4937.

Stay connected with us through our website and social media channel for the latest news and updates. We look forward to continuing the year with learning, growth, and community spirit!

Warm regards,

Ella C. Pittman Elementary

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