Parent Newsletter
Friday, November 13th
Platte County School District is starting a new tradition to recognize the employees who make a difference every day.
Orange Crush celebrates Pirates who are “CRUSHING IT” in the ways they support our students, staff, schools and community. From creating meaningful experiences and welcoming environments to showing exceptional care and making a positive impact, Orange Crush gives us a chance to shine a light on the people behind the everyday moments that matter.
All employee groups are eligible to be nominated throughout the school year. Nominations will be reviewed by the District's Executive Leadership Team, and every nominee will be acknowledged for the positive impact they are making across our District with at least one (or maybe more!) nominees selected monthly as an Orange Crush honoree.
Submit a nomination today!
Beginning in fall 2027, PCR-3's Paxton Center is planned to become an expanded early learning facility, creating more opportunities to support preschool and early childhood special education programming, along with the services and spaces needed to support young learners and their families through the Parents as Teachers Program.
During the 2026-27 school year, Great Beginnings serves students at multiple locations, including preschool and early childhood special education classrooms at the District Education Center, Barry Elementary, Pathfinder Elementary, and Compass Elementary. With this expansion, early learning classes in the northern portion of our District will move into the renovated Paxton Center.
Do you have a child who will be 3 or 4 years old during the upcoming school years? We encourage all with eligible-age children to complete our Early Education Interest Form. Sharing your information does not commit your family to enrollment, but it will help us plan for future programming and keep you informed about enrollment timelines and opportunities as plans develop.
Along with Newkirk Novak Construction Partners and Incite Design Studio, the District will be hosting a ribbon cutting and open house of Phase 2 of the PCHS Rebuild project on Thursday, December 3 from 5:30-7:30pm.
Please enter through the new main entrance! This event is open to the community and tours and refreshments will be provided following the ribbon cutting at 5:30pm. Come tour our new completed high school which will be open for second semester!
Click here for information on school cancellations/modifications due to inclement weather, how the District will notify parents, as well as information on recess, Y Club, and Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Days.
For the 2026-27 school year, PCR-3 will implement the following Inclement Weather Plan:
- First 3 Inclement Weather Days: These will be traditional inclement weather days with no school and no virtual learning.
- Inclement Weather Days 4-9: These will be designated as Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) days, where virtual learning will take place.
- Inclement Weather Days Beyond 9: These will either be traditional snow days with no school or virtual learning. If necessary, additional school days may be added and may include days indicated as no school in February and April (Feb. 12, Feb. 15, and April 5).
School Messenger is our automated phone calling and text notification system. We use this system to notify parents quickly for sudden changes in schedules due to emergencies, school cancellations, or just important school announcements.
If you aren't receiving the District's text reminders and notifications and would like to opt in to receive these, simply text "YES" to 67587. Standard text messaging rates apply.
Since 2005, Pirates ROCK (Raising Outstanding Character Kids) has helped shape a strong culture of character across Platte County School District. More than 20 years later and beginning with the 2026-27 school year, we're building on that tradition by aligning Pirates ROCK with our Portrait of a Graduate essential skills.
This evolution creates a more consistent, student-centered approach to character development by focusing on the six essential skills that prepare learners to thrive in school, careers, and life. Students will continue to be recognized for demonstrating outstanding character while developing the competencies that support our mission of ensuring every learner thrives in an ever-changing world with confidence and resilience, all through a consistent framework and shared language as they grow from kindergarten through graduation.
Throughout the year, we'll focus on these essential skills:
- August/September: Effective Communication
- October/November: Self-Awareness
- December/January: Personal Connections
- February: Personal Growth
- March: Problem-Solving
- April: Global Connections
Parents can use Parent Portal (www.plattecountyschooldistrict.com/parents/parent_portal) to keep up to date on grades and assignments (for students in grades 6-12), attendance, and make meal and fee payments (Go to "Balances" once logged into Parent Portal).
New parents who have not received their PowerSchool Access ID and Password should contact our school for assistance.
Platte County School District is Cell Phone Free during the school day to support focused learning, respectful interactions, and a safe, welcoming school environment. The plan is in alignment with Missouri legislation (Senate Bill 68) and means students will keep their personal devices put away during the school day so they can fully engage in learning and social connections. Learn more about what this means, what devices are included, and how we support students by clicking here.
Treasure Chest Registration Information
The PCR-3 Treasure Chest is a stocked resource center providing food, milk, and toiletries for PCR-3 students and families in need. Qualifying families will receive a weekly form via email to sign up or can call 816-858-7001 for assistance.
Families will receive an email with approval to come to the Treasure Chest on Wednesdays from 4-6pm at the new Treasure Chest site (south side of Paxton building).
Safety is our District's top priority. PCR-3 has a system of safety and security measures in place, including trained security staff, secure entryways, ongoing monitoring, and partnership with local law enforcement.
We remind parents, staff, and students that school safety is the responsibility of the entire school community. Please follow the principle of "see something, say something." If anyone (student, parent, staff member, community member) sees or hears anything of concern, please contact the District office at (816) 858-5420 so that those concerns can be investigated. You and your child can also easily report tips on bullying, harassment, or any safety issue you're concerned about through our online Safe Schools Alert system. Every tip is immediately logged in the system and our administration is notified so that they can investigate and take appropriate action. Each building's website has the Safe Schools icon located within the “quick links” bar on the homepage.
If interested in becoming a Pirates ROCK Star Business Partner, please contact us at the school or Laura Hulett at the District office (816-858-5420).
Farmers Insurance Alisha Elliott Agency: (816) 841-9494
Contact Information for Dr. Jessica Hoffecker
Email: hoffecker.jessica@pcr3schools.org
Location: Platte Purchase Middle School
9400 N. Platte Purchase Dr., Kansas City, MO 64155
Phone: 816-436-1433 x. 3102
X: @PlattePurchase
Facebook: www.facebook.com/plattepurchasemiddleschool
Instagram: @plattepurchase
Contact Information for Mr. Bradley Brown
Email: brown.bradley@pcr3schools.org
Location:Location: Platte Purchase Middle School
9400 N. Platte Purchase Dr., Kansas City, MO 64155
Phone: 816-436-1433 x. 3103
X: @PlattePurchase
Facebook: www.facebook.com/plattepurchasemiddleschool
Instagram: @plattepurchase