Week of April 19, 2026

Dear Plumosa Families,

Welcome back to another fantastic week at Plumosa School of the Arts!

Last week was truly jam-packed with celebrations and exciting events across our campus. We were honored to welcome both the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Delray Beach, Mayor Carney and Vice Mayor Burns. Having them experience Plumosa firsthand and speak with our students and families was a wonderful opportunity for our school community.

We are also proud to share that Plumosa School of the Arts has received the prestigious national Schools to Watch award. This recognition is no easy feat and reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence. Thank you to our incredible parents who participated on the interview panels, as well as the teachers and students who shared the many reasons why Plumosa School of the Arts is such a special place to learn and grow.

This week is another exciting one, with four amazing performances scheduled, as well as testing beginning for our second-grade scholars on Tuesday.

Upcoming Events:

• Tuesday, April 21 at 6:00 PM – Spring Piano Recital
• Wednesday, April 22 at 6:00 PM – Spring Band Concert
• Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 PM – Strings Concert
• Friday, April 24 at 6:00 PM – Chorus Concert

We also want to remind families that our 8th Grade Dance will take place on Saturday, April 25. We look forward to dancing the night away with our middle school scholars!

As a reminder, Thursday is Take Your Child to Work Day. If your child will be participating, please send a note to their teacher.

With testing season approaching, it is extremely important that students arrive at school on time each day and are present, prepared, and ready to learn. We appreciate your partnership in supporting strong attendance and punctuality.

Students are continuing to work toward earning rewards such as Plumosa Palooza and our middle school end-of-year trip to Astro Skate. Our students have worked hard all year, and we want to recognize and celebrate their efforts.

At the same time, we ask for your continued support in reinforcing the importance of making positive choices and following school rules and district policies. Expectations for behavior remain high, and discipline matters will be addressed accordingly. Please speak with your child about the importance of coming to school ready to learn, engage, and represent Plumosa with pride.

Looking ahead:

• May 20 at 6:00 PM: All Pro Dads Awards Ceremony. If you have attended or supported an event this year, we invite you to join us for an evening of celebration and recognition.
• April 27 – May 1: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. Please join us in showing our educators and staff how much we value and appreciate all they do. Thank you in advance for your support in making this a special week for them.

Plumosa Palooza has officially begun! Students are earning tickets each day by arriving at school on time, prepared, and ready to learn. Please take a moment to review the guidelines for earning tickets, as tickets will be distributed daily in core classes. We encourage you to support your child by ensuring they complete all assignments and come to school ready to succeed—this is one incentive they are especially excited about!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to another amazing week at Plumosa!

General Reminders:

I would like to recommend that Parents add the School's Main Telephone Number as a Contact on your Cell Phone. (Example: (561) 330-3900 / Plumosa School of the Arts) Add as a Contact on your Cell Phone.

That way, when your child's school calls the parent, the parent will know who is calling.

Please continue to ensure that your scholar arrives at school on time each day—every minute of learning counts. We will continue to closely monitor attendance, tardiness, and dress code as part of our monthly incentive program 🎉. Attendance is critical, research shows that students who miss just two or more days a month are more likely to fall behind 📉, and by eighth grade, chronic absences can impact whether a student graduates on time 🎓. Every day in school truly matters!

We also encourage you to take time to talk with your child about the importance of using kind words and keeping their hands to themselves. While our administrative team is committed to upholding the Student Code of Conduct, these conversations at home are just as important. Students are not permitted to hit, bully, or use hurtful language toward their peers or adults. Your guidance helps reinforce the values we work to build every day here at Plumosa.

Student and staff safety remains our top priority. As part of the new Florida DOE requirements, our main office will continue to request a valid photo ID 🪪 from all visitors before they may enter the building. Anyone picking up a student must be listed in SIS—no exceptions. At this time, visitors are not permitted on campus until they have completed the district-mandated training 📝. Dates for these trainings will be shared with families as soon as they are scheduled.

Thank you for your continued commitment and support ❤️. Together, we are making sure that Plumosa remains a safe, engaging, and inspiring place for our scholars to learn and grow 🌈.

A few important reminders, please read the following carefully, as this is important information:

• Car riders must be picked up no later than 3:00 PM

• No drop-off before 7:30 am for all students K-8. Scholars MUST remain in your vehicle. Please allow our PSOA Staff to bypass to park while you wait. Please do not block our entrance. Parents should always stay in the car and drive to the end of the loop.
• Please do not park and allow your child to cross the parking lot without an adult.
• The middle school gate will close promptly at 7:58 am. All students will need to enter through the Main Office.
• All walkers must use the gate nearest the bus loop where the crossing guard is. Do not walk through the bus loop. Only students who live less than two miles from PSOA per the address in SIS will be permitted to be picked up as walkers. Please do not park on Seacrest and pick up in our bus loop. Our School Police Officer will enforce this.
• This year, all kindergarten through 8th-grade students will receive ID badges. Students must wear their ID badges around their necks at all times. These badges are necessary for transportation and lunch purposes. IDs are free and will be issued during the second week of school.
• We will continue to use CurbSmart for Dismissal. This will ensure a safe and expedited dismissal process at the end of the school day. Click here for a quick video.

• At Plumosa, we love celebrating our students’ special days! However, please remember that it is our school policy that students may not bring in outside food, treats, or other goods for birthday celebrations during the school day. This policy helps us keep all of our scholars safe, especially those with food allergies, and ensures that instructional time is not disrupted. Thank you for helping us celebrate birthdays in ways that are safe and consistent for everyone.

• If you have not already done so, please Register Your Ride through the District Portal. All students should know their mode of transportation on the first day.
• Students must arrive to class on time each day. I understand that there can be extenuating circumstances on some days, but excessive tardiness and absences will result in students being referred to the truancy office. Parents, your cooperation is essential in helping your children start their day positively.

• If you have children in elementary and middle school, your pick-up location will be in the elementary car loop.
• No Early dismissal after 2 PM. No exceptions.

Safety Reminder - Weapons Are Not Permitted on Campus

The safety and security of our students and staff is our highest priority. To support a safe learning environment, we want to provide a reminder of our School District's policy and state law.

Please remember that state law (§790.115, Fla. Stat.) and District policy (Firearms and Weapons- Policy 2.383) prohibit all weapons, including firearms, on school property at all times. This applies to our campus buildings, personal vehicles, school buses, and any school-sponsored event. With the exception of sworn law enforcement, these rules apply to all visitors, staff, and students.

Our District has a zero-tolerance policy for any threat to school safety, including the possession of any item considered to be a weapon. Any student who violates this policy will face the most severe consequences, including expulsion and potential criminal charges. The School District will also pursue criminal charges against any adult who poses a threat to school safety.

Thank you for your partnership in maintaining a safe school environment.

We look forward to connecting with our families and remain committed to strengthening our communication. Keeping an open line of communication is vital for our success. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions or concerns.

If you would like to meet with me, please email me to schedule a day and time. I will be available after 8:30 a.m. to ensure campus safety and greet my teachers and students each morning.

Thank you for your partnership in making Plumosa School of the Arts a place where we are wickedly bold and brilliantly unlimited. We look forward to another successful week together!

Artfully Yours,
Principal Smith

It is with great pride and excitement that I share that Plumosa School of the Arts has been named a 2025–2026 Florida Schools to Watch site by the National Middle Grades Forum. This distinction is especially meaningful, as Plumosa is the only school in the state to receive this honor for this school year.

This recognition reflects our strong dedication to meeting our students' developmental needs, our commitment to rigorous academic programs, and our ability to provide robust arts opportunities while maintaining innovative systems that support ALL students. It is a true testament to our staff's commitment to continuous improvement, shared ownership of our school culture, and our belief that every student CAN succeed.

We are honored to represent our school district and the state in Washington, D.C., from June 25–27, where Plumosa will be recognized as a National School to Watch alongside schools from across the country. We will also have the opportunity to present to district leaders from across the nation on the best practices and culture that make Plumosa School of the Arts a success.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and belief in the work we do each day on behalf of our students.

This summer program is designed to help students prepare for the Math/AMP, Math Accelerated, Algebra 1, and Geometry Honors in Fall 2026 by addressing gaps in their math foundation. Additionally, students may receive support in Science and other subjects as needed. The program is completely free, includes breakfast and lunch, and runs from June 2, 20626- June 25, 2026 8 AM - 1:30 PM. We strongly encourage participation to ensure success in the upcoming school year.” Please complete this form to provide the necessary contact information for your child.

Program Details:

• Dates: June 2, 2026 – June 25, 2026
• Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Cost: Free of charge
• Includes: Free breakfast and lunch daily

We strongly encourage participation, as this opportunity can significantly improve a student’s success next year.

This Wednesday, Earth Day, students are making recycled artwork out of bottle caps and recycled items. All items are needed by Tuesday to Mrs. Smollar!

“Thank a Teacher” returns, stronger and larger than ever. Thanks to a generous donation from HCA Florida Healthcare, we will surprise one teacher each week with a $500.00 check for the next 30 weeks. Be sure to nominate your favorite teacher at palmbeachschools.org/thankateacher.

Dear 8th Grade Parents and Guardians,

As the school year winds down, it’s time to celebrate the hard work, growth, and achievements of our 8th-grade class! We have a series of exciting events planned to give our students a memorable send-off before they transition to high school.

Participation & Behavioral Expectations

Please note that participation in these end-of-year activities is a privilege. To ensure a safe and celebratory environment for everyone, the following guidelines apply:

• Behavioral Standards: Students are expected to maintain excellent behavior and adhere to the Student Code of Conduct through the final day of school.

• Administrative Discretion: School administration reserves the right to prohibit students from participating in any or all of these events at their discretion based on disciplinary history, attendance, or recent behavioral incidents.

Event Reminders

• The 8th Grade Dance: This is a semi-formal event at the beautiful Old School Square.

• Gradventure: Departure times and packing lists for Universal Studios will be sent home by Ms. Maldonado

• Graduation: Please arrive early to ensure seating; we ask guests to be seated by 8:45 AM.

• Skate Away: We will wrap up the year at Astro. Transportation and waiver details will follow shortly.

We are so proud of the Class of 2026 and look forward to celebrating these milestones with you. Thank you for your support in making the end of the year a success!

What is Khanmigo?

Khanmigo is a new artificial intelligence tool developed by Khan Academy to help students engage more deeply with their learning. It acts like a virtual tutor and writing coach, supporting students with math, science, reading/writing, social studies, and other subjects in a safe and guided way. Unlike traditional AI tools, Khanmigo is built specifically for education, with guardrails in place to keep the learning focused and age-appropriate.

How Does It Help Students?
Khanmigo can:

• Offer hints and guide students through problem-solving without just giving answers
  

• Help students brainstorm and revise their writing
  

• Encourage curiosity and deeper thinking with interactive conversations
  

• Support independent learning at a student’s own pace
  
  

Safety and Oversight
Student interactions with Khanmigo are monitored and logged to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment. Teachers have visibility into how students are using the tool and can use this data to better support classroom instruction.

Why We’re Using It
We believe that thoughtful use of technology can enhance learning. Khanmigo provides personalized support that helps students become more confident, independent learners. It’s not a replacement for teachers, it’s a tool to support the great work already happening in our classrooms.

If you’d like to learn more, you can visit https://www.khanacademy.org/khan-labs for more information about Khanmigo and its development.

Please complete the new Volunteer Application to skip this step at the school when you arrive to volunteer.

The first time you arrive to volunteer at a school, you must present your government-issued ID to the front office staff to be entered into the volunteer system. If you still need to complete the Volunteer Application, you must do so before you can volunteer.

After the front office has successfully scanned your government-issued ID, you can use the volunteer Kiosk located in the school's front office to sign in and out.

Once you sign in using the Kiosk, you can present your photo ID to the office staff to retrieve your volunteer badge.

September 23, 2025: Fall Holiday; No School & All Employees off (except 12 mos. employees)

To be eligible, your child must be:

• A VPK-5th grader

• Who is not yet meeting grade-level expectations in reading

• In a Florida VPK program, public school, or charter school.

Not sure if your child qualifies? Check out our eligibility page.

Instructions

• Enter your child’s information for the 2025-2026 school year to verify their eligibility for the program. All fields are required unless otherwise noted. Please note: verification may take several months. If eligible, your child will still receive all books for this school year.

• Once you click submit, you will have the option to apply for additional eligible children.

• Applications must be submitted by parents or legal guardians.