Week of December 14, 2025
Dear Plumosa Families,
Welcome back to our final week of school before a much-needed holiday break. It is hard to believe that half of the school year has already been completed. We are extremely proud of the progress and accomplishments our students, staff, and families have achieved thus far.
Over the past two weeks, our students and teachers have truly been in the trenches with PM2 testing. We will reconvene tomorrow with continued PM2 assessments, as well as middle school Algebra I and Geometry testing, and fifth- and eighth-grade Science and Civics assessments. Parents, it is essential that we keep our momentum strong and continue to encourage our students during this critical time.
Please note the importance of arriving to school on time. Our doors will close promptly at 7:55 a.m.
Beginning in January, any student dropped off after 7:55 a.m. must be accompanied by a parent to the main office. While we understand this may cause inconvenience, we cannot begin our instructional day late. Every minute of instructional time is valuable and directly impacts our school-wide goals.
I am also pleased to share that our Plumosa Band and Dance Department students did an outstanding job representing our school at the Delray Beach Holiday Parade this weekend. A sincere thank you to Mr. Horan and Ms. Pun for their collaboration and dedication, as well as to our parents who volunteered and supported this magical event.
Last week, we hosted one of the most spirited events of the year—Reading Under the Stars. It was a joy to see our students smiling as they enjoyed holiday crafts, hot cocoa and cookies, a read-aloud with Mrs. Watson, and a special visit from Santa. I would like to thank our dedicated staff for organizing such a memorable evening, with a special shout-out to Mrs. Rivabella for spearheading this initiative.
Congratulations as well to Mr. Walter James and our Strings Department, who were honored at the Palm Beach Symphony’s Holly Jolly Breakfast at the Kravis Center. During this event, students received a generous donation of musical instruments for the department.
This week is jam-packed with excitement as we prepare for Jingle Jam on Thursday, December 18, the celebration of our Level Up Challenge, and our Winter Holiday Showcase. Be sure to purchase your tickets today.
A special thank you to families who have contributed to Graciela’s Gift. This year, we are encouraging our students to think outward and give to someone in need—a powerful lesson in compassion and service.
As we close out 2025, I want to thank you for your continued love, trust, and support of the work we do at Plumosa. It truly takes a village, and time and time again, Plumosa has shown that we are better together—stronger, smarter, and brighter.
We look forward to seeing everyone in 2026. Enjoy your holiday break.
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:
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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
