Learning Continues at Minadeo

We hope your family is enjoying a well-deserved rest after a busy and unique week that included virtual learning, a day back in school, and a semester break. We appreciate your flexibility and partnership as we continue working together to support student learning in all settings.

As we look ahead and prepare for a potential snowstorm, please be sure to watch district and school communication channels—including local news, district messaging, and school social media—for any updates regarding school schedules or adjustments.

In this week’s edition of the newsletter, you’ll find:

• Report card and citizenship celebration information

• Volunteer reminders and opportunities to get involved

• Black History Month Events

• Social Emotional Learning Monthly Theme & At-home Activities

• Upcoming events and important dates

Thank you for your continued support of our Minadeo community. Stay safe and warm!

Principal Mason

Thank you to our Minadeo families for your diligence, flexibility, and partnership during recent remote learning days. Your support in helping students log in, stay engaged, and navigate virtual learning makes a meaningful difference.

As a reminder, it is important that students travel with their school-issued devices to and from school each day. Having devices readily available ensures students are prepared in the event of unexpected shifts to remote learning due to inclement weather or other circumstances.

Please continue to monitor local news channels, as well as Pittsburgh Public Schools and Minadeo social media accounts and the district website, for the most up-to-date information regarding school adjustments related to freezing temperatures or weather conditions.

Here's a list of December holidays and where you would travel to celebrate them. This could make for a very fun (and international) classroom project in December! 👇🏽

We are grateful for the many families who support Minadeo by volunteering! Please note that all school volunteers must have required clearances on file before volunteering in the building or on a school trip.

If you are unsure whether your clearances have been verified or officially approved through the district, please contact Ms. Russell at drussell2@pghschools.org.

Required clearances include a Volunteer Intake Form, PA State Criminal History Report, Child Abuse Certification, and FBI Criminal History Report (or a PA Resident Form/Waiver if eligible). A TB test is also required for anyone volunteering in PreK classrooms.

More information about volunteering can be found on the district website:
https://www.pghschools.org/community/get-involved/volunteering

Thank you for helping us keep our students safe while staying engaged in our school community 💙

Please join us for our January PSCC (Parent, School, Community Council) meeting on Wednesday, January 28 at 5:00 PM. This month’s meeting will be held virtually.

During the meeting, families will participate in a virtual training on the Home Access Center (HAC). As Pittsburgh Public Schools continues the transition to fully digital communication with families, parents will receive one final printed report card. Moving forward, student progress, grades, and updates will be accessed digitally through the Home Access Center.

If you do not know your Home Access Center username or password, please email support@pghschools.org for assistance.

We look forward to connecting with families and supporting everyone as we continue to move confidently into the digital space.

Report cards will be released soon and include both academic progress and citizenship marks, which reflect how students demonstrate our schoolwide expectations each day.

We are excited to celebrate students who earn citizenship this report period! Students who meet the citizenship criteria will be invited to participate in a Glow Dance Party on February 27, 2026 as a special recognition of their positive choices and engagement.

We appreciate your continued partnership in reinforcing positive behaviors and celebrating student success at Minadeo!

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 9:30–11:00 AM, Minadeo will proudly participate in Black Men Read, a districtwide literacy initiative taking place in 35 schools across Pittsburgh Public Schools.

During this special event, Black male leaders from across the city will visit classrooms and bring stories to life for students in PreK–5. Black Men Read is designed to encourage a love of reading, promote literacy, and counter negative narratives by uplifting positive, visible role models. Through shared stories, our students see firsthand that Black men care deeply about their learning, experiences, and futures.

We encourage families to spread the word and invite the Black men in our school and broader community—fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, coaches, faith leaders, and community partners—to consider signing up to read with our students. Clearances are not required for this event, making it an easy and meaningful way to get involved.

Together, we can make this a powerful and inspiring morning for our children. 💙📚

Celebrating 100 Years of Black History

In honor of celebrating 100 years of Black history, this month’s Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) theme is Joy, Voice, and Cultural Expression. Throughout February, students are learning how culture, creativity, storytelling, and self-expression help us understand ourselves and connect with others. Families can continue these conversations at home in meaningful (and fun!) ways.

Attached are simple activities and discussion prompts for families with children in PreK–5.

Mustang Messenger Volume 9: https://app.smore.com/n/v0emn

January 26, 2026: Day 6, First Day Q3 and Semester 2

January 27, 2026: Day 1

January 28, 2026: Day 2, Scouts Programming, January PSCC Virtual Meeting @ 5:00 pm

January 29, 2026: Day 3

January 30, 2026: Day 4, Citizenship Names are Due to Ms. Reid by EOD

February 2026: Black History Month

February 2, 2026: Day 5, Early Childhood Application Opens

February 3, 2026: Day 6, Valengrams Fundraiser Money Due

February 4, 2026: Day 1, Report Card Distribution

February 5, 2026: Day 2

February 6, 2026: Clubs, Half Day for Students, 12:25 pm Dismissal.

February 11, 2026: Scouts Programming

February 12, 2026: Saltworks School Assembly - Alex Rewrites the Wrongs

February 13, 2026: January Citizenship Reward (Cookie Decorating), Minadeo School-Based Valentines Day Celebration

February 18, 2026: Scouts Programming

February 20, 2026: Clubs, Half Day for Students, 12:25 pm Dismissal.

February 23-March 6, 2026: Dreambox Assessment

February 25, 2026: Q2 Interim Closing Date

February 26, 2026: Black Men Read, 9:30 - 11:00 am

February 27, 2026: Report Card Citizenship Celebration Glow Dance Party, Minadeo Talent Show & Art Exhibit

March 2-6, 2026: Chill Mobile Returns

The PTO has shirts for sale on-site for $10. There is a $5 additional charge for customization.

We also are continuing the online store! Purchase your gear at https://stores.inksoft.com/PittsburghMinadeoPreK5/shop/home.