Park Ridge ES: Parent Newsletter

September 11th- PTO Meeting (PRES Library)

September 12th- Popcorn Friday

September 15th-19th- Fall Book Fair at Park Ridge ES

September 17th- Back to School Night from 5PM-6:45PM

September 17th- PTO Chili Cook-Off

September 23rd- Rosh Hashanah (No School)

September 30th- Picture Day

At Park Ridge, we love celebrating our students and reminding them just how important they are to our school community. Beginning tomorrow, Monday, September 8th, we’ll kick off You Matter Spirit Week! Each day will include fun activities to highlight how loved, supported, and valued our students are. We encourage you to join us by helping your child participate and showing your support throughout the week. Thank you for partnering with us to make this a joyful and meaningful celebration!

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and staff. Please take a moment to review our latest health and safety guidelines on the district website. If your child is feeling unwell, please keep your child home. This helps prevent the spread of illness and protects the health of classmates, teachers, and staff. Together, we can keep our school community safe and thriving.

Picture Day will be on Tuesday, September 30th!

Please join us on Wednesday, September 17th at Park Ridge Elementary for Back-to-School Night. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, learn about classroom expectations, and see how we can work together to support student learning this year.

To make it easier for families, we are offering two sessions:

• Session 1: 5:00–5:45 PM

• Session 2: 6:00–6:45 PM

You may choose the session that works best for your schedule, and families with multiple children can attend more than one session if needed. Younger siblings are welcome to attend with you. We look forward to seeing you there!

Our first PTO Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11th. We invite all families to come out, get involved, and help make this school year amazing. We look forward to seeing you!

Our PTO is hosting a Chili Cook-Off on Wednesday, September 17th during Back-to-School Night! If you’d like to showcase your cooking skills, sign up to participate using the link on the flyer. We can’t wait to taste your delicious chili! Sign up by September 12th.

We’re excited to share that the Scholastic Book Fair is right around the corner! Students will have the chance to explore a wide selection of books and discover new favorites for home. The Book Fair is a wonderful way to encourage a love of reading while also supporting our school. The Book Fair will be here the week of September 15th-19th. So please stop by during Back-to-School Night, Wednesday, September 17th for extended shopping hours!

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th–October 15th. At Park Ridge Elementary, we will honor and highlight the many contributions of Hispanic leaders who have paved the way for so many. Each day, students will learn about inspiring figures whose impact continues to shape our world. Each week, we will share with you who we have learned about so that you can continue the conversations with your kiddos at home. We are excited to celebrate together and grow in our understanding of Hispanic history and culture!

In September we are partnering with Central Rappahannock Regional Library to ensure every kindergartener has a free library card from the public library. Simply scan the QR code or complete the online application at librarypoint.org/card-request by Tuesday, September 30. The public library will mail your child’s new card directly to your home. As part of this initiative, before November 2, bring your child to the nearest public library branch and stop by the children's desk. Your kindergartner can choose a free book!

Our STEAM teacher, Mr. DeBoard, is gathering everyday items for upcoming projects and experiments. STEAM is all about building, constructing, and exploring and your recyclables can help bring these lessons to life! If you have any of the following items at home, please send them in with your child instead of tossing them out:

• 2-liter soda bottles with caps

• Clean 20oz soda bottles with caps

• Clean 20oz Gatorade/Powerade (or similar) bottles with caps

• Empty toilet paper rolls

• Empty paper towel rolls

No need to purchase anything just simple, free items you may already have around the house. As students bring in items, Mr. DeBoard will be collecting these throughout the year and appreciates any contributions!

Each year, Stafford County Schools receive approximately $1,000,000 in unrestricted funds through the Federal Impact Aid Grant. These funds help offset the loss of local tax revenue due to non-taxable federal property, supporting our ability to maintain high educational standards for all students.

To qualify, we need all families to complete the annual Parent-Pupil Survey. The survey applies to children of active duty service members and children whose parents work on eligible federal property. Additional eligibility is afforded to students who live on federal property or in federally subsidized housing.

The survey, printed on green paper, will be sent home on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Upon receipt, everyone will need to complete, sign, date, and return the survey to your child’s school as soon as possible. Your information will be kept confidential. Please note that we have added a new section to this year’s survey. Now parents can include all students residing in the same household on one form!

The Parent Teacher Resource Center (PTRC) is a dedicated partner for families, educators, and caregivers of students with disabilities. From workshops and referrals to lending libraries and a listening ear, the PTRC provides guidance and resources to help every child thrive. We proudly support families and staff across Stafford County in building strong educational outcomes.

Learn more and connect with us online, by phone, or in person at www.staffordschools.net/PTRC.