🐾 PGES Newsletter

www.platte-geddes@k12.sd.us

401 Iowa Avenue

PO Box 140

Platte, SD 57369

Amanda Goodrich, Elementary Principal

Kristen Konechne, Guidance Counselor

Teri Griesse, Elementary Secretary

Monday - Thursday = 8:10am - 3:33pm

Friday = 8:10am - 2:13pm

Monday - Thursday = 7:45am - 3:45pm

Friday = 7:45am - 2:45pm

Dear Platte-Geddes Elementary Families,

Welcome to a new school year! It has been wonderful to have our students back in the building and to see our classrooms and hallways filled with learning, laughter, and excitement again.

As we have settled into our routines, our focus has been on helping every student feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. The beginning of the year is an important time for building relationships, practicing expectations, and establishing the routines that will help our students be successful throughout the year.

Thank you to our families for everything you have done to help make the start of the school year a positive one. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to a great year at Platte-Geddes Elementary!

— Ms. Goodrich

Important Dates

📷 Sept. 17 - Picture Retakes - HS Gym

👑 Sept. 21-25 - Homecoming - Parade @ 10:30am

👓 Sept. 29 - Vision Screenings - K, 1, 3, 5

👪 Oct. 1 - PT Conferences - 1-8pm - 12:15pm Dismissal

🔕 Oct. 2 - No School

The first month of school is about much more than learning new academic skills. Our students are also learning and practicing what it means to be a successful member of our school community.

Throughout the building, teachers and staff are working with students on routines and expectations, including being respectful, responsible, safe, and ready to learn.

Families can help us start the year strong by encouraging students to:

• Arrive at school on time and ready for the day.
• Get plenty of sleep each night.
• Bring the materials they need for school.
• Show kindness and respect to classmates and adults.
• Ask for help when they need it.
• Give their best effort—even when something is challenging!

Small habits established now can make a big difference throughout the school year.

Every month, students at PGES can earn a Shout Out not only for what they accomplish academically, but also for the positive choices they make each day.

Our PBIS program helps us explicitly teach, practice, recognize, and celebrate positive behaviors throughout our school.

🌟 September Focus

Being a Supportive Friend

At the end of the month, one student from each classroom will be recognized for being a supportive friend with a Shout Out in the morning announcements, receive a certificate and earn a special lunch time.

Be sure to ask your child: “What does it look like to be a supportive friend?” You might be surprised by how much they can tell you!

Every school day matters!

Regular attendance helps students build academic skills, develop friendships, establish routines, and stay connected to their classroom community. Missing even a few days can make it difficult for students to catch up on instruction they have missed.

We understand that children get sick and there are times when an absence is necessary. When your child is healthy, however, please help us make regular and on-time attendance a priority.

Being at school, on time and ready to learn, is one of the simplest ways we can set students up for success.

🎒 Label belongings: Please put your child's name on jackets, sweatshirts, lunch boxes, water bottles, and other items that come to school.

💧 Water bottles: Students are encouraged to bring a labeled water bottle to school.

📞 Changes in plans: Please communicate transportation or after-school changes to the school as early as possible.

🌦️ Dress for the weather: South Dakota weather can change quickly! Please help your child come prepared for outdoor recess.

There are so many great things happening at Platte-Geddes Elementary each day. We are proud of our students for the way they are learning, growing, helping one another, and working to make good choices.

Thank you to our teachers and staff for the energy and care they bring to our students each day, and thank you to our families for supporting us from home.

It takes all of us working together to make Platte-Geddes Elementary a great place for kids!

Have a wonderful September!