Navigator Notables
August/September 2026 Navigator Elementary Newsletter
Welcome to the New School Year, Navigators!
Dear Navigator Elementary Families,
Welcome to the start of a fantastic new school year! Whether your family is returning to Navigator or joining our school community for the very first time, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome you. Our classrooms are getting prepped, our teachers are energized, and our custodial staff has been working tirelessly all summer to create a safe, joyful, and inspiring environment for our students.
At Navigator, we believe that education is a team effort. Strong partnerships between home and school build the foundation for student success, and we are honored to walk alongside you this year.
"Together, we navigate learning!"
Thank you for placing your trust in us. We are committed to making this year remarkable for every single child.
To help your family hit the ground running, this Back-to-School newsletter is packed with essential updates and reminders. Please take a few moments to review the key sections below:
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures: Student safety is our top priority. Please review our traffic patterns carefully. Important: If you plan on picking up your child regularly by car, be sure to complete the included Car Sign Form so we can issue your vehicle tag prior to the first day.
August & September Events: Mark your calendars! We have a fun lineup starting with our open house and school community events scheduled for the coming weeks.
School Lunch Updates: Check out the latest details regarding meal options.
School Picture Day: Get those smiles ready! Date and ordering code are outlined inside.
General Navigator News: Important links, special teacher introductions, and key contacts to keep bookmarked all year long.
Clear communication is key to a smooth school year. Please keep an eye on your email for future newsletters and check our school website regularly which includes the school calendar.
Thank you for your enthusiasm, partnership, and support. Let’s make this school year our best one yet!
Warmly,
Ruth Badalucco
Principal
UPCOMING AUGUST/SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Events are on the Navigator Elementary Calendar on the Navigator Elementary Website.
- August 10 - MISTAR re-enrollment verification window is open
- August 17 - Classroom placement information emailed to families
- August 20 - Navigator Elementary Open House
- August 24 - First Day of School (half day schedule)
- August 26 - Picture Day
- August 26 - PTO meeting
- September 4 and 7 - No School for Labor Day Weekend
- September 14-18 - PCS Homecoming Spirit Week
- September 16 - PTO meeting
- September 22 - Watch DOGS Presentation
- September 28 - Parent Advisory Committee meeting
Enrollment Verification Process for 2026-27 School Year
Each year, families will update their contact information, purchase school picture packages, and receive other important information through the back to school re-enrollment verification process in MISTAR. Here are the directions for this process:
Basic steps:
Log into MISTAR-Q Parent Portal
Click the link at the top of the page to begin the process.
Student class placement information will be emailed to you on Monday, August 17.
Student Class Placement - August 17
As the final weeks of summer roll on, excitement is building across our hallways as we prepare to welcome our students back for another fantastic school year! We know that one of the most anticipated moments of the back-to-school season is finding out who your child's teacher and classmates will be. Official class placement notifications will be emailed directly to families on Monday, August 17.
Creating class lists is one of the most thoughtful, detailed, and complex tasks our team undertakes each year. Our goal is always to create well-balanced, supportive learning environments where every single child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. When crafting these learning communities, we carefully evaluate academic and social dynamics to match complementary learning styles, individual support needs, and positive peer relationships. We also look closely at overall classroom harmony by balancing student personalities, leadership qualities, and personal strengths to foster a supportive class culture, while ensuring equitable class sizes across the grade level.
Because our priority is maintaining this intentional balance, our work continues right up until the release date. Summer enrollment is naturally fluid, as we continuously welcome new families joining our district while saying goodbye to others who are moving away. Each change in student enrollment creates a ripple effect across a grade level, requiring us to carefully re-evaluate and adjust lists to keep classrooms balanced. Finalizing these details right up to August 17 ensures we give every classroom the best possible start on day one.
Thank you in advance for your trust and understanding that, due to the delicate balance of class dynamics and ongoing enrollment updates, changes to class placements cannot be accommodated. Please rest assured that our staff has put tremendous professional care and heart into every single placement. We deeply appreciate your patience, partnership, and enthusiasm as we put the finishing touches on the school year ahead. Enjoy these final weeks of summer—we can't wait to see our students soon!
PICK UP CAR SIGNS
If your child will be picked up on a regular basis, a window sign on the car will expedite the end of day pick up process. We will be escorting students out to their cars for pick up. The car sign will include your child(ren)'s name and teacher name. This sign should be placed visibly (passenger window) on the school side as you enter in the front parking lot lining up along the curb. Staff members will bring your child to the car
Navigator Elementary School Open House - AUGUST 20
Come meet your teacher and take a tour around the school between 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm. The Scholastic Book Fair will be set up in the commons area of the school. To see a preview of the books at the fair, click this link.
First Day of School -August 24 (Monday)
School will start on Monday, August 24. Our first day will be a half day with classes beginning at 8:40 a.m. and ending at 12:13 p.m. Students may arrive as early as 8:25 am. Prior to that time, no supervision is available. Children that need to arrive prior to 8:25 am should be signed up for Latchkey.
Picture Day - August 26
Picture Day is August 26. Use this School Picture Order Link to order picture. The code: 26NAVIGATOR27 will provide you the access to Navigator's account with Kaiser Photos.
Bus Information
You can find information about PCS buses and transportation through the district website under Departments labeled Transportation. Here is the link. Route information is located under the link labeled Bus Schedules as well as on your MISTAR Parent Portal. This information is posted for the 2026-27 school year.
Students have the option with transportation approval and parent permission to ride a friend's bus. Due to limited space on each bus, please contact the bus garage 24 hours prior to day. Please provide your child a note to the school giving your permission for your child to ride a different bus.
To calculate approximate bus off times for early release Fridays is about 1 hour and 20 minutes
earlier from assigned bus time and half Days are about 3 hours, 30 minutes earlier bus time. Please keep in mind, the first week of school everyone is getting back in the routine of dismissal. Bus drop off will take a longer than scheduled.
Procedures for Morning Drop Off and Afternoon Pick Up
Morning Arrival
Parent/Guardian Drop Off: Parents will use the front parking lot to drop off students starting at 8:25 am. Staff will be helping students get to their classrooms. Students will make their way to their class. Form a single lane only at drop off in front of school then split into 2 lanes for turning on M-36. If you are parking, please park in a designated parking spot and walk your child across the parking lot at the crosswalk.
Bus Drop off: Starting at 8:30 am, buses will release students. Each bus will dismiss one at a time at the south entrance (Fine Arts wing).
After School Dismissal
Parent/Guardian Pick-up: We will continue to have parents pick up curbside in the front parking lot. Each car picking up student(s) will be given a window sign indicating your child’s teacher and last name. As cars arrive for pick up, they will form two parallel lines at the curb in front of Navigator. See map below for end of day pick up route. Please share this information for adults assigned to pick up your child. If you need a pick up sign, please call the office at (810) 225-5300
Meet Willow - Navigator Elementary Therapy Dog
Join Our Parent Committees!
Navigator Elementary is dedicated to building a strong partnership between our school and our families. This year, we're continuing this effort through two key parent committees, and we invite you to get involved!
Navigator PTO
The Navigator PTO is all about supporting student and family activities outside of the regular school day. This includes planning fun events like our Halloween Social and Spring Fling, and coordinating important programs like the Scholastic Book Fair and after-school clubs.
If you enjoy organizing events and creating fun opportunities for our school community, the PTO is the place for you!
First Meeting: August 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center
Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) focuses on important topics that impact our students. This year, the PAC will look at survey data and explore the effects of technology use on children. The committee will engage in a book study of The Anxious Generation and discuss the documentary Screenagers.
This is a great opportunity to share your perspective and learn alongside other parents about critical issues facing our kids today.
First Meeting: September 28 at 10:00 a.m.
Fall Mum Fundraiser
Get ready for fall! The PTO is holding a fall mum fundraiser to support our school. You can pick up order forms at Navigator's Open House.
Volunteering at Navigator Elementary
As we kick off a wonderful new school year, we are looking for enthusiastic parents, guardians, and community members to help make this fall unforgettable for our students!
Whether you have an hour a week or an hour a month, your time and talents make a world of difference at Navigator Elementary. Volunteering is a fantastic way to stay connected, support our teachers, and build a strong school community.
We would love to know how you'd like to help! Please take two minutes to fill out our short survey to share your interests and availability.
Click here to complete the Navigator Elementary Volunteer Survey
Thank you for helping us guide our Navigator students toward success—we couldn't do it without your support!
Calling All Dads & Father Figures! Join Us for Watch D.O.G.S. Info Night at Navigator
Make a Real Difference in Your Child's Day!
Looking for a fun, meaningful way to get involved in our school community? Come learn about the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) program at Navigator!
Watch D.O.G.S. is a national initiative designed to bring dads, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, and other male role models into the school environment. Whether you can volunteer for a full day, a half day, or just a few hours a semester, your presence makes a massive impact. You'll serve as an extra set of eyes and ears, provide positive mentorship, and show our kids how much their education matters.
Event: Watch D.O.G.S. Information Presentation
When: Tuesday, September 22 at 6:30 PM
Where: Navigator
Who: All fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, and male father figures
During this quick informational session, you'll discover:
How the program operates right here at Navigator.
What a typical Watch D.O.G. schedule looks like (assisting in classrooms, encouraging kids at recess/lunch, helping with morning drop-off).
How to easily register for dates that fit around your schedule.
Attending this presentation doesn't lock you into a rigid time commitment—it's simply an opportunity to learn more and see if it's a good fit for you.
We can't wait to see you there and partner together to make this school year incredible!
PCS Community Education Brochure
The Fall Community Education is here, and should be in homes this week. This is the last printed version of the brochure as we are going digital! Here's what it will look like for all future brochures: Pinckney Community Education 2026
NAVIGATOR ELEMENTARY LUNCH AND BREAKFAST
ARAMARK is the meal provider for the district. So, what’s for lunch? Monthly lunch menus are posted on the Pinckney Community Schools website. All of the lunch choices meet federal nutrition guidelines. No chips, candy bars, or pop will be served, as they go against what we know is nutritious, healthy, and developmentally appropriate for a growing pre-adolescent body.
Michigan passed free breakfast and lunch for all schools this year so both will be free to all students. Lunch and milk prices for the 2026-27 school year are as follows:
Breakfast - free
Lunch - free
Milk $.55 (purchasing milk only)
Payments into your child's lunch account can be done through MISTAR through this link if you would like them to purchase an ice cream treat and/or cookie treat.
Information about our food service program, Aramark, as well as monthly menus can be located through the district website on the Food Service page.
There will be three lunch periods, one for each grade level. Students will have recreation time before or after lunch depending on their classroom schedule. Students will have a 20 minute lunchtime and 20 minute recreation time during this 40 minute block. The lunch schedule is:
11:00 - 11:40 am - Fifth grade
11:50 - 12:30 pm - Third grade
12:40 - 1:20 pm - Fourth grade
All students will be supervised by recess and lunch supervisors.
We are always looking for parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles to participate within the school as lunch/recess supervisors. If you are interested please reach out to Heather or Bridgette in our office at (810) 225-5300. This is a paid opportunity.
Lunchtime treats
Students may purchase treat on specific days using their lunch account:
- Tuesday is cookie day for $1.25
- Friday is ice cream day for $1.25
Our lunchroom supervisors run the famous Navigator Popcorn day on Thursdays. Popcorn is .25 cents to purchase a bag. (Student bring a quarter to purchase popcorn)
Food allergies and special diets - If your child is planning on receiving school meals and have a diagnosed medical condition which requires them to receive an alternative meal, please submit a doctors note to Chris Haskins, director chaskins@pinckneypirates.org
LATCHKEY
Before and after school care providing caring supervision, activities for fun and learning, arts and crafts projects, supervised homework time. Latchkey is a service that provides child care for school-aged children before and after the school day. A variety of educational and recreational activities are included in the program. Our goal is to be able to offer the community a safe, educational, and loving environment.
Latchkey in the Pinckney School District is a self-supporting program dependent on tuition fees to meet operational costs. There is an annual $100.00 registration fee for the school year per family. This registration fee covers the Latchkey Program. Navigator Latchkey hours of operation are 6:15 to 8:30 am and 3:30 to 6:15 pm. Latchkey is in operation on all scheduled school days, early release Friday and for half-day coverage.
Monday through Thursday: $11 for each session (AM and PM), $10 for siblings
Friday: $11 for AM session ($10 for siblings); $13 for PM session
Half Days: $11 for AM session ($10 for siblings); $23 for PM session ($22 for siblings)
Drop-ins are charged an additional $10 per session
Registration is done through Pinckney Community Education through this link.
For more information please contact Pinckney Community Education at (810) 225-3950
PINCKNEY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
We are excited to welcome your family to Pinckney Community Schools and wish you and your child a successful school year!
Regular attendance is an important part of student success. Being present at school each day allows students to participate in learning, build relationships, and stay connected to their school community.
Pinckney Community Schools follows the Livingston County Attendance Guidelines and Chronic Absenteeism & Truancy Process. We monitor student attendance throughout the school year and reach out to families when attendance concerns arise. Our goal is to partner with families and provide support when needed.
View the Livingston County Attendance Guidelines and Chronic Absenteeism & Truancy Process.
ABSENCE REPORTING PROCEDURES
When your child is going to be absent from school:
A parent/guardian must notify the school by calling the Attendance Hotline or using the school's designated attendance email/link.
Attendance Hotlines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience.
Absences must be reported within 48 hours. Absences that are not excused within 48 hours may be recorded as unexcused.
Students who arrive more than five minutes late to class may be marked with an unexcused attendance code, according to school attendance procedures.
We understand that there are times when absences are unavoidable. If your family is experiencing challenges that are affecting your child's attendance, please reach out to us. We are here to listen, provide support, and work together to help your child be successful.
- Principal: Ruth Badalucco - rbadalucco@pinckneypirates.org
- Dean of Students: Sandy Buczek - sbuczek@pinckneypirates.org
- Main Office: 810-255-5300
- Attendance Hotline: 810-255-5310
- Attendance Email: ne-attendance@pinckneypirates.org
MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS (MTSS)
As part of our goal to ensure that our students receive the best instruction, we are using an assessment and reporting system this year called aimsWeb Plus.
aimsWeb Plus provides data that helps us adjust the level and intensity of instruction to the needs of each student. The aimsWeb Plus reading and math assessments are used for two main purposes:
1) Universal Screening, to identify students likely to struggle so that these students can receive extra instruction in a timely manner; and
2) Progress Monitoring, to track the progress of students receiving extra instruction and ensure that they are on schedule to meet their year-end reading and math goals.
Who will be tested?
Each fall, winter, and spring, all students will take the aimsWeb Plus tests. For students identified as needing additional instruction, we will monitor their progress frequently, testing at least once a month and as often as once a week. If a student is not showing sufficient progress, we can then adjust classroom instruction.
How much time will all this testing take? This sounds like a lot of testing time, but these tests are very brief—most take only 1 to 3 minutes to complete. The tests can be this brief because, unlike tests that measure in detail how a student performs in a variety of skill areas, aimsWeb Plus assesses the basic reading or math skills that are good indicators of overall performance.
What kind of information does the test provide?
Each aimsWeb Plus test results in a single score, usually the number of correct responses within a brief time limit. This score can be compared to a national average or to the average performance for the local school or district, and can indicate the likelihood of passing the end-of-year state test. aimsWeb Plus tests are like an eye chart exam: If you miss more than a certain number of letters, you likely have vision problems. To determine whether various corrections work, you return to the eye chart until you find the right lenses. aimsWeb Plus screening and progress monitoring measures are similar—simple but powerful indicators of risk that are sensitive to small improvements.
What do I need to do to prepare my child for testing?
No special preparation for aimsWeb Plus testing is required, other than preparing for school as on any other day. The testing takes a short amount of time and will not be a big event for your child.
How can I get additional information on how aimsWeb Plus is being used by the school?
If you would like additional information or have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher or the school principal.
