Park Ridge ES: Parent Newsletter

Thank you to everyone who completed the Teacher of the Year nomination form! We are excited to announce that, Mrs. Claudia Viera, our Kindergarten teacher, has been named the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year for Park Ridge Elementary School. Mrs. Claudia Viera is a passionate educator who changes lives every single day. She loves her students, supports her colleagues wholeheartedly, and enriches our entire school community through her dedication, creativity, and heart. Her impact is lasting, meaningful, and truly inspiring.

December 9th- MAP testing begins

December 9th- Spelling Bee

December 12th @12PM- Christmas Caroling RTMS @ PRES (5th Grade ONLY)

December 17th- Staff Cookie Walk

December 19th- End of 1st Semester

December 22nd-Jan 2nd- Winter Break (No School)

January 5th- Staff Work Day (No School for Students)

January 6th- Professional Development Day (No School for Students)

This week, our staff will be celebrating Underground Spirit Week! It’s a top-secret week where staff will secretly wear or do something special each day, and students get to be detectives. Students will need to look closely and notice what all staff have in common each day, then share their guesses with their teacher.

We’re excited to bring back the Cookie Walk for Park Ridge staff on December 17th! Last year, thanks to all of you, our staff cookie walk was a HUGE success. We hope you can help us make it just as special this year. We love to show our staff appreciation for all they do for our kiddos and what better way than with a sweet treat? Here’s how you can help:

• Donate cookies (baked or store-bought) to Park starting the week of December 15th.

• Our staff will get to walk through and pick their favorite cookies to enjoy in class or at home.

Let’s make our staff feel appreciated and loved for all they do by showering them with cookies!

Our school's Spelling Bee will take place on December 9th from 1:45–2:45. Families will receive more information soon, but we wanted to be sure the date is on your calendar. We look forward to supporting our students as they participate in this event.

Attention 4th and 5th grade parents. Family life will be taught on Tuesday, December 16th and Wednesday December 17th to students. If you have any questions regarding the lesson please contact Mrs Hickman (hickmanld@staffordschools.net) or Ms Rouse( rousekm@staffordschools.net).

Please see below upcoming SCA meeting dates. If your child is an officer and representative, please be aware of these important dates so they can be sure to attend.

Better Days Dental is excited to invite students and families to their Free Dental Day – “Smiles & Cocoa” at Better Days Dental on Saturday, December 13th, 2025!

This event is all about celebrating the holidays, spreading smiles, and giving back to the community. We’ll be offering:
Free dental exams, sealants, and cleanings for children ages 6–18
Free hot cocoa for families while they visit! ☕🎄

🦷 Date: December 13, 2025
📍 Location: Better Days Dental, 422 Garrisonville Rd, Ste 103 (behind Dunkin Go)
📞 Appointments: By appointment only — first come, first serve!

Call/Text: (540) 300-1311
🌐 www.betterdaysdental.com

We will be collecting food again for the American Legion Food Drive. Boxes will be in the lobby from November 5th - December 14th, with the food being collected by the American Legion on December 15th.

Thank you for your support!

North Stafford's Winter Fest will be held on December 17th, hosted by their Learn & Serve Program. All families are welcome to join! The event will include a flower sale from our horticulture students, kid-friendly games such as bingo and Pin the Nose on Rudolph, and a cozy movie with treats for everyone to enjoy.

Please feel free to pass this along to your school communities. We appreciate your partnership and hope to see your families there!

Join us for Movie Night hosted by our PTO! This event is open to all Park Ridge families. Light concessions sold by the Brooke Point Dance Team will be available for purchase. Just a reminder, ALL students must be accompanied by a parent. Bring a cozy blanket to sit on, and wear your pajamas!

We hope to see you there for a fun evening! 🍿🎥

Join the PRES Spirit Council in collecting pop tabs to help support the Ronald McDonald House - Greater Washington, DC.

Their Mission:

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC) provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. Collection jars will be in classrooms beginning next week!