Mustang Messenger Volume #2

Dear Minadeo Families,

Thank you, for helping us kick off such a successful first week of school! Our students were greeted with joy and excellence as we closed out the week by welcoming our newest Kindergarten Mustangs.

Throughout the week, your children participated in their first Morning Meeting, practiced important safety routines with a bus evacuation drill and fire drill, and began reconnecting with familiar faces while building new friendships. Together, we are establishing our school culture, learning rituals and routines, and reminding each other of “how we do school” at Minadeo.

This edition of the Mustang Messenger shares what’s next, including information about upcoming class meetings and updates to Early Childhood drop-off and pick-up procedures. We also want to thank you for your patience as we all get back into the rhythm of our systems—especially the dismissal line.

Let’s keep this first-week energy alive all year long—because when we start strong together, the possibilities are endless!

Principal Mason

Over the next couple of weeks, each grade level will meet with Principal Mason for their beginning-of-the-year class meeting. During this time, students will learn more about our school-wide expectations, upcoming events, inclusivity, and opportunities to grow as leaders at Minadeo.

Schedule:

9/4: Fifth Grade
9/5: Fourth Grade
9/9: Third Grade
9/11: Second Grade
9/12: First Grade
9/15: Kindergarten

For students in grades K-5, early dismissals must take place before 3:30 pm. Families are encouraged to submit early dismissals in advance using the link provided https://bit.ly/MinadeoED. All parents must also sign their child out upon arrival using the QR code in the main lobby. Our office staff are happy to assist with any difficulties.

For Early Childhood families, the hard cut-off time has been removed this year. However, the Early Childhood team strongly encourages families to pick up before 3:00 pm for early dismissals. After 3:00 pm, parent pick-ups will be asked to wait until students are dismissed from the side entrance. Please make sure you park behind the cones in the playground area when dropping students off.

Thank you for helping us keep dismissal safe and smooth for all students!

Our Student Handbook for the year is attached, and students will also bring home a paper copy. Please take time to read it and review key sections with your child, including arrival/dismissal, PRIDE expectations, technology use, and health/safety guidelines.

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PPS-2025-StudentHandbook-Minadeo.pdf

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To help keep our youngest Mustangs safe and transitions running smoothly, please note the following procedures:

Late Arrivals (9:35 – 10:00 AM): Families should use the cafeteria entrance for drop-off.
Arrivals After 10:00 AM: Please enter through the main entrance on Lilac Street.
Pick-Up at the Side Entrance: When dropping off or picking up your child at the side entrance, please park behind the jungle gym and walk over to meet your child.

We appreciate your cooperation in following these routines to ensure a safe and efficient process for all students.

Pittsburgh Public Schools invites all parents, caregivers, educators, and community partners to join us for the second annual Parent University on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 9 AM – 2 PM at Duquesne University (Student Union Building).

This year’s theme is “Cultivating Excellence through PPS: Purpose, Passion, and Success.” Families will walk away with practical tools, strategies, and resources to help every child succeed in the 2025–2026 school year.

Highlights include:

Interactive workshops led by expert facilitators
An inspiring keynote from Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson
Exciting giveaways and prizes
A Parent Resource Center filled with services and PPS information
A fun and safe Kids’ Corner with engaging activities for children

👉 Registration is still open! Visit www.pghschools.org/parentu to learn more and sign up.

A huge thank you to our amazing PTO for their continued partnership and support! 🌟 They helped us kick off the school year by decorating the front of the school with a warm “Welcome Back” and by greeting our Mustangs with stickers as they entered on the first day. Their thoughtfulness and energy set a positive tone for a wonderful year ahead. We are so grateful for all they do to make Minadeo a special place for our students and families.