4th Grade Weekly Newsletter

Maddie Camp: maddie.camp@pisd.edu x20075

Martha Collins: martha.collins@pisd.edu x20078

Aldridge Website: https://aldridge.pisd.edu/

School Cafe Information: https://www.pisd.edu/departments-66/food-and-nutritional-services/about-us

4th Grade Planning/Conference Time: 9:25 am - 10:15 am

Thank you so much to everyone who came to Parent Info Night! We loved getting to see you and share more about fourth grade with you.

You can access the slides from the evening using the link below. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the fourth grade team. We are always happy to help!

Thank you for your continued support! 🐾

Please follow these instructions.

2. Start with a pumpkin of any shape or size.

• Students should be able to carry it on their own.
• Pie size is best if choosing a real pumpkin.
• Fake pumpkins are easier to decorate and easier to carry.
• You can also decorate a paper template of a pumpkin.

3. To decorate you can use paper, glue, markers, pipe cleaners, fabric, or any other craft items glued onto your pumpkin. You may paint the pumpkin as well. Spray paint or permanent paint works best!

• If painting real pumpkins, painting a layer of seal or varnish on first is optional, but it can help- paint stick. Acrylic paint works best on pumpkin skin.

4. Absolutely no carved pumpkins. No holes!

5. Turn in with your pumpkin 2 note cards

• Front of card 1 - book character, the title of the book and author of the book

• Back of card 1 - your name, your teacher’s name and grade level

• Front of card 2 - Why did I choose this character? What are some character traits of this character?

• Back of card 2 - How did I make my pumpkin look like my character? What supplies did I use? What were the steps I took to make it?

6. Do not put your name anywhere on the pumpkin.

7. Try to think of unique characters! Let your creativity soar!

8. Only one pumpkin per student may be entered.

9. You may receive help from family members, but it must be MOSTLY STUDENT's work.

10. Bring a copy of the book the character is in to display with the pumpkin.

Reflections PTA Art Contest: "What My Culture Means to Me"

• About the program: Reflections is our annual PTA arts contest celebrating student creativity through a cultural theme. We invite all students to participate!

• Getting started: This week, Mr. Wick's class has been creating self-portraits—a great starting point for your child's submission. Students can polish this work at home or create a separate piece inspired by the theme.

• Submission deadline: All artwork must be turned in to Mr. Wick by 3 PM on Friday, October 30th

• What happens next: Winners will be selected by November 5th. Selected students will complete entry forms to submit to PISD for regional recognition.

• Prizes: Winners from each grade level group (K-2 and 3-5) will be honored and awarded a prize at Aldridge's Art Night on November 19th!

Questions? Reach out to jessicajo.vidrik@gmail.com or the PTA to learn more!

Aldridge Elementary is looking for parents who would like to be involved in our Site-Based Improvement Committee (SBIC)!

This committee provides valuable input and feedback as we work to improve our campus and support the success of every student. If you are interested in partnering with us and having a voice in the continued growth of Aldridge, please let your child's teacher know.

We would love to have you involved!

Please, take a moment to fill out the VOLY sign up. This will give you the opportunity to help volunteer throughout the school year. *If you're not VOLY approved you may not volunteer*

https://plano.voly.org/opportunity/volunteer.html?id=84545

You will need to be logged into your Voly account for the direct link to work.

Aldridge Families,

If you haven’t already, please log in to your Skyward account today to select either “opt in” or “opt out” for school-based physical and mental health services. Without this consent form completed, Plano ISD nurses, counselors, and staff cannot provide these services as of September 1, 2025. This includes routine visits with Nurse Amber or check-ins with our school counselor, Ms. Hardy. More information from Plano ISD is included.

LOGIN to SKYWARD: https://portal.pisd.edu/idp/AuthnEngine#/authn

We appreciate your help in updating your form with your preferences. Thank you!

Parents have the ability to review instructional plans for their child’s classes. Visit https://www.pisd.edu/students-families-a6/instructionalplans to view the instructional plans and learn more about your child’s learning experience.

Celebrate your Ocelot in an extra special way! Follow the website to get their name put on the Aldridge sign. 🙂

School Meals

Plano ISD meal prices and menu information can be found on the Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) website.

Meal Benefits

Families who may qualify for meal benefits are encouraged to complete a federal meal application for free and reduced-price meals. The meal application will be honored for the first 30 days of the school year. The meal application may be completed through School Café by logging in to your account, or by creating a new account.

Meal Payments

Online payments are accepted through SchoolCafé. Cash and checks are also accepted during the school day at your child's campus.