PGS Pride Press September 2026

You may have heard about something new we are introducing in middle school this year called WIN Time. WIN stands for What I Need. WIN Time is a dedicated part of the school day designed to give all 7th and 8th grade students time to catch up, try again, and stretch their learning every day from 8:30–8:55. Teachers schedule where students go each day based on their individual learning needs.

We believe this will be a valuable opportunity to make sure every student gets "What I Need" to be successful.

You can view the presentation we used to introduce WIN Time to our students using the link below.

PGS MAC will be open until 6:00pm on the September 4 Early Dismissal Day. Spots are limited on this day so you must sign up in the office beginning Friday, August 21.

MAC will be closed September 7th for Labor Day.

Starting Sept.16th-Oct.14th Free Soccer classes MAC kids only

2nd-6th grade only 30 spots available. Sign up sheet in front office

Wednesday's 3:00-4:30

~Mrs. Angela Kennedy

The start of the school year is a good time to review the FSD Illness Guidelines. The complete list of guidelines can be found on the district's website. If your student is not feeling well and you are unsure if your student should attend school, please reach out to one of the nurses. The following is a list of the most common reasons a student should not attend school:

- fever of 100 degrees or greater

- diarrhea and/or vomiting

- sore throat accompanied by a fever

- rash or signs of skin infection not previously diagnosed or seen by a healthcare provider

- Conjunctivitis "Pink Eye"

If you have questions about medications at school, please call the school clinic.

ELEMENTARY: Nurse B. 615-472-3906

MIDDLE: Nurse Jo 615-472-3917

or visit the Student Health Services section on the FSD website. All medications to be given at school require a Student Medication Form. These forms can be found on the website or in the school clinic. Medications, prescription and non-prescription, need to be delivered to the school clinic by an adult.

When your child is absent or will arrive late please do the following:

1. Send a message via Parent Square to the attendance secretary or an email to let her know why your child is absent or will be late.

ELEMENTARY: Kristen Brown brownkri@fssd.org

MIDDLE: Rhonda Clarkson clarksonrho@fssd.org

2. When your child returns, if you haven't already notified your attendance secretary, please send a Dr. Note (if available) or a parent note that includes the student name, date(s) of absence, and the reason the child was absent . You have 7 days to return this note.

**Please keep in mind, a parent note does not necessarily excuse the absence but the documentation helps. For a list of approved absences please view the student handbook on our website.

We all have “those mornings” and sometimes run a bit behind. If the morning staff who are outside at arrival have left their positions and the “Oops Sign” is out, you will need to park and walk your child into the office to sign them in to school. Elementary students sign in in the Elementary Office and Middle School students will need to be signed in at the Middle School Office.

Welcome back PGES families. My name is Keith Welch, and I will be the elementary counselor for the 2026-2027 school year. I am excited to see everyone again after the summer break! I look forward to working with you and your students. I will get to see all students each week as part of the related arts rotation. We will talk about topics such as kindness, conflict resolution and being a good friend. I also offer individual and group counseling at your request. In addition, I work with various community organizations to provide resources for students and families. Please contact me at welchkei@fssd.org or 615-790-4720 if you have any questions or I can be of assistance. I am available to meet with parents or students when requested. I look forward to a great school year!

Keith Welch

Elementary School Counselor

welchkei@fssd.org

ext. 3995

A warm welcome to all of our returning and new PGMS families!

I wanted to share a brief reminder about the school counseling services available at PGMS. My program includes individual solution-focused counseling, small-group counseling, and classroom lessons. I focus on supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally through evidence-based practices. Our district and I also have resources available to support families in many different ways. If you ever have a question, concern, or simply aren’t sure where to turn, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to help connect you with the appropriate support. I truly love what I do, and my goal is to help our students grow into intelligent, kind, confident, and well-rounded humans. I’m so excited to partner with you and your child throughout this school year!

Here’s to a wonderful year together,

Caitlin Otto
School Counselor
ottocai@fssd.org
Ext. 3993

Hello, PGES Families, and Happy New School Year!

We are so excited to welcome everyone back and kick off another great year at PGES! We wanted to share a quick look at some of the positive behavior supports and exciting things happening throughout the year.

Our teachers and staff work hard to support every student through our school-wide PBIS program, Check-In/Check-Out (CICO), and strong partnerships with families. This year, we are especially excited to introduce our new ROAR expectations: Respectful, Organized, Always Safe and Kind, and Responsible! These expectations will help students know what success looks like across all areas of our school.

Throughout the year, you’ll hear about behavior celebrations, classroom rewards, and school-wide ROAR focuses. We believe students thrive when expectations are clear, consistent, and supported by everyone. We are excited to work together to make this a fantastic year for our students!

If you would like to learn more about PBIS, CICO, or ROAR, please reach out to Dr. Orman, Assistant Principal, at ormanjoh@fssd.org or 615-790-4720.

We can’t wait to ROAR into a great school year together!

Welcome back! We are excited about all of the skills we will learn in Physical Education this year. Here are a few reminders that will facilitate a smooth and efficient physical education experience for everyone.

• If a student is injured and unable to participate then please provide a note from the doctor and email the nurse and she will communicate with us. ELEMENTARY: Nurse Maralise Boynton at boyntonmar@fssd.org or MIDDLE: Nurse Joanna Welling at wellingjoa@fssd.org

• Please have your students wear tennis shoes daily (or a pair they can change into) so they are prepared and safe for physical education. In addition, if a dress is worn then please have students wear shorts under the dress or skirt.
• Elementary students in 1st-4th grades will be skating in March. Please practice tying shoes at home so the process of putting on and tying skates is quick and easy for your student.
• In elementary, again this year, ten minutes of physical education will be free play/recess to help facilitate the recess minutes required by state law.
• Parents can check ParentSquare accounts to view "stickers" earned in PE.

Welcome back to another exciting school year! We are thrilled to have your child visiting the Poplar Grove libraries! Whether your child is an avid reader or just beginning to discover the joys of books, we are here to support their learning and foster a love for reading throughout the year. Please help remind your child to bring their library books back each week so they can pick out something new.

We believe that reading is a shared experience, and we encourage you to read with your child at home. Discussing books, asking questions, and exploring different genres together will help nurture their love for reading. If you have any questions or need recommendations for your child's reading level, please feel free to reach out to us.

Thank you for your support!

Jessamyn Gray (PGES)

Kaci Holz (PGMS)

Library Media Specialists

This year in the state of Tennessee public schools are required by law to introduce the foundational concepts of American Independence to grades K-5 and emphasize the historical concept of the Fourth of July to grades 6-8. We are going to celebrate this day at PGS on Tuesday, September 8th as it marks Independence Day for our Kindergarteners. As part of helping our Kindergarteners grow into confident, independent learners, we are now encouraging all students to walk into school on their own each morning. This small but meaningful step helps build self-confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of routine. We’ve already seen so many proud, smiling faces walking through the doors, and we’re so proud of them!

We have an Ice Cream Fund established at both our elementary and middle school thanks to the generosity of our donors like you. These have brought so many smiles. These funds help students have the opportunity to enjoy ice cream, regardless of financial circumstances. Through this program, students who may not otherwise be able to purchase ice cream can enjoy a weekly treat, with parent permission, at no cost to their family. Our goal is simple: to make sure all students feel included and experience the small, joyful moments that build connection and belonging at school.

If you would like to contribute to the Ice Cream Fund and help sustain this program, donations are welcome. Donors may send money to the cafeteria and note that it is for the School Ice Cream Donation Fund or they may reach out directly to our cafeteria manager, Lorie Morgan, morganlor@fssd.org for more information on how to support this effort.

Thank you for helping us make PGS a place where kindness and ice cream are shared freely.

We love to celebrate birthdays at school! The district has adopted a policy of no outside food for birthday celebrations but we have several other ways to help your child celebrate.

• If you would like to send something for your child to pass out to classmates on his/her birthday, you may bring non-edible items such as pencils, bookmarks, stickers, erasers, etc.
• You may choose to dedicate a new book to the library for your child’s birthday by reaching out to your school librarian. She will help you choose just the right book and will put a plaque in the front of the book for you. ELEMENTARY: grayjes@fssd.org or MIDDLE: holzkac@fssd.org

• You may also purchase an ice cream treat for all students in the classroom to enjoy at lunchtime but we kindly ask for a minimum of a two weeks notice. Click HERE for the ice cream form.

Grab your bricks and get ready to build! Lego Club sign-ups are open now for all middle school (5th-8th grade) students. Join Master Builder Landon to learn more about Legos, design epic builds, tackle secret engineering challenges, and compete in team brick battles. See Mrs. Jefferson with questions.

• Keep track of news, activities, and events in one place.
• Communicate directly with your child's teacher.
• Send attendance notes directly to our Attendance Secretaries, Kristen Brown - Elementary & Rhonda Clarkson - Middle
• Receive alerts from the district office concerning weather delays and closings.

Our therapy dogs, Parker PGE and Ren PGM are excited to have everyone back and have enjoyed all the cuddles. There are many benefits to having a therapy dog in school, some of these are:

• Physical- interaction with a furry friend reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, assists with pain management, gives motivation to move, and stimulates the senses.

• Social- a visit with a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, promotes greater self-esteem and well-being, and focused interactions with others.

• Cognitive– companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem-solving, and game-playing.

• Emotional- an adorable four-legged visitor improves self-esteem, acceptance from others, and lifts the mood, provoking laughter.

• Environmental- a dog in a facility decreases the feeling of a sterile environment, lifts mood and this continues after visits.

Order Your PGS Yearbook Now!Order Your PGS Yearbook Now!

Did you know we start selling our PGS Yearbook in August? Order now to lock in the lowest price of the year!

Yearbooks are ordered in March and will arrive in May—just in time for students to take home and enjoy for years to come.

Don’t wait—secure yours today!

Click HERE to order.

Before we let our PTO tell you all about their fabulous work and the support they offer to staff, students, and families we'd like to take a moment to introduce the parents who have committed to leading you through the next year. Portia Garrett and Emily Bowie are our Middle School PTO Chairs and are no strangers to Poplar Grove. Both have been committed members of our PTO and our Poplar Grove Family. Elizabeth Wanczak and Nathan Zipper are our Elementary PTO Chairs. Elizabeth is a seasoned parent who has always been actively involved and Nathan and his family are brand new to Poplar Grove but he jumped in rip-ROAR-ing and ready to go! We are so thankful for these four parents. Below they will share with you how YOU can get involved with our PTO and support our school and students.

Thank you for contributing to the breakfast and lunch we provided to staff during their opening week. We use 100% of staff appreciation funds to be able to treat PGS staff and welcome them back for a great year!

See below for more opportunities to support our school and volunteer your time.

Make plans to attend our 13th annual “Groovin’ at the Grove” Fun Run on Friday, September 11.

This will be an all day family fun event that you will NOT want to miss! Students will be running to raise money for PGES. We plan to use the funds for playground updates. Look for more information to come about how you can help make this event a smashing success. In the meantime...

Lots of help is needed to pull of such a fabulous elementary school event. There is a Groovin' Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, September 2nd from 7:45-9:00 am in the PGMS cafeteria. Even if you can't attend that day we still need your help. View our Volunteer Sign up HERE.

We also need LOTS of Baked Good Donation for our Bake Sale. Plan to drop off those donations to on Thursday, September 10 in the Elementary Lobby.

Middle school students will be able to get a timed Groovin' pass from their teacher to shop the bake sale and cheer on runners at a time that is not disruptive to the teacher's instruction if the student is caught up on their work. We look forward to having them be a part of this special day for our elementary students.

GIRLS SOCCER: Any 6-8th grader interested in playing soccer, there is still time.

Contact Coach Mike Adams or talk to Coach Kelly in PE or Mr. Strelecki

BASKETBALL OPEN GYM:

6th-8th Grade Girls and Boys are invited to Basketball Open Gym Monday-Thursdays starting Monday, Sept. 14 running through Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 2:30-4:00. You must have a current sports physical on file. Fall Athletes cannot join until their current season has ended.

See Coach Kelly, Coach Nelson, or Coach Foster with questions.

BASKETBALL CHEER: Clinics and Tryouts for any 5-8 grade student who did not tryout in the spring will be held on Sept. 22 & 23 from 2:45-4:30.

Email Allison Guidry with questions.

GIRLS & BOYS WRESTLING: Wrestling will be starting on Sept. 29 at FMS. 3:00 to 5:15

Email Randy Stevens with questions.

GIRLS SOFTBALL: Tryouts will be held on Oct. 2 from 3:00-5:00.

Email Randy Stevens with questions.

GIRLS & BOYS BASKETBALL TRYOUTS:

Girls and Boys Basketball Tryouts will be held on Wednesday & Thursday, Oct. 7 & 8 from 2:30-4:30. You must have a current sports physical on file.

See Coach Kelly, Coach Nelson, or Coach Foster with questions.

ALL SPORTS:

You must have a physical on file to participate in open gym or any tryouts. See Coach Kelly for more information or email Kristen Brown at brownkri@fssd.org

Parents must also complete all forms in Final Forms before your athlete can practice.

Say cheese! We'll be taking individual and class pictures on Wednesday, September 2nd first thing in the morning.

To celebrate this Kindergarten Independence Day on Tuesday, September 8 and to recognize the learning that will take place in all our classrooms related to the meaning of our July 4th Independence Day in America, we invite everyone to join us in wearing Red, White, and Blue.

September 8-11

Tuesday - 4th of July Day - Wear your red, white and blue.

Wednesday - Sunglasses Day - Wear sunglasses and be made in the shade

Thursday - Bring Your Stuffie Day - Bring your stuffie pet to school. (Must fit in backpack.)

Friday - Groovin' Run and Class Color Day - Dress up in your class color and your best running shoes!

Waldo's Spirit Night on September 10th from 4:00-8:00 on New Highway 96. Be sure to mention Poplar Grove when you order and we will receive 10% of the proceeds. Enjoy dinner and support PGS!

Wear your class color, come support your child, shop the bake sale, and make plans to attend our 13th annual “Groovin’ at the Grove” Fun Run on Friday, September 11.

Let's cheer, dance and have some fun!. The PGMS Competition Cheer Team is hosting a Mini Cheer Clinic for all children ages 5-13 on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 5:30-7:30. Your can sign up by following THIS LINK. Email Coach Jennifer Hacker with questions.

We love our PGS families and always welcome you to join us for lunch, but we would like to extend a special invitation for grandparents to join us on Monday, September 14. The cafeteria will be serving up something special on this day so we can celebrate Grandparents Day.

We hope to have many grandparents in attendance and we look forward to meeting them. Adult lunch is $6.50

Menu: Chicken smackers

Baked chicken Thighs

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Salad Bar

Rolls

Assorted fruit

Assorted Desserts

Students will find out which class won the Spirit Stick, who will be our Related Arts Teachers and Principals of the Day, and who the Top 20 are who will go Bowling at the Groovin' Awards Assembly on Friday, September 25 at 9:50

Experience what it's like to be a member of the Franklin Color Guard by joining our current members for THREE Franklin High School football games! Game dates include: September 11th, September 25th, and October 2nd. Click HERE to receive more information.

During these games, students will learn the pre-game routine performed by the Franklin Color Guard and get to experience the excitement of Friday Night Lights firsthand by joining the tunnel to welcome the football team! They’ll also have the opportunity to dance in the stands alongside the Color Guard, cheering on the football team, having fun, and being part of the action!

Program Fee: The total fee for the fall color guard commitment will be $50. This fee includes:

• A program shirt for students to wear during the season
• Instruction from our experienced color guard staff
• The opportunity to learn and perform alongside the Franklin High School Color Guard
• Free admission to three FHS home football games
• Dinner included from the FHS Concession Stand

Stay tuned for our Winter Clinic opportunities, as well as our Six-Week Winter Season that will run from February 16 - April 6!

See the flyer regarding after school programs available at Franklin Family Taekwondo.

3 - Lucy Beal

8 - Kim Carstarphen

8 - Keith Welch

10 - Katrina Howell

13 - Celia Whitler

15 - Rhonda Clarkson

16 - Christina Kandukuri

21 - Joanna Welling

23 - Erin Morere

23 - Sylvie Watt

27 - Jennifer Marotta