CCE May 2026 Parent Connection

100% Student Success!

Curlew Creek Elementary will achieve this by being responsive to the academic, emotional, social, and individual needs of each child. Our goal is to develop critical thinkers and problem solvers who are prepared to be responsible, confident, and productive members of a diverse society.

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Dear Coyote Families,

As we approach the end of another wonderful school year, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your support, dedication, and enthusiasm throughout the year. Together, we have achieved so much and created countless cherished memories.

To Our Incredible Students:

Thank you for your hard work, curiosity, boundless energy, and commitment to growing greatness. Your enthusiasm for learning brightens our halls each day, and your unique talents continue to amaze us all.

To Our Devoted Staff:

Thank you for your tireless commitment to providing the best possible education and support toour students. Your passion for teaching and nurturing young minds is truly inspiring, and it isbecause of your dedication that our school continues to thrive.

To Our Wonderful Families:

Thank you for your partnership, encouragement, and involvement in your child's education. Your active participation in our school community is invaluable, and through our collaboration, we create a nurturing and supportive environment where every child can succeed.

As we embark on the summer break, I wish each of you a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable time with your loved ones. May this summer be filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished moments that

will last a lifetime.

I am already looking forward to the new school year ahead, where we will continue to learn, grow, and celebrate together as a community. Until we meet again in August, remember that at Curlew Creek Elementary School, it's always a great day to be a Coyote!

Thank you for your support!

With warm regards,

Principal Brickley

5/5 - Kindergarten Field Trip - Zoo Tampa

5/6 - National School Nurse Appreciation Day

5/9 - PCS Engineering & Science Showcase, 10am-2pm - SPC Clearwater

5/13 - Field Day Gr K & 3

5/15 - Secret Pal Reveal!

5/15 - Field Day Gr 4 & 5

5/18 - Field Day Gr 1 & 2

5/25- Memorial Day - School Closed

5/27 - 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 9am - Countryside High School

5/28 - Last Day for Students (dismissal 2 hours early) / Report Cards Distributed

6/1-25 - Summer Bridge (M-TH)

6/2-25 - ESY (M-TH)

8/10, Monday

Meet My Teacher:

• 12:30-1:15 GRADES 3, 4, 5
• 1:15-2:00 GRADES K, 1, 2
• 2:00-2:45 GRADES PK3, VPK, ESE Access Points

8/11, Tuesday

Student First Day!

8/19, Wednesday

Open House - PK, 4, 5, ESE Access Points

8/21, Friday

Fall Picture Day (Strawbridge Photography)

8/26, Wednesday

Open House - K, 1, 2, 3

8/28, Friday

SAC Quarter 1 Meeting

Click here to register

As our scholars in grades 3, 4, and 5 prepare to showcase their knowledge during the end-of-year state testing, we want to wish them the very best! To ensure they perform their best, please ensure scholars get plenty of sleep the night before each test, eat a healthy breakfast to energize them, and arrive to class by 8:45AM to receive important test directions.

Please note that students arriving late WILL NOT be permitted to enter the classroom once testing has started.

Please help to encourage and motivate your students to show what they know!!!!

Thank you for your support!

GO COYOTES! SHOW YOUR GREATNESS!

5/5 - GR 3 ELA

5/6 - GR 4 ELA

5/7 - GR 5 ELA

5/14 - GR 5 SCIENCE

5/19 - GR 3 MATH

5/20 - GR 4 MATH

5/21 - GR 5 MATH

Please note: Students with accommodations may be on a varied test schedule. Check with teachers.

Did you know that you can visit https://flfast.org/families.html to learn all about the FAST (Florida Statewide Assessment) and see examples of questions at your child's grade level? This is a great way for parents to get an idea of what is expected of their scholar on the assessment.

Check in the school office with your ID, then enter field day at the back gate (far end of car circle).

Please plan to stay for the entire event.

5/13 (Wednesday):

9:00-11:00 - K

12:30-2:30 – Gr 3

5/15 (Friday):

9:00-11:00– Gr 4

12:3-2:30 – Gr 2

Parents, on special event days, we want to inform you that we will not be dismissing students early. Therefore, we kindly ask that you do not come to the office to check out your child during these times. Our small office staff is unable to manage mass grade level dismissals before the regular dismissal period. We understand that many families have multiple children they wish to check out early, however, calling into classrooms for students can disrupt classes and instruction. Additionally, this process does not provide our office staff sufficient time to prepare for the regular dismissal routines for car riders, bus riders, and van riders, nor to communicate any changes to the personnel supervising dismissal. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Do you know a graduating senior (12th grader) who attended Curlew Creek? We would love to invite them back for a special breakfast and final walk/clap out down the halls. Please share this message with them! We hope to see as many Coyote Alumni as possible!

* They should register using the QR code on the flyer below so we can plan accordingly for the number of seniors attending. 💛💙🐾

Curlew Creek students will be attending Safety Harbor Elementary School. Invited students can attend Summer Bridge at any location, but those attending Safety Harbor Elementary will be eligible for transportation.

This program is by invitation only. Students were invited based on their Cycle 2 Data. Letters were sent home on March 23, and registration opened on March 25th. Please enroll your child if you received a letter. If you need help registering, call the school office, 727-724-1423.

If you have questions, contact Ms. Ketchem, Assistant Principal.

If you are interested in being a part of our 2026-2027 PTA board or School Advisory Council (SAC), please complete the PTA interest for that was sent home and SAC interest form attached below. Contact Principal Brickley with any questions.

Congratulations to our 2026-2027 Officers:

• Chair – Madeline Barnes
• Co-chair –Brooke Lorge
• Secretary – Nicole Pesci
• Parliamentarian – Jaclyn Tillotson

We are currently seeking members for our School Advisory Council for the upcoming school year. If you're interested in becoming a member, please fill out the attached membership interest form.

We also welcome everyone to attend our meetings as participants—no additional commitments required!

Stay informed and engaged with our school community!

Your participation makes a difference!

Mark Your Calendars: Meeting Dates for 2026-2027

All meetings will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 AM in the school library on the following dates:

• August 28, 2026
• November 13, 2026
• February 19, 2027
• April 16, 2027

Each year, the Florida Department of Education surveys parents of children receiving special education services to determine how well their children’s schools are partnering with them. The survey is for students in grades PreK-12 who have an IEP. Feedback helps the school district improve special education services and collaboration with families. Families can learn more and access the survey at www.pcsb.org/ese.

To ensure a successful start to the school day, it is crucial that all students arrive before 8:45 AM. This ensures they are seated in their classroom and ready for instruction, which begins promptly at 8:45 AM. Arriving after 8:45 AM disrupts the teaching and learning already in progress.

If your child is late, you must walk them in and sign them in at the front office. Please do not drop them off and leave, as our front doors are locked and entry is managed through the security doorbell system.

We strongly urge your cooperation in this matter to maintain a productive learning environment for ALL students. Thank you for your understanding and support!

As we approach the end of the school year, we want to emphasize the importance of maximizing instructional time for our students. In April, we noticed a significant number of tardies and early releases, with over 300 tardies and almost 300 early releases (that's higher than last year!). This means our students are missing valuable learning opportunities.

We believe that with your support, we can make a positive change in May. Let's work together to ensure our students arrive on time and stay until the end of the school day. Every minute in the classroom counts towards their academic success and growth.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to your child's education. Let's make May a month of full attendance and uninterrupted learning!

We would like to extend our heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Linda Petersen

on her upcoming retirement at the end of this school year! Thank you, Mrs. Petersen, for your dedicated service to education and your invaluable contributions to Curlew Creek Elementary. Your passion and commitment will be greatly missed. Wishing you much happiness as you embrace the joys of retirement!

AWESOME describes our parent volunteers who made this year's Parent Lunch Bunch days possible! Thank you!

CONGRATULATIONS to students in who earned the Character Trait awards for Honesty and for Respect from their teachers at our final character award ceremony for year! Thank you to family members who came to cheer them on!

A SHOUT OUT to our PTA and all families who came to our Family Glow Dance Party! It was Out of this World!

A SHOUT OUT to families who have been attending data chats and student led conferences with their students and helping their scholars set goals!

WHOOSHES to families and volunteers who came to our 3rd annual Special Olympics! It was a heartwarming event!

THANK YOU to families for supporting student service projects by donating to our Art Honor Society Empty Bowls event and our Coyote Council Stuffed Animal collection!

COYOTE WHOOSHES to our Safety Patrols for the beautiful Rock Garden refresh! And thanks to parents for donating the materials!

OUR AMAZING PTA did it again! Showing appreciation where it counts - our taste buds and stomachs! Thanks to PTA and coordinator Stephanie Ortiz for the delicious RAD lunches last week!

A BIG THANKS to families for the many treats for staff appreciation week! You take great care of our Curlew staff!

WOO HOO to our SCHOOL LUNCH HEROS in the cafeteria! Show them your love and appreciation. Friday, May 1st was School Lunch Hero Day! HATS OFF to Cafeteria Manager Cynthia Passero

and her team who work with pride and dedication throughout the year!

A SHOUT OUT to NURSE CAROL, Superwoman! Show her your love and appreciation on School Nurses Day on Wednesday, May 6th. She runs all day every day through our halls and into classrooms to take care of our scholars. Thank you, Nurse Carol, for taking great care of our kiddos!

OUR CURLEW STAFF IS AMAZING! Thank you for all you have done this year to enhance and enrich the lives of our students and their families!

THANK YOU to parents who have sent staff recognitions by clicking the button or the link at the top of the monthly newsletter! Our staff appreciate those recognitions more than you know!

We want to give a huge SHOUT OUT to our families for participating in this years’ online Caring for Classrooms program. Over $30,000.00 was earned in gift cards for teachers to spend on their classroom supplies and materials. Our teachers are so very thankful for your support! The 2026-2027 program will kick-off August 24, 2026.

We would also like to say MANY THANKS to our wonderful volunteers and mentors for the countless hours you have given to our school. We have logged over 10,000 hours for this school year!!!

We wish our 5th grade scholars much success as they leave us and move on to middle school. We will miss you!

Our PTA board would like to thank all Curlew families who helped make this an awesome year filled with family events! Our 2026-2027 PTA board has been busy planning school support and family involvement activities for the upcoming school year. The new board can’t do all the work on their own. To continue bringing our amazing programs to our families next year we need YOU.

Curlew Creek Elementary PTA is now recruiting volunteers for our 2026–2027 committees. It takes a pack to create the incredible programs our students love, and we’re looking for parent leaders to help make it happen. Whether you’re interested in fundraising, supporting teachers and staff, or helping with family events, there’s a role to fit your time and talents. No experience is needed, and many roles are flexible or shared.

We have opportunities for one-day events, seasonal committees, and year-round support. We are also looking for parents who may be interested in serving on the PTA Board.

To learn more and sign up, please visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48A9A72AA5FD0-62523450-curlew#/

Thank you for supporting our school community!

Curlew Creek Elementary PTA

Melissa Essex - PreK Teacher

Nicole Ketchem - Assistant Principal

Susan Magoulis - P.E. Assistant

Kelsey Martin - 2nd grade Teacher

Linda Petersen - 3rd grade Teacher (retiring)

Priscilla Rodriguez - 4th grade Teacher

Jessica Roknick - PreK Teacher

Shamira Rullan - Secretary/Bookkeeper

Tricia Wheeldon - DMT

Parents, your positive words can make a huge difference! If you’d like to recognize the hard work and dedication of a Curlew Creek staff member, please take a moment to submit a shout-out. Your compliments mean the world to them! Don’t forget to fill out a separate form for each staff member you’d like to honor.

Share Your Compliment Now

You can support PBIS at home by creating clear, consistent expectations and reinforcing the same positive behaviors your child is learning at school. Talk with your child about the school’s expectations—such as being respectful, responsible, and safe—and discuss what those look like in your home. For example, being responsible might mean finishing homework before screen time, while being respectful could involve using kind words with siblings. Praise or acknowledge your child when you see these behaviors, just as schools do, to help strengthen them. Establishing simple routines, offering gentle reminders, and modeling the behaviors yourself can also make a big difference. Staying in regular communication with your child’s teacher allows you to share progress, address concerns, and stay aligned on strategies. By mirroring PBIS practices at home, you help reinforce your child’s skills and create a strong, supportive connection between school and home, and lay a strong foundation for positive behaviors for life.

"Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.” ~ Laurence Sterne

Per safety legislation. there are to be no students on campus prior to 8:15 AM. This is non-negotiable.

If you arrive prior to 8:15 in car line, the student is to stay in the car with you. If your students walks or rides a bike to school, please adjust your schedule so that your child arrives between 8:15-8:45 AM. The school does not provide supervision for students prior to 8:15 AM.

Club students & Safety Patrols are the only exceptions and will be greeted by their sponsor. We need YOU to adhere to this safety concern. Thank you!

Please see the one-page summary of our School Improvement Plan (click to enlarge). Teachers and staff use this to guide their work throughout the school year. We invite you to leave feedback on our current plan, and input into our 2026-2027 plan, on our school webpage where you may also view our full School Improvement Plan.

As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, we want to inform you of an important update regarding building access for all school events. Beginning next year, any individual wishing to enter the school building for events during the school day, such as our monthly Parent Lunch Bunch, will be required to have the new Level 2 clearance approval.

The volunteer process has changed; there will no longer be Level 1 volunteers in Pinellas County Schools. If a volunteer is currently a level 1 or 2, they have until July 1st, 2026, to transition to the new Level 2 Clearinghouse. (See link below.)

From here on, if someone wants to volunteer, they will need to be completely processed as a new Level 2 through Clearinghouse. (See link below.)

We encourage all parents to obtain Level 2 clearance now, rather than waiting until the last minute. Your involvement is essential, and we want to ensure you can actively engage with our school community. Thank you to all volunteers who have already obtained their new Level 2 clearance!

Contact Joyce Brown in our school office if you have questions or need more information.

Thank you for your commitment to our school!

Click to enlarge.

See Something, Say Something:

https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/say-something-tips/

Fortify Florida reporting site:

https://getfortifyfl.com/Tip.html#

Did you know our school is registered with Box Tops for Education?!

This is an EASY way to help our school earn extra money. It’s as easy as scanning your grocery receipts. The app identifies the items that qualify and our Coyotes get a cut.

Download the app, select Curlew Creek Elem and start scanning your grocery/shopping receipts! You select which grade you want to give credit to.

Which grade will come out on top at the end of the year?

Here is a link to register & start earning free money for our school:

https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=MYY11JLM

Email: brickleyk@pcsb.org

Website: https://www.pcsb.org/curlew-es
Location: 3030 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, FL, 34684
Phone: 727-724-1423
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