The Paw Print
Week of November 17-21, 2025
School Information
School Office Hours: 7:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Bell Schedule
7:20 Breakfast is open to ALL students.
TK Early Bears - 7:50 - 12:10 M, Tu, Th, F & 7:50-12:00 W
TK Late Bears - 9:00 - 1:20 M, Tu, Th, F; 9:00-1:10 W
Grades K-6
7:50 - 2:15 M, T, Th, F
7:50 - 1:15 (every Wednesday)
Reporting an Absence
1) Call our attendance line at 714-986-7110 #3
2) Email Stacy Pinegar at spinegar@pylusd.org
LOST & FOUND
Please check the Lost & Found for any missing items. All unclaimed belongings will be donated on November 21. Thank you for helping us keep our campus tidy!
Street Paving
We want to make you aware that the Public Works Department will be repairing and paving per the attached photo. The project timeframe is Nov. 17, 2025 - Jan. 1, 2026. Currently, the streets around Brookhaven ES and the backside of El Dorado HS are slated to be worked on 12/6/2025 and 12/20/2025. We will update you on any new developments as this project progresses.
What's Happening This Week
Mon. , Nov. 17
2:15 - Lego Engineering
Tue., Nov. 18
PJ Day - sponsored by Student Council
LAST Day of Thanksgiving Food Drive
Running Club at recess (weather permitting)
Wed., Nov. 19 - MINIMUM DAY - 12:45 dismissal
College T-Shirt Wear
1:00-3:30 - Play Rehearsals
Thurs., Nov. 20 - MINIMUM DAY - 12:45 dismissal
Running Club at recess (weather permitting)
Fri., Nov. 21
NO SCHOOL for Students
Thanksgiving Break - November 24-28 (School Resumes December 1, 2025)
Coming Up...
12/1 - School Choice Window Opens
12/2 - 6th Grade Walkthrough
12/3 - GATE Information Night [NEW DATE}
12/3 - Restaurant Night: Chipotle
12/4 - Trimester Awards
12/4 - 6th Grade Camp Meeting
12/5 - 6th Grade Camp Payment #3
12/5 - Funky Friday
12/8 - PTA Meeting
12/10 - School Choice Tour #1
12/11 - PAL Meeting
12/11 - GATE Magnet Meeting at Tynes
12/12 - School Choice Tour #2
12/19 - Bear Hug Store
12/22-1/2 - Winter Break (school resumes January 5, 2026)
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Brookhaven's Student Council is sponsoring its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive!
We need your help to make it a success. Each grade level has been assigned a specific food item. All donations are dur to your classroom by TUESDAY, November 18th.
TK - canned tuna
K - box of mac and cheese
1st - 14.5 oz corn
2nd - 14.5 oz can of fruit
3rd - 16 oz bag of pasta
4th 14.5 oz canned tomatoes
5th - 16 oz bag of white rice
6th - 2lb. bag of dried pinto beans
All donations will be given to the Placentia Presbyterial Church food pantry. From there, our donations will be given to deserving families. Thank you in advance for helping families in our community enjoy a wonderful holiday. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Dykstra or Mrs. Leifeste.
Illness
The cold and flu season is upon us! Please review the following school illness guidelines to keep all of our Brookhaven Bears healthy!
Character Trait of the Month
Respect
Key Beliefs:
I will be a better student if I act on the following beliefs:
- I will treat others the way I want to be treated.
- It is important to treat everyone with respect, even if I feel they don’t deserve it.
- I need to treat everyone the same by accepting their differences, whether they are my friends or people I don’t know very well.
- I must respect the personal space of others and keep my hands to myself.
- It is important for people to be included.
English Learners
Thank you for attending!
Thank you to those who were able to attend our English Learner meeting last Wednesday. Attached you will find the slides and meeting minutes for your review. Please let us know if you have any questions—we are here to support you!
Questions? Email kamidon@pylusd.org
English Learner Parent Survey
We’d love your feedback! Please take a few minutes to complete the English Learner Needs Assessment so we can better support you and your child. Your input helps us plan programs and resources that meet your family’s needs.
Thank you for being an important part of our school community!
Happy November! Here are your slides of ways to practice at home.
DELAC
Use this link to view the meeting slides from DELAC Meeting held on 10-20-25.
Let's Talk: Notes from the School Psychologist
Supporting Learning Over Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving Break is a wonderful time for families to rest, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate gratitude. It can also be a great opportunity to keep children engaged in simple, fun activities that support learning—without feeling like extra schoolwork. Here are a few easy ways to make the break both enjoyable and educational:
1. Read Together Daily
Spend a few minutes each day reading with your child. Whether it’s a favorite picture book, a chapter from a longer story, or even a recipe, reading helps build vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
2. Invite Your Child Into the Kitchen
Cooking is a fantastic way to build math and reading skills. Let your child help measure ingredients, read directions, or set a timer. These small tasks support math concepts and following step-by-step instructions.
3. Encourage Writing
Ask your child to write a short note to someone they’re thankful for, create a grocery list with you, or keep a simple journal about their break. Writing doesn’t have to be formal—it’s all great practice!
4. Explore the Outdoors
Take a walk, visit a park, or go on a “nature scavenger hunt.” Ask your child to observe and describe what they see. This builds language skills and curiosity about the world.
5. Practice Real-World Math
Have your child help count items, compare prices at the store, or estimate how long tasks will take. These quick, everyday moments reinforce math in meaningful ways.
6. Play Games Together
Board games, card games, puzzles, and building activities all help develop problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking—and they’re fun family bonding time.
7. Talk About Traditions and Family History
Sharing stories and asking questions strengthens vocabulary, listening skills, and cultural understanding. Kids love hearing about childhood memories, family traditions, and favorite holiday moments.
With a little creativity, learning can stay active throughout the break while still feeling relaxed and enjoyable. Most importantly, enjoy your time together—connection is one of the most meaningful ways to support your child’s growth. Happy Thanksgiving!
Attendance
PYLUSD Civility Policy
Promoting Respectful Communication
At PYLUSD, we believe that respect and kindness create the best environment for learning and collaboration. Our goal is to ensure all interactions among parents, staff, students, and visitors are positive, professional, and focused on supporting students.
Our Shared Commitment
• Treat one another with respect and courtesy.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
• Communicate calmly, constructively, and respectfully.
• Work together toward positive solutions.
What We Expect
• Avoid shouting, profanity, or threats.
• Do not disrupt school activities or meetings.
• If emotions run high, we may pause the conversation and reschedule.
When Behavior Becomes Disruptive
Unsafe, threatening, or abusive behavior may result in being asked to leave campus. Continued issues could limit access to school grounds, and law enforcement may be contacted if necessary.
Our Promise
Brookhaven staff are committed to:
• Listening with empathy and professionalism.
• Modeling civility for our students and community.
• Working with you to resolve concerns respectfully.
Thank you for helping us create a safe, positive, and respectful school environment for everyone!
Musical
Important Musical Dates
Rehearsal Dates: 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3*, 12/10*, 1/7*, 1/14*, 1/21* (*kinder joins)
Tech & Show Week: 1/25-31/26
Brookhaven PTA
PTA has some amazing events and activities planned for us this year! Here are a few things coming up:
* Yearbook sales
* Spirit Wear Sales
* Ice Cream Sales every Friday ($1)
Spirit Wear - Store REOPENED!
PTA has re-opened the spirit wear store! The shop is open now until 11/30 and items should arrive 12/15 - right before winter break. This would make a great gift for your student or favorite Brookhaven supporter!
Yearbook
Make sure to follow us on social media and keep an eye out for photo submission links for the yearbook throughout the year!
JOIN PTA!
District News
CalKIDS Savings Program
The CalKIDS Savings Program, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, provides children born in California with state-funded CalKIDS scholarships that can be used on qualified higher education expenses such as tuition, books, and computer equipment. All children born in California on or after July 1, 2022, are eligible for a scholarship, ranging from $25 to $175, regardless of income. Low-income students are eligible for scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500. Scholarships are automatically created for eligible students, but must be claimed using the students’ Statewide Student Identifier. Please visit https://calkids.org/ for more information about this program and to sign up."
CareerLink & Academies Pathways
Did you know that El Dorado High School and Valencia High School offer a Teacher Education Pathway? Check out the ROP website to learn more about it! Please contact the El Dorado Principal, Michael Zides at mzides@pylusd.org or Valencia HS Principal, Chris Herzfeld at cherzfeld@pylusd.org for more information.
School Choice Transfer Window Opens December 1
The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) is pleased to share that the School Choice Transfer Request period for the 2026–2027 school year will open earlier than in previous years—beginning December 1, 2025.
During this time, families of current or incoming Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 12th-grade students who wish to attend a PYLUSD school other than their school of residence may submit a School Choice Transfer Request for the 2026–2027 school year.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) -12 School Choice Transfer Request Window
Dates: December 1, 2025 – January 16, 2026
Notification Date: On or before February 13, 2026
Families are encouraged to submit their transfer requests during this priority window to ensure full consideration. Requests received after January 16, 2026, will be placed on a waitlist and considered only if space becomes available.
Please note:
New students should first enroll at their school of residence before submitting a School Choice Transfer Request.
Transfer requests submitted during the priority window are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis. All requests received within the window are considered equally.
Transfer approvals are based on space availability. Some schools may be deemed “impacted” due to high enrollment and may have limited capacity for new transfers.
Beginning December 1, 2025, families may submit School Choice Transfer Requests electronically through Informed K12. The application link will be available on the district’s School Choice Transfers webpage at that time.
For additional information about School Choice Transfers—including frequently asked questions and eligibility requirements—please visit www.pylusd.org/schoolchoice.
Community News
Resources if you are facing food instabiltiy
OC Second Harvest Food Bank provides support across Orange County.
Second Harvest Food Bank, as of 10/13/2025. There is no limit to the number of food distribution locations families can visit.