Pelican Elementary: Pelican Press
November 2026
Pelican's Mission and Vision
Mission: Through the collaborative efforts of parents, staff, students, and the community, Pelican Elementary develops the emotional, social, academic, and physical potential of every student.
Vision: Pelican Elementary is a safe, secure, child-centered school which provides the foundation for career and college readiness for every child.
Message from Ms. Stanford and Ms. Milstein
Dear Pelican Families,
Welcome to November! We have so many things to be grateful for here at Pelican Elementary. Above all, we all have each other: wonderful students, teachers and staff, parents and community. There is great learning going on here at school due to everyone’s efforts!
A huge THANK YOU to the parents for being involved in Pelican Elementary this school year. We continue to be impressed with the number of parents volunteering, attending SAC meetings, and participating in school events. Keep being awesome!
We wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving season. We are grateful to you and thank you for sharing the opportunity of working with your children. They make us want to come to work each day!
Michele Stanford, Principal
Jennifer Milstein, Assistant Principal
NOVEMBER IS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Veterans Day
Wednesday, November 11
No School
Southern SnoBalls
Thursday, November 12, Southern SnoBalls will be at Pelican Elementary after lunches. Students may purchase a snowball for $2.00. (cash only)
Thanksgiving Break-NO SCHOOL
November 23-27
REMEMBER.....PLEASE PUT YOUR CHILD'S NAME IN JACKETS AND HOODIES!
IMPORTANT NOVEMBER DATES
Nov 2- Nov 12- 5th Grade Nothin' Bundt Cake Fundraiser
Nov 4- STEM Club 7:15 am
Nov 4- Pelican Ambassador meeting 7:15 am
Nov 5- Kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade Health screenings
Nov 9- 4th Grade Mudflats field trip- Keary & Cahill
Nov 10- 4th Grade Mudflats field trip- Dietrich & Olmer
Nov 10- Painting with Mrs. C- 3:30-4:30 pm
Nov 11- No School- Veteran's Day
Nov 12- 4th Grade Mudflats field trip- Robinson & Wray
Nov 12- Q2 Interim Day
Nov 12- Southern Snoballs
Nov 18- STEM Club 7:15 am
Nov 19- Turkey Trot with Kona Ice
Nov 20- PBIS Reward- Extra Recess
Nov 23- Nov 27- Thanksgiving Break
Q2 INTERIM REPORT DAY IS THURS, NOVEMBER 12
FAST PM2 Testing dates
3rd Grade:
Reading- Dec 1
Math- Dec 8
4th Grade:
Reading- Dec 2
Math- Dec 9
5th Grade:
Reading- Dec 3
Math- Dec 10
NOVEMBER CHARACTER EDUCATION WORD OF THE MONTH: CITIZENSHIP
Character Education Word of the Month: Citizenship/Patriotism
Citizenship Definition: Carrying out the duties and responsibilities to one’s country
How do you show citizenship in school?
Follow and respect the rules in your community.
Do your part in taking care of the environment.
Lead, follow and work cooperatively with others.
Be respectful to your friends, neighbors, family, etc.
Help people in need.
Have a good understanding of the government.
Recognize and accept cultural and individual differences.
Suggested Reading List
- "Being a Leader (Citizenship)” by Cassie Mayer
- “Being Responsible (Citizenship)” by Cassie Mayer
- “Way to Be!: Learn How to Be Brave, Responsible, Honest, and an All-Around Great Kid” by Mary Small and Stacey Previn
- “We Live Here Too!: Kids Talk About Good Citizenship” by Loewen, Nancy, Wesley and Omarr
WORLD KINDNESS DAY- FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13th
World Kindness Day 2026 is a global observance dedicated to promoting and celebrating acts of kindness. This day serves as a reminder of the positive impact that kindness can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large. It encourages people to perform intentional acts of kindness and foster a culture of compassion and generosity.
Participating in World Kindness Day is a simple yet impactful way to make a positive difference in the world. Here are ways to get involved:
- Perform Acts of Kindness: Throughout the day, consciously perform acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor, complimenting a colleague, or donating to a charity.
- Spread Positivity: Share uplifting and positive messages on social media to inspire others to be kind and compassionate.
- Volunteer: Offer your time to volunteer for a local charity or nonprofit organization that aligns with your values.
- Donate: Make a donation to a charitable cause that you believe in, whether it’s for humanitarian aid, education, or healthcare.
- Teach Kindness: Educate children and young people about the importance of kindness and empathy through storytelling or classroom activities.
- Random Acts of Kindness: Surprise someone with a random act of kindness, such as buying a stranger’s coffee or leaving an encouraging note for a friend.
District Kindness Challenge
Nov 2-6
Theme: Connection and Inclusion
Activity: students are encouraged to invite someone new to play at recess
Nov 9-13
Theme: Gratitude and Appreciation
Activity: students make thank you cards for custodians or cafeteria staff
Nov. 16-20
Theme: Community and Environment
Activity: students help clean up trash on the school campus
Nov 30-Dec. 4
Theme: Self Kindness and Positivity
Activity: say one genuine, nice thing about yourself to a friend
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Classroom Celebrations- We love to be able to have celebrations in the classroom for all different reasons. If you are sending a snack for the classroom, please remember that they must be in the original packaging from the store. This allows us to keep those with severe allergies safe. Out of an extra abundance of caution, items cannot be removed from their original store packaging and repackaged, or they will be returned to you. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding of this policy as we strive to keep our students safe.
Pick up and drop off- For safety and security purposes, we ask that students not be dropped off on campus before 8:15 a.m. or left on campus after 3:40 p.m., unless they are attending PECP. Due to there not being staff available to watch students outside the hours of 8:15-3:40; if your student is on campus too early, or picked up late, there is a $10 fine, per student, for the first occurrence and a $20 fine, per student, each time thereafter.
REFLEX MATH
Reflex is an online, game-based program that helps students build fast and effortless recall of math facts. Research has shown that quick recall of math facts is critical for future success in mathematics. Below, please find additional information to help support and monitor your child’s progress to math fact fluency with Reflex at home.
•Students Login directly (SSO) through their LCSD Student Lauchpad and select the Reflex icon.
• Students are encouraged to login to Reflex at least 3 times a week and strive for the “green light” each time.
•Your child can utilize the Reflex math program from any device, including smartphones,with internet access throughout the school year from home or on the go.
•Reflex helps students of all ability levels to develop fluency with their basic facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
•Reflex continuously monitors your child’s performance to create an optimal experience for them. •Parents can easily monitor their child’s progress by creating a Free Reflex Parent Account. Ask your child's teacher for more details.
HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR CHILD AT HOME WITH READING?
R.E.A.D. Books with Your Child
R - Remember to mention the title, author and illustrator.
E- Explain confusing words and concepts.
A- Ask your child questions about the story.
D- Discuss the Story during and after reading.
Independent Reading
Read 20-30 minutes per day: Read and Respond form
Shared Reading with a parent: Child reads with assistance from parent/sibling
Tips for types of questions to ask while reading
Located on the SDLC Launchpad:
IXL
Overdrive (Digital Library)
Other Ideas from Just Read Florida: Promoting Literacy at Home
Ask questions while reading with children
Supporting Your Child’s Reading at Home (REL Southeast)
Don’t Forget Writing!
Encourage children to write:
Become a penpal with another student at school.
Use a notebook to become a penpal with your child and write notes to each other. (This is also a great way for children to communicate their feelings at this time.)
Write letters to grandparents to keep in touch or to settle down at the end of the day.
Watch a show with the child and then ask them to write about the part they liked best and to explain why.
Other creative ways to get students writing over the summer attached!
Remember the conversations had with children are just as important as the writing and reading they do! Conversation builds oral language skills and plays a vital role in every child’s academic success.
Hard Copy Packets (40 days worth)
Amazing Educational Resources
Notification of the Presence of Asbestos-Containing Materials in the School
Pelican Elementary has been recently inspected and certain asbestos-containing materials or assumed asbestos-containing materials such as: fire doors or roofing materials that are tested prior to repairs or removal as needed, have been located in the school buildings. Please be aware that the School District of Lee County has an active management plan designed to ensure that the building is maintained safely for all occupants. These materials are being controlled in accordance with the Asbestos Management Program for the School and following the limitations and procedures of the policies and requirements of the Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Program of the School District of Lee County.
The report listing the location, quantities, and condition of all known materials and contains the details of the control procedures is available at the school office for your inspection during normal school hours. Copies of the whole or parts of the school’s asbestos file can be supplied to you at a cost of $0.15/page.
Lee County School District Board Members
Armor Persons, District 5 (Chair)
William F. Ribble, Jr., District 3 (Vice Chair)
Samuel Fisher, District 1
Melisa W. Giovannelli, District 2
Debbie Jordan, District 4
Jada Langford Fleming, District 6
Vanessa M. Chaviano, District 7
