Pine Ridge Connection

We were so excited to welcome our new students (Pictured Above) to Pine Ridge this past week! A special thank you to our PTO parents and fourth grade students, Ellie Platko, Raelynn Dee, Rowan Campbell, Madison Shaneck, Bella Boado and Nash Groulx for your support in helping make their transition so welcoming and positive. We are so glad to have our newest Rangers join our Pine Ridge family!

(Pictured Above) Pine Ridge teachers were engaged in professional learning this week as we kicked off the 2026–27 school year! Staff were welcomed back with our “Happy New Year 2026–27!” theme as we celebrated, connected, and prepared for an exciting year ahead.

Important Dates – August at Pine Ridge

• August 24: Kinder / Jr. Kinder Ready, Set, Go! – 3:45 - 4:45 PM

• August 24: Open House (Grades 1st–4th) – 5:00 to 6:30 PM

• August 26: First Day of School – 8:45 AM to 3:45 PM

• September 3: Pine Ridge Movie Night 8:15 pm Seating

We’re looking forward to a smooth and safe start and end to every school day! Thank you for your partnership in making our drop-off and pick-up process efficient for everyone.

Morning Drop-Off (8:35 – 8:45 a.m.)

• Staff Supervision Begins: 8:25 a.m.

• The Green Zone: Please use this designated area for all drop-offs.

• Pull Forward: Once in the turnaround, please pull as far forward as possible to make room for other vehicles.

• Stay in Your Vehicle: For your safety and to help us keep the line moving, please remain in your vehicle.

• Unloading: Once you’ve come to a complete stop in the Green Zone, your student is ready to hop out!

• Safety First: For a safe exit away from traffic, please have your student sit in the back-right seat with their backpack ready. We ask that students do not exit on the driver’s side.

• Walkers/Bikers: Please say your goodbyes at the walk-up location (marked with a star on the map).

• Late Arrival: If you arrive after 8:45 a.m., please walk your student into the office to sign them in.

Afternoon Pick-Up (Begins at 3:45 p.m.)

• Driveways: Please be courteous to our neighbors and don’t block their driveways as you wait in line on Redford Ave. and/or Leyton Dr.

• Pick-Up Tag: Please ensure your student’s pick-up tag is clearly visible on your review mirror.

• Pull Forward: Please enter the pick-up zone (“Green Zone”) and pull forward as far as possible.

• Stay in Your Vehicle: Please wait in your vehicle while we assist your student(s).

• Student Readiness: To keep the line flowing, please note that if a student isn’t ready, you may be asked to pull forward to a waiting area.

• Walkers/Bikers: Please wait for your student at the walk-up location (marked with a star on the map) and remain behind the cones (marked with a yellow line). Please show your pick-up tag to staff.

• Parking Lot: Please do not park in the crosswalk (marked with a red X). Students walk their bikes through that area.

We truly appreciate your cooperation in keeping our arrival and dismissal lines moving quickly and safely for all students and families!

Pine Ridge Elementary is currently looking for caring and dependable individuals to join our team as Lunch and Recess Paraprofessionals. This position is a Monday - Friday position from 11:10 AM - 1:10 PM.

This position provides an opportunity to support students during lunch and recess while helping create a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for all.

If you're interested in this position, please see the job posting below for additional details and application information.

Pine Ridge - Job Application Page

Monday, August 24th (3:45 - 4:45pm)

Kindergarten / Jr. Kindergarten Ready, Set, Go!!

Welcome Kindergarten Class of 2038 and Junior Kindergarten Class of 2039!

During Kindergarten/Jr. Kindergarten - Ready, Set, Go!! - All families have the opportunity to meet their child’s teacher, explore their new classroom and ride the bus.

Mr. Peltz is also looking forward to the opportunity to talk with all families.

Classroom teachers will provide additional information for all kindergarten and junior kindergarten families soon.

Monday, August 24th (5:00 - 6:30 PM)

First through fourth grade students and families will have the opportunity to meet their new teacher and check out their new classroom.

To allow for you to easily meet your teacher we have broken down our open house schedule into three sections by last name. Please see the schedule below to determine your open house time.

Pine Ridge - Open House Schedule

First Letter of Last Name and Time

A - I 5:00 - 5:30

J - Q 5:30 - 6:00

R - Z 6:00 - 6:30

Join us for a fun night under the stars! Join us , Thursday, September 3rd, we will be showing the of original version of Toy Story on an inflatable screen at dusk, beginning at 8:45 PM, on the upper elementary playground field. Seating will open at 8:15 PM, so please bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for a fun evening together.

Ranger Rally is coming in September, and we’re looking for local businesses who would like to partner with Pine Ridge Elementary through one of our Ranger Rally Sponsorship Opportunities!

Sponsoring the Ranger Rally is a great way to support our students while getting your business in front of our Pine Ridge school community. Sponsorships are due September 1st!

Check out the flyers for all of the sponsorship levels and benefits. And parents - if you know a local business that might be interested, please share this post with them! Every sponsorship makes a difference in helping us create an amazing experience for our students.

Thank you to the local businesses who continue to invest in our school and our kids! Go Rangers!

Sposonrship link.

Support PIne Ridge and have fun at the same time! Join us at the Ada Garage Bar on August 17, 24, and 31st from 5:00 - 10:00pm. A portion of the sales that night go to Pine Ridge Elementary PTO!

All families at Pine Ridge Elementary are members of the PTO! Stay connected with up to date information about all the fundraisers, activities, and events going on at school. Join our Pine Ridge Elementary PTO group- invite your friends and share with new families!

Location: 3250 Redford Avenue Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Phone: (616)493-8910