Minadeo Moments

As we begin Black History Month, we are proud to celebrate and honor the voices, stories, and contributions that shape our community and our world. While culturally relevant learning is evident at Pittsburgh Minadeo all year, this month gives us a special opportunity to intentionally elevate our school-wide theme: My Voice, My Power, Our Legacy. Through learning, reflection, and celebration, students will explore identity, joy, history, and excellence in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our families for your continued commitment to learning—especially as we just returned from a week of virtual learning. Your partnership, flexibility, and support at home make a tremendous difference for our students.

This week, families can expect updates and celebrations connected to Black History Month, continued academic focus as we transition back into in-person routines, and opportunities to celebrate student achievements and positive school culture. We’re excited to be back together and look forward to a strong and joyful week ahead.

Thank you for being such an important part of our Minadeo community.

- Principal Mason

In the coming weeks, students in grades 3–5 will participate in assessments using Firefly, a district-required digital assessment platform. Firefly allows schools to securely administer assessments and better understand student progress.

Assessments will take place during the regular school day in a familiar classroom setting with teachers students know. Our staff will support students throughout the process to ensure they feel comfortable and confident.

Assessment Dates:

• February 10: ELA

• February 11: Math

• February 12–13: Make-Ups

There is no additional preparation needed at home. If you have questions or would like more information, please reach out to the school office. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

We want to share an update regarding our school Talent Show, which has been postponed. Please see the new dates below and mark your calendars:

• Entry Deadline: Monday, March 16

• Preview Days (held during the school day): Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19

• Dress Rehearsal: Thursday, April 16, 4:00–6:00 PM

• Talent Show & Art Exhibit: Friday, April 17 at 7:00 PM

Also, a friendly reminder that Valengram order forms and payment are due Tuesday, February 10.

Thank you for your continued support—we’re looking forward to a great event!

Our February SEL focus is Finding Commonalities, aligned to our district-wide theme of Joy, Voice, and Cultural Expression. Throughout the month, students will be learning more about one another by discovering what they have in common—building empathy, strengthening relationships, and celebrating both similarities and differences.

You can support this learning at home with a few easy conversations and activities:

Try this at home:

• Family Commonalities Challenge: Take turns naming something everyone in your family has in common (favorite foods, activities, music, traditions, or routines).

• Two Things in Common: Ask your child to name two things they have in common with a classmate or sibling.

• Joy Check-In: Ask, “What is something that brings you joy that you found out someone else also enjoys?”

• Voice & Sharing: Encourage your child to share something important about themselves and ask, “Who else feels the same way?”

These conversations help students feel seen, connected, and valued. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to nurture joyful, inclusive, and caring learners

This week, students will be tasting Minneola oranges, red bell peppers, and yellow squash through our Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program! 🍊🫑🥒

We encourage families to ask your child:

• Which fruit or vegetable they liked best

• How it tasted (sweet, crunchy, soft, juicy)

• If they’ve had it before—or how they like to eat it at home
  
  

These conversations help build curiosity and confidence around trying new foods. Thank you for supporting healthy habits at home!

We are so proud to share that both of Minadeo’s second grade classrooms placed in the Top 10 across the district in the PPS Read Quest Winter Reading Challenge! 🎉📚

This is a huge accomplishment and a testament to our students’ dedication to daily reading. To celebrate, both classrooms will enjoy a pizza party in recognition of their hard work.

Thank you to our families for supporting reading at home—we love seeing our Mustangs shine! 💙❤️

Students recently came home with flyers for our Nothing Bundt Cakes school-wide fundraiser. This is our only external fundraiser of the year, and we truly appreciate your support!

Key dates to note:

• Turn-In Date: Monday, March 17 (final orders and payment due)

• Pick-Up/Delivery Date: March 25

Copies of the electronic order forms are attached for your convenience. Thank you for helping support school programs and opportunities for our students!

Mustang Messenger Volume 10: https://app.smore.com/n/ebu8m

February 9, 2026: Day 3

February 10, 2026: Day 4, Valengrams Fundraiser Money & Orders Due, ELA Firefly Test 3-5, CCS Begins

February 11, 2026: Day 5, Scouts Programming, Math Firefly Test 3-5, CCS

February 12, 2026: Day 6, Firefly Make Up, CCS

February 13, 2026: Day 1, Minadeo School-Based Valentines Day Celebration, January Citizenship Celebration: Cookie Decorating, Firefly Make Up

February 16, 2026: Day 2

February 17, 2026: Day 3, RIF Reschedule

February 18, 2026: Day 4, All School Scouts Programming

February 19, 2026: Day 5

February 20, 2026: Day 6, Clubs, Half Day for Students, 12:25 pm Dismissal.

February 23-March 6, 2026: Dreambox Assessment

February 25, 2026: Q2 Interim Closing Date

February 26, 2026: Black Men Read

February 27, 2026: Report Card Citizenship Award: Glow Dance Party

March 2-6, 2026: Chill Mobile Returns

March 16, 2026: New Deadline for Talent Show Submissions

April 17, 2026, Talent Show at 7:00 pm

The PTO has shirts for sale on-site for $10. There is a $5 additional charge for customization.

We also are continuing the online store! Purchase your gear at https://stores.inksoft.com/PittsburghMinadeoPreK5/shop/home.