Pathfinder Press

Regular attendance is one of the most important ways families can support their child’s success in school. Students who attend school consistently benefit from daily instruction, classroom discussions, hands-on learning, and opportunities to build relationships with classmates and staff.

Chronic absenteeism means missing 10% or more of the school year which is approximately 18 days. This includes both excused and unexcused absences. Missing just two days each month can place a student on track to become chronically absent. In fact, part of our school's accreditation process is based on attendance, so we monitor it closely and communicate often when there are challenges and we are always ready to partner with families to ensure regular attendance.

We encourage every Pathfinder family to aim for 95% attendance or better to ensure students get the maximum benefit from their education. We understand that children sometimes need to stay home because of illness or other unavoidable circumstances. Our goal is always to work alongside families, address barriers or challenges early, and help every student be at school on time as often as possible.

The doors open at 8:30 and the tardy bell rings at 8:45. If you child eats breakfast at school, it is most beneficial for them to be here as close to 8:30 as possible to give them time to eat and get to class. Every minute matters and every day matters, because every day at school is another opportunity to learn, grow, and belong!

Dr. Tim Reves

Principal

• September 7- NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
• September 8- Fall Picture Day
• September 14- PTA Meeting 5:30 PM
• September 15-30- Major Saver Fundraiser Campaign
• September 21- NO SCHOOL - Professional Learning Day

• September 22 - Pathfinder Family Night 5-7 PM

Fall Picture Day is coming up on September 8! Pictures will be taken in the morning, so please make sure your student arrives on time so they don’t miss their picture.

Order forms will be sent home with students next week. You can also place your order online using the link below.

Please note: Proofs will not be sent home.

We’re excited to welcome lunch visitors beginning September 8! With our larger student body and limited seating, we’ve made a few changes to help make lunch visits run smoothly.

Please note: Lunch visitors will be scheduled on different days for different grade levels. Each grade has assigned visitor days, so please be sure to check the schedule below before signing up. Visitors may only come on their student’s designated day.

A few important reminders:

• Sign-up is required, and seating is limited.
• Each student may have no more than two visitors.
• When possible, please make alternate care arrangements for non-school-age children, as seating is limited.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we adjust to our larger student body. We’re excited to welcome you to Pathfinder and share lunchtime with our students!

Each year, Pathfinder Elementary partners with Boost KC to provide students with access to clothing and shoes. This program is free of cost to you and you don't need to qualify to receive this service. If your student(s) need clothing, hats, gloves, shoes, etc., please reach out to our school social worker, Ms. Lisle via email or phone: 816-436-6670, lisle.madisyn@pcr3schools.org by September 15th!

We’re excited to welcome Girls on the Run back to Pathfinder! This 8-week program is a fun way for girls to build confidence, friendships, and healthy habits while working toward an exciting goal—the Girls on the Run 5K at Sporting KC!

📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays | 4:00–5:15 PM
📆 September 14–November 5
📝 Registration closes September 13

Spots are limited, so don’t miss out! Lace up and join the fun! 💜

All parents are asked to review the 2026-27 Elementary School Parent/Student Handbook with their student and complete the acknowledgement form in the PowerSchool Parent Portal by September 25, 2026. The handbook can be found on Parent Portal or on our website here.

If using the PowerSchool mobile app:

• Select the More icon at the bottom of your Dashboard.
• Tap Forms.
• Choose Platte County School District Parent/Student Handbook.

If using a desktop browser:

• Sign in to PowerSchool Parent Portal.
• From the left menu, select Forms.
• Choose Platte County School District Parent/Student Handbook.

Parents can deposit money for meal transactions via you PowerSchool Parent Portal with no additional fees. You can also send cash or checks to school with your child. We are unable to process debit/credit card payments in the office.

It is our goal to help support all of our Platte County families who may need assistance paying negative lunch balances. Now you can help by contributing to our negative meal balance fund. Thank you for considering a donation to help families pay down meal debt. Every contribution makes a real difference for families in our community. Feel free to pass this information along to any community organization that may be interested in assisting with this fund.

Since 2005, Pirates ROCK (Raising Outstanding Character Kids) has helped shape a strong culture of character across Platte County School District. More than 20 years later and beginning with the 2026-27 school year, we're building on that tradition by aligning Pirates ROCK with our Portrait of a Graduate essential skills.

This evolution creates a more consistent, student-centered approach to character development by focusing on the six essential skills that prepare learners to thrive in school, careers, and life. Students will continue to be recognized for demonstrating outstanding character while developing the competencies that support our mission of ensuring every learner thrives in an ever-changing world with confidence and resilience, all through a consistent framework and shared language as they grow from kindergarten through graduation.

Throughout the year, we'll focus on these essential skills:

• August/September: Effective Communication
• October/November: Self-Awareness
• December/January: Personal Connections
• February: Personal Growth
• March: Problem-Solving
• April: Global Connections

Platte County School District is Cell Phone Free during the school day to support focused learning, respectful interactions, and a safe, welcoming school environment. The plan is in alignment with Missouri legislation (Senate Bill 68) and means students will keep their personal devices put away during the school day so they can fully engage in learning and social connections. Learn more about what this means, what devices are included, and how we support students by clicking here.

All tickets for PCR-3 athletic events are digital. Fans can purchase tickets online through GoFan or by presenting a card or mobile payment option at the ticket gate. All major credit cards are accepted, along with Apple Pay and Google Pay. A regular season game is $7 for adults and $5 for students. PCHS students and fans aged 55 and older are admitted free with a valid ID.

Device insurance for student devices has moved to a new system for the 2026-27 school year. Families who wish to participate must enroll by October 1 through your PowerSchool Parent Portal account.

• Enrollment Cost: $30 per student device
• Free/Reduced Meal Students: $0 enrollment cost
• How to Enroll: Log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal account and complete the Insurance Form under "Forms." Via the PowerSchool app, go to "More," then "Forms." The $30 enrollment fee will be collected within the form.

Insurance can significantly reduce the cost of repairs or replacement. With insurance, the cost for a standard repair is $40, while lost or stolen devices have a $100 replacement fee. Without insurance, families are responsible for the increased repair or replacement costs. Visit the One-to-One Learning page of our website for additional Student Device FAQs and responsibilities.

Replacement costs without insurance:

• K-2: $400
• Grades 3-8: $475
• Grades 9-12: $500

Additional fees apply: Case replacement ($40 with insurance/$110 without), Apple-certified charger replacement ($40 with or without insurance), and cleaning fee for sticker removal ($20 with or without insurance).

Questions? Please contact us at the school for assistance.

Platte County School District values community input in shaping the future of our schools. We’re kicking off another year of the PCR-3 Community Advisory, a group that reviews progress on our strategic plan and provides input on District operations and educational programs.

All residents, employees, and students are welcome to join. Current members will be contacted about continuing. If interested, new members should apply by September 1. The first general membership meeting is October 6.

Parents can use Parent Portal (www.plattecountyschooldistrict.com/parents/parent_portal) to keep up to date on grades and assignments (for students in grades 6-12), attendance, and make meal and fee payments (Go to "Balances" once logged into Parent Portal).

• Click here for Guide to Parent Portal.
  

New parents who have not received their PowerSchool Access ID and Password should contact our school for assistance.

Join the Pathfinder PTA as we kick off an exciting 2026–2027 school year! PTA supports our students and staff in so many ways, including school events, classroom and student activities, celebrations, and special experiences throughout the year. Your membership helps make these opportunities possible!

Stay connected by visiting pathfinderpta.com and following us on Facebook for the latest updates. Join the PTA by scanning the QR code below, and don’t forget to check out our PTA Spirit Wear! Orders are due September 9, and a portion of each purchase goes directly back to support Pathfinder.

YOU BELONG IN PTA!!

Skip the kitchen and support our PTA on Wednesday, September 9, from 4–8 PM at Chipotle, 949 N 84th Terrace!

Use code 9GHZFHN for online orders. Online orders must be picked up in the restaurant—delivery orders do not count.

🌟 25% of sales will be donated to the Pathfinder PTA!

Calling all Pirate Dancers K-5th grade! The PCHS Treasures Dance Team is hosting a Mini Treasures Clinic on October 6. Participants are then invited to perform on October 9 at Pirate Stadium!

See details below and use the sign up form to register.

Mini Treasures Camp Rock Dance Clinic: Come dance with PCHS TREASURES Dance Team!

• Clinic: October 6th, 5:30-7:30pm at PCHS North Gym
• Performance: October 9th, 6pm at Pirate Stadium
• Cost: $35, includes t-shirt & bow
• Questions: Treasurespchs@gmail.com

Based on the Pawn to King curriculum of the Kansas City Chess Club, students will learn strategy, tactics, chess etiquette, and move on to higher-level skills!

Sessions will include a chess lesson, skill work and an opportunity for practice play, which is a fun way to practice skills learned in the lesson and prepare for tournament chess.

All levels welcome from absolute beginner to more advanced!

Please note - No buses will be available after class. Students must have a parent or guardian scheduled to pick up student(s) at the end of class.

Hello Pirate Families! If you or your family is experiencing hardship or needing any resources, please fill out the google form and our school social worker will get back with you as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact our School Social Worker, Ms. Lisle if you have any questions.

PCHS Cheer is sponsoring their 40th annual “Super Saturday" cheer clinic on Saturday, September 12 for grades PreK-8th at PCHS. Participants are invited to perform at the September 30 Victory Supper during Homecoming week. Click here for additional event details and registration.

The PCR-3 Treasure Chest is a stocked resource center providing food, milk, and toiletries for PCR-3 students and families in need. Qualifying families will receive a weekly form via email to sign up or can call 816-858-7001 for assistance.

Families will receive an email with approval to come to the Treasure Chest on Wednesdays from 4-6pm at the new Treasure Chest site (south side of Paxton building).

All transportation changes need to be made by calling the office (816-436-6670). We will not take your child's word for any transportation change. All changes need to be made prior to 3:00 pm each day.

Families arriving after 8:45 a.m. will need to park and accompany their student into the main office to complete the check-in process. For your student’s safety, please do not drop students off at the curb after 8:45 a.m. Thank you for your cooperation!

Planning a family getaway? Please consider traveling during one of our multi-day breaks!

Every school day provides valuable learning, friendships, and experiences. Missing just two days each month adds up to chronic absenteeism and can impact long-term academic success. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to read proficiently by third grade, stay on track through middle school, and graduate from high school. Whenever possible, schedule vacations and appointments during school breaks. Check out our vacation planner here!

• LABOR DAY: 3 days - Sept. 5-7
• PLD WEEKEND: 3 days - Sept. 19-21
• LONG WEEKEND: 4 days - Oct. 30-Nov. 2
• THANKSGIVING BREAK: 5 days - Nov. 25-29
• WINTER BREAK: 17 days - Dec. 19-Jan. 4
• MLK WEEKEND: 3 days - Jan. 16-18
• PLD + PRESIDENTS DAY : 4 days - Feb. 12-15
• SPRING BREAK + PLD: 10 days - Mar. 27-Apr. 5

A district communication medium is our School Messenger system that we use for phone calls and text notifications. As with any school district, PCR-3 must often contact hundreds of parents quickly for sudden changes in schedules due to emergencies, cancellation, or just important announcements.

If you have provided a cell phone number, parents can opt in to receive text alerts and messages. Simply text "YES" to 67587 (standard text messaging fees apply). New families should have received an opt-in text this week.

We want families to stay connected to all Pathfinder information. In addition, we invite you to visit our social media and platforms below.

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Visit our Website

Location: 1951 NW 87th Terrace, KCMO, MO, United States
Phone: 816-436-6670

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