Parent Newsletter

We had a fantastic week at the ‘Purch! We have another exciting week ahead, filled with several important events and opportunities. Here are a few reminders and details to help you plan for the week ahead.

🎊 Apex Color Battle Rescheduled – Monday, November 9th

Due to inclement weather, we are rescheduling the celebration for Monday afternoon. Since we are pushing this back, we are opening up donations for one more weekend!

📸 Picture Retake Day – Tuesday, November 10th
Students requesting a retake should bring their original picture package to school to exchange for their retake pictures. If your student did not have their picture taken on the original picture day, orders can be placed using the form posted below. Cash or checks are accepted.

🧡Veterans Day Assembly – Wednesday, November 11th | 1:30–2:30 PM

We look forward to honoring our veterans during this special assembly! All visitors must check in with the front office before attending. If you are unsure whether your ID is already on file, please stop by the front office to have it scanned ahead of time. All visitors must be registered in our system, and a visitor badge will be printed upon arrival.

💼 6th Grade Career Fair – Friday, November 13th
Our 6th graders will have the exciting opportunity to participate in the Career Fair right here at Platte Purchase! We are looking forward to the wonderful learning opportunities this event will provide.

📝 Parent Survey Reminder
If you haven't already, please take a moment to review and complete the Parent Survey posted below. We greatly appreciate your time, feedback, and support!

November 7:

• Yuletide Market @ PCMS

November 9:

• Winter Guard Clinics, PPMS Gym, 5:30-7:30 pm

November 10:

• Fall Picture Retake Day
• Step Team Tryouts, PPMS Flex, 3:30 pm

November 11:

• Veterans Day Assembly, PPMS Gym, 1:30-2:30 pm
• Winter Guard Clinics, PPMS Gym, 5:30-7:30 pm

November 13:

• 6th Grade Career Fair

November 16:

• Winter Guard Auditions, PPMS Gym, 5:30-7:30 pm
• Wrestling Home Meet @ PCMS, 4:00 pm

November 17:

• Winter Guard Auditions, PPMS Gym, 5:30-7:30 pm
• Wrestling Team Picture Day

November 18:

• Winter Guard Auditions, PPMS Gym, 5:30-7:30 pm
• Wrestling Away Meet, Liberty Middle School

November 25-27:

• No School, Thanksgiving Break

December 18:

• 3-hour early dismissal, End of 1st Semester

December 21-January 4:

• No School, Winter Break

Our 8th-grade students in Mr. Lara’s classroom explored the fascinating world of chemical reactions through hands-on experiments! Students observed a chemical reaction that deposited copper onto a nail, investigated the properties of oobleck, explored the energy changes involved in hot and cold packs, and much more! Their curiosity had them engaged, and it was fun to watch them lead their learning!

The 12th annual Yuletide Market is scheduled for 9am to 2pm on Saturday, November 7 at Platte City Middle School to benefit the PCHS Music Parents Association. The Yuletide Market features local crafters, artisans, and direct sales consultants.

If you would like a retake, please bring your original picture package back to get a retake replacement.

Any student who did not get their picture taken on the original picture day can order with cash or check using the form below. All checks MUST be made out to RPG. There is no online ordering for picture retake day. We will also have forms available in the front office.

Across the District we will be honoring our military service members in various ways for Veterans Day. At Platte Purchase Middle School, the PPMS National Junior Honor Society is hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11th from 1:30-2:30 pm. We would be honored if a veteran you know can attend this ceremony. This ceremony is dedicated to appreciating the sacrifices that veterans have made for our country. The ceremony will include performances from our PPMS Honor Choir and Band, The Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, and a veteran speaker. For more information, please contact Kim Roesle: roesle.kim@pcr3schools.org

Platte County School District is conducting its family survey to gather feedback on strengths of the District, as well as areas to consider for growth. Your input is valued and will be considered when making future decisions.

During and after Parent/Teacher conferences, we will encourage families to take this survey. You can complete the survey by clicking on the link below. Thank you in advance for your feedback!

*Within each school-related question, you have the opportunity to answer if you have students in multiple schools.

Attention families with HS students - did you know that we have a shuttle option available that takes students to the high school and back each day?

Bus 122 comes into our back parking lot each morning at 6:54 to pick up any high schoolers who would like to park in the back of the 'Purch and hop on that bus to get them to the high school. Bus 122 will bring students back to PPMS at 3:09 each day.

If you'd like more information about this option, please reach out to transportation!

Academic Lab offers students the opportunity to receive extra help with their coursework. This time can be used to complete missing assignments, get support with homework, prepare for retakes, or work on retake materials to improve scores. Click the button below to receive more information and sign-up opportunities for Academic Lab.

If your student has all As and Bs or no missing work, we ask that you please do not sign up for Academic Lab. We have limited space, and we want to ensure that students who need it are able to get signed up. If there are behavior issues in Academic Lab, students may be asked to leave or told that they cannot participate.

We have set the date for this year's Future Freshman Night & Elective Expo! The date will be January 20, 2027 and will be as follows:

6:00 pm

Future Freshman Night session in the Wilson Auditorium

Off Campus Learning Session (location TBA... anticipated new band room)

7:00 pm

Elective Expo - PCHS Cafeteria

Are you ready to bring energy, rhythm, and teamwork to the stage? The PPMS Step Team is open to students in grades 6–8 who are passing their classes and ready to bring a positive attitude.

Interest Form Due: Nov. 10th, 2026 Scan the QR code on the flyer or complete the interest form here.
Open Practices: November 3th & 5th - PPMS Flex Space, 3:00–4:30 PM
Tryouts: Nov. 10, 2026 at 3:30 PM (PPMS Flex Space)

Students will be expected to perform a step (taught during open practices) and a self choreographed free-style dance during tryouts. Please wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes.

Questions? Email Mrs. Hercey at hercey.sharilynn@pcr3schools.org

Step into something great—join the team!

If your student is interested in signing up for a locker, please fill out the form below. You must provide your own lock and share the combination with the office staff to keep on file.

Platte County School District is starting a new tradition to recognize the employees who make a difference every day.

Orange Crush celebrates Pirates who are “CRUSHING IT” in the ways they support our students, staff, schools and community. From creating meaningful experiences and welcoming environments to showing exceptional care and making a positive impact, Orange Crush gives us a chance to shine a light on the people behind the everyday moments that matter.

All employee groups are eligible to be nominated throughout the school year. Nominations will be reviewed by the District's Executive Leadership Team, and every nominee will be acknowledged for the positive impact they are making across our District with at least one (or maybe more!) nominees selected monthly as an Orange Crush honoree.

Submit a nomination today!

It is our goal to help support all of our Platte County families who may need assistance paying their 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.

Please use the link below to donate to this fund.

Beginning in fall 2027, PCR-3's Paxton Center is planned to become an expanded early learning facility, creating more opportunities to support preschool and early childhood special education programming, along with the services and spaces needed to support young learners and their families through the Parents as Teachers Program.

During the 2026-27 school year, Great Beginnings serves students at multiple locations, including preschool and early childhood special education classrooms at the District Education Center, Barry Elementary, Pathfinder Elementary, and Compass Elementary. With this expansion, early learning classes in the northern portion of our District will move into the renovated Paxton Center.

Do you have a child who will be 3 or 4 years old during the upcoming school years? We encourage all with eligible-age children to complete our Early Education Interest Form. Sharing your information does not commit your family to enrollment, but it will help us plan for future programming and keep you informed about enrollment timelines and opportunities as plans develop.

Parents and caring adults, we are navigating a fast-changing landscape of drugs that didn’t exist when many of us were growing up. Kratom and 7-OH are increasingly common and widely misunderstood. You may have seen recently where Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is investigating kratom manufacturers and retailers in the state, and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has introduced an ordinance prohibiting the sale of these drugs. This Insight offers straightforward information and supportive guidance to help families stay safe and connected. Visit ParentUpKC's webpage for additional information and resources.

Along with Newkirk Novak Construction Partners and Incite Design Studio, the District will be hosting a ribbon cutting and open house of Phase 2 of the PCHS Rebuild project on Thursday, December 3 from 5:30-7:30pm.

Please enter through the new main entrance! This event is open to the community and tours and refreshments will be provided following the ribbon cutting at 5:30pm. Come tour our new completed high school which will be open for second semester!

Click here for information on school cancellations/modifications due to inclement weather, how the District will notify parents, as well as information on recess, Y Club, and Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Days.

For the 2026-27 school year, PCR-3 will implement the following Inclement Weather Plan:

• First 3 Inclement Weather Days: These will be traditional inclement weather days with no school and no virtual learning.
• Inclement Weather Days 4-9: These will be designated as Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) days, where virtual learning will take place.
• Inclement Weather Days Beyond 9: These will either be traditional snow days with no school or virtual learning. If necessary, additional school days may be added and may include days indicated as no school in February and April (Feb. 12, Feb. 15, and April 5).

School Messenger is our automated phone calling and text notification system. We use this system to notify parents quickly for sudden changes in schedules due to emergencies, school cancellations, or just important school announcements.

If you aren't receiving the District's text reminders and notifications and would like to opt in to receive these, simply text "YES" to 67587. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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

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.

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.

The Platte County School District website is a wonderful resource. Click the orange button below to be directed to the website. Once you're on the main page, click "Parents" in the top right corner. Here you will find a plethora of resources (Back to School Dates, School Supply Lists, Athletics Information, Transportation Information, etc.)

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).

Safety is our District's top priority. PCR-3 has a system of safety and security measures in place, including trained security staff, secure entryways, ongoing monitoring, and partnership with local law enforcement.

We remind parents, staff, and students that school safety is the responsibility of the entire school community. Please follow the principle of "see something, say something." If anyone (student, parent, staff member, community member) sees or hears anything of concern, please contact the District office at (816) 858-5420 so that those concerns can be investigated. You and your child can also easily report tips on bullying, harassment, or any safety issue you're concerned about through our online Safe Schools Alert system. Every tip is immediately logged in the system and our administration is notified so that they can investigate and take appropriate action. Each building's website has the Safe Schools icon located within the “quick links” bar on the homepage.

If interested in becoming a Pirates ROCK Star Business Partner, please contact us at the school or Laura Hulett at the District office (816-858-5420).

Farmers Insurance Alisha Elliott Agency: (816) 841-9494

https://agents.farmers.com/mo/kansas-city/alisha-elliott/

Email: hoffecker.jessica@pcr3schools.org
Location: Platte Purchase Middle School

9400 N. Platte Purchase Dr., Kansas City, MO 64155
Phone: 816-436-1433 x. 3102
X: @PlattePurchase

Facebook: www.facebook.com/plattepurchasemiddleschool

Instagram: @plattepurchase

Email: brown.bradley@pcr3schools.org

Location:Location: Platte Purchase Middle School

9400 N. Platte Purchase Dr., Kansas City, MO 64155
Phone: 816-436-1433 x. 3103
X: @PlattePurchase

Facebook: www.facebook.com/plattepurchasemiddleschool

Instagram: @plattepurchase