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PTES Newsletter for the Month of December 2025

Posted Date: 11/30/25 (07:30 PM)
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Trail Talk
Mrs. Smith
Bobcat Families,
December is here, and with it comes one of the most exciting and joyful times at Peralta Trail Elementary! As we wrap up the semester, our campus is buzzing with learning, teamwork, and holiday cheer. I am so proud of our Bobcats for the hard work, kindness, and resilience they’ve shown throughout this first half of the school year.
This month brings several wonderful opportunities for our students and families to come together and celebrate:
  • 3rd–5th Grade Basketball Games – Our Bobcat athletes will be competing against other elementary schools on December 3rd, 4th, and 9th. The first games begin at 4:30 PM at CCJH. Come cheer on our teams as they show their skills and sportsmanship!
  • PTO Holiday Shop the week of December 8th
  • PTO Family Event: Frosty’s Pajama Party – Join us on Friday, December 12th from 5-7pm for an evening of fun crafts, activities, and cozy winter cheer. This is always a family favorite and a great way to connect with our school community.
  • PTES Winter Music Performance – Our students have been practicing and are excited to shine on stage on Monday, December 15th at 5:30pm at the AJHS Performing Arts Center. We can’t wait for you to enjoy their hard work and musical talents.
  • Winter Strings Concert – On Tuesday, December 16th at 6pm at the AJHS Performing Arts Center, our strings students will share a beautiful evening of music. We are so proud of their dedication and growth.
As we move into this final stretch before winter break, thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership. Peralta Trail is truly a special place because of our students, staff, and families. I hope this season brings you moments of joy, rest, and celebration.
Let’s finish the semester Bobcat strong!
Warmly,
Mrs. Smith
 
December 3rd - Basketball Game/Teal @ 4:30pm CCJH; Basketball Game/Purple @ 5:50pm CCJH
December 4th - Basketball Game/Purple @ 4:30pm CCJH; Basketball Game/Team @ 5:30 CCJH
December 8th-12th - Quarter 2 Benchmarks ELA/Math
December 8th-12th - PTO Holiday Shop
December 9th - Basketball Game/Purple @ 4:30 CCJH; Basketball Game/Teal @ 5:30 CCJH
December 10th - EARLY RELEASE @ 1:30PM
December 11th - PTES Spelling Bee 1:00pm
December 12th - PTO Family "Frosty's Pajama Party" Holiday Event 5-7pm
December 15th - PTES Winter Music Performance 5:30pm @ AJHS Performing Arts Center
December 16th - Strings Winter Concert 6pm @ AJHS Performing Arts Center
December 18th - EARLY RELEASE @ 1:30PM
December 20th - Lego League Team Competition @ ASU Polytechnic
December 19th - January 5th - WINTER BREAK/NO SCHOOL
January 6th - School Resumes
Important dates
 

Bobcats in Action...

Outdoor Learning Ribbon Cutting!

Thank you to Ms. Meacham and all who have helped to make the renovation of our outdoor learning center a reality! We couldn't have done this without the support of our partners from Rio Tinto/Resolution Copper and their generous grant donation!
Ribbon Cutting
Garden sign
Gardent Table
Flowers
Garden Cart
Garden Tools
 
Sports Rivalry Day
Sports Rivalry Day
Rainy Day Friends
Lego League
Audrey Lego League
Lego League Team
Lego League Scrimmage
 

Bobcat STEAM Corner

Jingle Bell Challenge

The Challenge: Quiet a Jingle Bell

Supplies:
  • Reusable/Fillable Plastic Christmas Ornament {small plastic container will work too}
  • Jingle Bells
  • Tissue Paper
  • Pom Poms
  • Tinsel
  • Bows
  • Anything Festive!

Experiment with different Jingle Bells!

We used just one jingle bell for this Jingle Bell STEM Challenge, but you can experiment with different amounts or sizes!

Here’s how to start: pack your ornament or container with pom poms, close it up, and give it a shake! Can you hear the jingle bell? If you still listen to it, add more pom poms and shake again. Why do you think you can still hear the bell? What could you change to make it quieter?
Try this experiment with different materials. Which one works best to muffle the jingle bell? Enjoy the excitement of shaking the ornament or container. Will it work this time? Can you hear it? What will happen next? It’s a fun way to make predictions and test ideas!

Take it a step further by trying different combinations of materials. Why do some combinations work better than others? For older kids, have them take notes on the combinations and results!
What other materials can you find around the house for this challenge? With this simple and fun STEM activity, the possibilities are endless!

CREDIT: littlebinsforlittlehands.com
 

PTES Attendance Goal = 95%

PTES Attendance for November = 92%

Attendance Percentages
Attendance visual
 
sign

Drop-Off and Pick Up Procedures

Safety is a priority and we want to make sure that the procedures are followed for a smooth arrival and dismissal. Any transportation changes MUST go through the main office (480-677-7540) no later than 1:00 pm.

Please remember the following:
  • Gates open at 8:15am, there is no supervision prior to this time; students should not arrive early
  • Pull all the way up in the car loop for drop-off and pick-up
  • Blocking the car loop is not permitted, please park if you need to go into the office
  • Parent drop-off students, walkers, and bike riders will enter school at the front gate upon arrival
  • Please make sure that your child is exiting the car on the passenger side of the vehicle
  • Have your student pick-up sign clearly in your front passenger side window at dismissal
  • Parent pick-up students will exit school through the cafeteria back doors as staff call their names
  • Car loop students will be dismissed first for the safety of all, then parent walk-up will be dismissed
  • We encourage all of our families to use the car loop for a more efficient and safe dismissal for all
  • PTES staff will supervise and assist with drop-off (arrival) and pick-up (dismissal)
  • Please be patient and on time
Arrival and Dismissal Map

Introducing...My Ride (Transportation Dept)

My Ride
 

Be Sure to Apply....

QR Code

School Lunch Account or Apply for Free & Reduced

Please use the QR Code to add money to your child's lunch account or to apply for free and reduced lunch; we encourage everyone to apply! Did you know that Peralta Trail Elementary receives Title I funding for important programs? Our allocation of Title I funding depends on the percentage of students who qualify for Free & Reduced lunch; this is why we encourage you to apply each year. Be sure to apply if you have not done so already for the 2025-26 school year. Thank you!
School Lunch Program
 

AJUSD Cell Phone Policy

Last year, AJUSD adopted a cell phone policy for our campuses. Thank you for your support and reminding your child of our Cell Phone Policy. Last year we only had a few issues and students were more focused during the school day. If a student has a cell phone, once on campus they are to turn it off and secure it in their backpack as it is not permitted to be out during school hours. Please see the new policy below:
cell phone
 
Bobcat Logo