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PTES Newletter February 2026

Posted Date: 02/01/26 (11:53 AM)
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Trail Talk
Mrs. Smith
Dear Bobcat Families,
February may be the shortest month of the year, but it is packed with exciting events and meaningful learning opportunities for our students! ❤️
This month, we are proud to kick off our Kids Heart Challenge, supporting the American Heart Association. This is a wonderful way for our students to learn about heart health while giving back to an important cause. And here’s a little extra motivation—if PTES reaches its fundraising goal, I have agreed to be silly stringed! We are excited to see our students rally around this cause and work together to make a difference.

We are also looking forward to some fun family time at our PTO Family Dance Glow Party on Friday, February 6th from 5:00–7:00 PM. This is always a favorite event, and we hope to see our students and families there for an evening of music, movement, and glowing fun!

During this month, students K-5 will be taking writing benchmark assessments and students in 3rd-5th grade will be doing a benchmark check on their essential standards. These benchmarks help us measure student growth and guide instruction to best support each learner. Please encourage your child to do their best and remind them that these assessments are simply one way we celebrate their progress.

Book lovers, get ready! Our Scholastic Book Fair will be held the week of February 23rd. This is a great opportunity to spark excitement around reading and build home libraries that support lifelong learning.

Finally, Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on February 26th and 27th. These days will be early release, with students dismissed at 1:35 PM. Conferences are an important time to connect and partner together in support of your child’s success, and we truly value these conversations.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. February is sure to be a month full of learning, fun, and connection!

Warmly,
Mrs. Smith

 

REGISTER FOR 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR!

Now is the time to register for the upcoming school year as we begin planning for staffing, class placements, and all the details that go into a successful start. If your child currently attends PTES, or if you have an incoming kindergarten student, please complete registration through your ParentVUE account by using the link on our school or district website.
Children who will turn 5 years old prior to September 1, 2026 are eligible for kindergarten, and early registration is especially important as class formations and staffing decisions are based on projected enrollment for the 2026–27 school year.
If you know a family with an incoming kindergarten student or a child interested in attending PTES, please help us spread the word. Thank you for your continued support as we plan for another great year ahead.
Go Bobcats! 🐾
 
February 4th - Kids Heart Challenge Kick-Off
February 6th - PTO Family Glow Party 5-7pm
February 11th - EARLY RELEASE @ 1:30
February 12th - AJUSD Art Show @ AJHS (All Schools) 5-8pm
February 13th - 5th Grade Field Trip (MIM)
February 16th - NO SCHOOL (Presidents Day)
February 23-27th - Scholastic Book Fair
February 24th - AJUSD Governing Board Meeting @ 6pm District Board Room
February 26-27th - Parent/Teacher Conferences (*EARLY RELEASE @ 1:35 each day)
Important dates
 
Dance Party Flyer

The HeART of AJUSD – District Student Art Show

Join us for The HeART of AJUSD, a districtwide evening celebrating the creativity of our students at Peralta Trail and across the district. Artwork from across AJUSD schools will be on display, showcasing the imagination, skill, and learning happening every day in our classrooms.

Families can stroll through student exhibits, explore interactive elements throughout the evening, enjoy community tables and hands-on activities, and discover a few fun surprises along the way. It’s a relaxed, welcoming night designed to highlight student talent and bring our community together.

Thursday, February 12 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Apache Junction High School – Humanities Building

More information is available at: https://www.ajusd.org/heartofajusd
 

Bobcat STEAM Corner

Groundhogs

🦫 Groundhog Day Family STEM Challenge: Shadow Watchers! ☀️🌥️

Challenge:
Will the groundhog see its shadow? Make your own “shadow experiment” at home and become a junior meteorologist!
What to Do:
  1. On February 2, or any day, go outside (or near a sunny window).
  2. Place a small toy, stuffed animal, or even a paper groundhog on the ground.
  3. Observe and trace the shadow with chalk (outside) or paper (inside).
  4. Check back later in the day—did the shadow change?
Talk It Out (STEM Connections):
  • Science: How does sunlight create shadows?
  • Math: Did the shadow get longer or shorter? Measure it!
  • Engineering: Can you change the size of the shadow by moving the object?
  • Critical Thinking: What does this tell us about the sun’s position in the sky?
Bonus Challenge:
Track the weather for 3 days after Groundhog Day. Was it more “wintery” or “spring-like”?
📸 Optional:
Snap a photo or draw a picture of their shadow experiment and share it with your class or Mrs. Smith...she would love to see the fun you had with this!
 

💙 Support PTES Through the Arizona Tax Credit!

Did you know you have until April 15 to make an Arizona Tax Credit Donation to Peralta Trail Elementary School and apply it toward your 2025 Arizona state taxes?
Tax credit donations traditionally support afterschool clubs, field trips, and our schoolwide character focus. However, through 2027, PTES is also able to use tax credit funds to help replace and upgrade playground equipment and add safety cameras around our campus—making this an especially impactful time to give.
An Arizona Tax Credit allows you to direct your state tax dollars to our school. Instead of those dollars going to the state, they come directly to PTES—at no additional cost to you. You receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state taxes for donations up to $200 for individuals or $400 for married couples filing jointly.
Your support directly benefits our students and helps enhance learning opportunities, safety, and enrichment at PTES. Thank you for investing in our Bobcats! 🐾
 

PTES Attendance Goal = 95%

PTES Attendance for January = 93%

Cpmparison
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