PTES Newsletter April 2026

Posted Date: 04/05/26 (07:22 PM)

Dear Peralta Trail Families,

April is an exciting and important month at Peralta Trail Elementary! As we move into the final stretch of the school year, our students continue to grow academically, socially, and emotionally, and we are so proud of the progress they have made.

This month, our 3rd–5th grade students will participate in the Arizona State Assessment. We encourage our students to do their very best, get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and come to school ready to show all they have learned. Our teachers and staff have worked hard to prepare students, and we are confident in their ability to succeed. Families can support by maintaining consistent routines and offering words of encouragement during this time.

In addition to our academic focus, April is filled with wonderful opportunities to connect as a school community. We are especially excited to invite you to our Spring Festival and STEAM Night on April 17th from 5:00–7:00 PM. This special evening will bring together fun, creativity, and learning, with engaging STEAM activities, hands-on experiences, and opportunities for families to explore and enjoy time together. We hope to see all of our Peralta Trail families there!

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are creating a positive and enriching environment where every student can thrive.

With appreciation,

Mrs. P. Smith

Reimagining Learning at PTES: A Sneak Peek into 2026–2027

INSPIRE - CREATE - INNOVATE

Exciting things are on the horizon for PTES students! Join us on Monday, April 13th at 5:00 PM in the cafeteria to learn more about the transformational learning approach we are launching for the 2026–2027 school year.

At Peralta Trail Elementary, our K–2 classrooms will continue to serve as strong foundational years—our “learning incubator”—where students build essential skills in literacy, math, and critical thinking. Beginning in 3rd grade, students will take those foundational skills and begin applying them in deeper, more meaningful ways.

Starting next year, our 3rd–5th grade students will continue to receive explicit core instruction, while also experiencing a shift from the traditional school model. Students will have dedicated Innovation Studio Blocks, where they will apply their learning through hands-on, real-world experiences that tap into their passions and interests.

We are excited about this innovative direction and what it means for our students’ future. Join us to learn more about the exciting transformation happening at Peralta Trail Elementary!

DON'T FORGET...REGISTER NOW 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! 🐾

April 3rd - No School, Spring Holiday

April 7th & 8th - AASA ELA Part 1 & Part 2 (3rd-5th Grades)

April 9th - PTO Board Meeting 4pm/Site Council 5pm in the library

April 13th - PTES Reimagining Learning Information Night @5pm in the cafeteria

April 14th & 15th - AASA Math Part 1 & Part 2 (3rd-5th Grades)

April 17th - PTES Spring Festival/STEAM Night 5-7pm

April 21st - 4th Grade Field Trip (Project WET with UofA)

April 21st- PTO (Voting) Member Meeting @ 3:45pm

April 22nd - EARLY RELEASE WEDNESDAY@ 1:35

APRIL 23RD - District Battle of the Books @6PM AJ Library

April 24th - 2nd Grade Field Trip (B.T. Arboretum)

April 28th - Bobcat PRIDE Assembly @9am

April 28th - AJUSD Governing Board Meeting @6pm AJUSD Board Room

April 30th - AJUSD Math Bee @ 6pm at the Performing Arts Center

💙 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! 🐾

Bobcat STEAM Corner

🌸 April Family STEAM Challenge: Build a Rain-Proof Shelter! ☔

The saying is, "April showers bring May flowers", however in Arizona our showers are typically during monsoon season. Nonetheless, here is a perfect opportunity for a fun family challenge!

The Challenge:

Can your family design and build a small shelter that keeps something dry in the rain?

Materials (use what you have at home!):

Paper, cardboard, or cardstock
Aluminum foil or plastic wrap
Tape or glue
Straws, popsicle sticks, or toothpicks
A small toy, figurine, or cotton ball (this will stay “dry”)

What to Do:

Work together to design a mini shelter or house.
Build your structure using your materials.
Place your “test item” inside (cotton ball works great!).
Test it by sprinkling water over it (or take it outside if it rains!).

Think Like a Scientist!

Did your shelter keep everything dry?
What worked well?
What would you change next time?

Take It Further:

Try improving your design or challenge another family member to build a better shelter!

AJUSD Cell Phone Policy

Reminder...

Recently we have been having some students trying to sneak their cell phones out during the school day. 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. So far this year we have only had a few issues and students are 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 policy below:

https://www.ajusd.org/94220_2

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)

Be Sure to Apply....

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!