PTES Newsletter May 2026

Posted Date: 05/03/26 (10:39 PM)

Dear Peralta Trail Elementary Families,

As we enter the final month of the 2025–2026 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible year it has been for our students, staff, and community. May is always a special time—filled with celebration, reflection, and excitement for what lies ahead.

This year, our students have shown tremendous growth not only academically, but also in their confidence, creativity, and leadership. From engaging classroom learning to collaborative projects and school-wide events, it has been inspiring to see our students take ownership of their learning and truly shine.

This week, our students will be completing important end-of-year assessments. Students in grades 3rd–5th will take their post-assessments, while our Kindergarten through 2nd grade students will complete their FastBridge end-of-year assessments. These assessments provide valuable insight into student growth and continue to help guide our instructional planning. We appreciate your support in ensuring students arrive on time, well-rested, and ready to do their best.

As we close out the year, our focus remains on finishing strong. Teachers are continuing to provide meaningful learning experiences while also celebrating the progress each student has made. We encourage all students to stay engaged, attend school daily, and give their best effort through the final day.

May is also a time of celebration. We look forward to honoring our students through end-of-year events, recognizing achievements, and celebrating both our Kindergarten students as they promote to 1st grade and our 5th grade students as they prepare for their transition to middle school. We are incredibly proud of all of our students and know they will continue to do great things.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to our families for your continued support and partnership. Your involvement plays a vital role in the success of our students and our school community.

As we look ahead, we are excited about the opportunities that next year will bring, including new and innovative learning experiences for our students. More information will be shared soon as we continue planning for another outstanding year at Peralta Trail Elementary.

Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. Let’s make this final month one to remember!

With appreciation,

Mrs. Smith

Reimagining Learning at PTES: 2026–2027

INSPIRE - CREATE - INNOVATE

Exciting things are on the horizon for PTES students! Information was shared the end of last week with our current 2nd-4th grade students and families on our transformational learning approach we are launching for the 2026–2027 school year. Please be sure to fill out the Selection Form and submit it to the office no later than Friday, May 8th as we are beginning to create student schedules.

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.

Re-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.

We are scheduling times for our incoming kindergarten screener for Wednesday, May 20th and Thursday, May 21st. Please call the office for more information 480-677-7540.

Thank you for your continued support as we plan for another great year ahead.

Go Bobcats! 🐾

May 4th-8th - STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK

May 4th-8th - FastBridge and Post Assessments

May 6th- 4th VS 5th Grade Wiffle Ball Game @ 9am PTES Playground Fields

May 6th - EARLY RELEASE @ 1:35PM

May 8th - 5th Grade to visit CCJH

May 13th - 3rd-5th grade Volleyball Games @ CCJH (see schedule)

May 14th - Peter Piper Pizza Yearbook Signing Party 4-7pm

May 14th - Elementary (5th grade) Music Concert @ PAC 6pm

May 15th - 3rd-5th grade Volleyball Games @ CCJH (see schedule)

May 19th - Kindergarten Promotion @ AJHS PAC @ 9am (gates open at 8:30, students need to be there no later than 8:45)

May 20th - 5th Grade Celebration @ 12pm (PTES Cafeteria)

May 21st - Last Day of School, EARLY RELEASE @ 1:35PM

VOLLEYBALL CLUB SCHEDULE LINK

Bobcat STEAM Corner

🌱 Family STEM Activity: Build a Water Filter

Goal:

Design and build a filter that can clean “dirty” water using household materials.

Materials:

Plastic bottle (cut in half)
Coffee filters or paper towels
Sand, gravel, small rocks
Cotton balls
Activated charcoal (optional)
Dirty water (mix water with dirt, leaves, etc.)
Cups or containers

Directions:

Turn the top half of the bottle upside down (like a funnel).
Layer materials inside (cotton → charcoal → sand → gravel, etc.).
Pour dirty water through the filter.
Observe how clean the water becomes.
Try redesigning the filter to improve results.

STEM Connections:

Science: Filtration, earth science, water quality
Engineering: Designing and improving a system
Math: Measuring materials, comparing results
Critical Thinking: Testing and revising designs

Family Discussion Questions:

What materials worked best? Why?
What would you change to improve your filter?
Where do we see filtration systems in real life?

Extension Idea:

Connect it to real-world issues—talk about access to clean water and how engineers solve these challenges.

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!