Welcome Back July Newsletter

Posted Date: 07/20/26 (07:51 PM)

Welcome Back, Bobcat Families!

Dear Bobcat Families,

What an incredible start to the new school year! It has been wonderful to welcome our students back to Peralta Trail Elementary and see our campus filled with smiling faces, laughter, and excitement once again.

Our first three days of school have been focused on setting the foundation for a successful year. Students have been learning classroom routines, practicing schoolwide expectations, building positive relationships with their teachers and classmates, and becoming familiar with the procedures that help our school run safely and smoothly. Of course, we've also made plenty of time for fun, teamwork, and making new friends along the way!

At Peralta Trail, we know that investing these first few days in building strong routines and a positive school culture helps create an environment where every student can learn, grow, and thrive. It has been exciting to watch our Bobcats already demonstrating kindness, responsibility, perseverance, and pride in their school.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our families for helping make this transition back to school such a success. Your support, encouragement, and partnership make a tremendous difference, and we truly appreciate all you do.

As we move forward into the school year, we are excited for the learning, discoveries, celebrations, and memories that await us. Together, we will continue to create a school where every Bobcat feels valued, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Thank you for being such an important part of our Peralta Trail family. Here's to an amazing year ahead!

Happy Birthday PTES...25 years of magical moments and more to come!

Warmly,

Mrs. Patricia Smith

Reimagining Learning at PTES: 2026–2027

INSPIRE - CREATE - INNOVATE

At Peralta Trail Elementary, our Kindergarten through 2nd grade classrooms serve as the foundation of each child's educational journey—our "learning incubator." During these important years, students develop strong skills in literacy, mathematics, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving that prepare them for future success.

Beginning in 3rd grade, students build upon that strong foundation by applying their learning in deeper and more meaningful ways. This year, our 3rd–5th grade students will continue to receive high-quality, explicit instruction in their core academic subjects while also experiencing an exciting evolution in the traditional school day.

As part of this innovative approach, students will participate in dedicated Innovation Studio Blocks, where they will extend their learning through hands-on, real-world experiences designed to spark creativity, encourage collaboration, and connect learning to their individual interests and passions. On Monday, July 20th, your child will receive their schedule and begin rotating through their Innovation Studio courses.

One of the most exciting aspects of this model is that students will have opportunities to explore a variety of interests throughout the year. In November, all 3rd–5th grade students will receive a new Innovation Studio Course Catalog and will have the opportunity to select their top course choices for the second semester. This gives students a voice in their learning while allowing them to experience new studios and continue discovering their passions.

We are thrilled to launch this exciting opportunity and look forward to seeing our Bobcats grow as innovators, creators, collaborators, and problem-solvers. We believe these experiences will not only deepen academic learning but also equip our students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

July 15th - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

July 30th - Peter Piper Pizza Back to School Bash - (More info to come)

August 3rd - Fall Pictures (Campos Photography- More info to come))

August 5 - EARLY RELEASE @ 1:35PM

Bobcat STEAM Corner

🌞 July Family STEAM Challenge: Keep the Ice Cold!

Challenge: Design and build a container that keeps an ice cube from melting for as long as possible.

Materials (choose what you have):

1 ice cube
Plastic cup or bowl
Aluminum foil
Paper towels
Cotton balls
Fabric or felt
Bubble wrap
Cardboard
Tape
Plastic bags
Any other safe household materials

Directions:

As a family, talk about what makes things hot or cold.
Predict which materials will work best as insulation.
Build a container around a cup holding one ice cube.
Set it outside in the shade (or inside near a sunny window) for 20–30 minutes.
Open the container and see how much ice remains.
Discuss:

Which materials worked best?
What would you change next time?
How do coolers keep food cold?

STEAM Connections

Science: Insulation and heat transfer
Technology: Testing different materials
Engineering: Designing and improving a solution
Art: Decorating your cooler
Math: Measuring time and comparing results

Bobcat Family Bonus Challenge: 🐾

Can you redesign your cooler using only three materials and make it work even better?

Take a picture of your creation and share it with your teacher

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)

FOOD SERVICES

When students arrive to school, if they choose to eat breakfast at school, they will go to the cafeteria to be served their breakfast. If your child is parent drop-off in the morning, please make sure they arrive prior to 8:25; gates open at 8:15.

Free & Reduced Meal Applications

One of the most important things families can do before the school year starts is complete a Free & Reduced Meal Application. Even if families are unsure whether they qualify, we encourage them to apply.

These applications do much more than determine meal benefits—they help our district and PTES secure critical funding that supports students, schools, educational programs, technology, and other valuable resources. Every completed application makes a difference.

Apply Here: Free & Reduced Meal Application

School Menus

Families can view breakfast and lunch menus at any time through Nutrislice.

View School Menus: AJUSD Menus

Please help us spread the word to parents and guardians about the importance of completing the meal application as soon as possible. Increasing participation helps ensure our district receives the resources needed to support student success.

Thank you for your partnership and support. I look forward to working with all of you throughout the school year!

Vikki Shilander

Director of Dining Services

victoria.shilander@goaj.org