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Peralta Trail Elementary

August PTES Newsletter

Posted Date: 08/02/26 (04:42 PM)


Trail Talk
Principal Smith

🐾 A Message from the Principal

Dear Bobcat Families,
What an incredible start we've had to the new school year! July was filled with excitement as we welcomed both familiar and new faces back to Peralta Trail Elementary. Our classrooms have been buzzing with learning, new friendships are forming, and our Bobcats have done a wonderful job learning routines and expectations. Thank you for your partnership in helping make the start of the year such a success!
During the month of August, all students in Kindergarten through 5th grade will participate in beginning-of-the-year reading and math assessments. These assessments provide valuable information that helps our teachers understand each child's current strengths and learning needs so they can plan targeted instruction and support throughout the school year. We encourage students to simply do their best, get a good night's sleep, and arrive at school on time each day ready to learn.
As we continue building a positive school community, we also ask for your support in reviewing the Student Code of Conduct with your child. At Peralta Trail Elementary, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming learning environment where every student can thrive. When families and schools work together to reinforce expectations for kindness, responsibility, and respectful behavior, our students are more successful both academically and socially.
Thank you for being an important part of our Bobcat family. We appreciate your continued partnership and support as we work together to make this an outstanding school year. We look forward to celebrating many successes with our students throughout the months ahead.
Here's to another great month of learning, growing, and leading the Bobcat way!

Peralta Strong—25 Years of Magical Moments

Warmly,
Mrs. Patricia Smith
AJUSD Student Code of Conduct
 

Staff Spotlight

"Welcome to Peralta Trail" - Administrative Office

When you step through the doors of Peralta Trail Elementary, you are welcomed by our two amazing front office team members, Mrs. Josephine Carpenter, Administrative Assistant/Office Manager, and Mrs. Angela Kramer, Registrar. While both are new to their roles this year, they bring valuable experience in education and a strong commitment to supporting our school community.
We are incredibly grateful for their positivity, warm smiles, and the dedication they have shown in serving our students, families, and staff. Their hard work behind the scenes has played an important role in helping us launch a smooth and successful new school year. Thank you, Mrs. Carpenter and Mrs. Kramer, for making every Bobcat feel welcome from the moment they walk through our doors! 🐾

Josie
Angela
 

2026-27 Peralta Trail PTO Board Members

Meet our amazing board members:

PRESIDENT: Brooke Day-Smith
VICE-PRESIDENT: Nicole Chapman
SECRETARY: Jaren Smith
TRUSTEE MEMBERS: Michelle Krysten and Melissa Martinez
PTO Board Members
 
Important dates

AUGUST 2026

August 3 - Fall Pictures (Campos Photography- More info to come))
August 5 - EARLY RELEASE @ 1:35PM
August 12 - AJUSD Governing Board Work Session @ 4:30PM
August 18 - PTES PTO Meeting @ 4:00PM
August 19 - EARLY RELEASE @ 1:35PM
August 26 - PTO Goodies with Grown-Ups @ 7:30AM (See flyer that is being sent home)

AJUSD 2026-27 Academic Calendar
 

Peter Piper Pizza Back-to-School Bash!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of fun as we celebrated the start of an exciting new school year! From delicious pizza and exciting games to laughter shared with friends, our students, families, and staff came together to make it a memorable event. We are grateful for our amazing Bobcat community and appreciate everyone who helped kick off the school year with such enthusiasm and school spirit. Here's to a fantastic year of learning, growing, and making memories together!
Games
Eating Whip Cream
Laughter
 

Bobcat STEAM Corner

🌞 August Family STEAM Challenge: Build Your Dream Classroom ⭐

Using LEGO®, blocks, cardboard, or recycled materials, design your ideal classroom.

Include:

  • A reading area
  • A collaboration space
  • A creativity station
  • A quiet thinking spot

Talk About It:

  • Why did you arrange it that way?
  • How does your classroom help students learn?
  • What would you add if there were no limits?

STEAM Skills: Engineering, architecture, creativity, and problem-solving.
 

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:
cell phone
 
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
 

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.

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  
 
Bobcat Logo