This past week, both Hillcrest and Pine Avenue celebrated our Trimester Awards, honoring students for their hard work, growth, and character. Our first graders also gathered for Friends-giving, sharing food, laughter, and gratitude with classmates. These moments remind us of the joy, community, and partnership we share in educating your children.

https://secure.smore.com/n/hb7m3-the-weekly-update-panther-pride

2 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
This week is full of exciting updates! On Friday, both buildings will host Trimester Award Ceremonies—parents are invited to attend and will be welcomed into the foyer before heading to classrooms. Report cards and updated Math Progress Reports will also go home, reflecting progress on current learning goals. Please remember Friday is a full school day, and early checkouts are discouraged. There’s still time to complete the Education Benefits Form, which helps secure Title I funding for small group instruction and student supports. And don’t forget—our next PTO meeting is Monday at 6:30 PM at Hillcrest! https://secure.smore.com/n/73drq-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Our students are making a difference! Pine Avenue Student Council food drive is in full swing—thank you for helping us stock the shelves for families in need. Hillcrest Coins for a Cause continues to support local homeless shelters, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact. Don’t forget: we have an early release on Friday, November 14. Let’s finish the week strong with generosity, gratitude, and Panther pride!
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Child care is available November 14th( Early Release Day) for students preschool through fifth grade. Please fill out one form for each student you wish to sign up!

Follow the QR Code on the flyer or Click here to register:
https://forms.gle/xNQMDrihSJv4ykh29
3 months ago, Ernest Conerly
Early Release Care @ Luce Road for November 14th
This week marked 50 days of learning—and our students had plenty to celebrate! First graders dressed in their best 50’s attire, while classrooms across the building buzzed with reading, word work, and hands-on Math Work Places. One class even built edible soil cups to explore science concepts from their Shared Reading book, Soil. We ended the week with Coffee with the Principal and a festive Halloween Parade, bringing families and fun together in true Panther spirit!
https://secure.smore.com/n/97qym-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Join us for Coffee with the Principal on October 31 from 1–2 pm to meet our Math Coach and Title I Literacy . This event is a great time to learn more about our reading and math programs. Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Halloween Parades will follow Coffee with the Principal.
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Copy of Brown Yellow Retro Coffee Promotion Flyer (1)
From cider and donuts at Anderson & Girls to hands-on fun at our Title I Family Engagement Night, this week was packed with joyful learning and community spirit! First graders explored the farm, families dove into math games and Mad Science, and lucky raffle winners took home some exciting baskets.
A huge thank you to our PTO for sponsoring the first-grade trip and supporting Donuts with Grown-Ups—your partnership makes all the difference. And don’t forget: Coffee with the Principal is coming up on Thursday, October 31, at 1:00 pm (enter by the library), followed by our Halloween Parade at 2:00 pm. Details are shared within the newsletter. We hope to see you there!
https://secure.smore.com/n/3dzxa-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
KIDS NIGHT OUT party! Please see the flyer for information.
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Kids Night Out
Please join us this evening at Pine Avenue Elementary School for an exciting Family Engagement Night filled with learning, laughter, and community connection. The evening kicks off at 5:00 PM with engaging sessions focused on reading and mathematics, offering families practical ways to support learning at home. From 5:30 to 6:30 PM, don’t miss the exciting Mad Science STEM Assembly—an hour of high-energy, hands-on science fun for all ages. We will be raffling off six Family Fun Baskets packed with surprises. At 6:30 PM, we will host another reading and mathematics session. Every child will receive a free book and math activities to take home. It’s a night designed to celebrate curiosity, build connections, and send families home with tools and memories that matter. We can’t wait to see you there!
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Family Engagement

Registration is now OPEN for Late Start Childcare for students in preschool through fifth grade. Please fill out one form for each student you will need to attend care. Click here to register: https://forms.gle/jNgUdcEp3nAUU6vKA

Late Start Care: 7:00-11:30 - $20
Before Care: 6:00-7:00 - $15

Transportation to student's home school from Luce Road will be provided.

3 months ago, Ernest Conerly
LateStart Care for November 5th
We’re excited to share how our new Bridges math program and Bookworms literacy curriculum are preparing students for a future shaped by global connections and AI, with teachers using rubrics to guide instruction and provide targeted support. Join us for Coffee with the Principal on October 31 from 1–2 pm to meet our Math and Literacy Coaches and learn more. Don’t miss our PTO Meeting on October 20 at 6:30 pm, Family Engagement Night on October 22 from 5:00–7:00 pm, and Halloween school parades during the day on October 31.

https://secure.smore.com/n/fk0tv-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow

We’re excited to share how our new Bridges math program and Bookworms literacy curriculum are preparing students for a future shaped by global connections and AI, with teachers using rubrics to guide instruction and provide targeted support. Join us for Coffee with the Principal on October 31 from 1–2 pm to meet our Math and Literacy Coaches and learn more. Don’t miss our PTO Meeting on October 20 at 6:30 pm, Family Engagement Night on October 22 from 5:00–7:00 pm, and Halloween school parades during the day on October 31.

https://secure.smore.com/n/fk0tv-the-weekly-update-panther-pride

3 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
We're building momentum and celebrating connection! First grade kicked off Donuts with Grown-Ups with smiles and sprinkles—thank you to all who joined us. Next up: Second and Third Grade families are invited to join us on Tuesday, October 15, from 7:00–7:455 AM. Start your morning with a sweet treat and a warm hello!

In classrooms, we're spotlighting Responsibility through our Character Strong lessons. Students are learning that being responsible means doing what's right—even when it's hard. Ask your child how they've shown Responsibility this week!

Let's keep growing together—one donut, one lesson, one moment at a time.
https://secure.smore.com/n/8jx1v-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
4 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Hillcrest and Pine Avenue are proud to spotlight students who go above and beyond—whether it’s showing kindness, working hard, or leading by example. Check out this week’s honorees and what makes them shine!
https://secure.smore.com/n/d9fr1-the-weekly-update-panther-pride
4 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
We’re looking forward to cheering on our Panthers this Friday! With the beautiful weather we are having, it’s sure to be an amazing night. Come out and show your Panther Pride!

As a reminder, please review and follow the policies regarding student attendance at the event. Our goal is to ensure everyone enjoys a fun and safe time at both the parade and the game.
4 months ago, John Helinski
1

At APS, we believe that every student matters and every day matters!

Our School Board Policy 5301 requires us to notify families if a student is absent more than 10% of school days. Attendance is first checked after the first 20 days of school, and then again at the end of each trimester.

This year, after the first 20 days, we saw a small increase in the percentage of students who have missed more than 10% of days (22.9% in 2024 compared to 23.5% this year).

We are committed to working alongside families to support positive daily attendance, because being at school every day helps students learn, grow, and succeed!

4 months ago, John Helinski
1

This week’s Panther Pride Newsletter is bursting with excitement and connection! From Parent-Teacher Conferences that strengthen our home-school partnership, to the joy of Donuts with Grown-Ups, and the energy of Homecoming celebrations, there’s something for everyone. Dive in for important updates, upcoming events, and ways to stay engaged with our vibrant school community. Let’s keep the Panther spirit strong! Panther Pride Newsletter

https://secure.smore.com/n/czrsg-the-weekly-update-panther-pride

Panther Pride Newsletter

4 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Mark your calendars! September 29-October 3 is Homecoming Spirit Week.
4 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Elementary Homecoming Spirit Week
Join Us for the Pine Avenue PTO Meeting – Tomorrow at 6:30 PM
We’re excited to welcome families to our PTO Meeting on Tuesday, September 23 at 6:30 PM at Pine Avenue Elementary. This is a great chance to connect, share ideas, and help shape the school experience for all our students.
Whether you're a returning member or new to PTO, your voice and energy make a difference. We’ll be discussing upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our classrooms and staff.
Let’s work together to build a strong, supportive school community. We hope to see you there!


4 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
PTO
We invite all families to attend the Annual Title I Meeting at Pine Avenue Elementary on Tuesday, September 23 at 6:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how Title I supports our students, strengthens instruction, and builds partnerships between home and school.
We’ll share updates on academic programs, family engagement opportunities, and how Title I funding is used to enhance learning. Your voice matters, and we look forward to collaborating with you to ensure every child thrives.
We hope to see you there!
4 months ago, Kathy Konowalow
Annual Title I Meeting