Principal's Message

As the crisp air of autumn settles in and we see the beauty of changing leaves all around us, I want to take a moment to share my heartfelt appreciation for your continued support of our school. October is a wonderful time of year, full of excitement and growth as students settle into their routines and dive deeper into learning.

This month we look forward to engaging in enriching activities, including our annual fall stations in PE class to celebrate the season to PBIS activities that celebrate the end of the marking period. We also celebrate the importance of kindness and community, teaching our students to show empathy and support for one another, as these values that will help them both in and out of the classroom.

Your involvement in our school makes a tremendous difference, and we are so grateful to have such a strong and supportive community. Whether you’ve volunteered your time, attended events, or simply cheered on our students, you’ve played a vital role in fostering an environment where our children can thrive. If you missed the Volunteer Orientation in September, please call the office.

I welcome your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. Let’s continue to work together to make this school year a fantastic one. Wishing you a wonderful October filled with joy, learning, and connection. Please schedule an appointment in advance of coming to the school as the school is closed to visitors during the school day.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Quirino, Principal

PES Handbook

A PES Handbook has been created to provide a more comprehensive guide that outlines procedures and expectations for students, parents, and staff within our school community.

This handbook should serve as a guide to ensure consistency in school rules and routines that promote a positive, safe, productive learning environment.

Please take a moment to review information regarding school routines, academic standards, behavioral expectations, communication protocols, and resources available.

The PES Handbook can be found on our school website in the Newsletter tab. For easy access, click here.

Attendance Matters

Getting your child to school on time, every day can ensure your child has a chance to succeed in school.

Maryland has a Compulsory Attendance Law: Children between the ages of 5 and 18 shall attend public school regularly during the entire school year unless otherwise enrolled in a private school, approved home instruction, or home teaching through the school. Parents may be charged in District Court for failure to see that their children attend school. Parents can be found guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a ne per day of unlawful absence, or imprisonment.

Please contact the Principal or Counselor if your child starts to demonstrate school avoidance behavior.

Counselor's Corner

October Classroom Counseling Topics: Throughout the month of October I will be visiting each classroom 2 times. Students will practice Growth Mindset by changing their internal dialogue to one that embraces challenges and persists in the face of setbacks. Since October is also Bullying Prevention Month we will discuss the difference between bullying, bothering and bugging and strategies to handle peer conflicts.

Bullying is NOT:

Unkind words that occur once.
Rough-housing or rough play that is not intended to hurt.
A physical attack that is not part of a pattern of behavior.

Bullying IS:

Intentional
Repeated over time
Intended to harm
Involves a power differential
Creates a hostile educational environment

Remember, there is a difference between rude, mean, and bullying behaviors.

The A.A. Co. Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation Reporting Form can be located here: https://secure.aacps.org/webapps/SEFP/OSOS

Please let me know if I can be of assistance!

Michele Noble, School Counselor

mnoble@aacps.org

Reasons To Come to School Every Day 🏆

1. Reading on Grade Level 📖: Studies show that consistent attendance from Pre-K gives the best start for early literacy development. Students who aren't reading on grade level by 3rd grade have a lower chance of graduating.

2. Joining Classmates on Exciting Field Trips 🚌: Don't miss out on hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom, like visits to museums, outdoor education centers, science centers, and musical performances. These enriching experiences help students figure out their passions.

3. Forming Lasting Friendships 😍: Attending daily allows students to foster strong social bonds and an inclusive peer network. Even if not all friendships work out, developing the skills is only possible with ongoing interaction. Students who develop their social skills through school attendance have more positive relationships, overall.

4. Developing Effective Study Habits Early ⏰: Good attendance instills vital skills like punctuality, time management and self-discipline. A big part of succeeding is learning how to learn.

5. Demonstrating Responsibility and Commitment 🙌: Employers value established patterns of dedication and follow-through. Whether students are getting after school jobs in high school, or securing employment after graduation, good work habits are formed by consistent school attendance starting in elementary school.

6. Maximizing Instructional Time with Teachers ✍🏽: Fewer disruptions means more personalized learning and academic support. Sometimes, students don't come to school because they're struggling with the material in class and staying home is a way to avoid it. But the better choice is to come to school -- that's where the support is. The more time students have with their teachers, the more successful they will be.

7. Greater Self-Esteem and Confidence 😁: Not having to play catch-up reduces stress and boosts self-assurance. This is exactly what will carry students successfully through graduation and beyond.

8. Higher Grade Point Averages 🚀: Abundant research links stellar attendance to higher GPAs and test scores. In fact, one study shows that the #1 reason students fail a course is from being absent.

Gr 5: AACPS Magnet Program Info

Who? Current Grade 5

What? Magnet Program applications for Anne Arundel County Public Schools

When? Applications open at noon on October 6, 2025 and end at noon on November 6, 2025

Website? www.aacps.org/magnet

Magnet Programs are: • Exciting, rigorous, student-centered environments that give students the chance to learn with others who share similar interests • Environments in which students can apply theory and knowledge towards skills proficiency with hands-on, real-world experiences • Interdisciplinary approaches to curriculum that promote critical thinking.

Students in grade 5: Apply to Apex Arts, IB, or STEM

Apex Arts @ Brooklyn Park Middle School

Ms. Lacey Sheppard - lmsheppard@aacps.org

410-636-2967 Session 1: October 14, 2025 (virtual meeting) 7:00 PM-8:00 PM Link to virtual meeting on October 14: meet.google.com/aet-coeq-xuv OR Session 2: November 4, 2025 (in-person meeting) 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Middle Years Baccalaureate @ Old Mill Middle North

Ms. Erika Boltz - eboltz@aacps.org 410-969-5950

Session 1: October 15, 2025 (virtual meeting) 6:00 PM-7:30 PM Link to virtual meeting on October 15: https://meet.google.com/igj-twbtxdo OR Session 2: October 22, 2025 (in-person information meeting in conjunction with Old Mill Middle North IB MYP for the Old Mill Complex IB festival) 5:30 PM-7:00 PM (Please enter through the back of the building by the gym and report to the OMHS cafeteria.

STEM @ Old Mill Middle South

Mr. John Kiser - jbkiser@aacps.org 410-923-5250

Session 1:October 9, 2025 (in-person) 6:00 PM-8:00 PM OR Session 2: October 29, 2024 (virtual-meeting) 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Link to virtual meeting on October 29: https://meet.google.com/vuooxkn-wxo

The Panther Pledge and image of school mascot

Cellphone Policy

Please be aware the cellphone policy is that phones are to remain off and away all day at school. If there is an extentuating circumstance and you need to communicate with your student, please call the Main Office at 410-222-6573.

Parent Teacher Association

The Pasadena Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is looking for new members. Families are invited to join. Visit the PTA website to sign up. Be sure to follow Pasadena Elementary PTA Facebook page and enable notifications.

- PTA school store Tuesdays Gr PK - 2; Thursdays Gr 3-5.

- The next PTA meeting is Monday, October 7th @ 5:00pm.

- PTA movie night is Friday, October 10. Please click here to RSVP.

Communications Team - Jackie Hall & Nadia Randazzo: Social Media, Flyer/Graphic Creation, Newsletter Content
communications@pespta.org

Fundraising Lead: Lucie Petre: Restaurant Nights & Other Fundraising Activities
fundrasing@pespta.org

Grams Team: Maggie Daley & Cindy Forney
Birthday & Holiday - We will open these up after the October meeting
grams@pespta.org

School Store Lead: Ginny Iskandarov:
Scheduling & Inventory
schoolstore@pespta.org

Spirit Rock Lead: Nikki O’Keefe spiritrock@pespta.org

Staff Appreciation Lead: Kasey Forney staffappreciation@pespta.org

Sunshine Cart Lead: Crystal Burnett sunshinecart@pespta.org

Volunteer Coordinator: Samantha Andes volunteer@pespta.org

Family Movie Night & Food Drive Flyer (3)

More info here

Harvest for the Hungry

We will be participating in the county wide Harvest for the Hungry project. We will be collecting food donations throughout the month. Monetary donations are also being accepted online by going to aacps.org/harvest . All donations go the the Anne Arundel County Food Bank to support our community. Each week we will collect a different food item:

Oct. 6 - 10: Pasta and/or Rice

Oct. 13 - 17: Canned Vegetables

Oct. 20 - 24: Canned Fruits

Oct. 27 - 31: Canned Soups/Stews

2025 BHS Hispanic Heritage Flyer English

Literacy

AACPS schools are committed to early literacy and in conjunction with requirements of Maryland law and the Code of Maryland Regulations, all students in Kindergarten to Fifth Grade were assessed using mCLASS with DIBELS 8th Edition screener. The screener measures critical skills necessary for early reading with an emphasis on phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency. The results are used to identify students in need of supplemental instruction. Students who are identified as at-risk according to the screener will participate in one of the following programs:

• mCLASS Instruction

• mCLASS Intervention

• SIPPS – Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words

• Wilson Reading System

Families will receive a letter and the DIBELS Parent Report containing the screening results in October. The letter will inform parents if their child will be in one of the reading programs listed above. Please be on the lookout for that letter.

Cathryn Nash, Literacy Teacher

Physical Education

We have been participating in lots of fun and engaging Physical Education lessons during the first month of school! Please ask your child (Pre-K, K, 1st, and 2nd) to show you their locomotor movements (Hop, Jump, Skip, Gallop, Slide, Leap, Walk, Jog).

Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade have been working on jump rope skills during Kangaroo Club. If you don’t have a jump rope at home, you can purchase them at The Dollar Tree or Five Below for a low price. We have also been working on dribbling and striking with our feet in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.

Our October Mind and Body Calendar is a great way to add movement into each day.

Carrie Deaver, P.E. Teacher

Art

We will continue to use Artsonia, our online school-wide art gallery. Students are finishing up their first projects, and we will begin to upload pictures this month. If you are new to Pasadena, information about creating your student's account will be emailed to you. This program is completely optional. If you have an existing account, it will automatically re-populate once we upload artwork for this year to your student's page. Please be patient with me as the process of taking pictures of each student's artwork as uploading them takes some time! Students can earn online ribbons and awards for their participation. Artsonia offers a gift shop with many different items that can have your student's artwork printed on them, which make great gifts and keepsakes. Pasadena earns 20% in profits from the items bought from the gift shop. Funds will be used to purchase art supplies for our students.

Please click here to check out our Artsonia web page.

Karen O'Boyle & Gigi Hann, Art Teachers

Media Center

There are lots of exciting things happening in the media center in October! Students in PreK and K will be identifying the parts of a book, and talking about characters as part of a story. First Graders will learn how to select a "good fit" book to read, and will work on answering questions using the PebbleGO database. Students in Second Grade will begin working with the OPAC, our online library catalog, and will conduct animal research using a database. Third Graders will investigate the features of our many MackinVIA databases. Fourth and Fifth Graders will explore databases by going on a scavenger hunt.

Students in all grades will continue evaluating this year’s Black Eyed Susan picture book nominees, and recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, by sharing Benita and the Night Creatures by Mariana Llanos.

Julie Bradshaw, Media Specialist

Music Notes

In October, PreK and Kindergarten will be learning about musical opposites. First grade will be learning about tempo and dynamics as well as continuing to learn about rhythm. Second grade will be focusing on the notes so, mi, and la. Third grade will be learning a new rhythm. Fourth and fifth grade will continue expanding their knowledge of rhythm, form, harmony, and melody. Chorus students will be focusing on learning their music for the winter concert as well as good vocal technique.

Anna Gavrilov, Music teacher

Band/Strings

Hello, Pasadena Band and Strings Families! Please encourage your child to practice safely with their instruments.

First year strings students should focus on playing pizzicato (plucking) as improper use of the bow will lead to unfortunate breakage and/or loss of bow hair.

Band students should practice safely assembling their instruments and producing clear tones with correct mouth placement, or stick grip.

School instruments are still in extremely short supply, please consider renting from a vendor if you are able. Please contact Ms. Truitt at ctruitt@aacps.org if there are any questions or concerns.

Music Vendors:

Candace Truitt, Band & Orchestra Director

EEE STEM and Society

In STEM, Pre-K is developing learning habits in their "Habits of Mind" unit. Kindergarten is studying tools in "Saving Norman." First grade is developing "Senses in Nature" while second grade is designing an accessible playground. The third grade is researching animals to create a zoo habitat. Fourth grade is going through the Engineering Design Process to develop a prosthetic device for an animal. Fifth grade is designing an experiment using straw rockets in their "Fair Flight" unit.

Ryan Peters, EEE Global Studies

Earn $ for PES

In case you did not know…there are many ways to earn money for the school. The funds are used to purchase equipment, technology, training, supplies, and incentives for your child’s classroom and teachers. Please consider helping and/or supporting in the following ways.

Joe Corbi’s Fundraiser: This fundraiser ended and orders will arrive in late October to early November.

Clothing to Cash Recycling Bin: Please drop off gently used clothing, shoes/sneakers, textiles, and towels to the recycling bin in the front parking lot. The school is paid for EVERY pound collected. Help support the school and our environment. Clean out your closets!

Office Depot: While shopping for school supplies at the store or online, please designate the school number 70047113.

Harris Teeter: Every time you shop at Harris Teeter, using your bonus card, Pasadena Elementary will earn money for our school. Be sure to designate Pasadena Elementary School.

Weis: Every time you shop at Harris Teeter, using your bonus card, Pasadena Elementary will earn money for our school. Be sure to designate Pasadena Elementary School.

School Store Fundraiser (online only)

Please keep an eye out for a Parent Information Envelope letting you know about a safe and easy way for our school to raise funds for essential tools our students and teachers need to succeed. The School Store fundraiser is 100% online so there is NO face-to-face selling, handling money, or delivering products. Your participation will take less than 12 minutes, and there are exciting prizes to make it fun for the students.

Here is all you need to do to participate:

1. Go to https://www.schoolstore.net/cgi/SetSchool?secheck=1&SchoolID=0000151167 to sign up.

2. Send form emails inviting family, friends and co-workers to support your child.

3. Return the Envelope with the Student Prize Code to school for your child to get their fun participation prize.

Be sure to ask your child for the Parent Envelope. Your participation will make a difference for our school and teachers! Proceeds from this fundraiser will support student and staff incentives and may supplement classroom activities.

Family Resources

Family Link

AACPS Connect

Volunteer at PES

Values: Panthers C.A.R.E.

Care, Achieve, Respect, Engage

Mission: Pasadena Elementary is dedicated to preparing students for college and career readiness, promoting academic excellence and citizenship for all students.

Vision: We envision Pasadena Elementary to be a school where we maintain high expectations for academic standards through rigorous instruction. We will continue to foster a positive, caring school climate where we respect and value diversity and prepare individuals for success in higher learning and careers.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools prohibits discrimination in its educational programs, and in employment, on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or disability.

The PEN