Set the stage for a productive study routine

Just as a bedtime routine prepares kids to sleep, a schoolwork routine can help them prepare to study. Start your child's routine with an announcement that study time is about to begin. Offer prompts on what to do: "Put your toys away." "Clear the table." "Get out your schoolwork." To set the stage, bring a glass of water or school supplies to the table.

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14 days ago, Billie Cortez
Organize three things to make mornings easier

For some kids, getting out the door in the morning with everything they need is a challenge. To help your child overcome it, tackle three areas: 1. Time management. Block out regular times for study, play and getting organized. 2. School items. Put a big box in a noticeable spot. School belongings go in it when your child gets home. As assignments are completed, they go in it, too. 3. Evenings. Together, lay out clothes, make a lunch and pack your child's backpack so it's ready to go in the morning.

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15 days ago, Billie Cortez
Attendance is critical for your child's success

Children who miss school regularly fall behind and score lower on tests. They can also have a hard time making and keeping friends. And frequent absences in elementary school can set a pattern that increases the risk of dropping out of school later. Make school attendance a family priority. Don't let your child skip school for reasons other than illness or emergency. And if your student regularly resists going to school, or your family is facing attendance obstacles, let the teacher or school counselor know.

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16 days ago, Billie Cortez
Try a kitchen timer to motivate your child

Some children hate to be told what to do. Nagging, arguing and scolding won't usually motivate them. But a kitchen timer can. When you want your child to do something, set the timer. Say, "Let's see if you can pick up your toys before the timer goes off." A timer also works to enforce a time limit: "When the timer rings in 15 minutes, it will be time to stop playing and get ready for bed."

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17 days ago, Billie Cortez
Your child needs your time more than screen time

Too much of the wrong kinds of screen activity isn't good for kids. And when parents and caregivers focus on screens too much themselves, their children miss out on important family time. Instead, turn off devices and play board games with your child. Plant an herb garden together. Take a walk and look for unusual things. Try foods from a different country (and find the country on a map). Create a secret code. You'll be helping your child think and learn.

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18 days ago, Billie Cortez
Promote safety on the way to school

Whether your child walks or bikes to school or just to the bus stop, ensuring safety along the way is vital. Choose a route with the fewest street crossings. Then, walk it with your child. As you go, role-play situations your student might face. What can your child do if a large dog is in the path? If possible, arrange for your student to walk with a friend or family member each day. And be sure your child knows never to talk to or accept rides from strangers.

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19 days ago, Billie Cortez
Celebrate achievements with a special photo

Setting goals is an effective way to motivate your child, in school and at home. Sometimes reaching a goal feels so good, it's all the reward students will need to keep going. But when your student reaches a tough goal, it's time to celebrate! One way is to take a picture of your child reaching the goal. Frame it and put it by your child's bed. Seeing themselves as achievers is a great way for students to start the day!

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20 days ago, Billie Cortez
A short note can ease new-school-year jitters

Even children who are excited about the beginning of school can be worried about it, too. One common worry is, "Will my teacher like me?" Ease these fears by writing a note introducing your child to the teacher. You can include all the things your child wants the teacher to know, like "Jackie can count to 100." Read the note aloud to your child. Then, send it to school to start productive teamwork with the teacher.

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21 days ago, Billie Cortez
Fill your home with words for your child to read

Reading with your child doesn't always have to involve books. You can help your beginning reader learn in lots of ways. For example, label furniture and household items with sticky notes (chair, table, sink, etc.). Go around the house and read the labels together. Then, collect the labels and ask your child to place each one on the matching item.

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22 days ago, Billie Cortez
PBIS Kickoff will be Friday, August 22, 2025. PBES will use teamwork to win using the 3 B's: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. Students may wear their favorite team shirt or jersey with uniform bottoms. Students may wear jeans for $1 or if they paid for the year (no holes, rips, or tears).
27 days ago, Billie Cortez
PBIS kickoff
The Kona Ice Truck will be on campus, Friday, August 22, 2025. Find those refillable cups and put them in your student's bookbag. Prices range from $3 - $7. Please send money with your student in the morning.
27 days ago, Billie Cortez
kona ice
Please check out this week's newsletter for important information.
https://secure.smore.com/n/rdbuz

Read more about:
- Friday, Aug. 22 - Kona Ice will be on campus
- Friday, Aug. 22 - PBIS kickoff - wear your team shirt/jersey
-Our school attendance goal is to maintain a 95% attendance rate. Please help us maintain this goal. Shoutout to 1st grade with the highest attendance the week of August 11-15.

29 days ago, Billie Cortez
Meet our Amazing Front Office Team! đŸ’Œâœš

As we kick off the 2025-2026 school year, we are proud to introduce the dedicated individuals who keep our front office running smoothly. With strong leadership, positive attitudes, and warm, welcoming smiles, they are ready to support our students, families, and staff every step of the way.

Their commitment to excellence and service sets the tone for our entire school, and their guidance will help lead us into another successful year.

Here’s to an amazing school year — together! đŸ«đŸ’™
about 1 month ago, Billie Cortez
Front office
Let’s give a huge round of applause to our incredible Custodial Team at Port Barre Elementary! 👏🎉

These behind-the-scenes heroes work tirelessly every single day to keep our school clean, safe, and shining. From classrooms to hallways, surprise spills to last-minute setups—they are always there, stepping in with a helping hand and a positive attitude.

They support our teachers, staff, and students without hesitation and never miss a beat. Their hard work, dedication, and big hearts don’t go unnoticed, and we are beyond grateful for all they do.

We TRULY couldn’t do it without them! Thank you, Custodial Team! 💛
about 1 month ago, Billie Cortez
custodial staff
🚌 Afternoon Dismissal Reminder
We are currently establishing our beginning-of-the-year routines for afternoon bus riders and car riders. Please be patient with us as dismissal may take a little longer than usual during this adjustment period.

🚗 Car Riders:
To help dismissal run smoothly and safely, please ensure you have your car rider tag or a paper clearly displaying your student’s name and grade in the front window of your vehicle.

Your cooperation and patience are greatly appreciated as we work to create a safe and efficient dismissal process for all students!
about 1 month ago, Billie Cortez
Our 2025-2026 PBES Spirit Wear Store is OPEN again through August 31st! Long sleeve shirts have been added to the order form.

https://stores.inksoft.com/port_barre_elem_25-26/shop/home
about 1 month ago, Billie Cortez
Back to School Reminders:
- Drop off begins at 7:20. Homeroom begins at 7:45.
- If you child eats breakfast, please have them at school by 7:40.
- Nut free snacks may be sent to school with your child (no candy). However, concession will be sold starting today.
- Outerwear must follow SLP guidelines (no HOODS).
- A car tag/paper with students name and grade should be in the window of your car for afternoon pick up.
about 1 month ago, Billie Cortez
IMPORTANT BUS NOTICE: Mr. Josh (Bus 626) will not run on Friday, August 8. There is no substitute driver. Please make the necessary arrangements to drop off and pick up your child through the car rider line. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
about 1 month ago, Billie Cortez
💙 Next up in our staff introductions — meet our incredible ESS (Exceptional Support Services) Team at Port Barre Elementary! 🌟

This dedicated group of educators and support staff works tirelessly to ensure that every student receives the care, support, and personalized instruction they need to thrive. Their compassion, expertise, and commitment make a huge impact on our school community — and we’re so thankful to have them on our team!

#PortBarreElementary #EveryStudentEveryDay
about 1 month ago, Billie Cortez
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đŸœïž Next up in our staff introductions — let’s give a big shoutout to our Cafeteria Staff at Port Barre Elementary! đŸ‘©â€đŸłđŸ’›

These hardworking and friendly team members help fuel our students each and every day with nutritious meals, warm smiles, and caring hearts. Whether it’s breakfast to start the day or lunch to recharge, they make sure every child is taken care of.

Our cafeteria staff is an essential part of our school family, and we are so grateful for everything they do behind the scenes to support our students’ success! đŸ’Ș✹

#PortBarreElementary #FuelingYoungMinds
about 1 month ago, Billie Cortez
cafeteria