Hello PES families,

I so enjoyed welcoming our students back from break this week! I hope each of you had a peaceful holiday and are staying healthy. As we begin 2021, we must continue to look out for each other, show grace, and continue to follow safety protocols. Even though COVID prevention fatigue may be settling in for some of us, now is not the time to let our guard down.  January is historically referred to as “cold and flu season”, and this year we must be cognizant of COVID as well.  Please continue to remind your children about the importance of handwashing, not touching one’s face, and wearing a clean mask each day. (Some students opt to pack a clean “back up mask” in their backpack.  Good idea!)  As a school community, we have handled this virus in a remarkable way. I am thankful for minimal illnesses, and the open communication between home and school when faced with a possible exposure.  Our staff continue to work in extraordinary ways to teach and care for our children while amplifying cleaning, distancing, documenting seating arrangements (in case there is a need for contact tracing), reworking travel patterns to minimize hallway traffic, etc… If either Nurse Garcia or I can answer any questions for you, please reach out. Our children’s safety and well-being are top priorities.

An additional CONGRATULATIONS to 5^th grader, Akhil Korrapati, for earning a spot in the final round of SJCSD’s Spelling Bee that will be held on Wednesday, January 13th.  He is representing PES well and we are very proud. Thank you, Debby Gardner, for coordinating the Spelling Bee for our school.

Parents, the generosity you showed our teachers and staff for the holidays was splendid! We certainly felt appreciated and pampered.  Again, I respect the outpouring of gratitude and joy you shared during a most unusual holiday season.

Together in Education,

Captain Goodrich