Welcome back, Pawnee
Spring semester is here, and the halls at Pawnee Elementary and Pawnee High School are full again. If you're one of the many parents juggling backpacks, permission slips, and a calendar that fills up fast, this guide is for you. Here's everything you need to know to start the semester on the right foot.
We've kept it short and practical, the stuff parents actually ask the front office about in January.
Mornings look a little different
You asked, we listened. The front loop was a genuine bottleneck in December, so we've moved morning drop-off around to the back of the building. Follow the signs and the staff in orange vests. The first few mornings are always a little bumpy while everyone learns the new pattern, so give it a week and it smooths out, we promise.
Once they're inside, free breakfast is waiting. It's available for any student who wants it, every school day starting at 7:15am in the cafeteria, with no sign-up, no paperwork, and no cost. A warm start helps students settle in, and it's one less thing for parents to handle before the first bell.
Parent-teacher conferences in February
Conferences are the highlight of the semester for a lot of families. Pawnee Elementary conferences run February 11–13, and Pawnee HS conferences run February 18–20. Sign-up opens Friday at 8am, so pick the slot that fits your schedule, including evening windows for parents who work days.
Need a Spanish interpreter? Just flag it on the sign-up form and Principal Howser's office will book one for you. If your student's teacher hasn't connected with you yet, stop by the front office and we'll make the introduction.
Your best friend this spring: the parent portal
If you only bookmark one thing this semester, make it the parent portal. Grades, attendance, bus tracking, lunch balances, e-learning packets on snow days, and permission forms all live in one place. It's also where Q3 report cards will appear later this spring.
Not sure if your login works? Test it now, not at 6am on the first snow day of February. The office can reset it for you in a minute.
Dates to put on the fridge
A few more to circle: Read Across America week runs March 16–20, complete with Pajama Day and a Family Reading Night at the elementary library. The Pawnee Elementary Spring Concert is April 2 at 7pm in the Pawnee HS auditorium. And spring break is March 23–27, with buses back on their routes Monday, March 30.
One more for the STEM fans: Principal Howser is leading tours of the new elementary STEM lab at the spring open house on March 21. Bring your student and let them show you what they've built.
We're glad they're back
Spring is a busy, wonderful stretch of the year, and it goes by fast. The best thing parents can do is stay looped in: read the Friday folder, check the parent portal, and don't be shy about calling the office.
Want the full picture? Visit the calendar page or reach out to the front office any time. We're always happy to hear from Pawnee parents.
