Volunteer Opportunity: Partners Read

We are seeking volunteers interested in making a difference through our Partners Read program! This program, funded by the WakeEd Partnership, was developed for volunteers to read to first-grade students once a week, promoting literacy and a love of reading. 

 

The program will be held on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 3:30 at PME, beginning after Fall Break. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please contact Mary Linehan at mlinehan@wcpss.net by September 12th.

 

We ask that volunteers commit to 2x a month. She will share training information and a Sign-Up Genius for participants to sign up. You must be registered as a volunteer to participate. 

 

AIG Meeting for 3rd - 5th grade families

Mrs. McKinney will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, September 18th, at 3:30 pm for all families with students in the AIG (or Talent Development) program.  Please join Mrs. McKinney virtually to learn about the AIG program.  The link will be sent via Talking Points the day before the meeting. 

 

Have you joined the PTA yet? It's EASY and QUICK- GOAL  200 MEMBERS

You can help PME by joining or renewing your PTA membership for just $12. We now have 116 members with a goal of 200!  When you join, you support the school. There is no commitment to join meetings or serve on a committee with a membership. Visit the online store to pay your membership dues. https://partnership.memberhub.com/store/items/4753.

 

Ready to Learn 

A free early learning program for children ages 18 months–5 years who aren't yet in kindergarten. Caregivers attend a weekly 90-minute class with their child. If you are interested, contact edawson@wcpss.net.

English Flyer    Spanish Flyer

 

Girls on the Run Registration

Girls on the Run will start September 19th! If your child (Grades 3-5) would like to participate, please register at the Girls on the Run Registration Link. Contact Ashley Williams (williams.ashleylauren@gmail.com) with any questions.

 

Chess Club Volunteers

We are reviving the Chess Club. Ms. Helton is seeking volunteers with knowledge of chess to assist with the club. The club will be held on Fridays during the second and third quarters, from 11:55 am to 12:50 pm, and will be open to interested 4th and 5th-grade students. Please reach out to her for more information: ahelton@wcpss.net 

 

Volunteer Renewal/Registration

Please renew your volunteer status for the 2025-26 school year.The renewal window is open until October 31st, 2025. Go to the MyVolunteer Volunteer Renewal site to renew your volunteer status. Log in to your MyVolunteer account and follow the directions for Volunteer Renewal.

 

Calendar of Events

September 12th - FROLIC 

September 19th: TEK Club Registration Deadline: https://www.teachingenrichmentkids.com/partnership.html

September 29th - October 12th FALL BREAK 

 

Labor Day Holiday:  Monday, September 1, 2025 NO SCHOOL

 

Parent Coffee Chat

We highly value your input and invite you to join Mr. Kimbro and Dr. Tempke on Friday, September 5, at 8:30 am for coffee and a chat. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss any topics that may be on your mind. Weather permitting, we will meet at the picnic tables on the side of Hinsdale Street. During the chat, mClass reports will be reviewed. 

 

Carpool Reminder

A friendly reminder that it is illegal to turn left onto Glenwood Ave between the hours of 8:00 and 8:30 am and 3:00 and 3:30 pm. The police were here this week ticketing people who make this turn. Turning left also backs up the traffic considerably on Devereux Street. Thank you for your cooperation. 

 

Attendance

PME had 16% of its student body chronically absent during the last school year. This is a significant number for our small school. Missing ten or more days of school can lead to a significant learning loss, as demonstrated by research. We will reach out to those who are currently accruing many days missed to help support you in any way that we can to ensure that students are at school. 

 

FROLIC 

The big event is almost here. Please consider a stress-free donation and contributing toward class auction items and/or selling raffle tickets. The fundraising goal is $30,000. We CAN meet this goal with your help.  Donation Link: https://shorturl.at/AzGjl 

 

Have you joined the PTA yet? It’s EASY and QUICK- GOAL  200 MEMBERS

You can help PME by joining or renewing your PTA membership. We have only improved our membership this week by one family. We are only at 111 members with a goal of 200! 

 

For just $12, covering the entire family, you can support our school. Visit the online store to pay your membership dues. https://partnership.memberhub.com/store/items/4753

 

TEK CLUB Registration Deadline: September 19th

Registration Link found here: https://www.teachingenrichmentkids.com/partnership.html

Volunteer Renewal/Registration

Please renew your volunteer status for the 2025-26 school year.

The renewal window is July 1 to October 31, 2025. Go to the MyVolunteer Volunteer Renewal site to renew your volunteer status. Log in to your MyVolunteer account and follow the directions for Volunteer Renewal.

 

Calendar of Events

September 1st - Labor Day Holiday - No School

September 5th - Senior Partner Coffee Chat 8:30 am 

September 12th - FROLIC 

September 29th - October 12th FALL BREAK 

Student Absences

When your child is absent, please email the classroom teacher and Ms. Feamster, pfeamster@wcpss.net, with the reason so that the absence can be appropriately coded. When attending doctor appointments, please ask for a note from the physician as well, for documentation purposes for both absences and tardies. Thank you!

 

Frolic NEEDS YOU!

Raffle tickets go home today! Sell all 25 and your child will receive an astronaut and a PME cup. Class incentives will be announced as well. Please consider donating to your child's classroom auction item. School goal: $30,000!

 

Parent Coffee Chat: September 5

We highly value your input and invite you to join Mr. Kimbro and Dr.Tempke on Friday, September 5, at 8:30 am for coffee and a chat. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss any topics that may be on your mind. Weather permitting, we will meet at the picnic tables on the side of Hinsdale Street.

 

Volunteer Renewal/Registration

Please renew your volunteer status for the 2025-26 school year.

 

The renewal window is July 1 to October 31, 2025. Go to the MyVolunteer Volunteer Renewal site to renew your volunteer status. Log in to your MyVolunteer account and follow the directions for Volunteer Renewal. Once approved, the renewal date in your MyVolunteer profile will be updated. Please do not create duplicate accounts.

All 2024-25 approved volunteers will receive an email from no-reply@criminalrecordcheck.com with a link to renew their approved volunteer status for the 2025-26 school year. If you were approved in the 2024-25 school year and did not receive a message, check your junk email folder.

 

If you have any issues during the renewal process, contact the MyVolunteer customer support team at 877-272-0266 or customercare@mycrc.com. 

Volunteer Registration Link: https://myvolunteer.com/wcpss/volunteer/login

 

PTA NEEDS you!  Please JOIN today!

You can help PME by joining or renewing your PTA membership. We have 110 members with the goal of 200 members!

For just $12, covering the entire family, you can support our school. Visit the online store to pay your membership dues. The remaining General Meetings for the 25-26 school year are on November 6 and April 21. 

https://partnership.memberhub.com/store/items/4753

 

TEK Clubs are Returning to PME

What are TEK After-School Enrichment Clubs? 

An after-school club program that enriches students' academic experiences. Wednesday afternoons for 6 weeks from 3:30-4:45 (6 club sessions) from October 15 - November 19, 2025. Two clubs will be offered: 

STEM Palooza Grades K-2 

Instructor: Kathryn McLean kmclean7@wcpss.net 

Masterpiece Makers - Exploring Art Grades 2-5 

Instructor: Sophie Moffatt smoffatt@wcpss.net 

 

Registration closes September 19 

Registration Link found here: https://www.teachingenrichmentkids.com/partnership.html

 

 

Calendar of Events

August 29- All Pro Dads Mtg. 7:15 am

September 1st - Labor Day Holiday - No School

September 5 - Senior Partner Coffee Chat 8:30 am 

September 12th - FROLIC 

PTA NEEDS you!  Please JOIN Today!

You can help PME by joining or renewing your PTA membership. Currently, we have only 99 memberships. 

                                                                GOAL: 200 members. 

 

For just $12, covering the entire family, you can support our school. Visit the online store to pay your membership dues. The remaining General Meetings for the 25-26 school year are November 6th and April 21st. 

https://partnership.memberhub.com/store/items/4753

 

Girls on the Run Needs Coaches & Mentors

Girls on the Run is a 10-week program for girls in 3rd-5th grades. Coaches lead small teams through research-based curriculum which includes discussion, activities, and running games. Your commitment to empower girls would be two days a week  from Sept. 15th- Dec. 6th. The culminating activity is a 5K. You do not need to be a runner or have teaching experience to be eligible to coach. Please reach out to Ashley Williams for information: williams.ashleylauren@gmail.com 

 

Parent Coffee Chat: September 5th

We highly value your input and invite you to join Mr. Kimbro and Dr.Tempke on Friday, September 5th, at 8:30 am for coffee and a chat. This is a great opportunity to discuss any topics that may be on your mind. Weather permitting, we will meet at the picnic tables on the side of Hinsdale Street.

 

TEK Clubs are Returning to PME

What are TEK After School Enrichment Clubs? 

An after-school club program that enriches student's academic experiences. Wednesday afternoons for 6 weeks from 3:30-4:45 (6 club sessions) from October 15 - November 19, 2025. Two clubs will be offered: 

STEM Palooza Grades K-2 

Instructor: Kathryn McLean kmclean7@wcpss.net 

Masterpiece Makers - Exploring Art Grades 2-5 

Instructor: Sophie Moffatt smoffatt@wcpss.net 

 

Registration closes September 19th 

Registration Link found here: https://www.teachingenrichmentkids.com/partnership.html

 

 

Calendar of Events

August 29th- All Pro Dads Mtg. 7:15 am

September 1st - Labor Day Holiday - No School

September 5th - Senior Partner Coffee Chat 8:30 am 

September 12th - FROLIC 

 

Transportation Procedure Reminders

Please be sure to notify your child’s classroom teacher by email, a Talking Points message, or contact the school if you are changing your child’s regular dismissal procedures. Students who attend aftercare are required to sign in to the program and then be signed out of the program by a parent. Staff are unable to retrieve students from the program through the carpool line. Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Parent Coffee Chat

We highly value your input and invite you to join Mr. Kimbro and Dr.Tempke on Friday, September 5th, at 8:30 am for coffee and a chat. This is a great opportunity to discuss any topics that may be on your mind. Weather permitting, we will meet at the picnic tables on the side of Hinsdale Street. 

 

Strawbridge Picture Day! August 13th

Get ready for a day of smiles! Wednesday is individual student picture day.  

 

PTA NEEDS you!  

You can help PME by joining or renewing your PTA membership. Currently, we have only 85 memberships, with almost half of the members being staff. Our goal is to have 200 members. 

 

For just $12, covering the entire family, you can support our school. Visit the online store to pay your membership dues. The remaining General Meetings for the 25-26 school year are November 6th and April 21st. 

https://partnership.memberhub.com/store/items/4753

 

PTA Advocacy Group/Nomination Committee

The PTA needs your service. Please contact Clarissa Jones at cljones925@gmail.com for more information on how you can participate in one of these committees. 

 

Calendar of Events

August 12th - PTA Board Meeting (Virtual) 5:30-6:30 pm 

August 13th - Strawbridge Individual Student Picture Day

August 14th - Spirit Night @ Palm Berries 

August 29th- All Pro Dads Mtg. 7:15 am

September 1st - Labor Day Holiday - No School

September 5th - Senior Partner Coffee Chat 8:30 am 

September 12th - FROLIC 

 

Kindergarten Families!

Kindergarten students had a successful first week of school! They are bouncing around happily as they walk into the building each day. Now that they know the classroom location and the routine, please send them off into the building on their own. They are building their independence and confidence each day! 

 

PTA Membership: Become a Member!

Joining or renewing your PTA membership is easier than ever! For just $12, covering the entire family, you can support our school. Visit the online store to pay your membership dues. The General Meetings for the 25-26 school year are scheduled for: Aug. 7th, Nov. 6th, Jan. 21st, and Apr. 21st. 

https://partnership.memberhub.com/store/items/4753

 

Back to School Night

Back-to-School Night will be held on Thursday, Aug. 7th, from 4:45 to 6:30 pm. Teachers will present information about the school year. This is an adult-structured event. We will have two identical sessions: 4:45 to 5:30 pm and 5:45 to 6:30 pm. You may attend either session. A PTA General Meeting will be held from 5:30 to 5:45 pm.

Interpreters will be available for Spanish translation.

 

Volunteer Registration

Please register early to be an approved WCPSS volunteer. https://www.wcpss.net/Page/55232 Only approved volunteers will be permitted to chaperone students on field trips. 

 

CCR Sessions Back to School Night

Our special education teachers will hold two informational sessions during Back to School Night in the CCR classroom. These sessions will provide valuable insights into our special education program and how we support students with diverse learning needs. You are welcome to attend either presentation. One session will be held from 4:45–5:30 pm, and the second from 5:45 -6:00 pm. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Ms. Rummel at arummel@wcpss.net   or Ms. Dudt at edudt@wcpss.net 

 

Transportation

Alternate Bus Stop requests can be made at https://www.wcpss.net/Page/59726 beginning Aug. 5th. 

 

Staffing

Exciting News! Ms. Skalski had a healthy baby boy a few weeks earlier than expected. Baby and Mom are doing great! We are fortunate to have Ms. Rachel Lopes as Ms. Skalski’s. We are very fortunate to have her. She is a certified elementary education teacher with teaching experience and student taught at PME. Please reach out to her with any questions or concerns: rlopes@wcpss.net. She teaches the math curriculum. 

 

Calendar of Events

Aug. 7th - Back to School Night/PTA General Mtg

Aug. 29th - All Pro Dads Mtg 7:15 am

Sept. 1st - Labor Day Holiday - No School 

Sept. 12th - THE FROLIC

 

First Week of School 2025-2026

We are thrilled to announce that we've had a FABULOUS start to the new school year! Please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns. We work best when we work together.

 

Air Conditioning Update

We appreciate your patience as we worked diligently to resolve the air conditioning issues in some regions of the building. We are pleased to inform you that the AC problems have been successfully resolved, ensuring a comfortable learning environment for our students. 

 

Before & After Care Program 

The Before & After Care program is accepting student registration. The Before Care program opens at 7:00 am. The cost is only $54.08/month. The After Care program is $148.73/month. If you are interested in your child attending either or both of the programs, please reach out to: Before Care at sdunplap@wcpss.net (after Monday) or After Care at dhardy@wcpss.net. You can register online through the PME website or complete a paper registration form and leave it at the front desk. There is a $15 registration fee. 

 

Zero Waste Program

We are fortunate to have been selected to participate in the Zero Waste Program. This program, a collaboration between Toward Zero Waste & WCPSS, aims to capture leftovers from cafeteria meals to feed students. Students may leave and/or take approved, unwanted, and unopened foods during breakfast and lunch service. A pantry cart and fridge for meal service leftovers can be accessed in the 5th-grade hall throughout the week. All students have access to this cart.

 

PTA Membership Become a Member! 

Please join or renew your PTA membership to support our school. Membership dues are $12, covering the entire family, and can be paid via the online store.

https://partnership.memberhub.com/store/items/4753

 

Back to School Night

Back-to-School Night will be held on Thursday, August 7th, from 4:45 to 6:30 pm. Teachers will present information about the school year. This is a parent event. We will have two identical sessions: 4:45 to 5:30 pm and 5:45 to 6:30 pm. You may attend either session. The sessions are designed for adults. A PTA General Meeting will be held from 5:30 to 5:45 pm.

Interpreters will be available for Spanish translation.

 

Calendar of Events

July 25th - Kindergarten Meet the Teacher 3:45–4:45 pm 

July 28th - First Day of School Kindergarten

July 29th - PTA Board Mtg

August 7th - Back to School Night/PTA General Mtg

August 29th - All Pro Dad Mtg.

 

School Begins on Tuesday, July 22, 2025
We are excited to begin our new school year!!
  
Carpool Procedures
Please see the PME website for our carpool route and procedures: https://www.wcpss.net/domain/4647.
Please remember to be considerate of our neighborhood community:
*Drive slowly
*Stay on the right-hand side of Wills Forest
*Do not block driveways
*Do not drive around cars at drop off or pick up. Wait your turn.
*It is illegal to turn left onto Glenwood Ave between 8:00 and 8:30 am and 3:00 and 3:30 pm.
*Drop-off begins at 8:00 am, and the instructional day begins promptly at 8:30 am.  

 

PTA Membership Become a Member! 
Please join or renew your PTA membership to support our school. Membership dues are $12, which covers the entire family and can be paid via our online store.
https://partnership.memberhub.com/store/items/4753

School Meals
Please refer to the WCPSS website for information regarding Free & Reduced prices, using School Bucks online to deposit money into your child’s account, and pricing. 

The cost for breakfast is $2.00 and lunch is $3.75.

Back to School Night
Back to School Night will be held on Thursday, August 7th, from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Teachers will present information about the school year. This is a parent event. We will have two identical sessions: 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. You may attend either session. The sessions are designed for adults. A PTA General Meeting will be held from 5:30-5:45 p.m.

Interpreters will be available for Spanish translation.

Calendar of Events
July 22nd - First Day of School Grades 1-5

July 22nd-24th - Kindergarten Staggered Entry

July 25th - Kindergarten Meet the Teacher 3:45-4:45 pm 

July 28th - First Day of School for Kindergarteners

Aug. 7th - Back to School Night/PTA General Meeting

•  

 

WELCOME to the 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR!!

 

Meet the Teacher Grades 12:00-2:00 pm 

We look forward to seeing the PME Pioneer families and students in Grades 1-5 on Thursday, July 17th, from 12:00-2:00 pm for our drop-in Meet the Teacher event. At this time, you will meet your classroom teacher for the year and drop off school supplies. During this event, you may also sign up for the PTA, purchase Spirit Wear, and obtain free and reduced lunch applications if needed. 

 

You may register to become a volunteer for the school year right in the comfort of your home: https://www.wcpss.net/Page/55232 

 

Please Note: Spanish Interpreters will be available. 

 

Important Dates for 2025-2026

July 17th - Popsicles on the Playground Kindergarten 10-11 am

July 17th - Meet the Teacher Grades 1-5 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

July 22nd - First Day of School Grades 1-5

July 22nd-24th - Kindergarten Staggered Entry

July 25th - Kindergarten Meet the Teacher 3:45-4:45 pm 

July 28th - First Day of School for Kindergarteners

 

2024-2025 School Year

This has been a fabulous 24-25 school year! We wish everyone a restful and relaxing summer break. Over the break, please be sure your child reads each night. Research shows that reading for 20 minutes daily increases students' exposure to words by one million and will increase vocabulary and comprehension skills. 

 

Report Cards

Please review your child’s report card. If you have any questions, please email teachers by Wednesday the 28th. After that date, teachers will be relaxing on summer break.

 

If your child was absent on the last day of school and did not receive a report card, please arrange to pick it up at PME.  

 

Modified Year Round Calendar for 2025-2026

Calendar25-26

 

2025-2026 Before and After School Care Registration 

Registration will open on Monday July 7, 2025.  Registration fees can be paid online and forms should be emailed to the following contacts: Before School Care – Sidney Dunlap - sdunlap@wcpss.net  After School Care – Dominic Hardy dhardy@wcpss.net Registration can also be completed via paper copies with a check/cashier’s check/money order made out to PME and brought to school.

 

Important Dates for 2025-2026

July 17th - Popsicles on the Playground Kindergarten 10-11 am

July 17th - Meet the Teacher Grades 1-5 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

July 22nd - First Day of School Grades 1-5

July 22nd-24th - Kindergarten Staggered Entry

July 25th - Kindergarten Meet the Teacher 3:45-4:45 pm 

July 28th - First Day of School for Kindergarteners

 

 

Personnel Updates 2025-2026

Announcements:

Ms. Crossett is moving to third grade! 

Ms. Skalski is moving to fifth grade! She will be the math teacher.

Ms. Lemelin is transferring to another WCPSS school to teach Kindergarten.

Ms. Krause is transferring to a WCPSS school to be closer to her home in Holly Springs. 

Ms. Russell is retiring.

Ms. Cooper, our current building substitute, will be transferring to a WCPSS school to move into a Magnet Coordinator position. The Building Substitute  position was eliminated due to lack of funding for all schools.

Ms. McKinney will move to the role of Magnet Coordinator/AIG teacher.

Ms. Green is relocating to South Carolina.

The fourth grade team will be departmentalizing. Ms. Moore (ELA), Ms. McAuliffe (Math), Ms. Cervantes (Science & Social Studies)

 

New to PME 

We are so excited to have these new staff members join us for the ‘25-’26 school year! 

 

Kyndall Carr - 1st Grade Teacher.

Kyndall is a PME alumni (Welcome Back!!) and comes to us with two years of teaching experience in first grade.

 

Katelyn Hansson - 3rd Grade Teacher

Katelyn has 11 years of experience teaching third grade and comes to us from Chapel Hill/Carrboro Public Schools.

 

Anessa Rummel - CCR Teacher. 

Anessa will serve grades K-2 and has 20 years of teaching experience in WCPSS. 

 

Emily Murdoch - Instructional Facilitator/Literacy Coach. 

Emily has over 17 years of teaching and leadership experience in WCPSS.