THANK YOU FOR A GREAT YEAR
PFE community, We’ve officially completed our school year, and I couldn’t be prouder of the students and school that we are building. This year we brought energy and fun to our campus and surrounding community. Our PTA is strong. We are thankful for the time, talent and treasure making it possible to hold the school wide events that we host. And we grew academically too. That’s a testament to our hard-working staff and students. We grew our practices this year with ongoing professional development, and the data shows. Ranked the 23rd best Pinellas elementary school in the 24/25 school year (according to FAST testing data), this year we rocketed to a strong 6th best school, and best in the city of St. Petersburg. 100% student success is our goal, and we are tracking in the right direction. 😊 As our students move into new grade levels (and even middle school) and take on new challenges, I hope they continue to hold onto the values of honesty, responsibility, self-motivation, and respect. Most importantly, remember who you are when no one is watching. Throughout their journey from kindergarten through 5th grade, students will learn formulas, rules, and definitions, but some of life’s most important lessons are the simplest ones. That’s why I always love sharing Robert Fulghum’s All I Really Need to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten. It’s a reminder that the wisdom we carry through life often starts in those early school years (especially in kindergarten) in the classroom, on the playground, and in the everyday moments that shape who we become. Here’s what we learned in kindergarten: Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody. Wash your hands before you eat. Flush. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. Live a balanced life—learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some. Take a nap every afternoon. When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. Wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup—they all die. So do we. And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned—the biggest word of all, LOOK. Take any one of those items and apply it to your family life or your work. Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk at about three o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if we all had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together. Congratulations to our 5th grade class, the graduating class of 2033, who are entering middle school. And to Mrs. Denise Dawson, for 32 amazing years at PFE. And whatever your next adventure may be, keep aiming high, working hard, and staying curious. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. And remember, it’s not goodbye, it’s just see you later. Mr. Ateek Principal
PASADENA IS ALL THE HYPE
Some of our students attended the Pinellas County Schools Student Leadership Summit. It is an annual, multi-day event held at the USF St. Petersburg campus The summit features team-building activities, collaboration with peers, and sessions focused on leadership development, communication, and planning for school-wide impact. Pasadena student leaders created a terrific video to "Hype" our school. Check it out below.
2026-27 CREDITED PARENT MEETINGS (SAC AND PTA)/ EVENTS
Parents/guardians must attend eight (8) mandatory PTA or SAC parent meetings/events during the current school year. Parent meetings dates and times will be held at the locations listed below, unless otherwise updated by the school. Please make sure that you arrive early enough to find a parking place, sign in and are seated and ready to begin the meeting. Meetings will use a QR code to verify attendance. The parent meetings will not exceed 90 minutes. Parents/guardians have the option to send a representative to two of the meetings. Please note that once a family has been placed on probation, sending representatives is no longer an option. See the “Sending Representatives To Meetings” section below for explanation of representatives. Additional meeting/event credit opportunities may be available throughout the school year.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING OPPORTUNIITIES
July 31: Parent Fidelity Meeting (Credit issued in the month of November) August 19: Open House (530P Grades 1, 3, 5/ 630P Grades K, 2, 4) 25: SAC Meeting, 530P September 1: PTA General Membership Meeting, 530P 15: SAC Meeting, 530P October 6: SAC Meeting, 530P 13: PTA Spirit Night, Location TBD 23: Fall Family Night/Bookfair, 530P November 17: PTA Spirit Night, Location TBD Parent Fidelity Meeting (Credit issued in the month of August) January 5: SAC 12: PTA General Membership Meeting, 530P February 2: SAC Meeting, 530P 16: PTA Spirit Night, Location TBD 19: Reading Under the Stars/Bookfair, 530P March 2: SAC Meeting/ Jump Up, 530P 24: PTA General Membership Meeting, 530P April 2: Spring Family Night, 530P 6: SAC Meeting, 530P 20: PTA Spirit Night, Location TBD May 4: SAC Meeting, 530P 11: PTA Spirit Night, Location TBD
All dates and events are subject to change. Parents will be notified when changes occur. Additional opportunities for meeting credit will be available throughout the school year.
- Volunteer in the Café-2 volunteer hours=one meeting credit.
- Volunteer with PTA -2 hours within the same month for meeting credit that month.
(All dates and locations are tentative and subject to change. Communication will be emailed to each family confirming location of the PTA events.)
Lack of attendance at parent meetings would normally result in the following steps:
- After the first missed meeting, a warning letter will be sent home.
- After the second missed meeting, a letter will be sent placing the family on probation. Once a family is placed on probation, a representative may not be sent to any meetings.
- After the third missed meeting, the family will be referred to the Intervention and Appeals Committee for possible dismissal from Pasadena Fundamental.
DRESS CODE '26-'27
SCHOOL-WIDE DRESS CODE
- Khaki, black or navy-blue traditional “chino” style uniform shorts, fitted at the natural waistline and worn no lower than the bottom of the knee or higher than three inches above the knee.
- Khaki, black or navy-blue traditional “chino” style uniform joggers or pants, or jeans fitted at the natural waistline and worn no shorter than ankle bone in length.
- Solid khaki, black or navy-blue uniform skirt, the length worn no higher than three inches above the knee front and back (shorts may be worn under if covered by skirt or dress)
- Any solid-colored t-shirt, collared shirt, or blouse, with no designs or patterns; a small logo that reflects the clothing manufacturer or brand is acceptable. The logo should be less than two inches in diameter.
- Any solid-colored uniform dress, with no designs or patterns; a small logo that reflects the clothing manufacturer or brand is acceptable. The logo should be less than two inches in diameter.
- When layering shirts (long sleeve under short sleeves) both shirts must be a solid color.
- Athletic shoes (with rubber soles), with any style socks; Tights in any solid color
- Solid colored leggings under dresses or skirts only
- Boots, or shoes that appear boot-like, on days students have art or music.
- Any color/pattern jacket may be worn.
NO STUDENT MAY WEAR THE FOLLOWING
- Clothing must not state, imply, or depict hate speech or imagery targeting groups based on race ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or any other characteristics protected by federal or state law, or board policy.
- Cargo or carpenter shorts/pants, capris, culottes, split skirts, denim shorts, athletic shorts or pants, sweatpants or any form of redefined shorts
- Form- fitting leotard/spandex- type clothing, tight -knit pants, clinging pants, or leggings/jeggings are not allowed unless proper outer garments cover to mid-thigh length or longer (i.e., worn under a skirt/dress)
- No garments that are see-through or mesh
- Shirts that show a child’s midriff when both hands are raised are deemed inappropriate.
- Blouses, shirts, or dresses which that are tank tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, sleeveless, or low cut in front or back.
- All non-athletic shoes, such as sandals, thongs, flip-flops, shoes with wheels, spikes, cleats, clogs, croc-style shoes, or shoes without back strap.
- Boots or shoes that appear boot-like on days students have PE.
- Clothing with holes, tears, any type of fraying, or are oversized.
- Hats, other head coverings, or sunglasses may only be worn during outside P.E. activities and may not be worn during any portion of the regular school day without permission from school personnel.
***Resources can be made available for students who need additional support to abide by school dress code. Please contact our school office for more information. For safety and prevention of overheating, it is a recommendation from the Physical Education staff that students (boys and girls) with longer hair and bangs, wear a wide headband, hair tie, hat, or visor to keep their hair out of their eyes and off their neck. Students who come to school wearing inappropriate attire may be sent to the office to call a parent/guardian for acceptable clothing and will receive a Dress Code Violation. On the third violation, a Warning/Detention Notice will be given and for each additional dress code violation thereafter. After three dress code Warning/Detention Notices in an infraction period, the student will be referred to the Intervention and Appeals Committee (IAC).
DO YOU KNOW A CURRENT PINELLAS COUNTY THIRD GRADER WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE PASADENA FUN?
Pasadena Fundamental K5 has open 4th grade seats for the 2026-27 school year! Since Pasadena is a District Application Program, we utilize "feeder pattern priority" offering our students an enrollment advantage, when they transition to the next school level. For example, when students complete the fifth grade, they will receive priority to enter any fundamental middle school (Madeira Beach Fundamental, Clearwater Fundamental, or Thurgood Marshall Fundamental) provided the program is ranked as their top choice and they meet application deadlines. If you are interested, act fast, as once these seats are filled, remaining applicants will be placed on a wait list. Please contact our school data management technician, Kelly Bennett at 727.893.2646, ext. 2007.
IMPORTANT VOLUNTEER UPDATE!
To all our amazing school volunteers: You may have recently received an email regarding a mandatory district change for the upcoming 26/27 school year. Starting July 1st, 2026 the district requires that ALL volunteers on school grounds MUST have Level 2 Clearance. We appreciate and truly rely on your support, and we want to make sure the transition is smooth! ✅ Please check your volunteer status and reach out if you need assistance with getting Level 2 cleared.
CAR LINE
The arrival and dismissal of our students is very important to us. And we know that time is important to you.
We wanted to remind you that students should NOT be dropped off or picked up in a car on the side of any road adjacent to the school. Responsible parties should use the car line or park legally in the neighborhood and walk up to get the children.
AM CAR LINE REMINDERS
- Say your goodbyes in line before getting to your numbered station. Remember to have all materials like lunch boxes, backpacks, water bottles, instruments, ect. in hand and ready to exit the vehicle.
- Please remember to monitor your speed and refrain from cell phone use in line (except hands free devices).
- Pull all the way forward closing all gaps in line.
- Only let students get out at numbered stations.
- Please remain in your vehicle. Should you need to exit your car, you may park and walk your child up using the designated crosswalk.
- Students should only exit their vehicle from the passenger (right) side.
- Drop off begins at 8A and line moves quickly. If you arrive earlier you must remain in the vehicle with your child until the 8A bell.
- When conditions like inclimate weather or traffic situations arise, we will excuse student tardies.
PM CAR LINE
- Have dashboard name sign visible and leave it in window until your child is in the car. If you lose yours, ask for a new one, or use a piece of scratch paper.
- Pull all the way forward closing all gaps in line to a numbered station.
- Please remain in your vehicle. Should you need to exit your car, you may park and walk your child up using the designated crosswalk.
- Students should only enter their vehicle from the passenger (right) side.
- Pick up begins at 240P and line moves quickly. Our last student pick up is 310P.
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
In the 26-27 school year, Pasadena will be conforming to the Code of Student Conduct with regards to excusing student absences. We appreciate your calls to notify us that your child will be absent, however, a note will need to be provided within 48 hours of your child’s return to school so we may determine if the absence can be excused. Notes can be via our Report an Absence email on our homepage, a handwritten note upon the child’s return, or a doctor’s note. Please be aware that a doctor’s note will be required to excuse 5 or more consecutive absences, and we may request a doctor’s note if the student has excessive absences greater than 10% of the school year.
ATTENDANCE REWARDS
Consistent school attendance leads to a better education. We want students to come to school every day (unless they are ill! Students who are absent two or fewer days each grading period will be recognized and earn rewards. Each student will receive an attendance certificate, one homework pass to be used during a specific week, one dress down pass to be used during the following grading period, and one scratch off ticket that MAY earn a prize from the school Treasure Cart. Please try to set appointments for after school and schedule vacations around school holidays. Thank you for your support in your child’s education.
TARDIES/EARLY RELEASES MATTER AND YOU CAN HELP
Currently, too many scholars are arriving late or being released early. Consecutive tardies and/or early releases lead to missed instruction and negatively impact student progress. You can have a big effect on your scholar's attendance going forward, and we appreciate your cooperation. We are here to help. If you have any barriers to getting your scholar to school on time and for the whole day, please contact the front office so that we can provide you with the support you may need. Ask for the Data Management Technician, School Social Worker, School Counselor, or Child Study Team Administrator.
T.H.I.N.K.
Please help us to reinforce the concept of the term. T.H.I.N.K. Teach our children to T.H.I.N.K. before they speak, write, or post.
Let's use words to lift others up instead of breaking them down.
T- Is what you are about to say True?
H- Is what you are about to say Helpful?
I- Is what you are about to say Inspiring?
N- Is what you are about to say Necessary?
K- Is what you are about to say Kind?
If not, it doesn't need to be and shouldn't be said!!!
Ask your students if they know what THINK stands for? Are you applying it to what they say to others?
Our character is not defined by grade point average, but by the way we treat each other.
Back-to-School Forms
Easily complete and submit all required back-to-school forms online. This includes emergency contacts, student code of conduct acknowledgments, and more.
Parents can fill out all their back-to-school forms in one place - online. Use your parent ID and password to log into Focus at focus.pcsb.org and complete your Back-to-School Forms packet. Forms can also be accessed at www.pcsb.org/backtoschoolforms.
You can sign up for a self-service program where you can reset your password yourself. Learn more at www.pcsb.org/passwords.
Focus Updates
Focus has recently been updated to provide more options. Parents can create Parent Portal accounts, reset passwords and link their children to their accounts electronically. Learn more about Focus updates at www.pcsb.org/focusinfo.
ARE YOU RECEIVING SCHOOL EMAILS AND TEXTS MESSASES?
HERE'S WHY YOU MAY NOT BE RECEIVING MESSAGES:
- You have not opted in to texting.
- Your cell number is not currently listed in FOCUS.
- Your cell number is listed as a home number in FOCUS.
Please contact our school DMT, Mrs. Bennett at 7278932646 if you need MORE support.
UPDATE YOUR FOCUS ACCOUNT TODAY!
Visit FOCUS and log in with your parent username and password to update your Student's Contact Information, Clinic Card, Phone Number, Email, Address, Emergency Contact and Medical Records.
If you do not have a parent ID or forgot yours, you can get help at any public school or visit pcsb.org/passwords
Please note: If you have more than one child attending Pinellas County Schools, you will need to update information for each child.
Credits:
Created with images by BBuilder - "pta" • theerakit - "approved stamp on white background. approved stamp sign." • Zofia - "Handwriting text Time Is Running Out.,Conceptual photo Deadline is approaching Urgency things cannot wait Blurred woman in the background pointing with finger in empty space" • Kwangmoozaa - "Stack of magazines" • Africa Studio - "Stethoscope and red heart on table" • dizain - "Volunteer word cloud, heart concept" • Rob Wilkinson - "Painted white lines in a car park on asphalt, Parking spaces." • Recycle Man - "Patient girl feeling sad,illness.She hug her bear & sitting on Hospital's Sofa near window" • magele-picture - "Absenteeism" • Bits and Splits - "Casual man using smart phone to send text message" • Brad Pict - "Think positive !" • kucherav - "Tax planning. Laptop with form individual income tax returns" • Have a nice day - "Smart mobile phone technology wireless internet connection to connect the people and friends online by application, woman using interacting with device for social media communication and entertainment"