Dear Pasadena Community: On behalf of our faculty and staff, we extend Season’s Greetings to you. The holidays are a time that reminds me of the special people in my life—my family, friends, and colleagues. To all of you, thank you for your continued support of our school and your dedication to our greatest asset: our children. Without your partnership, our school would not be the special place that it is. I am beyond thrilled to serve as your Principal this year. As I reflect, I am reminded of the incredible opportunity we have to support students from kindergarten through fifth grade—six important years in a child’s life. During that time, we share in their joy and excitement, and we also walk alongside them through moments of uncertainty, confusion, and hurt. Through it all, we experience many rewards as we become deeply involved in the lives of your children. It truly takes all of us to teach humility, kindness, and civility—to respect differing viewpoints and, when appropriate, express our own thoughtfully and respectfully. It is important for students to understand that even those who disagree with us are not necessarily wrong or bad. I am deeply appreciative of you for creating teachable moments and giving of yourselves, because together we can change the world for the better, one child at a time. Coming from a family of educators, I was fortunate to experience many of those teachable moments, especially during holiday breaks. Family time was, and still is, very important to me. Make every day count by being kind. Let your child know each day how much you love and appreciate them, and why you are thankful for them. As we enter this holiday season, I encourage you to find a way to show kindness and do your part to make the world a little better. Winter Break begins December 20. Students will return to school on Monday, January 5, 2026. We wish you a joyful and restful holiday season. Mr. Ateek, Principal
🎉 BIG Teddy Bear Challenge Coming This Week!
Listen up, Panthers! We have a beary awesome surprise for you! This week — and ONE lucky student who brings in the most bears from Monday–Thursday will win something truly BEARY FANTASTIC: 🎥 A special on-camera interview with a real news station (Channel 13 news) ! They’ll get to talk about our Teddy Bear Drive and represent the entire school! Plus: 🥞 A special invitation to Breakfast with the top class winners 📘 A Homework Pass (good for one assignment in Quarter 3) So encourage your students to start gathering those bears — family, neighbors, friends… every bear counts! Each donation helps make a HUGE difference and gets them one step closer to becoming our Teddy Bear TV Star! Let’s make next week UN-BEAR-LIEVABLE! 🧸💙 Thank you for your support!
APPLICATION PERIOD FAQ
Our families currently with students in grade level K-4 are eligible for sibling priority if there are openings in that grade level. If you wish to apply for a seat for your siblings for the 2026/2027 school year, the process is as follows:
- You must apply to Pasadena Fundamental for incoming siblings through your parent FOCUS account starting at 9:00AM on January 6, 2026 through 5:00PM on January 16, 2026.
- You must choose Pasadena Fundamental as your first choice.
- You will need to log back onto our parent FOCUS account to accept the invitation or waitlist position for the incoming sibling starting at 9:00AM on February 10, 2026 through 5:00PM on February 20, 2026.
Sibling preference is given to families that have a sibling in attendance this school year in grades K-4 and if there are open seats in the grade level being applied for. Incoming siblings of current 5th graders do not receive sibling preference. Siblings are defined as brother, sister, stepbrother, or stepsister that reside in the same household. This preference is only given to your first school choice. So that we may plan accordingly, please fill out the bottom portion of this letter with sibling information. Please know that we take great care to identify and match all siblings so that open slots are offered to these families first. Please contact Kelly Bennett at 727.893.2646 with any questions concerning the application and acceptance process. We look forward to your sibling attending Pasadena Fundamental.
DECEMBER CYCLE TESTING
"FAST" Cycle Two testing in Florida refers to the second of three progress monitoring windows for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST). This cycle is for grades K–12 and occurs mid-year, providing a snapshot of student progress and informing instruction. The K–2 assessments focus on foundational reading and math skills, while grades 3–5 measure progress in English Language Arts and Math. The tests are computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on a student's answers.
DECEMBER TESTING “FAST" Cycle Two
- Tuesday, 12/16 – Fourth and Fifth Grade: Math
- Wednesday, 12/17 – Fourth and Fifth Grade: Math
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
In the 25-26 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.
LOST AND FOUND
Our Lost & Found has grown quite full, and we want to ensure all misplaced items make their way back home. If your child is missing jackets, water bottles, lunch boxes, or other personal belongings, please take a moment to stop by and check the Lost & Found area. Items will be available for pickup by the front office near the dolphin statue and picnic table during regular school hours from now through December 19th . After this date, unclaimed items will be donated. Thank you for helping us keep our space organized and ensuring students get their belongings back!
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR GREAT AMERICAN TEACH-IN SPEAKERS. NEARLY 50 MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNUNITY GAVE THEIR TIME, TO SHARE THEIR TALENTS WITH OUR STUDENTS.
ATTENTION LEVEL 2 VOLUNTEERS
Are you interested in becoming a mentor for various clubs or programs, such as Girlfriends, 5000 Role Models, Lunch Pals, or others?
If so, please complete the mentor workshop. You can register here:
There are several workshops available, with one being virtual on October 15th.
Once you complete the workshop, we can send a link to indicate which clubs or programs you would be interested in mentoring.
Thank you, and as always, WE appreciate all you do.
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.
FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY SCHOOL SPIRIT DATES
***Any Friday date unlisted below is categorized as a TEAM spirit date. Any team jersey, or team representation is acceptable wear. Pinellas County Schools (and not Fundamental Dress Code) applies to these dates.
- December 5- Holiday Sweater Day OR Raise the Flag Day
- December 10- Raise the Flag Day (wear Bucs/team gear)
- December 19- Pajama Day
- January 9- Disney Day
- January 22- 100th Day of School, dress like you are 100!
- February 6- Dress to Impress Day
- March 6- Dress Like Your Role Model Day
- April 10- Under the Sea Day
- May 4- Star Wars Day
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.
CAR LINE
Thank you for an exceptional start to the new school year. The arrival and dismissal of our students is very important to us. Please remember to monitor your speed and refrain from cell phone use in line (except hands free devices). And we know that time is important to you. So that we can work together in providing an efficient and effective car line, here are some helpful reminders.
AM CAR LINE
- 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.
- 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.
IMPORTANT DATES at a glance:
December
- Dec 17: Winter Concert at Osceola High School, 6:30P
- Dec 19: End of second grading/infraction period
- Dec 19: PTA Student Appreciation Day—Kona Ice
- Dec 22-Jan 2: Winter Break; school closed
January
- Jan 5: Classes resume; second semester begins
- Jan 6: SAC Meeting at 6P, Cafeteria
- Jan 9: Citizen of the Month, 7:45 A, Cafeteria
- Jan 13: PTA General Membership Meeting at Mad Beach Fund, 6P
- Jan 14: PTA Panther Picnic
- Jan 15: Report cards distributed
- Jan 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday; school closed
- Jan 23: PTA Panther Skate Night; 6-8 P
- Jan 26-30: PTA Community Event—Valentines for Veterans Collection
- Jan 26-30 Parent Conference Week
- Jan 30: PTA Valentines for Veterans Craft Day; 2:45-4P
February
- Feb 4: SAC Meeting/Parent University at 6P, Cafeteria
- Feb 6: PTA School Dance at Mad Beach Fundamental Cafeteria; 6-730P
- Feb 10: Spring Class/ Club Photos
- Feb 11: PTA Panther Picnic
- Feb 12: Reading Under the Stars at Pasadena; 6-730P
- Feb 13: Teacher Planning Day—No school for students
- Feb 16: Professional Development Day—No school for students
- Feb 17: PTA Spirit Night, Carmalita's
- Feb 20: Citizen of the Month, 745 A, Cafeteria
- Feb 22: PTA Beach Clean Up, Location TBD
- Feb 27: Panther Pride Night at Pasadena; 6-7:30P
March
- Mar 2-6: Book Fair
- Mar 3: SAC Meeting at 6P, Cafeteria
- Mar 4: PTA Panther Picnic
- Mar 5: PTA Spring Family Night/ Book Fair at Pasadena; 6P
- Mar 9-13: PTA Community Drive
- Mar 13: Citizen of the Month, 7:45 A, Cafeteria
- Mar 13: End of third grading/infraction period
- Mar 16-20: Spring Break
- Mar 24: PTA Spirit Night, location TBD
April
- Apr 2: Report cards distributed
- Apr 3: No school for teachers and students
- Apr 7: SAC Meeting at 6P, Cafeteria
- Apr 8: PTA Panther Picnic
- Apr 10: Citizen of the Month; 7:45 A, Cafeteria
- Apr 16: PTA General Membership Meeting at Mad Beach Fund, 6P
- Apr 22: PTA Spirit Night, Tyrone Block Party (Tijauna Flats, Firehouse Subs, Tropical Smoothie, and Rita's Italian Ice
- Apr 24: Panther Pride Night at Pasadena; 6-7:30P
- Apr 27: Teacher Planning Day—No school for students
May
- May 4-8: Staff Appreciation Week
- May 6: Spring Concert at Osceola High School, 630P
- May 8: Citizen of the Month; 7:45 A, Cafeteria
- May 13: PTA Panther Picnic
- May 15: PTA Panther Skate Night, 6-8 P
- May 25: Memorial Day—School closed
- May 27: PTA Student Appreciation Day—Kona Ice
- May 28: Gr. 5 Moving Up Award Ceremony
2025-26 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 OPPORTUNITIES
January
- 6 SAC Meeting at 6P
- 13 PTA General Membership Meeting at Madbch 6P
February
- 4 SAC Meeting/ Parent University at 6P
- 17 PTA Panther Spirit Night (hosted at local restaurant)
March
- 3 SAC Meeting at 6P
- 5 PTA Family Night/Book Fair at Pasadena 6P
- 24 PTA Panther Spirit Night (hosted at local restaurant)
April
- 7 SAC Meeting at 6P Media Center
- 16 PTA General Membership Meeting at Madbch 6P
- 22 PTA Panther Spirit Night (hosted at local restaurant)
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
Students are expected to dress appropriately to reflect pride in oneself and school, and to avoid social fads and disruptions to the school learning environment. The following expectations are in addition to the Pinellas County Student Code of Conduct.
SCHOOL-WIDE DRESS CODE/ APPROVED
• 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, 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 sleeve) both shirts must be a solid color.
• Students may wear jeans if they are wearing a Pasadena t-shirt.
• Students may wear jeans if they are wearing a Defend A Friend t-shirt.
• Athletic shoes (with rubber soles), with any style socks; Tights in any solid color
• Solid colored leggings under dresses or skirts only
• Any color/pattern jacket may be worn.
NO STUDENT MAY WEAR THE FOLLOWING
• 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 or that have sayings/images that are deemed inappropriate.
• Blouses, shirts, or dresses which 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, boots or shoes that appear boot-like, croc-style shoes, or shoes without back strap.
• 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 the expressed permission of the principal.
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).
Credits:
Created with images by 1981 Rustic Studio - "Defocused abstract red lights background" • Pixel-Shot - "Woman with menstrual calendar on screen of mobile phone, closeup" • Maurice Yom - "January 2026 calendar with yellow cover background and books.,New month and calendar concept." • Nuthawut - "Black magnifying glass, magnifier on yellow background with copy space using as search, transparent, science discovery or SEO concept" • Tierney - "Test with young man pointing on a dark background" • Recycle Man - "Patient girl feeling sad,illness.She hug her bear & sitting on Hospital's Sofa near window" • magele-picture - "Absenteeism" • A - "Handwriting text Lost And Found.,Conceptual photo a place where lost items are stored until they reclaimed Metal alarm clock clips crushed sheet pencil rubber band colored background" • Tierney - "Mentoring with young woman writing on a blackboard" • Bits and Splits - "Casual man using smart phone to send text message" • Brad Pict - "Think positive !" • Tupungato - "Smile it's Friday - office motivation" • 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" • Rob Wilkinson - "Painted white lines in a car park on asphalt, Parking spaces." • BBuilder - "pta" • theerakit - "approved stamp on white background. approved stamp sign."