PFE families: Please review very important information in this week's Principals update. Thank you as always for partnering with us daily. Mr. Ateek, Principal
K5 student placement for 2026- 2027 The current school year makes its’ final turn and we begin making plans for next school year (2026-2027). If you would like to provide us with information about your child, the school will be accepting written input regarding your child’s placement for the 2026-2027 school year. You may request characteristics of a classroom setting which may best suit your child’s academic, social, and behavior needs. Information can be submitted to office manager Molly Woestmann at woestmannm@pcsb.org. Please do not submit requests for specific teachers. Grade level teaching assignments can change over the summer. In the past, these unexpected situations have forced the school to make teaching assignment changes over the summertime: • A teacher transferring to another school site • A teacher receiving a job promotion. • An unexpected leave of absence. • A teacher submitting a resignation. Written input (letters) must be received by April 24, 2026. The school will not be accepting letters after this date. Our faculty will meet in grade level teams to make placement considerations. We will share any written input you provide to us with the teams. We assure you that our staff will work as a team putting students' needs first, and your input will be strongly considered, but requests will not be guaranteed. In early August, prior to the start of the school year, students and families will be invited to campus to Meet the Teacher, view class lists, review individualized class supply sheets, and tour the school. If you should have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 727.893.2646. WANT TO JOIN SAC (School Advisory Council) in 26/27? If you are interested in serving on our School Advisory Committee in the 2026-27 school year, please submit your request in writing to the attention of Mr. Ateek, Principal by April 30, 2026.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING OPPORTUNIITIES IN 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)
TESTING
Our Spring Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) testing is just around the corner. This is an important opportunity for students to show their growth and progress this year. Below is the testing schedule for April and May. Please ensure your child is well-rested and ready to do their best. We encourage students to slow down, take their time, and carefully think through each question. BEST Writing Assessment Tuesday, 4/7 – Fourth and Fifth Grade Wednesday, 4/8 - Fourth and Fifth Grade ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MOCK State Science Assessment Tuesday, 4/14 – Fifth Grade Wednesday, 4/15 – Fifth Grade ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ K-2nd FAST PM3 Testing (4/13 – 5/1) Tuesday, 4/14 – Kindergarten and First Grade: ELA Wednesday, 4/15 – Kindergarten and First Grade: ELA Thursday, 4/16 – Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade: ELA Friday, 4/17 – Make-up Testing ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Monday, 4/20 – Kindergarten: Math Tuesday, 4/21 – Kindergarten and First Grade: Math Wednesday, 4/22 – Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade: Math Thursday, 4/23 – First Grade: Math Friday, 4/24 – Make-up Testing ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3rd-5th FAST PM3 Testing (5/1 – 5/28) Tuesday, 5/5 – Third and Fourth Grade: ELA Wednesday, 5/6 – Fourth and Fifth Grade: ELA Thursday, 5/7 – Fifth Grade: ELA Friday, 5/8 – Make-up Testing ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tuesday, 5/12 – Fifth Grade Science Wednesday, 5/13 – Fifth Grade Science Thursday, 5/14 & Friday, 5/15 – Make-up Testing ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Monday, 5/18 – Third Grade: Math Tuesday, 5/19 – Fourth and Fifth Grade: Math Wednesday, 5/20 – Fourth and Fifth Grade: Math Thursday, 5/21 & Friday, 5/22 – Make-up Testing ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RAYS SPIRIT NIGHT AT THE TROP
The Tampa Bay Rays have put together a fantastic ticket offer for Pinellas County student’s employees and their friends and families for the San Francisco Giants vs. Tampa Bay Rays game on Saturday May 2 at 6:10 PM at Tropicana Field. Tickets will be offered for $25 plus fees (up to a $70 value) in seating categories in the lower level while supplies last. Ticket sales are sold online only (we will not be passing out paper tickets). Tickets can be purchased through the link below, and sent directly to the Major League Baseball ballpark app. Let’s bring our Pasadena Fun to the TROP and pack the ballpark, as the school with the most participation.
We welcome to our incoming Pasadena Fundamental kindergarteners! 🎉 We look forward to welcoming incoming kindergarten families to our school community! Registration, orientation, and student screenings are all required steps to be completed by April 30. More details below for our future Pasadena Fundamental Panther! KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION NOW UNTIL 4.27.26 Please contact our school data management technician, Kelly Bennett, at 727.893.2646 Ext. 2007 to set up a time to complete registration. Please make sure you bring the below documents with you at your appointed time. You will also be completing three forms during this time. Registration will be approximately 20 minutes. All paperwork must be completed by April 27, 2026 or student will be dropped from Pasadena by District Documents needed: Birth Certificate Record of Immunization Physical within the year 2 Proofs of Residency (utility bill, cable bill, phone bill, mortgage) Student’s Social Security Number (optional) Driver’s License of person who made the application GETTING TO KNOW YOUR KINDERGARTENER SCREENING 4.27-4.30 Please sign up for a time to bring your incoming Kindergarten student to Pasadena to complete a short screening. We will look at name writing, letter identification, counting, reading, etc. This helps our teachers create class lists for the new school year. Your child will go with one of the kindergarten teachers to do a brief screening, then return to you while you fill out some paperwork. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
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.
Congratulations to our March Citizen of the Month Nominees
This month’s character trait is responsibility
Minka Z. Amelia K. Ella M. Hazel W. Henley C. Penelope F. Taneeya M. Henry G. Cayson W. Gia Y. Bronson I. Levi C. Rozlyn S. Ah’Liyah W. Olivia S. Mason Y. Matthew C. Josie I. Addison H. Hurley N. Sylvia M. A’meriyah D. Ryland H. Everett K.
PRIDE Awards
The Pinellas County Schools PRIDE Awards (Program to Recognize Initiative and Distinction in Education) celebrates hundreds of elementary and middle school students for academic excellence and character. Held annually at Ruth Eckerd Hall, the awards honor 5th and 8th graders excelling in Math, Science, Social Studies, and Writing. Congrats to Pasadena's Pride Winners: Adelaid B., Math Holland H., Science Lochlan M., Social Studies Sylvia M., Writing
Vryle Davis Achievement Award
This award honors Vyrle Davis, a trailblazing educator who served Pinellas County for 40 years. He began teaching at 16th Street Elementary and Junior High (now John Hopkins Middle School), later becoming assistant principal at Gibbs High School and principal at St. Petersburg High School. In 1986, he became the county’s first African American area superintendent. receive this award in his name. The Awards, this year are sponsored by the Woodson African American Museum. At Pasadena these fifth graders are being recognized this year: 1) Ayanna C. 2) Shylah D. 3) Karina G.
Maria Edmonds Hispanic Achievement Awards
This achievement award honors the legacy of Maria Edmonds, a tireless advocate for women, children, and the Hispanic community. A longtime leader at St. Petersburg College and on local civic boards, she left a lasting impact before her passing in 2017. The Awards, this year are sponsored by the Hispanic Outreach Center. At Pasadena these fifth graders are being recognized this year: 1) Rhys S. 2) Sylvia M. 3) Isabella H. 4) Sophia S. 5. Ella B. 6. Cecillie S.
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 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.
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 date
- 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.
IMPORTANT DATES at a glance
April
- Apr 2: Report cards distributed
- Apr 3: No school for teachers and students
- Apr 7: SAC Meeting at 6P, Cafeteria
- Apr 8:
- 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 OPPORTUNIITIES
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 Tierney - "Test with young man pointing on a dark background" • edojob - "Man and woman watching a baseball game on the opening pitch" • lordn - "Preschool teacher with children playing with colorful wooden didactic toys at kindergarten" • dizain - "Volunteer word cloud, heart concept" • Africa Studio - "Business people hands, top view.,Teamwork concept." • HugoAlejandro - "Beautiful and strong little woman with scarf showing biceps.,Left arm raised" • Armando Prieto - "mexican colonial beautiful aisle antique decorated paper colored flags old traditional" • 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 !" • 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" • BBuilder - "pta" • theerakit - "approved stamp on white background. approved stamp sign."