Dear PACT Elementary Families,

Happy October! The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and we’re settling into a wonderful rhythm here at school. This month brings many things to celebrate and share with you. Here’s a look at what’s been happening at PACT and what’s coming up!

Our “Reading Celebration” on September 22 was a joyful success! Students were paired in class buddy groups and walked together to The Draw, the Ramsey Parks and Recreation Amphitheater. We were greeted by smiling Ramsey County Police Officers, who gave students high fives and joined us in our love of reading.

Teachers read aloud to their classes, and buddy pairs enjoyed stories together alongside our officers. The day ended with a fun A–Z scavenger hunt around the park. Everyone went home with a new bookmark and, more importantly, a renewed enthusiasm for reading. Thank you for supporting your students’ reading journeys — we’re off to a great start!

We had a wonderful morning connecting with families at our Elementary Principal Perk-Up on October 3! Seven parents (and two adorable little siblings!) joined me for coffee and great conversation about what’s happening at PACT. Our discussion covered a variety of topics, including school safety, flexible grouping, Character Corner and awards, the upcoming Online Campus for Secondary, what teachers do on non-school Fridays, and how parents can enrich learning at home on those days. It was a meaningful time to share ideas, answer questions, and continue building strong partnerships between home and school. I’m grateful for the families who joined us, and I look forward to our next Principal Perk-Up!

A big thank you to our amazing PTO for providing delicious dinners for staff during parent-teacher conferences. These thoughtful gestures mean the world to our team during those long evenings!

We’re also excited to kick off this month’s “Cash Calendar” fundraiser — a fun way to support our school while giving families the chance to win prizes. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support!

We had a phenomenal turnout for conferences on September 23 and 25 — with 97% of our families in attendance! These meetings are a cornerstone of our home-school partnership, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to connect and collaborate on your child’s growth. We look forward to maintaining strong communication throughout the year.

On our most recent non-school Friday, our dedicated teachers spent the day creating individual learning goals for each student. These goals aim to support a year’s worth of growth and are paired with specific action plans. Teachers revisit these weekly in Professional Learning Communities to ensure every child is moving forward with the support they need. Your child’s learning journey is personal, purposeful, and prioritized.

You may have heard your student talk about the “calm corner” in their classroom. These spaces provide students with an opportunity to self-regulate, reflect, and return to learning with focus and calm. Teachers are reporting continued success, and we love hearing that some families have even created similar spaces at home. Thank you for reinforcing these emotional regulation tools beyond the classroom!

Starting this month, I’ve asked teachers to nominate students who are going above and beyond — showing strong character, leadership, kindness, and/or academic effort. These students visit my office, and together, we call home to share the great news. It’s a special moment for everyone involved — and a reminder of the wonderful things happening at PACT every day.

As always, thank you for being such an engaged and supportive part of the PACT community. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in your child’s learning and growth.

Wishing you a cozy, colorful, and connection-filled October!

Warmly,

Lara Bronson, Ed.D.

PACT Elementary Principal