Dear Pinecrest Families,

Welcome back to a new school year at Pinecrest Elementary! As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, I’m filled with excitement about the opportunities ahead and the chance to work with our amazing students, staff, and families once again.

One of the most exciting additions this year is the introduction of a dedicated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) class for all students. Offered as part of our “specials” rotation, this hands-on class will allow students to explore coding, building, engineering, and problem-solving in creative and engaging ways. It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand their thinking, encourage collaboration, and prepare them for the future.

We’re also continuing our strong focus on literacy—the foundation of all learning. Throughout the year, we’ll celebrate literacy with reading events, family nights, and other engaging activities that inspire a love of books.

Most importantly, our mission is to create a school where every student feels safe, respected, and honored for who they are. “We care, we empower, we achieve-students are at the heart of all we do!” We believe that when children feel truly seen and valued, they are empowered to take risks, try new things, and grow in confidence. Whether your child is joining us for the first time or returning for another year, we are ready to support their growth academically, socially, and emotionally.

We also know that a strong school community includes our families. Your involvement—whether attending events, supporting homework, or encouraging your child each day—makes a big difference. Please stay connected through our school website, newsletters, and communication from your child’s teacher.

The first day of school is always special. It marks a fresh start, full of hope, joy, and excitement. We can’t wait to welcome your child and begin this new journey together.

Let’s make this a year of exploration, belonging, and achievement!

Sincerely,
Paul Bakker
Principal, Pinecrest Elementary

Dates to Remember:

District Calendar

Aug 15 - Teacher Assignment & Busing Information released on Parent Portal
Sept 1 - Labor Day
Sept 2 & 3 - Raider Set Go (info below)
Sept 4 - First Day of School for K-4 students
Sept 11 - PTA Playground Picnic
Sept 17 - Elementary School Picture Day
Sept 22 - NO SCHOOL - Staff Development
Sept 26 - Read-a-thon Begins

RAIDER, SET, GO Conferences - SEPTEMBER 2 & 3

We are excited to start this year alongside students and families with our annual Raider, Set, Go connections. Family engagement is a key focus in our district. We want students and families to be seen, feel valued and supported while having a strong sense of belonging in our school community. Our Raider Set Go time gives us the opportunity to build solid relationships with each student and family where individual needs can be shared and better understood. It is also a time designed to build strong family-school partnership, fostering meaningful conversations between educators, students, and their families at the beginning of the year.

It includes open-ended questions that cover:

• Student interests and preferences inside and outside of school

• Strengths and challenges the student may face

• Emotional and academic needs

• Family interests

• Opportunities for collaboration, including volunteering and teacher support

When are Raider, Set, Go Conferences?

• Tuesday, September 2nd from 10:30 am - 6:00 pm

  OR

• Wednesday, September 3rd from 8:00 am - 3:15 pm

*Kindergarten families see additional "Welcome to Kindergarten Sessions" below

How do we sign up for a Raider, Set, Go Conference?

• Similar to parent-teacher conferences, families will use this link to PTCfast to sign up for their 25 minute time slot.

• SIGN UP HERE

What should we bring?

• Students are often excited about school supplies and are welcomed to bring them to their classroom at this time.

• Computers will be available for parents to update portal information and complete the annual updates, if needed.

Kindergarten Families - Welcome to Kindergarten Sessions

To help our kindergarten students and families successfully transition into the school year, our Raider, Set, Go days will look a little different than our other grade levels. Families will sign up for a 75 minute session and will be grouped with up to four other families. During this time, students will have an opportunity to meet a few of their classmates, work with their teacher, hear a story and have playtime. Parents/guardians will learn what the kindergarten day looks like, have a clear understanding about arrival, dismissal, and lunch procedures, hear about our school environment and communication practices, as well as have the opportunity to ask questions. If the 4 scheduled times do not work for your family, please connect with our office staff (651-480-7280). Our 75 minutes will be broken down as follows:

• 15 minutes: Meet teacher, scavenger hunt in classroom

• 30 minutes: 4-5 families meet with teacher to learn about the elementary school experience

  while students enjoy a story and play time in one of our other kindergarten classrooms.

• 15 minutes: Parents put away school supplies and fill out paperwork, teacher works with 4-5 kids in small groups.

• 15 minutes: Parents can stay and ask individual questions.

The first day of school for all elementary students is Thursday, September 4th.

SCHOOL DAY

School begins at 8:00 AM and students should arrive at school from 7:40 AM to 7:55 AM to be ready for the start of the learning day. All students in grades K-4 will need to enter the building through the main doors (Door 1). Students are dismissed at 2:35 PM.

HOMEROOM TEACHER ASSIGNMENT

Assignments will be available on Friday, August 15th by the end of the day by logging in to Infinite Campus Parent Portal (go to Documents, then select homeroom assignment). Call 651-480-7280 or email Pam Zais at pzais@isd200.org if you need to set up a portal account.

BUS INFORMATION

Transportation routing information will be available on the Campus Portal on August 15th by clicking “More” and then “Bus Information.” Please remember to recheck routing information closer to the start of the school year, as minor adjustments may be made. If your pickup or drop-off location is inaccurate, please contact the main office.

Just a reminder that the district had an opt-out of transportation for students in grades K-8 and an opt-in for transportation for students in grades 9-12. This information has been updated in the Campus Portal.

The walking distance for elementary students is up to a .75-mile radius from the school and a 1.75-mile radius for secondary students. Detailed maps of the walking areas are available on the district’s website.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL ANNUAL UPDATES

Hastings Public Schools is pleased to provide families with an easy way to sign annual forms and review and update household contact information for the 2025-26 school year through their Campus Parent Portal Account. Beginning mid-August, families will be asked to review and update their household contact information and review and agree to school handbooks, student device agreements, and other annual forms. Once you complete the Annual Update process, be sure to go to the district ePay system if you wish to purchase the protection plan. Although the Online Update process will provide some information on the plan, you must go to the ePay system to complete the purchase. (Link: https://hastings.epaytrak.com/). Be sure to watch your email and our website for more information on how to complete our electronic Annual Updates process.

One parent or guardian from the primary household will be required to provide information for your children. Parents/Guardians from a secondary household will be able to update their own contact information.

After logging into your Parent Portal Account, click More and Back-To-School Annual Updates to begin.

• TO PURCHASE THE OPTIONAL STUDENT DEVICE PROTECTION PLAN CLICK HERE

• BACK TO SCHOOL ANNUAL UPDATES: STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

• Infinite Campus and Technology Information

• Student and Parent Technology Support Resource Information

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

Did you know "Educational Benefits" are more than Free and Reduced Lunches? By qualifying for benefits, families can access WIC Benefits, the Metro Transit Assistance Program, reduced internet programs (FCC Affordable Connectivity Program), and scholarships or discounts on camps, athletic programs and child care.

All families are encouraged to apply as these benefits also help Hastings schools qualify for education funding, discounts and other meal programs that benefit all students. The Application for Education Benefits helps determine how much education funding your school will receive.

Link to apply: https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/HASS01

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

The Pinecrest School Supply List is available on our website.

Hastings Family Service is accepting donations of school supplies for distribution. Donations of school supplies, new socks, underwear and backpacks may be brought to HFS.

If you are in need of school supplies, please make an appointment by calling 651-437-7134. Distribution dates are August 19-22.

As we partner together, students will remain at the heart of all we do! If you have any questions, please reach out.

Paul Bakker, Principal
Pinecrest Elementary
pbakker@isd200.org
651-480-7280