Please see the following highlights of events happening at Peterson and throughout our district this week.

Grade 1: Universal GATE testing for all 1st-grade students will take place in their classrooms during the week of February 2-6, 2026. Parents who wish to opt their first grader out of GATE testing must complete an Opt-Out form by December 19, 2025.

Grades 2-4: If you believe your 2nd-4th-grade child may be a candidate for the GATE program and would like them to participate in testing, please complete the GATE Assessment Consent form by December 19, 2025. Testing for grades 2-4 will be conducted at each school site between January 12 - 30, 2026. Testing will be organized by grade level, and your child’s school will provide you with the specific testing schedule.

Students who qualify for placement in the GATE program will be enrolled in the fall of the 2026-27 school year. District policy allows students to be assessed up to two times between grades 1-4. You may consult with your child’s teacher to determine if this is an appropriate time for assessment. The final decision regarding testing rests with the parents.

For any questions, please contact Edgar Arellano in the GATE office at (714) 378-2040.

The deadline to submit the GATE Assessment Consent form or Opt-Out form is Friday, December 19, 2025.

We have recently had two neighbors come to the Peterson office to report that Peterson parents have hit their cars either in the street or in their driveway. This is unacceptable and completely embarrassing.

-Do not make 3-point turns on Farnsworth

-Only turn right when exiting the parking lot

-Do not park your car while in a lane of travel

-TK & K students must be hand-delivered via Gate 1

-Students should only enter/exit cars in the yellow cone-zone, only on the passenger side

It is imperative that all drivers follow all state and local laws.

Thank you.

Consistent attendance is a key ingredient in student success. Research shows that students who attend school regularly—starting as early as preschool—are more likely to achieve academically and develop lifelong skills. In contrast, chronic absenteeism (missing 10% or more of the school year, about 18 days) can hinder progress. Chronically absent students often struggle to read proficiently by third grade, face challenges in middle school, and are at greater risk of not graduating high school.

Ms. Barsh's class at 95.93%

Ms. Serafano's class at 99.04%

Ms. Burgos's class at 98.33%

Each of these classes will a special frozen treat this Friday in recognition of their accomplishment. Additionally, every student who achieved perfect attendance for the month of November will be recognized at our next spirit assembly and will receive a limited edition backpack 'brag-tag' as well! As a side note, our school-wide attendance rate this Fall is nearly a full percent higher than this time last year!

We track attendance monthly and work closely with families to support improvement when needed. Perfect Attendance means no late-arrivals and no early-releases. If your student will be absent for four or more days, please inquire with the office about an independent study contract.

As much as we aim for perfect attendance, if your child is sick, please keep them home to rest and ensure they are fever-, vomit-, and diarrhea-free for 24-hours before returning. Otherwise, please help us by ensuring your child attends school every day they are well enough to do so. Schedule family trips and appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.

Thank you for supporting strong attendance for all students—because every day counts!

The English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) consists of parents, staff, and community members who advise the principal and school staff on programs and services for English Learners. The committee helps review and provide input on the school’s English Learner program, language development strategies, and how Title I and other funds are used to support these students. ELAC also promotes communication between English learner families and the school, encourages parent involvement, and ensures that the needs and voices of English Learner students and their families are represented in the school’s decision-making process. We are seeking up to five parents of English learners to serve on this committee that meets three times per year. If you are interested in serving personally or you would like to nominate somebody, please email Dr. Smith-Johnson at KSmith-johnson@hbcsd.us

School breakfast and lunch will be offered free of charge throughout the 2025-2026 school year.

Please refer to the HBCSD Food & Nutrition Services website for more information.

At Peterson, we pride ourselves on our strong sense of community and we love campus and classroom volunteers!

Parent & community volunteers are welcome to support our various classroom activities with proof of a negative TB test, Raptor clearance, and a signed Peterson Volunteer Agreement. All campus visitors must enter and exit through the main office.

Please contact the Peterson office with any questions regarding this requirement or to check the date/status of TB results you may have on file from last year.

Garden Days & Themes: Snacks and crafts provided, 10am - 1pm 

12/14/25 -  Winter Solstice at the Garden 

1/11/26 - New Year, New Garden: Plan for Spring Planting 

2/8/25 - Love Our Garden Day - Flower Seed Bombs and  Seed  Valentines 

3/15/25 - Spring Planting at the Garden 

4/12/25 - Flower Harvest Garden Day Gather flowers to press 

4/22/25 - Earth Day: Dinner Social  

5/3/25 - Celebrating Moms’ Garden Day:bookmarks for mom from pressed flowers 

6/7/25 - Annual Peterson Garden Party

12/10 - December Dine Out & Teacher Read-along at Mama's

12/12 - Spirit Assemblies (date changed from 12/05)

12/12 - Report Cards Sent Home

12/14 -  Winter Solstice at the Garden. 10:00-1:00p.m.

12/15 - Grades 1/2/3 Winter Choral Concert 9:00a.m.

12/15 - 4th Grade Field Trip to Rancho Los Ceritos

12/16 - Grades 4 & 5 Winter Choral Concert 9:00a.m.

12/19 - T.K. & Kinder Choral Concert 9:00a.m.

12/19 - Grades 2/3/4 GATE Testing Request & Consent Deadline

12/19 - Grade 1 opt-out for GATE testing

12/22 - 01/02 - Winter Recess

01/05 - School Resumes

01/19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No students

As a reminder, if you plan on participating / volunteering in any of our special activities in our classrooms or on campus, please be sure you have the appropriate documentation on file with the front office. If you are unsure of your volunteer status, please simply call the office and we can verify what you have on file or we can tell you what we are missing.

2026-2027 LCAP Survey