It was another exciting and activity-filled week at Peterson, highlighted by our PTA-hosted Scholastic Book Fair. The energy in our library was wonderful to see as our students browsed selections, discussed favorite titles, and thoughtfully chose books. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, the fair generated nearly $3,500 in new library purchases, and every teacher wish list was fulfilled. This generosity directly strengthens classroom instruction and helps ensure that all students have access to engaging, high-quality reading materials that nurture a lifelong love of literacy.

Our 5th grade students also participated in Walk Through the Revolution, proudly sponsored by our PTA. This immersive learning experience brought history to life, allowing students to step into the past, interact with historical scenes, and deepen their understanding of the people and events that shaped our nation. The level of enthusiasm, curiosity, and thoughtful participation on display was inspiring and reflected the strong academic engagement we strive to foster each day.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Book Fair Chair Shannon WrobeI and our many volunteers including: Rachel Letterman, Justine Housh, Lisa Catanese, Maria Heh, Rosann Marquez, Brenda Wennekamp, Jessica Miller, Tatum Opfer, and our many additional PTA helpers. Your organization, dedication, and care created a smooth, welcoming experience for our students and staff. Events like these are only possible because of the time and heart our volunteers invest, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in supporting Peterson’s mission of promoting academic, personal, and social excellence.

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

With Dolphin Pride,

Dr. Smith-Johnson

Principal

As part of HBCSD’s Shoreline Standouts Staff Recognition Program, March spotlights Peterson Elementary and the Administrative Services Department. This monthly program celebrates the incredible people who go above and beyond to make our schools exceptional.

We invite staff and families to help us recognize a certificated or classified team member who supports others, brings their best every day, and makes a positive impact on our community.

· Complete the short form here: Nomination Form

· Deadline: February 27, 2026

Each month, honorees will be celebrated across the District through social media, newsletters, certificates, and recognition at their site.

Your nomination helps shine a light on the everyday excellence happening at Peterson, Administrative Services, and across HBCSD.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating our people, our purpose, and the work we do together!

I would like to take a moment to remind families of Peterson’s personal electronics policy, which was shared with all parents during Registration and reviewed with students by their teachers at the start of the school year and again during each PBIS lesson cycle following school breaks. This policy is based on HBCSD Board Policy 5131.8 and aligned with California Education Codes 48901.5 and 48901.7, as well as Penal Code 1546.1, and is designed to help us maintain a safe, focused, and positive learning environment for all students. For this reason, we strongly discourage students from bringing mobile communication devices to school (phones, watches, etc.).

If a student is found using a device, the following steps will occur: for a first offense, the student will be reminded to turn the device off and put it away; for a second occurrence, the student will be directed to turn the device off and it will be taken by a staff member to the office until a parent/guardian retrieves it from the office; and for a third occurrence, a meeting with the principal will be required.

We truly appreciate your partnership and support in reinforcing these expectations at home, as working together helps ensure our campus remains a place where our students can stay engaged, focused, and ready to learn each day without distractions. For any necessary messages to be delivered to your student, please contact the office directly and we will make sure they receive them in a timely manner.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 8th-grade Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year is open NOW for new students joining Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD).

Families with young learners are invited to attend a Virtual Early Childhood Education Information Meeting to learn more about Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten enrollment requirements, immunizations and get questions answered:

Families are encouraged to visit the Enrollment website to review required documents and enrollment steps.

Please note that enrollment is not official until all required documentation has been submitted and verified by the school, and students may not attend until the process is complete.

HBCSD invites families to participate in our 2025–26 Parent Education Series, a three-part workshop series designed to support your child’s academic success and future readiness.

Sessions focus on family involvement, understanding academic progress, and building college and career readiness, with both virtual and in-person options available. Families are welcome to attend one or more sessions based on their interests and needs.

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 

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

02/10-02/20 - Open Enrollment for HBCSD

02/12 - K.R.O.C. Training Day - Kickoff at 8:00a.m.

02/12 - T.K. & Kindergarten Registration Zoom (Eng. w/Spanish translation available)

02/13 - HBCSD Enrollment Opens for 2026-2027

02/13 - 5th Grade Walk Through the Revolution

02/16 - Presidents' Day - No school

02/19 - K.R.O.C. Training Day @ 8:00a.m.

02/19 - Dolphin Depot Delivery

02/19 - T.K. & Kindergarten Registration Zoom (Span.)

02/19 - PTA Executive Board Meeting @ 6:00p.m.

02/19 - Peterson's S.S.C. Meeting #2 via Zoom @ 4:00p.m.

02/20 - 3rd Grade field trip to the Shipley Nature Center

02/23 - HBCSD Field Lighting Project Info. Meeting in the Clapp Wing @ 5:00p.m.

02/24 - Harvest of the Month

02/24 - 4th Grade Field Trip to Irvine Regional Park

02/26 - K.R.O.C. Training Day @ 8:00a.m.

02/27 - Read Across America Celebration 9:00-11:00a.m.

03/24 - Peterson's TK Tour & Info Session 9:30-10:30

03/25 - Peterson's Kindergarten Tour & Info Session 9:30-10:30

04/02 - 5th Grade Whale Watching field trip

05/01 - 3rd Grade field trip to Bolsa Chica Wetlands

05/29 - 1st Grade field trip to the O.C. Planetarium

06/03 - Kindergarten Assessments (by appointment only)

06/04 - Kindergarten Assessments (by appointment only)

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.

Peterson Elementary School’s School Accountability Report Card (SARC) is now posted on the HBCSD District website under the "About" tab. Navigate to School Accountability Report Cards and click on our school name on the bottom of the page. Our SARC is also posted on our school website https://peterson.hbcsd.us The purpose of the report card is to provide parents and the community with important information about our school and to report our school’s progress in achieving goals. Hard copies of the report are available upon request by contacting our school office.

Las Tarjetas de Informe de Responsabilidad Escolar (SARC) de la escuela Peterson Elementary School están publicadas en el sitio web del Distrito de HBCSD bajo de la pestaña “About" (o "Acerca de"). Vaya a las “School Accountability Report Cards” (o "Las Tarjetas de Informe de Responsibilidad Escolar (SARC)") y haga clic en el nombre de nuestra escuela en el navegación. Nuestro SARC también está publicado en el sitio web de nuestra escuela https://peterson.hbcsd.us El propósito de la boleta de calificaciones es proporcionar a los padres y la comunidad información importante sobre nuestra escuela y reportar el progreso de nuestra escuela en el logro de las metas. Las copias impresas del informe están disponibles a pedido comunicándose con la oficina de nuestra escuela.