Two weeks ago we kicked off our annual Read-A-Thon, where our school-wide goal is to read 150,000 pages and raise $15,000. As our students dive into books, they are living out our S.U.R.F. expectations—being Safe by making positive choices in their learning spaces, United as a school community working toward common goals, Responsible in tracking their reading and commitments, and Focused as they build stamina and a lifelong love of literacy.

For current class standings, click here: Read-a-thon standings. Our read-a-thon closes tomorrow!

Thank you, to our entire Peterson community, for helping us champion reading and for continuing to stand alongside us in support of every child’s growth and achievement

This past week, our second graders (pictured above) went on a field trip to the Environmental Nature Center. On a hike through the Center, students mapped out landmarks, as well as where water has changed the shape of the land over time. In a hands-on experiment students discover that some landforms are created quickly and others develop over a time too long for a human to observe. They played a fun game to discover that most plants depend on animals for pollination and to move seeds around, and also discovered the importance of biodiversity and learned that there are many different kinds of living things in an area, and they exist in different places. A big 'thank you' to our amazing Peterson PTA for sponsoring this incredible experience!

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

With Dolphin Pride,

Dr. Smith-Johnson

Principal

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:

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

03/19 - Peterson's School Site Council Meeting No. 3 via Zoom

03/20 - Skate Party @ FV Skate 3:30-6:00

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

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

03/27 - A.R. Party

03/30 - Choir Concert 6:00p.m. @ Dwyer Gym

03/31 - 5th Grade Panoramic Picture 9:00a.m.

04/02 - 5th Grade Whale Watching field trip

04/03 - 1st Grade 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.