PPE PTO Newsletter – December 19th, 2025

We hope everyone has a wonderful winter break. We are so grateful for all of you and are sending the warmest wishes for the holidays. Rest up and let’s get ready for a great second semester!
Important Dates
Note: Dates are subject to change. The BEST way to stay updated is with our PTO Google Calendar – view and subscribe here!
- December 19th: PAJAMA DAY
- December 19th: – 1/2 Day for Students, Winter Break begins
- December 22 – January 2nd: Winter Break
- January 5th: Stockpile day (students do not report)
- January 7th: Paint the Rock fundraiser begins! (more details below)
- January 25th: PPE Night with Belmont Bruins Basketball

SCHOOL UPDATES
SECOND SEMESTER CLUBS
SEL + STEAM CLUB SPRING 2026
(social & emotional learning +science, technology, engineering, art & math)
With Mrs. Lester & Mrs. Strobel
Who: K-2 Tigers
What: Develop & encourage independent learning, spark imagination, creativity, exploration,
socialization & SO MUCH MORE!
FULL STEAM AHEAD…
Where: Mrs. Strobel’s Classroom
When: Thursdays…dismissal – 4PM
January 22, 29
February 5, 12, 19 ,26
March 5, 19, 26
April 2(pick up will be behind the pre-k playground)
Cost: $200 for 10 sessions (snack provided)
checks payable to Ashley Strobel or
Venmo@Ashley-Strobel-2
Email NOW to save a spot: lovie.lester@mnps.org
__________________________
Builders Club
*Calling all K-2nd Graders
Does your child like to build? Then this club is just right for him/her.
Builders Club, an after-school activity for K-2nd grade students, is filled with problem solving, imagination, self-expression, math skills, spatial sense and motor abilities, creativity, and social and emotional growth.
*The Spring Session with Ms.Faison and Ms.Wall begins in January.
*12 Sessions: Tuesdays or Thursdays after school till 4:00.
Tuesdays ~ Jan. 20, 27 Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 Mar.3, 17, 24, 31 Apr. 7, 14
Thursdays ~ Jan. 22, 29 Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 Mar. 5, 19 Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23
Cost? – $240 check made to Laura Faison or VENMO @Laura-Faison
**When you pay, please put your child’s first and last name in the memo of your check or the “What’s this for?” section in Venmo plus Tuesday / Thursday BC. (ex. Terri Wall Thursday BC)
**Snacks are not provided. Please send a snack from home. Thank you!
USED BOOK SALE

Used Book Sale – Donations needed!
As you are cleaning out over Christmas break, start gathering your used books for the annual used book sale, happening in February. We welcome books that are appropriate for Pre-K through 5th graders, and we especially need chapter books.
Donation bins will be on the PPE front steps beginning after the Winter Break.
We will need volunteers to help during the sale in February, so be on the look-out to sign up for that in the future. Feel free to reach out to Jamie Kuhlman, jamiekuhlman@gmail.com, or Avery VanPelt, avery.t.vanpelt@gmail.com, with any questions!
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2026 PPE AUCTION PARTY

A big thanks to Caleb Hemmer, Camel Express Car Wash, East Coast Entertainment, Hillsboro Pediatric Dentistry, K. McCarthy, Villa Castrioti, and Whiskey House – Nashville who have already committed to sponsoring A Night of Wonder slated for April 11, 2026 at Richland Country Club from 6pm-11pm. Even though spring feels far away, the auction committee has been as busy as Santa’s elves gathering items for the silent auction. Have a connection to a potential sponsor (levels start at just $500) or a lead on an item to include in the auction? The auction committee is all ears! Email PercyPriestAuciton@gmail.com with any ideas or questions. Tickets for the event will go on sale in early 2026.
FUNDRAISERS
SMALL FUNDRAISERS
Sign up here:


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