This theme inspires us in several ways. Every student, teacher staff member, PTA member, and family member is an essential part of our school family. No matter our role, we all can play a vital part in the success of our children and helping them grow in The Mustang Way. In addition, every part of a child's life experience and learning journey matters, and we are at our best when we work hand-in-hand with our teachers, parents and community to make a positive impact in the lives of our students. 

We are proud to feature a new PTA section of our monthly family newsletters this year! Joining PTA is an important step for every Shultz Elementary family to support our teachers and school, as well as advocate for our children and public education. It only takes a few minutes to join at the link below! Whatever your level of involvement, PTA can help you stay connected to your child's school experience and through volunteering and many other ways. Make sure to visit the PTA table at Meet the Teacher Night, where you can purchase school shirts. Those who feel called to support their child's teacher as volunteers or "Room Reps" will also have the opportunity to sign up this Monday evening in their child's classroom. 

While we have very little turnover in our teachers and staff this year, there are three key new staff members I am privileged to introduce to you. Lauren Garner, a Mustang parent who has extensive experience serving others in the hospital setting, will be our new school nurse. Ashleigh Scanlan, a familiar face who taught at our school for several years, is returning to Shultz as our new school counselor. Mrs. Scanlan welcomed a new baby this summer, so she will be on leave through the end of September. We are blessed that Melissa Pittillo, who served our school in a relief counselor capacity last year, will be back filling in until Mrs. Scanlan's return. Finally, we are pleased to introduce Tom Birckbichler, who will serve our campus community as our new School Security Officer (SSO). You can learn more about Nurse Garner, Mrs. Scanlan, and Officer Birckbichler below! 

You will notice some important changes around our building this year. Please note the new three-way stop sign intersection at Windsor Dr. and Hanover Dr. There are also new "no parking" road markings near crosswalks and intersections, which will create a much safer environment for our students walking to and from school. Please plan ahead and take time to become familiar with these changes. Thank you for putting the safety of our children and community first by following our drop-off and pick-up procedures found in this newsletter. 

Shultz families will need a new orange car tag by the first day of school, which can be picked up in the office anytime from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. You may also pick them up at Meet the Teacher Night, but expect longer wait times at this event. Guardians must be present to receive car tags; please bring a valid ID. As a gentle reminder, we do not accept car tags from prior school years during dismissal, nor do we accept pictures of copies of car tags when picking up children from school. 

All Mustang families are invited to our Meet the Teacher Night this Monday, August 5th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Be on the lookout for an email from me next week sharing our updated parent handbook, "Raising Mustangs!" 

We are proud to begin this new school year with your family! Thank you for being a key part of your children's learning journey this year. 

With Mustang pride,

Matt Preston

Principal