Dear PACT Elementary Families,

Happy New Year and welcome back! I hope your winter break was restful and filled with joyful moments. As we begin the month of January, I’m excited to share several highlights and updates from our school community as we continue our important work together in 2026.

On December 16, PACT Elementary gathered as a school community to celebrate our Holiday Concerts and Art Showcase. Our Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade students proudly presented musical performances and visual art projects that reflected their creativity, growth, and hard work. Many thanks to Ms. Ann Ostendorf and Ms. Danaé Trauth for their leadership and dedication in making this event a huge success. It was truly a special day for our students and families.

On December 11, we welcomed Ms. Stephanie Olsen, Senior Manager of Volunteers of America’s Charter School Authorizing Program, to our Elementary Campus. Ms. Olsen toured each classroom and observed instruction and student engagement. Following the visit, she and I debriefed about the initiatives we are implementing to improve student outcomes and enhance our school climate. She even had the opportunity to watch our Second Graders practice for the holiday concert and was delighted by their musical achievements.

We are pleased to share that Ms. Karina Higareda joined the PACT community as our new Administrative Assistant, effective January 5. You will see Karina in our front office when you check in as a visitor. It has been a pleasure welcoming her to our team, and we are grateful to have her supporting our students, families, and staff.

Effective January 5, all grade levels adjusted their schedules to better meet the needs of our Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 students in alignment with the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) framework we are intentionally implementing at PACT. These schedule changes allow for increased differentiation and targeted instruction—providing extra “scoops” of learning to address achievement gaps in strategic and developmentally appropriate ways.

On December 16, the Superintendent’s Cabinet spread holiday cheer by walking through the school with a Cocoa Cart, surprising staff with music, cocoa, and cookies. Staff were also treated to wrapping paper and cookies from our wonderful PTO, as well as specialty coffees and lattes generously provided by Rochon Corporation and Gondolier Coffee following our final staff meeting on December 19. We are so appreciative of the support and kindness shown to our team.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of PACT Elementary. We look forward to a strong and successful start to the new year as we continue working together for the success of every student.

With appreciation,

Lara Bronson, Ed.D.

PACT Elementary Principal