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PACT Charter Schools

Students of Character and Academic Excellence

PACT Pilot E-News | October 22

Posted Date: 10/22/26 (04:00 PM)

The PACT Pilot E-News logo features a paper airplane and a cloudy background.

October 22, 2026

 

Hello!

Today we wrap up the first quarter of the school year, and what a quarter it has been! We are so proud of the hard work, growth, and enthusiasm our students have shown this fall, and we’re grateful for the support you give them at home every day. We can’t wait to see all that our students accomplish next!
 

District-Wide Information

 

Congratulations to Kerry Oolman, Employee of the Month!

PACT is proud to recognize Kerry Oolman, Secondary Campus Special Education Teacher, as our September 2026 Employee of the Month.

Kerry consistently puts students first, making sure each one has the support and individualized instruction they need to succeed. Beyond her classroom, she serves on the District Advisory Committee and the Math Curriculum Review Team, and she mentors new staff and university student teachers, preparing the next generation of special education teachers.

Please join us in congratulating Kerry on this well-deserved honor!
 

Permanent School Fund is on the Ballot

This November, Minnesota voters will consider a constitutional amendment related to the Permanent School Fund. The Permanent School Fund has supported public schools since Minnesota became a state and provides annual funding to school districts across the state, including ours.

A few key facts:
  • The amendment does not raise taxes.
  • A nonpartisan task force made the recommendation, and it received bipartisan support.
  • Every public school district and charter school benefits from the fund.
  • The proposal is designed to increase support for students while preserving the fund for future generations.

For PACT, this proposal could mean an additional $54,000 in funding annually.

We encourage community members to learn more and make an informed decision this November. Additional information, FAQs, and resources are available at www.mnPSFamendment.org. 
 

Veterans Day Slideshow Submission

PACT will hold Veterans Day assemblies at each campus on November 11. As part of the program, we will share a slideshow honoring veterans and military members with an immediate family connection to our students or staff. If you would like to include a veteran/service member in the slideshow, please send the following information to news@pactcharter.org no later than Wednesday, October 28. 
  • A photo of the veteran/service member
  • Full name of the veteran/service member
  • The name and grade of the PACT student(s) they are related to
  • Relationship to the PACT student (e.g., father, grandmother)
  • The branch of the military in which they serve(d)
  • Where they were/are stationed
If your veteran/service member was included in last year’s slideshow, you do not need to resubmit their information—we will use the previous submission. Questions? Contact Christine Erntson at news@pactcharter.org. 
 

Halloween at PACT

As Halloween approaches, please remember that students may not wear costumes during the school day. Students who arrive in costume will be asked to change into regular clothing. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
 

2027-2028 PACT Family Academic Calendar

The 2027-2028 PACT Charter School calendar is now available! The calendar includes key dates for the upcoming school year, including the first and last days of school, non-school Fridays, and breaks. View and download the full calendar here.
 

Download the ParentSquare Mobile App

PACT uses ParentSquare for school communication, primarily with email, text, and app notifications. We encourage parents and Secondary/Online students to download the mobile app to access their accounts and stay up to date. You can adjust notification preferences in the app. Our website has a ParentSquare page with links to download the app and an FAQ. If you need support, please email helpdesk@pactcharter.org. 
 

Now Hiring: Substitute Site Supervisor

PACT is hiring Substitute Site Supervisors! Help supervise campus during evening and weekend events, assist with building access, and support a safe environment for our community. It's a great way to earn extra income while staying connected to the PACT community, $18/hour. Apply online today or share with anyone who might be interested!
 

Save a Life: Donate Blood!

Join the PACT NHS/NJHS for their upcoming Blood Drive on Tuesday, October 27, at St. Katharine Drexel Church (next to the Secondary Campus) from Noon to 6:00 p.m. Every donation helps save lives and supports those in need. Make your appointment today at this link or call 1-800-733-2767. Students ages 16-18 will need parental consent – contact Ms. Christensen (a.christensen@pactcharter.org) for a form. Let’s come together and make a difference! Note: Those who donate will receive a $10 gift card by email + 500 bonus points toward Donor Rewards!
 

Elementary Campus Information

 

Elementary Spirit Week

October 26–30
Our Elementary Student Council is hosting Spirit Week. Join in the fun with a different theme each day!
  • Monday: Comfy Day. Wear your most comfortable clothes. No pajamas, please.
  • Tuesday: Future Job Day. Dress as what you want to be when you grow up.
  • Wednesday: Jersey Day. Wear a jersey for a team you play for or cheer for.
  • Thursday: First Letter of Your Name Day. Dress as something that starts with the first letter of your name. For example, someone named George could wear green for "G."
  • Friday: PACT Pride Day. Show your Panther pride by wearing PACT colors or school gear.
 

Register for Community Education!

Registration Deadline is October 24
The countdown is on! Only two days remain to register your students for our exciting new round of Community Education classes.

Whether your child wants to do something new every day in our Panther Den, dive into the creative arts, or stay active with youth sports, we have the perfect program waiting for them. 

Explore our full list of classes designed to be fun, hands-on, and a great way to make new friends.
Questions? Email community-ed@pactcharter.org.
 

Elementary Lost and Found

Our lost-and-found racks are overflowing! If your child has lost anything, please remind them to visit the PACT Lost and Found. Each month, we donate unclaimed clothing to the Anoka Community Mission. The next donation date is October 30.
 

Elementary Save the Dates:

  • October 23: Non-School Friday
  • October 26-30: Spirit Week
  • October 27: Blood Drive (sponsored by NJHS/NHS)
  • October 27 & 28: Hearing Screenings
  • October 30: PACT Pride Day
  • View the full Elementary Campus calendar
 

Secondary Campus Information

 

Makerspace Supply Drive: Donate Your Cardboard!

Before you toss that box, think of our Makerspace! Our students turn cardboard into prototypes, models, and inventions, and we go through a lot of it. Your recycling bin is our treasure chest. We’d love: shipping and Amazon boxes; cereal, cracker, and snack boxes; paper towel and toilet paper tubes; and corrugated sheets of any size.

A few requests: please keep donations clean and dry (no pizza boxes or greasy food boxes), flatten big boxes if you can, and remove packing tape when possible.

Drop off anytime. Send it in with your student or bring it to Mr. Jared or the school office. Thank you for supporting hands-on learning!
 

Paint PRIDE Rock!

Celebrate a special occasion, recognize a student or staff member, or show your Panther pride by painting our rock! Complete the form below to reserve the spirit rock for a specific date. 

Reservations are first-come, first-served and valid from 4:00 p.m. the day before through 4:00 p.m. the day after.
 

Secondary Save-the-Dates

  • October 23: Non-School Friday
  • October 26: Fall Concert/Varsity Band Concert (6 p.m.)
  • October 27: Awards Celebration (HS)
  • October 28: Awards Celebration (MS)
  • October 27: Blood Drive (sponsored by NJHS/NHS)
  • October 30: PACT Pride Day
  • View the full Secondary Campus calendar
 

Online Campus Information

 

PACT Online Spotlight: Learning Through Independent Study

What would you explore if you could help shape your own course? PACT Online’s Independent Study lets students pursue a topic they’re curious about while practicing the skills needed to direct their own learning.

Instead of following a course already designed for them, students move through four phases to build a learning experience around their interests. They begin by choosing a topic and developing a meaningful question to guide their exploration, then work with school staff to develop their plan.

Along the way, students practice setting goals, managing their time, asking questions, and communicating their progress. Ms. Hamernick facilitates the course and helps students navigate the process as they take ownership of their learning.

That flexibility is what makes Independent Study a special part of PACT Online. Students help shape both what they learn and how they explore it, creating a more personal connection to their education. With guidance, this self-directed approach gives students room to pursue their curiosity, build independence, and take an active role in their learning.
 
A digital calendar illustration with a red header displaying the word 'ONLINE' and a circled date.

Online Save-the-Dates

 

Secondary & Online Information

 

Babysitting Workshop | Grades 6-10

November 13 | 1-4:30 p.m. | SC Media Center
Are you ready to start caring for younger children or siblings? Gain the skills that you need with a Babysitting Workshop! Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop designed to teach you everything you need to know to care for infants and children, handle emergencies, and start your own babysitting business. Go home with a babysitting kit to kick-start your success as a safe and fun caregiver. You will learn child care basics, safety and first aid, behavior management, leadership skills, and business basics. Fee is $50. 

 

Introducing Girls Hockey at PACT!

We’re excited to announce a brand-new partnership: the Anoka / PACT Hockey Co-op! Starting this 2026-2027 season, PACT girls can hit the ice. Registration is open NOW via Anoka High School’s website. Captains' practices started on Monday, October 19, so sign up ASAP!
 

Volunteer and Support

 
A 2023 Cash Calendar fundraiser form with text overlay reading 'Cash Calendar Fundraiser' in red script.

Final Days! PTO Cash Calendar Fundraiser

Our Cash Calendar Fundraiser is one of the PTO's biggest fundraisers of the year, and every day adds up! Each student was given a calendar to share with family and friends. Sponsors choose a day (or several days) and donate that dollar amount. We have two more collection dates, so if you have not started, there is still time.

Final collection dates: October 26 and 30
 
PACT Charter School - District Offices
7250 E. Ramsey Parkway NW, Ramsey, MN 55303
Phone: 763-712-4200

Communications Department
Christine Erntson, Director of Communication & Community Engagement
Email: news@pactcharter.org

Website: pactcharter.org 

Let's go, Panthers!