Principal's Message This month we celebrate National School Counselors week. A very big SHOUT OUT to Mr. Andrus who does an amazing job with our students. With the start of a new semester, we have an opportunity to reset, refocus, and continue the great work happening at Purdy Elementary. The first half of the year was filled with growth, learning, and building connections, and I’m incredibly proud of how our students have shown resilience, curiosity, and kindness. As we step into this next phase, we remain committed to fostering an environment where every student feels supported and challenged to do their best. This semester, we continue to emphasize student voice, academic growth, and a culture of belonging. We encourage families to check in regularly with their students, discuss goals, and celebrate progress. Thank you for your continued partnership; we are excited for what’s ahead! Ty Robuck-Principal Mary Caseley-Deputy Principal GO PANTHERS!

Jonathan Andrus - Counselor Corner

andrusj@psd401.net    253-530-4630

One of my goals as a school counselor is to build a foundational relationship with all students at school so that whenever a difficult day comes along for any Purdy Panther, my connection with them is already established. I try to meet this goal in a variety of ways:

• Students will always see me during arrival and dismissal.

• I get out to at least one recess or lunch every day in order to be a familiar face during unstructured times of the school day and problem solve situations on the fly. 

• I like to eat lunch with small groups of students in my office. I am terrible at taking a lunch break, so if I do, it is usually with small groups of students listening to silly songs, playing with fidgets, and answering icebreaker questions. I rotate through as many students as I can this way, especially focusing on students new to our school.

• I give students the option to sign up and talk to me if something is weighing on their mind or if they are stuck with a social/emotional problem they just can’t seem to solve on their own.

• I teach multiple classroom lessons throughout the school year from our Second Step Social/Emotional curriculum, specifically topics covering bullying protection and child safety.
  
  

Food Backpacks 4 Kids is a wonderful organization on the Key Peninsula that provides food resource services for our Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula communities as well as partnering with every school in the Peninsula School District. Purdy Elementary receives weekly non-perishable food bags for students to take home for the weekend. Any school family can request this resource by signing up at https://www.foodbackpacks4kids.org/get-food, or you can contact our school counselor, Jonathan Andrus, and he can enroll students as well.

253-530-4630

andrusj@psd401.net

Why It's Important to Go to School After Winter Break As winter break ends, we want to remind all PSD families that going to school every day is very important for students to succeed. Each day at school gives students a chance to learn and grow. From the first day of kindergarten to the last day of senior year, every day at school matters. Going to school regularly is not just about getting good grades. It is about making sure students get the most out of their education and take important steps toward their goals. Remember, missing school adds up. If students miss just a few days, they might miss out on learning and making friends. Every day at school helps students succeed.

 

2/6 Missoula Childrens Theatre play @ 6:30 showing for families 2/6 Semester Report cards available  2/10 District Choir Festival @ 7:15 Gig Harbor HS  2/16-20  Mid Winter Break - NO School 2/24 PTA Meeting 7-8pm in the Library 2/25 Kindergarten registration open for 26-27 school year

                                         Peninsula School District  -  PSD401
                                    Family Resources  -   Families
                                    Parent Square & Parent Portal Login   -  PowerSchool / Parent Portal  
                                    Volunteer Application  -  Volunteer Application Link
                                    Free & Reduced Meal Application  -  Fee/Reduced meal application 
                                    PURDY OFFICE Email  (Attendance/Transportation changes)   -   PES-office@psd401.net
                                    Purdy's monthly lunch menu link - Purdy lunch menu

 



                                                
Purdy Reads is back - Join us in reading The Wild Robot Escapes
       This February, we’re celebrating Black History Month by honoring the pioneers, leaders and changemakers who helped shape our society and Washington state.   From education to business, politics to civil rights, these leaders broke barriers and created opportunities that continue to influence our communities today. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and recognize the importance of Black history in shaping our shared story.                                                        

WATCH Dogs: Parents on the Fast Track to Support! We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers (dad, mom, guardian, grandparent, auntie, uncle) to join us throughout the day here at Purdy Elementary! Your support can make a big difference, whether it’s helping in classrooms, supporting school events, or assisting with other activities. Flexible shifts are available, so you can contribute at times that work best for you.  Join us in making a positive impact on our students and school community. If you’re interested in volunteering please see the link below.

                                                                                                                February Sign-Up Link below:
                                                                                                              February sign up link

                                                      Yearbook are on sale! Come one, come all......

                                                                    

                               
Our yearbook committee is hard at work collecting photos for this years Purdy Yearbook. If you have any fun photos of students please send them in via email to Purdyyearbook@gmail.com . We appreciate all your support!

We need to grow our PTA! Many of the current PTA members have students in 5th grade and will be moving on after this year. The reality is that without the support of more volunteers, many of the events and programs that make our school such a wonderful and special place could fade away. We are actively looking for parents of younger students to get involved in the PTA. Here’s how to get started: Learn more on the Purdy PTA website: www.purdypta.com  Visit our GiveBacks website to purchase your membership Join the Purdy PTA Facebook group to stay up-to-date on events & Purdy Spirit Wear holiday sales Save-the-date for our PTA “Under the Sea” Auction on March 28th, 2026 Join our next PTA meeting that’s open to the public on February 24th from 7-8 pm in person in the Purdy Elementary Library or via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/95270260613  We hope to see you there! Contact PTA President Ron Cochran at Ronald.ThomasCochran@pm.me or 425-443-1467 with any questions.   PTA Meeting -  February 24th at 7:00pm in the library.   If attending via Zoom is more convenient please email Ron Cochran our PTA President at Ronald.ThomasCochran@pm.me   to request the link. PTA Website Check out our new website purdypta.com for information about membership, events and more! PTA Popcorn Friday Volunteer Sign Up Link:  Volunteer sign up link

                        Peninsula Hands On Art training Thursday, February 5th from 7:00-9:00 pm at Swiftwater 
                               
           

2026 Camp  Invention
This fun, hands-on STEM summer adventure is designed to ignite creativity and boost confidence in curious kids!
Grades: Rising K-6th
Location: Purdy Elementary
Dates & Times: July 20-24 I  9:00 Am to 3:30 PM






                                                                                                    
                                                                            Notes from the School Nurse

Should you stay or should you go?

Stay home when you are sick, wash hands frequently, cover cough and sneezes.

Students will be kept home from school/sent home from school for any of the following symptoms that may indicate a communicable disease:

• Fever – oral temperature of 100.4 F or greater

• Shortness of breath and/or cough

• Red, draining eye(s)

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Rash

• Any symptom(s) causing great discomfort for the student (e.g., severe cough, sore throat, earache, headache)

Student may return to school after illness under the following conditions unless directed otherwise by local health jurisdiction:

• Fever-free without anti-fever medication for 24 hours

• Relief from symptoms including shortness of breath and/or cough

• No vomiting for 24 hours

• No diarrhea for 24 hours

• Note from health care provider indicating no longer contagious

Right At School - Before & After school care                                      Contact Us Register Today! Subsidy Related Questions: https://rightatschool.com/financial-assistance-washington/   Keeping Emergency Contacts & Mailing Addresses up to date

ARE YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACTS & MAILING ADDRESSES UP TO DATE? Please take a moment to do your Year Round/Emergency Contact Update for your child(ren) to ensure that we have the necessary information in the event of an emergency and for mailing purposes. Click below for instructions on how to access the update. Parent Portal Year-Round Update Instructions

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS Purdy Elementary Website Peninsula School District Website

PSD 2025-2026 School Year Calendar Nutrition Services Website  Lunch menus, free and reduced meal applications, and more. Transportation Website Meal Time Lunch Account PSD Emergency Information Web Page PURDY CONTACT INFORMATION: Ty Robuck, Principal | Robuckt@psd401.net Mary Caseley, Deputy Principal | caseleym@psd401.net Jonathan Andrus, Counselor | andrusj@psd401.net Sheila Laflamme, Office Manager | laflammes@psd401.net Main Phone Number | 253-530-4600 Attendance Phone Number | 253-530-4606 Fax Number | 253-530-4620 The Peninsula School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the District’s Title IX and Compliance Officer, Section 504 and ADA Coordinator, John Yellowlees, at (253) 530-1081,  email yellowleesj@psd401.net. Mailing address: 14015 62nd Ave. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332