We’ve already seen many acts of kindness around our school— from older students helping our kindergarteners find their way, to classmates encouraging one another during lessons. Our theme, Winning Together, Learning Forever, is already coming to life.
Progress South Eagles
Off to a great start!
A Note from Dr. Williams
Dear PSE Families,
September is always a time when classrooms settle into routines, learning deepens, and students begin to shine in new ways. I am so proud of how our Eagles have started the year—with enthusiasm, curiosity, and kindness.
Thank you for your partnership during these first few weeks. From attending Popsicles on the Playground to navigating new schedules and procedures, your support has made a world of difference. Together, we are building a strong foundation for a year of growth and success.
This month, we will continue iReady assessments and dive into our academic routines. Students take iReady assessments in reading and math to show what they know and what they’re ready to learn next. The results guide us in providing the right support and challenge for each student. Please help your child by ensuring they are arriving to school on time each day, well-rested and ready to learn. Also, a friendly reminder that all transportation changes should be communicated to your child’s teacher and to our office at pseoffice@fz.k12.mo.us.
As both a principal and a new parent myself, I know how important these first few weeks feel. Watching my daughter take in new experiences reminds me how much trust families place in us. I want you to know how seriously we take that trust — your children are in caring, capable hands here at PSE.
We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in your child’s education.
With gratitude,
Dr. Riley Williams
Remember to:
Return your child(ren)'s Club Interest Forms ASAP. They went home Friday, Aug. 29. They are due, Friday, Sept. 5.
Continue reading nightly with your child(ren).
Read over the 25-26 Elementary Parent Handbook.
Be on the lookout for information regarding our big fundraiser, Dance-A-Thon. The kickoff date is this Friday, September 5th and will go until Friday, September 26th. Our school wide goal is to raise $30,000!
The FZSD Family Portal by Focus School Software
Fort Zumwalt uses Focus School Software to manage and share important student information. As a parent/guardian, you can use the FZSD Family Portal by Focus to view your child’s grades, attendance, and schedule, as well as to communicate directly with teachers. It is also our district’s primary communication tool. If you still need to sign up through the Parent Portal, please email pseoffice@fz.k12.mo.us, and our office professionals will provide you with step-by-step directions. Because communication is a top priority at PSE, we strongly encourage all families to download and use the FZSD Family Portal app!
Upcoming Events
Sept. 1: Labor Day; No School
Sept. 5: Dance-A-Thon Kickoff
Sept. 8-12: iReady ELA Diagnostic Window for grades K-5
Sept. 10: PTO Papa Johns Fundraiser
Sept. 11: PTO Picnic & Costume Swap 5-7pm
Sept. 16: Wagner Picture Day
Sept. 18: PTO Meeting at 6pm in the Library
Sept. 26: Dance-A-Thon
Celebrations
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our 5th grade team! Krystal Clamors (5th grade) and Sally Terrell (Special Education) earned the highest growth in the entire district on 5th grade Math MAP scores!
In addition, Kara Petty (5th grade) had an incredible 45% of her students score Advanced on the end-of-year iReady assessment — the highest percentage in the district!
Progress South ranked #1 in the district and #4 in the state for the 2024–2025 Kids Heart Challenge! Together, we raised an incredible $26,433.71 through last year’s fundraiser. A huge thank you to Sheri Palmer (P.E. teacher), for coordinating this amazing effort!
Shout out to Gina Plowman, (our Outdoor Classroom Coordinator and amazing paraprofessional)! Gina applied for and was awarded a $3,500 Whole Foods Garden Grant to support our outdoor classroom. Her hard work and dedication will help us continue growing meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities for our students.
As an administrative team, we have already made more than 90 positive phone calls to celebrate students who earned an Eagle Leader Award! These awards recognize students who go above and beyond in demonstrating leadership, kindness, and responsibility. We love sharing these moments of celebration with families and shining a spotlight on our amazing Eagles.
Classroom Spotlight
Students in Mrs. Zigler’s 5th grade class worked collaboratively in groups to generate as many mathematical expressions as possible that were greater than 1 but less than 30. Using their assigned vertical whiteboard spaces, students engaged in problem-solving while Mrs. Zigler circulated and checked in with each group.
Leader in Me – Habit of the Month: Be Proactive
This month, our Eagles are focusing on Habit 1: Be Proactive. Being proactive means taking responsibility for our own actions, choices, and attitudes. Instead of reacting to what happens around us, proactive people pause, think, and choose how they will respond. At school, this might look like a student starting their work without being asked, using kind words to solve a problem, or asking for help when they need it. At home, families can reinforce this habit by encouraging children to plan ahead, take care of their belongings, and use positive language like, “I can choose to…” instead of, “I have to…” Together, we can help our students build the skills to lead themselves and make great choices every day.
Find the cafeteria menu on our website or in the free FZ app, along with our calendars for information on Letter Days and Events. You can sync them to your calendar!
Progress South Elementary - Office Hours 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Phone - 636-272-2721
Email Dr. Riley Williams, Principal
Quick links to help you keep up with FZSD
go.FZSD.us/QuickCalendar (or the Quick Calendar button on any of our websites) connects you with the school year at a glance.
go.FZSD.us/SyncMyCalendar allows visitors to sync our website, Elementary Letter Days and Middle School Letter Days calendars to their own.
go.FZSD.us/AMIDays is updated annually with information on inclement weather schedules and procedures.
go.FZSD.us/Kindergarten connects families with information for Kindergarten Enrollment.
go.FZSD.us/CSIP provides updates on and access to our Continuous School Improvement Plan.