Students at PES enjoyed an immersive, hands-on learning experience by bringing an inflatable planetarium to Paris Elementary School for all 5th-grade students. This unique opportunity allowed students to explore space in an engaging, visual way that deepened their understanding of astronomy concepts such as planetary motion, constellations, and the relationship between the Earth, moon, and sun. The experience sparked curiosity and made abstract science standards come to life in a memorable and meaningful way.

In addition, we hosted a family engagement event, “Under the Stars,” which extended learning beyond the classroom and strengthened our school-community connection. Families enjoyed three planetarium shows and participated in interactive activities, including a “shoot the moon” game and planet-themed challenges led by Discovery Park. Dr. Steve Elliott from UTM, along with his students, provided hands-on demonstrations about light wavelengths and atmospheric gases, while also guiding families in exploring a model solar system. This event not only reinforced student learning but also created an exciting, shared experience that encouraged curiosity, collaboration, and a love of science within our school community.

A big thank you to the PLUS Grant Committee for making this all possible!

Students from PES recently enjoyed an exciting and well-deserved reward trip to Discovery Park as a celebration of their hard work, positive behavior, and dedication throughout the school year.

The trip gave students an opportunity to relax, have fun, and make lasting memories with classmates and teachers outside of the classroom. From exploring the playgrounds and interactive spaces to enjoying time together outdoors, students displayed excellent behavior throughout the day.

The reward trip was more than just a fun outing — it was a celebration of the character, responsibility, and effort these students have shown all year long. Teachers and staff were proud of the way students represented PES while supporting one another and enjoying the experience together.

A special thank you goes to the faculty, staff, and families who helped make the trip possible. Opportunities like these continue to strengthen relationships, encourage positive choices, and create meaningful experiences for our students.

The performing arts continue to shine across PSSD as students showcase their incredible musical talents through the district’s outstanding strings, chorus, and band programs. From the first notes of a concert to the final applause, our students consistently demonstrate dedication, creativity, and passion for music.

The strings program continues to impress audiences with beautiful performances that highlight both technical skill and teamwork. Students work tirelessly to master their instruments while learning the value of discipline and collaboration.

Beyond the music itself, these programs help students build leadership skills, confidence, and responsibility. The dedication of our music educators, families, and students continues to create opportunities for growth and success both inside and outside the classroom.

We are proud of the many talented musicians across PSSD and grateful for the positive impact these programs have on our schools and community.