Dear PESD Families,

November is a month that invites us to reflect, give thanks, and connect more deeply with one another. It is also Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and acknowledge the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land for generations. In our region, the Luiseño (Payomkawichum) people and other Indigenous communities remind us of the importance of community, gratitude, and respect for one another and the earth.

This spirit of gratitude and understanding is also reflected in what our students are learning this month through the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Superpower of Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Developing empathy helps build belonging, kindness, and a culture where Everybody Belongs, Everybody Leads, and Everybody Succeeds.

Families can help nurture empathy at home in simple but meaningful ways by asking children how others might feel, listening with care, and modeling compassion. Below are some resources to help you reinforce what your child is learning at school.

As we celebrate this season of gratitude and Thanksgiving, let us also carry forward the lessons of empathy and respect that Native American Heritage Month teaches us. On behalf of everyone at Perris Elementary School District, thank you for the care, support, and encouragement you show our students each day.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and restful Thanksgiving.

With gratitude,

Bruce Bivins, Superintendent

This month, students across Perris Elementary are focusing on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Superpower of Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Through class discussions, songs, and hands-on activities, students are learning to recognize emotions in themselves and others, see situations from different perspectives, and put empathy into action through kind words and caring choices.

Empathy is a skill that builds belonging and strengthens relationships. When students practice empathy, they learn to listen with care, include others, and respond with compassion—creating classrooms where Everybody Belongs, Everybody Leads, and Everybody Succeeds.

Families can nurture empathy at home by asking questions like, “How do you think they felt?” or “What can we do to help?” Small conversations like these help children grow as caring, confident leaders.

 Learn more about teaching empathy at home:

ZERO TO THREE: How to Help Your Child Develop Empathy

PBS KIDS: Empathy and Kindness Activities

Scholastic: Teaching Kids Empathy Through Books

During Hispanic Heritage Month, schools across PESD created beautiful cultural displays and student activities that brought learning to life. The effort, creativity, and pride shown by every site made this districtwide celebration unforgettable.

Congratulations to this year’s top winners: Innovative Horizons, Railway, and Skyview Academy. All schools were also recognized for excellence in areas such as cultural displays, student participation, creativity, digital tools, performance, and decoration.

Thank you to all staff and students for helping us celebrate our community’s rich heritage and for fostering joyful spaces

From November 17 to 21, students across PESD will take center stage during Student-Led Conferences, sharing their progress, goals, and areas for growth with their families.

These conferences build confidence and self-advocacy in students, one of our district’s six SEL Superpowers, and bring the Perris Promise to life.

Students are proud to share their learning, and families leave inspired by their child’s leadership, growth, and voice in their education. Look out for more information from your school about conference times and details.

Clearwater Elementary will host this year’s Annual Science Olympiad Tournament this Saturday, November 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Students from Perris Elementary School will also join in the competition this year.

More than 30 students will showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills in events such as the Egg Drop, Rubber Band Catapult, and more. Families and community members are invited to attend, cheer on our young scientists, and watch the experiments in action.

At the end of the day, medals will be awarded to the top three teams in each event, and winners will advance to the regional competition. This hands-on experience brings science learning to life and celebrates how our students are leading, exploring, and succeeding together.

Congratulations to the Perris Elementary School District parents who recently completed the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Project 2-INSPIRE program at Palms, Good Hope, and Enchanted Hills Elementary Schools.

Project 2-INSPIRE is a family engagement and leadership development program that empowers parents to take an active role in their children’s education at school, at home, and in the community. Through a three-level training system, families progress from Awareness to Mastery to Expert, gaining practical tools to support student learning and strengthen partnerships between home and school.

Each year, parents who complete the lessons, assignments, and participation goals for their level are recognized and celebrated at a graduation ceremony. Many graduates continue their learning journey by returning as instructors, known as maestros, to guide and inspire the next group of parents.

Congratulations to our parents and much appreciation for everyone who works hard to make this program possible. 

Our Saturday School Enrichment Program is a great resource for families who want to give their children extra opportunities to learn and grow. Open to all students, sessions run from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and include breakfast and lunch.

Mornings feature hands-on lessons in STEM, literacy, and study trips, while afternoons offer engaging activities through our Elevo partnership. Saturday Schools are part of our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program and are one of the many ways we make sure every student succeeds.

Families are encouraged to check with their school’s main office for upcoming dates and registration details.

Earlier this year, kindergarteners at Clearwater Elementary began learning to ride bikes right on campus through the All Kids Bike program. This fun, hands-on experience helps students build balance, coordination, and confidence while staying active and healthy.

Our goal is to expand this opportunity so every kindergartner across PESD can learn to ride. With help from families, community partners, and donors, we can make that goal a reality.

If you would like to contribute, please visit the link below to learn how you can help every child experience the joy of riding.

November 15, 2025: Science Olympiad @ Clearwater Elementary

November 20, 2025: Thanksgiving Feast

November 17-21, 2025: Parent / Student Led Conference Week

November 24-28, 2025: Thanksgiving Recess

December 6, 2025: Saturday School 

December 9, 2025: Science and Engineering Fair @ IHCS

December 19 - January 9, 2025: Winter Recess

December 22 - January 9, 2025: Winter Recess (IHCS Only)

@PerrisESD