PSSD Family Newsletter October 2025

Posted Date: 10/02/25 (8:44 AM)

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PSSD Family Newsletter

Monthly news and updates

October 1, 2025

Dear PSSD Community,

What a wonderful month at PSSD! We are so thankful for the amazing turnout at Parent-Teacher Conferences and the Fall Festival—your support makes all the difference. As we head into Fall Break, we encourage you to stay engaged in your child’s learning journey.

Together, let’s keep working hard to SCORE in PSSD!

— Shane Paschall, Director of Schools

In this issue:

Attendance Matters

Did you know, poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade or be held back? By 6th grade, chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school (from https://www.attendanceworks.org/chronic-absence/the-problem/10-facts-about-school-attendance/).

How Can You Help?

Set Consistent Routines: Establish a regular routine for getting up, getting ready, and getting to school on time. Consistency helps kids feel more prepared and less stressed.
Talk About the Importance of School: Explain to your child why attending school is important—not just for grades, but for their future. The more they understand its value, the more likely they’ll want to go.
Address Barriers: If your child misses school due to transportation issues or family challenges, reach out to the school for support.
Stay Engaged: Stay in touch with your child’s teacher and school staff. If you notice signs of struggling, such as missed assignments or falling behind, work together to find solutions early.
Celebrate Good Attendance: Reward consistent attendance with praise or small incentives to reinforce positive behavior.

Please let me know if I can assist with attendance issues or questions concerning attendance.

Joey Brush

(731) 642-9322 ext. 3

Celebrating Our PSSD Strings & Band Students

In the Paris Special School Division, we are truly blessed to witness the extraordinary power of music education in action. Across our schools, music programs are not only alive and well — they are thriving. At the heart of this excellence are two standout initiatives: the PSSD Strings Program and the IMS band program.

The PSSD Strings Program continues to inspire students with the beauty and discipline of orchestral music. From the first pluck of a violin string to complex ensemble performances, students are immersed in an environment that fosters both technical skill and a deep appreciation for the arts. The program’s commitment to nurturing musical growth has created a supportive and enriching community where students thrive artistically and personally. Led by the talented Gioia Fazzini and assisted by Charity Pierce, our strings students particiated in Quad State at MSU this month. We are so proud of them!

Equally outstanding is the IMS Band, a program known for its energy, inclusivity, and impressive musicianship. Under the guidance of Lucy Presson and assisted by Stephen Rowlett, students at IMS don’t just learn to play instruments — they learn to collaborate, express themselves, and take pride in their collective achievements. Concerts and performances showcase not only talent but also dedication, teamwork, and the sheer joy of music-making. Our IMS Band marched in the Pioneer Day Parade, and 8th grade students got to play with the HCHS band in the pregame. We are so proud of our IMS Band!

These programs reflect the broader values of PSSD: a dedication to excellence, a belief in the potential of every student, and a recognition that music is a vital part of a well-rounded education. Whether through strings or band, students are given a chance to grow, to shine, and to be part of something truly special.

We are proud — and deeply grateful — to have such vibrant music programs in our district.

IMS STEAM Students are Engineers

At Inman Middle School, the STEAM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) is more than just a class — it’s a launchpad for creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving. With a hands-on, student-centered approach, the program empowers learners to explore, experiment, and innovate.

At the core of Inman’s STEAM curriculum is the Engineering Design Process — a dynamic cycle of Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Test, and Improve. Students are encouraged to tackle challenges by thinking like engineers: identifying problems, brainstorming solutions, building prototypes, and refining their ideas through testing and collaboration.

Whether designing bridges, building boats, or creating solutions for everyday issues, students are actively engaged in meaningful work that connects classroom learning to the world around them. This process not only builds technical skills but also fosters perseverance, teamwork, and a growth mindset.

Inman’s STEAM program is truly preparing students to be the innovators of tomorrow — and they're having a great time doing it. Through exploration and design, students aren’t just learning about the future — they’re creating it.

Check out the videos of their projects here:

Build a Boat Challenge

STEAM Tower Challenge

Bridge Building Challenge

Marble Run Challenge

Rhea Family Literacy Night a Huge Success

Family Literacy Night at Rhea School was a tremendous success, bringing together students, families, and staff for an evening filled with learning, laughter, and connection. Classrooms and common spaces buzzed with engaging literacy activities designed to spark a love of reading and strengthen home-school partnerships. Families enjoyed interactive learning stations, teacher led lessons, and take-home resources to support literacy at home. The event not only celebrated the joy of reading but also highlighted the power of community in supporting every child’s educational journey.

Fun Times at PES Fall Kickoff

Paris Elementary’s Fall Kickoff event was a fantastic evening of fun, laughter, and community spirit, thanks to the incredible support of our PES PTO and staff. Families gathered to enjoy a wide variety of activities, including exciting inflatables, classic carnival games, pies in the face, a dunking booth, a crowd-favorite cake walk, and sweet treats like cotton candy that kept everyone smiling. Thank you also to our IMS cheerleaders for volunteering to paint faces.

The event was a wonderful way to welcome the season and connect as a school community. A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated PTO and staff for organizing and running such a memorable night. Your hard work made it all possible! We are so grateful for the strong family involvement at Paris Elementary — events like this remind us how special it is to be part of this supportive and fun-loving school family.