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Principal's Message—March 5, 2026

Greetings, K-3 Parents/Guardians and Staff,

As we start moving toward spring and the final nine weeks of the 2025-2026 school year, we wanted to share a few thoughts and important reminders for students, parents and staff. You have heard for years our focus on learning for every student, every day. This focus begins with a positive school culture that is welcoming for all students. At PRSD, diversity is defined as "all the ways that people differ." Those differences have the opportunity to enrich our school and ensure that all students feel safe, connected and valued.

Respectful

The RAMS Way begins with the "R" of Respect. Here are some key concepts that we firmly believe in as a district:

  • We want to build each other up.
  • We want to treat others with dignity and respect.
  • We want to find ways to connect all students to their school in some way.

We have had instances of some students at this age level making inappropriate comments related to the following, none of which is tolerated in our district:

  • We will not tolerate bullying, name-calling, or making fun of someone based on their physical appearance (e.g., skin color, hair, body, clothing/style choices).
  • We will not tolerate inappropriate comments related to a person's gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.
  • We will not tolerate the use of inappropriate sexual comments, including talk about private parts of the body.
  • We will not tolerate the use of inappropriate comments or actions related to a person's religious beliefs, including antisemitism or for a person who does not have any religious beliefs.
  • We will not tolerate disrespect to students with disabilities.

Accountable

We have so much to be proud of at our primary schools. The vast majority of our students are making good choices on a daily basis. However, it is critical for us to clearly reinforce that negative comments and slurs—about any of the above areas—are completely unacceptable. They are hurtful to the individual(s) and create an environment that is the opposite of what we want. Each person must be "A" Accountable for their actions. In order to maintain our positive school culture, we ask that all students, families and staff members feel confident stepping in and standing up for others being mistreated and reporting these interactions immediately to an adult at home and school to allow intervention and support.

Technology

For many years, we have discussed the fact that technology brings both "possibilities and pitfalls."

  • Cell Phones: Thank you to students and staff for supporting our no cell phones policy.
  • Artificial Intelligence: While to a lesser degree at the elementary levels, we are also beginning to see the use of artificial intelligence in our academic work. We must maintain academic integrity in our work and in the learning process. The role of artificial intelligence in school work—if allowed on an assignment—will be clarified by our staff and will occur mainly at the secondary levels.

Motivated and Safe

Tied to the "M" and "S" of Motivated and Safe, we also want to encourage decisions that promote physical and mental health.

  • Healthy Habits: Get enough sleep! Try to incorporate exercise and healthy eating habits.
  • Planning: Plan and prioritize your work to help avoid last-minute stress. We want each of these end-of-year experiences to be positive and healthy.

We share all of these messages and reminders because we care about each of our students, our families and our school. We have had so many positives this year in academics, athletics, arts, music, theatre and other activities. We will reinforce the topics in this letter through announcements and small group discussions. If you have concerns about anything, please contact your child's school. Children should talk to parents or an adult at school. Safe2Say is always available to report concerns anonymously.

Let's have an awesome finish to the year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Paula Giran, Principal of Hance Elementary School

Mrs. Jenna Rucker, Principal of Richland Elementary School

Mrs. Kelly Gustafson, Principal of Wexford Elementary School

Dr. Maura Paczan, Director of Student Services

Dr. Kristen Justus, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education and Curriculum

Dr. Brian Miller, Superintendent