Pioneer Trail Elementary
January 2020 Parent Newsletter
PRINCIPAL'S NOTE
Thank you for your partnership with us in helping your kids be the best they can be! As always, let us know if you have any questions about anything!
PARENTING CORNER....RAISING CARING, COURAGEOUS KIDS
Parents want to raise kind, thoughtful children, but few feel like they know precisely how to do that. That's why the Greater Good Science Center developed a fun new video series: Raising Caring, Courageous Kids.
The series, which is designed for mobile devices and social media, focuses on how parents can encourage nine character strengths:
Meet our Specials Teachers (Art, Library, Music, and P.E.)
MRS. MORRIS - ART
My name is Mrs. Morris and I am the art educator at Pioneer Trail Elementary. I love being a Gray Wolf!
This is my 5th year teaching at Pioneer Trail. I received my bachelor's degree in Art Education from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. I also received my master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Angelo State University. When I'm not teaching art you can find me hiking and biking with my husband and our little boy, Theo!
Art teaches so many things including self confidence, hand-eye coordination, interpersonal skills, and problem solving. My goal is for my classroom to always be a safe place for your student to create and share. Please hang up your student's art at home, too - proud parents make for confident and inspired young artists!
MRS. DAMPF - LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST
Excited to be working on my second year as the Pioneer Trail Librarian Media Specialist. I look forward to sharing my love of reading with all of our students here at PT!
My husband, Danny, and I have three children. Halie is almost 22, and a senior in the Journalism School at MU. Molly is 19, and beginning her second year at MU. Isaac is beginning his sophomore year at Russellville High School. Georgia is our "fourth child" - our yellow lab brings a lot of joy to our family. We live on the family farm between Russellville and California.
MR. BERHORST - MUSIC
My name is Mr. Andrew Berhorst and I am totally excited for year number two at Pioneer Trail. I was born here in Jefferson City but I was, however, raised in Linn. For those of you who do not know Linn is a small town of twelve-hundred people about twenty minutes east of Jefferson City. Linn is also the town I currently call home. When I graduated high school in 2008 I decided to take my talents (yes that was a LeBron James reference) to Bolivar, MO and Southwest Baptist University; the home of the Bearcats! Five years later in 2013 I found myself walking up to the podium a proud graduate of SBU with a Bachelor of Music degree in K-12 Music Education with vocal and instrumental certifications. Quite a mouthful there I know. Year one was a wonderful learning experience for both the kids and myself. I'm excited to take what I've learned and apply it to year two.
This summer I was finally able to do some traveling. I went to visit my sister who currently resides in Huntsville, AL. I spent a week there getting to know the area and hanging out with my sister and my brother-in-law while helping them with the new house they just bought. Also, I hopped on a plane for the first time in my life and I flew out to Spokane, WA. My best friend and roommate from college got married this summer and it was the first time I had seen him since 2012! It was absolutely a wonderful experience. Finally, I became engaged myself. Next summer I will be marrying my beautiful fiancé starting our own paths together.
MS. MCCOLLUM - PHYSICAL EDUCATION
My name is Ashley McCollum and I am the Physical Education and Health teacher at Pioneer Trail. I am very, very excited for this school year!
I was born in Trenton, Missouri, but have lived in Jefferson City since I was in second grade. I graduated from Helias Catholic High School and attended Truman State University, in Kirksville, and Lincoln University, in Jefferson City. I graduated in 2014 with my B.S. Ed in Physical Education. I am also certified in Health Education and Elementary Education. This is my fifth year teaching. I am so ready for another GREAT school year!
Fun Facts About Me:
- I have 2 younger brothers.
- My favorite color is yellow, followed closely by orange!
- Hobbies include: baking and reading.
- I am a regular in the Starbucks coffee line.
- Target is my HAPPY PLACE!
- My favorite sweet is M&M cookies.
- I LOVE bananas.
- I have participated in a triathlon.
- I have rappelled off the Jefferson Building for Special Olympics.
My Physical Education teaching philosophy is: Be Active, Have Fun, Show Respect, and Always Learn.
UPCOMING JANUARY/FEBRUARY EVENTS
Friday, January 31st - Monthly Awards Assembly
Monday, February 3 - PTO Meeting - 6:30 PM (Library)
Monday, February 10 - Friday, February 14 - Great Kindness Challenge Week
Wednesday, February 12 - Two Hour Early Release (12:45)
Friday, February 14 - Valentine Day Parties - 1:30
Monday, February 17 - No School
Friday, February 21 - PTO Mouse Race Fundraiser Event
Friday, February 28 - Monthly Awards Assembly
2020-2021 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION INFORMATION
2020-2021 Kindergarten Students
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION WILL BE OPENING SOON! CLICK HERE TO BE ADDED TO OUR MAILING LIST!
Do you have questions about the kindergarten registration process? Check out these frequently asked questions.
OPTION 1
Step 1: Begin the enrollment process utilizing our online registration system by clicking on the link below.
New Student Online Registration (not available at this time)
Once the online registration application is submitted, you will immediately receive an email as confirmation acknowledging receipt of your application.
Step 2: Once your application is processed, you will receive a second email with a link to schedule an appointment to complete Step 3. Please allow 15 business days to process the application. Appointments are located at 315 E. Dunklin Street.
Step 3: Bring the required enrollment documents (see below) to your appointment at the JCPS Welcome Center.
***If you do not have access to the internet, you can complete your student's enrollment on a computer at the Welcome Center. ***
OPTION 2
If you do not wish to utilize our online registration system, please print and complete the following enrollment packet and return it along with the required enrollment documents (see below) to the JCPS Welcome Center at 315 E. Dunklin St. Walk ins are served on a first come first served basis.
2020-2021 Kindergarten Enrollment Packet (not available at this time)
Items Required for Kindergarten Enrollment:
• Student’s birth certificate (state issued original, no photocopies accepted)
• Immunization records
• Any legal documents pertaining to the student (custody papers, guardianship documents, ex parte orders, etc.)
• Your photo ID
• Two proofs of residency dated within the last 45 days that include the parent/legal guardian's name and address:
*Utility bill
*Cable/satellite bill
*Land line phone bill
*Signed housing contract/lease
*DFS or Social Services document
*Paycheck stub
Children must be 5 years old before August 1, 2020 to register.
***Online registration applications should be filled out by parents/legal guardians only. If you have a student living with you for whom you are not the parent/legal guardian, please contact our office at (573) 659-3043 before proceeding.***
For more information, call the Office of Student Information, Planning and Assessment at 573-659-3043.
DIFFERENCE MAKERS
Difference Makers are those who go above and beyond to serve our students, staff, and schools. We need your help in identifying those individuals, teams, or groups who have made a difference in our district. Please use the button below to share your Difference Maker's story. We are specifically looking for Difference Makers tied to the JCPS organizational pillars: Learning, Partnerships, and Stewardship.
While we will thank all who are nominated, some will be recognized monthly at the Board of Education meeting.
HELPFUL HINTS FROM THE OFFICE
- To ensure the safety of our students, we will always follow the set routine for your child to go home from Pioneer Trail unless we have a note or phone call from you. Please call no later than 1:45 pm.
- If your child will be absent, please notify the office as soon as possible at 632-3400.
- When dropping your child off in the morning, please remain in your vehicle. If you need to exit your vehicle, please pull into a parking space so that the flow of traffic is not disrupted.
- If you are dropping your child off after 7:45, please walk them inside and sign them in.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP!!