February Pinckney Pulse
February 9th, 2024
~Principal's Message~
Greetings!
As we begin our second semester, I am thrilled to share the unfolding chapters of our journey at Community Connections at Pinckney through our newly launched monthly newsletter, Pinckney Pulse. The pulse of our building continues to beat with a harmonious blend of enthusiasm and dedication, evident in the myriad of activities and initiatives that keep our school spirit alive. We will share a glimpse of that with you here.
Our semester began with a special visit from state board members and Dr. Lewis. Their visit was a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the innovative strides we are making in education and student support. It's always a pleasure to open our doors and share the incredible work happening within these walls.
The Transition Chronicles will illuminate the real-world experiences of our students, through thoughtful Q&As and reflections. These excerpts will provide a glimpse into the real-world skills and confidence our students are gaining every day. Our school-based enterprise is getting started, and we expect it to thrive, embodying our ethos of practical, hands-on learning.
Health and wellness remain a priority, so stay tuned for updates from our Nurse News section with initiatives like our recent free dental screening for students as a part of the Healthy Futures Mobile Dental Clinic through Heartland Community Health Center, reflecting our holistic approach to student care.
I'm grateful for the commitment and energy of our entire school community, which continues to drive us forward as we find innovative ways to support our students, who are indeed the heart and soul of our school. Here's to a semester of learning, achievement, and community spirit! - Jenna
Jenna V. speaking with Kansas State Board of Education Members during their tour of Community Connections at Pinckney!
Our Project Search friends getting their dental screening at our first dental clinic!
~C-Tran Clubs~
We are excited about our club offerings this 9 weeks! All are engaging and designed to build on important skills in a fun environment. The Cooking Club, partnered with the Douglas County Extension Office, teaches youth about healthy eating and culinary skills. In Animation Club, students will explore storytelling and character development in short animations, enhancing their creative and analytical skills. Puzzle Club offers a relaxing space for developing problem-solving and teamwork abilities. Lastly, Creator's Corner is all about fostering innovation and technical skills in crafting and design, also introducing basic entrepreneurial concepts. Each club is a unique opportunity for students to grow and learn in an exciting and supportive setting.
~Nurse News~
February is National Heart Health Month! You have the power to take action that can protect you from heart disease. Small heart-healthy actions like exercising and choosing healthy foods can help protect our hearts! Find more tips here.
COVID-19 and Flu Resources
I want to share some exciting news. The Home Test to Treat program, as announced by the National Institutes of Health, is now providing free testing, telehealth consultations, and treatment for COVID-19 and the flu to eligible adults nationwide. Originally launched as a pilot program for COVID-19 in January, this initiative extends its services to include influenza.
Any eligible adult with a current positive test for COVID-19 or the flu can enroll in the program to receive complimentary telehealth care and prescribed medications delivered directly to their homes. Additionally, adults without COVID-19 or flu symptoms can participate by enrolling to receive free at-home tests that detect both viruses. This option is available for those uninsured or enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Affairs health care system, or Indian Health Services.
~The Transition Chronicles~
School-Based Enterprise Launch-
Prior to Winter Break, we launched our school-based enterprises in a "soft-opening," which received great support from staff at the ESC as well as building staff. We are excited to report that the sale of house plants, potholders, upcycled t-shirt tote bags, and various student-crafted items was a success, generating a profit of nearly $400! This far surpassed our expectations, and we are so excited to host another sale in the coming weeks with even more houseplants we have grown here in our building, as well as potholders, garden art, and various other items crafted or inspired by our students! Stay tuned for more details soon! – Jennifer
Student Spotlight: Gaining Work Experience-
Here is an interview with student Charlie Burk, who will answer some questions about his work experiences he’s had while at C-Tran and during his summer paid work-based learning experience through the Pre-ETS program. Charlie is currently working at Woodlawn Elementary, which is extra exciting because he is a Woodlawn Riverhawk! ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
~Event Announcements~
CHECK THIS OUT!
~Important Dates 📆~
Friday, March 1st- NO SCHOOL(EC-12)
Friday, March 8th- NO SCHOOL(EC-12)
Monday, March 11th - Friday, March 15th- NO SCHOOL; SPRING BREAK
Friday, March 15th- DISTRICT CLOSED