
The Pine Bough
Pine River School Newsletter, May 2023
May 8 - 12, 2023
A Tribute to Our Teachers
In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, let's take a moment to reflect on the incredible work of our teachers at Pine River! In my opinion, our teachers are heroes who work silently, changing and impacting the lives of our students without any need for acknowledgment. They were never in this job for money or prestige. Their work as educators has always been about the students because the teaching profession is a calling, a purpose.
As this school year is winding down and students, families, and teachers are feeling a bit exhausted, let us take time to recognize the great work and sacrifices that our teachers have made throughout the year for our students. In addition to taking up the task of educating students, they have guided them through daily obstacles and have played a part in shaping who they are and who they are yet to be.
I feel lucky to have the unique perspective in which I see on a daily basis these special small moments when teachers go out of their ways to impact individual students. In my role, I see our teachers working tirelessly to create and deliver interesting and high-quality lessons as well as providing essential social-emotional support so students are ready to learn. Our teachers spend long hours planning, preparing, communicating, and evaluating before and after school, at home, and on weekends. Our teachers know their students inside and out, almost as well as parents, providing strategies and instruction tailored to each child. They divide their time among dozens of students, pouring their hearts into developing each child to his or her greatest potential as a learner and a person. Our teachers care for and love our students.
Pine River families, I encourage you to take a moment to acknowledge the efforts of our teachers. Because we are all so busy, we often only reach out to teachers when there is a problem or concern. Let us take a moment in May to celebrate the work and dedication of our incredible teachers. Brighten a teacher’s day with one or more of these compliments:
- Thank you. It is simple, but meaningful. People in education do not hear this often enough.
- We appreciate you. Teachers do not just teach students. They prepare them for life. Saying you appreciate them reminds teachers that their impact goes beyond the classroom.
- You deserve a break. Remind our teachers to recharge their batteries and take care of themselves.
- Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. Our teachers give up their personal and family time to attend meetings, prepare lessons, communicate with families, and grade student work. Tell them their extra work means a lot to you. That compliment will mean a lot to them.
From now until the end of the school year, let us support our teachers by working together and cheering them on. Their work is so important because it impacts our students and the future.
Sincerely,
Rachel Card, Principal
School Lunch Hero Day - May 5
Thank you to our cooks, Cindy Macuga as well as our lunch aides including Michelle Askew, Rayann Ingles, Tabatha McConnell, Angie Rock, and Marilyn Spranger. They serve a nutritious lunch and help students refuel and recharge during the middle of the school day!
National School Nurse Day - May 11
May 11th has been designated National School Nurse Day. Pine River is thankful for school nurse, Karrie Mackie, who spends every Thursday morning checking in on students with health needs and being on call to treat occasional boo boos. We appreciate Karrie's care for our Pioneers!
Child Care Provider Appreciation Day - May 12
May 12 is Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, and we are honoring our Latchkey caregivers, Vanessa Rice and Nikki Spranger. They work hard to make our Latchkey program a fun, safe, and welcoming place for our students!
Summer School
The district's summer learning program, Summer Scholars, will be offered to students who qualify based on assessment data and teacher recommendations. We are in the process of identifying the students, and families will receive invitation letters very soon.
The Golden Dustpan Award
For the month of April, Mrs. McNeill's class earned this prestigious honor! Keep up the great work keeping your classrooms clean, Pioneers!
Positivity Project Resources for Families
The mission of The Positivity Project is to empower students to build positive relationships with others and be their best selves as individuals. Each week at Pine River, we focus on one of the 24 character strengths that everyone possesses. Through lessons presented daily by their teachers, our students learn to be more self aware and self confident in the content of their own character. In addition, they learn to understand and appreciate these character traits in others. Together, we are building meaningful relationships and connections with one another that are essential for learning and growing.
Below is a link to resources to help our families support The Positivity Project at home.
Skyward Family Access
Pioneers of the Month
All of our students strive to be motivated learners, as well as model citizens. Each month we will honor students from each class who exemplify the following qualities:
Academic
- Student prepares for classroom activities.
- Student approaches learning with enthusiasm.
- Student has made steady progress in the classroom.
- Student has been working to his/her potential.
- Student completes all assignments and homework.
- Student has a good work ethic and is diligent.
Leadership/ Citizenship/ Character
- Student demonstrates respect of self and others.
- Student assists others in need.
- Student shows acts of kindness.
- Student demonstrates a positive attitude.
- Student displays good conduct.
- Student is a positive role model by example.
- Student participates and puts forth full effort in all areas.
- Student follows school rules.
Young Fives/Kindergarten
Mrs. Guzowski's Class: Cameron Schroeder
Ms. Brosky's Class: Averie Nicolai and Reese Galliker
Mrs. Malburg's Class: Cami Lee and Finn Gibson
Mrs. Schneider's Class: Maylani Wojcik and Owen Burmistrzak
First Grade
Mrs. Bean's Class: Maci Roberts and Camden Avila
Mrs. Jensen's Class: George Cottrell and Ellie McCabe
Mrs. Trudeau's Class: Nova LaPlante and Iris Thomas
Second Grade
Mrs. Gorski's Class: Ariana Snay and Carter DeRue
Mrs. Kenyon's Class: Westen Bigger and Kylie Norris
Mrs. McNeill's Class: Raelynn Lumley and Avery Calnan
Third Grade
Ms. Dewey's Class: James Leslie and Leah Straub
Mrs. Dodge's Class: Brayden Schroeder and Avery Valdez
Mrs. Wahl's Class: Lilliana Simpson and Cain Fraley
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Huston's Class: Sophiia Oliver and Carleigh Alex
Ms. Jakiel's Class: Colin Blake and Kaia Schindler
Mrs. Ursitti's Class: Lily Delore and Claire Middel
C.I. Class
Mrs. Kierszykowski's Class: Colton Baker and Harper Benavidez
Pioneers of the Month will be honored at our STARS assembly on Monday, May 1, at 2:45 p.m. in the gym. Parents of those students being recognized are welcome to attend. Please check in at the office first.
Yard Sign Pickup
Good Behavior Tickets and Prizes
Mission: The mission of the Pine River school community is to work collaboratively, providing an enriched curriculum that allows for intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and creative growth in a positive and safe environment, empowering all children to become productive lifelong learners.