The Pine Bough
Pine River Elementary School Newsletter, April 2018
April Calendar
April is Autism Awareness Month
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability. The signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes. Some of the behaviors associated with autism include delayed learning of language; difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills and sensory sensitivities. Again, a person on the spectrum might present many of these behaviors or just a few, or many others besides. The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is applied based on analysis of all behaviors and their severity.
Having autism and going to school can be challenging. Many students with autism struggle with transitions, changes in schedules, noises, and other aspects of the school day that most students can navigate through easily. As a school community, we need to be sensitive to the needs of those students to best support them. Our goal this month is to educate all of our students and staff about autism and how to better accept, support, and encourage those with autism. A wonderful video (embedded below) is a brief, animated film that simply and brilliantly introduces autism to elementary children. We are sharing it with our students, and you might find it interesting and informative as you join us in developing a better understanding of autism.
Winter After School Enrichment Program Success!
Daddy Daughter Dance Registration Form
M-STEP Testing
Our students in grades 3-5 will take the M-STEP or MI-Access test this spring. The results from the tests help us measure how well our students are acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to meet future academic and workplace demands. At Pine River, we use this information, along with classroom data, to improve instruction. The M-STEP results also provide valuable information to parents on their child’s academic achievement.
We want all of our students to perform at their best on the M-STEP or MI-Access. Teachers have been working hard to help students become familiar with the online format of the test, and our upper elementary students have become very proficient in using computers, in general, to learn and demonstrate knowledge. On your student’s testing days, please make sure that s/he is present and well-rested. Providing a healthy breakfast and encouragement will help your child be physically and mentally prepared for the testing, as well.
Following is our M-STEP schedule:
Fifth Grade
Wednesday, April 11 - ELA
Thursday, April 12 - Math
Tuesday, April 17 - Science
Wednesday, April 18 - Social Studies
Fourth Grade
Tuesday, May 1 - ELA
Wednesday, May 2 - Math
Third Grade
Tuesday, May 15 - ELA
Wednesday, May 16 - Math
The MI-Access test will be administered to students on various days as it fits into their schedules.
Together, we will make the M-STEP and MI-Access testing experience smooth and successful for our students!
The Lemonade War
Administrative Professionals Day!
Spring Field Trips
Mother Son Bowling Fun!
Flint Regional Science Fair Winners!
Rylee Schneider, Cameron Spezia, and Emma Terhune participated in the Flint Regional Science Fair at Kettering University. Rylee and Cameron both placed fourth, and each received a trophy, $150, a certificate, and a bag of prizes. Cameron also received the Matthew Bauerle Mathematics Award for his project. Emma earned sixth place recognition and a $50 gift card.
Thank you to Mr. Gary Griffin for facilitating this experience for our students and for coaching and supporting them through the entire process. This experience was a great opportunity for our students!
Spring Concert Fun!
Book Fair
Loose Change Challenge
Classroom Placement Consideration Forms
Winners of Dr. Brieden's Teeth-Brushing Challenge!
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 goes above and beyond his/her role as a student.
- Student has made significant 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.
Kindergarten
Ms. Duda's Class: Jack Galliker and Ally Roberts
Mrs. Schneider's Class: Clara Schneider and Mira Fraley
First Grade
Mrs. Jensen's Class: Lainey Ball and Rylee McClure
Mrs. Wise's Class: Abbi Fahner and Isabella Parrotta
Second Grade
Mrs. Kenyon's Class: Lyllian Williams and Johnny Kiger
Mrs. Williams' Class: Reese Robinson and Lydia Stockwell
Third Grade
Mrs. Koprivica's Class: Mason Sagan and Ella Lanfear
Ms. Peterson's Class: Braden Tabor and Amanda Barber
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Huston's Class: Cecilia Zimmer and Truman Jarsma
Mrs. Ursitti's Class: Mason Brenner and Laila Yost
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Beach's Class: Danica Krause and Caiden Lohr
Mr. Griffin's Class: Allane Stamplis and Avery Cody
Mrs. Cousino's Class: Michael (Jamie) Gilbert
Mrs. VanderMeulen's Class: P.J. Will
Mrs. Duda's Class: Luciana Meldrum and Abel Justice
Mrs. Schneider's Class: Ellie Gander and Evan Reed
Mrs. Jensen's Class: Ethan Brinker and Dameion Lebeau
Mrs. Wise's Class: Tayler Hamilton and Riley Teague
Mrs. Kenyon's Class: Johnny Kiger and Zoey Mills
Mrs. Williams' Class: Jordan Johnson and Amelia Shah
Mrs. Koprivica's Class: Ethan Gilroy and Bryce Moran
Mrs. Peterson's Class: Hunter Freeland and Meah Markel
Mrs. Huston's Class: Hailey Will and Tim Reuba
Mrs. Ursitti's Class: Shaylynn Korte and Kaden Pruehs
Mrs. Beach's Class: Ellie Dano and Aiden Noel
Mr. Griffin's Class: Nolan Kolarik and Shelby Parker
Mrs. Cousino's Class: Jamie Gilbert
Mrs. VanderMeulen's Class: Elijah Naylor
Skyward Family Access
Family Access Main Page
Once you login, the main page of Family Access will appear. The sections below outline the various areas within Family Access.
At the top of the screen, you will see the name of your child. If you have more than one child in the school district, you can click on the drop-down arrow to select other children.
Account Information
In the upper right hand corner of the screen in the Account Info. button. This button can be used to change your login password or add/edit your email address. Please review and make sure all information is correct.
Link on the Main Page
Click on the different links on the left side of the page to view the variety of information offered for your child.
How to Generate Your Child's Report Card
- Click on the Portfolio button on the left side.
- Choose the Quarter number of the desired report card.
- Wait for the report card to be generated.
- Click View Report.
How to Find Class Grades
- Click on the Gradebook button on the left side.
- Click on Display options.
- Click Show Current Term Only.
How to Find Missing Assignments
- Click on the Gradebook button on the left side.
- Click on Show All.
- Click Show Only for Current Term.
Pioneer Code of Conduct
Kind,
Courteous,
Respectful,
Responsible,
and always Safe!
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.
Pine River Elementary is dedicated to the belief that all students can learn and achieve through the combined efforts of the staff, parents, students, and community.