The Pine Bough
Pine River Elementary School Newsletter, January 2020
January Calendar
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! It is exciting to welcome all of the students back at school, ready to learn!
As we begin 2020 and near the halfway point of the school year, I thought it might be helpful to share my thoughts on how we can continue to forge a positive relationship, focused on the success of your student. In that spirit, I offer the following statements:
Count on me...
- To exhibit a caring attitude and positive regard for all of our students.
- To visibly demonstrate my belief that every student can learn and grow.
- To maintain high expectations for academics, behavior, and citizenship.
- To listen carefully and investigate any concerns fully.
- To ensure that discipline is a teaching and learning experience.
- To return your phone call or email within 12 hours.
- To be available for any appointment scheduled through Mrs. Rybarczyk.
- To constantly research and develop strategies to improve educational practices and remove barriers to opportunities for our students.
I'll Count on you...
- To realize my focus as the building leader is to make decisions that are in the best interest of all my students.
- To support my daily priority of observing teaching and learning in classrooms, understanding that means I may not be immediately available in the office when you stop in.
- To be an integral member of our team in supporting our students and collaborating with our staff.
- To understand I will be unable to disclose information about other students to you.
- To contact the adult closest to your concern first--a teacher or bus driver before coming immediately to the administrator.
- To share your time and talents to benefit our students and school community.
In highly effective teams, members have expectations and roles that are clear for them and readily understood. This helps the team function at the highest level. As you and I work as a team to support your student's experience for the rest of this school year, I invite your questions or comments about the above guiding principles.
I look forward to continuing a successful year together!
Your Principal,
Rachel Card
Thank You from the Office
Thank you again!
Mrs. Card, Mrs. Rybarczyk, and Mrs. Stockwell
East China Schools Give Back During Holidays
Winter Enrichment Program
Bond 2020
After the May 2019 bond was defeated, the school district set out to understand and listen to what the community felt. A survey was conducted of voters and many conversations with community members took place to listen and truly understand what happened. Using that feedback, the District began the process of redeveloping a bond program that would meet the guiding principles established by our strategic planning committees and our bond steering committees. The guiding principles that the committees developed include:
- Safety enhancements for our school buildings
- Upgraded technology district-wide
- Increased opportunities for our students
- Infrastructure upgrades leading to operational efficiency
- Along with respect for community traditions and spirit.
A new bond program proposal was developed that meets the above mentioned guiding principles. Highlights of the new bond proposal include:
- Two High Schools remain at their current locations
- Infrastructure, technology, and security upgrades remain a focus of the 2020 program
- Exciting program opportunities are expanded for students
- Overall Bond Scope has been reduced by 25%, thus reducing the impact to taxpayers.
Please review the information included in the ECSD Bond 2020 FAQ document (linked below) concerning the upcoming bond election. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our superintendent.
Gymnastics Stars
Third Grade Hearth of Warmth Clothing Drive
The third grade classes collected 551 items for Kid In Distress Services through the Hearth of Warmth clothing drive! Mrs. Koprivica's class collected the most items (180), Mrs. Dodge's collected the second most items (80), and Mrs. Schneider's class collected the third most items (54). The three classes received a Polar Express Hot Chocolate Party to celebrate their efforts in helping kids in need.
Martin Luther King Day of Service
Monday, January 20th, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and also a National Day of Service. As a service project this year, we have chosen to raise funds for the World Wildlife Fund as they help to save the habitats of many Australian animals affected by the devastating bush fires. Specifically, the habitat of the koala bear is being threatened.
Pine River will be having a Hat Day on January 20th. Students can wear a hat if they bring in a donation for the WWF.
Below is pasted a link to learn what the WWF is doing to aide Australian wildlife.
Thank you to Mrs. Beth Trudeau, one of our first grade teachers, for spearheading this service project!
Skyward App
After downloading/installing the free Skyward Mobile Access from the Apple store or Google Play, the next step is to look up East China School District by GPS location, zip code, or district name. Once found, simply click the appropriate district and enter your Skyward login and password information. The connection information is then stored on your mobile device so you are automatically connected and your account is authenticated each time you click on the Skyward Mobile Access icon.
A Skyward Family Access account is first required to access the system, which you may request by contacting Lisa Volkman at the East China Central Office. Once you have your Family Access login and password, you will be able to access your child's records through Skyward Mobile Access.
December 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.
Kindergarten
Mrs. Jones' Class: Raeann Thoel and Hayden McIntyre-Keller
Mrs. Malburg's Class: Leah Straub and Skylar Coomer
Mrs. Schneider's Class: Emilia Gander and Collin Taszreak
First Grade
Mrs. Jensen's Class: Lauren Bowen and Owen Culloty
Mrs. Trudeau's Class: Mirra Whitenton and Aurora Dionne
Mrs. Wise's Class: Gwen Franks and Michael Romeo
Second Grade
Mrs. Kenyon's Class: Isabella Smedley and Michael Kavanaugh
Mrs. McNeill's Class: Sydney McConnell and Levi Verstegen
Mrs. Williams' Class: Mira Fraley and Connor Maurer
Third Grade
Mrs. Dodge's Class: Camm Stockwell and Maci Jamrog
Mrs. Koprivica's Class: Lainey Ball and Evan Lumley
Ms. Peterson's Class: Gavin Eifert and Justin Bullock
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Huston's Class: Hailey Mailloux and Henry McNabb
Mrs. Ursitti's Class: Myles Zoia and Leah Cybulla
Mrs. Visnaw's Class: Weston Maurer and Tegan Dersam
Mrs. LaParl's Class: Camilla Brown
Mrs. VanderMeulen's Class: Anne Brennan
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.