The Pirate Treasure 2/7/2019
Celebrating A Tradition of Excellence at Pine Tree ISD
Primary
100th Day of School
PT Primary had a great time celebrating the 100th day of school. Students counted, wrote, and exercised the day away to show how much they have learned.
Donuts with Dads
Thank you to everyone who helped with Donuts with Dads. We had a great attendance and are looking forward to their volunteer days at school. Click on the link below to watch the video from Donuts with Dads.
https://spark.adobe.com/video/zBYPFAr5KxV5s
If you are interested in becoming a WATCH Dog Dad, please contact Miranda Chism, mchism@ptisd.org. We love having dads help us at school.
Upcoming Events
Save the Date for Spring Parent Events!
Cookies with Clugston-February 7
Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences-February 15
Class Pictures-February 22
Primary Yearbooks are on sale now! $20
https://www.balfour.com/texas/longview/pine-tree-primary-school
Pine Tree Primary has 2017-2018 yearbooks. Individuals may purchase them in the office for $20.
Birch Elementary
Birch Elementary celebrated the completion of the second nine weeks with an awards assembly. This program recognized students that earned A Honor roll, A/B Honor roll, Perfect Attendance, Highest Accelerated Reader points in each grade, Pirate Pride award, and growth in Math and Reading. Each grade level is also divided into two teams that compete on a point system based on perfect attendance, grades, and good behavior. Each member on the winning team received a personal pan pizza certificate from Pizza Hut.
On this special occasion, Birch Elementary had two honorary administrators for the day. Fourth graders Bailee Brewer and Emma Beekman assisted with leading the assemblies, visited classrooms, welcomed visitors, and many other tasks. These young ladies will make excellent leaders in their community in the future.
100 Days of School
Broadway Beat Premiered January 29
Duets were performed by eight Birch third graders, and 50 other students participated in special dancing or character parts. This musical brought excitement throughout the campus and community and truly displayed our campus motto of “Birch First.”
Parkway Elementary
Parkway Elementary Adventure Awaits:
(The adventure continues……...)
1st Grade Students Space Race - STEAM Success!
On January 29th, Mrs. Hammer's class was successful in their space Steam project: Space Race. Using materials provided, students were given a challenge to create a Moon Landing Rover. The Moon Landing Rover had to gather samples and send data back to Earth. Students presented their projects to each other and explained the functions of their Moon Landing Rover were. Out of this world fun!
Parkway’s 2nd Grade Students Present……
“Freddie the Frog and the Jungle Jazz”
SHOWTIME - Tuesday, February 12th
Come join us on Tuesday, February 12th at Pine Tree District Auditorium for an evening of
foot- tapping fun and excitement. The singing spectacular will begin at 6:30PM. Freddie the Frog and his best friend Eli the Elephant are on their way to jam with their cornet-playing friend Babs the Baboon and her jungle friends on a neighboring island.
A flock of seagulls join them as they arrive to discover the jungle animal musicians fighting over who gets to play the solo and who is the best---the trumpet-playing elephants, the trombone-playing growling tigers, or the clarinet-screeching monkeys. Babs Baboon and Micki Macaw lead the quarreling animals to work together and make music in a way that connects their differences.
Students Celebrate 100th Day of School
On Friday, February 1st, Parkway 1st grade students celebrated the 100th day of school. Many of our young pirates and teachers dressed up and enjoyed this fun amazing school day!
Pine Tree Middle School
February Students of the Month
5th Grade:
*What Teachers Have to Say*
Kiley Salser
“Kiley is an outstanding student and always puts forth the utmost effort in my class. She is a caring, thoughtful, and attentive young lady. Kiley will always go the extra mile to ensure she has done her best as well as assist others.” Stephanie Hicks
“It is MY honor to have Kiley as a student. She is always very, very conscious of completing her work and doing her very best. She will come to school early in the morning if she feels she needs to complete a paper to her specifications. She has a very gentle spirit who is concerned about her classmates. She models her personal beliefs and values. Kiley is loyal to herself and her classmates. She is working diligently not to over analyze every question (she looks outside the box and thinks of situations not even mentioned in the question). She is a hard worker who places her education as a very important part of her life at this age. She has her eyes set on the big prize of completing her education and obtaining her college degree.” Cheryl Quada
“Kiley is a very meticulous student. She sets very high standards for herself. She is
self -motivated and always comes to class ready to work with a smile.” Melina Moore
Matthew Sprague
“Matthew participates and contributes 100% of the time in class. He is always ready to help and genuinely cares for his classmates. Matthew is extremely responsible and maintains a positive attitude in all situations.” Stephanie Hicks
“I am honored, yes honored, to have Matthew in my Science G/T class. Without fail, this entire school year Matthew is a very consistent student. Matthew is consistent in coming to class, being a class leader, doing his classwork, no conduct or discipline problems. He is very involved in class discussions. I have observed that Matthew is highly respected by his peers,l, Matthew ALWAYS has a smile on his face that is reflected in his brown eyes. Matthew is an awesome example of a well-rounded student and Pine Tree Pirate. Our next generation world will be a better place because of Matthew's contribution to society. Matthew earned this honor as Student of the Month with the wise decisions he makes on a daily / consistent basis.” Cheryl Quada
“Matthew is a very diligent student. He is a hard worker and produces great work.” Melina Moore
6th Grade:
*What Teachers Have to Say*
Valerie Zuniga
“Valerie is a super student. She is very respectable to her classmates and me. She never complains and always works hard with a great attitude.” Carol Halcumb
“She is just an awesome student!” Jorge Hernandez
“She is responsible, hardworking, trustworthy and reliable. I know that she is going to follow directions, meet expectations, and have materials consistently. She is a great student and goes above and beyond to be prepared and knowledgeable.” Johanna Eppley
“Valerie comes to class every day with a big infectious smile and eager to learn. She is eager to learn and ready to take on the world. ” Janeen Leach
David Rodriguez
“David is an incredible student. He is always first to do what is expected of him even before I get a chance. I could not think of a better student more deserving. He is a natural leader in my saxophone class and exemplifies what it means to be Pirate Proud.” Mark Perry
“He is an awesome student… deserves it.” Jorge Hernandez
“David is an outstanding example to fellow students in word and deed, smart, friendly, respectful, and hardworking.” Caleb Epnett
“David is very friendly. He works hard during class staying focused on what we are doing.” Janeen Leach
February Teachers of the Month
Danna Dowell-ELAR Teacher
*What Her Colleagues Have to Say*
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire!" .....William Yeats
I love Mrs. Dowell. She came to our district and campus always reflecting love, care, and team leadership. This began day one and has not slumbered along the way. I'm proud to know her as a coworker and friend. She has such a deep knowledge and passion for her subject, students, and the entire faculty. She is always friendly and approachable no matter how busy she is. She stops to help any and everyone on the spot, putting herself or needs last. Her strong work ethics resonate in all she does. She is a gift, a true gift.” Jo McKnight
“Danna is very helpful with each of the students I have who need her help, especially with modifying tests for them. It's greatly appreciated!” Virginia Merritt
“Mrs. Dowell knows what is best for her students and does what is best for her students with passion and pizzazz!” Caleb Epnett
“I would absolutely be lost without Mrs. Dowell. She is a lifesaver. She goes above and beyond to make sure we are taking care of our business. Much deserved!!” Tracy Eaves
“Mrs. Dowell is truly passionate about her students. It resonates in the manner in which she speaks of them. She is intentional in everything she does. She always has a wonderful disposition and I believe is an amazing asset to our campus culture!” LeSeanda Wilcott
“Danna Dowell is certainly deserving of the honor of Teacher of the Month. Since the beginning of the year, I have seen her tirelessly work to ensure that her students have everything that they need in order to be successful. Not only does she advocate for her students, but she graciously takes time to assist others in helping to ensure that all students can reach their goals.” Shelli Harrel
“Danna Dowell - I am so blessed to have her as my next door teacher. She has infectious energy that is hard not to replicate when you get around her. She is also willing to keep it real when you are speaking to her also. I don't know about everyone else, but I feel rather blessed to have her next door to me if I ever need anything she is always there!” Natasha Garrett
Kristina Sims-6th grade Science
*What Her Colleagues Have to Say*
“She is always actively engaging with her students and I absolutely love that!” LeSeanda Wilcott
“Mrs. Sims is certainly deserving of the honor of Teacher of the Month, as she has high expectations for her students and is always looking for ways to help them achieve their goals. Whether it is creating new and exciting activities to illustrate Science concepts or serving as TAME sponsor, she consistently works to ensure that her students have every opportunity to be successful. Shelli Harrell
“Kristina Sims - she is an amazing teacher. She is also that person who when you are having a challenging day will do her best to bring you up. She is an amazing educator and an amazing friend to have.” Natasha Garrett
“She is very smart and likes to keep the students engaged.” Misty Meza
“She is an awesome, dedicated educator!” Jorge Hernandez
Junior High
Pine Tree TMSCA Medal Winners
Pine Tree hosted a TMSCA Meet on January 26, 2019. Division I schools were Foster, Hallsville, and Pine Tree. Division II schools were Atlanta, Daingerfield, McLeod, Ore City, Queen City, Sabine, and Spring Hill. Medals were awarded to the top 5 in each grade level. Pine Tree brought home 33 individual medals and the first-place trophy in Division I!
Solo and Ensemble Results
The following students received ones on their solos at Solo and Ensemble Competition February 4:
Anna Pinkston, Hannah Lang, Aspen Myers, Izaiya Glenn, Esai Hernandez, Damien Kelly, Devin Washington, Kolton Harris, Kyla Scott, Averi Johnson, Ezmeriah Gonzalez, Megan Strandberg, Gracie Rust, Brealee Ray, Olivia Booth, Josselyn Vega, Tabitha Juarez.
These students received ones on their ensemble: Aspen Myers, Gabby Hernandez, Shelby Garrett, Kristi Surral, Hannah Lang, Anna Pinkston, Lita, Rodriguez, Ezmeriah Gonzalez, Megan Strandberg, Brealee Ray , Krysten Phillips, Natalie Buckner, Tabitha Juarez, Olivia Booth, Cheynne Ethridge, Gracie Rust, Adriania Epps, LaTayia Buchanan, Kelsie Carmical.
All students will be presented with a medal at a presentation at the PTISD Innovation Showcase on March 7th at the high school. Congratulations!
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
These students competed in the Special Olympics . We are so proud of their hard work!!!!!
Matthew Solorzano received a Gold Medal
Bre Anna McClendon received a Bronze Medal
Jovonty Fierros received a Gold Medal
William West received a Bronze Medal
Javier Sanmiguel received a Gold Medal
STEM
On January 26, the First VEX Robot Competition was held in Greenville. Two of the five teams from Pine Tree Junior High made it to the finals finishing in 5th and 6th place out of thirty-six teams. The next competition meet is February 9 at Boles ISD in Quinlan, Texas.
UIL
Saturday, Feb. 2, forty-three of our students competed in the East Texas JH District UIL Academic Meet. Our students brought home 44 individual medals and 18 team ribbons. As a district, Pine Tree 6th, 7th & 8th grades placed 3rd. At the grade level, 7th Grade placed 3rd and 8th grade placed 3rd. Our students represented Pine Tree extremely well. Congratulations to our PT Pirates!
Civil War Reenactment Presented at Pine Tree Junior High
Barry Henson, a civil war reenactor, presented information on the role and effect of the Civil War in Texas to PTJH Texas History students. He shared some great stories and artifacts from the time. He was a wealth of knowledge and our kids had some great questions for Mr. Henson!
High School
Pine Tree students are focused on February as seniors get ready to graduate and underclassmen prepare to make decisions concerning their future.
This week, Pine Tree held an Elective Fair for current eighth graders through juniors to come and see the many different elective courses that are taught on campus. This will give students an idea of something they may want to take as part of their coursework.
Journalism, art, culinary, choir, band, welding, auto mechanics as well as Robotics and Engineering and Commercial Photography were just some of course offerings presented at the fair. Students and parents asked questions during the two-hour event which drew several hundred people.
Bill Irvine, senior counselor, and Cindy Gabehart, high school principal, were both happy with the event and its turnout, as were Superintendent Steve Clugston and other administrators who were present.
“Students and their parents had a good opportunity to see our electives and find something they may want to take,”said Carrie Chandler, assistant principal.
After the elective fair, counselors held class meetings with freshmen through juniors to discuss career paths and course offerings for the next school year. Irvine said the meetings on Wednesday and Thursday provided an excellent dialogue between students and counselors for potential paths toward graduation. The fair allowed a lot of information to be exchanged in a short time period.
Students are also heavily involved in competitions right now as band, choir, Skills USA, UIL academics, FCCLA, Leadership and others are involved in events over the next few weeks.
Sports for the winter are wrapping up - swimming advanced to regionals and competed well. Girls basketball is ending, boys basketball is preparing for a playoff run, power lifting is under way and golf, tennis, baseball, softball and track are waiting in the wings.
It is a busy time of year in school but Pine Tree students are handling the schedule well and are moving positively forward toward spring and graduation.
ExCEL
On Thursday, January 24th, ExCEL High School of Choice held its Fall Commencement Ceremony at the Pine Tree High School Theatre. Our graduates worked diligently to meet all the requirements for graduation including accumulating the appropriate number of credits and passing all parts of the STAAR Assessment.
PACE
Mr. Smith received an invitation to visit the PACE campus, a welcome basket full of his favorite snacks, and a trophy honoring his inaugural years with the 2018-2019 PTISD Board with the theme of "Sowing Seeds of Success." The top medallion on the trophy stated, "Seeds Become Trees, We are Pine Tree."
Athletics
IT’S GREAT TO BE A PINE TREE PIRATE!
FOOTBALL: Congratulations to Keshon Williams and Gabe Nelson! They have each signed their letter of intent to play college football. Keshon will be attending Tulane University, and Gabe will attend The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.
BASKETBALL: Our Pirates are playoff bound! The boys will finish with senior night here at the Pirate Center on Tuesday, February 12th and their first playoff game will be Tuesday, February 19th. Watch for playoff location and times!
Schedules for all Pine Tree athletic events are posted online at http://www.pinetreeathletics.com/. Check out all athletic programs here!
Fine Arts
Thirteen Pine Tree High School Commercial Photography students have won medals at the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Two of those students, Brandy Gonzalez and Jasmine (Bunny) Buffington, will continue to the final round.
National Finalists will be announced March 13th, and will be celebrated at Carnegie Hall in NYC in June. The National Scholastic Awards are the oldest and longest running awards for art in the country. Last year, 350,000 artworks were entered regionally, 750 continued to the final round in New York City, and 100 were chosen as national winners.
It's very exciting to see Pine Tree's name along some of the best schools in the entire country, like Stuyvesant High, Chicago High School for the Arts, Brooklyn Tech, Boston Latin and more. Pine Tree has almost doubled its winners every year in the contest for the last three years. Elizabeth White is the teacher.
Gold Key Recipients- Finalists for Nationals:
- Brandy Gonzalez
- Jasmine (Bunny) Buffington
Silver Key- Regional Award Winners:
- Neftali Barrios
- Dezaray Brown
- Shania Mina
- Yazmin Rodriguez
Honorable Mention- Regional Award Winners:
- Demarkus Fluellen
- Vanessa Garcia
- Leorah Haesecke
- Janiya Jackson
- I'yonia Mumphrey
- Amarah Sweaks
- Erika Vaughn
Since their founding, the awards have established an amazing track record for identifying the early promise of our nation’s most accomplished and prolific creative leaders. Alumni include artists Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford, Alan Arkin, John Lithgow, Zac Posen, Ken Burns, and Richard Linklater to name a few.
More information can be found at: https://www.artandwriting.org
For all Fine Arts programs: click here
2018-2019 PTISD Board of Trustees
Anthony Tanner, Vice President
Jim Cerrato, Secretary
Dr. Melanie Roudkovski
Adam Graves
Dr. Kerri Daugbjerg
Mike Smith
Campus Administration
Derrick Conley, Birch Elementary Principal - 903-295-5120
Melanie Keoun, Parkway Elementary Principal - 903-295-5151
Mickey White, Middle School Principal - 903-295-5160
Vanessa Robinson, Junior High Principal - 903-295-5081
Cindy Gabehart, High School Principal - 903-295-5031
Cleo Wadley, ExCEL High School of Choice - 903-295-6753
Shalonda Adams, PACE Principal - 903-295-5130
PTISD Superintendent
About PTISD
Email: mwhitton@ptisd.org
Website: www.ptisd.org
Location: 1701 Pine Tree Road, Longview, TX
Phone: 903-295-5136
Facebook: facebook.com/PTISD
Twitter: @PTISD