PCHS Fall/Holiday Concert 2020
PCHS Art Teachers Recognized by MSBA
On Sunday, September 27th, PCHS Art Teacher Tyler Mans commented that, "Teaching virtual art has been quite the experience. Laura (High School Art Teacher Ms. Strand) and I are really looking forward to seeing our students in person again and getting to work".
Although still disappointed about not being able to have their annual art show at the high school this past spring, they did it online. Now the art teachers and students have received the recognition of being selected to have Pine City's program featured in the respected "Minnesota School Board Association Journal", a high-quality, glossy-page publication that is read by school board members, superintendents, and other Minnesota educational policy-makers. Mans and Strand are working on selecting about fifteen samples of student work that will be on various pages throughout the November issue of the "Journal".
Pine City's first stand-alone art class was offered by the late Jack Jasperson during the 1966-67 school year. Art isn't just about production, but also cultural appreciation and connection to other academic subjects. Gradually the secondary program grew to two art teachers, and this year an art specialist has been added at Pine City Elementary. As the process moves forward with regard to this honor, more information will be available through WCMP and the "Pioneer" about perspectives articulated by Mans and Strand about the role of art in our schools and community.
Although still disappointed about not being able to have their annual art show at the high school this past spring, they did it online. Now the art teachers and students have received the recognition of being selected to have Pine City's program featured in the respected "Minnesota School Board Association Journal", a high-quality, glossy-page publication that is read by school board members, superintendents, and other Minnesota educational policy-makers. Mans and Strand are working on selecting about fifteen samples of student work that will be on various pages throughout the November issue of the "Journal".
Pine City's first stand-alone art class was offered by the late Jack Jasperson during the 1966-67 school year. Art isn't just about production, but also cultural appreciation and connection to other academic subjects. Gradually the secondary program grew to two art teachers, and this year an art specialist has been added at Pine City Elementary. As the process moves forward with regard to this honor, more information will be available through WCMP and the "Pioneer" about perspectives articulated by Mans and Strand about the role of art in our schools and community.
Homecoming 2020
#DragonStrong
#6feetaway
#6feetaway
Dragon Strong Winter Gear Available
Dragon Strong Gear orders ... interested in warmer Dragon Strong Gear? Here's your chance ... all proceeds to benefit the Dragon Food Shelf... orders being taken through October 30 at 5:00 pm. CLICK HERE
Save Receipts for School Supplies!
Minnesota Revenue offers two valuable tax benefits for parents who purchase school supplies for their K-12 students, the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction. These benefits can reduce parents’ taxes to increase their refund, but is only available for those who keep their receipts. Purchases for most school supplies, field trips, and musical instruments for school band are eligible.
Most Minnesota parents qualify for the K-12 subtraction, which reduces their taxable income. Parents under certain income limits may also qualify for the K-12 credit, which can refund up to 75% of their costs – even for parents who don’t owe any taxes. Visit the Minnesota Revenue website for details.
Most Minnesota parents qualify for the K-12 subtraction, which reduces their taxable income. Parents under certain income limits may also qualify for the K-12 credit, which can refund up to 75% of their costs – even for parents who don’t owe any taxes. Visit the Minnesota Revenue website for details.
Distance Learning for Pine City High Schools students in grades 7-12 begins Monday, September 14. Below are tips and guidelines that accompanied an email from Principal Anderson that was sent out to district parents/guardians on Friday, September 11.
Pine City High School pictures will be taken at a later date.
Pine City High School Distance Learning Data Questionnaire Email
As you are aware, PCHS students will be starting with the Distance Learning Model for the week of September 14-18. At this time, we do not know how long that will continue or when the decision will be made to change that status. We are working to prepare a successful launch to our school year in a distance learning format.
With that in mind, please take a moment to complete the Distance Learning Data Questionnaire. This questionnaire must be completed by the end of today so that we can proceed with Distance Learning Materials distribution.
Later tomorrow a distribution plan will be announced with times, dates, and locations that accommodate working parents and offer a safe delivery protocol for staff and community.
Thank you for your prompt response to this questionnaire.
With that in mind, please take a moment to complete the Distance Learning Data Questionnaire. This questionnaire must be completed by the end of today so that we can proceed with Distance Learning Materials distribution.
Later tomorrow a distribution plan will be announced with times, dates, and locations that accommodate working parents and offer a safe delivery protocol for staff and community.
Thank you for your prompt response to this questionnaire.
September 4, 2020
Good Afternoon,
Today we were notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a staff member of the Pine City High School community. We have worked with the Minnesota Department of Health to identify those who had close contact with the case, and have communicated with them individually.
At this time the staff member will need to stay home and any staff who have been in close contact with them have been notified that they must also stay home for 14 days. Pine City High School will be delaying the first day of school to Monday September 14th.
On September 14th, Pine City High School will be in a distance learning model. Staff, students, and families will be notified when Pine City High School is able to change from a distance learning model.
More information on distance learning will be coming from PCHS principal, Troy Anderson. This does not affect the Elementary, ALC or Vision schools. They will start in person on Tuesday September 8th as regularly planned.
This is a challenging time and I know many of you may be feeling stress or anxiety. We will get through this together as a community, and will be stronger when we emerge.
Dr. Tryggestad
Good Afternoon,
Today we were notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a staff member of the Pine City High School community. We have worked with the Minnesota Department of Health to identify those who had close contact with the case, and have communicated with them individually.
At this time the staff member will need to stay home and any staff who have been in close contact with them have been notified that they must also stay home for 14 days. Pine City High School will be delaying the first day of school to Monday September 14th.
On September 14th, Pine City High School will be in a distance learning model. Staff, students, and families will be notified when Pine City High School is able to change from a distance learning model.
More information on distance learning will be coming from PCHS principal, Troy Anderson. This does not affect the Elementary, ALC or Vision schools. They will start in person on Tuesday September 8th as regularly planned.
This is a challenging time and I know many of you may be feeling stress or anxiety. We will get through this together as a community, and will be stronger when we emerge.
Dr. Tryggestad
Pine County Public Health and Pine County School Districts
to Partner in COVID-19 Planning and Response
Today, Pine County Public Health announced a collaborative response team for school districts. Pine City, Hinckley-Finlayson, East Central, and Willow River will all work in collaboration with Pine County Public Health to plan and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We plan to meet weekly to ensure consistent communication and analyzing the most up to date case data,” Community Health Services Administrator Samantha Lo said. “Understanding and responding to COVID-19 is not something any one organization should handle alone. We know this disease ignores school district lines, and information is constantly changing. By working together, we can bring the public health experts together with school leaders to see the big picture and then respond accordingly.”
Since March, Pine County Public Health has been active in monitoring and responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Pine County COVID-19 Hotline is still available, M-F 8-5 at 320-591-1690, if you have questions or need help accessing resources. For the most up to date information regarding your school district’s reopening plans, please visit your school district’s website.
As a reminder, wear a mask when in public, social distance, and wash your hands frequently. By following these guidelines, every person can play a part in keeping our community safe and schools open.
“We plan to meet weekly to ensure consistent communication and analyzing the most up to date case data,” Community Health Services Administrator Samantha Lo said. “Understanding and responding to COVID-19 is not something any one organization should handle alone. We know this disease ignores school district lines, and information is constantly changing. By working together, we can bring the public health experts together with school leaders to see the big picture and then respond accordingly.”
Since March, Pine County Public Health has been active in monitoring and responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Pine County COVID-19 Hotline is still available, M-F 8-5 at 320-591-1690, if you have questions or need help accessing resources. For the most up to date information regarding your school district’s reopening plans, please visit your school district’s website.
As a reminder, wear a mask when in public, social distance, and wash your hands frequently. By following these guidelines, every person can play a part in keeping our community safe and schools open.
Minnesota Department of Education's
Guidance for Parents - "Planning for the 2020-2021 School Year"
Guidance for Parents - "Planning for the 2020-2021 School Year"
MSBA "Running for School Board" Webinar
A recording of MSBA’s Running for School Board Webinar can now be accessed on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/BhUZMzM2Vmo
MSBA encourages you to share this with anyone within your school district that is considering a run for the school board.
The webinar covers basics such as how to file for the board, reasons to serve on the board — and reasons not to serve on a board, job duties of school boards, and how boards function as a team.
MSBA is offering this webinar to inform potential school board candidates as the date for filing nears. For most school districts with elections this year, filing starts July 28 and ends August 11.
MSBA encourages you to share this with anyone within your school district that is considering a run for the school board.
The webinar covers basics such as how to file for the board, reasons to serve on the board — and reasons not to serve on a board, job duties of school boards, and how boards function as a team.
MSBA is offering this webinar to inform potential school board candidates as the date for filing nears. For most school districts with elections this year, filing starts July 28 and ends August 11.
Congratulations ALC Class of 2020
Planning for the 2020-2021 School Year
On June 18, 2020, Minnesota School Districts were directed to develop three contingency plans to prepare for the 2020-21 school year using the scenarios described below. Pine City Schools ISD 578 teams have begun working on these scenarios, and will use information received from families (i.e. surveys), data from the Department of Health, and guidance from the Department of Education to formulate plans. While we will be ready for each of the scenarios, the Governor will ultimately decide what all Minnesota school districts will do.
The Governor's decision is scheduled to take place in late July and our District will be ready to communicate ISD 578 plans in August. We know that parents, students, and staff would prefer to know sooner, but that is out of our control. We very much appreciate your patience as we work to ensure your children are kept safe, cared for, and provided a quality education.
The District is planning for the following scenarios as directed by the Governor, MDH, and MDE:
Scenario 1: In-person learning for all students. In this planning scenario, schools should create as much space between students and teachers as is feasible during the day, but will not be held strictly to enforcing 6 feet of social distancing during primary instructional time in the classroom. Activities and extracurricular programming should continue to follow the Guidance for Social Distancing in Youth Sports.
Scenario 2: Hybrid model with strict social distancing and capacity limits. In this planning scenario, schools must limit the overall number of people in school facilities and on transportation vehicles to 50% maximum occupancy. Sufficient social distancing with at least 6 feet between people must occur at all times.
Scenario 3: Distance learning only. However, schools may be open to provide emergency child care or other functions.
Governor Walz’s Office, in consultation with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), is expected to announce the model under which schools will reopen for the 2020-21 during the week of July 27, 2020.
The Pine City School Board will be provided an update on planning progress at its July 13 regular meeting. It is anticipated that a Special Board Meeting will be called soon after the Governor's announcement in late July to determine exactly how our District will be moving forward with the 2020-21 school year.
The District will continue to provide information as it becomes available.
The Governor's decision is scheduled to take place in late July and our District will be ready to communicate ISD 578 plans in August. We know that parents, students, and staff would prefer to know sooner, but that is out of our control. We very much appreciate your patience as we work to ensure your children are kept safe, cared for, and provided a quality education.
The District is planning for the following scenarios as directed by the Governor, MDH, and MDE:
Scenario 1: In-person learning for all students. In this planning scenario, schools should create as much space between students and teachers as is feasible during the day, but will not be held strictly to enforcing 6 feet of social distancing during primary instructional time in the classroom. Activities and extracurricular programming should continue to follow the Guidance for Social Distancing in Youth Sports.
Scenario 2: Hybrid model with strict social distancing and capacity limits. In this planning scenario, schools must limit the overall number of people in school facilities and on transportation vehicles to 50% maximum occupancy. Sufficient social distancing with at least 6 feet between people must occur at all times.
Scenario 3: Distance learning only. However, schools may be open to provide emergency child care or other functions.
Governor Walz’s Office, in consultation with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), is expected to announce the model under which schools will reopen for the 2020-21 during the week of July 27, 2020.
The Pine City School Board will be provided an update on planning progress at its July 13 regular meeting. It is anticipated that a Special Board Meeting will be called soon after the Governor's announcement in late July to determine exactly how our District will be moving forward with the 2020-21 school year.
The District will continue to provide information as it becomes available.
Program to Help Pay for Food
If you have kids aged 5-18, you may be eligible for programs to help you pay for food, even if you do not receive SNAP benefits. Learn more and apply.
Mini-Prom Cancelled
The mini prom scheduled for July 17th has been cancelled due to lack of interest. Only 47 people signed up and we needed a minimum of 80 to cover the cost. Those of you who sent payment to school, it will be mailed back to you.
NOTICE OF FILING DATES FOR ELECTION TO THE SCHOOL BOARD
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 0578
PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
STATE OF MINNESOTA
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 0578
PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
STATE OF MINNESOTA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the period for filing affidavits of candidacy for the office of school board member of Independent School District No.0578 shall begin on July 28, 2020, and shall close at 5:00 o'clock p.m. on August 11, 2020.
The general election shall be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. At that election, 4 members will be elected to the School Board for terms of four (4) years each.
Affidavits of Candidacy are available in the District Office, 1400 Main St S., Pine City, MN 55063. The District Office is open Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL NOT BE OPEN FOR FILING ON FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020 OR AUGUST 7, 2020. The filing fee for this office is $2. A candidate for this office must be an eligible voter, must be 21 years of age or more on assuming office, must have been a resident of the school district from which the candidate seeks election for thirty (30) days before the general election, and must have no other affidavit on file for any other office at the same primary or next ensuing general election.
The affidavits of candidacy must be filed in the office of the school district clerk and the filing fee paid prior to 5:00 o'clock p.m. on August 11, 2020.
Dated: June 8, 2020 BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARD
The general election shall be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. At that election, 4 members will be elected to the School Board for terms of four (4) years each.
Affidavits of Candidacy are available in the District Office, 1400 Main St S., Pine City, MN 55063. The District Office is open Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL NOT BE OPEN FOR FILING ON FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020 OR AUGUST 7, 2020. The filing fee for this office is $2. A candidate for this office must be an eligible voter, must be 21 years of age or more on assuming office, must have been a resident of the school district from which the candidate seeks election for thirty (30) days before the general election, and must have no other affidavit on file for any other office at the same primary or next ensuing general election.
The affidavits of candidacy must be filed in the office of the school district clerk and the filing fee paid prior to 5:00 o'clock p.m. on August 11, 2020.
Dated: June 8, 2020 BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARD
PER EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-81 FACE COVERINGS WILL BE REQUIRED WHEN YOU FILE IN PERSON
BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARD
Wally Connaker
School District Clerk
Independent School District No. 0578 (Pine City)
State of Minnesota
Wally Connaker
School District Clerk
Independent School District No. 0578 (Pine City)
State of Minnesota
Questions can be directed to Deb Wagner at 320-629-4010 or dwagner@isd578.org.
A recording of MSBA’s Running for School Board Webinar can now be accessed on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/BhUZMzM2Vmo
The webinar covers basics such as how to file for the board, reasons to serve on the board — and reasons not to serve on a board, job duties of school boards, and how boards function as a team.
The webinar covers basics such as how to file for the board, reasons to serve on the board — and reasons not to serve on a board, job duties of school boards, and how boards function as a team.
MSBA will offer a free “Running for School Board” webinar noon Wednesday, June 24. We encourage you to share this with anyone within your school district that is considering a run for the school board. The webinar will also be recorded in order for school districts to distribute it to their local candidates. The webinar will cover basics such as how to file for the board, reasons to serve on the board — and reasons not to serve on a board, job duties of school boards, and how boards function as a team.
The webinar recording will be available on the MSBA website.
MSBA is offering the webinar to inform potential candidates as the date for filing nears. For most school districts with elections this year, filing starts July 28 and ends August 11.
What: Running for School Board Webinar
When: Noon Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Zoom Webinar Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86064872328…
Password: MSBA
Webinar ID: 860 6487 2328
The webinar recording will be available on the MSBA website.
MSBA is offering the webinar to inform potential candidates as the date for filing nears. For most school districts with elections this year, filing starts July 28 and ends August 11.
What: Running for School Board Webinar
When: Noon Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Zoom Webinar Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86064872328…
Password: MSBA
Webinar ID: 860 6487 2328
Innovation is defined as “the process of making changes to something established by introducing something new.” Innovation can be trying a new instructional strategy, a new web tool, or an innovative way of collaborating with others. Congratulations to these educators for being selected by their peers as Dragon Instructional Innovators!
The Dragon Instructional Innovator Award is funded, in part, by Pine Dragons PTO. The PTO would like to thank all teachers for their hard work.
The Dragon Instructional Innovator Award is funded, in part, by Pine Dragons PTO. The PTO would like to thank all teachers for their hard work.
Graduation 2020 Video from WCMP Live Stream
Scholarship & Awards Slideshow
Today is College Signing Day, a day to celebrate our seniors who are moving on to the next phase of their life. The students in this group are National Honor Society (NHS) members. NHS members are required to operate on four tenets: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character and all of these young people have demonstrated them throughout their high school career. It has been my pleasure to work with them as their adviser and look forward to see how their next chapter unfolds. Good Luck! ~Mrs. Kristi Davis
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for this FREE Summer Camp!
Congratulations, PCPS Retirees!
On behalf of the Pine City Education Association (PCEA), we want to congratulate our 2020 retirees from the Pine City School District!
While we are not able to celebrate in person, the well wishes are extended as you begin retirement. Thank you for your years of service to Pine City Schools.
While we are not able to celebrate in person, the well wishes are extended as you begin retirement. Thank you for your years of service to Pine City Schools.
Family Engagement Week
June 1-5, 2020
Family Engagement Week, June 1-5, 2020
The Minnesota Department of Education will be hosting a Family Engagement Week from June 1-5, 2020. Throughout the week, education experts will be hosting a series of online events and promoting resources to help support families over the summer months during these unprecedented times.
The Minnesota Department of Education will be hosting a Family Engagement Week from June 1-5, 2020. Throughout the week, education experts will be hosting a series of online events and promoting resources to help support families over the summer months during these unprecedented times.
- Tuesday, June 2 at 1 p.m. families can learn more about summer learning activities hosted by public libraries and community locations during a webinar with State Library Services. Registration is available here.
- Tuesday, June 2 at 4 p.m. parenting educator and 2011 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Katy Smith will provide tools for Parenting in Uncertain Times. Registration is available here.
- Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. families can learn more about engaging early learners in literacy and math with activities for the whole family. Registration for the June 3 webinar is available here. This webinar will be repeated on Thursday, June 4 at 5 p.m. Registration for the June 4 webinar is available here.
- Thursday, June 4 at 10 a.m. families can learn about MDE’s Summer Food Service Program including how they can access free meals in their community. Registration is available here.
Distance Learning: Our Community Comes Together to Support
A New Way of Instruction
Ryan Larson, Minnesota Teacher of the Year Top 10 Finalist
Photo from Education Minnesota
Student Belonging Pick Up ~ Elementary K-6 Students (watch for an announcement coming soon for 7-12 pick up information)
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK MAY 4-8, 2020
Pine City Public Schools School Board Meeting Monday, April 13, 2020 6:30 PM
In accordance with Minnesota Statutes 13D.021, members of the public are not permitted to attend this meeting due to the current health pandemic. A live stream of the meeting is available from a remote location by using this link.
In accordance with Minnesota Statutes 13D.021, members of the public are not permitted to attend this meeting due to the current health pandemic. A live stream of the meeting is available from a remote location by using this link.
We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with the live stream of this evening's school board meeting. A recording of the meeting should be available as soon as possible after the event is over. Thank you for understanding.
Winter-Spring Community Ed Offerings
Recently, 2005 Pine City graduate Traver Gahler, VP/Branch Manager of Northview Bank, came in and spoke to both Mr. Allen and Mr. Dyrdahl's Economics classes. Included in his speech was student/car loans, mortgages, credit cards, and other means of credit. Thank you to Mr. Gahler for making time and giving back to his alma mater!
Pine City Schools
Weekly Update
March 23, 2020
This is the first weekly update from Pine City Public Schools containing general information for parents, guardians, and community. This format is not intended to provide deep detail, rather an overview of our actions and preparations. Look for an update from the District each Monday moving forward. The District will send detailed communications to parents and guardians as needed.
Last Week (March 16-20)
This Week (March 23-27)
Next Week (March 30-April 2)
Curt Tryggestad, Ed.D
Superintendent
Pine City Public Schools
1400 Main Street South
Pine City, MN . 55063
320-629-4000
Weekly Update
March 23, 2020
This is the first weekly update from Pine City Public Schools containing general information for parents, guardians, and community. This format is not intended to provide deep detail, rather an overview of our actions and preparations. Look for an update from the District each Monday moving forward. The District will send detailed communications to parents and guardians as needed.
Last Week (March 16-20)
- Staff was onsite Wednesday through Friday to prepare instructional materials and implement processes for Distance Learning to tentatively begin on Monday, March 30.
- Food Service distributed lunch and breakfast to students via a drive-up site at the Elementary Wednesday through Friday.
- School Aged Care was provided for parents whose occupations fall within the Tier I and Tier II classification as determined by the State of Minnesota.
This Week (March 23-27)
- Spring Break—no students or staff
- No student meal pick-up.
- No School Aged Care
- Material Delivery
- The District is planning to deliver educational materials to approximately 426 students for use during the educational week of March 30th - April 2nd.
- These hard-copy materials are being delivered to all K-2 students as well as at the request of parents who have limited access to Internet. Most materials that need to be distributed cannot be mailed out as they include manipulatives, hardcover textbooks, or other non-mail friendly materials. Most students will access these materials and tools via their school-issued Chromebook and the Internet.
- The District does not have contracted bus services or regular staff available to deliver materials this week. We are thankful that the local National Guard Armory has offered their staff to provide delivery support. The District has a long-running working relationship with our local Armory and we appreciate their help and support in this time of need.
- The District is planning to deliver educational materials to approximately 426 students for use during the educational week of March 30th - April 2nd.
- Program information and sign-up forms will be distributed to parents and guardians for implementation beginning the week of March 30
- student meal distribution
- school age care programs
- instructional material distribution
- Distance Learning Plan
- The Distance Learning Plan will be posted to the District webpage by Friday, March 27.
- Students and families will receive email instructions on how to access class materials and teacher support.
- Parents of students who receive support via Special Education, Section 504, etc., will receive emails regarding their child’s educational plan.
- The District will also offer tips and suggestions on how to implement Distance Learning for their children in their home.
Next Week (March 30-April 2)
- Per the Governor’s March 15, 2020 announcement-- Distance Learning for all students may begin.
- Teachers will be available via multiple means for students and parents. The daily schedule will be released via the Distance Learning Plan on March 27.
- An updated delivery system will be implemented using school buses, drivers, and school personnel. Information and schedules will be sent to parents and guardians.
- Student Meals will resume with both pick-up and delivery available.
- Student Instructional Material delivery and pick-up will begin.
- School Age Care will be available to Tier I and Tier II parent classifications Monday through Thursday this week.
- School support and deliveries will be Monday-Thursday this week.
- Friday, April 3 is a non student day on our calendar.
Curt Tryggestad, Ed.D
Superintendent
Pine City Public Schools
1400 Main Street South
Pine City, MN . 55063
320-629-4000
