October 16, 2022
Dear Pine City Families,
As you may know, we have had a tragedy involving current and former Pine City Students this past weekend. Our school community is deeply saddened by this event. It is our sincere wish to be able to respond to the various needs of our students, staff, and community in whatever way possible. While we recognize that there is no consensus on the correct way to respond, please be assured that we are doing everything possible to help in an appropriate manner.
Names of those involved have not been released via the Pine County Sheriff’s Office. At this time we are unable to release any details about the tragedy.
Here is how we are responding to the situation:
1. Announcements will be made to K-12 staff and 7-12 students, as well as information about support services available in school.
2. Support personnel from within and outside the school will be made available to meet with groups and individuals during the school day. These personnel include: school counselors, District social worker, administrators, a variety of clergymen, and Community Agency Staff.
3. All support personnel will continue to be in contact with each other to coordinate efforts and to operate in an efficient manner.
We urge all parents who have concerns about other students to call us at school, or to refer their concern to an appropriate resource agency.
We extend our sympathy to all students, parents, staff, and community members affected by this tragedy; and we share this sorrow. We also wish to assure all parents that despite recent events, we are continuing to provide an ongoing educational program in the best manner possible.
Sincerely,
Crisis Team
Cindy, Stephanie, Brittany, Laura, Jared, Steve, Sam, Barry, Rick, and Aaron
Dear Pine City Families,
As you may know, we have had a tragedy involving current and former Pine City Students this past weekend. Our school community is deeply saddened by this event. It is our sincere wish to be able to respond to the various needs of our students, staff, and community in whatever way possible. While we recognize that there is no consensus on the correct way to respond, please be assured that we are doing everything possible to help in an appropriate manner.
Names of those involved have not been released via the Pine County Sheriff’s Office. At this time we are unable to release any details about the tragedy.
Here is how we are responding to the situation:
1. Announcements will be made to K-12 staff and 7-12 students, as well as information about support services available in school.
2. Support personnel from within and outside the school will be made available to meet with groups and individuals during the school day. These personnel include: school counselors, District social worker, administrators, a variety of clergymen, and Community Agency Staff.
3. All support personnel will continue to be in contact with each other to coordinate efforts and to operate in an efficient manner.
We urge all parents who have concerns about other students to call us at school, or to refer their concern to an appropriate resource agency.
We extend our sympathy to all students, parents, staff, and community members affected by this tragedy; and we share this sorrow. We also wish to assure all parents that despite recent events, we are continuing to provide an ongoing educational program in the best manner possible.
Sincerely,
Crisis Team
Cindy, Stephanie, Brittany, Laura, Jared, Steve, Sam, Barry, Rick, and Aaron
Students in grades K - 12 will be participating in the 1:1 technology device program. The Elementary Technology Agreement will be passed out during Open House. Elementary devices will be passed out via the classroom and will remain in school at all times.
High School Technology Agreement Forms must be completed and turned in before students in grades 7-12 can receive their devices. Forms are available at the HS Reception window, the HS Media Center, at Open House or can be printed using the link below.
There is no fee for the 2022-2023 school year. If you have any questions, please contact Angel Juhl at 320.629.4090 or ajuhl@isd578.org.
High School Technology Agreement Forms must be completed and turned in before students in grades 7-12 can receive their devices. Forms are available at the HS Reception window, the HS Media Center, at Open House or can be printed using the link below.
There is no fee for the 2022-2023 school year. If you have any questions, please contact Angel Juhl at 320.629.4090 or ajuhl@isd578.org.
Pine City Public Schools Welcomes New Superintendent,
Dr. Cindy Stolp
The Pine City School Board is pleased to announce that Dr. Cindy Stolp has been selected as the new superintendent of Pine City Schools. Dr. Stolp and the Board of Education will be negotiating a contract which is expected to be acted on at the June 13, 2022 board meeting. Dr Stolp is Pine City’s current interim superintendent and pending contract approval will begin as our superintendent on July, 1, 2022
After a thorough search, led by Ray and Associates, Dr. Stolp rose to the position of being selected amongst many qualified candidates. The board wishes to thank all the stakeholders for their involvement in this process.
Dr. Stolp is also currently serving Pine City Schools as our Community Education Director along with leading our Early Childhood program. She and her family have lived in the Pine City community for a number of years where her husband has operated a successful business and their children have attended and graduated from Pine City Schools. The board is excited to welcome Dr. Stolp to her new position.
Dr. Cindy Stolp
The Pine City School Board is pleased to announce that Dr. Cindy Stolp has been selected as the new superintendent of Pine City Schools. Dr. Stolp and the Board of Education will be negotiating a contract which is expected to be acted on at the June 13, 2022 board meeting. Dr Stolp is Pine City’s current interim superintendent and pending contract approval will begin as our superintendent on July, 1, 2022
After a thorough search, led by Ray and Associates, Dr. Stolp rose to the position of being selected amongst many qualified candidates. The board wishes to thank all the stakeholders for their involvement in this process.
Dr. Stolp is also currently serving Pine City Schools as our Community Education Director along with leading our Early Childhood program. She and her family have lived in the Pine City community for a number of years where her husband has operated a successful business and their children have attended and graduated from Pine City Schools. The board is excited to welcome Dr. Stolp to her new position.
You're Invited! All school staff and community members are cordially invited to meet new ISD578 board members, superintendent, and principals from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 11th, in the lobby area of the district office. Come for introductions, discussion, and light refreshments before the school year begins. Hope to see you there!
Club Phoenix News Update - 6/1/22
News Announcement Shared Today:
March 15, 2022 — Today, the Pine City School Board received a letter of resignation from Board Chair Lisa Nos-Tollefson effective immediately. Dr. Nos-Tollefson noted the challenges of serving during a difficult time and expressed confidence that there “are leaders in the community that hold a skill set better suited to meet the needs of our educational district.” She expressed deep care for the students and staff in our community.
“As superintendent, I am deeply saddened that Dr. Nos-Tollefson has been negatively impacted by serving on the school board,” said Superintendent Foley. “As a society, we ask a lot of locally-elected officials. I appreciated working alongside Dr. Nos-Tollefson. This is a difficult resignation to accept and a setback for our community.”
With the resignation, Vice-Chair Dan Peterson will lead the School Board. Filling the vacant seat on the board will be placed on a future Board agenda for discussion.
Paula
March 15, 2022 — Today, the Pine City School Board received a letter of resignation from Board Chair Lisa Nos-Tollefson effective immediately. Dr. Nos-Tollefson noted the challenges of serving during a difficult time and expressed confidence that there “are leaders in the community that hold a skill set better suited to meet the needs of our educational district.” She expressed deep care for the students and staff in our community.
“As superintendent, I am deeply saddened that Dr. Nos-Tollefson has been negatively impacted by serving on the school board,” said Superintendent Foley. “As a society, we ask a lot of locally-elected officials. I appreciated working alongside Dr. Nos-Tollefson. This is a difficult resignation to accept and a setback for our community.”
With the resignation, Vice-Chair Dan Peterson will lead the School Board. Filling the vacant seat on the board will be placed on a future Board agenda for discussion.
Paula
Hello and Happy Week!
We are so proud of our Kindergarten students for putting on a wonderful Kindergarten Circus last Friday evening. Fabulous job to all involved!
We are so proud of our Kindergarten students for putting on a wonderful Kindergarten Circus last Friday evening. Fabulous job to all involved!
Even though it was snowy outside this morning, our district is celebrating Spring Fling Week! Visit our website under the Activities tab for a list of the week’s events.
This Wednesday evening, there will be a McSchool Night at the Pine City McDonalds to support raising funds for the PC Parents 4 Grads Fundraising Campaign. Let’s support our seniors by helping to raise money for the graduation banners across town!
Have a Great Day!
Paula
This Wednesday evening, there will be a McSchool Night at the Pine City McDonalds to support raising funds for the PC Parents 4 Grads Fundraising Campaign. Let’s support our seniors by helping to raise money for the graduation banners across town!
Have a Great Day!
Paula
Hello and Happy Days,
We had a great day at both schools today. We had a wonderful presentation by the LionHeart Crew at both the elementary and high school. The LionHeart Crew focuses on reconnecting kids to their feelings of self worth. The inspiration our students received came at a great time! Today’s performance focused on our value, our worth and having compassion and a loving view of ourselves. It reminded us that we are all beautiful masterpieces. It was a well received message by all. We are so fortunate!!
We had a great day at both schools today. We had a wonderful presentation by the LionHeart Crew at both the elementary and high school. The LionHeart Crew focuses on reconnecting kids to their feelings of self worth. The inspiration our students received came at a great time! Today’s performance focused on our value, our worth and having compassion and a loving view of ourselves. It reminded us that we are all beautiful masterpieces. It was a well received message by all. We are so fortunate!!
National School Breakfast Week - Next week is “National School Breakfast Week.” We are grateful to Carrie Staples, Food Services Director and her incredible staff for the many wonderful meals they provide for our students each day. We will share more details about our wonderful staff next week. We are grateful to our staff for all they do for our children!!
ESSER and other Funds - We have worked diligently to capture the ESSER and related funds that are available to us over the past week. We have successfully attained more than 3 million dollars and are waiting approval on nearly another million. Our goal is to add additional support for mental health, extended day learning, professional development and more. Please stay tuned as we are excited about the possibilities ahead.
Have a great long weekend and thanks for sharing your children with us!
Paula
ESSER and other Funds - We have worked diligently to capture the ESSER and related funds that are available to us over the past week. We have successfully attained more than 3 million dollars and are waiting approval on nearly another million. Our goal is to add additional support for mental health, extended day learning, professional development and more. Please stay tuned as we are excited about the possibilities ahead.
Have a great long weekend and thanks for sharing your children with us!
Paula
Hello and Happy Week,
What a beautiful winter morning!! have a few updates to share:
School Board Appreciation Week -
The Minnesota School Boards Association has set February 21-25 as Minnesota School Board Recognition Week to build awareness and understanding of the vital function elected school board members play in our society. PCPS is joining other public school districts from across the state to celebrate School Board Recognition Week to thank local board members for their commitment to Pine City Schools and its students.
What a beautiful winter morning!! have a few updates to share:
School Board Appreciation Week -
The Minnesota School Boards Association has set February 21-25 as Minnesota School Board Recognition Week to build awareness and understanding of the vital function elected school board members play in our society. PCPS is joining other public school districts from across the state to celebrate School Board Recognition Week to thank local board members for their commitment to Pine City Schools and its students.
THANKS to Pine City, MN Kindness and Inclusion Campaign for their positive messaging at the High School. The group, and various volunteers spent their Sunday afternoon creating positive messaging for our students and staff as they return to school this week. It is BEAUTIFUL and much appreciated. We are grateful to our community partners!
Conferences are Coming - We look forward to seeing you! Information has been shared by your Principals.
Have a great week!
Paula
Conferences are Coming - We look forward to seeing you! Information has been shared by your Principals.
Have a great week!
Paula
Superintendent Foley's Weekly EBlast - 2/15/22
Happy Tuesday,
I hope this EBlast finds you well. I have a few updates for you:
June 8, 2022 - The Board met last evening and voted to change the last student day to June 7, 2022, rather than June 8. The 8th was scheduled to be a half-day for students. There is now NO SCHOOL for students on the 8th. The staff will meet on June 8 for a gathering and professional development.
Spring Conferences - Spring conferences begin next week. Families will have on-site and virtual options. Please watch for information from your Principals and Teachers.
Good things are happening…
February 14th was the 100th day of school for PCPS! The Kindergarten & 1st-grade classes celebrated with their 100th Day of school projects. It was a fun day for our students.
Happy Tuesday,
I hope this EBlast finds you well. I have a few updates for you:
June 8, 2022 - The Board met last evening and voted to change the last student day to June 7, 2022, rather than June 8. The 8th was scheduled to be a half-day for students. There is now NO SCHOOL for students on the 8th. The staff will meet on June 8 for a gathering and professional development.
Spring Conferences - Spring conferences begin next week. Families will have on-site and virtual options. Please watch for information from your Principals and Teachers.
Good things are happening…
February 14th was the 100th day of school for PCPS! The Kindergarten & 1st-grade classes celebrated with their 100th Day of school projects. It was a fun day for our students.
Last Friday, February 11 was Pajama Day at the Elementary School. Here are some of Mrs. Hogberg’s students showing their school spirit!
Tomorrow is National Hat Day and our Elementary students are enjoying celebrating this fun event today at PCES!! The school spirit and supportive environment are fun to experience!! I just experienced my first “The Twelfth Caller Game”, in which the twelfth class to call in to a number gets donuts. Be sure to ask your elementary students about the challenge - it’s a hoot!! Thanks to all of our wonderful staff for creating opportunities like this for our students. It is FUN to be a Dragon!!
A few Updates to Share:
Calendar Notes: We are preparing for the end of the first semester. The semester ends on the 21st. Please note that students do not have school on January 17 and 24, as those are professional learning days for our teachers.
Please remember that our published calendar says that students do NOT have school on February 18.
That is an error. Students and staff are in session on February 18, 2022.
Elearning Weather Days - Snow days do not exist as they were in years past. If we have a weather related cancellation, we will eBlast you and let you know that we have an Elearning Day. (I will do my best to get that information to you before 6am when possible.) Teachers have communicated the format for the eLearning days with students. I appreciate the fact that we can continue instruction and have that opportunity to connect with our students.
Please have an internet plan in case of inclement weather and the need to go to eLearning occurs. Your schools have shared some possible alternatives. We are simply trying to plan ahead and will work with the circumstances accordingly.
Updated Quarantine and Isolation Guidance - Pine City Schools will apply the CDC’s new COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidance starting Friday, January 14. The new CDC guidance allows for a 5-day isolation and quarantine period for positive cases and close contacts. Click the links for specific information: CDC Updated Guidance For Isolation and Quarantine and the MDH updated guidance on quarantines and isolation for positive cases.
Mitigation Strategies: We want to thank everyone for doing their part to keep our schools safe and our students and staff healthy. We have rapid COVID-19 tests for students who have symptoms or have been close contacts. Contact your school or fill out the Test Request Form if you would like to pick up a test for your student. It is important to keep your students home if they have any symptoms of illness; parents can use this screening tool to assist.
Pine City has many things to celebrate. Here is one opportunity to thank and support the programs that we have supporting our students and families.
Hill Top Hall Open House
Have a great weekend!
Paula
A few Updates to Share:
Calendar Notes: We are preparing for the end of the first semester. The semester ends on the 21st. Please note that students do not have school on January 17 and 24, as those are professional learning days for our teachers.
Please remember that our published calendar says that students do NOT have school on February 18.
That is an error. Students and staff are in session on February 18, 2022.
Elearning Weather Days - Snow days do not exist as they were in years past. If we have a weather related cancellation, we will eBlast you and let you know that we have an Elearning Day. (I will do my best to get that information to you before 6am when possible.) Teachers have communicated the format for the eLearning days with students. I appreciate the fact that we can continue instruction and have that opportunity to connect with our students.
Please have an internet plan in case of inclement weather and the need to go to eLearning occurs. Your schools have shared some possible alternatives. We are simply trying to plan ahead and will work with the circumstances accordingly.
Updated Quarantine and Isolation Guidance - Pine City Schools will apply the CDC’s new COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidance starting Friday, January 14. The new CDC guidance allows for a 5-day isolation and quarantine period for positive cases and close contacts. Click the links for specific information: CDC Updated Guidance For Isolation and Quarantine and the MDH updated guidance on quarantines and isolation for positive cases.
Mitigation Strategies: We want to thank everyone for doing their part to keep our schools safe and our students and staff healthy. We have rapid COVID-19 tests for students who have symptoms or have been close contacts. Contact your school or fill out the Test Request Form if you would like to pick up a test for your student. It is important to keep your students home if they have any symptoms of illness; parents can use this screening tool to assist.
Pine City has many things to celebrate. Here is one opportunity to thank and support the programs that we have supporting our students and families.
Hill Top Hall Open House
Have a great weekend!
Paula
Introducing our AAA Award Winners!
Superintendent Foley's Weekly EBlast - 1/3/22
Happy New Year!
I hope that this eBlast finds you and your family healthy, rested and ready to return to classes.
The year ahead brings hope, anticipation of some change and many opportunities. Thank you for working with the School Board, Staff and myself each day to make our schools the best place for our children. Thank you for the emails, calls and for sharing your thoughts and ideas on how to make our District even stronger!. Thanks too, for your involvement in our sports, activities and by supporting our kids in the many ways you do. 2022 is going to be PCPS 's best year yet!!
I have a few quick updates:
ELearning Plan - Please know that in the event of inclement weather, we will not cancel school, we will have an eLearning (online) day. Each of the schools have their plans updated on their websites and the staff will review the procedures in the days ahead. Please plan for the need for the internet on those days at the High School. Please check the Elementary Plan for what each grade level will be requiring internet availability. We are grateful to have the opportunity to stay in contact with our students.
COVID Updates - There have been multiple changes in the COVID numbers and expectations over the past days. We are meeting to discuss any potential changes for PCPS on Monday and Tuesday and will share any updates after that time.
Bus Masks are still required per Federal guidelines. Thanks for your help with explaining this to your children.
February 18 - Please note that there is a mistake on the PCPS published picture calendar. We DO have school on February 18.
Thanks to all for the holiday wishes - Thanks to the PCPS Retirees who treated the staff to delicious treats, to all who supported our families and friends with their donations to the Mary Murphy Fund and other sources, and to all for sharing goodwill and kindness in Pine City. It is wonderful to be a part of a community that supports and cares for each other.
Happy New Year!
Paula
Happy New Year!
I hope that this eBlast finds you and your family healthy, rested and ready to return to classes.
The year ahead brings hope, anticipation of some change and many opportunities. Thank you for working with the School Board, Staff and myself each day to make our schools the best place for our children. Thank you for the emails, calls and for sharing your thoughts and ideas on how to make our District even stronger!. Thanks too, for your involvement in our sports, activities and by supporting our kids in the many ways you do. 2022 is going to be PCPS 's best year yet!!
I have a few quick updates:
ELearning Plan - Please know that in the event of inclement weather, we will not cancel school, we will have an eLearning (online) day. Each of the schools have their plans updated on their websites and the staff will review the procedures in the days ahead. Please plan for the need for the internet on those days at the High School. Please check the Elementary Plan for what each grade level will be requiring internet availability. We are grateful to have the opportunity to stay in contact with our students.
COVID Updates - There have been multiple changes in the COVID numbers and expectations over the past days. We are meeting to discuss any potential changes for PCPS on Monday and Tuesday and will share any updates after that time.
Bus Masks are still required per Federal guidelines. Thanks for your help with explaining this to your children.
February 18 - Please note that there is a mistake on the PCPS published picture calendar. We DO have school on February 18.
Thanks to all for the holiday wishes - Thanks to the PCPS Retirees who treated the staff to delicious treats, to all who supported our families and friends with their donations to the Mary Murphy Fund and other sources, and to all for sharing goodwill and kindness in Pine City. It is wonderful to be a part of a community that supports and cares for each other.
Happy New Year!
Paula