Sandi Frerich Retirement
Sandi Frerich (Photo by Deb Wagner)
When Superintendent Joe Hobson hired Sandi Frerich in November 1989, it wasn't just for the Pine City K-12 Schools, but for Pine Technical College as well. The PTC portion of the job was changed with the 1995 MNSCU "Mega-Merger". She started by doing mostly data entry and filing.
That position soon expanded into Business Manager's Secretary, Accounts Payable Clerk, and Payroll Specialist. In addition to working with school district finance, Ms. Frerich has served sometimes over the years as Fall Play Director, One-Act Director, and Assistant Speech Coach.
One of her favorite tasks was reconciling the bank statements. She did that every month until 2017, when the district switched to the current software program. As her career moved on, Sandi was part of ongoing changes in technology as well as numerous facility and program changes.
When not at school working on payroll and accounts payable, Sandi and her husband, Ralph, ran Frerichs' Nursery and raised three sons--Joe, Nathan, and Alex. With their "green thumbs", the family still has plants that Alex got in early childhood classes and elementary school.
Now they plan to have more time for plants, the environment, and their Frerichs' Nursery business, because Ralph has also retired this summer. They also plan on spending more time with their four grandchildren.
That position soon expanded into Business Manager's Secretary, Accounts Payable Clerk, and Payroll Specialist. In addition to working with school district finance, Ms. Frerich has served sometimes over the years as Fall Play Director, One-Act Director, and Assistant Speech Coach.
One of her favorite tasks was reconciling the bank statements. She did that every month until 2017, when the district switched to the current software program. As her career moved on, Sandi was part of ongoing changes in technology as well as numerous facility and program changes.
When not at school working on payroll and accounts payable, Sandi and her husband, Ralph, ran Frerichs' Nursery and raised three sons--Joe, Nathan, and Alex. With their "green thumbs", the family still has plants that Alex got in early childhood classes and elementary school.
Now they plan to have more time for plants, the environment, and their Frerichs' Nursery business, because Ralph has also retired this summer. They also plan on spending more time with their four grandchildren.
On March 14, 2020 Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-02 that announced all Minnesota schools would close to students on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 and extend through March 27, 2020 in response to COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 18-20, Pine City Staff will be preparing instructional plans that will allow meaningful, relevant learning to take place if schools remain closed beyond March 27, 2020.
Pine City teachers and staff are developing lessons utilizing a distance learning model for every level in grades PreK-8 and each graduation requirement course for grades 9-12. Distance Learning has been defined by the Minnesota Department of Education as: Students engaging in distance learning; having access to appropriate educational materials; and receiving daily interaction with their licensed teacher(s).
March 23-27, 2020: Pine City Schools will observe the prior scheduled Spring Break.
March 30, 2020: Please watch for additional updates and information regarding school operations. According to the Governor’s proclamation, all students will return to their studies on March 30, 2020. Yet to be announced is whether schools will implement distance learning or return to face-to-face instruction at school.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tryggestad
Curt Tryggestad, Ed.D
Superintendent
Pine City Public Schools
1400 Main Street South
Pine City, MN . 55063
320-629-4000
On March 18-20, Pine City Staff will be preparing instructional plans that will allow meaningful, relevant learning to take place if schools remain closed beyond March 27, 2020.
Pine City teachers and staff are developing lessons utilizing a distance learning model for every level in grades PreK-8 and each graduation requirement course for grades 9-12. Distance Learning has been defined by the Minnesota Department of Education as: Students engaging in distance learning; having access to appropriate educational materials; and receiving daily interaction with their licensed teacher(s).
March 23-27, 2020: Pine City Schools will observe the prior scheduled Spring Break.
March 30, 2020: Please watch for additional updates and information regarding school operations. According to the Governor’s proclamation, all students will return to their studies on March 30, 2020. Yet to be announced is whether schools will implement distance learning or return to face-to-face instruction at school.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tryggestad
Curt Tryggestad, Ed.D
Superintendent
Pine City Public Schools
1400 Main Street South
Pine City, MN . 55063
320-629-4000
Students, Parents, Guardians, Staff & Community: 3/17/2020
Pine City Public Schools Food Service
Wednesday, March 18th through Friday, March 20th
ALL children 18 and under can receive a free breakfast and lunch
Child must be present in order to receive a meal
Location: Pine City Elementary School
Serve Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM students can pick up a cold lunch that also includes a cold breakfast for the following morning.
Directions: Meals should be picked up at door number 8 in the back of the elementary school (south side/playground area). Please see the map for directions regarding door number 8. A food service employee will greet you at your car to deliver your meals. Walk up service is an option as well. Click here to view map.
Reminder:
Wednesday, March 18th through Friday, March 20th
ALL children 18 and under can receive a free breakfast and lunch
Child must be present in order to receive a meal
Location: Pine City Elementary School
Serve Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM students can pick up a cold lunch that also includes a cold breakfast for the following morning.
Directions: Meals should be picked up at door number 8 in the back of the elementary school (south side/playground area). Please see the map for directions regarding door number 8. A food service employee will greet you at your car to deliver your meals. Walk up service is an option as well. Click here to view map.
Reminder:
- Please note that per state regulations the child MUST be present in order to receive a meal.
- An adult cannot pick up a meal for a child who is not present.
- Access to the building, other than picking up the meal, will not be permitted.
- If a longer-term plan is needed parents will be notified by email on potential changes.
Students, Parents, Guardians, Staff & Community: 3/15/2020
Earlier today, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-02 that announced all Minnesota Schools will close to students on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 and extend through March 27, 2020 in response to COVID-19 pandemic.
Pine City Public Schools will run its normal school day schedule on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Please note: for the health and wellbeing of those persons who study and work in our buildings, only students, staff, and authorized persons will be allowed to enter our buildings until further notice. We will be implementing some "social distancing" strategies with students.
From Wednesday through Friday this week, our staff will be developing distance-learning materials for future use. March 23-27 we will observe our prior scheduled Spring Break so no students or staff will be in our buildings. Please watch for additional updates and information regarding school operations when students return to their studies on March 30, 2020.
Many of these actions are unprecedented in most of our experiences. We will do our best to keep you notified as we navigate the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tryggestad
Curt Tryggestad, Ed.D
Superintendent
Pine City Public Schools
1400 Main Street South
Pine City, MN . 55063
320-629-4000
Greetings Incoming Kindergarten Families,
In light of the ever changing situation surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus), and in response to the guidance by CDC via MDH, Kindergarten RoundUp has been canceled.
Registration information can be mailed to Pine City Elementary 700 6th Ave SW or sent to school with an elementary aged sibling on either Monday or Tuesday.
On Friday, March 20, the informational video will be linked to the elementary website under the Incoming Kindergarten tab.
If you have any questions, please call the Pine City Elementary Office 320-629-4200 Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lorsung
In light of the ever changing situation surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus), and in response to the guidance by CDC via MDH, Kindergarten RoundUp has been canceled.
Registration information can be mailed to Pine City Elementary 700 6th Ave SW or sent to school with an elementary aged sibling on either Monday or Tuesday.
On Friday, March 20, the informational video will be linked to the elementary website under the Incoming Kindergarten tab.
If you have any questions, please call the Pine City Elementary Office 320-629-4200 Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lorsung
A Message to Kindergarten Families
The following message was sent via school messenger, school email, and posted on social media.
Good Afternoon Families of Kindergarten Students:
I know how excited the kindergarten students, as well as their families, are for the Kindergarten Circus program. That being said, we had a difficult decision to make with the most recent guidance from the CDC via MDH.
MDH is recommending that schools begin implementing mitigation strategies to slow the spread of the virus. The specific language from CDC via MDH is:
Today, the CDC issued new guidance on community mitigation strategies for schools including:
Based on the most current guidance, we have decided to postpone the Kindergarten Circus matinee and evening programs. This action supports the recommendations regarding our students and large gatherings, and is consistent with the actions of a multitude of organizations— both public and private.
The postponed date has not yet been set. Once we have this date, it will be communicated to you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lorsung
Good Afternoon Families of Kindergarten Students:
I know how excited the kindergarten students, as well as their families, are for the Kindergarten Circus program. That being said, we had a difficult decision to make with the most recent guidance from the CDC via MDH.
MDH is recommending that schools begin implementing mitigation strategies to slow the spread of the virus. The specific language from CDC via MDH is:
Today, the CDC issued new guidance on community mitigation strategies for schools including:
- Reducing the frequency of large gatherings (ex. assemblies, programs, etc.), and limit the number of attendees per gathering.
Based on the most current guidance, we have decided to postpone the Kindergarten Circus matinee and evening programs. This action supports the recommendations regarding our students and large gatherings, and is consistent with the actions of a multitude of organizations— both public and private.
The postponed date has not yet been set. Once we have this date, it will be communicated to you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lorsung
Thank you to WCMP Radio and local advertisers for live streaming the Boys Hockey Sectional Final on Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 pm. Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85ll9Ou7URA to watch the game. Go Dragons!
AAA Award Winners
Emily Guzik and Nate Webster did a fantastic job representing Pine City High School at the MSHSL Region 5 Sub-Section 18 Triple A banquet Wednesday night in St Cloud honor those students who have excelled in the three A's - Arts, Academics, and Athletics.
Recycling at PCHS
Mrs. Kunze's Transition Skills class has been learning about the importance of recycling, what materials can and cannot be recycled both nationally and locally, what happens to materials when we recycle, recycling contamination, and the difference between plastic numbers and which are safe to reuse, The students wanted to share what they learned and decided to work to help improve recycling rates in the high school by creating a bright eye-catching display for the recycling receptacle in the student commons. They worked together to cut, laminate and design their own layout for the display. The students would like you to remember that Pine County now accepts all clean plastics #1-7. Happy recycling!
28th Annual Spelling Bee
The winner of the 28th Annual District Spelling Bee was 7th grader Anthony Bergeron. Anthony will go on to represent Pine City Public Schools at the Regional Bee in Sartell on February 5th. Good luck Anthony! Thank you to all the students and staff who came out to support the 18 spellers who competed in the Spelling Bee.
Good Evening Pine City Schools Students & Families--
As I’m sure you’re aware, the wind chills are forecasted to approach -30 degrees in the morning. School will be on time, as usual, tomorrow morning —Thursday, Feb. 13.
Please take extra precautions like making sure that everyone is dressed appropriately for the cold weather, that bus riders are ready to board on time in order that others don’t have to wait for their pickup, and if possible, wait with them in a heated vehicle until the bus arrives.
Thanks for your help in keeping everyone safe....Dr. Tryggestad
As I’m sure you’re aware, the wind chills are forecasted to approach -30 degrees in the morning. School will be on time, as usual, tomorrow morning —Thursday, Feb. 13.
Please take extra precautions like making sure that everyone is dressed appropriately for the cold weather, that bus riders are ready to board on time in order that others don’t have to wait for their pickup, and if possible, wait with them in a heated vehicle until the bus arrives.
Thanks for your help in keeping everyone safe....Dr. Tryggestad
Found drugs
Pine City Elementary school
On Feb 11th at 11:35 am the Pine City Elementary school requested the school resource officer respond for what appeared to be some found drugs. The deputy learned that some 6th grade students found a baggie with a crystal type material in it near the outside of door 15 of the Pine City Elementary school. The students immediately notified a teacher, who in turn notified the principal and law enforcement. The contents of the baggie did in fact turn out to be methamphetamine. Staff assisted the students who came in contact with the baggie in washing their hands. It is unknown who left the drugs where they were found. As a reminder, parents should remind their children not to pick up items that pose a safety concern and to always notify an adult if they do. School and law enforcement will remain vigilant for the safety of our kids and community.
Pine City Elementary school
On Feb 11th at 11:35 am the Pine City Elementary school requested the school resource officer respond for what appeared to be some found drugs. The deputy learned that some 6th grade students found a baggie with a crystal type material in it near the outside of door 15 of the Pine City Elementary school. The students immediately notified a teacher, who in turn notified the principal and law enforcement. The contents of the baggie did in fact turn out to be methamphetamine. Staff assisted the students who came in contact with the baggie in washing their hands. It is unknown who left the drugs where they were found. As a reminder, parents should remind their children not to pick up items that pose a safety concern and to always notify an adult if they do. School and law enforcement will remain vigilant for the safety of our kids and community.
Paraprofessional Recognition Week – January 27-31, 2020
Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed January 27-31, 2020 Paraprofessional Recognition Week. There are over 20,000 paraprofessionals in Minnesota working hard every day to make sure every child has the education they need to succeed in school and life.
Pine City Public Schools employs over 60 paraprofessionals who provide services in multiple settings within our schools, including support for instruction, student activities, and for individual students, as well as numerous other tasks. We thank our Paraprofessionals for all they do!
Pine City Public Schools employs over 60 paraprofessionals who provide services in multiple settings within our schools, including support for instruction, student activities, and for individual students, as well as numerous other tasks. We thank our Paraprofessionals for all they do!
University of Minnesota Field Trip
On Tuesday, Mr. Allen's POL 1001 Political Science class went to The University of Minnesota for their annual field day. The student's final for the class this year was to research a current Supreme Court case. The students presented their findings on field day.
The Daily Grind
Students from Mrs. Wimmer's Career Readiness Class recently started a Coffee Cart business for Staff at the High School called The Daily Grind. For the Holidays, they really put their skills to work. Along with selling coffee, baking and selling treats to staff, they also sold Hot Chocolate to students during lunch. The students are learning skills such as team work, budgeting, interpersonal skills, time management and much more.
2019 Fall Community Education Brochure
Celebrate Lifelong Learning!
Guest Reader in Second Grade
7th grade student, Sean Skluzacek, earned positive dragon slips and chose to cash in his slips for the opportunity to be a guest reader in his younger brother's 2nd grade class. Sean read Library Mouse to an eager group of listeners.
6th graders playing "Name that Tune" with Christmas songs and boomwhackers !
English 9 students get creative making projects as the class wraps up the novel Lord of the Flies. Projects include board games, biographies, models of the island, and presentations about author William Golding.
Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl
All students in grades 5 & 6 participated in the Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl. Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl is a computerized quiz bowl and consists of multiple-choice questions about math, geography, government, sports, spelling, science, literature, English, history, general information and just plain fun trivia. Each class was divided into teams. The top team from each grade level then competed in the Lakes Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl Competition to represent Pine City Elementary School against teams from other schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan. A group of student's from Mrs. Lind's class was our 5th grade representatives and a group of students from Mr. Polzine's class was our 6th grade representative. Although they did not place in the top bracket of the Lakes TCQB, they put forth a good team effort.
CONNAKER SELECTED FOR "ALL-STATE SCHOOL BOARD"
***Photo by JacLynn Cavallin***
Pine City's School Board Clerk, Wally Connaker, has been selected for the prestigious "All-State School Board" by the Minnesota State School Boards Association. He is one of seven who will be honored at a luncheon at the MSBA Leadership Conference in Minneapolis on January 16, 2020. He will be accompanied by his wife, Jane; daughter, Christa; and several other Pine City board members.
Connaker has been affiliated with the Pine City Public Schools for 50 years, having served as a social studies teacher, coach, activities director, and for three terms on the school board. Selection for this award is based not only on the individual's work on the local board, but also his/her continued participation in professional development plus involvement in regional and state-wide educational issues.
Connaker has been affiliated with the Pine City Public Schools for 50 years, having served as a social studies teacher, coach, activities director, and for three terms on the school board. Selection for this award is based not only on the individual's work on the local board, but also his/her continued participation in professional development plus involvement in regional and state-wide educational issues.
The Industrial Technology student went on a field trip to the National Guard TACC to learn about the equipment used in the military.
New Style of Studying Using GimKit
Ms. Waggoner’s 9th grade classes practiced vocabulary study and character analysis for Chapter 5 of Lord of the Flies through Gimkit, an online review game using QR scan codes to make virtual shop purchases for upgrades! Students reported in feedback that they loved being able to move around the room and use technology while also studying for their Chapter 5 quizzes!
Anoka Ramsey Community College Visit
On December 6th, Pine City High School students (10th, 11th, and 12th graders) participated in a college tour at Anoka Ramsey Community College! We had 43 students attend with three chaperones. Students learned about what ARCC offers in regards to degrees, clubs, extra curricular activities, intramural sports and much more. Students enjoyed the challenging Kahoot game that tested their knowledge of the campus and also the fun scavenger hunt on the campus tour. On the way home we stopped for a treat at McDonalds! Thank you ARCC for making this day possible by covering the cost of our transportation!
College Prep Students Attend Pow Wow
Some of Mrs. Magel's College Prep I students took the opportunity to attend the pow wow held after school before Thanksgiving break. Students learned many interesting facts and even got to participate in a tribal dance! The pow wow provided insight into the traditions and rituals of some Native American cultures.
Interior Design Students Design Lobby for The Little Mermaid
PCHS Interior Design class designed aspects of the lobby for The Little Mermaid. The students submitted ideas to Director Becky Schueller and their ideas were chosen to be part of the lobby decor for the show. This experience gave the students what is like to work with a client on designing an area to fit a theme.
AGRICULTURE-RELATED EDUCATION & CAREERS
Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen was among the speakers at the October 29th Joint Boards Meeting for city, county, and school officials. The session focused on the farm economy and how it impacts other aspects of our communities.
Commissioner Petersen noted that there are many ag-related careers available to young people who are interested.
He suggested that students who'd like to pursue such careers take rigorous classes in science, communication, and technology in high school. He also said to study hard in geography courses, because MN offices such as his and agriculture businesses often host delegations from other nations looking at MN's production.
Schools, farms, and other interested organization's have a new resource, because Pine County has hired a half-time agriculture educator. University of MN Extension services provide extensive, on-going information and opportunities.
Photo by David Minke, Pine County Administrator
Commissioner Petersen noted that there are many ag-related careers available to young people who are interested.
He suggested that students who'd like to pursue such careers take rigorous classes in science, communication, and technology in high school. He also said to study hard in geography courses, because MN offices such as his and agriculture businesses often host delegations from other nations looking at MN's production.
Schools, farms, and other interested organization's have a new resource, because Pine County has hired a half-time agriculture educator. University of MN Extension services provide extensive, on-going information and opportunities.
Photo by David Minke, Pine County Administrator
2001 PCHS Graduate Spoke on Panel in Washington, D.C.
Pharmacist Dan Teich, graduate of the Pine City High School Class of 2001, spoke on a panel on November 5th in Washington, D.C. The panel was a policy briefing about a bill called "Mitigating Emergency Drug Shortages Act" that is co-sponsored by Minnesota Senator Tina Smith and Maine Senator Susan Collins.
Currently employed as Vice President for Fairview Pharmacy Services, Teich noted that there are many directions in which a pharmacy career can proceed, including public policy. When he has presented at career education classes in Pine City, he has encouraged pre-pharmacy students to also enroll in communication opportunities such as speech and leadership organizations like the National Honor Society.
The son of Mitch and Twylah Teich of Pine City, Dan currently lives in the metro area with his wife and two children. He is pictured with Maine's Senator Susan Collins.
Currently employed as Vice President for Fairview Pharmacy Services, Teich noted that there are many directions in which a pharmacy career can proceed, including public policy. When he has presented at career education classes in Pine City, he has encouraged pre-pharmacy students to also enroll in communication opportunities such as speech and leadership organizations like the National Honor Society.
The son of Mitch and Twylah Teich of Pine City, Dan currently lives in the metro area with his wife and two children. He is pictured with Maine's Senator Susan Collins.
There will be a Public Hearing of the World's Best Workforce Meeting November 12, 2019, at 5:30 in the District Board Room.
Family Math Night
Students in grades K-2 and their families were invited to Family Math Night where they had to find clues to figure out the Mystery Number and play math games such as Go Fish 10, Guess My Number and Splat! It was a fun event and we were excited to have so many families joining us! Watch for our next event for all students coming in February.
PCHS Teacher Ryan Larson to be Honored at MN Rural Ed. Conference on Nov. 18th
Ryan Larson reimagined an industrial tech space to create a project-based learning environment where students can learn English, science, math, social studies and more. Read the MREA article by clicking here.
NATIONAL GRANT WITH A PINE CITY CONNECTION
Co-director of this project, Dr. Kim Gibbons, started her career as a School Psychologist in Pine City. She later served as Director of the St. Croix River Education District before going to the University of MN. Information and photo from Janet L. Kelly
According to a press release by Janet L. Kelly, the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin have been granted a $6.3 Federal Award with the goal of improving educational outcomes for all learners by using evidence-based practices in our schools. The co-directors of this initiative will be Dr. Kim Gibbons from the University of Minnesota and Alisia Moutry from the University of Wisconsin.
Gibbons started her career in this area by serving as School Psychologist for the Pine City/Rush City Schools in 1995. Currently the Director of the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Gibbons was an author of the proposal and hopes that the research will lead to successful practices that can be implemented to help learners across the nation.
Gibbons started her career in this area by serving as School Psychologist for the Pine City/Rush City Schools in 1995. Currently the Director of the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Gibbons was an author of the proposal and hopes that the research will lead to successful practices that can be implemented to help learners across the nation.
Rick Engelstad, Recipient of the George Haun Award
Only one of these awards is presented each year by the Minnesota State High School Coaches' Association. This year's honoree at a recent banquet was Pine City High School health/physical education teacher and coach Rick Engelstad. In addition to his own outstanding coaching, Engelstad's work at mentoring new coaches was a focus. Moreover, during his years at PCHS, Mr. Engelstad has worked with adaptive physical education to bring the benefits of fitness and fun to as many students as possible.
School board member Wally Connaker emphasizes that this is one of the highest honors that a coach can receive and that the Board appreciates and congratulates Engelstad on his fine work.
School board member Wally Connaker emphasizes that this is one of the highest honors that a coach can receive and that the Board appreciates and congratulates Engelstad on his fine work.
PCHS at Nobel55 Conference
Students and staff from PCHS are attending Nobel Conference 55 at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, this week. This year's topic is Climate Change: Facing Our Future. Students will have the opportunity to hear speakers on the topic while learning more about what they can do. According to the conference website, "The Nobel Conference brings students, educators and members of the general public together with the leading thinkers of our time, to explore revolutionary, transformative and pressing scientific questions and the ethical issues that arise with them."
Title I Schoolwide Program, Annual Parent Meeting
October 21, 2019
Pine City Elementary Media Center
5:00-6:00 PM
October 21, 2019
Pine City Elementary Media Center
5:00-6:00 PM
Family Math Night
Every Kid in the Croix Award
This award celebrates schools and teachers that are committed to making environmental education a priority for their students and strives to send as many students as possible through the "Rivers Are Alive" K-12 environmental education program. This award is for schools of all sizes, rural and urban that prioritize inspiring their students to be stewards of our world-class natural resources. Mr. Lorsung named November as "Rivers Are Alive" week. During this week, St. Croix River Association presented River Connections in the classroom to all 1st -6th graders. Students learned about the Snake River ecosystem and how the living and nonliving elements of this ecosystem are connected. The week ended with a school assembly where students became official Jr. Rangers at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Joel Lorsung, Elementary Science Teacher, Julie Galonska, Superintendent of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (National Park Service), Debra Ryun, Executive Director of the St. Croix River Association, and Stephanie Lorsung, Elementary Principal.
Joel Lorsung and Jaime Souza who was one of the two instructors during the "Rivers Are Alive" program.
Spring 2019 Community Education Brochure
Click HERE or on the image above to learn more about the fun things you can do in our community this summer.
PLANS UNDERWAY FOR 2019 "DRAGONS FOREVER" ALL-SCHOOL REUNION
Again in 2019, there will be a PCHS all-school reunion for members of the classes graduating between 1934 and 1979. Because a large group of between 400-500 people is expected, the event will be held at the Grand Casino in Hinckley on Saturday, August 10th. A social hour with snacks served will begin at 11:00, and the formal luncheon will begin at 1:00. There will be two regular meal options plus one vegetarian.
If you want a paper copy of this invitation/registration form, please stop by one of these three sites: Pine City "Pioneer" Office plus the bulletin boards at the Pine City Public Library and Chris' Food Center.
Click HERE for invitation.
If you want a paper copy of this invitation/registration form, please stop by one of these three sites: Pine City "Pioneer" Office plus the bulletin boards at the Pine City Public Library and Chris' Food Center.
Click HERE for invitation.
Active Shooter Training
On Thursday, June 13, 2019, Pine City Schools, in conjunction with Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Law Enforcement, will be taking part in an active shooter training. This training will take place at Pine City High School with a reunification site of the Pine City Civic Center. Most of the training will take place from 8am-1pm.
Pine City High School facilities and grounds will be closed to all activities that day, except for the mentioned training.
This training will involve around 15 law enforcement, five EMS, and 30 Pine City Schools staff. The training will also involve all emergency vehicles. Needless to say, PCHS will have activities taking place that are not part of our routine day. Please be aware that during this time, emergency personnel will have their vehicles in use with sirens and flashing lights.
Highway 61 will not be closed this day, but there will be an increase law enforcement presence.
If you are hearing or seeing postings on social media from people that aren’t aware of the training or don’t remember this information, please remind them of the training taking place this day.
If you have questions about this event, please contact PCHS principal Troy Anderson at 320-629-4000 or tanderson@isd578.org
Thank you for understanding and flexibility during the training on June 13, 2019.
Pine City High School facilities and grounds will be closed to all activities that day, except for the mentioned training.
This training will involve around 15 law enforcement, five EMS, and 30 Pine City Schools staff. The training will also involve all emergency vehicles. Needless to say, PCHS will have activities taking place that are not part of our routine day. Please be aware that during this time, emergency personnel will have their vehicles in use with sirens and flashing lights.
Highway 61 will not be closed this day, but there will be an increase law enforcement presence.
If you are hearing or seeing postings on social media from people that aren’t aware of the training or don’t remember this information, please remind them of the training taking place this day.
If you have questions about this event, please contact PCHS principal Troy Anderson at 320-629-4000 or tanderson@isd578.org
Thank you for understanding and flexibility during the training on June 13, 2019.
PCES Field Day 2019 Highlights
Please CLICK HERE for a downloadable PDF of the Retirement Social 2019 invitation.
Be More for Students – Tutor Reading
Pine City Elementary is looking for 2 full time reading tutors for the upcoming school year. In Minnesota, 1 in 3 third graders struggles to read at grade level and less than 60% of eighth graders are proficient in math. You can make a difference by giving your time and talent to help students build their skills and confidence!
Tutors work with students during school hours throughout the school year. No matter if you’re a recent grad, career changer, stay-at-home parent or retiree, you can make a great tutor. No experience? No problem. Tutors receive great training, so they are well equipped to help students grow.
Tutors commit to serving 35, 25, or 18 hours a week throughout the school year. Opportunities begin in August 2019.
Perks as a Tutor
Tutors work with students during school hours throughout the school year. No matter if you’re a recent grad, career changer, stay-at-home parent or retiree, you can make a great tutor. No experience? No problem. Tutors receive great training, so they are well equipped to help students grow.
Tutors commit to serving 35, 25, or 18 hours a week throughout the school year. Opportunities begin in August 2019.
Perks as a Tutor
- Build your skills, network, and resume
- Receive a paid stipend every two weeks
- Earn up to $4,200 for college tuition or student loans. Tutors 55 and older may gift the award to their child, grandchild, stepchild or foster child.
- Free health insurance and child care assistance for those who qualify
GRADUATION 2019 Live Streaming - May 23, 2019 - 7:00 p.m.
PCPS District News - May 17, 2019
Harter Memorial Field Day 2019 Schedule
PCES Strength Based Center Receives Linda Van Prooien Mini Grant
PCES students apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills while programming robots in the Strength Based Center. Funds were made available for this project through the Linda Van Prooien Legacy Mini-Grants.
Artist in Residence at PCES!
The theme is Jumping Up Together with Pine City Elementary, using a little Trinidad Carnival soca music. Our 'Mask-a-rade' Parade sections are by grade level.....
1st grade - Symmetrical Superstars
2nd grade - Mardi Gras Magic
3rd grade - Birds of a Feather
4th grade - Wild and Wacky
5th grade - Fantastic Five Faces
6th grade - Collage of Characters.
Watch for more information on the 'Mask-a-rade' Parade!
1st grade - Symmetrical Superstars
2nd grade - Mardi Gras Magic
3rd grade - Birds of a Feather
4th grade - Wild and Wacky
5th grade - Fantastic Five Faces
6th grade - Collage of Characters.
Watch for more information on the 'Mask-a-rade' Parade!
Medieval Masquerade - Prom 2019 is May 4th
Grand March 5:30 PCHS gym- Doors open at 5:00
Dinner 7:00 Pizza Pub
Dance 8:30 - 11:30 Pizza Pub
Grand March tickets $2 - for sale at the reception window at PCHS. Prom Tickets $55 - for sale in room 187 Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays before school and Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school. Contact Brenda Pulju at bpulju@isd578.org if you have any questions.
Post prom registration forms are available from Mrs. Thieman at the front desk and are due May 1. Registration is $20/per person. ALL juniors and seniors are invited to attend post prom, regardless of whether or not you attend prom. We are heading to the Andover Community Center for ice skating, gym activities and games, movies, food, and prizes! Contact Jen Hansmann with questions regarding Post Prom at jhansmann@isd578.org
Grand March 5:30 PCHS gym- Doors open at 5:00
Dinner 7:00 Pizza Pub
Dance 8:30 - 11:30 Pizza Pub
Grand March tickets $2 - for sale at the reception window at PCHS. Prom Tickets $55 - for sale in room 187 Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays before school and Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school. Contact Brenda Pulju at bpulju@isd578.org if you have any questions.
Post prom registration forms are available from Mrs. Thieman at the front desk and are due May 1. Registration is $20/per person. ALL juniors and seniors are invited to attend post prom, regardless of whether or not you attend prom. We are heading to the Andover Community Center for ice skating, gym activities and games, movies, food, and prizes! Contact Jen Hansmann with questions regarding Post Prom at jhansmann@isd578.org
Literacy Tutor Position Available – Minnesota Reading Corps
Make a difference in your community and join our team as a reading tutor. Pine City Elementary is looking for reading tutors to give their time and talent to help our kids become successful readers and learners.
Tutors work one-on-one or in small groups with students during school hours throughout the school year. No matter if you’re a recent grad, career changer, stay-at-home parent or retiree, you can make a great tutor. No experience? No problem. Minnesota Reading Corps provides comprehensive training in strategies proven to help students learn, so tutors are well equipped to help students grow.
Perks as A Tutor
• Receive a stipend every two weeks
• Earn up to $4,200 for college tuition or student loans. Tutors 55 and older may gift the award to their child, grandchild, stepchild or foster child.
• Free health insurance and child care assistance for those who qualify.
Ready to be the change for struggling students? Learn more at ReadingAndMath.net. Questions can be sent to join@servetogrow.org or call 866.859.2825.
Make a difference in your community and join our team as a reading tutor. Pine City Elementary is looking for reading tutors to give their time and talent to help our kids become successful readers and learners.
Tutors work one-on-one or in small groups with students during school hours throughout the school year. No matter if you’re a recent grad, career changer, stay-at-home parent or retiree, you can make a great tutor. No experience? No problem. Minnesota Reading Corps provides comprehensive training in strategies proven to help students learn, so tutors are well equipped to help students grow.
Perks as A Tutor
• Receive a stipend every two weeks
• Earn up to $4,200 for college tuition or student loans. Tutors 55 and older may gift the award to their child, grandchild, stepchild or foster child.
• Free health insurance and child care assistance for those who qualify.
Ready to be the change for struggling students? Learn more at ReadingAndMath.net. Questions can be sent to join@servetogrow.org or call 866.859.2825.
2019 PCHS Career Summit
PCHS Yearbook Orders
Please order ONLINE at ybpay.lifetouch.com. Enter Pine City High School's ID Code: 4187619. Or you can order a book with Joan Thieman at the front desk (check or cash). Yearbooks are $50. Deadline to order a yearbook online is April 12th. Checks can be written to "PCHS Yearbook"
Please contact Tyler Mans - tmans@isd578.org with questions.
Please contact Tyler Mans - tmans@isd578.org with questions.
The Dragon Girls’ Basketball team ended a very successful season with a 24-6 record and battling for 2nd place in the section tournament.
24-6 Record for Dragon Girls' Basketball
Annual Kindergarten Circus Coming March 15
The Kindergarten Circus Program will be this Friday, March 15th at 1:45 and 6:30 p.m. in the Pine City Elementary School auditorium.
Construct Tomorrow Conference
Mr. Eichten, Mrs. Pangrel, Mrs. Huber, Mrs. Laven, Mrs. Freiheit, and 22 students attended the Construct Tomorrow Conference on Feb. 21 in Hinckley. There were hands on activities related to the building trades for the students to try and learn about. It was a great experience for students and staff.
ACT Prep
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR LEAD-IN-WATER
Lead-in-Water test results are available by request. Please contact Scott Miller via phone 320-629-4125 or email smiller@isd578.org for further information and testing results.
District News 2-22-19
2018-2019 Revised Calendar
2/11/19 School Board Decision
Make-up Days
The Pine City School Board approved revisions to the 2018-2019 School Calendar due to the four days of weather related cancellations in January.
Students will now have school on Friday, March 1st and Friday, March 22nd. The end of the third quarter will be moved from March 21st to March 22nd.
Third quarter report cards will come out following spring break (March 25-29). Grades K-12 final third quarter grades will be posted in Synergy for parents and students Thursday, April 4th.
If we have any additional school cancellations due to weather, the school board has designated the following possible student make-up days: Friday, April 19th or adding June 6 and/or 7 at the end of the school year.
Click here to view a PDF of the revised 2018-2019 calendar.
Thank you,
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent
2/11/19 School Board Decision
Make-up Days
The Pine City School Board approved revisions to the 2018-2019 School Calendar due to the four days of weather related cancellations in January.
Students will now have school on Friday, March 1st and Friday, March 22nd. The end of the third quarter will be moved from March 21st to March 22nd.
Third quarter report cards will come out following spring break (March 25-29). Grades K-12 final third quarter grades will be posted in Synergy for parents and students Thursday, April 4th.
If we have any additional school cancellations due to weather, the school board has designated the following possible student make-up days: Friday, April 19th or adding June 6 and/or 7 at the end of the school year.
Click here to view a PDF of the revised 2018-2019 calendar.
Thank you,
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent
Hoops for Hope 2019
On Friday, February 1 the Pine City Girls Basketball team hosted Hoops for Hope, a fundraiser in the fight against cancer. The team raised $1,380. All proceeds will be donated to The Harbor Room at Cambridge Hospital and Children's MN.
Two Rivers Conference Champions
Congratulations to the junior high speech team! They are the champions of the Two Rivers Conference! Individual placements are as follows:
1st place: Ellie N (Creative Expression), Sydney W (Drama), Vivian C (Poetry), Carly S (Great Speeches)
2nd place: Emma J (Poetry)
3rd place: CJ H (Creative Expression), Brooklyn S (Humor), Caleb W (Informative), Carly Tg (Drama)
4th place: Kassedy O (Humor), Kaia W(Drama)
5th place: Willow-Rai H (Humor)
Congrats to all the "speechers" on an amazing end to the season!
1st place: Ellie N (Creative Expression), Sydney W (Drama), Vivian C (Poetry), Carly S (Great Speeches)
2nd place: Emma J (Poetry)
3rd place: CJ H (Creative Expression), Brooklyn S (Humor), Caleb W (Informative), Carly Tg (Drama)
4th place: Kassedy O (Humor), Kaia W(Drama)
5th place: Willow-Rai H (Humor)
Congrats to all the "speechers" on an amazing end to the season!
Congratulations to PCHS Sophomore Ellie Hasz! She hit 1,000 points last night during the North Branch-Pine City game! #GoDragons #1000Points
Sophomore Ellie Hasz Earns 1000 Points
Honor an Educator Night
On Friday, January 15, Pine City Seniors Hannah Lorsung, Hannah Husom, Emily Carpenter, Chloe Alleman and Jolie Wicktor chose teachers Kristin Unverzagt (Math), Jason Rademacher (Social Studies), Christie Dunkley (Spanish), Eric Wicktor (Social Studies), and Jory Magel (Language Arts) as the teachers who made an impact on their lives.
MSHSL Region 5A Sub-Section 18 Triple A
Wednesday night, January 23 the MSHSL Region 5A Sub-Section 18 Triple A banquet was held in St Cloud. Pine City's representatives were Seniors Elizabeth Cahill and Tommy Ryan who were accompanied by their parents. Both were picked from a pool of Dragon Senior applicants for their exploits in the three "A"s = Art, Academics, and Athletics. Congrats to both, you represented PCHS well. Good luck wherever the future takes you. Also involved in the banquet was Superintendent Annette Freiheit who was on the selection committee to pick the one boy and girl from the 10 schools in the Sub-Section who will advance to the Region 5A competition.
For over 35 years, the Pine City Schools have featured "February I Love to Read Month" to help students apply their instruction in decoding and comprehending text to learning content and experiencing the joy of reading. This year's coordinators of the events, Jeanne Lundholm and David Sprunk, have announced that the 2019 author will be Traci Sorell, whose book "We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga" was named one of the best children's books of the year by "Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal", National Public Radio, and the Chicago Public Library.
Sorell, who was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, will be at Pine City Elementary working with students and teachers on February 12th and 13th. She also received an M.A. in American Indian Studies from the University of Arizona and a law degree, J.D. from the University of Wisconsin.
In addition to reading and discussing her books with the learners, Ms. Sorell will explain her motivation to become an author of children's literature.
Sorell, who was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, will be at Pine City Elementary working with students and teachers on February 12th and 13th. She also received an M.A. in American Indian Studies from the University of Arizona and a law degree, J.D. from the University of Wisconsin.
In addition to reading and discussing her books with the learners, Ms. Sorell will explain her motivation to become an author of children's literature.
Fall 2018 Community Ed Brochure
27th Annual District Spelling Bee
The winner of the 27th Annual District Spelling Bee was 7th grader Nathan N. Anthony B. took 2nd place and Eli K. was our third place winner. Nathan will go on to represent Pine City Public Schools at the Regional Bee in Sartell on February 5th.
Former Student, Lindsey Kline, Speaks to CIS Students
Former CIS Human Physiology student and PCHS graduate, Lindsey Kline, shared her educational experiences with the College in the Schools Human Physiology, Technology, and Medical Devices class. Lindsey completed her undergraduate degree from Gustavus Adolphus College, and is continuing her education at California State University Dominguez Hills. Lindsey is enrolled in the masters of health sciences in Orthotics and Prosthetics program.
Lindsey shared her experiences of attending undergraduate and graduate school, and her story of how she decided to pursue a career in prosthetics and orthotics. She also informed the students of all the different skills and disciplines that go into designing prosthetics, from math and engineering, to psychology and art. There are under 15 schools in the nation that have this type of program, and it is a profession where there will me a number of job openings and opportunities in the future.
Lindsey shared her experiences of attending undergraduate and graduate school, and her story of how she decided to pursue a career in prosthetics and orthotics. She also informed the students of all the different skills and disciplines that go into designing prosthetics, from math and engineering, to psychology and art. There are under 15 schools in the nation that have this type of program, and it is a profession where there will me a number of job openings and opportunities in the future.
CIS Political Science Students Visit University
Members of Mr. Allen's POL 1001-Intro. to Political Science course through The University of Minnesota recently visited the campus for their annual field day. There, they met with other students from around the state and debated their final: Term Limits. While on campus, the students heard from professionals in the content as well as heard debated information on both sides of the topic.
The Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) honors outstanding school board members at the annual Leadership Conference on January 17-18. Daniel Peterson, chairperson of the Pine City School Board, will be named to the MSBA All-State School Board on at a recognition luncheon during the conference. The All-State School Board recognizes six current school board members each year who have attended MSBA board trainings, conferences and seminars, have significantly helped their school board, school district or advanced the board's role in student achievement, and demonstrated understanding of the Standards for School Board Leadership. Dan has been a school board member for the Pine City School District for 30+ years. His leadership and commitment to our students, families, and community are greatly appreciated. The public is invited to an open house reception in his honor on Monday, January 14th, 5:30 to 6:30 P.M. in the high school front lobby.
Nick Hansmann Joins the 1,000 Point Club
Read more on the Pine City Boys' Basketball blog.
Guest Speaker Shares Experiences Abroad
Pine City students in both 7th and 9th grade reading classes are currently reading the novel Refugee by Alan Gratz. It tells the story of 3 refugees, one from the holocaust, one from Cuba, and the third from Syria. Today these students had the opportunity to listen to guest speaker, Jenny Ostrowski. Jenny majored in international relations and Arabic with a minor in global health at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. As an undergrad, she interned at Moria Refugee Camp in Lesvos, Greece. As refugees arrived, she worked with the team that found space for them to stay in tents or RHUs (refugee housing units). She also spent a semester researching the management of chronic illnesses among Syrian refugee women living in Jordan. Now in Iowa, she volunteers as an English tutor with a community organization for refugees and migrants. Last spring, she organized some nutrition and gardening classes as part of a refugee women's support group. Through her fellowship with CDC, she is working with the county health department to improve services for refugee families.
Holiday Concert Dates:
Junior High Holiday Concert - November 29 - 7:30 p.m.
Senior High Holiday Concert - December 3 - 7:30 p.m.
Elementary Band Holiday Concert - December 6 - 6:30 p.m.
Elementary Choir Holiday Concert - December 11 - 6:30 p.m.
Junior High Holiday Concert - November 29 - 7:30 p.m.
Senior High Holiday Concert - December 3 - 7:30 p.m.
Elementary Band Holiday Concert - December 6 - 6:30 p.m.
Elementary Choir Holiday Concert - December 11 - 6:30 p.m.
Minnesota Tennis Coaches Association Recognizes Dragon Girls' Tennis Coaches
If you haven't already heard, The Minnesota Tennis Coaches Association would like to send out Congratulations to:
Kristin Unverzagt - Section 7A Head Coach of the Year
Gina Ausmus - Section 7A Assistant Coach of the Year
The girls tennis season finished strong with an overall record of 11-6. The team lost to Virginia in the section semi-finals, but Lydia Adams continued to the state tournament as the section 7A singles champion. The girls not only got it done on the tennis court, but also received the academic gold award for having a GPA higher than 3.75. Our team GPA is 3.96!
Coach Unverzagt said she is proud to work with such amazing young women and a positive coaching staff!
Please take a minute to congratulate Kristin and Gina! We appreciate all they do for our students, our building and our district!!!
Kristin Unverzagt - Section 7A Head Coach of the Year
Gina Ausmus - Section 7A Assistant Coach of the Year
The girls tennis season finished strong with an overall record of 11-6. The team lost to Virginia in the section semi-finals, but Lydia Adams continued to the state tournament as the section 7A singles champion. The girls not only got it done on the tennis court, but also received the academic gold award for having a GPA higher than 3.75. Our team GPA is 3.96!
Coach Unverzagt said she is proud to work with such amazing young women and a positive coaching staff!
Please take a minute to congratulate Kristin and Gina! We appreciate all they do for our students, our building and our district!!!
Congratulations, Mr. Stoltz
Zach Stoltz was nominated by our local VFW for teacher of the year. He just received notice that he is the 6th District VFW teacher of the year winner. He will be receiving this award at the 6th District meeting held in Wadena on December 1st. This nomination and award is for his role in supporting the Patriot Pen Essay and continuing to teach about patriotism and citizenship. CONGRATULATIONS ZACH!
Kindness Week Schedule
Industrial Tech Builds Boat Hulls
Mr. Eichten's Ind. Tech. class designed, built, and tested boat hulls for speed and efficiency for the first project of the 2nd quarter. This was a fun activity to lead us into the Thanksgiving break. Happy Thanksgiving from the Pine City Ind. Tech. Dept.
5th Grade Kindness Retreat
Through our Club Choice Fundraiser, Pine City Elementary was able to host a Kindness Retreat for the 5th grade students presented by Youth Frontiers, Inc. Youth Frontiers is a nonprofit organization that has been delivering retreats to schools since 1987.
The kindness retreat focused on how kindness makes positive difference in our school and how unkind, bullying behaviors hurt others. Through high energy activities and small group discussions, students were introduced to the idea of being a hero for classmates by using tools like “ICI” (Interrupt, Compliment, Invite Away) and the Kindness Boomerang. Twenty-two high school students spent the day helping as small group leaders.
The kindness retreat focused on how kindness makes positive difference in our school and how unkind, bullying behaviors hurt others. Through high energy activities and small group discussions, students were introduced to the idea of being a hero for classmates by using tools like “ICI” (Interrupt, Compliment, Invite Away) and the Kindness Boomerang. Twenty-two high school students spent the day helping as small group leaders.
CO2 Cars in Mr. Eichten's Class
In Mr. Eichten's Ind. Tech. class the students designed, made prototypes, built, and then raced CO2 cars the week of MEA. It was a great way to start of the MEA vacation.
Students enrolled in Introduction to Engineering and Design built an instant challenge called "Fling Machine" where they had to design a device to propel a cotton ball as far as possible. Their distances were recorded into a data set where they calculated their standard deviation, mean, median, mode, and range of their results.
NATIVE AMERICAN ED. COMMITTEE AT WORK IN PINE CITY SCHOOLS
Under the direction of Coordinator David Sprunk and parent Suzen Carey, Pine City's Native American Education Committee has been at work this fall. Membership includes parents, teachers, administrators, and a school board member. The purpose of the group is two-fold: to help Native learners effectively use the resources that are available to them at school and, secondly, to enrich the entire curricular program by including more exposure to and enrichment about Native history and culture. More information about the committee's projects will be available in the months ahead.
Linda Van Prooien Legacy
The LVP Legacy Committee will soon distribute to staff application forms for enrichment grants, with approximately $2500 going to pre-5-6 projects and another $2500 for 7-12 + Senior High ALC. There will be $5000 available for each of the next nine years. Committee members are Jill Nolan, Jeff Adams, Judi Barrett, Julie Berglund, Carolyn Clark, Candy Ames, Marlys Salonek, Donell Berube, and Lisa Nos-Tollefson (not pictured). Three of the committee members were friends of Linda and the Van Prooien Family.
The late Linda Vanprooien, a 1953 PCHS graduate, left $45,000 to the Pine City Schools. Staff have the opportunity to apply for items such as books for students, admission fees for educational field trips, classroom and school-wide speakers, guest authors/artists/musicians, involvement of families in the educational process, nature appreciation, and activities that promote cultural understanding.
On October 29th a committee consisting of two school board members, two community members who were friends of the Van Prooien family, four teachers representing different student age groups, and the ISD578 Business Manager met to discuss how to spend the $45,000 legacy that the late Linda VanProoien left to the school district.
The consensus of the planning group was to expend it at the rate of $5000 each year for the next nine years, with the possibility of investing about $30,000 of it to hopefully gain a tenth year. School staff members will have the opportunity to write mini-grant proposals to enrich the lives of students and enable some who might otherwise not be able to have certain opportunities; the first round of proposals will be due on December 14th.
Members Marlys Salonek and Donell Berube summarized the sentiment of the meeting by concluding "Let's reach as many students as possible" and "It'd be great if every student's life could be touched by this".
The consensus of the planning group was to expend it at the rate of $5000 each year for the next nine years, with the possibility of investing about $30,000 of it to hopefully gain a tenth year. School staff members will have the opportunity to write mini-grant proposals to enrich the lives of students and enable some who might otherwise not be able to have certain opportunities; the first round of proposals will be due on December 14th.
Members Marlys Salonek and Donell Berube summarized the sentiment of the meeting by concluding "Let's reach as many students as possible" and "It'd be great if every student's life could be touched by this".
ARMISTICE DAY PROGRAM IN PINE CITY
Throughout the U.S. and abroad this fall there will be events commemorating the centennial of World War I. One such program will be held at the Pine City Public Library at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 11th. Dr. Connie Harris, who teaches college history classes, will lead this one-hour presentation/discussion that will focus on the final month of World War I including some Pine City links, the armistice, Versaille Conference, and aftermath.
While there is no charge for this, participants are asked to pre-register by calling Community Education Secretary Teresa Plasek at 629-4030. If you have some artifacts from WWI that you'd care to bring along, you're welcome to do so.
While there is no charge for this, participants are asked to pre-register by calling Community Education Secretary Teresa Plasek at 629-4030. If you have some artifacts from WWI that you'd care to bring along, you're welcome to do so.
College Fair at PCHS on Thursday, November 8th from 4-8 PM during conferences. We are also having financial aid night the same night, Thursday, November 8th starting at 6:00 PM. For more information contact Roxanne Soderbeck at rsoderbeck@isd578.org.
Official School Board Election Results
The School Board of Pine City Public Schools canvassed the election results from November 6, 2018 at the School Board meeting on November 13, 2018. Congratulations to newcomer, JacLynn Hutchins Cavallin and incumbents Candice Ames and Lisa Nos-Tollefson. They will take the Oath of Office at the January 14, 2019 School Board Meeting. Their terms will expire January, 2023.
The School Board of Pine City Public Schools canvassed the election results from November 6, 2018 at the School Board meeting on November 13, 2018. Congratulations to newcomer, JacLynn Hutchins Cavallin and incumbents Candice Ames and Lisa Nos-Tollefson. They will take the Oath of Office at the January 14, 2019 School Board Meeting. Their terms will expire January, 2023.
Kids Vote at PCPS
2018-2019 Application for Meal Benefits
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Our school provides healthy meals each day. All student breakfasts cost $1.25, elementary student lunch costs $2.05; Junior/Senior High student lunch costs $2.30.
You children may qualify for free or reduced-price schools meals. To apply, complete the Application for Educational Benefits below following the instructions. A new application must be submitted each year. At public schools, your application also helps the school qualify for education funds and discounts.
Paige Olson, RDN
Food & Nutrition Director
2018-2019 Application for Meal Benefits
NEW! - Instructions for Online Application for Meal Benefits
Our school provides healthy meals each day. All student breakfasts cost $1.25, elementary student lunch costs $2.05; Junior/Senior High student lunch costs $2.30.
You children may qualify for free or reduced-price schools meals. To apply, complete the Application for Educational Benefits below following the instructions. A new application must be submitted each year. At public schools, your application also helps the school qualify for education funds and discounts.
Paige Olson, RDN
Food & Nutrition Director
2018-2019 Application for Meal Benefits
NEW! - Instructions for Online Application for Meal Benefits
NORTH STAR ACCOUNTABILITY INFORMATION
Pine City Public Schools have compiled their district data regarding the North Star Accountability System that was released August 30th by the Minnesota Department of Education. The ISD 578 North Star Accountability Results for 17-18 is posted with this notice. Pine City Elementary School was designated for targeted support services due to the special education student group below target in math and reading achievement, math and reading academic growth, and consistent attendance. This report also outlines our next steps in addressing the results as we finalize goals and actions within our district's strategic plan and World's Best Workforce plan. The District will continue to communicate our results and plans.
ISD 578 North Star Accountability Results for 2017-18
Superintendent Annette K. Freiheit
ISD 578 North Star Accountability Results for 2017-18
Superintendent Annette K. Freiheit
Club's Choice product pick up is Saturday, October 27th from 7:30 am - 10:30 am at the Elementary School south parking lot. Parents and/or Guardians are responsible for coming to the school to pick up merchandise. Please be prompt as products need to stay frozen.
Snap That Error
Ms. Waggoner's class participated in what was a highly successful and student-engaged learning activity using the social media app, Snapchat, to meet language/grammar standards in English!
Students snapped a reading passage which had seven errors, and they were to collaborate in designated groups, identifying, discussing, and using the Snapchat drawing tool, to make grammatical corrections to their reading passage.
All students displayed engagement, participation, and the following of procedures effectively with the usage of technology they know and love!
Students snapped a reading passage which had seven errors, and they were to collaborate in designated groups, identifying, discussing, and using the Snapchat drawing tool, to make grammatical corrections to their reading passage.
All students displayed engagement, participation, and the following of procedures effectively with the usage of technology they know and love!
Homecoming Royalty 2018
HOMECOMING 2018
Click on the following link for more information: Rachel's Challenge Information and Opt-Out Sheet
For complete details click here: 2018 Career Fair Information Packet
New to Pine City Public Schools?
Start your enrollment process by clicking the button below!
K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit
Dragon Parents & Guardians:
As we approach the 2018-2019 school year, I would like to share with you information from the Minnesota Department of Revenue regarding the K-12 Education Subtraction and K-12 Education Credit. These two programs help pay for education expenses and have valuable tax benefits.
These benefits can reduce your taxes and increase your refund, but you must save your receipts. Generally, most expenses paid for educational instruction or materials qualify, including:
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 do not owe any taxes.
Informational handout
Information Video
Sincerely,
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent
As we approach the 2018-2019 school year, I would like to share with you information from the Minnesota Department of Revenue regarding the K-12 Education Subtraction and K-12 Education Credit. These two programs help pay for education expenses and have valuable tax benefits.
These benefits can reduce your taxes and increase your refund, but you must save your receipts. Generally, most expenses paid for educational instruction or materials qualify, including:
- Paper
- Pens and notebooks
- Textbooks
- Rental or purchases of educational equipment such as musical instruments; computer hardware and educational software
- After-school tutoring and educational summer camps taught by a qualified instructor
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 do not owe any taxes.
Informational handout
Information Video
Sincerely,
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent
Registration for the Back to School Conferences scheduled for September 4 and 5 opens on Monday, August 20. Please watch your email and/or ParentVue. Instructions are the same as the 2017-2018 Fall Conferences but they can also be found here.
PCES Back to School Conference Registration Opens Monday, August 20
Meet Our New Staff
The following 9th grade students have been nominated for the "President's Effort Award"- Silver qualifiers:
(Qualifications include outstanding growth/improvement, unusual commitment to learning, overcame obstacles)
(Qualifications include outstanding growth/improvement, unusual commitment to learning, overcame obstacles)
9th Grade Presidential Award Winners
The following 9th grade students have met the criteria for the "President's Academic Award"- Gold qualifiers:
(Qualifications include a GPA minimum 3.5, and 85% on a standardized math or reading test)
(Qualifications include a GPA minimum 3.5, and 85% on a standardized math or reading test)
Bottom Left to Right:
Ella Schultz, Cara Kuhn, Lydia Adams, Allison Cavallin, Danielle Cavallin, Kaitlyn Miller, Olivia Husom, Autumn Somora, Graci Huff, Livia Isackson-Rod
Middle Left to Right:
Ellie Hasz, Ellyse Tyberg, Kensington Tayerle, Ellee Foster, Ellaina Johnson, Ainsley Vinaja, Mikayla Stebbing, Kelsey Carlsen, Shane Iverson, Skye Gilbert
Top Left to Right:
Carter Arhart, Cody Nutt, Tristen Moore, Tobias Bulera, Brayden Bombard, George Ausmus, Jeremy Brinker, Troy Schmidt, Jacob Englund, Charles Emmons
Bottom to Top/Left to Right
Ethan Miklya, Lukas Struss, Megan Olson, Emily Wimmer, Abigail Schultz, Alyssa Frye, Kylee Lindahl, Maddie Svor- Sigurdsen, Logan Mayer, Isaiah Kelleher, Hla Vang, Aaron Marcott, Kyla Price, Josh Kunze, Shawn Raasch, Hallie Kubesh, Lily Evans, Chloe Hegge, Kaitlyn Lorsung, Isabella Robinson
Memorial Day Poe Wow Field trip!!
We had 20 students & chaperones go up to the Ojibwe Museum in Onamia for the day to observe the
Memorial Day Pow Wow, crafts and go through the Ojibwe Museum. It was a lot of fun and educational, but also VERY VERY HOT!!
Memorial Day Pow Wow, crafts and go through the Ojibwe Museum. It was a lot of fun and educational, but also VERY VERY HOT!!
Field Day 2018
Congratulations!
Congratulations to seniors Alison Brown and Grace Langmade who have both made college decisions and will continue their basketball careers in college! Ali will attend St. Kate's who play in the MIAC and Grace will play for Northwestern who play in the UMAC conference.
Graduation Ceremony
The Class of 2018 invites the public to attend their graduation ceremony at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 24, in the PCHS gymnasium. This ceremony is free and all are welcome to attend.
Pine City Jazz Too! Captures "Best in Site" at UMD Jazz Festival
Pine City's Junior High Jazz Band (Jazz Too!) recently performed at the University of Minnesota - Duluth Jazz Festival on March 17and was awarded " Best In Site" for their efforts that day. The festival host 3 different sites with about 9 High School and Middle School bands performing at each . The judging panel presents the award to the band that performs at the highest level for their individual site. Pine City students Micah Overtoom, Charlie Emmons, Katelyn Lorsung and Jet Pulley were also singled out by the judges for their outstanding leadership or soloing.
National Math Month
April is National Math Month and Wednesday was Wear a Number to School Day.
Mrs. Blake had her students, that had numbers on their shirts, line up and the other students had to arrange them to create the largest number possible.
56,201,986,197,214 - great practice reading large numbers and place value!
Mrs. Blake had her students, that had numbers on their shirts, line up and the other students had to arrange them to create the largest number possible.
56,201,986,197,214 - great practice reading large numbers and place value!
PCES Grandparents' Day - May 11, 2018
Art Club Visits Museums
Ms. Jansen and 21 Art Club students took a trip to The Russian Museum of Art and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. At the Russian Museum of Art, Students learned, via docent, all about the history of Russia and the history of The Matryoshka doll, nesting dolls. At the MIA students were split into two groups and had 2 docents give them a tour. The tour was all about things that make us wonder. After the tour students had about an hour to tour the rest of the MIA and see everything else it had to offer. This was the first time many of these students have been able to go to a museum. We are so thankful for the opportunity.
"This Activity is funded through a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council thanks to an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund."
"This Activity is funded through a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council thanks to an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund."
IT Students Attend Construct Tomorrow Conference
Mr. Eichten and 18 Pine City Ind. Tech. students attended the Construct Tomorrow conference in Hinckley. There were many experts from different construction trades that taught the students about their professions and the different paths they could take to become successful in their fields. Here are some pictures of the activities the students took part in.
Dear Dragon Parents and Families,
This is a reminder of our early release day Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Also, there is no school March 29 - April 6 for the district Spring Break. School resumes on Monday, April 9th.
There will be no afternoon preschool on Wednesday, March 28th.
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS:
Students in grades K-3 will be dismissed at 12:38 and grades 4-6 will be dismissed at 12:43. Buses will leave the elementary at 12:50. We have child supervision from 12:38 - 3:00 on early release days. Families in need of supervision are asked to call the elementary office this week so we can plan staffing accordingly. Students remaining in school for this supervision will be in the auditorium. The only transportation available will be at the 12:50 dismissal. Parents making use of the early release supervision will need to come into the building and pick their child up at the 3:00 dismissal time.
VISION PROGRAM STUDENTS:
Vision program students will be dismissed at 12:48 P.M. and the bus will leave Vision at 12:50 P.M.
GRADES 7-12 STUDENTS:
Students will be dismissed at 12:55. The early release schedule of classes is posted in each teacher's classroom on orange paper. The bells will be turned off. Teachers will dismiss their classes each hour. There is 4 minutes passing time between classes.
Period 1 - 8:10-8:39
Period 2 - 8:43-9:11
Period 3 - 9:15-9:43
Period 5 - 9:47-10:15
Period 6 - 10:19-10:48
Period 4 - 10:52-12:15
Lunch 1 - 10:52-11:17
Lunch 2 - 11:21-11:46
Lunch 3 - 11:50-12:15
Period 7 - 12:19-12:55
Grades 7-12 Students, if you need to stay in school from 1 pm until 3:30 pm, the 7th grade commons will be available. All other areas of the school are closed because there is no supervision.
Thank you,
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent
This is a reminder of our early release day Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Also, there is no school March 29 - April 6 for the district Spring Break. School resumes on Monday, April 9th.
There will be no afternoon preschool on Wednesday, March 28th.
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS:
Students in grades K-3 will be dismissed at 12:38 and grades 4-6 will be dismissed at 12:43. Buses will leave the elementary at 12:50. We have child supervision from 12:38 - 3:00 on early release days. Families in need of supervision are asked to call the elementary office this week so we can plan staffing accordingly. Students remaining in school for this supervision will be in the auditorium. The only transportation available will be at the 12:50 dismissal. Parents making use of the early release supervision will need to come into the building and pick their child up at the 3:00 dismissal time.
VISION PROGRAM STUDENTS:
Vision program students will be dismissed at 12:48 P.M. and the bus will leave Vision at 12:50 P.M.
GRADES 7-12 STUDENTS:
Students will be dismissed at 12:55. The early release schedule of classes is posted in each teacher's classroom on orange paper. The bells will be turned off. Teachers will dismiss their classes each hour. There is 4 minutes passing time between classes.
Period 1 - 8:10-8:39
Period 2 - 8:43-9:11
Period 3 - 9:15-9:43
Period 5 - 9:47-10:15
Period 6 - 10:19-10:48
Period 4 - 10:52-12:15
Lunch 1 - 10:52-11:17
Lunch 2 - 11:21-11:46
Lunch 3 - 11:50-12:15
Period 7 - 12:19-12:55
Grades 7-12 Students, if you need to stay in school from 1 pm until 3:30 pm, the 7th grade commons will be available. All other areas of the school are closed because there is no supervision.
Thank you,
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent
Opt-In to Text Message Alerts
For more information, click here to view a letter sent to all parents and guardians on April 12, 2018 via email.
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION WEEK FEBRUARY 19-23, 2018
Pine City Public School children benefit every day from the hard work of our school board. February 19th through February 23rd is School Board Recognition Week, so take the time to thank these dedicated leaders for spending countless hours away from their own families and jobs so all our children can get a good education.
Pine City Public School children benefit every day from the hard work of our school board. February 19th through February 23rd is School Board Recognition Week, so take the time to thank these dedicated leaders for spending countless hours away from their own families and jobs so all our children can get a good education.
Learn About Concurrent Enrollment on February 26
Concurrent enrollment allows our students to enroll in classes at PCHS while at the same time, earn college credit through a partnering institution. We currently have in-house concurrent enrollment in math, English, science, social studies, world language, and Family Consumer Science (FACS). We are always looking to expand and better this concurrent enrollment for our students.
Concurrent enrollment classes are free college credits. Families pay nothing for tuition, books, etc. Student's transcripts look the same as if they were taking these classes on a college campus.
There are items that students need to know about concurrent enrollment. Because this information is important, all prospective parents/students, and current students/parents should consider attending this important orientation.
Monday, February 26. 6:30pm During parent/teacher conferences
HS Media Center
Presenters: Kierstan Peck and Jodie Klinkhammer, Pine Technical and Community College
Agenda as follows with q and a session during and at the end:· PTCC Concurrent Enrollment Program
· Student eligibility
· Application process
· Important Deadlines
· Student Expectations
· Characteristics of a Successful Student
· Advantages of Concurrent Enrollment
· Impacts of Concurrent Enrollment
Concurrent enrollment classes are free college credits. Families pay nothing for tuition, books, etc. Student's transcripts look the same as if they were taking these classes on a college campus.
There are items that students need to know about concurrent enrollment. Because this information is important, all prospective parents/students, and current students/parents should consider attending this important orientation.
Monday, February 26. 6:30pm During parent/teacher conferences
HS Media Center
Presenters: Kierstan Peck and Jodie Klinkhammer, Pine Technical and Community College
Agenda as follows with q and a session during and at the end:· PTCC Concurrent Enrollment Program
· Student eligibility
· Application process
· Important Deadlines
· Student Expectations
· Characteristics of a Successful Student
· Advantages of Concurrent Enrollment
· Impacts of Concurrent Enrollment
Knowledge Bowl Winners
A total of 19 fifth and sixth grade students from Pine City Elementary School participated in this year's Knowledge Bowl program. Knowledge Bowl is an after school activity which challenges the students' knowledge of facts in the areas of science, geography, math, language, history and general trivia. Students practice as teams once a week, giving up their recess time to practice. The Pine City teams competed against teams from Rush City and Mora. Pine City students worked hard and improved on their teamwork and knowledge throughout the season. Pine City was able to earn two first place trophies, two second place trophies as well as one third place trophies this season.
Hoops for Hope Raises Over $950
On Friday, January 26 the Pine City Girls' Basketball team had Hoops for Hope night. Through donations, t-shirt, and ice cream sundae sales, the team raised $950. This money will be sent to The Harbor Room at Cambridge Hospital and the Cancer Kids Fund at Children's Hospital. A big thank to the community for their support!
26th Annual District Spelling Bee
Congratulations to the winner of the 26th Annual District Spelling Bee, Anthony Bergeron! Anthony will represent Pine City Schools at the Regional Bee in Sartell. Robert Eckert was our runner up followed closely by Nathan Noreen. Great job students!
A Dragon Gets The Call Up From Saints
Pine City senior Jake Rademacher has committed to play at The College of St. Scholastica next year.
Jake Rademacher will leave Pine City as a three time captain, and was a All-Conference and All-Section selection as a junior while leading the team to the Sub-Section Finals. The Dragons are currently 12-5 and sitting second in the Conference.
"Jake and I have been together for 4 years" said Head Coach Kyle Allen. "It is a big deal to be voted a captain three times. The boys believe in him, they follow him. Jake has done a great job to purposefully become a great leader. He was very fortunate to learn under Kole Jusczak and Noah Adams when he was a sophomore. He has been my go-to-guy since Noah and Kole graduated".
Rademacher will be the first player under Allen to go to St. Scholastica to play basketball, where Allen played collegiately. Jake will play for Coach David Staniger at CSS, who also coached Allen.
"Jake had some great options to choose from" Allen said. "I tried to stay as non-bias as possible throughout the whole process for Jake. I didn't think there was a bad option on the table for him. But I have to admit, when he told me he was going to CSS, I was pretty excited!"
St. Scholastica is apart of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference. Crown College, where former Dragon Kole Jusczak plays, is also a member of this conference.
Jake Rademacher will leave Pine City as a three time captain, and was a All-Conference and All-Section selection as a junior while leading the team to the Sub-Section Finals. The Dragons are currently 12-5 and sitting second in the Conference.
"Jake and I have been together for 4 years" said Head Coach Kyle Allen. "It is a big deal to be voted a captain three times. The boys believe in him, they follow him. Jake has done a great job to purposefully become a great leader. He was very fortunate to learn under Kole Jusczak and Noah Adams when he was a sophomore. He has been my go-to-guy since Noah and Kole graduated".
Rademacher will be the first player under Allen to go to St. Scholastica to play basketball, where Allen played collegiately. Jake will play for Coach David Staniger at CSS, who also coached Allen.
"Jake had some great options to choose from" Allen said. "I tried to stay as non-bias as possible throughout the whole process for Jake. I didn't think there was a bad option on the table for him. But I have to admit, when he told me he was going to CSS, I was pretty excited!"
St. Scholastica is apart of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference. Crown College, where former Dragon Kole Jusczak plays, is also a member of this conference.
Dan Peterson Recognized by MSBA
Dan Peterson was recognized the Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) Conference on January 11th, 2018, with two awards. He received the MSBA Leadership Development Certificate. This certificate is awarded to members who have completed Phase 1, 2, and 3 training. He also was awarded the MSBA Service Award for 30 Years service as a school board member. Dan has been a Pine City School board member since July 1st, 1988. Congratulations! Thank you Dan for all of your support and commitment to the community and students of Pine City.
PCHS Students Visit University of MN Campus
Mr. Allen's POL: 1001 class went to their field day at The University of Minnesota where former State Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson presented to the group.
Pine City Reads
POSITION OPEN ON PINE CITY SCHOOL BOARD
Due to the resignation of board member, Steven Odegard, Pine City Public Schools is seeking a person interested in serving on the board through December 2018. This seat will be up for election at the next school board election which is scheduled for Tuesday, November 6, 2018. This vacancy will be filled by majority vote of the remaining six members of the board on January 29, 2018.
Interested candidates must file an Affidavit of Candidacy in the School District Office January 9 - 23, 2018.
District Office hours are Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM.
Pine City Public Schools District Office
1400 Main Street South
Pine City, MN 55063
Questions? Please call Deb Wagner at 320-629-4010 or email: dwagner@isd578.org
Due to the resignation of board member, Steven Odegard, Pine City Public Schools is seeking a person interested in serving on the board through December 2018. This seat will be up for election at the next school board election which is scheduled for Tuesday, November 6, 2018. This vacancy will be filled by majority vote of the remaining six members of the board on January 29, 2018.
Interested candidates must file an Affidavit of Candidacy in the School District Office January 9 - 23, 2018.
District Office hours are Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM.
Pine City Public Schools District Office
1400 Main Street South
Pine City, MN 55063
Questions? Please call Deb Wagner at 320-629-4010 or email: dwagner@isd578.org
Hoops for Hope
Orders are due Friday, Jan. 12th.
All money goes to the Harbor Room and Children's Cancer.
Order forms available at the HS from Joan Thieman and in the EL office. Click here to download a PDF of the order form. All orders should be submitted to Kathryn Olson at the EL or Joan Thieman at the HS.
All money goes to the Harbor Room and Children's Cancer.
Order forms available at the HS from Joan Thieman and in the EL office. Click here to download a PDF of the order form. All orders should be submitted to Kathryn Olson at the EL or Joan Thieman at the HS.
Motivational Interviewing
18 staff from Pine City Public Schools, Hinckley Finlayson Public Schools, Therapeutic Services Agency Inc, and Moose Lake/Willow River Public School participated in a two day motivational interviewing training. The majority of this training was funded through a grant that Pine City Public Schools got through the Greater Pine Area Endowment fund. The training concentrated on motivational interviewing skills specifically to address absenteeism in PIne County.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client/student centered, semi-directive method of engaging individuals in treatment or behavioral change. MI aims to promote and increase motivation to change behaviors by exploring and resolving any issues of ambivalence the client/student may be experiencing that are blocking them from making the changes they want to make.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client/student centered, semi-directive method of engaging individuals in treatment or behavioral change. MI aims to promote and increase motivation to change behaviors by exploring and resolving any issues of ambivalence the client/student may be experiencing that are blocking them from making the changes they want to make.
Data Privacy Day is January 28
Data Privacy Day is an effort to get people involved in protecting their personal information and learning more about online safety and data privacy – at home, at work, and in their community. Everyone is encouraged to get involved, secure their personal information, and practice online safety. The National Cyber Security Alliance leads the effort and offers resources on their StaySafeOnline website. Additional resources, including Tips for Parents on Raising Privacy-Savvy Kids are available on the STOP.THINK.CONNECT website.
1000 Points! Congratulations to Sophomore Lily Wilson!
Links to Parent/Family Resources available via the PCHS Guidance Office web page, using the drop down menu and choosing Parent Resources for Suicide Prevention or by clicking here. Parent Resources for Suicide Prevention
PCES Sixth Graders Share Messages of Kindness Via Chalk Art
Kindergartners Spread Kindness
A whole school goal for the month of November is to spread kindness. Also, the first week of every month, we do a kindness activity as a class. Last week, the kids all came in so excited about trick or treating. They shared that they had SO much candy! The conversation got me thinking about all the candy my own children had received. I remembered that Fairview Clinics collect candy and send it to the troops who are serving over seas. I told the kids about this and explained that some people don't get to eat candy or snacks very often. The kids came up with the idea all on their own that we should donate some of our candy! I had a bag of candy and put it into our donation bin. I said they were welcome to bring in any unwanted candy the following days and I would bring it to Fairview. And then this happened... SEVEN KIDS WENT OUT TO THEIR BACKPACKS IN THE COAT ROOM AND BROUGHT IN A PIECE OF CANDY TO DONATE! WOW!!! I was brought to tears to see my students putting others before themselves! Last Friday, I took a garbage bag almost full of candy to Fairview! When I took the candy to Fairview, we were not expecting anything in return. However, they were so happy to receive the candy, they donated 7 brand new hard cover books to our class. What a great lesson these kids have learned about kindness! I could not be more proud! SPREAD KINDNESS!
Danielle Rydberg
Danielle Rydberg
Students Attend ProjectEARTH
Students Attend ProjectEARTH
PCHS students attended ProjectEARTH. They spent a great day on the campus of St. John's University outdoors learning about our EARTH.
Congratulation to Girls' Tennis
Lydia Adams is Section 7A Girls' Tennis Individuals Champion and heading to the State Tournament next Thursday, October 26. Emily Carpenter and Alison Brown took third in doubles. Great job, ladies!
Turkey Time at PCHS
The Pine City School District School Board thanks everyone who participated in the survey about the proposed 2017-2022 District Strategic Plan. We received over 560 responses from students, employees, parent/guardians, and business and community members.
The next step for the School Board will be to review the results at the July 10th board meeting. Results will be posted following the meeting. For additional information, please click here to go to isd578.org/strategicplan
The Pine City School District School Board thanks everyone who participated in the survey about the proposed 2017-2022 District Strategic Plan. We received over 560 responses from students, employees, parent/guardians, and business and community members.
The next step for the School Board will be to review the results at the July 10th board meeting. Results will be posted following the meeting. For additional information, please click here to go to isd578.org/strategicplan
College Knowledge Month
October is College Knowledge Month (CKM) and it has arrived at PCHS! CKM helps schools establish and build upon a culture of college-readiness. It communicates to all students the importance of preparing for and applying to college (all colleges,trade/vocational and 2 & 4 year!) It serves to engage and inform underrepresented students, and to increase the number of MN seniors who complete the college admissions process.
Activities going on this month include Friday college apparel days, a scavenger hunt, college door decorating, application day (counselors helping seniors apply to at least 1 school or career), Senior high counselor, Mrs. Brubaken, talking to students about scholarships, fee waivers, and application process, and so much more!
Activities going on this month include Friday college apparel days, a scavenger hunt, college door decorating, application day (counselors helping seniors apply to at least 1 school or career), Senior high counselor, Mrs. Brubaken, talking to students about scholarships, fee waivers, and application process, and so much more!
Student Act Out MacBeth
Mrs.Waggoner's sophomore students act out Act I of Macbeth with props, costumes, and accents! Students are learning the trade of acting to fully immerse themselves in Shakespeare's world of drama!
25th Annual Legislative Forum
On the evening of October 5, 2017, the St. Croix River Education District hosted the 25th Annual Legislative Forum. The purpose of this event is to give area school administrators and board members the opportunity to interact with legislators to discuss the upcoming session. As participants register, they submit questions and concerns from their local districts; then at the forum, legislators' or their staff members address those
questions.
Commissioner of Education, Dr. Brenda Casselius, was a special guest at this fall's Legislative Forum. Dr. Casselilus emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for effective planning purposes as well as meeting the needs of special education learners and students needing help with low-incidence situations such as hearing problems or gifted and talented education. SCRED Executive Director Jamie Nord is pictured with the Commissioner.
questions.
Commissioner of Education, Dr. Brenda Casselius, was a special guest at this fall's Legislative Forum. Dr. Casselilus emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for effective planning purposes as well as meeting the needs of special education learners and students needing help with low-incidence situations such as hearing problems or gifted and talented education. SCRED Executive Director Jamie Nord is pictured with the Commissioner.
Homecoming 2017
Mobile Virtual Player (MVP) Keeps Dragon Football Players Safe
Dear Dragon Parents and Families,
This is a reminder of our early release day Wednesday, October 18, 2017. There will be no afternoon preschool.
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS:
Students in grades K-3 will be dismissed at 12:38 and grades 4-6 will be dismissed at 12:43. Buses will leave the elementary at 12:50. We have child supervision from 12:38 - 3:00 on early release days. Families in need of supervision are asked to call the elementary office this week so we can plan staffing accordingly. Students remaining in school for this supervision will be in the auditorium. The only transportation available will be at the 12:50 dismissal. Parents making use of the early release supervision will need to come into the building and pick their child up at the 3:00 dismissal time.
GRADES 7-12 STUDENTS:
Students will be dismissed at 12:55. The early release schedule of classes is posted in each teacher's classroom on orange paper. The bells will be turned off. Teachers will dismiss their classes each hour. There is 4 minutes passing time between classes.
Period 1 - 8:10-8:39
Period 2 - 8:43-9:11
Period 3 - 9:15-9:43
Period 5 - 9:47-10:15
Period 6 - 10:19-10:48
Period 4 - 10:52-12:15
Lunch 1 - 10:52-11:17
Lunch 2 - 11:21-11:46
Lunch 3 - 11:50-12:15
Period 7 - 12:19-12:55
Grades 7-12 Students, if you need to stay in school from 1 pm until 3:30 pm, the 7th grade commons will be available. All other areas of the school are closed because there is no supervision.
Thank you,
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent
This is a reminder of our early release day Wednesday, October 18, 2017. There will be no afternoon preschool.
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS:
Students in grades K-3 will be dismissed at 12:38 and grades 4-6 will be dismissed at 12:43. Buses will leave the elementary at 12:50. We have child supervision from 12:38 - 3:00 on early release days. Families in need of supervision are asked to call the elementary office this week so we can plan staffing accordingly. Students remaining in school for this supervision will be in the auditorium. The only transportation available will be at the 12:50 dismissal. Parents making use of the early release supervision will need to come into the building and pick their child up at the 3:00 dismissal time.
GRADES 7-12 STUDENTS:
Students will be dismissed at 12:55. The early release schedule of classes is posted in each teacher's classroom on orange paper. The bells will be turned off. Teachers will dismiss their classes each hour. There is 4 minutes passing time between classes.
Period 1 - 8:10-8:39
Period 2 - 8:43-9:11
Period 3 - 9:15-9:43
Period 5 - 9:47-10:15
Period 6 - 10:19-10:48
Period 4 - 10:52-12:15
Lunch 1 - 10:52-11:17
Lunch 2 - 11:21-11:46
Lunch 3 - 11:50-12:15
Period 7 - 12:19-12:55
Grades 7-12 Students, if you need to stay in school from 1 pm until 3:30 pm, the 7th grade commons will be available. All other areas of the school are closed because there is no supervision.
Thank you,
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent
Introduction to Engineering and Design
Students in Mr. Schlichting's Introduction to Engineering and Design were challenged to create a cable car that would travel across a fishing line.
Tackle Cancer Night - October 6
Join the Varsity Dragon football team for Tackle Cancer night on October 6th at 7pm vs. Mora.
The Pine City Dragon football team is fundraising for the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. We will be selling the t-shirt for $15. Forms can be picked up with Joan at the front desk in the high school, with Danielle Allen in the Elementary, or you may find it linked on the school's home page. Forms should be handed into Joan or Danielle by September 20th. Any forms submitted after that date will cost $20/ shirt.
Thank you for your support!
ORDER FORM
The Pine City Dragon football team is fundraising for the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. We will be selling the t-shirt for $15. Forms can be picked up with Joan at the front desk in the high school, with Danielle Allen in the Elementary, or you may find it linked on the school's home page. Forms should be handed into Joan or Danielle by September 20th. Any forms submitted after that date will cost $20/ shirt.
Thank you for your support!
ORDER FORM
Chain Reaction by Rachel's Challenge
PCHS ninth grade students will be participating in Chain Reaction by Rachel's Challenge on Wednesday, September 13. For more information about this, please visit: https://docs.google.com/…/1MU4qjVsb6pMLh5eKBrrkVIUDIZ…/edit…
Dragon Technology Summit - September 19
Visit www.isd578.org/summit for complete information
2017 - 18 School Supply List
Welcome to our New Teachers
The HS Media Center will also be open for pick up during the day on August 27 through August 30 from 7:30 to 3:30.
Click here for more information.
DRAGONS FOREVER REUNION 2017 - SAVE THE DATE
Members of PCHS classes 1977 and prior are encouraged to mark their calendars for Saturday, August 12, 2017. The reunion will be held at the Grand Casino Ballroom in Hinckley, with over 500 anticipated to attend. Check-in and social time will begin at 11:00 with a sit-down dinner scheduled for 1:00. Again this year there will be several meal options. Please CLICK HERE to download a PDF version of the invitation.
Click here to find out all of the fun things to do in your community this summer!! More activities will be added so check back often!
MDE Releases List of Programs and Resources for a healthy and educational summer
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has created an updated list of resources and programs for families to have access to affordable learning opportunities over the summer. Visit MDE's Summer Learning web page for information on how to find appropriate reading materials, practice math skills, participate in STEM projects, and find free nutritious meals. We hope your child has a healthy and educational summer.
Pine City High School has been designated by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association as a Safe Sports School; meaning crucial steps have been taken to prevent injuries to athletes. FirstLight Certified Athletic Trainers are helping to keep community student athletes safe.
Young Author Illustrator Conference
A group of Pine City Elementary Students from grades 4-6 participated in the Young Author Young Illustrator Conference at the College of Saint Benedict. This conference is a celebration of student writing and creative expression. Published writers, illustrators and artists worked with the students helping them to expand their writing skills and creative abilities. In addition to a fantastic keynote address, students attended 3 different breakout session and came away with new ideas to stimulate and enhance their love of writing and illustrating.
49th Annual Bill Harter Memorial Field Day Candids
Class of 2017 Scholarships & Awards
The Pine City community should be proud of the commitment being made to further the education of our graduates. We are aware of over $291,000.00 being awarded for the first year of college, and of that, over $71,400.00 coming from local contributions. A very big “THANK YOU” needs to be given to the many organizations who make scholarships a priority in our community. Of the graduating Class of 2017, 38% will attend a four year college, 34% will attend a community or technical college/school, 22% will work full time, 4% will be in the military, and 2% is undecided. It is with great pride and gratitude that we present the scholarships for 2017.
Dragon Tennis Player Advances to State
Santiago Ospino took 2nd place in Section 6A singles and qualified for the state tennis tournament next week. Good Luck next week Santi! Parker Sell took 4th.
Second Graders Build Houses
Miss Johnson's 2nd grade reading class has loved reading about Benjamin Franklin and his many inventions this week. The kids got to invent like Ben by building houses that would protect the three little pigs from the big bad wolf using only straws and marshmallows!
Second Graders Visit Mill City Museum
2nd graders visited the Mill City Museum. The classes had a fun time learning that water = power!
3 Dragons Speaking at State Speech Meet
This Saturday Jared Barker, Allie Gosen and Alan Rogers will be competing in the State Speech meet at Apple Valley High School on Saturday beginning at 10:15 AM. Jared Barker will be competing in Extemporaneous Speaking by crafting supported opinions about current events. Allie Gosen will be performing her original piece, "An Ugly Sweater Cinderella Story" in Creative Expression. Alan Rogers will be spinning yarns by putting his personal touch on folk tales in the Storytelling category.
Pie the Principal 2017
Pie the Principal raised $500 from PCHS students and staff. Two generous and anonymous benefactors matched that amount for a grand total of $1500 being raised for A Place for You, a local transitional homeless shelter.
Remembering Columbine
As today is the anniversary of the Columbine shootings, students participated in an activity in which they followed Rachel Joy Scott's example by drawing hands and writing how they'll make a difference in the world! We remember you, Rachel!
POSITIVITY VIDEO
Kindness Week 2017 is here at Pine City High School! This video serves as an amazing reminder of just how far a little kindness can go. Go out and perform random acts of kindness for others! Happy Kindness Week! GO DRAGONS!
Kindness Week Activities 2017
At this time we would like to make you aware that we are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our food service software. If you have submitted a payment recently, it may not be accurately reflected on your account balance. We are able to see that payments have been made and will be directing those payments to the proper accounts once this situation has been resolved.
We will send a follow-up email when we believe the issue has been resolved. We anticipate that this will be solved before next Friday.
Please be aware that your student will not be denied meals due to this situation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Food Service Director Hannah Knickerbocker at 320-629-4167 or via email at hknickerbocker@isd578.org.
We will send a follow-up email when we believe the issue has been resolved. We anticipate that this will be solved before next Friday.
Please be aware that your student will not be denied meals due to this situation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Food Service Director Hannah Knickerbocker at 320-629-4167 or via email at hknickerbocker@isd578.org.
Storytelling
The CIS Public Speaking students headed to the elementary once again to interact with this years kindergarteners! What a great morning of storytelling!
Pine City Elementary Art Month Exhibit - You're invited!
There will be a student art exhibit at Pine City Elementary School in conjunction with the annual band and choir concerts on May 11 and 16. Artwork created by all students in grades 1-6 during the art teacher residency program in April will be featured in the hallways adjacent to the auditorium. The exhibit will be open for viewing by the public on the evening of Thursday, May 11, during school hours on Friday, May 12 as well as Monday and Tuesday May 15 & 16 and concludes with the evening choir concert Tuesday, May 16.
The theme for the students' explorations was "Hello World". Under the guidance of art teacher Judy Nygard Broekemeier, students discovered many ways artists are inspired by the world around them and how to express those ideas and feelings in a variety of media. All students thought about their place in the world and where they might like to go on a 'dream' vacation. 3rd through 6th graders also carved and painted symbols into clay 'talking' rocks which will be on display as part of the exhibit.
The theme for the students' explorations was "Hello World". Under the guidance of art teacher Judy Nygard Broekemeier, students discovered many ways artists are inspired by the world around them and how to express those ideas and feelings in a variety of media. All students thought about their place in the world and where they might like to go on a 'dream' vacation. 3rd through 6th graders also carved and painted symbols into clay 'talking' rocks which will be on display as part of the exhibit.
Here is a picture of a check for $2,030 being presented to A Place for You from the funds raised by the Staff, Parents, Students & Supporters from Pine City High School from Kindness Week. The picture includes; board Chairs Nancy Mach & Pam Greden; and Executive Director Linda Cassman.
Good Times at Family Fun Night Sponsored by Title I
Krypto Challenge 2017
5th and 6th grade students had an opportunity to participate in the 5th Annual Krytpo Tournament. Krypto is a math game where students are given 5 numbers to add, subtract, multiply or divide to reach a target number. All students in 5th and 6th grade were invited to participate.
Easter Egg Inferences
Students in Mrs. Munden's class read a passage, then shook the egg and used the clues in the text and what they already know to make an inference about what is in the egg.
CIS Algebra Studies Probability
In CIS Algebra through modeling, we are studying probability. Each of the students had to create a game, calculate its probability, and we invited the Dragon Academy to play the games for a carnival on Wednesday 4/5/17. Then we were able to look at differences between the theoretical and actual probabilities.
A copy of an email sent to all parents and guardians:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This email is to make you aware of a situation that occurred at the high school on Thursday, April 13th. The District is actively addressing the issue and working with the Sheriff's department to ensure the safety of all of our students and staff. I have included the Sheriff Department's Facebook posting below. We will continue to be vigilant and follow our safety protocols (all doors are locked all day, visitors must be buzzed in and check in at the office/reception) at all of our school buildings.
Pine County Sheriff's Office Facebook Posting on Saturday, April 15, 2017: Our office has been advised of social media posts being circulated in regards to a threat to students at the Pine City High School. We have been informed that the posts indicate parents may be keeping students home on Monday due to an alleged threat of violence that may have been made. Our office in conjunction with school officials have investigated this allegation and found it to be unfounded. At no time was a threat of violence made to the students or staff of the Pine City High School that involved guns or explosives. Should an actual threat of this nature have been made, parents, students and staff should know that our office would have investigated the matter and taken all appropriate action to ensure the safety of everyone. As always we will work with the school districts to always ensure the safety of every student. Our office has a deputy assigned to the Pine City School District who has been working on this matter along with other officers. Officers will be present at the school on Monday morning to assist school officials with any lingering questions or safety concerns students, staff or the general public may have. Thank you.
Thank you,
Annette K. Freiheit
Annette K. Freiheit
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent, Pine City Public Schools
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This email is to make you aware of a situation that occurred at the high school on Thursday, April 13th. The District is actively addressing the issue and working with the Sheriff's department to ensure the safety of all of our students and staff. I have included the Sheriff Department's Facebook posting below. We will continue to be vigilant and follow our safety protocols (all doors are locked all day, visitors must be buzzed in and check in at the office/reception) at all of our school buildings.
Pine County Sheriff's Office Facebook Posting on Saturday, April 15, 2017: Our office has been advised of social media posts being circulated in regards to a threat to students at the Pine City High School. We have been informed that the posts indicate parents may be keeping students home on Monday due to an alleged threat of violence that may have been made. Our office in conjunction with school officials have investigated this allegation and found it to be unfounded. At no time was a threat of violence made to the students or staff of the Pine City High School that involved guns or explosives. Should an actual threat of this nature have been made, parents, students and staff should know that our office would have investigated the matter and taken all appropriate action to ensure the safety of everyone. As always we will work with the school districts to always ensure the safety of every student. Our office has a deputy assigned to the Pine City School District who has been working on this matter along with other officers. Officers will be present at the school on Monday morning to assist school officials with any lingering questions or safety concerns students, staff or the general public may have. Thank you.
Thank you,
Annette K. Freiheit
Annette K. Freiheit
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent, Pine City Public Schools
Goods and Services Week in Kindergarten
During goods and services week, Kindergarten students invited parents to come talk about their jobs. We had a police officer from Chisago County come show us her tools and talk about how she helps people. The students had to decide whether being a police officer was a good or a service. They will be writing about a good and a service to fulfill a need.
Dear Parents and Students attending the academic awards ceremony tonight,
The advertised art show and ice cream originally advertised prior to the academic awards ceremony will not happen tonight. Instead, cookies and beverages will be served during the time the jazz band will be playing from 7-7:30.
We apologize for the miscommunication.
Troy Anderson
Principal PCHS
The advertised art show and ice cream originally advertised prior to the academic awards ceremony will not happen tonight. Instead, cookies and beverages will be served during the time the jazz band will be playing from 7-7:30.
We apologize for the miscommunication.
Troy Anderson
Principal PCHS
Cindy Stolp Speaks with Governor Dayton
Cindy Stolp, Director of Community Education and Early Childhood Parent Education at Pine City Public Schools had the opportunity to speak with Governor Dayton. Read the full article at: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2017/03/28/mark-dayton-republicans-pre-k-funding/.
PCPS Receives MDE 2017 School Finance Award for 2016 Financial Reporting
Pine City is one of the recipients for the 2017 School Finance Award for 2016 Financial Reporting.....The School Finance Award is awarded annually by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Division of School Finance, to recognize schools for meeting statutory deadlines for submission of audited fiscal financial data and reporting criteria. Out of 574 eligible reporting entities, 449 met the qualifying criteria for the FY 2017 School Finance Award. There was no application process for the FY 2017 School Finance Awards (for final FY 16 UFARS financial data). MDE Award Report
Dear Parents/Guardians:
I hope you had a wonderful Spring break! This email has a few announcements for you.
April 7th, 2017 is a teacher workday and there is no school for students.
The final early release for this year will be on April 26th, 2017 (instead of the original date of 4/19/17). This change was made to accommodate ACT testing at the high school on April 19th. This date was set by the ACT company after our calendar had been approved. The school board approved this change on November 15, 2016.
Elementary MCA testing window begins April 3rd through May 9th . Grades 3-6 will take MCA Reading and Math and 5th grade will also take MCA Science. High School MCA testing window for 7th-11th graders begins April 10th and concludes on May 9th. In High School the test sections are as follows:
7th: Reading & Math
8th: Reading, Math, & Science
10th: Reading & Science
11th: Math only
For 11th & 12th graders, he ACT will be given on April 19th. Here is the district testing calendar for more details. Two suggestions to help your child do their best:
- Share your enthusiasm and interest in seeing individual student growth from last year’s reading, mathematics, and science with your children.
- Ensure students get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast before taking a test.
Sincerely,
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent
I Love to Read Month Winners
These are the bike winners for our I Love to Read Month drawing at Pine City Elementary. The students did a lot of reading during February and we drew winners for prizes on March 10. Two students from each grade won lunch with Principal Lorsung. Many other students won prizes for their efforts. The following eight students won bikes. Thank you to Dr. Ascheman and Dr. Carlson from Oak Park Dental, Cambridge Orthodontics, and Wal-Mart for the donation of the bikes.
Sophie L, Morgan M, Samantha P, Lexa V
Aden L., Emily S., Piper G., Not pictured Milo R.
10th Grade Poetry Activity
Mrs. Waggoner's 10th grade classes completed a kinesthetic think-pair-share activity where they identified and cited examples of nine types of figurative language in a variety of poetry, using poetry packets containing from William Shakespeare to Carl Sandburg!
Math Masters Compete
A group of 6th Grade students from Pine City Elementary School participated in the regional Math Masters of Minnesota Challenge in Prior Lake on March 7. Fredrick A., Isaiah H., Jhans N., LJ S., and Luke W. competed individually and as a team on eight sets of mathematical problems requiring high levels of critical thinking skills against 108 other students from schools such as Hastings, Minneapolis, and Apple Valley. Luke placed in the top bracket for his performance on the fact-drill round and Fredrick placed in the top bracket on the individual round. Congratulations to the 6th Grade Math Masters Team.
ACT Test Prep
Click HERE to download form.
Knowledge Bowl
A total of 21 fifth and sixth grade students from Pine City Elementary School participated in this year's Knowledge Bowl program. Knowledge Bowl is an after school activity which challenges the students' knowledge of facts in the areas of science, geography, math, language, history and general trivia. The teams participated against teams from Rush City and Mora. Pine City students worked hard and improved on their teamwork and knowledge throughout the season. Pine City was able to earn two second place trophies as well as two third place trophies this season.
Dear Dragon Parents and Families,
This is a reminder of our early release day on Wednesday, March 15, 2017.
There will be no afternoon preschool.
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS:
Students in grades K-3 will be dismissed at 12:38 and grades 4-6 will be dismissed at 12:43. Buses will leave the elementary at 12:50. We have child supervision from 12:38 - 3:00 on early release days. Families in need of supervision are asked to call the elementary office this week so we can plan staffing accordingly. Students remaining in school for this supervision will be in the auditorium. The only transportation available will be at the 12:50 dismissal. Parents making use of the early release supervision will need to come into the building and pick their child up at the 3:00 dismissal time.
GRADES 7-12 STUDENTS:
Students will be dismissed at 12:55. The early release schedule of classes is posted in each teacher's classroom on orange paper. The bells will be turned off. Teachers will dismiss their classes each hour. There is 4 minutes passing time between classes.
Period 1 - 8:10-8:39
Period 2 - 8:43-9:11
Period 3 - 9:15-9:43
Period 5 - 9:47-10:15
Period 6 - 10:19-10:48
Period 4 - 10:52-12:15
Lunch 1 - 10:52-11:17
Lunch 2 - 11:21-11:46
Lunch 3 - 11:50-12:15
Period 7 - 12:19-12:55
Students, if you need to stay in school from 1 pm until 3:30 pm, the 7th grade commons will be available. All other areas of the school are closed because there is no supervision.
Thank you,
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent
This is a reminder of our early release day on Wednesday, March 15, 2017.
There will be no afternoon preschool.
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS:
Students in grades K-3 will be dismissed at 12:38 and grades 4-6 will be dismissed at 12:43. Buses will leave the elementary at 12:50. We have child supervision from 12:38 - 3:00 on early release days. Families in need of supervision are asked to call the elementary office this week so we can plan staffing accordingly. Students remaining in school for this supervision will be in the auditorium. The only transportation available will be at the 12:50 dismissal. Parents making use of the early release supervision will need to come into the building and pick their child up at the 3:00 dismissal time.
GRADES 7-12 STUDENTS:
Students will be dismissed at 12:55. The early release schedule of classes is posted in each teacher's classroom on orange paper. The bells will be turned off. Teachers will dismiss their classes each hour. There is 4 minutes passing time between classes.
Period 1 - 8:10-8:39
Period 2 - 8:43-9:11
Period 3 - 9:15-9:43
Period 5 - 9:47-10:15
Period 6 - 10:19-10:48
Period 4 - 10:52-12:15
Lunch 1 - 10:52-11:17
Lunch 2 - 11:21-11:46
Lunch 3 - 11:50-12:15
Period 7 - 12:19-12:55
Students, if you need to stay in school from 1 pm until 3:30 pm, the 7th grade commons will be available. All other areas of the school are closed because there is no supervision.
Thank you,
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent
GBB Senior Night
Thank you Seniors (Katherine R. and Natasha P.) for all you have done for our Girls' Basketball Team!
Hoops for Hope Raises $1347
Again this year, the Pine City Girls' Basketball team hosted Hoops for Hope - Pink Out the gym, to help in the fight against cancer. From the sales of t-shirts, ice cream floats, face painting and donations, $1347 was raised. Checks will be sent to the American Cancer Society and The Harbor Room at the Cambridge Hospital.
2017 National Geographic Bee Results
Sophie L is the Pine City Elementary School winner of the 2017 6th Grade National Geographic Bee. Sophie will take the state qualifying test in an effort to advance to the State Competition. In second place is David B and in third place, Claire E. The kickoff to this year's bee was the week of December 12th with all the 6th grade students participating in Round I. The next round involved the top 31 students. and the top 11 scorers competed in the final round. Congratulations to Sophie, David and Claire.
10th Graders Use Literary Devices to Create Poetry
Snow Week 2017 Talent Show
School Board Recognition Week
February 20 - 24, 2017
The Minnesota School Boards Association has set February 20-24 as School Board Recognition Week in Minnesota as a time to build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in our society. Pine City Public Schools is joining all public school districts across the state to celebrate School Board Recognition Week to honor local board members for their commitment to Pine City and its children.
“It takes strong schools to build a strong community, and these men and women devote countless hours to making sure our schools are helping every child learn at a higher level,” Superintendent, Annette K. Freiheit said. “They make the tough decisions every month and spend many hours studying education issues and regulations in order to provide the kind of accountability our citizens expect.”
“School board members give the Pine City citizens a voice in education decision making. Even though we make a special effort to show our appreciation in February, their contribution is a year-round commitment.”
The members serving our district and their years of service are as follows: Dan Peterson 28.5 years, Steve Odegard 20.5 years, Tim Geisler 20.5 years, Wally Connaker 5 years, Wendy Leibel 5 years, Alicia Ascheman 4.5 years, and Candice Ames 3 years.
“It takes strong schools to build a strong community, and these men and women devote countless hours to making sure our schools are helping every child learn at a higher level,” Superintendent, Annette K. Freiheit said. “They make the tough decisions every month and spend many hours studying education issues and regulations in order to provide the kind of accountability our citizens expect.”
“School board members give the Pine City citizens a voice in education decision making. Even though we make a special effort to show our appreciation in February, their contribution is a year-round commitment.”
The members serving our district and their years of service are as follows: Dan Peterson 28.5 years, Steve Odegard 20.5 years, Tim Geisler 20.5 years, Wally Connaker 5 years, Wendy Leibel 5 years, Alicia Ascheman 4.5 years, and Candice Ames 3 years.
FORMER P.C.H.S. ADMINISTRATOR NAMED MN "SUPERINTENDENT
OF THE YEAR"
Eden Prairie Superintendent, Dr. Curt Tryggestad, has been named Minnesota's "Superintendent of the Year". He was honored at a reception in Eden Prairie on the evening of February 21st and will officially receive the award at the National Conference of School Administrators in New Orleans
Having started his career in Hinckley as a music instructor, Mr. Tryggestad's first administrative job was as a secondary principal from 1997 to 2003 in Pine City. He went on to serve as superintendent
at Esko, Little Falls, and Eden Prairie. The Pine City School District takes this opportunity to thank him for his time here and congratulate him on this achievement.
Having started his career in Hinckley as a music instructor, Mr. Tryggestad's first administrative job was as a secondary principal from 1997 to 2003 in Pine City. He went on to serve as superintendent
at Esko, Little Falls, and Eden Prairie. The Pine City School District takes this opportunity to thank him for his time here and congratulate him on this achievement.
National Random Acts of Kindness Day
Rachel's Challenge celebrates National Random Acts of Kindness Day on Friday, February 17th, by writing compliment cards to peers, teachers, and staff. The student body is encouraged to go out of their way to show kindness to someone today!
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop
SNOW WEEK 2017 SCHEDULE
100th Day
First graders celebrated the 100th day today! They each brought in a project that displayed 100 items. There were so many creative ideas. They also did 100 math problems, estimated 100 items and steps, counted and ate 100 pieces of cereal, and read 100 words!! And it was all done while celebrating in their pajamas!
Mini Engineers Building Bridges in Mrs. Munden's Room
Introduction to Engineering and Design
Introduction to Engineering and Design students are doing a non-destructive functional analysis of a product in the early stages of reverse engineering.
Pine City Boys' Basketball on Fox 9
Author Ryan Jacobson Visit PCES
Author Ryan Jacobson was at Pine City Elementary today to talk to the students about being an author. He shared with the students some of his stories, created some stories with them, and told the students the secret to writing a good book is to read a lot of books.
Rhythm Based on the Words of Martin Luther King Jr.
Students in Mrs. Hansmann's 5th and 6th grade music classes recently created rhythm pieces based on the words of Martin Luther King Jr. quotes. Students had to work together and were encouraged to pull out key words to create steady beat, ostinato patterns, and/or match rhythms of word phrases of the quote they used. They also needed to figure out how best to read their quote as rhythms within a beat. Students read their quote out loud while performing for the class, so all students were able to hear all of the quotes. Participating in this video are students from Mrs. Brown's 6th grade class.
Congratulations to our Class of 2017 MSHSL Triple A award winners Elsie Lundquist and Austin Hansmann who represented Pine City High School at the Subsection 18 banquet Wednesday night, and also an "AWESOME JOB" to Elsie Lundquist who qualified to move on to the Sectional round next Wednesday.
Wall Street is watching Pine City Boys Basketball
Spelling Bee WInners
Sixth Grader Alec Randall became the winner of the 25th Pine City Schools Annual District Spelling Bee held on January 24, 2017. Alec will advance to the Regional Spelling Bee in Sartell to represent Pine City. In second place, was 5th grader Nathan Noreen and 3rd place was sixth grader, Madyson Bombard. Congratulations to these students!
Click Here for HOOPS FOR HOPE order Form - ORDERS EXTENDED TO 2/2
"Dragon Sister" Night
Elementary students, grades kindergarten through 5th grade, who participated in the fall basketball camp were paired up with a varsity player as their "Dragon Sister". During a game, they were introduced to the crowd by their Dragon sister and then participated in the introduction of the line-ups and the pre-game huddle.
Connaker received MSBA President's Award
At the Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) Leadership Conference on January 12th, Wally Connaker, Pine City School Board Member, was awarded the President’s Award. This award is given to school board members who have earned 300 points or more from MSBA training programs. Mr. Connaker has served on the school board since January, 2012. He is also the school board clerk. Congratulations and thank you for all of your service and dedication to Pine City Public Schools!
PARAPROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK
JANUARY 23 - 27, 2017
Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed the week of January 23, 2017, as Paraprofessional Recognition Week. Paraprofessionals are individuals who work in a variety of positions in a school district. Their roles include, but are not limited to, instructional assistants, Title I paraprofessionals, pupil support assistants, special education paraprofessionals, job coaches, lunch room and playground assistants, hall monitors, media center assistants, and health office assistants. Thank you to all the paraprofessionals at Pine City Public Schools for all they do for our students!
Getting Creative in PCHS Art Club
Another PCHS Art Club success! Sixteen 7th and 8th graders started making the bowls for our PCHS art show coming up in April!
CIS Students Visit University of Minnesota Campus
Mr. Allen's CIS POL 1001 went to The University of Minnesota on Wednesday for their annual Field Day hosted by the Political Science division. These students are earning college credit while in high school through The University of Minnesota.
"Stand Together" Campaign
The Pine County Chemical Health Coalition is working with East Central and Hinckley-Finlayson School districts and community members in a campaign to inspire the youth of our area to keep making good, healthy choices.
“Stand Together” is the name that has been chosen for this 5-year campaign. We are now looking for the perfect logo design for the “Stand Together” campaign. We need your opinion about which best represents this campaign in our area.
The logo should:
· Represent the kids, parents, and other adults who live and work in our area
· Be eye catching and attractive · Express strength and community · BE POSITIVE!
Please help by taking the survey here: https://goo.gl/forms/b45GjuC3OYSplohy1
“Stand Together” is the name that has been chosen for this 5-year campaign. We are now looking for the perfect logo design for the “Stand Together” campaign. We need your opinion about which best represents this campaign in our area.
The logo should:
· Represent the kids, parents, and other adults who live and work in our area
· Be eye catching and attractive · Express strength and community · BE POSITIVE!
Please help by taking the survey here: https://goo.gl/forms/b45GjuC3OYSplohy1
Merry Christmas from the Students and Staff at Pine City Public Schools
Penny War Success!
6th graders participated in Penny Wars the week before Thanksgiving. They raised about $800 that was split between Toys for Tots and the Pine City Food Shelf.
History Club
Participants were fourth, fifth and sixth grade students who met in after school sessions for three weeks. Students learned what it might have been like growing up in World War II America through a virtual field trip with curator Chrissy Gregg at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Students in the club were encouraged to read on the topic and to participate in enrichment assignments including interviews with those who remembered the "Homefront" during the time of WWII.
Students in the Club filled out exit tickets after participation in the events. Some of the responses about what they learned included:
Dalton "Bacon grease was used to make bombs and kids helped in the war"
James "I rate the WWII club a ten because it was fun to learn about."
Spencer "I learned that a big effect on the war was because of the efforts on the Homefront and that the club was more exciting than you might think."
Charlie "People had to ration and the war was underway before we were in it."
Macie "Victory Gardens and rationing became common." It was a very scary and risky time for people, especially those with family members involved.
Easton "The Axis Powers were very bad people. People on the Homefront were good people and helped each other."
Lena "I learned about rationing and how it was done. I thought the WWII club was an amazing experience."
Bryer "I learned that the Japanese got Pearl Harbor good but we won the war! I thought the club was fun."
Alli "I learned about ration books. I think people should look up more about this period of time, it was interesting to learn about."
Gavin "I learned that Pearl Harbor got us involved in the war. I thought it was interesting that I know someone that was in WWII."
Alyssa "I learned that they collected bacon grease to make bombs."
Fredrick " I learned that kids helped win the war and that America's army was that biggest it had ever been at that time."
Elsa "I learned that a lot of stuff was rationed. It was a sad period of time and all of us worked together to win the war."
David "It was fun to be part of the club. It tried to involve everyone. I'd rank it 8.7."
Reina "I learn about rationing and about Rosie the Riveter. It was fun to be in the club."
Colson "I learned that bacon grease was rendered to make bombs."
Students in the Club filled out exit tickets after participation in the events. Some of the responses about what they learned included:
Dalton "Bacon grease was used to make bombs and kids helped in the war"
James "I rate the WWII club a ten because it was fun to learn about."
Spencer "I learned that a big effect on the war was because of the efforts on the Homefront and that the club was more exciting than you might think."
Charlie "People had to ration and the war was underway before we were in it."
Macie "Victory Gardens and rationing became common." It was a very scary and risky time for people, especially those with family members involved.
Easton "The Axis Powers were very bad people. People on the Homefront were good people and helped each other."
Lena "I learned about rationing and how it was done. I thought the WWII club was an amazing experience."
Bryer "I learned that the Japanese got Pearl Harbor good but we won the war! I thought the club was fun."
Alli "I learned about ration books. I think people should look up more about this period of time, it was interesting to learn about."
Gavin "I learned that Pearl Harbor got us involved in the war. I thought it was interesting that I know someone that was in WWII."
Alyssa "I learned that they collected bacon grease to make bombs."
Fredrick " I learned that kids helped win the war and that America's army was that biggest it had ever been at that time."
Elsa "I learned that a lot of stuff was rationed. It was a sad period of time and all of us worked together to win the war."
David "It was fun to be part of the club. It tried to involve everyone. I'd rank it 8.7."
Reina "I learn about rationing and about Rosie the Riveter. It was fun to be in the club."
Colson "I learned that bacon grease was rendered to make bombs."
The students in Mrs. Jahnz's class are reading the many stories of the Gingerbread man this week and learning to find characters in a story. They are also doing some compare and contrast with the different stories. One of the lessons they did to develop team building was for students to build a bridge for the Gingerbread Man to get across the water only using the supplies within their bin. It was a success for some groups!!
Gingerbread Man Bridges
2016 7th Grade Cell Projects
Dear Dragon Parents and Families,
This is a reminder of our early release day on Wednesday, December 7, 2016.
There will be no afternoon preschool.
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS:Students in grades K-3 will be dismissed at 12:38 and grades 4-6 will be dismissed at 12:43. Buses will leave the elementary at 12:50. We have child supervision from 12:38 - 3:00 on early release days. Families in need of supervision are asked to call the elementary office this week so we can plan staffing accordingly. Students remaining in school for this supervision will be in the auditorium. The only transportation available will be at the 12:50 dismissal. Parents making use of the early release supervision will need to come into the building and pick their child up at the 3:00 dismissal time.
GRADES 7-12 STUDENTS: Students will be dismissed at 12:55. The early release schedule of classes is posted in each teacher's classroom on orange paper. The bells will be turned off. Teachers will dismiss their classes each hour. There is 4 minutes passing time between classes.
Period 1 - 8:10-8:39
Period 2 - 8:43-9:11
Period 3 - 9:15-9:43
Period 5 - 9:47-10:15
Period 6 - 10:19-10:48
Period 4 - 10:52-12:15
Lunch 1 - 10:52-11:17
Lunch 2 - 11:21-11:46
Lunch 3 - 11:50-12:15
Period 7 - 12:19-12:55
Students, if you need to stay in school from 1 pm until 3:30 pm, the 7th grade commons will be available. All other areas of the school are closed because there is no supervision.
Thank you,
Annette K. Freiheit
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent, Pine City Public Schools
This is a reminder of our early release day on Wednesday, December 7, 2016.
There will be no afternoon preschool.
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS:Students in grades K-3 will be dismissed at 12:38 and grades 4-6 will be dismissed at 12:43. Buses will leave the elementary at 12:50. We have child supervision from 12:38 - 3:00 on early release days. Families in need of supervision are asked to call the elementary office this week so we can plan staffing accordingly. Students remaining in school for this supervision will be in the auditorium. The only transportation available will be at the 12:50 dismissal. Parents making use of the early release supervision will need to come into the building and pick their child up at the 3:00 dismissal time.
GRADES 7-12 STUDENTS: Students will be dismissed at 12:55. The early release schedule of classes is posted in each teacher's classroom on orange paper. The bells will be turned off. Teachers will dismiss their classes each hour. There is 4 minutes passing time between classes.
Period 1 - 8:10-8:39
Period 2 - 8:43-9:11
Period 3 - 9:15-9:43
Period 5 - 9:47-10:15
Period 6 - 10:19-10:48
Period 4 - 10:52-12:15
Lunch 1 - 10:52-11:17
Lunch 2 - 11:21-11:46
Lunch 3 - 11:50-12:15
Period 7 - 12:19-12:55
Students, if you need to stay in school from 1 pm until 3:30 pm, the 7th grade commons will be available. All other areas of the school are closed because there is no supervision.
Thank you,
Annette K. Freiheit
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent, Pine City Public Schools
Full Scale Whale by Dragon Academy
The last week of October the Dragon Academy students worked hard on creating a scale models of different whales. After they completed all of their calculations, the students gridded off a section of the school lawn and created their life size 23 foot orca near the high school bus lane.
Physics students explore their understanding of inertia and Newton's 1st Law to try out the Newton's Table Experiment. All students were successful - but there were some mishaps along the way as well!
ALC Students Volunteer at American Legion's Veteran's Day Lunch
Pine City Elementary Kids Vote 2016
Spreading Kindness
Mrs. Rydberg's Kindergarten class is learning about kindness. The November goal for the school is to spread kindness. We read the book How Full is Your Bucket and talked about ways we are kind to one another. We watched a video about coloring our world with kindness. Students wrote "Spread Kindness" on their papers and drew a picture of themselves doing something kind. These are some of the kindest kids I know!
High School Conference Schedule
Parent teacher conferences are November 17th from 4:30-8pm, and Monday, November 21st from 3-6:30pm. Thursday's conferences are stadium style conferences with the majority of our teachers in the commons and multi areas. This is a great way for parents to see which teachers are available and make your conferences as efficient as possible. All teachers will be in their own classrooms on Monday to allow for private conferences if you prefer. Notice the time differences each day. Time change is to accommodate family schedules.
During the Thursday night parent teacher conference the science department will be presenting an information session on mastery learning and standards based grading. Parents and guardians of students in grades 9-11 are invited to attend the session in the high school media center from 5:30-6:15. Science teachers will be available for stadium conferences before and after the presentation.
If you have any questions, please call the HS office at 320-629-4112.
During the Thursday night parent teacher conference the science department will be presenting an information session on mastery learning and standards based grading. Parents and guardians of students in grades 9-11 are invited to attend the session in the high school media center from 5:30-6:15. Science teachers will be available for stadium conferences before and after the presentation.
If you have any questions, please call the HS office at 320-629-4112.
Assistant Coach of the Year
Coach Unverzagt has been selected by the head coaches in the state as the State Class A Assistant Coach of the Year. She is a ROCKSTAR and we are very fortunate to have her on staff.
PINE CITY SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION RESULTS
Election results to be canvassed at the Tuesday, November 15, 2016 meeting.
Four-year seat (Elect 4)
Wendy Leibel - 2998 votes
Tim Geisler - 2727 votes
Dan Peterson - 2691 votes
Wally Connaker - 2443 votes
Scott Milliman - 1539 votes
Jim A. Biernat - 1398 votes
Thank you to all the candidates who ran for a seat on the Pine City School Board. Your willingness to serve our district and the students is appreciated!
Four-year seat (Elect 4)
Wendy Leibel - 2998 votes
Tim Geisler - 2727 votes
Dan Peterson - 2691 votes
Wally Connaker - 2443 votes
Scott Milliman - 1539 votes
Jim A. Biernat - 1398 votes
Thank you to all the candidates who ran for a seat on the Pine City School Board. Your willingness to serve our district and the students is appreciated!
Supers Read
Superintendent Annette Freiheit kicked off the ECMECC Super Reads program. Area Superintendents will read live using a Google Hangout connected to schools in the ECMECC area. This morning Supt. Freiheit was in Mrs. Cabak's classroom and read One by Kathryn Otoshi. Mrs. Cabak's students loved the book and were gracious hosts and excellent listeners. The video is available by clicking here (until edited viewers may wish to fast forward through the first portion).
Cooperative Wednesdays
The 7th and 8th grade students enjoyed another Cooperative Wednesday activity this week! Each group did a little something different to learn cooperation. Here are some photos to show our FUN!!!
College Knowledge Month
October is College Knowledge Month (CKM) and it has arrived at PCHS! CKM helps schools establish and build upon a culture of college-readiness. It communicates to all students the importance of preparing for and applying to college (all colleges,trade/vocational and 2 & 4 year!) It serves to engage and inform underrepresented students, and to increase the number of MN seniors who complete the college admissions process. Activities going on this month include Friday college apparel days, a scavenger hunt, college door decorating contest, application day (counselors helping seniors apply to at least 1 school or career), Senior high counselor, Mrs. Brubaken, talking to students about scholarships, fee waivers, and application process, and so much more!
Senior High Art Club
Senior High Art Club met Tuesday after school and created crayon melt paintings.
SENIOR CITIZEN APPRECIATION BREAKFAST & MATINEE
We want to show our appreciation to our senior citizens by offering a complimentary breakfast (Breakfast bread, fruit, juice, & coffee) and performance. Tickets are required for the breakfast and can be picked up at Pine City High School, Pine City Elementary (Community Ed. Door #5), or Pine City Chamber of Commerce until November 4, 2016. If you have questions call 320-629-4030.
PCHS Students Attend Project Earth
A group of 7th and 8th graders traveled to St. Joseph, MN to participate in Project Earth. The conference is designed to encourage students to experience, appreciate and become stewards of the natural environment through presentations and hands-on learning. The day started with a presentation about the silent hunters (Owls) of Minnesota followed by students attending three different hands-on sessions. The students had a variety of experiences including paddling a 22 foot voyageur canoe, holding a boa constrictor, dredging for dragonflies, tracking wolves and testing their compass skills. Students were invited to apply to attend Project Earth in the Spring of the previous school year.
Annual Fall Walk to School with Dragon Athletes
2nd Grade Dino Students
These 2nd graders set goals and achieved them! They put forth great effort in being a Dino Student. Congratulations!
Real-World Application Activity
Mrs. Waggoner's 9th grade students analyzed plot elements for the short story, "All Summer in a Day," by Ray Bradbury, in which the central idea was Appreciating Diversity and Standing Up Against Bullying. Students participated in a real-world application activity where each student sat in a desk while others wrote positive affirmations about them. We focused on what we like about peers! Students responded that this activity made them feel good!
Seniors reading advice letters from previous seniors in
Mr. Kallen's American Government class.
Mr. Kallen's American Government class.
Homecoming Royalty 2016
Congratulations to King Jacob and Queen Natalie and their Royal Court.
Homecoming Week 2016
PCHS Students Attend 52nd Nobel Conference
On September 27th & 28th 16 Pine City High School Students enjoyed the opportunity to attend the 52nd Nobel Conference located at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. The title of this year's conference was "In Search of Economic Balance". Students listened to scholars speak and debate current economic issues affecting our world, had the chance to tour and explore the Gustavus campus, and meet up with a couple of PCHS graduates currently enrolled at Gustavus.
Early Release - Wednesday, September 28
Parents and Families: This is a reminder of our early release day, Wednesday, September 28. Just a reminder that students are expected to attend school on early release days in accordance with our district attendance policy.
ELEMENTARY: Students in grades K-3 will be dismissed at 12:38 and grades 4-6 will be dismissed at 12:43. Buses will leave the elementary at 12:50. We have child supervision from 12:38 - 3:00 on early release days. Families in need of supervision are asked to call the elementary office this week so we can plan staffing accordingly. Students remaining in school for this supervision will be in the auditorium. The only transportation available will be at the 12:50 dismissal. Parents making use of the early release supervision will need to come into the building and pick their child up at the 3:00 dismissal time.
HIGH SCHOOL: Students will be dismissed at 12:55. Here is the schedule for high school classes:
Period 1 - 8:10-8:39
Period 2 - 8:43-9:11
Period 3 - 9:15-9:43
Period 5 - 9:47-10:15
Period 6 - 10:19-10:48
Period 4 - 10:52-12:15
Lunch 1 - 10:52-11:17
Lunch 2 - 11:21-11:46
Lunch 3 - 11:50-12:15
Period 7 - 12:19-12:55
Students, if you need to stay in school from 1 pm until 3:30 pm, the 7th grade commons will be available. All other areas of the school are closed because there is no supervision.
Annette K. Freiheit
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent, Pine City Public Schools
1400 Main Street South
Pine City, MN 55063
Office Phone: 320-629-4010
ELEMENTARY: Students in grades K-3 will be dismissed at 12:38 and grades 4-6 will be dismissed at 12:43. Buses will leave the elementary at 12:50. We have child supervision from 12:38 - 3:00 on early release days. Families in need of supervision are asked to call the elementary office this week so we can plan staffing accordingly. Students remaining in school for this supervision will be in the auditorium. The only transportation available will be at the 12:50 dismissal. Parents making use of the early release supervision will need to come into the building and pick their child up at the 3:00 dismissal time.
HIGH SCHOOL: Students will be dismissed at 12:55. Here is the schedule for high school classes:
Period 1 - 8:10-8:39
Period 2 - 8:43-9:11
Period 3 - 9:15-9:43
Period 5 - 9:47-10:15
Period 6 - 10:19-10:48
Period 4 - 10:52-12:15
Lunch 1 - 10:52-11:17
Lunch 2 - 11:21-11:46
Lunch 3 - 11:50-12:15
Period 7 - 12:19-12:55
Students, if you need to stay in school from 1 pm until 3:30 pm, the 7th grade commons will be available. All other areas of the school are closed because there is no supervision.
Annette K. Freiheit
Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent, Pine City Public Schools
1400 Main Street South
Pine City, MN 55063
Office Phone: 320-629-4010
Fifth Grad STEM Project
The fifth graders tackled a STEM project last week using spaghetti noodles, string, and tape to construct the tallest possible structure that would support a marshmallow. It was much harder than they thought!
Homecoming Royalty 2016
Homecoming 2016 Schedule
Homecoming Week is September 19-23! We are taking pre-orders electronically this year. Shirts will be delivered on/about September 15. Sizes Youth Small through Adult 3XL are available. Buyers will receive an email with instructions on how to make payment. This form will be posted on the school website, shared on Facebook, and emailed to parents. If electronic ordering is not an option, orders will be taken by phone at 320-629-4154. Here is the link to the order form: http://tinyurl.com/PineCityHC16
Meet the New Staff
World's Best Workforce
Dr. Brenda Cassellius, pictured working with students, was one of the speakers at the August 8th Minnesota School Board Association "Summer Session" held in Brooklyn Park to update superintendents and school board members about new Minnesota Department of Education initiatives and policy issues in our state. Dr. Cassellius discussed the importance of successfully implementing World's Best Workforce Committees to promote alignment of curriculum and continuous improvement for all students and districts.
Coordinated by Director of Teaching and Learning Nichole Laven, Pine City's World's Best Workforce Committee met on the evening of August 1st to review and discuss plans for ISD#578 in the school year ahead. The August 8th school board meeting featured Dr. Kindle Perkins from the St. Croix Education District going over Pine City's 2015-2016 test scores so that information can be used in the upcoming academic year.
Coordinated by Director of Teaching and Learning Nichole Laven, Pine City's World's Best Workforce Committee met on the evening of August 1st to review and discuss plans for ISD#578 in the school year ahead. The August 8th school board meeting featured Dr. Kindle Perkins from the St. Croix Education District going over Pine City's 2015-2016 test scores so that information can be used in the upcoming academic year.
75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
On August 4th a local committee met to make more plans for the upcoming 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. The American Legion, Chamber of Commerce, Pine City Community Education, Pine City History Assn., and Public Library are cooperating to make this an interdisciplinary series of events in which people of all ages can participate.
The schedule begins in November and will include:
* Three after-school class sessions about WWII for children in grades 4-6 that will culminate in a Saturday trip to the Minnesota Historical Society
* Articles in the "Pioneer" about people's memories of December 7, 1941 (Even if you were a child at the time, but remember this event, please pick up an interview sheet at the Pioneer Office.)
* World War II book, artifact, and movie displays in the Pine City Public Library
* Roast beef Sunday dinner at the American Legion on December 4th followed by an afternoon of World War II Era patriotic and swing music by Ed Pangerl (Tickets will be sold in advance; more information will be available soon.)
* A 3:30 p.m. presentation in the PCHS Auditorium on December 7th that recollects the events that led up to Pearl Harbor, WW II, and impact on the American homefront
* Lecture about WWII to be held at the Pine City Public Library
As plans proceed, more information will be available from the "Pioneer", Community Ed. Fall Brochure, Chamber News, and school website. All are invited to participate to learn more about this important time in our national, state, and local history.
The schedule begins in November and will include:
* Three after-school class sessions about WWII for children in grades 4-6 that will culminate in a Saturday trip to the Minnesota Historical Society
* Articles in the "Pioneer" about people's memories of December 7, 1941 (Even if you were a child at the time, but remember this event, please pick up an interview sheet at the Pioneer Office.)
* World War II book, artifact, and movie displays in the Pine City Public Library
* Roast beef Sunday dinner at the American Legion on December 4th followed by an afternoon of World War II Era patriotic and swing music by Ed Pangerl (Tickets will be sold in advance; more information will be available soon.)
* A 3:30 p.m. presentation in the PCHS Auditorium on December 7th that recollects the events that led up to Pearl Harbor, WW II, and impact on the American homefront
* Lecture about WWII to be held at the Pine City Public Library
As plans proceed, more information will be available from the "Pioneer", Community Ed. Fall Brochure, Chamber News, and school website. All are invited to participate to learn more about this important time in our national, state, and local history.
Class of 1966 50th Reunion
The Pine City High School Graduating Class of 1966 had their 50th reunion at the Pine City Country Club on the evening of June 25th. They managed to get this picture taken just before the storm. Classmates gathered behind the 1966 Mustang belonging to Jane (1966 grad) and Wally Connaker.
Eighty people attended, including grads, spouses, and guests. Dr. Maya Rubilar traveled from Chile to attend; she was an exchange student in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Klande and their daughter, Kathy.
Half a century has passed since this group walked across the stage of the Pine City High School Auditorium to receive diplomas from Principal W.J. Kessler, Superintendent Clarence Espeseth, and School Board Chairman Mel Swanson. Some class members went on to become the initial group to attend what we now call "Pine Technical and Community College". Les Wiener did a tribute to the numerous classmates who served our nation in the various branches of the armed forces. Class President Ed Briesemeister asked for a moment of silence in memory of the fifteen class members who are deceased.
--photo by Gwen Briesemeister
Eighty people attended, including grads, spouses, and guests. Dr. Maya Rubilar traveled from Chile to attend; she was an exchange student in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Klande and their daughter, Kathy.
Half a century has passed since this group walked across the stage of the Pine City High School Auditorium to receive diplomas from Principal W.J. Kessler, Superintendent Clarence Espeseth, and School Board Chairman Mel Swanson. Some class members went on to become the initial group to attend what we now call "Pine Technical and Community College". Les Wiener did a tribute to the numerous classmates who served our nation in the various branches of the armed forces. Class President Ed Briesemeister asked for a moment of silence in memory of the fifteen class members who are deceased.
--photo by Gwen Briesemeister
Elementary Summer Reading Challenge
Be An Olympic Reader
and
Go For The GOLD
Pine City students in K-5th grade are invited to participate in a summer reading challenge for the next 3 months! If your child reaches the goal they will be awarded an “Olympic Reading Medal” in the Fall and be off to a better start in Reading!!! Children who don’t read over the summer can lose 2-3 months of reading performance! If your child reads or you read to/with your child for just 20 minutes a day over the summer, research says it will eliminate this summer reading loss!
HOW TO GET STARTED?
HOW TO GET STARTED?
- This summer students at Pine City Elementary have an amazing opportunity! They can read eBooks online for FREE!!!! We have introduced all K-5 students to a program called Raz Kids!
- For students in grades K-5, the Learning Lab will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 beginning June 14 throughout the summer for students to read eBooks using the RAZ kids computer program. Enter door #16.
- Reading print books will count too!!!
Perfect Attendance
Kindergarten : Miles Gray, Tucker Koch
1st Grade: Tanner Fix, Zoe Zemek
2nd Grade: Paige Gray
4th Grade: Samantha Charles, Samantha Lotz, Dirks Foster
5th Grade: Mason Charles, Madyson Bombard, Bryce Erickson, Isaiah Hasz
6th Grade: Jocelyn Currie, Jet Pulley, Emily Englund, Grace Jahnz
1st Grade: Tanner Fix, Zoe Zemek
2nd Grade: Paige Gray
4th Grade: Samantha Charles, Samantha Lotz, Dirks Foster
5th Grade: Mason Charles, Madyson Bombard, Bryce Erickson, Isaiah Hasz
6th Grade: Jocelyn Currie, Jet Pulley, Emily Englund, Grace Jahnz
May Dino Kids
Dragon Academy's Umiak Makes Maiden Voyage at the Fur Post
Fun with boomwhackers!
Mrs. Hughes 5th grade class in Mrs. Hansmann's music class enjoying playing some classical melodies.....at different tempos! Fun!!!
Fifth Grade Duluth Aquarium Trip
Geometry and Castles DO Mix
These castles were created by geometry students to culminate their study on 3-dimensional figures. They also had to calculate the volume of their castle.
Second Graders Enjoying Dragon End Zone Reward Day
Minnesota History Center
Field Day 2016
Presidential Awards
PINE CITY HIRES ANNETTE FREIHEIT AS SUPERINTENDENT
At the School Board Meeting, on Monday, May 9, 2016 the Board approved the contract of Annette Freiheit as Superintendent of Schools. Ms. Freiheit will replace outgoing Superintendent, Wayne Gilman, on July 1, 2016. For the last 14 years Ms. Freiheit has been the Elementary Principal for Hayfield Community Schools. Ms. Freiheit's career also includes experience as an Elementary Teacher, Curriculum Director, Testing Coordinator and Graduation Standards Director. We welcome Ms. Freiheit to Pine City Public Schools!
Making Memories - Grandparents' Day 2016
14th Annual Tractor Ride
1st Annual 6th Grade Science Fair
The first annual 6th Grade Science Fair was a huge success. Starting in late February, students started choosing their topics leading to them working on the scientific method and starting their experiments during March. In April, after analyzing their data, they wrote their conclusions and made their graphs. A couple weeks before the fair, students then designed their display boards and science fair booklets. The science fair was held on April 28th and was a great success! We had 20 judges volunteer from around the community. The judges had to score 62 projects that had 81 6th grade students involved in the fair.
4th Grade Visits MN History Museum
FAIRVIEW PHARMACY MANAGER TO SPEAK AT P.C.H.S.
Pine City High School graduate Dan Teich will be speaking in Eric Wicktor's classes on May 25th as part of the district's focus on post-secondary and career planning for high school students. Teich, who has been in the pharmacy profession for twelve years, is currently employed as Pharmacy Manager for Fairview Home Infusion.
Thinking back to his own high school years, he remembers college prep. English, AP calculus, chemistry, and physics as being particularly helpful
in preparing him for college. He also emphasizes the importance of extra-curricular, having served as President of NHS and as Senior Class
President.
One of the messages to learners on May 25th will be to pay attention in high school so as to be able to delve right in to college-level courses such as organic chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Other topics will include:
* Spending a couple productive hours per week planning for post-secondary and career
* Articulating your goals and interests
* Developing habits of focused hard work
* Being able to identify and work with resources and mentors
* Building careers incrementally through layering at different levels of the profession
Teich stresses that although people think about post-secondary and career guidance at the high school level, it actually starts earlier than that. Parents and teachers of younger children can help them to build broad interests and self-awareness; be able to change and adapt quickly; manage disappointments; be resilient and optimistic in thinking about new options. All of this helps to put school work in the "big picture" of students' lives.
Thinking back to his own high school years, he remembers college prep. English, AP calculus, chemistry, and physics as being particularly helpful
in preparing him for college. He also emphasizes the importance of extra-curricular, having served as President of NHS and as Senior Class
President.
One of the messages to learners on May 25th will be to pay attention in high school so as to be able to delve right in to college-level courses such as organic chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Other topics will include:
* Spending a couple productive hours per week planning for post-secondary and career
* Articulating your goals and interests
* Developing habits of focused hard work
* Being able to identify and work with resources and mentors
* Building careers incrementally through layering at different levels of the profession
Teich stresses that although people think about post-secondary and career guidance at the high school level, it actually starts earlier than that. Parents and teachers of younger children can help them to build broad interests and self-awareness; be able to change and adapt quickly; manage disappointments; be resilient and optimistic in thinking about new options. All of this helps to put school work in the "big picture" of students' lives.
Some LEO club members have been Pen Pals with Miss Johnson's 2nd grade class since September. Today they got to meet each other. 2nd graders read to the LEOs, they did a project, lots of visiting and ate lunch together.
Seniors in CIS Public Speaking practiced their interpersonal skills by helping the 7th grade outline a biography essay.
Positive Behavior Rewarded
5th graders in Mrs. Hughes' class earned a reward for getting compliments from other teachers/adults in the hallways for their VERY positive behavior. Here the mayor, Brianna, and her Student Council members--Gabby and Siarra, mix up a big bowl of gorp for the class to enjoy!!
Grandparents' Day 2016
Tiffany Schmidt will be representing the Pine City Dragon Speech Team at the State Speech Meet at Lakeville North High School. Tiffany will be competing in the category of Extemporaneous Speaking.
Math Masters
Sixth Graders Dorothy M., Colton B., Mason R., Casey K., and Beth K. participated in the regional Math Masters Competition of Minnesota Challenge in Prior Lake. The team competed individually and as a team on eight sets of mathematical problems against 97 other students. Overall the team placed 9th out of the 21 teams competing. Two members of the team, Dorothy and Colton, placed in the winning bracket for the fact-drill round. Congratulations to all members of the team!
PROM 2016 - "At Last"
IMPORTANT DATES AND TIMES
4:00 - 5:50 - Photography packages provided by Gross Productions (optional) - Pictures taken in the HS Multi
6:00 - Dinner hosted at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, provided by Mylie’s Catering
(Dinner includes: chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, gravy, salad and dessert by Cabin Coffees.)
7:30 - Grand March in Pine City High School Gym - doors open at 6:45 - tickets $2.50 each - student activity passes not allowed for this event
9:00 - 11:45 Dance in Pine City High School Gym - music by The Scene
Mrs. Waggoner's 9th grade classes perform the famous Scene 5 of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet where Romeo meets Juliet for the first time. Students use scripts, props, and costumes to perform the scene. The 9th graders are fully immersing themselves in the world of Shakespeare by acting out this drama and speaking in iambic pentameter!
2nd Grade's March Dino Kids
STEM at PCHS
You might have heard the educational buzz word STEM in the news or during a political speech, or perhaps you have seen an interesting article or youtube video about a 3-D printer creating something amazing. Students have been experiencing these things all along right here at PCHS. In fact, STEM which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, is required for all 9th grade students.
The whole idea about STEM is to get students interested in career fields which combine these subject areas together, and to develop a workforce which is trained in areas such as high tech manufacturing, medical field, or engineering. There are so many jobs that are available, but very few people are trained or qualified to fill these jobs. There will be jobs created in the future that we don't even know about yet - STEM helps train students to be able to problem solve, learn, and adapt those new careers. Colleges who offer high tech manufacturing programs in these areas have a high drop out rate because their students find great paying jobs before they can even complete their program! There is plenty of information out there on the internet about STEM, so much that I could write a whole article about it but I'll leave the research up to you.
My main focus is to communicate with parents and community members about STEM because many of the people I see at conferences have never heard of STEM or do not undstand what it is, or have never taken a STEM class.
The first picture of Jolie Wicktor and Genoa Gregg have designed and built a robot with a gear system that has been programmed to travel as far and fast as possible in a 6 second time period. They have calculated their robot distance in a given amount of time and assembled a gear train that will give them the best results possible.
The other picture is a design team of Devin Roberts, Jenna Sutter, and Hannah Stillings (not pictured). They were tasked to re-design or innovate an existing product using the design method. They re-designed a door knob that was ergonomically designed to easily be gripped and not spin in your hand when you turn it and it was designed to be made of rubber and to glow in the dark to find easily at night time.. Their product was created using 3-D CAD modeling software. Their file was then uploaded to the school's 3-D printer to present to the class as their prototype.
The whole idea about STEM is to get students interested in career fields which combine these subject areas together, and to develop a workforce which is trained in areas such as high tech manufacturing, medical field, or engineering. There are so many jobs that are available, but very few people are trained or qualified to fill these jobs. There will be jobs created in the future that we don't even know about yet - STEM helps train students to be able to problem solve, learn, and adapt those new careers. Colleges who offer high tech manufacturing programs in these areas have a high drop out rate because their students find great paying jobs before they can even complete their program! There is plenty of information out there on the internet about STEM, so much that I could write a whole article about it but I'll leave the research up to you.
My main focus is to communicate with parents and community members about STEM because many of the people I see at conferences have never heard of STEM or do not undstand what it is, or have never taken a STEM class.
The first picture of Jolie Wicktor and Genoa Gregg have designed and built a robot with a gear system that has been programmed to travel as far and fast as possible in a 6 second time period. They have calculated their robot distance in a given amount of time and assembled a gear train that will give them the best results possible.
The other picture is a design team of Devin Roberts, Jenna Sutter, and Hannah Stillings (not pictured). They were tasked to re-design or innovate an existing product using the design method. They re-designed a door knob that was ergonomically designed to easily be gripped and not spin in your hand when you turn it and it was designed to be made of rubber and to glow in the dark to find easily at night time.. Their product was created using 3-D CAD modeling software. Their file was then uploaded to the school's 3-D printer to present to the class as their prototype.
Battle of the Beaks
7th grade classes imitated birds in a lab called Battle of the Beaks. We are learning about natural selection and how having different adaptations will allow species to survive and reproduce in their environment. Dr. Jenna Jambeck Farfour was also in class to provide a real life example of using the steps of Scientific Inquiry to the 7th grade students before her evening presentation to the community.
Greek Day in 9th Grade
My 9th grade class celebrated Greek Day with traditional Greek snacks, togas, and a viewing of Homer's The Odyssey as a reward for completing argumentative essays on 'the hero.' Those who came to Greek Day with togas get five points extra credit on their argumentative essay assignments. We had a lot of fun!
-Mrs. Waggoner
-Mrs. Waggoner
ENGLISH 8 STUDENTS
In English 8, students have been working on an Anne Frank unit. As a part of this unit, they partnered up to read Light from the Yellow Star: Lessons on Love from the Holocaust(written by a survivor who moved to Minnesota and worked as a pediatric specialist at the U of M). Students enjoyed looking at the doctor's artwork that went along with each passage in the book. I (Mrs. Cooksey) was impressed with their level of maturity and their in-depth discussions.
Pine City Graduate Speaks on Global Waste Management
AHOY! Come one, come all to hear 1992 Pine City graduate, Dr. Jenna Jambeck Farfour, share her incredible journey from growing up on the banks of the Snake River to her present position as a professor in Environmental Engineering at Georgia University. The presentation will be Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 pm in the High School Auditorium.
Jenna's passion is global waste management issues and plastic pollution. She will present the "eXXpedition" film she and 13 other women participated in by sailing the Atlantic and collecting plastics in the waters. She wants to inspire everyone, especially women in the Sciences (STEM), to embrace your dreams.
Free admission..question/answer period/snacks!
Jenna's passion is global waste management issues and plastic pollution. She will present the "eXXpedition" film she and 13 other women participated in by sailing the Atlantic and collecting plastics in the waters. She wants to inspire everyone, especially women in the Sciences (STEM), to embrace your dreams.
Free admission..question/answer period/snacks!
On February 11, the Pine City Girls' Basketball team hosted "Hoops for Hope" (Pink Out the Gym". Through t-shirt sales, various fund raising activities and the generosity of the fans, $1,388 was raised. The proceeds will be sent to the American Cancer Society and The Harbor Room at the Cambridge Hospital. Go Dragons!
Cat in the Hat STEM Challenge
This week we have been doing all things Dr. Seuss and having a blast! Today was by far the most fun when I gave them 10 mini cups and 10 pieces of card stock. They were in groups of 3 and given the challenge to build the tallest Cat in the Hat tower. The only directions were they had to use all the materials given. I think their minds grew 3 sizes today! They loved it so much many chose to try again during free-time!
"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!" - Dr. Seuss
"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!" - Dr. Seuss
6th and 5th Grade Students Hold Book Swap as part of I Love to Read Month.
As part of the ongoing 6th Grade Service Projects, the 6th grade students invited the 5th grade students to have a book swap to finish off I Love to Read Month. Students had the opportunity to bring in books from home they no longer used for a chance to swap for another they wanted! Many students commented about the great selection. 5th and 6th grade students did an excellent job supplying books. Way to encourage and share the love of reading!
I Love to Read Month Celebration
At the elementary's “I Love to Read Month Celebration” on February 26, many students won prizes and lunch with the Principal. Six lucky, and very happy, students won the grand prize, a new bike. We thank Oak Park Dental, Cambridge/Pine City Orthodontic and Walmart for partnering with the elementary in their donations of the bikes.
Music, Food and Rhythm
1st grade students in Mrs. Hansmann's music class are creating ta and titi rhythm patterns using play food! Pictured is the first step of deciding which rhythm pattern the food matches. The second step will be to write their rhythm choices. The third step will be to play the rhythms on percussion instruments!
Pictured are students from Mrs. Stull ' s class.
Pictured are students from Mrs. Stull ' s class.
Geometry Students Create Scale Models of Their Rooms
High School Parent- Teacher Conference Information
High School Parent-Teacher conferences held on February 29th, 2016 from 4:30-8pm will be stadium type conferences. Parents will easily be able to see when teachers are available in the multi and commons areas. Also, we will be holding a career/college/trades/military fair in conjunction with conferences that evening.
The following groups will be available for parents to get information from a representative: Anoka Ramsey Community College, Anoka Technical College, Argosy University-Twin Cities, Army ROTC, College of St. Scholastica, Crown College, Hibbing Community College, Minneapolis Business College, Northwest Technical College, St. Catherine University, St. Cloud Technical & Community College, University of MN-Twin Cities, Winona State University, Carpenters Trades, Central MN Job Training, Air Force, Army National Guard, Marine Corps.
The following groups will be available for parents to get information from a representative: Anoka Ramsey Community College, Anoka Technical College, Argosy University-Twin Cities, Army ROTC, College of St. Scholastica, Crown College, Hibbing Community College, Minneapolis Business College, Northwest Technical College, St. Catherine University, St. Cloud Technical & Community College, University of MN-Twin Cities, Winona State University, Carpenters Trades, Central MN Job Training, Air Force, Army National Guard, Marine Corps.
Congratulations to the Newest Dragon Zone Members
Author/ Illustrator Mike Wahnoutka Visits the Elementary
School Board Recognition Week
February 15-February 19, 2016
The children at Pine City Public Schools benefit every day from the hard work of our School Board. February 15 - February 19 is School Board Recognition Week, so take the time to thank these dedicated leaders for spending countless hours away from their own families and jobs so ALL our children can get a good education.
Back Row Left to Right: Wally Connaker, Clerk - 4 years, Steve Odegard, Treasurer - 19 years, Wendy Leibel, Director - 4 years, Tim Geisler - Vice-Chair - 19 years, Alicia Ascheman Director - 3.5 years
Front Row Left to right: Dan Peterson, Chairman - 27 years, Superintendent Wayne Gilman, Candice Ames, Director - 2 years
Front Row Left to right: Dan Peterson, Chairman - 27 years, Superintendent Wayne Gilman, Candice Ames, Director - 2 years
Senator Al Franken reads to Ms. Larson's 4th Grade Class for 'I Love to Read Month'
SCHOOL BOARD SEEKS INPUT
On Wednesday, February 17th, the Pine City School Board will meet with interested students, staff, and members of the community to update them on the superintendent search process and seek their opinions. All sessions will be held in the board room in the district office at the following times:
* Students at 1:15 (because it's an early-dismissal day)
* Staff at 3:30
* Community at 6:30
This will be an informal process where participants discuss what they believe to be the top three strengths of our school district, three areas of concern, vision for the district in five years, and the experience/characteristics the new superintendent should possess to be successful in Pine City. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
* Students at 1:15 (because it's an early-dismissal day)
* Staff at 3:30
* Community at 6:30
This will be an informal process where participants discuss what they believe to be the top three strengths of our school district, three areas of concern, vision for the district in five years, and the experience/characteristics the new superintendent should possess to be successful in Pine City. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
LEO Club served floats for donations to the American Cancer Society at Pink Out the Gym Thursday Night.
PCHS Snow Week Talent Show
After reading the story 'Chalk Box Kid' in Mr. Jensen's 3rd grade reading class, the students enjoyed drawing chalk art pictures of their own.
Kindergarten Students Exploring Rekenreks for the First Time
2nd Place for One-Act at Sub Sections
Congratulations to the PCHS One-Act Cast & Crew members on the 2nd Place finish for "Wiley and the Hairy Man" at sub-section competition last weekend. The show advances to Section Competition at Milaca on Saturday, February 6th.
National Geographic Bee
The 2016 6th grade National Geographic Bee has been completed at the local level. One student from Pine City Elementary School will now take the MN state qualifying test to determine if he or she will go on to the state competition. The Geographic Bee started with all 6th grade students participating in the first round, 29 students in Round 2 and 9 students in the third round. After 3 rounds of competition, and separated by only one point for each place, the top 3 students in this year’s Geographic Bee are:
In 3rd Place: Connor Seggarra
In 2nd Place: Drake Willert
And In 1st Place: Jarred Juhl
In 3rd Place: Connor Seggarra
In 2nd Place: Drake Willert
And In 1st Place: Jarred Juhl
District Spelling Bee
The winner of the 24th Annual District Spelling Bee was 5th grader Madyson Bombard. Madyson will go on to the Regional Competition on February 11 to represent Pine City Schools. 6th grader Carissa Nascence was our runner up followed closely by 5th grader, David Brady in 3rd place. These three students went back and forth for a combined total of 11 rounds! Great job!
2nd Grade Dino Kids For The Month Of January
Dragon Sisters
Elementary students, grades kindergarten through 5th grade, who participated in the fall basketball camp were paired up with a varsity player as their "Dragon Sister". During a game last week, they were introduced to the crowd by their Dragon sister and then participated in the introduction of the line-ups and the pre-game huddle.
6th Graders Displays Rhythm Patterns using Basketballs
The 6th grade music class has been creating rhythm patterns using basketballs. At the January 22, 2016 home basketball game, the 6th grade students performed their rhythm patters during halftime.
Students from Mr. Schlichting's Industrial Technology classes participated in a field trip to Pine Technical and Community College. Students were engaged in hands-on exploratory training on different equipment including a laser engraver, EDM machine, CNC Mill, and an injection molder which are unavailable at the high school. Students learned about the demand of highly skilled advanced manufacturing operators and programmers in the workforce, and also some of the training offered at PTCC including their new plastics program.
PCHS Students Visit PTC
A few 6th grade students attended the School Board meeting Monday, January 11th to discuss 6th grade service projects. They presented information including how service projects were formed, service projects that have been offered so far, and their personal involvement with the 6th grade buddy program. Thank you Tim, Anna, Jason, and Meaghan for sharing your thoughts with the School Board.
Junior High Mid-Winter Band and Choir Concert has been changed to Friday Feb. 26th at 7:30 pm in the HS Auditorium
6th Graders Present to School Board
Snowflakes at PCES
After cutting out some beautiful snowflakes for an art project, Mrs. Johnson's third graders went outside to see the real thing using felt strips and magnifying glasses. Some gorgeous flakes were seen!
The preschool scientists did a science experiment with candy canes!
The cold weather didn't stop the preschoolers from having a fun inside recess!
POL 1001 took a trip down to The University of Minnesota for their field day looking at the current Supreme Court case Fisher v. University of Texas.
PARAPROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK
January 11-15, 2016
January 11-15, 2016 has been named Paraprofessional Recognition Week by the Minnesota Department of Education. Pine City Public Schools is fortunate to have a wonderful group of paraprofessionals working in our district! They provide irreplaceable support to our students and staff.
Thank you Pine City Paraprofessionals for all you do!
Thank you Pine City Paraprofessionals for all you do!
Kindergarten classes dancing to "Trepak" from the Nutcracker
Pink Out the Gym
Last year we raised over $1400 that went to the American Cancer Society and the Harbor Room at the Cambridge Hospital.Hoops for Hope!
Every year, the girls’ basketball team hosts a great event to raise money for breast cancer. On Thursday, February 11, the Pine City Girls’ Basketball team will be hosting “Hoops for Hope” ( Pink Out the Gym). Various fundraising activities will be available that night. Hoops for Hope t-shirts are also available to order and an order form can be found on the PC School’s website pinecity.k12.mn.us or with Joan at the front office. The deadline for ordering shirts is Tuesday, January 26.
Come support the Dragons and raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Every year, the girls’ basketball team hosts a great event to raise money for breast cancer. On Thursday, February 11, the Pine City Girls’ Basketball team will be hosting “Hoops for Hope” ( Pink Out the Gym). Various fundraising activities will be available that night. Hoops for Hope t-shirts are also available to order and an order form can be found on the PC School’s website pinecity.k12.mn.us or with Joan at the front office. The deadline for ordering shirts is Tuesday, January 26.
Come support the Dragons and raise money for the American Cancer Society.
2nd Grade's December Dino Kids
New Dino Students. These students have put forth great effort in being a Dino Student. They set goals and achieved them. Way to Go students for working so hard at your goals and reaching them!
Repeat Dino Students. These students have been a Dino Student for past months and continue to reach their goals.
1st Grade Donates to Local Food Shelf
Throughout the month of December, all the 1st grade classes brought food and other items in to be given to the local food shelf. This goes along with the wants and needs unit that they teach in December. The teachers were able to show the 1st graders a way that they can easily contribute to our community. The students in Mrs. Allen's and Ms. Stull's 1st grade classes dropped off 57 bags of food today equaling 370 pounds!! It was a great walk!!
Junior High Art Club
Winter drawing contest and Holiday Sweaters
CIS Public Speaking Students Visit Elementary
Gingerbread Capers
Today Ms. Frericks and Miss Johnson's 2nd grade reading classes chased the gingerbread man around school. They followed clues to find where he had gone. He was finally caught by Mrs. Lorsung in the office.
6th Graders Raise over $2300 for Charity in 3 Weeks!
Pine City 6th Graders raised over $2300 for charity in 3 weeks. They raised $1300 for the local food shelf and another $1010 for Toys for Tots.
Here is a picture of the students holding the toys their money purchased and a photo of them holding the big check from the pie social. Way to Go 6th Grade Students!
Here is a picture of the students holding the toys their money purchased and a photo of them holding the big check from the pie social. Way to Go 6th Grade Students!
6th Graders Playing Christmas Carols with Boomwhackers!!!
9th Grade Non-fiction Informative Comic Strips
Ninth grade Language Arts students combined Art, History and Language Arts skills to create Non-Fiction Comic Strips in Mrs. Waggoners Ninth Grade English class.
Hair Raising Times in Science
Mr. Huettl's 9th Grade Science students enjoy a Hair Raising experience while learning more about Static Electricity, & Static Discharge.
November Eastern Minnesota SumDog Contest.
Students in Mrs. Johnson's 3rd grade class were the winners of the November Eastern Minnesota SumDog Contest. Sumdog is an on-line math program where students practice math fluency skills in a fun and engaging program. As the winners of the contest, the students were rewarded with a free yearly subscription. This allows students to unlock new games that are not available to all students.
Students in grades 2-6 will have another opportunity to participate in a SumDog Contest. The Holiday Contest starts December 11 and ends December 18th.
Students in grades 2-6 will have another opportunity to participate in a SumDog Contest. The Holiday Contest starts December 11 and ends December 18th.
It's Looking A Lot Like ... SPRING?!
These 5th graders don't let a little snow stop them from planting! In Mrs. Hughes' Science class, the students planted a variety of seeds and are observing and recording the fascinating results from their mini-greenhouses. Lots of roots, root hairs, and some stems and leaves are making great progress.
2nd Grade's November Dino Kids
New Dino Students. These students have put forth great effort in being a Dino Student. They set goals and achieved them. Way to Go students for working so hard at your goals and reaching them!
Repeat Dino Students. These students have been a Dino Student for past months and continue to reach their goals.
Elementary Students Enjoying First Snowfall
7th Grade Action Plans
Over the past week, 7th and 8th graders have spent time reviewing the purposes of MCA and MAP assessments, discussing how scores can be used by teachers and the students themselves to maximize student potential. Students also spent time reviewing their most recent MCA and MAP scores and wrote action plans for the school year with the goal of maximizing their learning in mind. Students were then asked to share their scores and action plans with their parents. Additionally, students will post their action plans in their lockers as a reminder of what they committed to. Seventh graders' action plans are posted throughout the 7th grade commons as a reminder to each other and their teachers of the commitments each student has made.
7th Grade Cell Projects
Pine City Area Lions Donate $1200 for
Early Childhood Playground
T-shirt Rhythm Creations in 6th Grade
Students in Mrs. Hansmann's 6th grade music class are shown creating a rhythm piece based on the words and sentences
on their t-shirts! The students discuss how the words create the rhythms and the phrases, and then which
instruments to use, and when. Such a fun impromptu project!
on their t-shirts! The students discuss how the words create the rhythms and the phrases, and then which
instruments to use, and when. Such a fun impromptu project!
Mr. Anderson changed out of his necktie and into his gym clothes to challenge Mr. Burger and Coach C's Physical Education students to a little bit of Badminton. He followed up the next day by saying that staying fit is important at all ages and that after two hours of badminton (and no losses) he was "feeling" it. The students and staff had a great time.
Badminton and the Principal
Sneak Peek of 'Turkey in the Straw'
Students in Mrs. Cahill's Kindergarten music class are busy preparing for the upcoming Thanksgiving Feast Program.
The Pine City Girls' Basketball program under the direction of Coach Hasz, hosted a Dragon's Basketball Camp for grades K-8 on Saturday mornings. Pictured here are the grades K-2 campers who enjoyed learning dribbling, passing and shooting. Girls' basketball players volunteered to come in to demonstrate skills, participate in drills and encourage the future Dragon players. Pictured here are alumni player Jenna Olson, and current players Hannah Lorsung, Lily Wilson, Meredith Kolling, Katherine Rike and Ellie Hasz. A big thank you to other players who helped also!
Dragon Zone Bingo
Thomas Jefferson Dinner Party
CIS American History students recently participated in a Thomas Jefferson dinner party. Guests included early Americans such as George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton. Those present engaged in a lively discussion centered around current issues of the the time period. The dinner consisted of a Presidential "snack bar" with favorites such as jelly beans (Ronald Reagan), bachelor button cookies (Thomas Jefferson), and pretzels. (George H.W. Bush)
Double Dutch in November!
5th grade reading students of Mrs. Fort and Mrs. Hughes enjoyed unseasonably warm November weather as they attempted the fine art of double Dutch jumprope! After reading the story, "Double Dutch", in their book, and discussing it, they took to the blacktop
Calaveras de Azúcar
Spanish 1 students made Sugar Skulls, Calaveras de Azúcar, which are commonly sold throughout Mexico during Day of the Dead festivities. El Día de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico and Central America. On November 1st, All Saints Day, the deceased children are remembered and on November 2nd, All Souls Day, the deceased adults are remembered.
October's 2nd Grade Dino Kids
New Dino Kids
Repeat Dino Kids
Mr. Jensen's 3rd Grade Reading Class
Mr. Jensen's 3rd grade reading class learned how to use a venn diagram and use critical thinking to compare and contrast the bridge in the story they read to a bridge that we have in town.
Ms. Frerick's 2nd grade reading class
having fun learning in stations
Running in the Halls at PCHS
Including team sports and skills we are working to incorporate more fitness into the lessons. We gave students the permission to run in the halls today.
Preschool Students Parade in Costume
Newton's Law of Motion
Mr. Huettl's 9th Grade Physical science class is studying Newton's Laws of motion and how they apply to 2-liter water rockets. Students built rockets from 2-liter pop bottles by designing fins, nosecones, & parachutes for their rockets with the goal of launching a rocket that would fly straight, reach a maximum altitude, & then deploy a parachute to gracefully drift back to earth.
Family Fun Night
Students and their parents enjoyed an evening of activities that revolved around the story The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns.
Happy Halloween from Students and Staff!
Virtual Magnetic Poetry
Keep an eye on the home page for virtual magnetic poetry samples created by Pine City Public Schools' staff and students! It's going to get a little spooky!
MacBeth at PCHS
Students in Mrs. Waggoner's English 10 class are reading MacBeth aloud.
Things Are Sprouting in Fifth Grade!
Students are using many science skills as they observe their sprouting seeds. They are measuring, comparing, recording, predicting to name just a few. Each group of young botanists planted 8 different seeds and have been observing them closely for about 2 weeks.
Pine Center for the Arts - October Student Art Exhibit
Preschool Students Visit Fire Hall
Pine City Students Enjoy Lions' Cub Run and 5K
Fall Harvest at PCHS
Students in the Dragon Academy pressed apples for cider on October 6. Apples were donated by students, staff and friends. Dragon Academy students will use this experience and the data they collected to build on lessons in Science, Math and Language Arts. The American Harvest apple press was loaned to Pine City High School by the family of Mr. Ryan Larson, lead teacher for the Dragon Academy.
Working in the Dragon Zone
The Great Marshmallow Challenge
At the beginning of every year in 5th grade we do "The Great Marshmallow Challenge" in which students have 20 minutes to work in groups of 3 to create the largest free-standing structure using spaghetti noodles, tape, string, and one marshmallow. It is a great team-building activity in which students must use creativity, cooperation, and time management skills to accomplish this task! The attached picture shows the top 3 groups who created the tallest structures.
Homecoming Royalty 2015
Club's Choice Order Pick Up
October 24 ~ 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Elementary School South Parking Lot
Any student that has their products picked up before 10:00 a.m. will receive the newest key chain avenger. See you in the morning and thank you for your support of our school fundraiser.
Coronation 2015
Homecoming Candids
To submit photos for the 2015 Homecoming Candids Slideshow email to dfedder@isd578.org or text to 320-224-8074 or #PCHC2K15
Welcome Back, Students!
Welcome to New Professional Staff at Pine City Schools!
Back to school workshops have begun with new staff orientation on August 26 and 27. 23 new professional staff positions have been filled for the upcoming school year. Welcome to all new staff!!!!!!
Student Information System Changing
Pine City Public Schools will no longer be using Schoolview/TIES for our Student Information System. You might be able to log in but that information is not accurate. We are transitioning to Synergy by EduPoint.
Schedules for students in grades 8-12 will arrive in the mail late next week.
More information will be forthcoming about the new system. It has very similar features as were available in TIES. There will be portals for students and parents to access grades and other school information. Please watch for that mailing.
Schedules for students in grades 8-12 will arrive in the mail late next week.
More information will be forthcoming about the new system. It has very similar features as were available in TIES. There will be portals for students and parents to access grades and other school information. Please watch for that mailing.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPPLIES LIST
1:1 Technology Device Pick Up Dates
** More Times Added **
Grade 7-12 1:1 technology devices will be ready starting August 17. If you'd like to avoid the rush on Open House night you can pick them up early!! It is our hope that all students (7-12) will have their devices in hand for the first day of school. Please contact Dihanna Fedder if you have any questions at dfedder@isd578.org or 320-629-4154.
Please:
1. Print out attached forms (extra copies are available in the Media Center if you don't have printer access),
2. Get all signatures (parent and student),
3. Pay your device fee ($30 cash or check payable to Pine City Public Schools). Fees can be paid in the Media Center at time of pick up.
Pick up times:
Monday, August 31 - 7:30 - 3:00
Tuesday, September 1 - 10:00 - 3:00
Wednesday, September 2 - 7:30 - 3:30 and 4:30 - 8:00 (Open House Night)
1:1 Technology Device Expectations
1:1 Technology Device Fee Agreement_
1:1 Technology Device Signature Page - REQUIRED FOR PICK UP
Please:
1. Print out attached forms (extra copies are available in the Media Center if you don't have printer access),
2. Get all signatures (parent and student),
3. Pay your device fee ($30 cash or check payable to Pine City Public Schools). Fees can be paid in the Media Center at time of pick up.
Pick up times:
Monday, August 31 - 7:30 - 3:00
Tuesday, September 1 - 10:00 - 3:00
Wednesday, September 2 - 7:30 - 3:30 and 4:30 - 8:00 (Open House Night)
1:1 Technology Device Expectations
1:1 Technology Device Fee Agreement_
1:1 Technology Device Signature Page - REQUIRED FOR PICK UP
Reader's Theater Performed by the 'Nearly First Graders'
Pine City Craftsmanship Corps
Thanks to the quality work of Pine City Craftsmanship Corps, Early Childhood has 4 new high quality step up stools for classroom use!
FUN AT DRAGON REWARD DAY
8th Grade MCA Reading Reward Day
Congratulations, Graduates!
Tractor photos by Sheila Hughes.
Sixth grade students in Mrs. Huettl's science classes are building bridges as part of their engineering unit.
PINE CITY SUMMER REC PACKET
Field Day 2015
PCHS Student Collect Over 700 Pounds of Food for Pine Community Food Shelf
Kindness Week First Annual Bean Bag Toss
Winners were Jerry Wahlstroem and Logan Stahl.
Fourth Graders Visit Target Field
Studying the Earth's Surface
Students in Mrs. Lind's 5th Grade Science Class used Play Doh to create mountains, valleys, plateaus, canyons, and many other unique and beautiful landforms on our Earth's surface!
Storytelling at the Elementary
Mrs. Magel's Public Speaking class spent time at the elementary reading aloud to elementary students.
5th Grade Classic Literature Students Attend Performance
A group of 50 students from grades 4-6 were invited to attend the St. Croix Festival Theater's performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs based on the fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm. Students who were invited had participated in the 5th Grade Classic Literature Unit, the 4th Grade Wishbone Classics Unit or the 6th Grade Creative Writing Unit with Mrs. Blake. After the show, students had an opportunity to participate in a Talk-Back session with the seventeen youth actors.
1st grade Noodle Notes!
1st graders in Mrs. Hansmann ' s music class use "noodle notes" to create 2 - beat rhythm patterns! The students love working cooperatively, and they have fun using the "noodle notes!"
Pre-Algebra Students Preparing for the MCA Exams
Kindergarten Learning About Shadows and the Sun
2015 Fourth Grade Program Highlights
Physics Egg Drop Challenge Produced Some Survivors
Senator Al Franken Visits Pine City High School
7th/8th Grade Reading Strategy-SQ4R
Students at Pine City High School have been working on a powerful literacy/study strategy this winter called SQ4R! This strategy engages students during each phase of the reading process.
Junior high reading students have been busy using this strategy as part of their MCA III Reading Test Preparation for April’s test. Students used SQ4R recently while reading ‘How the Taco Conquered America’ and ‘Holding on to Heritage Before It Slips Away’.
Julie Anderson took the reading unit one step further by having students learn what’s required in planning daily meals for the Pine City Schools. Abby Olson, Food and Nutrition Director for the Pine City Schools, worked with Anderson and a group of students to plan the menu for Pine City Public School’s Cinco de Mayo lunch! Be sure to check out the special menu for May 5th!
Students at Pine City High School have been working on a powerful literacy/study strategy this winter called SQ4R! This strategy engages students during each phase of the reading process.
Junior high reading students have been busy using this strategy as part of their MCA III Reading Test Preparation for April’s test. Students used SQ4R recently while reading ‘How the Taco Conquered America’ and ‘Holding on to Heritage Before It Slips Away’.
Julie Anderson took the reading unit one step further by having students learn what’s required in planning daily meals for the Pine City Schools. Abby Olson, Food and Nutrition Director for the Pine City Schools, worked with Anderson and a group of students to plan the menu for Pine City Public School’s Cinco de Mayo lunch! Be sure to check out the special menu for May 5th!
Something's Growing in Mrs. Hughes' Class
5th grade students in Mrs. Hughes' science class are watching their seeds germinate and using scientific observation skills to record the daily changes. From wrinkled peas to fat, fuzzy white roots--the students have been having fun comparing their projects. They each planted a variety of 12 seeds, and talked about germination, roots, root-hairs, seed coverings, leaves, stems, and nutrients. They will be taking the seedlings home in a couple weeks in dirt to get a head start on their summer gardens
PINK OUT THE RINK
Music Composer Project
The 6th grade students have recently completed composer projects in Mrs. Hansmann's music class. Ainsley V. (center), did her project on Carole King. She designed her own project idea, a talk show, and with the help of some friends (Allison C., Danielle C., Ellee F., and Lilyanna W.), presented her project to the class. She told the audience some facts about Carole King, and also sang "I Feel the Earth Move". Fabulous job, Ainsley (and friends!)
Mrs. Anderson's Second Graders Make Cereal Box Book Reports
Second Grade Engineering
Second graders in Mrs. Adams' class have been learning about engineers and the five steps of the design process. The students used these steps (Find A Problem, Plan & Build, Test & Improve, Redesign, and Communicate) while building toothpick and marshmallow bridges. March 18 - MORE pictures added from Mrs. Anderson's and Mrs. Peters' classes!!
Honors Band Performance
Ten Pine City Junior High Band members were recently nominated and accepted to perform in the 7th Annual Minnesota Band Directors Association Honors Band held on January 17, in Braham, Minnesota. Out of a pool of over 300 students representing 30 participating schools from North Eastern Minnesota, 85 musicians were chosen as members of the final performing ensemble. Students participated in 6 hours of rehearsals and concluded the afternoon with a public performance of their music.
Superintendent Gilman Reads to Mrs. Hughes' Class
Superintendent Gilman has visited several elementary classes during I Love to Read Month and shared a book with them. Mr. Gilman was an elementary teacher before becoming an administrator and enjoys visiting classrooms during this time.
Reader's Theater at PCHS
Fusion II Reading class has been working on a Reader's Theater play to increase oral reading fluency. Three of the students and Mrs. Huber performed The Legend of Lightning Larry in front of the Alternative Learning Program student audience.
Spelling Bee Winner Advances
The winner of the 23rd Annual District Spelling Bee contest was 6th grader Olivia Husom. Olivia will go on to the Regional Competition on February 12 to represent Pine City Schools. Jocelyn Currie, 5th grader, was our runner up. Congratulations to all the Spelling Bee Contestants. Thank you to all the community members, students and staff who came out to support the spellers.
Dragons Show Support and Demonstrate Sportsmanship
Pine City Dragons demonstrate excellent sportsmanship and support toward East Central schools and students during recent tragedy.
FeeZee Comes to Pine City Making Payment to Lunch Accounts Easier
Pine City Schools are excited to offer parents a more convenient way to deposit funds into their family lunch accounts. Parents will now be able to add funds directly from their Wordware family site with a simple button click. Parents will no longer need to manage separate usernames and passwords for other sites to make lunch payments. Parents can determine the payment method and the amount they would like to add to their account, as well as some added functions for automatic low balance notifications and recurring payments. This easy-to-use method will make adding funds to your student’s account much easier and faster. A letter with further explanation and instructions will be coming out soon.
This solution provides:
This solution provides:
- Secure online payment processing (PCI compliance)
- Flexible payment options
- An easy to use, intuitive interface
- Receipts plus much more
PINE CITY GRAD RECEIVING INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION FOR WORK ON
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Viewers across the nation had the opportunity to learn about the work of Dr. Jenna Jambeck on the CBS evening news on Friday evening, February 13, 2015. A 1992 PCHS graduate, Dr. Jambeck received her Ph.D. in environmental engineering from the University of Florida. Currently she is a Professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia.
Dr. Jambeck has been conducting research on solid waste and marine debris for 19 years. This fall she was a member of eXXpedition Atlantic 2014, which studied the quantity of plastic entering the ocean from waste products generated on land. This project has received national and international attention. If you want to know more, go to http://jambeck.engr.uga.edu/.
She encourages young people to enter STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and math). Students and parents who want to know about the classes PCHS offers in these areas are encouraged to call Senior High Guidance Counselor Kim Brubaken at 629-4123.
Dr. Jambeck has been conducting research on solid waste and marine debris for 19 years. This fall she was a member of eXXpedition Atlantic 2014, which studied the quantity of plastic entering the ocean from waste products generated on land. This project has received national and international attention. If you want to know more, go to http://jambeck.engr.uga.edu/.
She encourages young people to enter STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and math). Students and parents who want to know about the classes PCHS offers in these areas are encouraged to call Senior High Guidance Counselor Kim Brubaken at 629-4123.
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION WEEK 2015
Pine City Public Schools joins school districts throughout the state to salute their local education leaders during Minnesota’s annual School Board Recognition Week February 16-20. The commemorative week is designed to recognize the contributions made by Minnesota’s school board members, including the Pine City School Board, who are charged with governing public education under state law.
Minnesota school board members are chosen by their communities through election or appointment to manage local schools. They oversee multimillion dollar budgets which fund education programs for more than 825,000 students in approximately 2,000 schools. Their personnel decisions affect more than 52,000 teachers and thousands of administrators and support workers. These volunteer leaders also are responsible for formulating school district policy, approving curricula, maintaining school facilities, and adhering to state and federal education law. Legal concerns and the complexities of school finance, including budgeting and taxation, require them to spend many hours in board training programs and personal study to enhance their understanding of these issues.
Our deepest appreciation is extended to the dedicated men and women who make it possible for local citizens to participate in education in our community. We salute the public servants of the Pine City School Board whose commitment and civic responsibility make local control of public schools in our community possible: Candice Ames, Alicia Ascheman, Wally Connaker, Tim Geisler, Wendy Leibel,Steve Odegard, and Dan Peterson.
Please join us by saying thanks to our school board members during Minnesota’s School Board Recognition Week.
Minnesota school board members are chosen by their communities through election or appointment to manage local schools. They oversee multimillion dollar budgets which fund education programs for more than 825,000 students in approximately 2,000 schools. Their personnel decisions affect more than 52,000 teachers and thousands of administrators and support workers. These volunteer leaders also are responsible for formulating school district policy, approving curricula, maintaining school facilities, and adhering to state and federal education law. Legal concerns and the complexities of school finance, including budgeting and taxation, require them to spend many hours in board training programs and personal study to enhance their understanding of these issues.
Our deepest appreciation is extended to the dedicated men and women who make it possible for local citizens to participate in education in our community. We salute the public servants of the Pine City School Board whose commitment and civic responsibility make local control of public schools in our community possible: Candice Ames, Alicia Ascheman, Wally Connaker, Tim Geisler, Wendy Leibel,Steve Odegard, and Dan Peterson.
Please join us by saying thanks to our school board members during Minnesota’s School Board Recognition Week.
GBB "Honor an Educator" Night
On Friday, January 30 the Pine City Girls Basketball team held "Honor an Educator" night. The four seniors Tiffany Heisler, Gillian Kolling, Macee North and Ruth Rike, chose an educator that they felt made a difference in their lives. Each senior introduced her teacher, described how he/she had made a difference in her life and presented a plaque.
The educators receiving this honor were Laurie Mettling, Jory Magel, Eric Wicktor and Kolette Lind.
The educators receiving this honor were Laurie Mettling, Jory Magel, Eric Wicktor and Kolette Lind.
David LaRochelle Visits Pine City Elementary
The elementary school welcomed author/illustrator David LaRochelle to talk about being an author and illustrator. He told students stories that he illustrated as he talked. His books include; Moo!, The Best Pet of All, It's a Tiger!, How Martha Saved her Parents from Green Beans, and The Minnesota Alphabet. He talked about how his books have been made into puppet shows and published into foreign languages. Mr. LaRochelle lives in White Bear Lake. The students enjoyed hearing stories and talking with him about what an author/illustrator needs to do to get a book published. You can find his web site at http://www.davidlarochelle.com/index.html
Family Fun Night A Success
Over 30 students along with their family members participated in "Chill Out" With a Good Book, Family Fun Night, sponsored by Title 1 at the Elementary Media Center on Jan. 15. There were many activities: Decorating a Snowman Cookie, Reading Winter themed books, Snowman arts and crafts, Winter Book Bingo. Each student went home with a new book! Parent Comments- "Fun program!", "This was very fun and a good way to enjoy reading!", "Fun night out! Thank you!" Title 1 sponsors three Family Nights a year with a focus on Reading and Math. Look for the next Family Night in April!
Get Comfy and Read in Mrs. Kloeckl's Class
Robotic Scorpions Compete at State
St. Cloud, Minn. – Team 3533, the Robotic Scorpions, from Pine City High School ALC was one of 60 teams competing at the Dream It. Do It. Minnesota State VEX Robotics Tournament on January 23-24. Members of the team are Hannah Anderson, Breanna Shermer, Chris Hinz, Brandon Grundmann, Steven Evans and Danielle Dalglish They are coached by Galen Erdmann of the Pine City Public School District.
After 120 qualification rounds, the team was ranked fourth overall. This allowed them to be a team captain, choosing two other teams to form an alliance to compete in the elimination rounds, where the alliance that wins two out of three matches advances. They pushed their opposing alliance into a tie-breaker match. Although they lost the tie-breaker, they placed eighth overall in the tournament.
Team member Shermer credits the team’s can-do attitude for their impressive showing in the state tournament. “Never limit yourself, think positive and you can succeed,” Shermer said. “I never thought we would make it to eighth place and we did!”
More impressively, this is the team’s first year competing. They competed for the first time earlier this month, at the Dream It. Do It. Metro Minnesota VEX Robotics Tournament in Osseo, Minn. There, they entered a high enough score in the Skills Challenge to qualify for the state tournament. Team member Hinz stated “this was an amazing experience because I have not ever done anything like this in my entire life!”
The team is supported by Pine Technical and Community College. They received a robotics kit from the college to build their robot and are invited to attend practices to prepare for the tournament. They also are exposed to educational opportunities and careers related to robotics in modern manufacturing as part of the college’s work with 360°, a manufacturing-based center of excellence. Pine is already seeing the positive effect for students as they develop their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills and learn about the opportunities available.
“These young bright students are learning a variety of skills in programming, mechanical design, troubleshooting, electrical and problem solving--exactly the types of skills needed in the manufacturing industry--in addition to improving their robots year to year. It is evident that the students are learning these skills as the robots keep improving year to year,” said Andrew Dahlen, electronics instructor and VEX Robotics coordinator at Northland Community and Technical College. “I look forward to seeing these students continuing to learn, and in the future I hope they pursue a rewarding career in Minnesota manufacturing.”
“It’s great to see teams demonstrating STEM skills and competing at such a high level,” said Aaron Barker, tournament coordinator and instructor at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. “Even better, students are learning and practicing the same skills that are used in the real world, like today’s manufacturing careers.”
One of the team members, Hannah Anderson, has already shared she is interested in pursuing further education in robotics and automation. But for her, the tournaments are about more than that. Anderson also stated that one of her favorite parts of this experience is teamwork. “Teamwork is always best and not only did we perform great as a team but other teams helped us as well,” she said. “That is part of what these tournaments are about!”
Coach Erdmann expressed how much fun it has been watching these students become enthusiastic and excited after initially being hesitant to the robots. Through the process they learned that the science, technology, engineering and math skills they have learned can be fun.
Although the season has ended for the Robotic Scorpions, the students and staff are looking forward to building on the successes of this year.
The Dream It. Do It. Minnesota State VEX Robotics Tournament was one of four tournaments hosted by 360° and Dream It. Do It. Minnesota, which have led VEX Robotics in Minnesota, helping youth connect their interest in robotics to career opportunities in modern manufacturing.
Photos from the day are posted on the Dream It. Do It. Minnesota Facebook page. To learn more, visit www.dreamitdoitmn.com.
About Dream It Do It Minnesota
Dream It. Do It., led by 360° Manufacturing and Applied Engineering ATE Regional Center of Excellence, inspires the next generation of manufacturing talent and collaborates with industry to promote careers in manufacturing in Minnesota. To learn more about this program, visitdreamitdoitmn.com.
About 360°
360° Manufacturing and Applied Engineering ATE Regional Center of Excellence is a consortium of 15 institutions led by Bemidji State University and includes 14 technical and community colleges, including Pine Technical and Community College. 360° is designing a 21stcentury education system that prepares individuals to have rewarding careers in manufacturing and meets the dynamic, evolving needs of the region’s manufacturing employers through an enhanced pipeline, industry-driven curriculum, and authentic assessment. 360° is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and received a National Science Foundation grant in 2012 to become an Advanced Technological Education Regional Center. To learn more, visit www.360mn.org.
About the REC Foundation
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, supports robotics and technology events and programs that aim to inspire and motivate students to advance in STEM education. In addition to operating and supporting competitions for some of the world’s leading robotics platforms and organizations including VEX, TSA and BEST Robotics Competitions, the foundation also provides program support and workshops focused on technology and professional development for educators – including the RobotEvents.com community portal website which helps promote multiple high quality programs and provides online registration and event pages for hundreds of events around the world.
After 120 qualification rounds, the team was ranked fourth overall. This allowed them to be a team captain, choosing two other teams to form an alliance to compete in the elimination rounds, where the alliance that wins two out of three matches advances. They pushed their opposing alliance into a tie-breaker match. Although they lost the tie-breaker, they placed eighth overall in the tournament.
Team member Shermer credits the team’s can-do attitude for their impressive showing in the state tournament. “Never limit yourself, think positive and you can succeed,” Shermer said. “I never thought we would make it to eighth place and we did!”
More impressively, this is the team’s first year competing. They competed for the first time earlier this month, at the Dream It. Do It. Metro Minnesota VEX Robotics Tournament in Osseo, Minn. There, they entered a high enough score in the Skills Challenge to qualify for the state tournament. Team member Hinz stated “this was an amazing experience because I have not ever done anything like this in my entire life!”
The team is supported by Pine Technical and Community College. They received a robotics kit from the college to build their robot and are invited to attend practices to prepare for the tournament. They also are exposed to educational opportunities and careers related to robotics in modern manufacturing as part of the college’s work with 360°, a manufacturing-based center of excellence. Pine is already seeing the positive effect for students as they develop their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills and learn about the opportunities available.
“These young bright students are learning a variety of skills in programming, mechanical design, troubleshooting, electrical and problem solving--exactly the types of skills needed in the manufacturing industry--in addition to improving their robots year to year. It is evident that the students are learning these skills as the robots keep improving year to year,” said Andrew Dahlen, electronics instructor and VEX Robotics coordinator at Northland Community and Technical College. “I look forward to seeing these students continuing to learn, and in the future I hope they pursue a rewarding career in Minnesota manufacturing.”
“It’s great to see teams demonstrating STEM skills and competing at such a high level,” said Aaron Barker, tournament coordinator and instructor at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. “Even better, students are learning and practicing the same skills that are used in the real world, like today’s manufacturing careers.”
One of the team members, Hannah Anderson, has already shared she is interested in pursuing further education in robotics and automation. But for her, the tournaments are about more than that. Anderson also stated that one of her favorite parts of this experience is teamwork. “Teamwork is always best and not only did we perform great as a team but other teams helped us as well,” she said. “That is part of what these tournaments are about!”
Coach Erdmann expressed how much fun it has been watching these students become enthusiastic and excited after initially being hesitant to the robots. Through the process they learned that the science, technology, engineering and math skills they have learned can be fun.
Although the season has ended for the Robotic Scorpions, the students and staff are looking forward to building on the successes of this year.
The Dream It. Do It. Minnesota State VEX Robotics Tournament was one of four tournaments hosted by 360° and Dream It. Do It. Minnesota, which have led VEX Robotics in Minnesota, helping youth connect their interest in robotics to career opportunities in modern manufacturing.
Photos from the day are posted on the Dream It. Do It. Minnesota Facebook page. To learn more, visit www.dreamitdoitmn.com.
About Dream It Do It Minnesota
Dream It. Do It., led by 360° Manufacturing and Applied Engineering ATE Regional Center of Excellence, inspires the next generation of manufacturing talent and collaborates with industry to promote careers in manufacturing in Minnesota. To learn more about this program, visitdreamitdoitmn.com.
About 360°
360° Manufacturing and Applied Engineering ATE Regional Center of Excellence is a consortium of 15 institutions led by Bemidji State University and includes 14 technical and community colleges, including Pine Technical and Community College. 360° is designing a 21stcentury education system that prepares individuals to have rewarding careers in manufacturing and meets the dynamic, evolving needs of the region’s manufacturing employers through an enhanced pipeline, industry-driven curriculum, and authentic assessment. 360° is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and received a National Science Foundation grant in 2012 to become an Advanced Technological Education Regional Center. To learn more, visit www.360mn.org.
About the REC Foundation
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, supports robotics and technology events and programs that aim to inspire and motivate students to advance in STEM education. In addition to operating and supporting competitions for some of the world’s leading robotics platforms and organizations including VEX, TSA and BEST Robotics Competitions, the foundation also provides program support and workshops focused on technology and professional development for educators – including the RobotEvents.com community portal website which helps promote multiple high quality programs and provides online registration and event pages for hundreds of events around the world.
Another Successful Guitar Fabrication Class
Steps of Science
Mrs. Hansen
Grade 3
Homeroom- Mrs. Johnson
Dragon Basketball Sisters
Elementary students, grades kindergarten through 5th grade, who participated in the fall basketball camp were paired up with a varsity player as their "Dragon Sister". During a game last week, they were introduced to the crowd by their Dragon sister and then participated in the introduction of the line-ups and the pre-game huddle.
"Dancing Snowflakes"
In Mrs. Hansmann's music class, 4th and 5th grade students recently learned a piece called "Dancing Snowflakes", incorporating many musical elements: ABA form, steady beat, improvisation, mallet technique, playing on special words, and Haiku poetry. Pictured is Mrs. Hughes' 5th grade class performing their finished product!
2015 Snow Week Talent Show
ADAMS SCORES 1,000
Congratulations to Junior Noah Adams for recording his 1,000 career varsity basketball point in the win over Aitkin last night. Noah is only the 10th Pine City basketball player (boy or girl) to reach this milestone.
A Baker's Dozen
A group of second grade students performed a Reader's Theater for their peers.
LEO club assisted and served senior citizens to a free hot breakfast and a preview of the fall play In November. Becky Maki and Jordan Kotek handed out programs, Omnya al-jaber,Natalie Cahill and Jenni Babolik took a break after serving nearly 100 guests. Pine City LEO's Anna miller and Maria Graff bell ringing for the Salvation Army on Dec. 6.
Dragon Zone Reward Day
New Elementary Drop Off for Grades 3-6
Dragster Award Winners
In recognition of Governor Dayton’s Proclamation: Paraprofessional Recognition Week: January 25 – 31, 2015, Pine City Public Schools would like to say thank you to all our paraprofessionals for all you do for our students. THANK YOU!!
CIS Public Speaking Students Read Aloud at Elementary
Cindy Lou Who Visits Pine City Elementary
Miss Flock, 3rd grade teacher, dressed up at Cindy Lou from Whoville.
She greeted the students as they arrived to school. I included in the morning announcements that we had a special guest from Whoville, Miss Cindy Lou and that she'd be spending her time in Miss Flock's class.
She greeted the students as they arrived to school. I included in the morning announcements that we had a special guest from Whoville, Miss Cindy Lou and that she'd be spending her time in Miss Flock's class.
Happy Holidays from Pine City Public Schools
PCHS Culinary Arts and 9th grade FACS students have been busy baking pies for the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner held on Thanksgiving Day at Our Redeemer Church.
Kindergarten and First Grade students prepared for their Thanksgiving Feast. There was a reenactment of the first Thanksgiving along with singing, dancing, and eating.
Annual Pie Social at Pine City Elementary
Seventh Grade Cell Projects
Third Grade Xylophones
Students in 3rd grade music class are busy creating xylophone pieces for their winter program. Each class writes a cinquain poem together, then discusses how in music, syllables become rhythms. Students then work together to put sounds to those rhythms and.....a song is born!
The 3rd graders will present their winter program, based on the story "Twas the Night Before Christmas", on Thursday, December 18th, at 7:00 pm in the elementary auditorium. Pictured is Mrs. Hansen's 3rd grade class.
The 3rd graders will present their winter program, based on the story "Twas the Night Before Christmas", on Thursday, December 18th, at 7:00 pm in the elementary auditorium. Pictured is Mrs. Hansen's 3rd grade class.
Hands-On Learning in Mr. Larson's Class
Students in Mr. Larson's class do some hands on learning about kinetic and gravitational energy using "Stinky the Skunk" as their test case.
Hat & Mitten Drive
Brrr. It is starting to get cold outside.
So, it is time for the Junior High Student Council
Hat and Mitten Drive
Please bring in new or gently used winter hats and mittens through November 7.
Our GOAL is to reach 100 items that we can give to those who are in need of staying warm this winter season that is coming soon.
Watch the tree grow with Hat and Mittens in the Media Center.
Items can be brought to Mrs. Roubinek in room 151 or the Media Center
So, it is time for the Junior High Student Council
Hat and Mitten Drive
Please bring in new or gently used winter hats and mittens through November 7.
Our GOAL is to reach 100 items that we can give to those who are in need of staying warm this winter season that is coming soon.
Watch the tree grow with Hat and Mittens in the Media Center.
Items can be brought to Mrs. Roubinek in room 151 or the Media Center
Elementary Students Sing 'I can vote'
Election Day - November 4, 2014 Elementary students will be given the opportunity to participate in a mock election in their classrooms today. There will NOT be Kids Voting available at the polling places this year.
Laura's Bench
A small crowd gathered on Pine City Elementary’s north playground Thursday, October 23, to remember Laura Maloney and to dedicate a park bench in her memory. In addition to the bench, four horse books and a $1,500 donation to Pine County 4-H were made.
Pastor Glenn Kleppe shared thoughts and prayers. Laura’s first grade teacher, Lindsay Thompson, thanked the efforts of all who donated money and those that came to celebrate Laura’s life.
Pastor Glenn Kleppe shared thoughts and prayers. Laura’s first grade teacher, Lindsay Thompson, thanked the efforts of all who donated money and those that came to celebrate Laura’s life.
Trick-or-Treat for Food Shelf
The cast and crew of “Alice in Wonderland,” the fall play being presented by Pine City High School, may be knocking on your door this Friday evening. But the students won’t be asking for candy, they will be looking for donations of non-perishable food items to be donated to the Pine Community Food Shelf. This is the ninth year of the community service project. The students will identify themselves as members of the production and will not be wearing traditional Halloween costumes. According to director Becky Schueller, the event is one that the students really enjoy participating in. “As my first year with this group of students, I was asked early on in the rehearsals if we would be continuing the ‘Trick-or-Treat’ tradition. As someone who believes strongly in the effectiveness that students can have in the community by volunteering, my response was an easy one ‘Of course we will!’”. We hope that the community will donate non-perishable goods if they are able. Students will be walking neighborhoods surrounding the elementary school from 6 – 7:30 PM on Friday evening.
Performances of “Alice in Wonderland” are November 14, 15 & 16. Tickets are on sale at Cabin Coffees, the Chamber of Commerce office or at the door. For more information on the show, call 320-298-0014.
Sophomore Natalie Cahill Plays at State Tennis Tournament
Last Thursday, sophomore Natalie Cahill, competed in the State Tennis Tournament. Coach Unverzagt wrote, "Natalie played well, but lost in her second match. She won the first match 6-0, 6-0. Her second match went to three sets and she lost 5-7. It is always tough to see the season end, but always a good day to be a Dragon."
Celebrating 25 Years of Blackboard Review
Over the years the show has raised thousands of dollars in scholarship money for PCHS students. The Blackboard Review is put on by the staff of Pine City Schools. This year's show was an entertaining mix of new acts, retired staff coming back to perform and video clips of past acts. Because of our community support, the show had another successful year! DVDs of the show can be purchased at either school or by calling 629-4254.
PCHS Students Enjoying New Nature Trail
- 2014 Granite Ridge Conference Champions!
LEO Club helps at Lions 5K Race
PCHS students attend the 50th Nobel Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College
This week, nineteen juniors and seniors continued a long tradition of PCHS students attending the Nobel Conference. This year's conference, "Celebrating 50 Years of the Nobel Conference - Where does Science Go from Here?," features scientists who represent the best of their field. Students heard Nobel laureates and other distinguished researchers, including the former US Secretary of Energy, present on the following themes: Science and Society, Evolution and Ecology, Physical Sciences, and Neuroscience and Medicine. Students have the opportunity each spring to apply for the opportunity to attend the conference, and selection criteria include an interest in science, achievement in science courses, and a brief essay written by the students about why they want to attend.
Eberhart to be Inducted into the MSHSL Coaches Association Hall of Fame
The Minnesota State High School Coaches Association is honored to announce its Hall of Fame Selections for 2014. The coaches will be inducted at the annual Hall of Fame and awards banquet on Oct., 11 at the Minneapolis Marriott West Hotel in St. Louis Park.
The four Hall of Fame inductees have accumulated impressive success in the sports they have coached. They have reached a pinnacle of coaching success that ranks them in a very special status and exemplify the greatness of Minnesota High School Coaches.
John Eberhart served as the girls tennis coach in Pine City from 1981 - 2002 winning many conference championships and six section championships on his way to compiling a record of 280-92. John was also the boys coach from 1976 to 2001. Compiling an overall record of 291 wins 110 loses. John has received numerous coaching awards, including induction into the Pine City Hall of Fame, the Minnesota Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame and the George Haun award from the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association.
The four Hall of Fame inductees have accumulated impressive success in the sports they have coached. They have reached a pinnacle of coaching success that ranks them in a very special status and exemplify the greatness of Minnesota High School Coaches.
John Eberhart served as the girls tennis coach in Pine City from 1981 - 2002 winning many conference championships and six section championships on his way to compiling a record of 280-92. John was also the boys coach from 1976 to 2001. Compiling an overall record of 291 wins 110 loses. John has received numerous coaching awards, including induction into the Pine City Hall of Fame, the Minnesota Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame and the George Haun award from the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association.
Dragon Football Gives Back
The Dragon football team donated four Community Service certificates to support the Christianson family as Glenda battles a rare form of cancer. This past Sunday, the four teams worked at various locations in the community, raking leaves, cleaning gutters, and completing other outdoor tasks for the "Lucky winners!" The teams had great weather and enjoyed being outdoors together as a team. It's a Great Day to be a Dragon.
Glenda Christianson of Pine City passed away at her home on Friday, October 17th at the age of 51. Glenda was the School Nurse at Pine City Public Schools.
Glenda is survived by her husband Bill, son Billy, daughter Julia all of Pine City, mother Judy LaGrander of Baldwin, WI, sister Marcia LaGrander (Anne Marciniak) of Minneapolis, brothers: Scott LaGrander of White Bear Lake, Kurt LaGrander of Hammond, WI, Pete Le Grander and his wife Renee of Baldwin, WI; and many other relatives and friends.
Glenda is preceded in death by her father Ronald LaGrander.
A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24th at The Lighthouse. A time of sharing will take place at 6:00 p.m.
The family would like everyone to come dressed in Pine City Dragons apparel that Glenda loved so much.
Funeral arrangements for Glenda Christianson are with the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel.
Glenda is survived by her husband Bill, son Billy, daughter Julia all of Pine City, mother Judy LaGrander of Baldwin, WI, sister Marcia LaGrander (Anne Marciniak) of Minneapolis, brothers: Scott LaGrander of White Bear Lake, Kurt LaGrander of Hammond, WI, Pete Le Grander and his wife Renee of Baldwin, WI; and many other relatives and friends.
Glenda is preceded in death by her father Ronald LaGrander.
A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24th at The Lighthouse. A time of sharing will take place at 6:00 p.m.
The family would like everyone to come dressed in Pine City Dragons apparel that Glenda loved so much.
Funeral arrangements for Glenda Christianson are with the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel.
Homecoming 2014
Why MAP Testing?
During the month of September, Pine City students are participating in the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment for reading, math, and language (elementary level). MAP is a computer-based assessment program produced by Northwest Evaluation Association or NWEA. MAP tests are unique in that they adapt to the appropriate level for each child’s learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward learning.
What is the purpose of MAP?
• Provides teachers with information to improve student learning;
• Monitors academic growth and consistently tracks progress over time;
• Informs students, teachers and families about student skills;
• Makes data driven decisions about instruction.
What is the purpose of MAP?
• Provides teachers with information to improve student learning;
• Monitors academic growth and consistently tracks progress over time;
• Informs students, teachers and families about student skills;
• Makes data driven decisions about instruction.
New AED Donated
Dr. Thomas Mullins, our new local Sports Medicine physician associated with First Light Clinics. The AED was purchased from a donation from Dr. John Barry, a PCHS alumni. Class of 1958.
Athletic Trainer Kay Christopherson also from First Light
Senior Athletes : Jennifer Babolik, Julia Christianson, Jackie Western, Mitchell Hansmann, Easton Foss
Athletic Trainer Kay Christopherson also from First Light
Senior Athletes : Jennifer Babolik, Julia Christianson, Jackie Western, Mitchell Hansmann, Easton Foss
Costa Rica 2014
Check out the draft of our Auditorium brochure!
New Staff at Pine City Public Schools
Congratulations to Coach Allen, Pine City's Supreme Coach
"DUCK DYNASTY" THE PCHS WAY
Congratulations to the 2014 Conference Art Show student participants. Pine City students took home many ribbons and had some fabulous work to show.
PINE CITY HOSTS DAPE CHALLENGE
PROM 2014 • YOUNG & BEAUTIFUL
CIS Public Speaking students had the opportunity to adapt one of their speeches to a special audience: the Pine City Elementary First Graders. Students were asked to choose a meaningful story and share it with the children. Here, Elijah Johnson and Lissa Vo engage Mrs. Stoa's kids.
CIS PUBLIC SPEAKING SHARE AT ELEMENTARY
SECOND GRADERS VISIT MILL CITY MUSEUM
After learning about Earth Day, Miss Gillman's class did an art project. The students were given a part of an egg carton, paint and other art materials. The students were able to create whatever they could think up! Many chose to make flowers or bugs. Some students made aliens or a spaceship!
TRIPLE A Award Winners for 2014
Our four TRIPLE A Award Winners for 2014 - Rachel Krautbauer, Alexis Cummings, Scott Kleppe, and Austin Pavelka take a moment from their busy schedules for a photo opportunity last week. These four have excelled in the three areas of Academics, Arts, and Athletics. Good Luck during the final weeks of your Senior year, and also wherever your paths lead you in the future.
FIRE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES AT THE ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Stoa's class picked up garbage around the playground for Earth Day.
Congratulations to Coleman Lombard and Michael Woulfe for advancing to the State Speech Meet held Saturday, April 12th at Blaine High School! This is Coleman and Michael's first State advancement and we are very proud to have Pine City Represented at this level of competition!
Speech Team advances
8 PCHS students on the Varsity Speech team placed in sub-sections at Cathedral High School in St. Cloud on Monday night - high enough to advance to sections! Attached is a photo of the group.
From Left to Right: Alyssa Olson, 8th Grade& Melissa Whittaker, 9th Grade - in the category of Dramatic Duo, Marco Hartkopf, 10th Grade - in Poetry, Genoa Gregg, 7th Grade - in the Humorous category, Coleman Lombard, 11th Grade& Michael Woulfe, 11th Grade also in the Dramatic Duo category, Front: Ashlee Martini, 12th Grade - Storytelling and Katlyn Lindblom, 11th Grade- Great Speeches. Alternate attending Sections will be Alan Rogers, 7th Grade, also a Storyteller!
The top 3 in each category at Sections advances to State. Best of Luck at Sections! Sections will be Saturday April 5th in Melrose, MN.
From Left to Right: Alyssa Olson, 8th Grade& Melissa Whittaker, 9th Grade - in the category of Dramatic Duo, Marco Hartkopf, 10th Grade - in Poetry, Genoa Gregg, 7th Grade - in the Humorous category, Coleman Lombard, 11th Grade& Michael Woulfe, 11th Grade also in the Dramatic Duo category, Front: Ashlee Martini, 12th Grade - Storytelling and Katlyn Lindblom, 11th Grade- Great Speeches. Alternate attending Sections will be Alan Rogers, 7th Grade, also a Storyteller!
The top 3 in each category at Sections advances to State. Best of Luck at Sections! Sections will be Saturday April 5th in Melrose, MN.
Congratulations to Nick Hansmann for winning Third Place in the State Free Throw Contest on Saturday, March 29.
On Thursday March 27th, with the dismal outlook for this year's spring weather, and fresh snow accumulating on the softball fields, tennis courts, golf courts and tracks just outside; the Softball, Tennis, Golf, and Track teams got a little INSANE. The group of over 150 athletes worked out with the INSANITY work out for 45 minutes raising their heart rates, increasing their flexibility, and raising their hopes that the sunshine will soon return. After their workout, the teams collaborated with some Pizza Pub pizza and Powerades to fill their tummies.
Pine City art students studied the modern and conceptual artworks of the Walker Art Museum and Sculpture Garden on March 26th. Students were able to participate in the field trip with money raised from community events put on by our students such as the "Pottery & Chili" event from 2013. Please join us in our upcoming community event "Pottery & Ice Cream" to be held Monday, April 7th from 6:00-7:30 in the 7th Grade Commons. (See poster ad for more info). The opening reception for our 7th Annual Student Art Show will also be on display at this time. Come check it out.
Ms. Brooks AWARDED FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP
Earlier in March, Ms. Brooks found out some incredible, amazing, and life-changing news. She has been selected to represent the United States as a Fulbright Scholar in Finland.
Fulbright scholarships are funded by the United States Congress, and the Fulbright organization sponsors individual research and study projects between America and almost every other country in the world. Next year, she will travel to Finland to study in Peter Ettrup Larsen's Wind Orchestra Conducting Masters' Class at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. The Sibelius Academy has a great history of training world-class conductors. In fact, the Minnesota Orchestra’s former director (Osmo Vanska) studied there.
Finland currently has twelve professional military wind orchestras located throughout the country, and she will work intensively with four of them for one week each during the academic year. In addition, she will conduct at least one other professional ensemble outside of Finland, to be arranged by Professor Larsen. She will also rehearse the Kapubandi (“conductor’s band”), an elite auditioned ensemble comprised of the best instrumental students at the Academy, for four hours every week. These rehearsals will prepare for a minimum of five live concerts to be performed throughout the year.
Brooks will also travel to five different music schools across Finland to interview teachers, observe instruction, conduct rehearsals, and ultimately write a paper about the Finnish music education system. Her travels will take her to Turku, Tampere, Rantasalmi, East Helsinki, Kuopio, and maybe even Lapland!
Ms. Brooks will also have a chance to perform with premier Finnish saxophonist, Olli-Pekka Tuomisalo, in his Helsinki Saxophone Ensemble. The ensemble features over twenty saxophonists playing all models of the instrument: from bass saxophone to the tiny soprillo saxophone! She is also excited to learn the quirky rules of Finnish baseball, a strange rendition of American baseball, by joining a student sports club.
So how did this all come to be? Ms. Brooks developed an interest in Finland’s education system while she was studying at St. Olaf College (a school founded by Norwegian-Americans with absolutely no ties to Finland). A brief conversation with Brass Methods teacher and Finnish brass band enthusiast, Dr. Paul Niemisto, opened her eyes to this fascinating country.
Finland, a country about the size of Montana with a population of only 5 million people, has boasted an education system that has consistently been ranked as the best in the world for the past decade. Ms. Brooks was curious to research about how their music education system stacked up with their high test scores, which ultimately led to an extensive research paper about Finland’s outstanding music education system. Her research project connected her with many Finnish composers, school teachers, performers, and professors. After graduating college in 2011, she travelled to Finland for the first time to visit friends, study conducting with Peter Ettrup Larsen, and attend a summer music camp.
These experiences and this current opportunity were simply born from a brief conversation with a professor. Her drive to remain “passionately curious” about a subject she loves will soon lead her across the globe.
A note from Ms. Brooks: As I told the administration, music department, and students last week, it would take nothing short of an opportunity of a lifetime to convince me to part ways with my job in Pine City. Remarkable as it is, this once-in-a-lifetime chance feels a little bittersweet, especially when thoughts of leaving the community cross my mind.
Pine City has been such an incredible place to teach. I'm looking forward to finishing the year strong with an outstanding set of Band and Choir Pops Concerts (the Band Pops Concert is themed around “Heroes and Villains!”). I will continue to celebrate all of the wonderful things about working in Pine City: supportive staff and administration, passionate and talented students and teachers, and a wonderful community. What an amazing place to be!
I am also planning on giving back to the Pine City community through musical performance. Zach Sander, a member of the Kaze Saxophone Quartet, received funding from the East Central Regional Arts Council to commission two new pieces of music by contemporary Finnish composers.
NOTE: One of these composers, Janne Ikonen, shared his music with the Pine City community just one year ago. Janne and his family visited the Pine City High School band several times via Clearsea (similar to Skype). The band was able to ask Janne and his family questions about his piece, “Echoes from Karelia,” and life in Finland in several interview sessions. We also had the chance to receive constructive feedback from Janne as we rehearsed his piece (“Echoes”) in preparation for the March Concert (2013). This year, Janne has composed a piece for saxophone quartet and marimba, which will be premiered in Pine City!
These great connections with fantastic composers will allow me to perform a recital that is themed around Finnish saxophone quartet music. I would like to warmly invite you to either or both of these performances to learn more about Finnish music and enjoy some excellent chamber ensembles!
Friday, April 25 at the Pine Center for the Arts in Pine City, MN (7:00 PM)
***The Kaze Quartet will premier Janne Ikonen’s “Fuente De la Passion” and perform several Finnish saxophone quartet pieces. In addition, PCHS student saxophone quartets will perform their contest piece as well as a fun and familiar piece with the Kaze Quartet!
Sunday, June 1 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City, MN (4:00 PM)
***The Kaze Quartet and Blue Waters Brass Ensemble will premier a playful piece by Jukka Viitasaari called “Rabbit’s Gambit.” Come and enjoy a shared recital of saxophone and brass music with a splash of percussion!
Fulbright scholarships are funded by the United States Congress, and the Fulbright organization sponsors individual research and study projects between America and almost every other country in the world. Next year, she will travel to Finland to study in Peter Ettrup Larsen's Wind Orchestra Conducting Masters' Class at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. The Sibelius Academy has a great history of training world-class conductors. In fact, the Minnesota Orchestra’s former director (Osmo Vanska) studied there.
Finland currently has twelve professional military wind orchestras located throughout the country, and she will work intensively with four of them for one week each during the academic year. In addition, she will conduct at least one other professional ensemble outside of Finland, to be arranged by Professor Larsen. She will also rehearse the Kapubandi (“conductor’s band”), an elite auditioned ensemble comprised of the best instrumental students at the Academy, for four hours every week. These rehearsals will prepare for a minimum of five live concerts to be performed throughout the year.
Brooks will also travel to five different music schools across Finland to interview teachers, observe instruction, conduct rehearsals, and ultimately write a paper about the Finnish music education system. Her travels will take her to Turku, Tampere, Rantasalmi, East Helsinki, Kuopio, and maybe even Lapland!
Ms. Brooks will also have a chance to perform with premier Finnish saxophonist, Olli-Pekka Tuomisalo, in his Helsinki Saxophone Ensemble. The ensemble features over twenty saxophonists playing all models of the instrument: from bass saxophone to the tiny soprillo saxophone! She is also excited to learn the quirky rules of Finnish baseball, a strange rendition of American baseball, by joining a student sports club.
So how did this all come to be? Ms. Brooks developed an interest in Finland’s education system while she was studying at St. Olaf College (a school founded by Norwegian-Americans with absolutely no ties to Finland). A brief conversation with Brass Methods teacher and Finnish brass band enthusiast, Dr. Paul Niemisto, opened her eyes to this fascinating country.
Finland, a country about the size of Montana with a population of only 5 million people, has boasted an education system that has consistently been ranked as the best in the world for the past decade. Ms. Brooks was curious to research about how their music education system stacked up with their high test scores, which ultimately led to an extensive research paper about Finland’s outstanding music education system. Her research project connected her with many Finnish composers, school teachers, performers, and professors. After graduating college in 2011, she travelled to Finland for the first time to visit friends, study conducting with Peter Ettrup Larsen, and attend a summer music camp.
These experiences and this current opportunity were simply born from a brief conversation with a professor. Her drive to remain “passionately curious” about a subject she loves will soon lead her across the globe.
A note from Ms. Brooks: As I told the administration, music department, and students last week, it would take nothing short of an opportunity of a lifetime to convince me to part ways with my job in Pine City. Remarkable as it is, this once-in-a-lifetime chance feels a little bittersweet, especially when thoughts of leaving the community cross my mind.
Pine City has been such an incredible place to teach. I'm looking forward to finishing the year strong with an outstanding set of Band and Choir Pops Concerts (the Band Pops Concert is themed around “Heroes and Villains!”). I will continue to celebrate all of the wonderful things about working in Pine City: supportive staff and administration, passionate and talented students and teachers, and a wonderful community. What an amazing place to be!
I am also planning on giving back to the Pine City community through musical performance. Zach Sander, a member of the Kaze Saxophone Quartet, received funding from the East Central Regional Arts Council to commission two new pieces of music by contemporary Finnish composers.
NOTE: One of these composers, Janne Ikonen, shared his music with the Pine City community just one year ago. Janne and his family visited the Pine City High School band several times via Clearsea (similar to Skype). The band was able to ask Janne and his family questions about his piece, “Echoes from Karelia,” and life in Finland in several interview sessions. We also had the chance to receive constructive feedback from Janne as we rehearsed his piece (“Echoes”) in preparation for the March Concert (2013). This year, Janne has composed a piece for saxophone quartet and marimba, which will be premiered in Pine City!
These great connections with fantastic composers will allow me to perform a recital that is themed around Finnish saxophone quartet music. I would like to warmly invite you to either or both of these performances to learn more about Finnish music and enjoy some excellent chamber ensembles!
Friday, April 25 at the Pine Center for the Arts in Pine City, MN (7:00 PM)
***The Kaze Quartet will premier Janne Ikonen’s “Fuente De la Passion” and perform several Finnish saxophone quartet pieces. In addition, PCHS student saxophone quartets will perform their contest piece as well as a fun and familiar piece with the Kaze Quartet!
Sunday, June 1 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City, MN (4:00 PM)
***The Kaze Quartet and Blue Waters Brass Ensemble will premier a playful piece by Jukka Viitasaari called “Rabbit’s Gambit.” Come and enjoy a shared recital of saxophone and brass music with a splash of percussion!
Members of the kindergarten circus band show off their new caps and prepare for their Circus Program on March 21st. Performances are at 1:45 and 7:00pm
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLANNING
On behalf of the Pine City School District I encourage you to take a minute and give us your feedback. This survey is intended to create awareness of our community strategic planning that is coming up along with an expanded survey. This data will be compiled and reviewed by the school board and administration. Thank you for your input. If you would like to participate further, please email Superintendent Gilman at wgilman@isd578.org or provide your contact information in the final question. The first planning session will be Tuesday, March 18 at 5:30 PM in the 7th Grade Commons. This is a confidential survey.
Wayne Gilman, Superintendent, Pine City Schools
612-382-6028
Click here to complete the survey.
Wayne Gilman, Superintendent, Pine City Schools
612-382-6028
Click here to complete the survey.
FOR CLUB SERVES HOT CHOCOLATE TO CONSTRUCTION CREW
For the second time, the Friends of Rachel Club visited the construction site and served hot chocolate to workers. FOR Club members had a tour and donned hard hats for the event.
Pine City Students Perform in Duluth Honors Band
Five Pine City Junior High Band members were recently nominated and
accepted to perform in the 46th Annual University of Minnesota -
Duluth Honors Band held on March 4, in Duluth, Minnesota. Out of a
pool of over 700 students representing 55 participating schools from
Minnesota and Wisconsin, the Pine City 9th Grade students were chosen
as members of the final performing ensembles. Upon receiving their
music that morning, students participated in 4 hours of rehearsals and
concluded the afternoon with a public performance of their music. The
concert concluded with a world premier performance of "Due North", a
concert band arrangement specifically commissioned for this year's
event by internationally known composer and arranger Michael Sweeney,
who was present to conduct the concert.
Five Pine City Junior High Band members were recently nominated and
accepted to perform in the 46th Annual University of Minnesota -
Duluth Honors Band held on March 4, in Duluth, Minnesota. Out of a
pool of over 700 students representing 55 participating schools from
Minnesota and Wisconsin, the Pine City 9th Grade students were chosen
as members of the final performing ensembles. Upon receiving their
music that morning, students participated in 4 hours of rehearsals and
concluded the afternoon with a public performance of their music. The
concert concluded with a world premier performance of "Due North", a
concert band arrangement specifically commissioned for this year's
event by internationally known composer and arranger Michael Sweeney,
who was present to conduct the concert.
INNOVATIVE LIGHTING FOR DRUMMERS
Pine City Junior Ian McClellen-Johnson was the master mind behind
"lighting up" this year's Junior High Drumline (see above video) for
our recent concert. The combination of his love for electricity and
the desire to tinker, created a visual drumline that merged glowing
drumsticks and drums that lit-up when hit. Both Ian and Tiffany
Schmidt spent their free time building some of the lights used from
scratch (diodes, resister, wire....) and then adjusting them all to
create a wonderful spectacle of sound and lights.
"lighting up" this year's Junior High Drumline (see above video) for
our recent concert. The combination of his love for electricity and
the desire to tinker, created a visual drumline that merged glowing
drumsticks and drums that lit-up when hit. Both Ian and Tiffany
Schmidt spent their free time building some of the lights used from
scratch (diodes, resister, wire....) and then adjusting them all to
create a wonderful spectacle of sound and lights.
PROM 2014 - YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL
Prom 2014, Young and Beautiful, is Saturday, May 3. Grand March will be at 7:30 p.m. in the High School Gymnasium. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are now available from Mrs. Dunkley at the High School Reception area. Adults are $2 and students are $1. There is no free admission with the Activity Pass. For more information about Prom 2014, please visit the Prom Web Page available under the Student/Parent tab.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLANNING RESCHEDULED
On Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014 at 5:30 p.m., the Pine City Public School District will conduct a (rescheduled) Strategic Planning Session with the community. The meeting will be held in the high School Cafeteria. We will begin with a light dinner and then begin an interactive session where your input will be shared.
We will take a brief look back and we will seek your input for our future plans. We will work in small groups so that everyone has a chance to be heard. Handouts will be provided with key information and a place to record your feedback. This process is critical for the district in order to build a better understanding of our school/community needs. Our schedule of events will conclude by 7:30 p.m.
We encourage you to participate. The process is an easy and engaging way to interact and share views about our school district. All of the results will be compiled and shared with the board and community. Please let us know if you plan to attend. Click here for the session timeline. You can reach me at wgilman@isd578.org or 629-4011.
Take the Strategic Planning Survey.
We will take a brief look back and we will seek your input for our future plans. We will work in small groups so that everyone has a chance to be heard. Handouts will be provided with key information and a place to record your feedback. This process is critical for the district in order to build a better understanding of our school/community needs. Our schedule of events will conclude by 7:30 p.m.
We encourage you to participate. The process is an easy and engaging way to interact and share views about our school district. All of the results will be compiled and shared with the board and community. Please let us know if you plan to attend. Click here for the session timeline. You can reach me at wgilman@isd578.org or 629-4011.
Take the Strategic Planning Survey.
On March 11 the FOR Club bagged and carried groceries at Chris' Food Center. They greeted people with kindness and talked to community members about the club's mission of spreading kind acts.
7th Graders Study DNA
7th graders have been learning about the structure and function of DNA. This week in Science 7, students hypothesized what DNA would look like if they could take it out of a cell and then extracted DNA from strawberries and bananas to test their hypotheses.
MINI DANCER CAMP 2014
SPELLING BEE WINNER
Seventh Grader Elizabeth Keefe became the winner of the 22nd Annual District Spelling Bee held on February 4th. Elizabeth advanced to the Regional Spelling Bee in St. Cloud to represent Pine City. Congratulations to Elizabeth and all the Spelling Bee Contestants.
SNOW WEEK FUN
I LOVE TO READ
Illustrator David Geister shared his drawing talents with students at Pine City Elementary Feb. 4, and 5th. He talked with the students about being an illustrator and an animator of a claymation style video he is working on.
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION WEEK
FEBRUARY 17 - 21, 2014
THE CHILDREN AT PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BENEFIT EVERY DAY FROM THE HARD WORK OF OUR SCHOOL BOARD. FEBRUARY 17th THROUGH FEBRUARY 21st IS SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION WEEK, SO TAKE THE TIME TO THANK THESE DEDICATED LEADERS FOR SPENDING COUNTLESS HOURS AWAY FROM THEIR OWN FAMILIES AND JOBS SO ALL OUR CHILDREN CAN GET A GOOD EDUCATION.
Back Row Left to Right: Alicia Ascheman, Superintendent Wayne Gilman, Wendy Leibel, Wally Connaker
Front Row Left to right: Tim Geisler, Dan Peterson, Candice Ames, Steve Odegard.
Front Row Left to right: Tim Geisler, Dan Peterson, Candice Ames, Steve Odegard.
The Jr. High Speech Team 2014 season is well underway. PICTURED BELOW ARE TWO RIVER SPEECH MEET AWARD WINNERS.
MINNESOTA TWINS VISIT PINE CITY ELEMENTARY
Pine City Students Perform in Honors Band
Ten Pine City Junior High Band members were recently nominated and accepted to perform in the 6th Annual Minnesota Band Directors Association Honors Band held on January 18, in Duluth, Minnesota. Out of a pool of over 300 students representing 30 participating schools from North Eastern Minnesota, 100 musicians were chosen as members of the final performing ensemble. Students participated in 6 hours of rehearsals and concluded the afternoon with a public performance of their music.
Ten Pine City Junior High Band members were recently nominated and accepted to perform in the 6th Annual Minnesota Band Directors Association Honors Band held on January 18, in Duluth, Minnesota. Out of a pool of over 300 students representing 30 participating schools from North Eastern Minnesota, 100 musicians were chosen as members of the final performing ensemble. Students participated in 6 hours of rehearsals and concluded the afternoon with a public performance of their music.
Trever DePoppe is the 2014 Pine City Elementary School winner of the 6th Grade National Geographic Bee. Trever will take the state qualifying test in an effort to advance to the State Competition. In second place is Daisy Koffler and in third place, Nathaniel Webster. The kickoff to this year's bee was the week of December 11th with all the 6th grade students participating in Round I. The next round involved the top 30 students. After the completion of Round II, we were down to the top 12 students. Congratulations to all the students!
Two years ago Pine City high school staff accepted Rachel's challenge on MLK day. Two years later on MLK day the staff took a picture wearing their "Friends of Rachel" t-shirts and showing their continued support for Rachel's challenge at PCHS.
Mr. Nordstrand's Physics students regularly work on programming robots to complete tasks that are assigned. Today's students programmed their robots to complete a maze.
5th Grade Winter Fun
Pine City Painting and Drawing students attended the Minneapolis Institute of Art Museum today for a field trip. Here is a photo of us in front of "Frank" by Chuck Close. Chuck Close is known for using the grid method to create photo realistic portraits, a technique used often by our Pine City students.
PCHS Industrial Tech Projects
PENNY WARS A SUCCESS AT PCHS
Pine City students, participating in "penny wars" raised nearly $1000 which will be divided between Pine County Toys for Tots and the local Food Shelf. The competition came down to the last day with the 7th grade victorious.
PINE CITY EDUCATORS HONORED
Joel Lorsung and Mary Ellen Sauser were among 91 educators honored as TIES Exceptional Teachers by Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius and TIES Executive Director Betty Schweizer at the TIES 2013 Education Technology Conference. Read more here.
GINGERBREAD HOUSES AT THE ALC
Mrs. Dennis' Geometry Class created Isosahedrons (20 flat triangular surfaced 3D figures) to take home over the break.
4TH & 6TH GRADERS COLLABORATE
After selecting a favorite book they had read recently, fourth graders in Mrs. Olson's class used an IPADS to create a slide show using Educreations. Mrs. Huettl's sixth grade students taught each student how to use this app. This slideshow, with a project the Fourth graders created, was presented at a Book Project Open House.