May 7th - 11th Teacher Appreciation Week
Thanks to all of Pine City's teachers for all you do for our kids and our community!
Senior High Choir Pops Concert
Mark your calendar, come early, get a good seat, the Choir Pops Concert is here!! The Senior High Choir Pops Concert is coming Thursday May 10 at 7:30 pm in the Elementary Auditorium!
Come and hear music from Bon Jovi, Adele, U2, Aretha Franklin, BluesBrothers, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and many more. Men's Choir, Women's Choir, Pine City Singers and Concert Choir will all be performing in a concert that will showcase the amazing work and talent of the incredible students at Pine City High School!
Pine City Elementary to Participate in National RtI Study
Pine City Elementary recently received notification of approval by the U.S. Department of Education in the participation in the Evaluation of Response to Intervention (RtI) Practices for Elementary School Reading. This National RtI Study is to assess the impact of RtI on student reading performance. During the month of April, all first and second grade students will participate in the reading assessment component to this study.
Start Today The Healthy Way
The College in the Schools Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology class visited some of the second grade
classrooms to teach these younger students about healthy eating, making wise food choices, & exercise. The second grade students learned about the different food groups, the food pyramid & food plate, & also how much exercise it takes to burn off the calories in some of the foods we eat. The Anatomy & Physiology class created informational booklets with activities for the students & a rap video with 'healthy food' lyrics.
The College in the Schools Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology class allows students to earn University of Minnesota college credit while attending high school. These students also created a kiosk to promote healthy eating & show the consequences of an unhealthy Western Diet. They displayed their kiosk at the University of Minnesota on April 11th with other College in the Schools students from around the state of Minnesota. Click here for more pictures.
Second Graders
Visit the Mill City Museum
The second graders had a wonderful opportunity to travel down to Minneapolis to see the Mill City Museum on Friday, April 13th. The students learned how flour was made, how water makes power, how St. Anthony Falls was used as a great energy resource that started Minneapolis and had the opportunity to participate with hands on activities.
3rd PCHS Bake-Off Held
Congratulations goes to senior Joe Wolf, the winner of the 3rd PCHS Bake-off with his Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Squares. Thank you to junior Allison Hatz who was also a finalist with her Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. Over $40.00 was donated at the Bake-off that will be given to the Pine City Food Shelf.
Pine City High School Awarded $35,000 Grant for PLTW
Pine City offered their first Project Lead The Way class 3rd quarter.
PLTW is the nation's leading provider of rigorous and innovative Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum for schools.
PLTW's programs emphasize critical thinking, creativity, innovation and real-world problem solving. The hands-on learning engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study that they may not otherwise pursue, and provides them with a foundation and proven path to post-secondary training and career success in STEM-related fields.
For more pictures & to read an article Tim Schlichting wrote about the program, click here.
Two Advance To State
Fifteen Dragon Speech Competitors traveled to Milaca High School on Saturday, April 14th to compete in the Section 5A tournament. This section tournament is a combination of three sub sections within the 5A region. The best speakers within the 23 schools in the 5A section participated in the tournament. 
Pine City had seven students qualify into the final round of the tournament for their chance to compete at State. Taylen Pearson placed 8th in informative- Ashlee Martini placed 7th in storytelling, Ben Miche placed 6th in discussion along with Allison Skluazeck in extemporanous reading, & Cody Tchida placed 5th in great speeches. Pine City will have two representatives at the Class A State Tournament on Friday, April 20th at Chanhassen High School; Lauren Funkhouser (junior) in poetry & Renee Schminkey (senior) in creative expression. This is Funkhouser's first time qualifying for the state tournament. Her selection is titled "Sean Bell". Schminkey will be making her return to the state tournament in the category of creative expression. Her piece is titled "You're Not Actually Funny". Go Dragon Speech!
Front row (Left to right) Renee Schminkey, Allison Skluazeck, Lauren Funkhouser
Back row (Left to right) Ashlee Martini, Taylen Pearson, Cody Tchida
Not pictured (Ben Miche)
Speech Takes Home 4th Conference Championship
On Monday, March 19, seven schools competed in the Great River Conference Speech competition in Onamia. The Pine City High School speech team placed first for the fourth consecutive year, racing ahead of the competition to win by 18 points.
There were a number of standout performances from Pine City High School.
Katie Christensen, a freshman, was the youngest champion this year, performing the drama "Too Late for Sorry." Senior John Otis took first place in great speeches, junior Lauren Funkhouser took first in poetry, sophomore Ashlee Martini took first in storytelling, and newcomer sophomore Hannah Kloeckl was named champion in prose performing "Mick Harte was Here." Renee Schminkey wowed the judges again in the creative category with her speech, "You're Actually not Funny." This was Schminkey's third consecutive Great River Conference Championship.
The following students also placed at the GRC competition. Fifth place: Taylen Pearson (informative), Bailey May (prose), William Woulfe (humorous). Fourth place: Brandi Cronk (prose), Allison Skluzacek (extemporaneous reading). Third place: Ben Miche' (discussion), Jackie Martini (extemporaneous reading), Sydney Rydberg-Olsen (informative), Katlyn Lindblom (great speeches), Michael Woulfe/Coleman Lombard (duo). Second place: Wynonna Brown (poetry), Cody Tchida (great speeches).
Pine City Band Sweeps Regional Music Contest
Pine City High Schools' Wind Ensemble, comprised of 78 students in grades 10 through 12, traveled to Large Group Music Contest last week and came back to Pine City with the highest possible rating – for the 7th straight year.
This year's event was hosted by Rush City High School and featured bands from nine area high schools. Pine City not only earned unanimous "Superior" ratings from each of the three judges, but also did so while performing music in what is called Category 1, the most difficult level of music available to high school ensembles.
The band reprised two selections that were featured at the recent Senior High Concert: a beautiful setting of the classic American folk tune "Shenandoah" arranged by Frank Ticheli and an ambitiously epic work for band entitled "Africa: Ceremony, Song, and Ritual" by Robert W. Smith. "Africa" is an exceptionally difficult work that highlights the percussion section and is based on indigenous folk traditions of West Africa. Not only does the work require authentic African instruments such as log drums and the gankogui, but it also calls upon performers to sing musical phrases in addition to playing.
Local residents and music lovers will want to mark their calendars for the band's final concert of the year, the annual Pops Spectacular, which takes place on Friday, May 4 at 7:30pm, under the direction of instructor Brad Mariska.
In this economy, is now a good time to look at the Free or Reduced Lunch program?
We understand the hardship this economy has had on many families. Maybe we can help. The Free/Reduced Lunch program is an excellent option - and is COMPLETELY confidential.
For more information, click here.
2nd Graders Visit Fur Post
2nd graders spent a recent morning at the Northwest Country Fur Post learning about life as a fur trader in the 1800's.
The children played a game called Snow Snakes where long sticks were tossed to see who's would glide the farthest.
More pictures can be found here.
Czech History in the Midwest Explored
In conjunction with the Illusion Theatre's Pine City production of Willa Cather's play "My Antonia", Peg Skalicky is featuring an exhibit of photographs that she has framed. They picture early Czech settlement in the Beroun area; she also has a booklet developed by her daughter, Stephanie, who recently visited Beroun in the Czech Republic. 
"My Antonia", which will be performed at the Pine City Elementary Auditorium at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 9th, portrays Cather's interpretation of the experiences of Czech settlers in the American Midwest. Tickets are available @ $5 from the Pine City Community Ed. Office or the Flower Box in Pine City.
Also part of the Czech cultural tradition are the delicious kolaches made by many in this area. Carol Skluzacek will offer a class on how to make them properly through Pine Center for the Arts; call 629-4924 for more information.
Photo courtesy of Judy Scholin
Whales, Whaling, and Moby Dick
5th grade students recently wrapped up their after school enrichment class," Whales, Whaling, and Moby Dick." The enrichment class was part of an interdisciplinary and inter-school project in association with Mystic Seaport and Resource Training and Solutions. Throughout the four week after school enrichment course students had the opportunity to read a version of Moby Dick and participate in several science activities. They were lead by Kerri Larson, Sheila Hughes, and Susan FranceWeber.
More pictures and information can be found here.
PCHS Theatre Students Present $700 to Food Shelf
Senior cast members of the PCHS One-Act Play finished their remarkably successful season by placing 3rd at the Section Finals on February 4. But the real winner this season is the Pine Community Food Shelf, which was presented with a check for $700 which was raised through donations at three public performances of the students' play, "slasreveR neveS." The Pine City theatre program has adopted the Food Shelf as their community service partner since 2005, when they held their first "trick or treat" Halloween food drive.
School Board Recognition Week ... Say 'Thanks!'
The Minnesota School Boards Association has set Feb. 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 Cty 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.
School Boards are Essential to School Success ... Thank You!
District Spelling Bee Winners
Sixth grader Rachel Johnson became the winner of the 20th Annual District Spelling Bee held January 31, 2012. Parents are David and Lisa Johnson, from Pine City. Rachel will be competing at the Regional Spelling Bee to be held at St. John's University on February 15, 2012. Second place was awarded to seventh grader Sylvie Kelley.
One-Act Play Sweeps Sub-Section Festival
The cast and crew of the PCHS One-Act Play will be advancing to Section Finals for an unprecedented fifth year in a row, following their first place finish Saturday at Sub-Section Festival here in Pine City. Pine City’s comedy, “slasreveR neveS” by Alan Haehnel, is a creative parody of theatrical convention – and convention in general.
There will be one more chance to see the play this Friday at 7pm at the Pine City Elementary Auditorium.
Find more info on Saturday's Sub-Section results here.
Child Development Class Visits ECFE Program
In PCHS's Child Development class, the students spent time visiting the ECFE program conducting observations & interacting with the children to enhance what they learned in class. One of the activities was to read to a small group of the children that attend ECFE & plan an activity that can be used with the book that was read.
To see more pictures, click here.
Students Earn College Credit At PCHS
The students in CIS University Writing just finished the course with a culmination of all of their hard work: a writing portfolio. It contained significant pieces of different styles of writing such as the final reflection essay, a personal narrative, an ethnography, a trends analysis in MLA and APA format, and a critical analysis on poetry, art, or an advertisement. The students worked hard first semester, and most will continue through to the Introduction to Literature class, another four credit class offered through the University of Minnesota.
One-Act Play Begins Series of Contests, Performances
Pine City High School's One-Act Play, "slasreveR neveS," took part in its first festival at St. Cloud State University on Monday, performing alongside outstanding competition from as far away as Eveleth-Gilbert, Eden Valley-Watkins, Delano, & Sauk Rapids-Rice. Pine City's unusual comedy stood up well at this early invitational but demonstrated that work still needs to be done before Sub-Section Festival on Saturday, January 28.
"The play we have selected this year is extremely challenging to both the actors & audience, but it has also been a really fun process," says director Brad Mariska. "The students are really stretching themselves as actors & technicians. We're not quite there yet, but I look forward to sharing this with the community on January 26 & 27."
Read more here.
Board member Shuey Recognized
Pine City School Board member Robert Shuey was recently recognized by the St Croix River Ed District (SCRED) at their Legislative Forum for his years of service to that organization. Mr. Shuey has served on the SCRED Board of Directors for over 21 years and currently serves as Vice-Chairman. Presenting the award was SCRED Governing Board Chairman Scott Tryon and Executive Director Kim Gibbons. SCRED is a cooperative of six area school districts that provides leadership and direction on special education and curriculum issues.
Pine City Elementary Prepares for
"February I Love to Read Month 2012"
Students and staff at Pine City Elementary are getting ready to welcome author Mary Casanova on February 7th. Ms. Casanova is an award-winning author of children's novels & picture books, with 19 books currently published & more under contract. Many of this author's books stem from her life on the Minnesota-Canadian border.
Coordinated by elementary media specialist Jeanne Lundholm, the purpose of "I Love to Read Month" is to promote enthusiasm for the joy of reading. Students work on decoding & comprehending text every day, but the real "payoff" comes when they can read well enough to enjoy it & experience a lifelong source of enrichment. What can parents do to support this? Read to your children, let them see you read, & discuss books and ideas as a family.
Please go to http://www.marycasanova.com/pages/about/index.html to learn more.
Paraprofessional Recognition Week, January 16-20, 2012
Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed the week of January 16-20, 2012, as Paraprofessional Recognition Week. As part of the celebration of this event, the Minnesota Department of Education is sharing the Governor's Proclamation and strategies that schools may use to honor and recognize paraprofessionals.
Paraprofessionals are individuals who work in a variety of positions in a school district. Their roles include, but are not limited to, those who work as instructional assistants, Title 1 Paraprofessionals, special education paraprofessionals, lunch room and playground assistants, hall monitors, media center assistants and more.
The Pine City Board of Education, Administration, Faculty & Students take this opportunity to thank the paras who so expertly & kindly help the learners in our schools.
We appreciate & respect the important work that you do!
Science Rocks!
A group of 5th & 6th grade science enthusiasts attended the Science Rocks! Hands-on Science & Nature Conference held at St. Cloud State University on January 5 by Resource Training & Solutions. Students attended four sessions on a variety of topics within the science field.
Gretchen Linzmeier Breaks All Time Scoring Record
During Friday night's basketball game Gretchen Linzmeier broke Andrew Lutz's all time scoring record. To listen to WCMP's interview with Gretchen's coach, Nathan Stoa, go to www.redrockonair.com.
Run for Reid
Reid Kolling, one of Pine City Jr. High's 7th graders is currently hospitalized for an extended amount of time. Reid's mother commented that one of his major concerns was the large number of make-up laps he was going to have to do for the days he will be missing Physical Education.
In the spirit of the season, the 7th grade boys have taken care of those laps by each doing some of Reid's make-up laps prior to the start of PE class this week.
Happy Holidays Reid, and we hope you will be back in PE class soon.
"I ran laps for you and I felt good!," Joe H. "Hope you feel better, Reid. I ran 5 laps for you," Tyler P. "Everyone got your laps taken care of for you. I don't know about your homework though," Skylar. "We ran for you, now get ready to stop some puck!,"Jacob L. "I ran 5 laps for you, bro," Isaac M."Things around here have been similar to normal," Blake S.
Sixth Graders Compete in National Geography Bee
Sixth graders recently competed in the 2011-2012 National Geographic Bee at the local elementary level. First place was awarded to Hanna Zeleny (left) and second place was awarded to Riley Palmer (right).
Upon earning first place, Hanna will later complete an exam of 70 questions. The top 100 scoring students in Minnesota will become eligible for the state competition.
Holiday Favorites from Pine City Students
These were written by seventh grade English students in the fourth hour class of Ms. Julie Berglund and Ms. Chelsey Krusemark.
* I like going to family members' houses, like my Grandpa's place to have fun & eat turkey, stuffing, ham, stuffed potato dumplings, cherries, corn, bread, & many other foods. ~ Tyler Petersen ~
* At my dad's I have turkey. The secret is that you put butter right under the turkey's skin. At my grandparents' we eat dinner, & then we chat. ~Paige Hennen ~
* We go to my aunt's house to see my new baby cousin. We'll play with the baby, & then we go home. ~ Jacob Engh
Read all the holiday favorites
Wrestlers Remain Undefeated
The HFPCEC Jaguar wrestling team (Hinckley-Finlayson, Pine City, & East Central) placed first at the Mackey Duals in Northwestern Wisconsin this past Saturday winning all five of their duals and improving their overall team record to 10-0 for the season so far. Their next match is Tuesday at Mille Lacs. Come support the wrestlers as they strive to stay undefeated.
Penny Wars a Success!
Pine City High School students recently raised an impressive $1400 through their annual penny wars. Penny wars is a competition between grade levels to raise money for holiday donations. The class with the highest total at the end of the week wins. This year the honor went to the Seniors. The proceeds will be split between Pine Community Food Shelf and Toys for Tots. Pictured are student council president Brittanie Pearson and senior class president Joe Wolf presenting Pastor Vicki Vander Vegt with a check for Pine County Toys for Tots.
Elementary Students Pledge to be a Buddy not a Bully. 
The Pine City Elementary Bullying Committee plans activities for students on bullying. The school wide theme is "Be a Buddy not a Bully". This banner is located outside of the main office doors as a reminder to all students. These 4th grade students were showing each other where they signed their names before posing for this picture.
Minnesota Snow
Genre: Alliteration Poetry
(composed by Mr. Lorsung's Reading class)
White fluffy snow
falls from the sky...
Winds Whistle through
the tall White pines. |
The Trees all covered
in Thick white snow...
Temperatures go to
zero and below. |
Light Little snowflakes
fall gently from above...
as they Loop around the trees
Like a swirled-up Lollipop.
Click here to see the entire poem. |
School Board Member Attains President's Award
The Minnesota School Boards Association Awards Program will be presenting Pine City School Board member Bonnie Menigo with a certificate & pin recognizing her many hours of service as a school board member at the 2012 MSBA Leadership Conference. The President's Award recognizes those persons who complete 300 or more hours of attendance at MSBA- and NSBA-sponsered meetings & activities.
Casting Announced for One-Act Play
This year’s play is sure to draw attention, if for no other reason, it’s unusual title: “slasreveR neveS.” Turn it around and you get the words “Seven Reversals.” The play by Alan Haehnel is a hilarious reversal of expectations, with students inverting not only dialogue and blocking, but also theatrical conventions and emotions as a whole.
Casting for the play was recently announced, and rehearsals are already underway with lead roles awarded to Lauren Funkhauser (Mama), Hannah Kloeckl (Gwen), Adam Martin (Villian), and Derek Prokott (Hero). This foursome will appear in three of the play’s seven scenes – remarkably, all four leads are making their One-Act Play debut.
Public performances of the One-Act Play are scheduled for Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 27 at 7:00pm in the Elementary Auditorium. Admission to these shows is a $2 suggested donation that will be contributed to the Pine Community Food Shelf. Click here for more information.
Career Education
1977 Pine City High School graduate Nancy Silesky was a career education guest speaker in the 12th grade American government classes under the direction of teacher Kyle Allen. Ms. Silesky, who majored in political science at the University of Minnesota, is a lobbyist for the law firm of Chestnut Cambronne in St. Paul. She represents clients as diverse as Minnesota counties, a professional social worker organization, & a pharmaceutical company.
Ms. Silesky talked with the students about the importance of studying hard, articulating goals, & trying to find a career that they would really enjoy. Pine City High School guidance counselors Brooke Siewert & Kim Brubaken plan various types of career ed. activities to help learners to successfully transition between high school, post-secondary education, & career.
Mystic Seaport Project Underway
The Pine City Public Schools, ECMECC, & Resource Training & Solutions are partnering to offer Pine City students a new approach to education that includes extensive use of primary source materials, classic literature, & enhanced use of technology such as iPads & virtual field trips from Mystic Seaport. Click here for more information & pictures.
Junior high reading teachers Julie Anderson & Julie Berglund are working with students on enjoying a piece of classic literature, using iPads to gain historic information, & practice their reading strategies.
Susan France Weber, Sheila Hughes, & Kerri Larson are working with fifth & sixth graders on whaling in early American history, a scrimshaw art activity, & reading/science enrichments about whales & whaling. Mystic Seaport has provided the teachers with a wide array of helpful materials. St. Mary's School will also be involved in this project.
Sixth Grade Pie Social Raises $1,175 for Local Food Shelf
Sixth grade students once again hosted a Pie Social to raise money for the Pine City Food Shelf. Students sold individual pieces of pie to students, family members, and staff. There were also generous donations from staff members and sixth grade families. The final total raised was $1,175! Click here for more pictures.
Pine City Math Curriculum Review Underway
Jenny Merrick Borovsky met with Pine City Elementary & Secondary Math Committee members after school on November 30th to share her experiences as a mathematics teacher & department chairperson at St. Paul Academy & Summit School. Ms. Borovsky, a graduate of Pine City High School, currently teaches Honors Algebra I, Honors Algebra II & Trigonometry at SPA. She has served on the Faculty Evaluation Committee & coaches Junior High Math League & MATHCOUNTS. Co-authoring with Melissa Shepard Lee, she published an article in Mathematics Magazine in June 2008.
The Pine City elementary & secondary math committees are currently reviewing student test results & discussing our district's philosophy & goals of mathematics education. Public input is welcome as staff members discuss current strengths, suggestions for change, & look at new print & electronic materials. Call 629-4012 for more information.
STEM Classes Offered
New STEM courses will be offered starting next year at the middle school and high school focusing on Science Technology Engineering and Math. Click the logo on the right to go to the Project Lead the Way website or take a look at the middle school or high school brochure.
FACS Pie Day Tradition Continues
It is pie time of year again for the students in Mrs. Roubinek's classes. As part of a built in service learning component to the classes, the students bake apple and pumpkin pies that will be part of the Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner held at Our Redemmer Church on Thanksgiving Day. Not only do the students learn to make a pie from scratch, but there's the added bonus of feeling good for help out others during Thanksgiving.
Thankful for . . .
Mr. Dave Johnson's sixth grade class did some writing about things in their lives for which they are thankful.
* I'm thankful for food. My favorite for Thanksgiving is pizza. Usually we have turkey, because it's traditional. Now, if you think like me, you'll think that pizza is the best meal for Thanksgiving. When I'm older, I'm having pizza for Thanksgiving every year. ~ Ashli Webster ~
* All my cousins and I have a lot of fun playing games and running around outside. ~ Kristina Knutson ~
* I'm thankful for friendship. My friends can tell instantly when I am sad, mad, or happy. They always make me happy and are caring for me, and I am always caring for them. ~ Dayne Pulley ~
To read more student's writings, click here.
Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl
Recently the 5th and 6th graders held their annual Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl.
Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl is a computer contest which teams of fifth and sixth grade students answer 100 multiple-choice questions. Some topics included are spelling, mathematics, geography, science, history, current events, sports, and fun trivia.
Winners
Fifth Grade Team Winner with 937 points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Sixth Grade Team with 1070 points
"Charlie Brown" Impresses
There are two more opportunities to catch the fall musical, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Nearly 1,200 audience members attended the first weekend of performances, and two more shows are scheduled for Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 at 7 pm in the Elementary Auditorium. The show stars Sean Kehren as Charlie Brown, Laurel Anderson as Sally, and Renee Schminkey as Snoopy. Tickets can be reserved by calling 320-629-4013 or purchased at the door. (Photo by Erin Gaffaney)
Health Care Field Trip
Recently, five students and counselor, Brooke Siewert, attended a Health Care Field Trip that was funded by Pine Technical College and area facilities. They went to Essentia Health Sandstone and met local healthcare professionals and learned about career opportunities in our community. Then they were able to do some more hands on exploration back at Pine Technical College. The students learned how to test a person for tuberculosis by doing an injection on a hotdog, and also did DNA testing. Click here for more pictures.
School Board Election Results
Elected to the Pine City School Board were incumbents Tim Geisler and Roger Rutgers along with newcomers Wally Connaker and Wendy Leibel. Each will serve a four year term.
FACS Pumpkin Carving Contest
Students in Mrs. Roubineks' 9th grade FACS class held a Pumpkin Contest. Students of PCHS were able to vote on their favorite pumpkin. The winning Pumpkin belonged to Seth Thornton with his Mario Brothers carving.
7th Graders Read for Quilt
A quilt was awarded to a lucky reader in 7th grade on October 28th. To have names entered in the drawing, English students had to present to their English class a book (or books) they recently read. Natalie Cahill's name was drawn for the quilt by Mrs. Landgraf. Alyssa Bursott and Kimberly Whaley received prizes and congratulations as well. The quilt was donated by Mrs. Deb Kneen, Mrs. Hunt's mom.
Second Graders Celebrate
The second grade students made masks to celebrate the end of October and they wore them during their party on Oct. 28th. These students are in Mrs. Anderson's Class.
Tickets on sale for "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown"
Opening night for "Charlie Brown" is November 10 & you can get your tickets now at several area businesses or by calling 320-629-4013. The fall musical is always a highlight of the school year & this year's production promises to be uphold that tradition. At a recent rehearsal, Lucy (played by Junior Courtnie Blazek) converses with Charlie Brown (Senior Sean Kehren). A creative & colorful set design by Jay Schueller lofts the musicians eight feet above the playing area (shown in this picture are choir director Jennifer Krinke on piano & junior Tim Stebbing on drums). The show is directed by Brad Mariska & performs at 7pm on November 10, 11, 12, 18, and 19 & on November 13 at 2pm.
Advanced Health/PE Camps at the Audubon Center
Thursday October 20th 46 students from the Advanced Health/Phy.Ed. class and 6 chaperones camped at the Audubon Center of the Northwoods in Sandstone. While at the Audubon the students got to sleep in 24 degree weather, use the climbing wall and the high ropes course.......which some enjoyed more then others.
School Board Elections Tuesday, November 8th
School Board Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 8th, 7 AM to 8 PM. All voting will take place in the multipurpose room at Pine City High School.
There are five candidates running for four positions, each for a term of four years. On the ballot will be Wally Connaker, Tim Geisler, Wendy Leibel, Bonnie Menigo and Roger Rutgers. More information on the candidates can be found in the Pine City Pioneer.
Pine City Schools Levy to decrease by 3.06%
Loss of Homestead Market Value Credit could offset savings
At an October meeting of the Pine City School Board, members voted to approve the 2012 proposed property tax levy. The preliminary amount the district will levy shows a decrease of $99,294, or 3.06%. This marks the third year in a row that the school portion of local property tax levies has decreased. Taxes decreased by 1.28% in 2010 and by 1.42% for 2011.
Potentially offsetting any reduction in levies, though, is the impact of losing the Homestead Market Value Credit (HMVC). This credit was eliminated as part of the omnibus tax bill passed during the 2011 special session to help balance the $5.8 billion state deficit. The HMVC was a state program that provided aid to homeowners though assistance to local units of government such as cities, counties, and school districts. Preliminary estimates showed Pine City school district residents could expect a 4.48% impact from the loss of this program.
For the complete article, click here.
November 7th Workshop Speaker
School won't be in session for students on November 7th, but staff will have workshops in the morning & time to work on grading & prepare for conferences in the afternoon. Morning events will include presentations by clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Nos-Tollefson, whose professional positions have been at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, Northwoods Children's Services, & other private & community mental health clinics. She has specialized training in providing services for children & adolescents, but has also worked with clients of all ages in individual therapy and psychological evaluations. Dr. Nos-Tollefson currently works at Therapeutic Services Agency in Pine City.
Click here for summaries of the two sessions.
Make it Orange. Make it End.
Pine City Elementary and High School participated in the National Unity Day event yesterday, October 12th. Staff and students wore orange to show those being bullied that they are not alone, that we care, and we are leading the movement against bullying!
Students Raise $575
As part of their Homecoming activities the student body participated in two fundraising events, an intramural volleyball tournament and selling ice cream sundaes. The students selected the Nick and Aubrey Olson scholarship fund as the recipient of this money. Nick and Aubrey, Pine City graduates, died in the summer of 2010 from complications of Friedreich’s Ataxia. The students raised an impressive $575. Pictured are King Josh Adams and Queen Jorie Williamson presenting the check to Nick and Aubrey's mother, Cindy Olson.
47th Nobel Conference
A group of Pine City High School students recently returned from attending the 47th Nobel Conference held at Gustavus Adolphus College. This year's theme was "The Brain and Being Human". This was a very high-level academic experience for learners who are interested and talented in the study of science.
The school district has a process for students who would like to attend this event. When the topic for the next academic year is announced, science teachers explain this in class to their students, along with information about the application process. Later in the spring, a group of faculty members, administrators, and the district's gifted & talented coordinator meet to review the applications.
The Pine City Schools promote participation in this type of activity because it enriches the regular science program and promotes a more in-depth understanding of the kinds of post-secondary programs and careers that are available.
Bullying Prevention Awareness Week
October 3rd - 7th was Pine City Elementary's fall bullying prevention awareness week.
Tips to help prevent bullying
BE A BUDDY NOT A BULLY!
Pine City Schools Continues Trend of Strong Test Scores
MCA’s and ACT test scores inch upward
According to MCA test results released by the Minnesota Department of Education, Pine City Schools has reduced the number of areas it has been identified as “Not Making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)” from two down to one. The lone area identified was Special Education at the elementary school in mathematics whose students scored slightly below the level of proficiency.
Superintendent Dennis Fischer said the administration is happy with the results, “The bar is being raised every year for our students to score higher. To be able to reduce the number of areas we are not proficient in is a great accomplishment. We were identified two years ago in five areas, then down to two last year, and now down to one area. So we feel we are on the right track.”
To read the complete article as published in the Pine City Pioneer, click here.
Over 100 students join 5th Grade Band
Pine City's award-winning music program continues to grow, with more than 100 enthusiastic fifth grade students joining the band program last month. Students are quickly learning the basics and will give their first concert at a free performance on Thursday, December 8 at 7 PM in the Elementary Auditorium. Pictured here are members of the french horn section: Savannah, Emily, Jenica, Hannah, Alixe, and Lily. Pine City was named to the NAMM Foundation's "Best Communities for Music Education in America" for both 2010 and 2011.
October is Peaceful Partner Month
For nineteen years Pine City Elementary Conflict Managers have been assisting students, in grades 1 through 4, to peacefully solve their problems during noon recess. The Conflict Managers also assist K-2 students during morning recess.
In preparation to help others with their conflicts and promoting peaceful solutions, this year's twenty new conflict managers finished a five-hour training session in September.
The Conflict Management program is offered to interested fifth grade students. 
For a list of pictured conflict managers, click here.
ACT Scores Continue to Rise
ACT Scores for the Class of 2011
- Exceed the state average in 4 of 5 areas.
- Exceed the national average in all areas.
Show Your Spirit Day at Pine City Elementary
Last Friday was Show Your Spirit Day at Pine City Elementary.
Tanner Wicktor took the prize for most spirited with his great outfit!
DRAGON HOMECOMING 2011
Pictured:
King - Josh Adams
Queen - Jorie Williamson
Crown Bearer - Drake Willert
Flower Girl - Elivia Montbriand
2011 Homecoming Royalty
Boys (L to R)
Andrew Gerold - Dennis & Glenda Gerold
Travis Anglo - Bob & Wendy Anglo
Josh Adams - Tim & Julie Adams
Kyle Webster - Gene & Kristin Webster
Nick Cummings - Dan & Jennifer Cummings
Girls (L to R)
Jorie Williamson - Rod & Rhonda Williamson
Madison DeLozier - Lora DeLozier
Michaela Engh - Tom & Brenda Engh
Brittanie Pearson - Tim & Tammy Coenen
Madeline Groschen - Brian & DeDe Groschen
More information on Homecoming Events
"Charlie Brown" Cast Announced
PCHS seniors Sean Kehren, Renee Schminkey lead veteran cast.
A veteran cast will bring classic “Peanuts” characters to life on the Pine City stage this November. “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” features all your favorite characters, including Snoopy, Linus and Lucy, Schroder, and Peppermint Patty. Click here for more information.
Performances of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will be November 10, 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 7 pm and November 13 at 2pm.
Staying Current in Science Education
Second year PCHS Science Teacher Jamie Campbell is working on implementing an exciting exemplary grant that she wrote last spring. Ms. Campbell, who holds an undergraduate biology degree with a minor in chemistry from the University of Missouri, specializes in molecular & microbiology. At PCHS, she is currently teaching earth science.
As part of her exemplary grant, the Pine City Schools now have access to a subscription of United Streaming from Discovery Education, a resource that is being integrated into the curriculum. Also, teachers are in the planning stages of implementing a district-wide science fair that would be held in the spring for grades 5-12, with special showcases for projects from the college physics & anatomy classes.
Eighth grade science teacher Jamie Campbell has worked in the areas of pre-clinical research for medical devices & pharmaceuticals as well as genetic & forensic toxicology. She is married & has three children, ages 7, 10, and 12.
Volunteers Brighten Up Auditorium
Long lost details have been revealed on the proscenium arch and the ceiling in the elementary auditorium. Thanks to all the volunteers who spent time over the past few weeks making these wondering improvements!
Volunteers
Sue Osterdyk, Roxy Guerin, Peg Skalicky, Kristen Webster, Jim Biernat, Bob Haedt, Kyle Webster, Greta Foster, Josh Palmer, Natalie Cahill, Elizabeth Cahill, Jen Krinke, Jen Hansmann, Kevin Cahill, Joanne Cahill, Brad Mariska and the elementary custodial staff.
Five Candidates Announced For Pine City School Board
The names of five candidates will be placed on the ballot for the position of Pine City School Board member.
Four members will be elected to the School Board for terms of four (4) years each. The four-year terms of Tim Geisler, Bonnie Menigo, Roger Rutgers and Ilene Sommer will expire in January. Wendy Leibel, Wally Connaker, and incumbents Tim Geisler, Bonnie Menigo and Roger Rutgers will be on the ballot.
The School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8th 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The only polling place for this election will be at Pine City High School.
Unique Learners Enrichment 
Unique Learners Coordinator Susan France Weber offers enrichment sessions throughout the year for students who have been identified for Pine City Elementary's Gifted & Talented Program. Generally these children are in the top 3-10% of their class.
Photos by Wes Wiedenroth.
"International Year of Chemistry"
2011 is the "International Year of Chemistry". More students than ever are taking chemistry at PCHS. This is partly due to heightened Minnesota Science Standards & also due to the number of 21st Century job opportunities that require more science education.
Pine City Public Schools 2010
