The Pine Bough

Over the decades, we have gradually taken more and more play away from kids and replaced it with structured activities, academic work, and digital experiences to the point where they hardly ever “play” at all. As this trend has continued, there has been a rise in childhood anxiety and a growing number of kids who simply don’t know how to play. Started in 2015, Global School Play Day is one day set aside for students to do nothing but play all day.

Again this year, Pine River is participating in Global School Play Day. We are following these three simple guidelines:

• No Screens: Students are encouraged to bring toys, but electronic toys or any devices with screens should be avoided.
• No Structure: Adults should not attempt to organize or structure student play in any way.
• Stay Out of the Way: Adults should let students manage their own play and should not interfere unless there are safety concerns.

On Wednesday, February 5th, students can bring anything they wish to play with to school. The only restrictions we ask: they must bring toys and these toys may NOT require batteries or electricity. No devices. Some ideas are board games, dolls, Legos, blocks, trucks, cars, racetracks, playing cards, empty cardboard boxes, markers, jigsaw puzzles, blankets (for forts), social games (charades, Pictionary, etc.) The only exception to the electronics rule would be a board game that has an electronic timer, an electronics play kit, or similar.

Teachers will communicate with families about their own individual guidelines and schedule.

Congratulations to our students whose artwork was selected for the 57th Annual Beatrice Thornton Art Exhibition! Their work will be on display at the St. Clair County Community College Fine Arts Building from January 21 - February 3.

Text: Will your child be 4 years old by December 1st? Then, it is time to sign up for FREE high-quality PreK. All Michigan 4-year-olds can now qualify, prioritizing families that need it most. Click the link below to apply. If you have questions, call the ECSD Early Childhood Center secretary, Chris Klecha, at 810-676-1010.

Dear Pine River Families,

My name is Ms. Mackenzie Buslepp, and I am pleased to introduce myself as Dr. Card’s Intern at Pine River Elementary for the next few months.

I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I am a former Pine River Pioneer and 2018 graduate from St. Clair High School. Following my graduation, I earned my Elementary Education Degree at Grand Valley State University. I am currently pursuing my K12 Master's Degree in School Administration at Eastern Michigan University. I am honored to return to Pine River and complete my internship. I am excited to learn from the best and gain valuable leadership superpowers!

Thank you for welcoming me back to this wonderful community. I look forward to working with all of you!

Ms. Mackenzie Buslepp

In alignment with Board Policy #5301, we want to inform you of our practice regarding student attendance. Regular school attendance is essential to student success, and we are committed to supporting our students’ consistent presence in class.

When a student reaches 10 absences during the school year, the building principal will send a written notice to the parent/guardian. This letter will encourage regular daily attendance and provide important information about the truancy process. Additionally, a second notice will be sent if a student reaches 15 absences.

We appreciate your partnership in ensuring that your child is present and engaged in their learning every day.

The Golden Dustpan Award was created to recognize the class that works the hardest over the course of a month to keep their classroom neat and clean. Each month, Ms. Cece and Ms. Lillian, our custodians, will choose a class and present the award. Students in the class will receive a class certificate, a class pizza party, and the honor of displaying the golden dustpan on their hallway cubbie.

For the month of January, Ms. Minor's class earned this prestigious honor! Keep up the great work keeping your classrooms clean, Pioneers!

Using a secure Login ID and password, you can log into Skyward Family Access and view your students’ data, such as progress reports, attendance records, report cards, transcripts, lunch information and more. Your one login to Family Access allows you to view data on all your enrolled students in the district, even if there are multiple school sites.

How to log into to Skyward Family Access:

1. Go to the district home web page at www.ecsd.us.
2. Click on the Parents link, then Family Access link.
3. Enter your Login ID and Password on the Skyward Family Access login screen.

Pine River Pioneers are...

Kind,

Courteous,

Respectful,

Responsible,

and always Safe!

All of our students strive to be motivated learners, as well as model citizens. Each month we will honor students from each class who exemplify the following qualities:

Academic

• Student prepares for classroom activities.
  
• Student approaches learning with enthusiasm.
  
• Student has made steady progress in the classroom.
  
• Student has been working to his/her potential.
  
• Student completes all assignments and homework.
  
• Student has a good work ethic and is diligent.

Leadership/ Citizenship/ Character

• Student demonstrates respect of self and others.
  
• Student assists others in need.
  
• Student shows acts of kindness.
  
• Student demonstrates a positive attitude.
  
• Student displays good conduct.
  
• Student is a positive role model by example.
  
• Student participates and puts forth full effort in all areas.
  
• Student follows school rules.

Young Fives/Kindergarten

Mrs. Guzowski's Class: Reid Livingston and Jonathan Williams

Mrs. Malburg's Class: Raelynn Bosel and Adam Bosanic

Ms. McCloskey's Class: Bayleigh LeBeau and Allyson McLaughlin

Mrs. Schneider's Class: Rory Dennison and Riley Wagner

First Grade

Mrs. Bean's Class: Brooklyn Riley and Liam Zapata

Mrs. Jensen's Class: Clara Hartsig and Logan McCabe

Mrs. Trudeau's Class: Lyla Teague and Charlie Rouleau

Second Grade

Mrs. Gorski's Class: Kinslee Connin and Amelia Thompson

Mrs. Huston's Class: Lucy Roberts and Reese Mitchell

Ms. Minor's Class: Avery MacIntosh and Robert Pelka

Third Grade

Mrs. Sloat's Class: Cecilia Oleaga and Jerron Maurer

Mrs. Wahl's Class: Charles Smith and Simon Oleaga

Mrs. West's Class: Simon Slota and Rayne Salisbury

Fourth Grade

Mrs. Alley's Class: Harrison Young and Hannah Hrisoulis

Mrs. Pousha's Class: Lyla Karl and Henry Pokriefka

Mrs. Ursitti's Class: Madison Mitchell and Hayden McIntyre-Keller

C.I. Class

Mrs. Kierszykowski's Class: Scarlett Roberts

Pioneers of the Month will be honored at our STARS assembly on Friday, January 31th, at 9:30 a.m. in the gym. Parents of those students being recognized are welcome to attend. Please check in at the office first.

Parents of our Pioneers of the Month may stop in and pick up a yard sign to display at home during the next month. Just buzz the office at the front doors when you arrive, and we will provide you with a sign. Near the end of the month, please return the sign so we can get it ready for a new honoree.

Mission: The mission of the Pine River school community is to work collaboratively, providing an enriched curriculum that allows for intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and creative growth in a positive and safe environment, empowering all children to become productive lifelong learners.

Vision: Pine River Elementary is dedicated to the belief that all students can learn and achieve through the combined efforts of the staff, parents, students, and community.