The Pine Bough

Dear Pine River Families,

As the Christmas season approaches, my heartfelt wish is that it brings joy, peace, and beautiful memories to each of your homes. You and your children deserve the warmth of shared moments and laughter that make this time of year truly special. The greatest gifts don’t come wrapped—they come in moments spent together, in the little traditions that make family bonds so meaningful. Here are some ideas to inspire giving the priceless gift of time:

Cherish Quality Moments: Take time to be fully present with your children—they need, and cherish, your undivided attention. Bake cookies, play their favorite game, or cozy up together for a Christmas movie. These shared experiences become the memories they’ll carry forward.

Focus on Simple, Thoughtful Gifts: Rather than piling on presents, consider the joy of simplicity. Help your children understand what “enough” feels like. A beautiful approach could be: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.

Savor the Season Slowly: Choose holiday events thoughtfully so the season feels magical, not overwhelming. Go see Christmas lights, enjoy a holiday concert, or spend time with loved ones. These are the memories that allow children to truly soak in the wonder of the holidays.

Continue Beloved Traditions and Begin New Ones: Think of the family traditions that you hold dear, and remember that these will one day be your child’s cherished memories. Whether it’s cutting down a Christmas tree, reading a beloved holiday book, gathering with family, or volunteering together, it’s the “doing together” that will make the season unforgettable.

Above all, remember: the greatest gift we give our children is our love and time. When we show our children they are deeply loved and unique, we’re giving them the foundation for self-worth, kindness, and joy. Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with peace, joy, and hope, and may 2025 bring even more moments that make your heart smile.

Warmly,

Rachel Card

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.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Amanda Thoel, our wonderful volunteer photographer, for capturing so many special moments at Pine River Elementary. Her time and talent truly enrich our school community, and we are grateful for her dedication.

We are also excited to share that Amanda is offering Pine River families an exclusive 25% discount on her photography services. If you’re looking to capture family memories or special occasions, this is a great opportunity to support a local talent and enjoy beautiful, professional photos.

Thank you, Amanda, for all you do!

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 November, Mrs. Ursitti'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: Henry Flasher and Benjamin Welser

Mrs. Malburg's Class: Ariana Diaz and George Janney

Ms. McCloskey's Class: Sofia Gee and Emmett Billing

Mrs. Schneider's Class: Via Aragona and Sylvia Schwartz

First Grade

Mrs. Bean's Class: Jackson Stone and Elle Wojtowicz

Mrs. Jensen's Class: Caroline Cottrell and Cameron Schroeder

Mrs. Trudeau's Class: Adeline Liniarski and James El-Haddad

Second Grade

Mrs. Gorski's Class: Sutton Thoel and Emersyn Forro

Mrs. Huston's Class: Kamden Jobe and Olivia Shaugnessy

Ms. Minor's Class: Amelia Schocke and Dean Woodman

Third Grade

Mrs. Sloat's Class: Sadie Tatman and Noah Kolis

Mrs. Wahl's Class: Joshua Saunders and Cora Ridenour

Mrs. West's Class: Cameron Avila and Damen Markley

Fourth Grade

Mrs. Alley's Class: Emma Smith and Madden Sullivan

Mrs. Pousha's Class: Scarlet Muldermans and Casey Zoia

Mrs. Ursitti's Class: Adalynn Shaughnessy and Isaac Todaro

C.I. Class

Mrs. Kierszykowski's Class: Wyatt Marshall

Pioneers of the Month will be honored at our STARS assembly on Monday, November 25, at 2:45 p.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.