As we soon welcome the blossoms of spring, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of embracing the great outdoors, especially for our young learners here at Pine River. With the sun shining brighter and the air feeling fresher, there's no better time to encourage our children to explore and play in the natural world around them.
Research consistently shows that outdoor play offers numerous benefits for children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From boosting creativity and imagination to enhancing problem-solving skills and reducing stress, the opportunities that await them outside are endless.
Here at school, we will also be working to foster a love and appreciation for nature. Whether it's a nature walk, a game of kickball on the playground, or simply soaking up the sunshine during recess, every moment spent outdoors contributes to our students' growth and learning journies.
As we navigate through the remainder of the school year, I encourage you to prioritize outdoor activities and playtime for your child. In addition to spring sports, plan a family hike, have a picnic in the park, or garden together in your backyard. Let's seize every opportunity to connect with nature and each other.
Thank you for your ongoing support in providing enriching experiences for our students. Together, let's make this spring a season of exploration, discovery, and joy for our Pioneers!
Warm regards,
Rachel Card, Principal
April is Autism Awareness Month--a time to celebrate neurodiversity, foster understanding, and promote inclusion. It's an opportunity to recognize the unique strengths and contributions of invididuals on the autism spectrum while also raising awareness about the support they need.
Signs of Autism in School-Age Children
• Struggles with making or keeping friends
• Prefers structured or solitary play over group activities
• Difficulty understanding social rules (e.g., personal space, taking turns)
• Trouble with flexible thinking (e.g., adapting to new situations)
• Strong resistance to changes in routine or unexpected events
• Literal thinking (e.g., struggling with jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language)
• Difficulty expressing emotions in expected ways
• Unusual speech patterns (e.g., overly formal, monotone, or robotic tone)
• Intense focus on specific interests, sometimes to the exclusion of other activities
• Difficulty with organization, planning, or time management
• Overwhelmed in noisy or chaotic environments, leading to meltdowns or withdrawal
• Strong preference for rules and fairness, sometimes becoming rigid about them
If you notice any of these signs, consider:
1. Tracking Behavior – Keep a journal of behaviors and milestones.
2. Talking to Your Pediatrician – Share concerns and ask for developmental screening.
3. Seeking an Evaluation – A specialist (e.g., developmental pediatrician, psychologist) can assess your child’s needs.
4. Early Intervention & Support – Therapy and accommodations can significantly improve skills and development.
Every child develops at their own pace, and showing some of these traits does not necessarily mean autism. However, if you have concerns, trust your instincts and seek professional guidance. Early support can help your child thrive.
Strong Attention to Detail
• Exceptional focus on specific tasks or topics
• Ability to notice patterns, details, and inconsistencies others may miss
• Precision in following instructions or routines
Deep Focus and Intense Interests
• Ability to concentrate for long periods on subjects they enjoy
• Passionate about specific topics (e.g., animals, science, math, technology, art)
• Strong memory for facts, figures, and information
Logical Thinking and Problem-Solving
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to recognize patterns and think systematically
• Enjoyment of puzzles, coding, or problem-solving activities
Honesty and Authenticity
• Speak their mind truthfully and directly
• Rarely engage in manipulation or deception
• Genuine in their interactions and emotions
Creativity and Innovation
• Unique ways of thinking and seeing the world
• Often excel in creative fields such as music, art, and storytelling
• Inventive approaches to problem-solving
Strong Work Ethic and Perseverance
• High level of dedication and persistence in tasks they find interesting
• Often meticulous and detail-oriented in projects or hobbies
• Ability to develop expertise in specialized areas
Reliability and Rule-Following
• Strong sense of fairness and justice
• Thrive in structured environments with clear rules and expectations
• Excellent at following routines and schedules
Sensory Strengths
• Heightened awareness of sounds, textures, or visuals
• Unique appreciation for sensory experiences like music or patterns
• Strong memory for sensory details (e.g., remembering places by smells or sounds)
Visual and Spatial Skills
• Ability to think in pictures and visualize concepts
• Strengths in hands-on learning, puzzles, or maps
• Often excel in engineering, design, or architecture-related activities
Unique Perspectives and Insights
• Offer fresh perspectives on problems or situations
• Think outside the box and challenge conventional ideas
• Bring creativity and innovation to group discussions
This year, we are bring the Monique Burr Foundation for Children's Child Safety Matters program back to Pine River. Our students in grades K-4 will be receiving instruction that will empower them with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, cyberbullying, all types of abuse, and digital abuse dangers.The program will be instructed by Lindsay Chopp of the St. Clair County Child Abuse & Neglect Council and will cover the following topics:
- Safety awareness
- Shared responsibility for safety
- Safe Adults
- Types of abuse
- Red Flags
- Safety Rules
- Bullying
- Cyberbullying
- Digital abuse
- Digital safety tips
- Digital citizenship.
Each grade level will gather together to receive an hour of instruction on two different days in April. The lessons are tailored to the age and developmental levels of the students in each particular grade.
If you would like to opt your student out of this program, please fill out the form linked below and return it to school by Monday, April 7, 2025.
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we will soon begin the important process of assigning students to classrooms. Our goal is to create well-balanced learning environments that meet the needs of all students in the best way possible. This process is done with great care and intention, considering a variety of factors, including academic needs, social dynamics, and learning styles.
While we do not accept requests for specific teachers, parents who would like to provide insight into how their child learns best may do so by completing a Classroom Consideration Form (linked below). This input is reviewed as one factor in our overall placement process. To be considered, forms must be filled out completely and submitted no later than May 16, 2025. Late forms and requests for specific teachers will not be considered.
Thank you for your partnership as we work to create the best possible learning environment for all Pine River students!
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 March, Mrs. Jensen's class earned this prestigious honor! Keep up the great work keeping your classrooms clean, Pioneers!
Using Skyward to Access Your Student's Information
How to log into to Skyward Family Access:
- Go to the district home web page at www.ecsd.us.
- Click on the Parents link, then Family Access link.
- Enter your Login ID and Password on the Skyward Family Access login screen.
Yard Sign Pickup
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.
