Pinewood News

Pinewood Families,

It’s hard to believe we’re sitting down to write the May newsletter. It feels like just yesterday we were greeting you at the front doors, helping students find their classrooms, and settling into a brand new school year. And now, here we are—with just a few weeks to go—and your kids look like they’ve grown a school year taller, and without a doubt, a school year smarter too.

The building is buzzing in the best way right now. Students are wrapping up big projects, finishing books, and starting to reflect on just how much they’ve learned since September. There’s a proud energy in the air—you can feel it in the classrooms, the hallways, and even out at recess. They’ve worked hard, and it shows.

There’s a lot happening in the next few weeks—Showcase of Learning Night (Thursday, May 1, from 5:00–6:30 PM), field trips, MAP testing, classroom celebrations, and of course, our special send-off for 5th graders as they get ready for middle school. Showcase of Learning is a time for your child to shine—to share their growth, accomplishments, and all the work they’re proud of. Let’s fill the building with families and celebrate our incredible Pinewood students together!

As we head into this final stretch, thank you for all the ways you’ve supported your child and our school community this year. Whether it was helping with schoolwork, attending communication nights, volunteering, or just sending your student to school ready to learn—we see it, and we’re grateful. Let’s finish strong and soak up these last seven weeks together.

Lena Christiansen, Principal

Cory Wade, Associate Principal

With the weather getting nicer, we’ve seen a big increase in students walking, biking, or getting dropped off before 8:55. Just a friendly reminder—our school day begins at 9:20, and doors open for breakfast at 8:55.

Students who arrive before 8:55 and are not part of a scheduled activity or Y-Care are left unsupervised, which creates a safety concern. Please help us keep all students safe by making sure your child is not dropped off before 8:55.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping Pinewood a safe and welcoming place for all students!

As we plan for the 2025-2026 school year, we hear from students and teachers about their hopes for next year. Your feedback is essential in helping us create the best possible learning environment for your child. While we cannot accommodate specific teacher requests, your input will guide us in making thoughtful and informed placement decisions. If you'd like to collaborate with us in this process, please complete this optional form by May 2.

“Ooh, you're simply the best. Better than all the rest. Better than anyone. Anyone I've ever met.”
That Tina Turner classic was playing on my way to school this morning—and with Staff Appreciation Week coming up, the lyrics feel more true than ever.

From Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 9, we’ll be celebrating our amazing teachers, paras, and staff here at Pinewood. A huge thank you to our wonderful PTA for helping make this week so special!

If you'd like to join in, consider sending a kind note or message to the adults who work with your child every day. A little appreciation goes a long way!

Monday, April 28th & Tuesday, April 29th

9:30-2:00 5th grade -Baker Outdoor Learning field trip

4:00-5:00 Track starts ( see Track calendar below)

Thursday, May 1st

5:00-6:30 Family Library Night / Showcase of Learning

Monday, May 5th

6:00pm PW/SS Orchestra Concert at ID

Thursday, May 8th

7:00 PW/SS Band Concert @ EW

Friday, May 16th

12:30 5th gr. visits EW

Tuesday, May 20th

6:30 PTA Meeting

Thursday, May 22nd

10:00 - 3:00pm 1st gr. field trip

Friday, May 23rd & Monday, May 26th

No School for students

Friday, May 30th

5:00-8:00 PTA CARNIVAL

Tuesday, June 3rd

1:00-2:30 4th gr. field trip

Wednesday, June 4th

9:30 2nd gr. field trip

10:00 5th gr. field trip

Thursday, June 5th

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

Please visit https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A09870130 before the deadline of Thursday, May 1st.

*To see if you already purchased a yearbook use this link: https://www.jostens.com/customer-service/yearbook-order-tracking.

We encourage parents of 1st through 4th graders to place your order. PTA has already purchased books for 5th graders.

All items are Buy-One-Get-One-Free

Shopping Hours:

Wednesday April 30, 9:30-6:00pm

Thursday May 1, 9:30-7:00pm (open during FLN)

Friday May 2, 9:30-6:00pm

Please volunteer if you're able:

Book Fair Signup

We want to thank our staff for a wonderful year!

Please sign up if you're able to bring baked goods (Monday) or sweet treats (Friday):

Teacher Appreciation Signup

Our final PTA meeting for the year will be Tuesday May 20 at 6:30pm in the Library.

We will be electing officers and appointing event chairs. We'll send out a list of open positions early May.

This is a great time to get (more) involved!

Save the Date!
The Annual Pinewood Carnival
Friday, May 30th 5-8pm

New this year! Pre-orders are available for meals and tickets:
Carnival Pre-order Sales

94% of parents believe our community receives a good value from Mounds View Public Schools.

The Summer EBT program has a new name: SUN Bucks. If your student receives Educational Benefits, you qualify for SUN Bucks! Qualifying families get a grocery benefit for each student this summer. Learn more about the SUN Bucks program here.

Mounds View Summer Band- Register Now!

July 7- July 31 (Mondays through Thursdays)

Registration deadline: June 13

Current band students may participate in the INTRODUCTION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND. Click here to view the times and locations and complete the online registration.

Current 4th graders have the opportunity to learn a band instrument in the SUMMER BEGINNING BAND PROGRAM. Small-group lessons for each instrument are offered at various schools and times during the morning and evening. Click here to view your options and complete the online registration. Click here for information on instrument rentals.

Join us for our bonus Valleyfair Band Day on Friday, August 1. Click here for more details.

Click here for more information about Summer Band. Questions? Contact Mrs. Sorem at brenda.sorem@moundsviewschools.org or 651-621-7763.

Registration for summer activities is open now! Flip through the electronic catalog and register at mvpschools.org/RegisterCommunityEd.

Yog xa tau kev pab thiab hais ua lus Hmoob thov hu rau Bao Thao: 651-272-0972. Haddi aad ubaahantahay faahfaahin dheerad-ah ama turjamaad, fadlan kala soo xidid Muna Mohamed lambaraka 651-262-4577. Para asistencia o preguntas en Español por favor contacte a Angel Toro: 651-724-2854 o Carmen Bender: 612-494-3895.