R.F. Pettigrew Panther Tracks

Mr. Tim Wagner,

Pettigrew Elementary Principal

7 Mindsets

This month, we are embracing the mindset of Passion First: Pursue your authentic talents and deepest interests. This isn't just about hobbies; it's about the fundamental belief that every student has a unique set of gifts, strengths, and curiosities—their own "unique genius." For our school, this mindset means we actively encourage students to explore, discover, and develop those intrinsic interests. By helping them connect to what truly excites them, we are building a foundation for self-driven motivation, helping them set authentic, meaningful goals, and instilling the resilience they will need to turn their greatest passions into a purposeful life.

I encourage you to join us in this focus at home. Pay close attention to what your child does without being asked—the activities that make them lose track of time or bring them genuine joy. Take a moment to ask them, "What is it about that activity that truly excites you?" Simply acknowledging and supporting their authentic interests is the most powerful way you can reinforce the Passion First mindset and encourage them to fully step into their potential.

GROWL AWARD

I have given out many GROWL Awards in the first quarter. Thank you for submitting names of staff members who have gone above and beyond to support your student and family this year. Remember, the GROWL Award is active all year long and you can nominate any staff member using this link: GROWL Award

Health Newsletter

As the year progresses closer to winter, we often get questions that are health related. We have put together a health newsletter that can assist you in knowing what to do when your child is under the weather: Ready to ROAR: Staying Health at Pettigrew

Finally, I want to say thank you for your continued support. We have the best school - best staff, best students, best families!

Music

All grade levels have been working on learning or reviewing steady beat and rhythms. Kindergarten through fourth grades have also learned about the music of the Oceti Sakowin people.

Kindergarteners have been learning about echo, high and low, music comparatives, and the body scale. We have been doing a lot of movement and playing instruments.

First graders have been learning about quarter and eighth notes rhythms, fast and slow tempos, forte and piano dynamics, and high and low melodies.

Second graders have been practicing rhythms using quarter, eighth, and half notes. They also know quarter and half rests. Second graders have learned dynamics (pp, p, mp, mf, f, and ff). Time signature was introduced and singing with pitches sol, mi, and la has continued.

Third graders have been reviewing rhythms and have added whole notes and sixteenth notes to their collection of note values. Counting rhythms numerically has been a fun, new adventure. They have learned ‘pentatonic’ and high ‘do’.

Fourth graders have learned about melodic direction (steps, skips, leaps, and repeats). They also learned rondo form, syncopation, and are getting great at improvising rhythms.

Fifth graders have been busy learning music and choreography for their upcoming musical program entitled, “Razzamajazz!” The program will take place on Thursday, November 20 with a matinee that will be performed for Pettigrew’s staff and students and an evening performance that will take place at 7 pm for family and other guests they choose to invite. They are extremely excited to present their program!

Musically,

Mrs. Karla Wahl & Mr. Mark Ferri

Art

We just finished up 1st quarter projects and are excited to be working on 2nd quarter projects in the art rooms! For 1st quarter, all grade levels learned about lines and shapes. In 2nd quarter, all grade levels will be learning about color and value.

Kindergarteners will be identifying colors, specifically the primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and the secondary colors (orange, green, violet) and using them in their artwork.

1st Graders will also be identifying the primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and the secondary colors (orange, green, violet) and will be mixing the secondary colors from the primary colors.

2nd Graders will be mixing the primary colors (red, yellow, blue) to make the secondary colors (orange, green, violet). They’ll also be learning about and using the warm colors (red, orange, yellow) and cool colors (blue, green, violet).

3rd Graders will be creating a 12-hue color wheel by mixing primary and secondary colors to make tertiary colors (yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, red-violet, red-orange, yellow-orange) and will be experimenting with a variety of painting techniques.

4th Graders will be exploring color mixing and using many different color schemes such as analogous (colors next to each other on the color wheel) and complementary (colors across from each other on the color wheel).

5th Graders will be learning how to show feelings in their art by using specific colors and will be creating art with color dimension such as using a monochromatic color scheme (all one color with tints and shades of that color).

At the end of the quarter, all grade levels will also have a lesson inspired by art history or cultural connections that builds upon the 2nd quarter skills.

This quarter is sure to be a colorful one in the art rooms!

-Mrs. Meyer and Ms. Selberg

What’s going well?

Students have been working hard, having fun, and staying safe during PE class.
Students are earning sports cards, PAWS tickets, and golden tickets to reward their effort, sportsmanship, and teamwork in PE.
Sportsmanship is an emphasis in PE this year.

What have we worked on?

K-2 students have been working on overhand throwing, kicking, locomotor movements, and perceptual motor skills. They have also run the pacer test.
3-5 students have completed units in soccer, football, and volleyball. They have run the pacer test and completed push up and curl up tests for fitnessgram.

What’s coming up?

During quarter 2, K-2 Students will be working on volleying skills, long handled implements, rhythms, as well as continuing perceptual motor centers.
3-5 students will be working on long handled/hockey skills, cooperative activities, and tagging and dodging games during quarter 2.

Reminders

All students are expected to wear tennis shoes to PE class. Shoes should allow students to run safely and should stay on their feet if they kick. Non marking soles are appreciated by our custodial staff.
If you send a student to school with an injury that inhibits their ability to participate in PE, a Dr’s note with restrictions should be turned into the office.
Please feel free to reach out to Mr. Mohr or Mr. Tuschen with any questions or concerns. Brandon.mohr@k12.sd.us Kyle.tuschen@k12.sd.us

Explore Reading at Home with Online Databases! 📚💻

Looking for fun and educational ways to keep your child reading at home? Check out these amazing online resources we use at school:

BookFlix – A fun pairing of fiction and nonfiction books with read-alouds, animations, and learning games.
Epic! – A huge digital library with thousands of books, audiobooks, and videos your child can explore based on their interests. This subscription allows students to enjoy reading while they’re at school, but it does not include home access after school hours. It would be a great resource if your child is home sick or perhaps on a snow day.
Sora – Our school's digital library, where students can check out eBooks and audiobooks anytime, anywhere!

These platforms support reading skills and keep learning exciting both in and out of the classroom. Ask your child how we access these resources through Classlink. If you need additional support, feel free to reach out to the school librarians!

Happy reading! 📖✨

K01 Sawyer Otte

K02 Ophelia Greene

K03 Oliver Olson

101 Henry Kemmis

103 Austin Arnoldy

104 Luna Rivera

105 Keila Kuhlmann

201 Leo Hudelson

202 Cooper Mckenzie

203 Adalyn Renteria

205 Hailey Appl

301 Bhan Wuor

302 Brooks Hamburg

303 Lincoln Majeres

304 Maverick Fujan

305 Marley Martin

402 Avery VanDeBerg

403 Amari Joseph

404 Haddie VanDeBerg

405 Elena WInter

501 Adeline DeSmet

503 Olivia Freeman

504 Brinley Bauer

Join the PTO Facebook group here!

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FREE Child Screenings

The Sioux Falls School District offers free developmental screenings for children from birth to age five who reside within the district’ boundaries. We will check your child’s development in the areas of motor skills, concepts, and language. We also complete a free vision and hearing check. Screenings are done throughout the year from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. We can also get your child registered for Head Start if you meet eligibility requirements. For information or to schedule a free appointment, call the Early Childhood screening office at 605-367-8488. The Early Childhood Screening office is located at 2205 N. Career Avenue.