Pathfinder Weekly Compass

Hello, Pathfinder Families!

That's a wrap on the first quarter! Middle school is a great time for students to learn how to be students: keeping track of assignments, asking questions, managing their time, checking grades, and figuring out what to do when something isn’t going well. They’re not expected to have all of that mastered yet. This is the time to practice it.

As the quarter wraps up, please take a look at your student’s grades and talk with them about anything that may need attention. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to the teacher directly. We want students learning to advocate for themselves, but we also want families to know we’re here to help. Quarter 1 grades will be viewable in MISTAR on Monday, October 26.

Quick reminder that energy drinks are not permitted at Pathfinder. Also, while we're entering a particularly cozy season when we want to bundle up and relax, students should not be bringing blankets or toys (stuffed or otherwise) to school.

We’re also getting close to Halloween, so you’ll find our costume expectations below. Students are welcome to have some fun with it on October 30, but costumes need to be school appropriate, with no masks or face coverings and no weapon props.

Next week's newsletter will include information about signing up for conferences, which are the week of November 2.

Thanks for continuing to partner with us as we help students finish the quarter strong. We appreciate your support.

Have a great weekend!

Tami

• Friday, October 23: The Middle Theatre Troupe Auditions (see below)
• Friday, October 23: Climate Survey in Seminar classes
• Monday, October 26: Quarter 1 report cards viewable in MISTAR
• Friday, October 30: Free Youth Halloween Party for all students by the Livingston Family Center
• Week of November 2: Conferences
• Tuesday, November 3: NO SCHOOL
• Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6: Half Day - Dismissal at 11:15 a.m.

This week, we’re celebrating Sam R., Sadie S., Matthew D., Ryan T., Avery C., Mairin D., Makena A., Abigail W., Sydney C., Lillian M., Lexie C., Cadyn J., Julia M., Braylon Z., Serinna N., Mackenzie M., Axel C., Maci M., and Whitney S. as our P2 Champions of Prudence for the thoughtful choices, good judgment, and care they show in the way they approach school and others. We’re also recognizing Ms. McHugh as our staff Champion of Prudence for the thoughtfulness, planning, and care she brings to her work with students and staff every day.

While Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, we've been getting questions about students dressing up at school on Friday. Students may wear costumes that follow our school dress code and allow them to move comfortably and participate in class. No costume masks or face coverings (including full face paint), weapon props (even toys), fake blood or gore, or costumes with offensive or inappropriate messages. It's important that we keep students recognizable and able to participate in learning without distracting others.

Help us celebrate our amazing staff! Please share a message of gratitude for a teacher or staff member who has positively impacted your child or family. You can remain anonymous if you wish. Either way, your message will be shared with them through a certificate of appreciation.

To share a message of gratitude, please fill out this form for any of our teaching and non-teaching staff.

The Pathfinder Climate Survey is an anonymous survey used to identify school climate issues within our school.

The survey for middle school students includes 36 questions and should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. The survey is anonymous, but we would like to give parents/guardians the option to opt-out if desired. The data collected from the survey will be used to identify student perceptions of school climate issues within our school.

School staff use the results to inform our efforts at improving our school climate. Responses are housed securely in an anonymous format with the University of Oregon Technical Assistance Center projects for evaluation research purposes. All evaluation research projects are in compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, (343 CFR 99.31 (6)) and human subjects regulations (Protection of Human Subjects 45 CFR 46).

Our desire is to involve parents in their children’s education. Our desire is to involve parents in their children’s education. If you do not wish for your child to participate in this important activity, please complete this opt out form by Friday, October 16. If you would like to examine the survey, click here to see the questions that are being asked of students.

The Pathfinder Parent Connect (PTO) is getting ready for our annual fundraiser, which kicks off on October 23. More information will be coming home before then, but they could use a little help now with donations for the daily prizes students can earn as they collect pledges.

The PTO would also like to help us celebrate our P2 Champions each month. These students are recognized by staff for showing the Positivity Project character trait we’re focusing on. We’re looking for Dollar Store gift card donations so we can pick up a few small prizes for those students.

Thank you for helping us make both of these things a little more fun for our kids!

Click here to sign up.

Please note: Questions about the yearbook should be directed to the advisor, Kayla Dombrowski at pathfinderyearbook1@gmail.com

The Yearbook Club wants to ensure every student is included in this year’s book! We are looking for photos of our students participating in sports (school or community), local clubs, hobbies, and candid moments with friends. Group photos are especially welcome!

Please upload your photos using our secure portal: https://www.buytheyearbook.com/en/
The school code is: 737842

Note: You will be prompted to create a quick, free account. Once logged in, simply drop your photos into the designated category folders. Thank you for helping us capture this year’s memories!

We’re looking for more Watch D.O.G.S. volunteers at Pathfinder. The program gives dads, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, and other male role models a chance to spend time in the building, connect with students, and be another positive adult presence during the school day.

Interested in learning more or signing up? Reach out to us for details.

Families can stay connected to Google Classroom in two different ways:

1. Guardian summaries: Parents and guardians can receive email summaries that include missing work, upcoming assignments, and recent class activity. To get started, email your student’s teachers and ask them to send you a Google Classroom guardian invitation. Once you accept it, you can choose how often you’d like to receive summaries.
2. Review Classroom with your student: For a more detailed look, sit down with your student and have them open Google Classroom using their school account. This allows you to see assignments, directions, due dates, submitted work, feedback, and other class information together.

Guardian summaries give you the big picture. Reviewing Classroom with your student gives you the details.

MISTAR is the best place for families to check grades, attendance, report cards, fees, and lunch account information.

If you already have a MISTAR account, you can log in through the district’s Parent Portal. If you do not have your PIN and password, or need help accessing your account, complete the district’s MISTAR Help Form. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response.

When checking grades in MISTAR, make sure to click “View All” so you can see the full list of assignments and not just the most recent ones.

You can also access MISTAR on your phone using the Q Parent Connect app.

Pathfinder is looking for Special Education Aides to join our team. The most important qualification? You have to love working with kids. We’re looking for caring, dependable people who want to support students and be part of a great school community.

Interested or know someone who might be a great fit? Please share! Here's a link to apply: https://pinckneypirates.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5862269

Upcoming School Activities

• Tuesday Dungeons and Dragons 3-4 p.m. in Media Center
• Wednesday Yearbook club 3-4 p.m. in Media Center
• Saturday Robotics Club 9-10:30 a.m. in room 402

• The Middle Auditions October 23 3:30 p.m. Choir Room

• Last home games for football and volleyball are next week:

• Monday, October 19: Volleyball at 4:15 p.m.

• Tuesday, October 20: Football at 4:15 p.m. at PCHS

Boys Basketball Tryouts

See flyers below. All players must have proof of an athletic physical dated on or after April 15, 2026 in order to try out.

You must also register with Athletics before tryouts: Register Here

Pinckney Boys’ Travel Basketball

All boys in grades 4–6 interested in competitive basketball are encouraged to try out.

Tryout Dates:

Sunday, October 18 from 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 20 from 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Location: Pinckney Community High School gymnasium

Players should attend both sessions if possible, but must attend at least one to be considered for a roster spot. Please arrive 15 minutes early for registration. For more information, contact Matt Seidl, Director of Athletics.

Middle School Competitive Cheer Tryouts

Competitive Cheer tryouts for students in grades 6–8 will be held:

Monday, November 9 & Tuesday, November 10

5:30–7:30 p.m.

Navigator Mezzanine

A mandatory parent meeting will be held on October 22 at 6:15 p.m. at Navigator.

Students must have proof of an athletic physical dated on or after April 15, 2026 and must register with Athletics before tryouts: Register Here

No experience is required.

For more information, contact Coach Krista at pinckneycheerleading@gmail.com.

Concessions Help

Would your student like to help with concessions at upcoming athletic events?

Sign Up for Concessions Help

If you shop at Busch’s, you can help support your student’s Washington D.C. trip by enrolling in the Cash for Education program. If your student does not attend the trip in 8th grade, the funds will instead be used to support Pathfinder students in the building.

Once you’re signed up through your MyWay account, eligible purchases earn money for the school organizations you choose. You can select up to four organizations each quarter, and enrollment must be renewed each year.

The attached guide walks you through exactly how to enroll.

If you shop at Kroger, you can help support Pathfinder Washington D.C. scholarship fund through Kroger Community Rewards. Once you link your Shopper’s Card to Pathfinder in your Kroger account, eligible purchases help generate donations for our school at no additional cost to you. Be sure to select Pathfinder DC Trip for your rewards to support the scholarships.

The HUB is a local after-school space in downtown Pinckney where students can hang out, participate in activities, and get academic support. Students who have a contract on file with The HUB and have also submitted a destination form to Transportation may ride the bus there on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

For more information, please contact Bridgette Rosek: brosek@pinckneypirates.org

Below is a link to the sign up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BA4AE23A4FAC43-hubafter#/

Our student handbook is a helpful resource for families and includes information about attendance, academics, student behavior, school policies, technology, transportation, athletics, and more. Please take some time to review it with your student so everyone starts the year with a clear understanding of our expectations and procedures.

• Monday–Thursday: 7:40 a.m.–2:44 p.m.
• Friday: 7:40 a.m.–1:25 p.m.
• Half day: 7:40 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
• Drop off for students: 7:15 a.m.

Tami Heinonen, Principal

Shawn Kelley, Dean of Students

Madalyn Parker, Student & Family Specialist

Attendance

Main Office: 810-225-5200

Attendance: 810-225-5210

Pathfinder School

2100 E. M-36

Pinckney, MI 48169