The Pine Bough

Dear Pine River Families,

As November arrives and we close the first quarter of our 2026-2027 school year, it feels like the perfect time to pause and reflect on the many blessings that surround us here at Pine River. My heart is full of gratitude for the incredible community we share: a community built on kindness, connection, and an unwavering commitment to our children.

Nine weeks in, our students have already grown in ways that make us proud. Their laughter, curiosity, and determination fill our halls each day, and we are seeing them gain confidence, empathy, and resilience alongside their academic skills. Watching that growth unfold is the greatest gift of our work.

Fall conferences gave us a wonderful chance to sit down together and celebrate that progress. Thank you to every family who made time to join us. Your questions, insights, and stories about your children helped our teachers see the whole child, and the goals we set together will guide our work as we move into the second quarter. If we missed connecting with you, please reach out to your child’s teacher. We would be glad to find a time to talk.

I am also grateful for the way you support your children at home, volunteer your time, and show up for our school community. That partnership, so clear in our conversations this fall, is the foundation for everything we do. Pine River wouldn’t be the same without your presence and care.

To our remarkable staff, thank you for pouring your hearts into every child who walks through our doors. This quarter, you have built relationships, learned who each child is, and created a place where students feel safe, seen, and celebrated every single day.

And to our wonderful PTO, thank you for always going above and beyond. Your generosity of time and spirit continually brings our school to life with joy-filled experiences that strengthen our Pine River family.

As we pause to look back on the first quarter, I am reminded that when we work together with care and purpose, extraordinary things happen for kids. I am truly grateful to be part of this caring and inspiring community, and I look forward to all that the second quarter will bring.

Thank you for entrusting us with your amazing children. Wishing you and your family a Thanksgiving season filled with warmth, peace, and gratitude.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Rachel Card

As we near Thanksgiving, we are excited to launch our upcoming Harvesting Kindness Food Drive, running from November 9th through November 13th.

This initiative is especially meaningful to us this year because our collection culminates on World Kindness Day (Friday, November 13th). It is a powerful opportunity for our students, staff, and families to come together and turn empathy into action by supporting local families in need.

We are constantly grateful for the warmth, generosity, and spirit of our Pine River community. Time and again, our Pioneers show what it truly means to lead with compassion and care for others. Every non-perishable item, box, or canned good brought in helps make a tangible difference right here in our community.

How You Can Help:

• What to Donate: Non-perishable food items (canned goods, boxed meals, dry pasta, cereal, etc.)

• When: November 9 – November 13

• Where: Students can bring donations directly to their classrooms each morning.

Thank you in advance for your incredible support and partnership in teaching our students the power of everyday kindness!

With gratitude,

Rachel Card

Kaiser Studios will be back for retakes on Tuesday, November 3rd. If you would like your student to be rephotographed, please return the original portrait package to the photographer on Retake Day, and Kaiser will take their photo and print a new package. New students, as well as students who were absent on the original Picture Day, will be photographed on Retake Day and can order pictures at that time.

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. Ann Marie and Mr. Josh, our custodians, will choose a class and present the award. Students in the class will receive a class certificate, a dustpan platter of cookies, and the honor of displaying the golden dustpan on their hallway cubbie.

For the month of October, Mrs. Bean's class earned this prestigious honor! Keep up the great work keeping your classrooms clean, Pioneers!

Your child's attendance and on-time arrival at school is important to us. Parents/guardians must report their child's absence on the school attendance line before 9:30 a.m. each day their child is absent from school. The attendance line is 810-676-1066. Records are kept of all absences and tardies. Parents will receive written notifications when their child is absent for 10 days, 15 days, or if the child has excessive tardies. The St. Clair County Truancy Officer may be contacted when a student has excessive absences or a pattern of poor attendance. Parents/guardians should save physician appointment receipts and other documentation should a student's attendance be questioned.

Please ensure your child is picked up on time each day. If a student is not picked up by 4:10 PM, office staff will need to contact local emergency services/law enforcement to ensure their safety.

To help avoid delays:

• Keep your contact and emergency contact information up to date with the main office.

• Identify a secondary contact or backup plan (such as a relative, neighbor, or friend) who is authorized to pick up your child.

• Register for Latchkey services in the main office for unexpected late pick-ups.

Thank you so much for your understanding, cooperation, and partnership in keeping our school community safe and respectful of everyone's time.

How to log into to Skyward Family Access:

1. Go to the ECSD website: https://www.eastchinaschools.org/
2. Click on the Parent Resources tab and scroll down to Skyward Family Access Login.
3. Enter your Login ID and Password on the Skyward Family Access login screen.
4. Reminder, your login is login is parent first name, a period, parent full last name.

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 one student 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.

Kindergarten

Mrs. Malburg's Class: Charlie Palmateer

Mrs. Schneider's Class: Yana Williams

First Grade

Mrs. Bean's Class: Lucy Smith

Mrs. Gorski's Class: Wyatt Burton

First/Second Grade Combined Class

Mrs. Ursitti's Class: Devin Markley

Second Grade

Mrs. Huston's Class: Beckett Molesworth

Ms. Minor's Class: Charlotte Quade

Third Grade

Mrs. Wahl's Class: Brynn Busuttil

Mrs. West's Class: Angelina Williams

Fourth Grade

Mrs. Alley's Class: Avery MacIntosh

Ms. Benchley's Class: Amelia Schocke

Fifth Grade

Mrs. Pousha's Class: Adilynn Bradford

Ms. Hutkowski's Class: Beatrice Vaughan

Mrs. Sloat's Class: Tatum Shaw

Pioneers of the Month will be honored at our STARS assembly on Thursday, October 29th at 2:45 p.m. in the gym. Parents of those students being recognized are welcome to attend.

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 East China School District in partnership with families and communities is dedicated to empowering all students through innovation and opportunity for a fulfilling life.