October is ADHD Awareness Month

October is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Awareness Month. Be on the lookout for information about ADHD and join in with everyone wearing orange for awareness on October 9th. As seen in this iceberg, some components of ADHD are more visible but there are many other crucial components that are not as easy to see. It is a great month to explore this specific type of neurodivergence that so many of all ages in our Pine River Community work through daily.

St. Clair Rotary Club: Socktober

Parent Teacher Conferences

We are excited for Parent Teacher Conferences! In order to schedule these conferences, we will be using the conference scheduling feature that can be found on Skyward Family Access. You must schedule conferences on a computer, not the Skyward app, and scheduling will be open on Thursday, October 8th, at 4:00 p.m. and close on Friday, October 16th, at 12:00 p.m. Our goal is to connect with all of our parents and guardians about their children's progress during Parent Teacher Conferences.

CONFERENCE DATE

Thursday, October 22

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Scheduling Conference in Skyward

Scheduling Window: October 8 - October 16

Here is how to schedule a conference:

1. Log on to Skyward Family Access. (If you have forgotten your Skyward password, you can request to have your information emailed to you by clicking the “Forgot Password” link below the login.)

2. Choose your student.

3. Click the Conferences link on the left hand side. Click All Conferences to see all teachers for which you may schedule conferences.

4. To view the available times, choose Select a Time next to each teacher with which you wish to schedule a conference.

5. From the available times listed choose the date/time you want by clicking Select.

6. Confirm your time choice by reviewing the information and clicking Save.

7. Once you choose times, the space marked Status will begin to fill in with your choices. Repeat steps 2 through 5 to schedule conference times for additional students.

8. When you have finished making your appointments, click Print All Scheduled Conferences to keep a copy for your records.

If you make a mistake or your plans change, you can remove a time from the schedule. At any time prior to the reservation deadline, you can log back in:

● Click Teacher Conferences and click Unschedule in the View Scheduled Times window. It will ask you to confirm

● Click Save if you are sure you want to unschedule that time. (If you’re not seeing “Unschedule”, click the View Scheduled Times link next to the student’s name).

● This will return the time slot back to the queue and allow you to select another time for that teacher.

Halloween Guidelines

Classrooms will celebrate Halloween on October 30th, which is a half day of school. Following are some guidelines for the day.

Normal instruction, teaching, and learning will be occurring in the classroom most of the school day. In addition, students are expected to participate in normal school activities and classes (i.e. recess, physical education, art, etc.).
Students may come to school in costume for the day. These costumes must be simple and comfortable for the students to wear the entire day. Costumes cannot be changed at school.
Costumes cannot be too scary, gory, or violent in any way. This includes any accessory item.
Toy guns, knives, arrows, swords, chains, or any other toy weapon accessories cannot be brought to school.
For safety and accountability reasons, masks that fully cover the face cannot be worn at school.
Light makeup and/or hair color are allowed, but must be applied before school, not during the school day.
Teachers will send information about volunteer opportunities for parents if they need assistance in the classroom for Halloween activities.

Halloween Parade

Students will parade outside around the school at 9:15 a.m. (weather permitting; cancelled in the event of rain). Families are warmly invited to come watch and enjoy the fun!

The parade route will begin at the front entrance doors with students exiting and walking past the Kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade classrooms before looping to the gaga ball pit, where students will re-enter the building.

To help us keep all students safe and the parade running smoothly, we ask that families:

Stay outside the building at all times.
Stand on the bus loop, grass, or woodchips around the school.
Please remain off the sidewalks during the parade to allow students and staff to pass safely.
Feel free to wave, cheer, and take photos as the classes go by!

Golden Dustpan Award

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 September, Mrs. Wahl's class earned this prestigious honor! Keep up the great work keeping your classrooms clean, Pioneers!

ECSD Transportation Handbook

Attendance

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.

Artsonia

We are so proud of the creative masterpieces our students are making in art class this year, and you can view them anytime through Artsonia! Mrs. Trudeau and Mrs. Antonelli have begun uploading artwork this week into the galleries. You should have received a code earlier this month via email and attached to the art newsletter sent home with your child on how to access your child's gallery. If you did not receive a code, please contact your child’s art teacher.

Through our Artsonia program, you can browse your child’s digital art portfolio and order custom keepsakes that make perfect gifts for parents, grandparents, and friends!

How Your Order Helps Pine River: Artsonia donates 20% of all merchandise purchases directly back to our school's art classroom. These funds are used to purchase special art supplies, clay, paint, and tools that enhance our students' creative experience!

Your PTO & Where Does the Money Comes From?

The short answer? YOU! ❤️

Have you ever wondered where the money comes from to pay for all the fun, special experiences, programs, and extras your kids enjoy at Pine River Elementary?

It comes from our Pine River families!

The PTO is made up of parent volunteers who donate their time, energy, and resources to make our kids' elementary experience as fun, memorable, and enriching as possible. But while our volunteers give their time, our programs and activities are funded by the money our families help us raise throughout the year.

And every fundraiser matters.

Whether it's a popcorn sale, spirit wear purchase, concession stand, Fun Run donation, or a donation from a local business, every dollar adds up and goes directly toward supporting our students, staff, and school.

Why are we sharing this?

We want to be more transparent about where PTO money comes from and where it goes. We also want every family to understand that when you support a PTO fundraiser, you're not just buying something or making a donation — you're helping pay for experiences your child gets to enjoy at Pine River.

Throughout the school year, the PTO works hard to raise money through fundraisers such as:

🍿 Popcorn and Spirit Day Passes
👕 Spirit Wear and Blanket Sales
🍿 Concession Sales
🏃 Our FUN RUN EVENT – HAPPENING NOW!!
And other fundraising opportunities throughout the year

Those dollars allow us to provide a LOT for our Pine River students and families!

So, where does the money go?

Here are just some of the things your PTO was planning to provide:

🎉 Student & Family Events

Fun Run
Truck or Treat
Holiday Family Fun Night
Spring Magic Show
March Is Reading Month Literacy Night
Derby Car Racing Night
Field Day Inflatables

🎄 Holiday & Special Experiences

Lighted Santa Parade Float
Holiday Santa Shoppe
Veterans Day Celebration for families
Fifth Grade Celebration
Second Grade Chicken Hatching

📚 Learning & Enrichment

After-School Enrichment Program
Four Schoolwide Assemblies
Reflex Program
Scholastic Book Fairs
Scholastic Newsletter Subscription
New headphones for every student
Student of the Month signs and stickers

💙 Supporting Our Staff

Staff Appreciation during conferences
Monthly Golden Dustpan Awards and treats
Teacher stipends to help offset classroom expenses

🚌 Helping Families

Bus stipends for field trips for every family

And this is just the beginning!

We love being able to say YES when our school and teachers come to us with ideas that will benefit our kids. But our ability to keep saying yes depends on the financial support we receive from our Pine River families and community.

Simply put: When fundraising goals are met, we can do more. When they aren't, we have to make difficult budget decisions and reduce what we can provide.

And that's why every family matters.

You don't have to make a huge donation. You don't have to participate in every fundraiser. We simply ask that, when and where you can, please support the PTO.

Every dollar. Every fundraiser. Every family. It all makes a difference. ❤️

If you are able to donate, participate in a fundraiser, purchase spirit wear, volunteer your time, or share a fundraiser with family, friends, or local businesses, you are helping make Pine River a special place for our kids.

And if you ever have questions about PTO fundraising, our budget, or how your support is being used, please ask! We want our families to understand, feel comfortable, and know that we are working hard to make every dollar count. (Link to the PTO Budget - https://tr.ee/cbU2FCP4WV)

We are incredibly grateful for the support our Pine River families already provide. Together, we can continue giving our kids the fun, memorable experiences and extra opportunities that make their years at Pine River so special.

Thank you for your support - The Pine River PTO! 💙

If we reach our goal of raising $25,000 with our Fun Run Event, this will be possible!

Parent Teacher Organization News

Pine River PTO Information Hub

Click above to connect to the PTO Linktree!

Mobile Dentist Sign-Up

Mobile Dentist Registration

Sign up for a free dental check-up for your student on October 19, 2026.

Skyward Family Access

Using Skyward to Access Your Student's Information

Using a secure Login ID and password, you can log into Skyward Family Access and view your students’ data, such as progress reports, attendance records, report cards, transcripts, lunch information and more. Your one login to Family Access allows you to view data on all your enrolled students in the district, even if there are multiple school sites.

How to log into to Skyward Family Access:

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

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast Menu LINK

Lunch Menu LINK

Pioneer Code of Conduct

Pine River Pioneers are...

Kind,

Courteous,

Respectful,

Responsible,

and always Safe!

Pioneers of the Month

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: Alice Billing

Mrs. Schneider's Class: Parker Busuttil

First Grade

Mrs. Bean's Class: Declan Warner

Mrs. Gorski's Class: Charlotte Merlo

First/Second Grade Combined Class

Mrs. Ursitti's Class: Beaux Badaczewski

Second Grade

Mrs. Huston's Class: Roman Kolis

Ms. Minor's Class: McKinley Schocke

Third Grade

Mrs. Wahl's Class: James Senger

Mrs. West's Class: Heleena Shintoski

Fourth Grade

Mrs. Alley's Class: Kinsley Bosel

Ms. Benchley's Class: Cameron Lessick

Fifth Grade

Mrs. Pousha's Class: North Hill

Ms. Hutkowski's Class: Braden Everitt

Mrs. Sloat's Class: Camden Avila

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

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.

East China School District Mission & Vision

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.

Vision: Empowering every student, every voice and every future.

The Pine Bough

Pine River School Newsletter, October 2026

October is ADHD Awareness Month

St. Clair Rotary Club: Socktober

Parent Teacher Conferences

Scheduling Conference in Skyward

Scheduling Window: October 8 - October 16

Halloween Guidelines

Golden Dustpan Award

Attendance

Artsonia

Your PTO & Where Does the Money Comes From?

Parent Teacher Organization News

Mobile Dentist Sign-Up

Skyward Family Access

Using Skyward to Access Your Student's Information

Breakfast and Lunch

Pioneer Code of Conduct

Pioneers of the Month

Yard Sign Pickup

East China School District Mission & Vision

October is ADHD Awareness Month October is ADHD Awareness Month

St. Clair Rotary Club: Socktober St. Clair Rotary Club: Socktober

Parent Teacher Conferences Parent Teacher Conferences

Scheduling Conference in Skyward Scheduling Conference in Skyward

Scheduling Window: October 8 - October 16 Scheduling Window: October 8 - October 16

Halloween Guidelines Halloween Guidelines

Golden Dustpan Award Golden Dustpan Award

Attendance Attendance

Artsonia Artsonia

Your PTO & Where Does the Money Comes From? Your PTO & Where Does the Money Comes From?

Parent Teacher Organization News Parent Teacher Organization News

Mobile Dentist Sign-Up Mobile Dentist Sign-Up

Skyward Family Access Skyward Family Access

Using Skyward to Access Your Student's Information

Breakfast and Lunch Breakfast and Lunch

Pioneer Code of Conduct

Pioneers of the Month Pioneers of the Month

Yard Sign Pickup

East China School District Mission & Vision East China School District Mission & Vision

October is ADHD Awareness Month

St. Clair Rotary Club: Socktober

Parent Teacher Conferences

Scheduling Conference in Skyward

Scheduling Window: October 8 - October 16

Halloween Guidelines

Golden Dustpan Award

Attendance

Artsonia

Your PTO & Where Does the Money Comes From?

Parent Teacher Organization News

Mobile Dentist Sign-Up

Skyward Family Access

Breakfast and Lunch

Pioneers of the Month

East China School District Mission & Vision