The Pine Press
May 27-31, 2024
Message from the Principal
As the school year comes to a close, we reflect on the remarkable journey our fourth and fifth graders have embarked upon. It’s a time to celebrate the milestones achieved and the growth that has occurred, not just academically but also in the vital area of social-emotional learning.
The exceptional progress our students have made in their NWEA assessments is a testament not only to their hard work and perseverance but also to the unwavering support and dedication of our school community. Their growth is a source of immense pride for all of us, and it’s a clear sign that our students can soar to new heights of academic excellence with our collective support.
This year, we strongly emphasized social-emotional learning, understanding that education extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. Our students have learned the importance of empathy, resilience, and teamwork. They’ve grown into more compassionate peers and thoughtful individuals, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow with grace and confidence.
From hands-on science experiments to interactive history lessons through museum tours, we’ve provided many learning experiences that have sparked curiosity and fostered a love for learning. These experiences are the building blocks for a lifelong journey of discovery, and we’re proud to have laid down a strong foundation.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our teachers. Their commitment to our student’s success has been the driving force behind this year’s achievements. They’ve adapted, innovated, and inspired, always putting the needs of our students first.
As we bid farewell to this academic year, we carry forward the lessons learned and the memories made. We wish our fifth-grade students much success as they enter their first year of middle school. To all our students, continue to strive for greatness. To our teachers, thank you for lighting the path. Here’s to a future brimming with possibilities!
Have a wonderful summer.
Your partner in education,
Dr. Konowalow
K-5 Summer School
Change of Student Dismissal Plan
Mark Your Calendar!
June 6, 2024 Last day of school
PAES Student and Staff Values
The Pine Staff and students see failure as an opportunity to learn rather than a negative reflection on oneself. We value the lessons learned from our mistakes.
The Pine staff and students are committed to one another and treat each other with respect. We value high expectations of ourselves and others too.
The Pine Staff and students value kindness. We strive to be kind to one another, being considerate of one another, and always using our manners.
The Pine Staff and students value integrity and strive to always do the right thing, even owning and learning from our mistakes. As a school we are driven by a clear moral compass.
The Pine Staff and students strive to ensure all learners feel welcomed and accepted. We value the inclusion of everyone and want everyone to feel they belong.
PAES Student Behavior Norms
Always show your ROARS.
Look ahead, not back. Each moment and day are a new beginning.
Meet high expectations and goals for yourself, and always display GRIT.
Build positive relationships with everyone. Care about each person, and make sure they know you care.
Follow directions, procedures, and always do your best.
Respect yourself and others.
Always play fair, include others, and use words to resolve problems and conflicts.
Take responsibility for your actions, accept consequences, and the word no.
Do not spend time engaging in rumors or making fun of someone, and always remember words can hurt.
Panther Paws and Student of the Week
PPanther Paws are used as an incentive to promote positive school behaviors throughout the school setting. Students earn Panther Paws when they are caught displaying their ROARS behaviors. As students acquire Panther Paws, they turn them to enter Panther Paw drawing every Friday. Mr. Nevins draws Panther Paws and announces the winner over the loudspeaker. Panther Paw winners pick a prize from the Panther Paw Prize Cart.
Each week, one student per class will receive the teacher-selected Student-of-the-Week. Teacher-selection is based on students consistently displaying their ROARS, PAES Behavior Norms, and learning grit. Student-of-Week winner will receive a mini certificate and will have the class Student-of-the-Week trophy sit on their desk for the week.
We look forward to celebrating all of our students and their accomplishments. Please know that each week we attempt to get all the pictures of our winners, student pictures are updated regularly.
Alma Public Schools Behavior Expectations
Volume levels are being taught and reinforced in classrooms and buildings with K-5 students. This structure allows students to be mindful of their voice level across the various school settings when interacting with others throughout the school day. Volume levels are being taught and reinforced in classrooms and buildings with K-5 students, and this structure teaches students to be mindful of their voice level when interacting with their peers across various school settings. Throughout the school day, students utilize the appropriate level based on the learning activity they are engaged in based on the direction of the teacher.
ROARS stands for Respect Others, Act Responsibly, and be Safe. These are district-wide behavior expectations that all staff members reference as they provide instruction in the classroom and move throughout the school setting. ROARS is the anchor to all school procedures and routines.
APS APP/Rooms
Please make sure you are using and checking the APS app, Rooms. Using APS APP-Rooms is how your child's teacher will communicate with you throughout the year. Studies show that parent involvement in a child's education increases the student's education. Your partnership with this program is essential. Each week, you will learn about what is happening in class and the many excellent learning opportunities the teacher provides for your child. Remember to turn on the notifications.
Pine Avenue Elementary Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
MORNING Drop Off:
Pull all the way forward to the light post to drop off students.
Keep students in the vehicle until you are past the overhang at the entrance.
AFTERNOON Pick Up:
Pull all the way forward until you are asked to stop by an adult. This is usually 2 car lengths past the light post.
For student safety, students will enter vehicles when told to do so by an adult.
- This occurs when the vehicle is past the light post.
Parents are asked to refrain from making left hand turns into the parking lot. This vehicle maneuver will cause the traffic to backup on Pine preventing a smooth flow of traffic.
Parents/guardians who are choosing to park in the parking lot and pick up their student afterschool:
- To ensure students' safety , please use the school's crosswalk which is located outside our main doors, by the overhang. This is the only location people should be crossing the parking lot for safety. We have a paraprofessional assigned to assist students in crossing upon seeing their parent/adult.