Pathfinder Weekly Compass

Hello!

It looks like we have a great weekend ahead of us. Following up Pink Week, I hope you all enjoy the rest. There was a lot of great energy at Pathfinder this week and we're so thankful for our community for participating in an awesome Pink Week.

In Seminar, students have been learning about prudence, which is really about thinking ahead and making choices that help us reach our goals. With the end of the quarter getting closer, it’s a pretty timely focus. This is a good time for students to look at where they are, what still needs attention, and what choices they can make now to finish the quarter strong.

Keep reading for more information about Pink Week and other news.

Have a nice weekend!

Tami

• Thursday, October 15: 7th grade vaccination verification deadline (see below)
• Friday, October 16: End of Quarter 1
• Friday, October 23: The Middle Theatre Troupe Auditions (see below)

Pink Week was a pretty special one at Pathfinder. Between the pink-outs, Candy Grams, concessions, ribbons, photos, and everything in between, our students and staff really showed up.

Together, we raised $900.25 to support Mrs. Robson. A huge thank you to everyone who donated money, baked goods, supplies, time, or simply helped make the week happen. It was a really good example of what our Pathfinder community can do when we come together for one of our own.

We're starting a new tradition at Pathfinder. Our WEB leaders are taking the mic for our end-of-day announcements! We’re glad to have their voices helping us wrap up the school day and keep everyone in the loop.

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.

Students who do not have the required vaccination information or an approved waiver on file by October 15 will not be able to attend school until that requirement is met.

The State of Michigan requires all incoming seventh-grade students to be up to date on required vaccinations or have an immunization exemption (waiver) on file with the Livingston County Health Department before attending school.

Please check with your student’s healthcare provider to make sure they will meet these requirements by the first day of school. If vaccinations are needed, schedule appointments as soon as possible. Vaccinations can be obtained from your health care provider, the Livingston County Health Department, various health care clinics, and pharmacies.

Families choosing an immunization exemption (waiver) may complete the waiver process online through the Livingston County Health Department using this link.

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 3-4pm in Media Center
• Wednesday Yearbook club 3-4pm in Media Center
• Saturday Robotics Club 9-10:30 a.m. in room 402

• The Middle Auditions October 23 3:30 Choir Room

• Monday, October 12, 2026 4:15pm 7&8 Volleyball Home Pathfinder cx gym
• Tuesday, October 13, 2026 6:30pm Field Hockey Away at Novi MS
• Tuesday, October 13, 2026 4:14pm Football Away Springbrook MS
• Wednesday, October 14, 2026 4:15pm Volleyball Away Saline MS
• Wednesday, October 14, 2026 4:15pm Cross Country Away Tecumseh HS

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