PES Monthly Memo

This month, our PBIS theme is Empathy — understanding and caring about how others feel. At Pecatonica Elementary, we’re reminding students that showing empathy helps make our school a kind and safe place for everyone!

Teachers will be highlighting ways to “walk in someone else’s shoes” by listening, helping others, and using kind words. You can support empathy at home by asking questions like, “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?” or “What could we do to make someone’s day better?”

Let’s work together to build a community where every student feels seen, heard, and cared for! 💛

🎅🏼✨

Malcolm Vanderheyden -- 3rd Grade

Malcolm Vanderheyden has been working on a skill in IXL for multiple weeks. He kept trying and trying even though it was hard for him. Mrs. Holub and I saw him push forward without giving up or getting frustrated. He also kept going back to that skill because he was determined to master it. Today, it finally clicked and Malcolm's perseverance paid off and he mastered the skill. I am so proud of him for mastering it, but mostly for his perseverance and growth mindset! – Mrs. Rawhoof

Kinley Glick -- 2nd Grade

Kinley is always a leader in our classroom! She shows others how to be an attentive listener, how to be respectful towards others, and how to take responsibility for her learning! She does not need to be asked to help others, she just does it out of the kindness of her heart! I am very thankful to have Kinley in my classroom, you are awesome! -Mrs. Moore

Kyla Holeton -- 1st Grade

I just wanted to give a shout-out to Kyla! No matter what, Kyla always gives 110% effort to all tasks. She will work hard without giving up, no matter how long it takes. Not only is she a hard worker who takes pride in her work, but she is also a fantastic friend to all the kids in our class. -- Mrs. Wanke

Veteran's Day

In honor of Veteran's Day on November 11, PES engaged in many activities to celebrate and remember all of those who have served. As part of our activities, some classrooms were visited by veterans Eric Sneek (Mrs. Sneek's husband) and Nick Lauer (Mrs. Milazzo's father). The kids enjoyed learning about military life and the men's experiences in the service. Thank you for joining us and thank you to you (and all veterans!!) for your service!

Mr. Sneek talks to students on Veteran's Day.

Mr. Lauer spent time talking with students about military life.

Staff G.O.A.T. Awards

Each month we celebrate staff members who go above and beyond in service of our students and staff. Here are recipients from October and November:

October:

Teri Alex - Teri is a 1:1 paraprofessional who works so well with her student. They are always on the run and Mrs. Alex goes above and beyond to make sure the student's needs are met all day long!

Laura Holub -- Mrs. Holub not only runs our IXL lab but she is also the person who keeps our students accounted for during pick up and drop off. She is wears a lot of hats and we appreciate her so much!

Ashton Kendell -- Miss Kendell is our new speech and language pathologist and she is an absolute dynamo with her students. Every day she shows up with a smile on her face and is ready to help students. We are so lucky to have her for her talents and joy!

November:

Laura Wanke: Mrs. Wanke wears so many hats at PES. Not only is she spending her days teaching 1st grade, but she also serves as our building union representative, Sunshine committee leader, PES curriculum lead teacher, and is also leader of a professional development book study for teachers! She is a go-to person for many in the building and we are lucky to have her!

PES Kitchen Staff (Lisa Puddicombe, Linda Nelson, and Linda Winche) -- Our kitchen staff is truly THE BEST! Everyday they do their best to feed us and provide us with exciting menu options. They always are having fun and make the cafeteria an even better place to be.

Brooklyn Windnagle -- Miss Windnagle is a new paraprofessional this year in our building, but she fits right in! She is always offering to help out and volunteers any time anybody needs something. She is one of the kindest people and is a joy to work with!

Dress for the Weather

It is that time of year that the weather is getting colder. Please be sure to dress your students accordingly. PES uses a "Feels Like" 15 degrees as our threshold for staying inside.

December 2025🎄🧑🏻‍🎄

December 3 - 1:35 dismissal

December 12 - 11:05 am dismissal - SIP Day

December 19 - 1:35 dismissal/End of 2nd Quarter

December 22-31 - Winter Break - No School

January 2026

January 1-2 – Winter Break - No School
January 5 – Institute Day
January 14 – 1:35 Dismissal
January 19 – MLK Jr. Day - No School

January 20-30– Winter MAP

January 28 – 1:35 Dismissal

✨ December PBIS Theme: Empathy ✨ December PBIS Theme: Empathy

Some Good News 🙌 Some Good News 🙌