Ginny Wells – Honorary Service Award 

For her seven years of dedication to the Pinetree PTA in too many positions to count including two years as Madam President

Kristie Cooper – Very Special Person Award

For her continuing support of the Pinetree PTA and being an Amazing Office Manager at Pinetree

Kathy Browning – Outstanding Teacher Award

Donna Burkman – Outstanding Teacher Award 

For their many years of inspiring teaching at Pinetree and enriching so many Pioneer’s lives

Apryl Coules-Reaber – Honorary Service Award

An awesome Pinetree staff member, dedicated PTA Parent & Board Member but also for her countless hours of dedication and support to the Tick Fire Families this school year

Liz Bouciegues – Very Special Person Award 

Not only being a great Pinetree staff member but also for her countless hours of dedication and support to the Tick Fire Families this school year including using her business space to be a donation center for the families

And finally last but not least – a special thank you tribute to Deb Stilson for her five incredible years as Principal of Pinetree Community School

Please complete requested survey by Friday, June 5th

Excerpt from District Weekly Update (full letter further below in this newsletter):

The District is working with parents and staff on forming Task Forces to assist with the preparation to re-open our schools in the fall. The first Task Force that met this week focused on looking at different instructional models to educate our students in an environment where health and safety are the top priority.

Please know, in this ever-changing environment, we are committed to planning and delivering high quality instruction to our students in the coming school year. Because it is not possible to predict what the current public health situation will be in August, the District is planning for three instructional models. With these models, we are confident that we will be in a position to provide your child with an excellent education regardless of what restrictions and orders are in place at the time.

The three models include: Full return, Blended (partial) Return, Virtual Classroom Instruction.

One of the three models, Full Return, Blended, or Virtual Classroom Instruction, will be implemented based on public health orders in place in August 2020.

The Full return model would be implemented if there are no more restrictions in place. This is effectively returning to school as normal.

Blended Return Model would be implemented if public health restricts the number of students that can be allowed on campus at one time. In this model students would learn at school for part of the week, and learn at home in our online platform the remainder of the week.

Virtual Classroom Instruction would be implemented if public health restricts students from returning physically to campuses. This model will involve students being actively engaged with their classroom teacher on a daily basis in a virtual setting.

Finally, regardless of the restrictions in place in August 2020, we want our families aware that we will have an option of Online Home Study Program. This option is for families that choose to keep their children at home, even if restrictions are lifted. This option would provide each family access to a credentialed teacher who would be available for support each school day, meet with parents and students weekly, guide parents in working with their student at home, oversee the academic progress of students, and coordinate with parents on each student’s individual learning needs. With this option, students in this program will still have access to school library books and field trips on the school campus.

As we continue to plan for the start of the 2020-21 school year, please know with these models in place, we are confident your children’s educational needs will be met so they can continue to thrive.

In order for the District to receive important information from our families, a survey asking for feedback on the models is being sent out, and we are asking if you can complete it by Friday, June 5th. Families can access the survey by clicking on the button below and/or going to the District website. Again, thank you for taking the time to take this short survey. Your input is greatly appreciated as we prepare to physically re-open our schools in the fall.

I will continue to keep you updated regarding the Task Forces and restrictions on schools from Department of Public Health. Thank you again for your partnership and commitment to our amazing students. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

The Pinetree PTA wishes you and your family all the best during this time.

Superintendent Updates as of 5/22/2020

Dear Sulphur Springs Families,

This is Dr. Catherine Kawaguchi, Superintendent, with your Friday Update, May 22, 2020. I want to take a moment and thank our families, teachers, support staff, and Administrators for the amazing support and hard work that they are doing to assist our children with their learning, and for making sure that they are continuing to be our number one priority.

The District is working with parents and staff on forming Task Forces to assist with the preparation to re-open our schools in the fall. The first Task Force that met this week focused on looking at different instructional models to educate our students in an environment where health and safety are the top priority.

Please know, in this ever-changing environment, we are committed to planning and delivering high quality instruction to our students in the coming school year. Because it is not possible to predict what the current public health situation will be in August, the District is planning for three instructional models. With these models, we are confident that we will be in a position to provide your child with an excellent education regardless of what restrictions and orders are in place at the time.

The three models include: Full return, Blended (partial) Return, Virtual Classroom Instruction.

One of the three models, Full Return, Blended, or Virtual Classroom Instruction, will be implemented based on public health orders in place in August 2020.

The Full return model would be implemented if there are no more restrictions in place. This is effectively returning to school as normal.

Blended Return Model would be implemented if public health restricts the number of students that can be allowed on campus at one time. In this model students would learn at school for part of the week, and learn at home in our online platform the remainder of the week.

Virtual Classroom Instruction would be implemented if public health restricts students from returning physically to campuses. This model will involve students being actively engaged with their classroom teacher on a daily basis in a virtual setting.

Finally, regardless of the restrictions in place in August 2020, we want our families aware that we will have an option of Online Home Study Program. This option is for families that choose to keep their children at home, even if restrictions are lifted. This option would provide each family access to a credentialed teacher who would be available for support each school day, meet with parents and students weekly, guide parents in working with their student at home, oversee the academic progress of students, and coordinate with parents on each student’s individual learning needs. With this option, students in this program will still have access to school library books and field trips on the school campus.

As we continue to plan for the start of the 2020-21 school year, please know with these models in place, we are confident your children’s educational needs will be met so they can continue to thrive.

In order for the District to receive important information from our families, a survey asking for feedback on the models is being sent out, and we are asking if you can complete it by Friday, June 5th. Families can access the survey by clicking on the link in their email and/or going to the District website. Again, thank you for taking the time to take this short survey. Your input is greatly appreciated as we prepare to physically re-open our schools in the fall.

I will continue to keep you updated regarding the Task Forces and restrictions on schools from Department of Public Health. Thank you again for your partnership and commitment to our amazing students. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

NOTICE FROM THE DISTRICT:

Dear Pinetree Families,

I am calling to inform you that Pinetree’s Principal Ms. Deb Stilson will be moving out of the area at the end of the school year, and therefore will not be returning as principal for the 2020-2021 school year. 

Your child’s education and well-being are our most important priorities. One of our goals is to maintain consistency for the students and staff at Pinetree Community School through this transition as the community welcomes a new principal for the 2020-2021 school year. With this in mind, the selection process to establish a new principal for Pinetree Community School has begun.  We look forward to the completion of the hiring process before the end of the school year, and Ms. Stilson will be available to assist the new Principal to ensure a smooth transition.  

The District is asking for you to complete a survey regarding what you feel are the needs for Pinetree Community School. Please go to Pinetree School’s website where you will find the link.

We thank you for your support as we work through the transition process.

Sincerely,

Dr. Catherine Kawaguchi

Superintendent