PICKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS December 2018

“Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give.” ~Unknown

The halls at Pickford Public Schools are filled with kindness! Literally....I found this piece of paper laying in the middle of the hallway the other day as I walked to my office (ironically, with the task of writing my article for the newsletter ahead of me)! It made me pause for a moment to contemplate -- of all of the rules or directions or guidelines that are given inside the walls of our building throughout the day, this is, in my mind, the most important. Be Kind. It’s simple and easy to remember. It doesn’t cost a lot, and it’s relatively easy to accomplish if you take the time. With our students, we focus on the importance of having empathy and showing compassion for others. Students who are kind to others build stronger relationships with their peers, their teachers, and their family, leading to a more caring and inclusive school community.

Our district promotes kindness and compassion in many ways. Students in grades K-5 focus on developing their social-emotional skills using our Second Step Program www.secondstep.org which focuses on topics such as being welcoming, safe, respectful and responsible; developing our skills for focusing and maintaining attention; caring for others; problem solving through conflict; and being a good friend. Our Elementary Student Council decorated cookies at the Pennington House and also visited the Town Hall and made cards with our area Seniors. The student council also developed and performed a skit for all students in grades K-5 at our most recent Panther Pride Assembly that focused on the importance of being kind, accepting differences, and standing together to make everyone feel included.

Each elementary class is collecting for their Giving Trees

• Kindergarten is collecting mittens to be used at school this winter

• 1st grade is collecting household items for the Pennington House

• 2nd grade will gather children’s books for those who otherwise might not have any

• 3rd grade is collecting mittens to keep their fellow students hands warm

• The 4th grade tree is filling with dog and cat treats to be passed on to the Chippewa County Animal Shelter

• 5th graders are putting together food baskets for area families. Their collection will go to FCCLA for distribution.

At the middle and high school level, student organizations have organized food baskets to distribute to local families, raised money for various causes, as well as adopted local families for the holiday season. FCCLA would like to thank local businesses and others who donated to the Christmas Project. Students have gone shopping and are wrapping and organizing Christmas gifts for local families. They also held a bake sale and the money collected was sent to the Wounded Warriors Project. Aubrey Cottle’s individual FCCLA project was a bracelet sale. Proceeds from the sale will help send a Guatemalan student to school. This busy group also organized and worked a Red Cross Blood Drive this week.

Promoting inclusion, and acceptance has been a focus this month as well. Christmas Spirit Week and Friday’s activities of skating, games, crafts, treats, and FUN are designed to promote positive interaction between classmates, as well as between staff and students. Our halls are “decked” (out) with the Student Council High School class decorating competition! Whoville, a candy cane forest, wrapping paper lockers and scenes from the movie Elf adorn the halls, along with flashing lights, Christmas trees, stockings, wish lists, bows, ribbons, and even a fireplace! These groups have been showing amazing teamwork as they work to make their section of hallway the best! Students in grades K-12 have taken their spirit week dress up days to a new level with a very high participation rate! There were so many Christmas pajamas at school on Monday, I wondered if it might actually be Christmas morning! There is a significant amount of research that suggests that people who perform acts of kindness on a regular basis tend to be more happy overall. Good deeds make people feel good -- both those who do the deed and those who receive it. While we tend to easily focus on kindness, compassion, and giving during the holiday season, we can keep it up all throughout the year. Wearing a smile, righting a wrong, making connections, and returning a favor are all ways that we can keep kindness going well into the new year. Look for upcoming events at Pickford Schools that will continue to promote kindness and compassion, including The Great Kindness Challenge https://thegreatkindnesschallenge.com/ and Be Kind Stick Together https://www.viafdn.org/stick-together We appreciate the continued kindness and support of our community. May you all enjoy a festive, fun, and happy holiday season!

~ Mrs. Nettleton

December

18 Elementary Christmas Program 7:00 p.m.

24-31 Christmas Break No School

January

1 Christmas Break No School

2 School Resumes

18 End of Second Quarter/First Semester

19 District Solo and Ensemble @ Pickford

21 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 p.m.

23 Teacher PLC ½ Day for Students

February

4 Winter Break Day No School

6 District Spelling Bee

12 Pre-Festival MS/HS Concert 7:00 p.m.

18 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 p.m.

20 Teacher PLC ½ Day for Students

21-22 District Band Festival

March

18 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 p.m.

19 Winter Athletic Banquet 6:30 p.m.

21 End of Third Quarter

22-31 Spring Break No School

April

1 School Resumes

3 Teacher PLC ½ Day for Students

9 - 11 SAT/PSAT/WorkKeys

15 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 p.m.

16 Elementary Spring Concert 7:00 p.m.

May

8 Teacher PLC ½ Day for Students

14 Evening with the Arts 7:00 p.m.

15 Scholarship Banquet 6:30 p.m.

17 Regional Track Meet Early Dismissal

20 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 p.m.

22 Spring Athletic Banquet 6:30 p.m.

22 Principal’s Award Luncheon

25 Graduation 2:00 p.m.

27 Memorial Day No School

June

6 Last Day of School ½ Day for Students;

17 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 p.m.

In January 2019 we will welcome Eric Galer as a new member to the board of education. We would like to thank Brooke

Beacom for her years of service to Pickford Public Schools!

Regular meetings of the Pickford Board of Education will take place the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m Most

meetings are held in the library, but may be moved if larger numbers of people are anticipated than the library can

accommodate.

This is a meeting in public of the Board of Education for the purpose of conducting the School District’s business and is not to

be considered a public community meeting. There is a time for public participation during the meeting as indicated in the

agenda.

Any person with a disability who needs assistance, please contact the Administrative Office at 906-647-6285 at least three days

prior to the meeting.

Any person or group wishing to place an item on the agenda shall register their intent with the Superintendent no later than four

(4) days prior to the meeting. Please refer to Pickford Public Schools Bylaws & Policies 0167.3

Lorri Brown, President

Tom Portice, Vice President

Brooke Beacom, Secretary

David Firack, Treasurer

Melanie Greenfield, Trustee

April Batho, Trustee

Rebecca Crimin, Trustee

Now that it is getting colder outside, students should be

prepared daily for cold weather situations. Proper attire includes a warm coat,

mittens/gloves and a hat. During snowy and windy conditions snow boots and snow pants

must be worn. *Please note that if your child

wants to play in the snow, snow pants and snow boots are

required.*

Kindness in Action Thursday, December 13, the students and staff held a fundraiser for a Drummond Island family. Your

generosity and big hearts raised $1,278.16 for the family in a single day! What a wonderful and caring

community we have that stepped up to help those in need and support our neighbors and friends at

DeTour Area Schools. Good people help each other out. If you missed this and would still like to

support this family, there is a GoFundMe page set up to help. https://www.gofundme.com/messenger-family

2018 – 2019 Kateri Ormsbee - 2124 Kindergarten

Rachel Horde - 2123 Kindergarten

Marci Guild -2128 1st Grade

Jessie Metrish - 2129 2nd Grade

Renae Leese - 2113 3rd Grade

Sharon Bawks - 2115 4th Grade

Sarah Harbaugh – 2114 5th Grade

Joyce Smith - 2188 Intervention Support/At Risk

Amy Bell - 2122 Reading Recovery and Intervention

Lori Nixon - 2230 Spec. Education/Resource Room (6-12)

Joseph Dankert - 2116 Spec. Education/Resource Room (K-12)

Kim Badenski – 2210 MS Social Studies

Olivia Huff - 2229 HS Math

Jessica Tibbitts - 2200 K-12 Counseling

Jason Firack - 2215 MS Science

Andrew Heyboer - 2228 MS Math

Matt Johnson - 2211 HS/MS Social Sciences

Garde Kangas - 2148 Physical Education – K-12

Jessica Kietzman - 2223 Band/Music K-12

Tracy Peterson- 2130 HS Science

Caitlin Mortinsen -2213 MS English

James DeGreif – 2193 Consumer Science/Health

Jessica Rudd - 2214 HS English

Darcy Schreiber – 2138 Art K-12/Digital Media

Eric Galer – 2189 Cyber Security

Please note, during

school hours, your

call will go directly

to the teacher’s

voicemail box.

This is done to

preserve the

educational process

and your child’s

teacher will return

your call at their

earliest

convenience.

We are currently seeking:

• Substitute Teachers (requires 60 college credits to qualify for

teaching)

• Para-Pros (to assist teachers in the classroom)

• Cafeteria Workers

• Bus Drivers (the hiring process for bus drivers is available on the

EUPISD website at https://www.eupschools.org/page/3041.

Please contact Mrs. Tracy Rye (906-647-6285 x 2203 or email trye@eupshcools.org) for more information on these employment opportunities.

SCHOOL CALENDAR NOTES

Log on to our website at http://pickford.eup.k12.mi.us. If you

click on Calendar on the homepage, it will allow you to review

our school calendar, including half days, school breaks,

athletic events, meeting dates, etc. We continue to update the

calendar as events are set. Note that if you click on the event,

additional information may appear, such as the time a bus will

leave for an away game, where the event will be held, what

time the child needs to be here for a musical program or other

information pertaining to the event. Bus schedules for athletic

events are usually scheduled Friday for the following week.

Last minute changes are sometimes unavoidable. Hopefully

this calendar will be advantageous for those of you who like to

plan ahead.

WHO DO I CONTACT?

Our administrators divide their responsibilities for

students into two groups to better handle all student and

parent needs. If you have any questions or concerns

about students in grades K-5, please contact Mrs. Angela

Nettleton at ext. 2204.

If you have questions or concerns

for students in grades 6-12, please contact

Mr. Kyle Rairigh at ext. 2199.

Illuminate Through the Illuminate Home Connection Parent Portal you

are able to view all of your children’s schedules, attendance,

and grades. You will also have the ability to receive progress

reports and other important documents sent to your email

address.

If you need assistance registering for an account, please email

Janet Haske (jhaske@eupschools.org), call extension 2202, or

stop in the Administrative Office.

VISITORS

Anyone visiting the elementary for any reason will need to

stop in the office to sign in and get a visitor pass. Visitors in

the hallway without a visitor pass will be asked to get one from

the office.

There is a designated drop off area for elementary

students. Inside the elementary doors there is an information

table that will have current handouts available. Only students

and staff will be permitted to go beyond the information

table. If a student needs help with carrying items, please stop

in the office for assistance. If you need to pick up your child

early, please send a note with them or call ahead so that they

can be ready in the pick-up area.

Drop-off times may vary depending on the events at school. When students stay after for various activities,

it can mean your child may return home 5, 10, or even 15 minutes sooner, simply because the bus has to make

fewer stops, or potentially to skip certain roads. Drivers will do their best not to vary more than 15 minutes.

As a reminder to parents of Pre-K to 2nd grade students, please step out and

give a wave to the driver to show that you are home at drop off times.

Those without an older sibling, or a guarantee that someone is home, will be

taken back to the school for parent pick-up at the end of the route. If your child

comes in the house and indicates the driver is waiting for someone to wave to him,

please do so immediately so our route can continue. If your child gets off at a bus stop, please

remember to check our school calendar for early release or half days so that you are on time to pick up

your child. If the bus has already left, your child will stay on the bus and ride the route. The bus driver

will bring them to the main office to be picked up by a parent/guardian at the end of the route. Your

children's safety is our number one priority.

Remember to watch out for students

waiting to get on the bus…safety first!

Please remind your children to be

respectful, responsible, and safe on the

bus. Bus expectations are available

on the school website.

SENIORS PREPARING FOR GRADUATION ➢ Make sure you are following up and completing all of the work in all classes to make sure you meet

the graduation requirements.

➢ Watch your school email address for important scholarship and graduation information.

➢ All students need to make sure they have all their unpaid balances paid in full in order to graduate.

➢ There will be a letter sent out explaining senior responsibilities and a schedule of events for the

weeks leading up to graduation.

Just as a reminder, there are only 78 days left until the FAFSA deadline! If you even think that there is a chance that you will

be enrolled in college next year (any 2-4 year college around the country), this needs to be completed before March 1st. If you

complete the FAFSA and do not go to college next year, that is okay.

When completing your FAFSA, use the following webpage only: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa. DO NOT use any

webpage that claims you need to pay money to complete the FAFSA. It is 100% FREE to complete your FAFSA.

Some colleges offer financial aid on a first come first served basis with FAFSA completion. The sooner you complete this, the

better your chances of receiving more financial aid from colleges.

If you have any questions or need help with this, let me know. We can set up a time to complete your FAFSA during school

hours or you can visit LSSU's Financial aid office for FAFSA Friday's from 2-5 pm.

Approximately 25% of your senior class has filed the FAFSA already. If you are in that group, congratulations (and thank

you!). Lets keep our FAFSA thermometer growing.

If you receive an acceptance letter to a college, make sure to stop by and see me so we can add you to our "I'm accepted" wall!

Pickford Public School sponsored a Boy Scout Eagle Project and was rewarded tenfold. Kendrick Brace chose to help Pickford School by beautifying the landscape and building benches to be used year-round. When the community heard about Kendrick’s Eagle Scout Project, local businesses generously donated just about everything that was needed. The Front Porch Garden and Gifts, Gregory Garden, The Green Thumb Lawn and Garden Center, Pickford Feed Mill, and Walmart pitched in all the supplies needed to have the plant-a-thon. A private donor provided

the school with fertilizer, small perennials, and additional supplies to complete the project. The 1200 square feet of school frontage was transformed with over $2000 of plants in only a few hours with the help of Boy Scouts and volunteers. Spring time will showcase the flowers of his labor. Next, Kendrick focused his goal on benches. Haske Post Company graciously supplied all the lumber to construct 6 benches. The lumber was cut to size by the school woodshop under the guidance of Mr. Nettleton. The pieces were then sanded and prepped by the Pickford Cub Scout Wolves and Webelos. Cedar benches were assembled by the Pickford Boy Scouts. The entire project took nearly 100 hours of planning and work. Kendrick gained priceless experience in communication, planning and coordinating. Skills that will take him far in the future.

WHAT A FANTASTIC SEASON FOR THESE YOUNG MEN!

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR

SUPPORT BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD!

Congratulations Lady Panthers and Coach Storey on a great

season!

Pickford FCCLA members attended a Sports and Entertainment Marketing workshop

on Friday at the Little Caesars Arena and were also able to take in a Detroit Pistons

game!

The 7th grade girls

basketball

team recently

went caroling at the

Pennington House.

Miss Ann Marie and Miss Judy treated the second graders to something extra special when they visited the

Pickford Public library. They taught them about an Icelandic tradition called Jolabokaflod and sent them

on their way with some chocolate and a new book.

Pickford K-8 had 25 students receive awards and advance to the

Regional Science Fair. This event was held December 6 at Lake

Superior State University. Evan Maciag received a 2nd place finish in 4th grade and 3rd place finishes went

to Jace Walker (K), Drake Stec (5th) and Laura Bush (7th). Congratulations to all!

Doppler 9 & 10 Chief Meteorologist Tom O’Hare visited

Pickford Elementary classrooms. Students K-5 learned

about the weather, discovered how a green wall works

and how the weather is predicted. It was fun day for

everyone.

High School Quiz Bowl

team explored Black

Rocks in Marquette

where they were defeated

in a tough High School

Bowl match VS Calumet.

The High School Bowl

broadcast will air

December 15 at 8:00 pm and December 17 at 12:00 pm on

WNMU Public TV 13.

The Chippewa County Road

Commission workers paid a visit

to Pickford Elementary in

November to talk to our students

about snow plow safety. The kids

got to ask questions and see the

inside of the snow removal

equipment.

Elementary November

Students of the Month!

Starting in October, through Title VI funding, Mike Collins, Title VI Native American

Coordinator, started an afterschool homework lab and workshop on Mondays and

Thursdays. Lisa Burnside has been providing a crafting workshop on Mondays for

students who have all assignments completed. On Thursdays, students have used the

time to complete their classroom assignments for the week. We encourage all students,

Native or non-Native, all grade levels, to attend the program to help with their studies!

TEACHING OF THE SEVEN GRANDFATHERS

Nibwwaakaawin – Wisdom: To cherish knowledge is to know Wisdom. Wisdom is given by the Creator to be

used for the good of the people. In the Anishinaabe language, this word expresses not only “wisdom, but also

means “prudence,” or “intelligence.”

Zaagi’idiwin – Love: To know peace is to know Love. Love must be unconditional. When people are weak they

need love the most. In the Anishinaabe language, this word with the reciprocal theme /idi/ indicates that this form

of love is mutual.

Minaadendamowin-Respect: To honor all all creation is to have Respect. All of creation should be treated with

respect. You must give respect if you wish to be respected.

Aakode’ewin- Bravery: Bravery is to face the foe with integrity. In the Anishinaabe language, this word literally

means “state of having a fearless heart.” To do what is right even when the consequences are unpleasant.

Gwayakwaadiziwin-Honesty: Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave. Always be honest in word and action.

Be honest first with yourself, and you will more easily be able to be honest with others.

Dabaadendiziwin – Humility: Humility is know yourself as a sacred part of Creation. In the Anishinaabe

language, this word can also mean “compassion.” You are equal to others, but you are not better.

Debwewin – Truth: Truth is to know all of these things. Speak the truth. Do not deceive yourself or others.

The Parent Transparency Dashboard Michigan Department of Education has unveiled their new Parent Transparency Dashboard

(PTD). This dashboard is Michigan’s newest tool in its commitment to provide transparency about

school and district performance. The contents of this dashboard can inform decisions and

encourage conversations about how we help all students succeed. The dashboard is designed to

be a “living tool” that will be updated as user feedback and new school data become available.

What is the Parent Transparency Dashboard

The PTD is basically a report card for schools. It is included in the accountability section of Michigan’s ESSA plan and is

intended to provide school data to parents and the community. The Dashboard allows parents to compare one school to other

schools of similar demographics or in the same geographic location.

Finding and Navigating the Parent Transparency Dashboard

The Dashboard can be found at: www.mischooldata.org . Once there, click on the PTD link and enter the school name

you are looking to compare. The overview page compares the selected school to the state average and schools with

similar demographics.

Prescribed Medication or Treatment: Before any prescribed medication or treatment may be administered to any

student during school hours, the school shall require the written prescription from the child's physician and authorization from the parent.

Possession and Use of Asthma Inhaler, Epi-Pen, or Prescribed Emergency Medication: Students with a need for emergency medication may also be allowed to self-possess and self-administer provided

that they meet have all proper forms on file in the school office. Student may keep inhaler or Epi-Pen on their person/backpack, locker, bus route.

Pickford Families! We need superheroes like YOU!!

Who is PTA? Our PTA is made up of parents, grandparents, teachers, and

community members that want to make a difference in our school.

Home and community engagement are critical parts of a school’s success. Pickford School strives to provide ample opportunities for both, and the Pickford PTA helps support those efforts.

What does the PTA do? We assist with school driven activities (Open House, Grandparents’ Day, Box

Tops, Christmas Craft Day, etc.), create our own activities (Trunk or Treat, Buddy Bench, Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad, etc.), support student achievement (Smart Cookie Awards), and support staff (teacher/staff appreciation gifts, staff meals at conferences, classroom sponsorships, etc.).

All of these different events allow for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and community members to take part in positive youth development, and really takes to heart “it takes a village to raise a child.”

How do I show my support of the PTA? By becoming a member! It involves paying a very small annual

due ($8) to a community-based, non-profit organization that spends every penny to improve the lives of our children. Make checks payable to Pickford PTA, P.O. Box 278, Pickford, MI 49774 and write “membership” in the memo.

Do I have to attend Pickford PTA meetings? Want to be a member, but know you cannot squeeze one

more commitment in and that you have no room on your calendar for monthly meetings? Joining the PTA does not require a time commitment. Join today and support our efforts.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS Parent involvement is one of the greatest indicators of a child’s school success. We appreciate all

that our parents do to support the students at Pickford Schools. Parent volunteers are always

welcome to assist in maximizing the impact of our educational program. If you are interested in

volunteering, please contact your child’s teacher.

PTO/ CAT DONATED $1200.06 WORTH OF BOOKS FOR ALL

SCHOOL STAFF AND FOR THE SCHOOL LIBRARY AT THE NOVEMBER SCHOLASTIC

BOOK FAIR.

Send Money To School provides parents with an on-line system to add funds to your student's lunch account and/or check balances. You may use your credit/and or debit card for the transaction, Visa, MasterCard or Discover. We cannot take credit card payments at our office, this is only available through this method. We will still accept

cash and checks in any school office. You can access the on-line payment website by going to https://www.sendmoneytoschool.com . If you have any questions please call Janet Haske or Tracy Rye to help you get set up.

__________________________________________________________

Please see below for breakfast and lunch prices for the 2018-2019 school year.

Payment can be made in the elementary classrooms or the High School Office

before school begins or at lunch time. Please log on to your child’s Meal Magic

account to check account balances. It allows the parent/guardian to see when the

child is eating and the balance on the account. Online payments can be made at

https://www.sendmoneyto school.com

LUNCH BREAKFAST

Elementary (Grades K-5) $2.25 per day FREE

High/Middle School (Grades 6-12) $2.75 per day $0.85

K-12 Reduced $0.40 per day FREE

Adults $3.50 per day $1.35

Milk $0.35 each $0.35 each

FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEAL APPLICATIONS You can download a Free & Reduced Price Meal Application and Parent Letter < https://pickford.eupschools.org/Page/775> from

the school website soon. (the form will also be attached to the paper copy of this newsletter). Please look over the information

regarding free and reduced priced meals. If you have any doubt as to whether or not you qualify or would like help filling out the

form, please call Cheri Bush at 647-6285 ext. 2105. If you don’t qualify at this time, but you do at any other time throughout the

school year, please call for a form and one will be mailed to you. Keep in mind that there are no cut-off dates for applying; but if

you qualify, the application is effective the date it is received in the school office. If you have Meal Magic access you may apply

online. < https://lunchapp.com/>

Please be advised that it is a state law that we offer lunch to all students. If you do not want your child to participate or charge, either

breakfast or lunch, please advise the main office in writing each school year.

If your child has a food allergy, please send a note to Tracy Rye advising her of the allergy, to ensure

that an alternative item can be provided.

From Mrs. Kietzman

Upcoming Events:

January 2- January 15 the bands will have a Chocolate/Cheese/Sausage fundraiser.

Saturday, January 19, 2019 Solo and Ensemble at Pickford

Thursday and Friday, February 21-22 Middle School and High School Band Festival Concerts – Rudyard Schools

Thursday, April 25 – State Band Festival in Cedarville

A special THANK YOU to Mrs. Tonya Brace and Mrs. Karen Raynard for their help with band uniforms!

1ST QUARTER HONOR ROLL

*Denotes all A’s

Grade 12: *Evelyn Hedberg, *Hannah Marble, *Graceanne Winegard, Bethany Hickey, Aubrie Cottle, Avery Ward, Ariana

Atkinson, Kyra Skinner, Noah Kamper, Tori Thurmes, Taylor Green, Allison West

Grade 11: *Natalie Miller, *James Storey, *Jacob Satchell, *Alivia LaJoie, *Edyn Nettleton, Isaac Brown, Holly Hagen,

Darcy Bennin, Blaine Burnaby, Max Streichert, Nicholas Mitchell, Randi Royer, Michaela Quinn, Rebekah Marble, Bailee

Stec, Matt Bush, Carley Cottle, Joe Plis, Luke Batho, Caleb Horn, Nick Edington

Grade 10: *Faith Nayback, *Hannah McConkey, *Megan Cook, *Jocelyn Portice, *Alison Sibbald, Hayden Taylor, Cassey

Cottle, Elle Cottle, Nathaniel Greenfield, Crystyn Cornwell, Blaise Brzuchalski, Steven Tinker, Jordan DePeel

Grade 9: *Lizzy Storey, *Kain Reinhardt, *Kennedy Guild, *Ava Brzuchalski, Maya Vonderau, Maisie Buhro, Colin

Thompson, Sydney Johnson, Emily Roe, Katie Zimmerman, Lucy Bennin, Connor Clegg, Hunter Hagen, Sean Lamb, Cierra

Ehle, Olivia Batho, Zach Harrison, George Edington

Grade 8: *Delaney Stec, *Jacqueline Brace, *Marlee DePeel, Blake Spencer, Kaylee Vonderau, Olivia Negus, Ella

MacDonald, Garrett Orsborne, Jaedynn Galarowic, Aspyn Cottle, Gavin Wallace, Kadence Potoczak, Chloe Cottle, Andrew

Bosbous, Quincy Michalski, Isabell Franklin, Jayden Crimin, Kaylee Wiltfong, Kaleb Radle, Madison Thurmes, Jeryn Soeltner,

Stephanie Gervias, Christafer Cornwell, Ethan Stec, Raya Dyer, Jamie Carstens

Grade 7: *Ava Nettleton, *Allison Waybrant, *Chris Grove, *Abbey Bjunes, *Laura Bush, *Emma Wallis, Kendrick Brace,

Anna Blenkhorn, Madeline Longson, Cameran McGowan, Jackson Lindberg, Ava Carpenter, Maddison Fox, Evan Roe

Grade 6: *Michael Lamb, *Connor Hope, Lyric Collins, Thomas Storey, Trenton Morrison, Kasey Spencer, Quinton

Greenfield, John Marsh, Brooke Portice, Hayden Fox, Hunter Belleville, Lily Anderson, Scott Ormsbee

Show our Super School Staff some love this month and make a nomination to the Pickford

“Successory” Program. It’s a great way to say “thank you” to a Pickford employee or

volunteer who has done something special to promote student success. Successory notes can

be submitted by students or parents. They will be shared with the staff member, board

members, and media as appropriate. Additional information is available on our

website https://pickford.eupschools.org/domain/177

o Friday, Dec. 21st will be our skating incentive. Each student will pay $3.00. Middle School students

will skate in the morning and high school students in the afternoon. Games, movies and even a dance

are scheduled for the other hours while they are in school.

o High School classes have a competition to see which group can best decorate their section of hallway

for Christmas. Many, many decorations have come in and the halls look amazing! Students really

rallied together to complete this task.

o Basketball seasons are in full swing. Please come out and watch our athletes and support our teams!

o Early College applications have been sent to all interested 10th grade students. Please ask your child

about this important information.

o FCCLA students are well into their projects and we will soon see the results of their service learning!

What a great organization!

NEWS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE

We would like to thank Pickford PTA for

supplying treats for our smart cookies!

December 21 is a full day of school.

Christmas break runs through

January 1 with school resuming on January 2.

The Chippewa County Health Department is encouraging

parents to practice these safety measures during this cold and

flu season by:

1. Getting vaccinated. Everyone over the age of 6

months should get a flu shot.

2. Keeping your child home when they are ill. They may

return to school after being fever-free for 24 hours

without the use of fever reducing medication.

3. Washing hands often

4. Using hand sanitizer

5. Coughing or sneezing into the upper shirt sleeve or

elbow, not onto their hands

6. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth where germs

easily enter the body.

Pickford Schools District Communications Protocol

One of our District Leadership Team’s major accomplishments this year is to develop a communications protocol for the

district. This communications plan details how communication will flow within the district, as well as from the district to

parents and community.

District to Parents School/staff may contact parents through:

• District website (pickford.eup.k12.mi.us) for calendar, menus, Parent

Portal - Illuminate, quarterly newsletters

• District issued email account

• Class Dojo or Remind App

• Facebook for public relations

• Pickford District App (search for it in the app store)

• Direct mail for mandated communication

• Schoolmessenger automated system (emergency and non-emergency)

• For K-5: Weekly Elementary Newsletter, Classroom Daily Folders, Classroom Newsletters, Planners

• Quarterly newsletters (available on the website and at local businesses, mailing list available upon request)

• If a parent sends an email or leaves a voicemail for a staff member, a response is required within 24 hours (excluding

weekends and holidays.)

Parents to District Parents may contact the school through email, phone, teacher initiated classroom apps, student planners, or handwritten notes.

Please make the classroom TEACHER the first contact regarding...

• Student issues

• A conference

• Questions about student grades or behavior

• Questions about specific activities related to the classroom

• Curriculum specific to the classroom

• Classroom policies and procedures

Please allow 24 hours for teachers to respond.

Please contact the PRINCIPAL for information and assistance regarding...

• School programs, policies, and procedures

• Unresolved issues after teacher contact

• Security or safety related to school or student

• Feedback and/or suggestions about school-wide issues

Please allow 24 hours for teachers/administrators to respond.

Please contact the SCHOOL OFFICE for information regarding...

• School-wide events

• Attendance

• Calendar

• Transportation

• District-wide programs, policies, and procedures

• Illuminate access

• Facilities

• Payments

• Other questions you may have - we will direct your call

Office responses will be made as soon as possible, within a 24 hour period.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH