PICKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS -- PANTHER POST -- JANUARY 2014 Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. ~ Abraham Lincoln The New Year is associated with initiating new beginnings and new behaviors to help us lead more successful lives. Who among us hasn’t made a resolution to lose weight, bolster our savings account, decrease our stress, or increase our knowledge about va rious topics. Resolutions are often made easily, but carrying them through into practice is usually somewhat more difficult. If we don’t believe this just from our own personal experience, there is some research to support the idea that only about 1% of al l New Year’s resolutions are ever actually accomplished. Now before you use this statistic as a reason to scrap all those resolutions you made almost a month ago, take a moment to consider how thinking differently about the traditional method of setting resolutions might increase our odds of actually achieving them. James Clear http://jamesclear.com/ has written a number of interesting articles about goal-setting. He promotes determining your path and taking action to transform your habits with a departure from the customary methods endorsed for quality goal setting. James says that establishing goals (set destinations) will actually impede your desired progress, while taking the time to establish "systems" will better pave your way. In other words, according to James, if you're a coach, your goal is to win the championship. Your system is what your team does at practice every day. Using this method of establishing systems, there is less likelihood that individuals will get discouraged with the short-term "hit it or miss it" approach that is prevalent in a goal orientation. A system – a defined and measurable process – is more long-term and on-going. We can consistently stick to working and modifying a system every day and be happier and more successful because of it. Now, how does this apply to schools? Obviously schools have a multitude of systems: data systems, communication systems, instructional programs and processes, assessment systems, management systems, and financial & budgetary systems. All of these systems are constantly fine-tuned and modified to bring about the most positive outcomes for students. Pickford Public Schools has added several NEW components to our existing systems recently. Here are just a few that we are especially proud of: New Instructional Strategies and Programs – Art classes for K-12; HS Research and Design Class; Robotics Club; Reading Strategies Class; onsite advanced Algebra instruction for college credit; Middle School Tech Media/Broadcasting Class; departmentalization for 5th grade Math, Science and Social Studies; Reading and Writing Workshop for elementary literacy instruction; multiple classroom service learning projects (read more about most of them in this newsletter); Science Fair for K-8; afterschool Math Support Program for grades K-8 (coming soon!) New Communication/Information Systems – Enhancement and continuous updating of district website and FaceBook page; School Messenger system; Illuminate Student Information System Parent Portal; Remind 101 app for homework updates; second semester Student Led Conferences; student planners and classroom newsletters for grades K-5; Standards Based Reporting for grades K-5; and Parent surveys (coming soon…watch for them on the website!) New Technology – Updated wireless access points to allow better internet access for staff and students; tablet computers for grade 5 students; iPad cart to share between grades K-2; refurbished laptop computers to replace ancient desktops in elementary classrooms; addition of a bank of desktop computers to the library New ways to keep our students safe and healthy – Elementary Mileage Club and Walking Program; Breakfast in the classroom for all students K-5; Water Bottle Filling Stations in HS and elementary (coming soon to the lunchroom and gym!); Camera surveillance system for elementary and secondary buildings; Bus cameras; installation of fence guards in athletic complex; and emergency kit bags in each classroom As with anything new and different, some of these system additions take a certain amount of time to fully implement and get used to. Some changes to the system originate from within and some are imposed from external sources. Our systems are constantly affected, for better, and unfortunately more often for worse, by state and federal legislative requirements, available funding, and decreasing population trends. Our challenge is how to maintain the best possible educational system for our students while meeting state and federal accountability requirements, as well as doing what is necessary to qualify for funding incentives and categorical and grant allocations that all come with their own guidelines and stipulations. Now, more than ever, it is important to be a supporter of our public school system. Read about new legislation impacting your local school, come to School Board meetings, talk with your legislators, be informed, and be an advocate for providing adequate levels of funding to our area districts. Our resolution is to provide the best systems possible to help our students succeed. Feel free to contact us with any suggestions that will help us reach our goal. We would love your input! Angela Nettleton, Superintendent/K-12 Principal
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PICKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS -- PANTHER POST -- JANUARY 2014
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed
is more important than any other.
~ Abraham Lincoln
The New Year is associated with initiating new beginnings and new behaviors to help us lead more successful lives. Who among us
hasn’t made a resolution to lose weight, bolster our savings account, decrease our stress, or increase our knowledge about various
topics. Resolutions are often made easily, but carrying them through into practice is usually somewhat more difficult. If we don’t
believe this just from our own personal experience, there is some research to support the idea that only about 1% of all New Year’s
resolutions are ever actually accomplished. Now before you use this statistic as a reason to scrap all those resolutions you made
almost a month ago, take a moment to consider how thinking differently about the traditional method of setting resolutions might
increase our odds of actually achieving them.
James Clear http://jamesclear.com/ has written a number of interesting articles about goal-setting. He promotes determining your
path and taking action to transform your habits with a departure from the customary methods endorsed for quality goal setting.
James says that establishing goals (set destinations) will actually impede your desired progress, while taking the time to establish
"systems" will better pave your way. In other words, according to James, if you're a coach, your goal is to win the
championship. Your system is what your team does at practice every day. Using this method of establishing systems, there is less
likelihood that individuals will get discouraged with the short-term "hit it or miss it" approach that is prevalent in a goal orientation.
A system – a defined and measurable process – is more long-term and on-going. We can consistently stick to working and modifying
a system every day and be happier and more successful because of it.
Now, how does this apply to schools? Obviously schools have a multitude of systems: data systems, communication systems,
instructional programs and processes, assessment systems, management systems, and financial & budgetary systems. All of these
systems are constantly fine-tuned and modified to bring about the most positive outcomes for students. Pickford Public Schools has
added several NEW components to our existing systems recently. Here are just a few that we are especially proud of:
New Instructional Strategies and Programs – Art classes for K-12; HS Research and Design Class; Robotics Club; Reading
Strategies Class; onsite advanced Algebra instruction for college credit; Middle School Tech Media/Broadcasting Class;
departmentalization for 5th grade Math, Science and Social Studies; Reading and Writing Workshop for elementary literacy
instruction; multiple classroom service learning projects (read more about most of them in this newsletter); Science Fair for K-8;
afterschool Math Support Program for grades K-8 (coming soon!)
New Communication/Information Systems – Enhancement and continuous updating of district website and FaceBook page; School
Messenger system; Illuminate Student Information System Parent Portal; Remind 101 app for homework updates; second semester
Student Led Conferences; student planners and classroom newsletters for grades K-5; Standards Based Reporting for grades K-5;
and Parent surveys (coming soon…watch for them on the website!)
New Technology – Updated wireless access points to allow better internet access for staff and students; tablet computers for grade 5
students; iPad cart to share between grades K-2; refurbished laptop computers to replace ancient desktops in elementary classrooms;
addition of a bank of desktop computers to the library
New ways to keep our students safe and healthy – Elementary Mileage Club and Walking Program; Breakfast in the classroom for
all students K-5; Water Bottle Filling Stations in HS and elementary (coming soon to the lunchroom and gym!); Camera surveillance
system for elementary and secondary buildings; Bus cameras; installation of fence guards in athletic complex; and emergency kit
bags in each classroom
As with anything new and different, some of these system additions take a certain amount of time to fully implement and get used to.
Some changes to the system originate from within and some are imposed from external sources. Our systems are constantly affected,
for better, and unfortunately more often for worse, by state and federal legislative requirements, available funding, and decreasing
population trends. Our challenge is how to maintain the best possible educational system for our students while meeting state and
federal accountability requirements, as well as doing what is necessary to qualify for funding incentives and categorical and grant
allocations that all come with their own guidelines and stipulations. Now, more than ever, it is important to be a supporter of our
public school system. Read about new legislation impacting your local school, come to School Board meetings, talk with your
legislators, be informed, and be an advocate for providing adequate levels of funding to our area districts. Our resolution is to
provide the best systems possible to help our students succeed. Feel free to contact us with any suggestions that will help us reach our
Pickford 3rd graders wish to thank the Pickford Grange
for donating 35 dictionaries!
- Mrs. Kietzman and her students did an amazing job at the Holiday Band
Concert and the K-4 Christmas concert.
- Mrs. Jacobson received a Fuel Up to Play 60 grant to fund blenders for
smoothies and mileage charms for the walking program.
- Mrs. Metrish received $1500 from the George and Anne MacDonald
Science and Math Opportunity Grant. The money will be used to to create
hands on science projects that promote inquiry. The 2nd graders will have
the opportunity to be more engaged in constructing, measuring, observing,
developing, and demonstrating scientific knowledge.
- Pickford FCCLA raised money for, shopped for, and delivered gifts to over twenty families in our
community. We would like to thank the local banks, churches and community members that support
this program. FCCLA also raised several hundred dollars at the Dig Pink game to donate to Mrs.
Feldhake for supporting her daily travel to and from Petoskey for radiation treatments.
The High School Student Council held a TALENT SHOW December 20 to showcase many hidden student
talents. Prizes were awarded to the top 3 finishers which were:
1st Place – The Leprechan Farmers Who are Gamblers
(also known as Jack Slater, Eli Kott, and Eli Reilly) 2
nd Place – Kayla Rambo singing White Christmas
3rd
Place – Elizabeth Schell - Comedy Sketch
8th Grade US History students were given
the extra credit assignment over Christmas
break to create a board game based on the
Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments of
the Constitution). There were 7 fantastic
games turn in that allowed students yet
another way to learn about the details and
application of the guaranteed rights of
citizens protected by our Constitution. __________________________________________________________________________________________
KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP - APRIL 11, 2014
You will need to bring an original, state issued birth certificate, current
immunization record, and proof of residency for each student you wish to
enroll. Please call Marilyn Crisp at 647-6285 ext. 105, to schedule an
appointment.
The entry age for kindergarten is being gradually changed to requiring children
to be 5 years old by Sept. 1.
2014-15 School Year – A child may enroll if the child is at least 5 years of age on OCTOBER 1, 2014
2015-16 School Year – A child may enroll if the child is at least 5 years of age on SEPTEMBER 1, 2015
Immunization Requirements for NEW KINDERGARTENERS
Students entering Kindergarten in the fall are required to have the following immunizations:
DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) – 5 doses (the last dose given on or after 4th birthday)
Polio – 4 doses (the last dose given on or after 4th birthday)
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – 2 doses
Hepatitis B Series
Chicken Pox vaccine – 2 doses (unless your child has already had chicken pox) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Using the positive behavior approach (Paw Laws and Panthers ROAR) that we practice in our school we are going to be
focusing, especially, on bus expectations for the next few weeks, and then revisiting them for the rest of the year. Please
speak with your child/ren about our expectations and why it’s so important to behave appropriately on the bus for the
safety of everyone riding. Bus transportation is a privilege. Please remind your child/ren to be respectful, responsible, and
safe on the bus:
Use a quiet voice and talk to those seated near them
Wait their turn in line
Be respectful of the bus driver and follow his directions
Keep track of their belongings
Stay seated -- back to back and bottom to bottom when the bus is in motion
Keep aisles clear of arms, legs, feet, and backpacks
Place any trash in the garbage can
Use appropriate and respectful language
Be on time for pick up
Ride your assigned bus and get off at your assigned stop unless you have a note from your parents or the office.
We will be teaching lessons at school to reinforce these behaviors. Your help at home is appreciated and will make
for safe travel on our busses.
Students are enjoying the first new water bottle filling station installed. This was
made possible with assistance from the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Water
Access Initiative. Four filling stations will eventually be installed throughout the
building.
Support our Public Schools - The Michigan Public Schools Partnership (MPSP) is a coalition of 21
school-related organizations and school districts committed to promoting the good news about Michigan public
schools. By standing strong for public schools, MPSP showcases positive school stories to counter the negative
image public schools have mistakenly been given. The mission of MPSP is to promote the value of public
education in Michigan. Community public schools are a key component of our democracy that ensures all
students have access to a quality education and a brighter future. MPSP will provide news, information, data
and resources to school districts, communities, the general public and the media confirming that community
public schools are successfully nurturing and educating students to be productive Michigan citizens.
Stories of public school successes can be submitted by school staff, students, parents, and community members
to the MPSP website. These stories can be about anything regarding you and/or our district. Submit a Story
th, and 8th grade are preparing for the Local Spelling Bee. Each student will be given a list of words to
study and the top two spellers from each grade advance to the District Competition. This competition will be held
February 5, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. in Pickford, and will include top spellers from Cedarville, Detour, Brimley and
Pickford. Good luck spellers!
Sixth Grade Spring Camp Mark your calendar for May 1
st and 2
nd ! Together CCSS and Pickford Public Schools have organized
an educational outing at the Northwoods Camp, south of Pickford. The camp will run for two
days. There will be activities such as canoeing and water safety, water ecology, team building, soil
conservation, archery and many more. Sixth graders from Cedarville, DeTour, Brimley, Paradise and
Pickford will be attending. Look for information after Spring Break.
You can now create an account enabling you to see your child's lunch balance and history. You will need a valid email address to create an account and a secure password will be sent to you. Then you will be able to login and add your children to your account. You must have your child's lunch ID (four digit number) to add them. The link to create an account can be found on the school website main page under Parent Shortcuts, Food Service Information. Please contact Janet Haske if you need further assistance.
PTO has been very active this past semester. With the help of the community, money was
raised from the Believe sales to be used for several project areas throughout the school system.
The profits from last year’s Believe sales went to support new playground equipment. This year, money went to support
the K-12 physical education program, the elementary and the high school art programs, and the industrial arts program.
PTO held a Halloween Carnival; and it looked as if all who attended enjoyed themselves. The Scholastic Book Fair was a
success; many books were donated to the school library, and many other books were donated to individual teachers who
put in requests for their classroom libraries. A new undertaking this year was the Secret Santa Shop, and the elementary
students seemed to have fun picking out gifts for their friends and family from it.
Currently, PTO has a handful of dedicated members who have undertaken the work of organizing, setting up, and
operating the activities mentioned above. They want to thank community members who have volunteered to help with
some of those activities. The current members would be very happy to welcome anyone new who might be interested in
attending and helping out with future projects. At this time, there is no meeting yet scheduled for the second semester.
Watch the school calendar for the next meeting; and in the spring be sure to come to the buy-one-get-one-free Scholastic
Book Sale
Our PTO has also donated to provide new teacher grants -- $100 each for 2 new teachers for classroom supplies and
projects.
We appreciate the support and fundraising efforts of the PTO members that allow us to provide these "extras" for our staff
and students. If you are interested in becoming a member of the PTO, please contact the central office at 647-6285. Help