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

goal. We would love your input!

Angela Nettleton, Superintendent/K-12 Principal

PICKFORD CALENDAR UPDATES

HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL & ELEMENTARY

OFFICE HOURS: 8:00 AM TO 3:30 PM

School Phone: (906) 647-6285

High School Reception/Library: Ext. 207 – Jan Fehner (until 12:00 p.m.)

Elementary Office: Ext. 2 – Marilynn Crisp

Chuck Bennin, Athletic Director: Ext. 4

Sherry Miller, C.C.S.S.: Ext. 6

In an effort to keep the flow of education within the classroom, please

be advised that all incoming calls to teachers will be sent to voicemail.

Return calls will be made during the teachers’ prep time or after school.

Messages to students will only be given during lunch time and at the

end of the school day. Only in the case of an emergency will a class be

interrupted.

It is important to us that your child is placed on the right bus at the end

of the day. Any changes in daily bus routines should be sent in writing

to the teacher. If a change is necessary after your child has been sent to

school, please call the office prior to 2:30 p.m. so that every effort can

be made to give the teacher and child the message.

STUDENT ABSENCES

When your child is absent from school, late, or

needs to leave early, you must contact the

school by phone, send a note, or email:

jfehner@eup.k12.mi.us (grades 6-12) ext. 207

mcrisp@eup.k12.mi.us (K-5) ext. 105 ,

no later than 10:00 a.m. the day they return

or the absence will be considered unexcused.

When students are absent or not completing work, they are missing key

components in their lessons which have an impact on their grades and

testing. Please make an effort to see that your child attends school

regularly.

Illuminate – Student Information System Pickford Public Schools has joined the Easter Upper Peninsula Consortium in the use of a regional student

information system, Illuminate. In this system, you will be able to view all of your child’s schedule, attendance,

and grades through the “Home Connection” feature.

Student and parent portals have been enabled. If you need assistance in viewing your child’s information,

please contact (Janet Haske) jhaske@eup.k12.mi.us for access code information. You can also register for an

account online at:

http://pickford.eup.k12.mi.us//site/Default.aspx?PageID=689

January

25 District Solo and Ensemble

February

5 Tom Thelen Anti-Bullying Assembly

12 EUP Regional Science Fair

Pre-Festival Band Concert 7:00 p.m.

13 Student Led Conferences

14 Winter Break - No school

17 Professional Development – No

School for Students

March

17 B.O.E. Meeting 7:00 p.m.

19 Winter Athletic Banquet

21 End of Third Marking Period

April

1-4 Spring Break

7 Professional Development Day

No school for students

8 School Resumes

11 Kindergarten Round-Up 18 Good Friday – No School

21 B.O.E. Meeting 7:00 p.m.

May

1-2 Sixth Grade Camp

13 Evening with the Arts 6:00 p.m.

Spring Band Concert 7:00 p.m.

19 B.O.E. Meeting 7:00 p.m.

21 Spring Athletic Banquet 6:30 p.m.

24 Graduation

26 Memorial Day

29 Elementary Spring Program 7:00

June

6 Last Day of School ½ day

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

today!

http://www.standingstrongforpublicschools.org/

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pickford's 7th grade Language Arts class and their teacher Ms.

Caitlin Mortinsen are assisting with a Service Learning Project on

recycling. Students have created posters to explain more about

recycling that will be displayed in the school hallways, and created

brochures to send home with students with ideas for recycling at

home. They have also written and recorded a recycling song which

can be viewed on the school website. The goal is to have all

classrooms recycling paper and plastic.

Give Kids a Smile

February is Dental Health Month. The American Dental Association is once again

sponsoring GIVE KIDS A SMILE! Dentists across the nation are providing treatment and

education to help children with limited access to dental care.

Dr. Morrison, Dr. Toner and their staff will be participating in this event. They would

like to extend an invitation to children in the Pickford area who do not have dental

insurance to receive dental care. The day of the event will be Friday, Feb. 7, 2014. There

will be no charge to patients on GIVE KIDS A SMILE! day.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Military-Connected Children The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is participating in a national initiative to support the children of military

families. By being aware of military-connected children in their school districts, as well as the challenges they face, it is

hoped that teachers and principals will be able to support these students and their families by helping to ensure that they

are able to meet all their needs when it comes to furthering their education.

All children residing in Michigan with a parent or legal guardian currently serving in any component of the Army, Navy,

Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard are considered to be military-connected children. This includes the children of any

uniformed personnel serving with the Michigan National Guard, in any of the Reserve United States forces, or on Active

Duty.

Please contract Tracy Rye, Business Manager if your child/ren are MILITARY-CONNECTED

CHILD/REN. trye@eup.k12.mi.us, Pickford Public Schools, P.O. Box 278, Pickford, MI 49774,

906-647-6285, ext 203

Deadline: January 30, 2014

COUNSELING OFFICE NEWS I cannot adequately THANK YOU for your many kindnesses as I battle breast cancer. I am happy

to report that I am done with my radiation treatments and have returned to school full time (so at

Pickford that means I am here all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I am also here

each Friday afternoon). I feel great and expect a full recovery. Your cards, messages, Dig Pink

benefit game, blanket and other goodies from FCCLA, prayers and gifts got me through this. You

are an AMAZING community and I am so thankful for all you have done for me and my family. I

certainly hope to pay it forward.

Pat Feldhake

Elementary:

This school year we have had 17 of our high school students serving as mentors in the elementary classrooms. The

mentors spend one hour of their school day with the elementary students. We have found that this benefits both the

elementary and high school students as the younger students receive academic and social help; while the older students

discover whether or not they might want a career in education.

Starting the first week of February the BABES Buddies will be performing five puppet shows in the first, third,

third/fourth grade classrooms for five sessions. Parents are most welcome to attend these twenty minute presentations

which deal with topics such as decision making, peer pressure and coping skills (a letter will be sent home listing the

exact dates and times). The high school role models this year are: Sierra Johnson, Hillary Taylor, Kassidy Yarnell, Taylor

Miller, Camden Ledy, Kaitlin Clatterbuck and Noah Brooks.

Middle School:

The sixth graders seem to be adjusting well to Middle School. After being used to having one main teacher, they have

now gotten in the swing of having seven different instructors – one for each of the seven hours in the school day. They are

learning to be more responsible by completing assignments and studying for tests. It has been good to watch them develop

important lifetime skills. If your student is struggling in a particular area (academic or social), don’t hesitate to contact me

to see what we can do to help.

The seventh and eighth graders will be taking a new test called ASPIRE this spring (probably in May). This is a national

test that has been created by ACT to replace the EXPLORE and PLAN tests we have used in the past. It is designed to

assess a student’s knowledge and skills relative to college and career readiness. The test has four main parts: English,

math, reading and science, and it will be taken on the computer. This test is completely aligned with the Common Core

which will make it very useful in knowing how both our students and teachers are mastering the concepts we are

exploring daily in our classrooms.

High School:

Students tend to hear students. On Dec. 19th five PHS Alumni served on a question/answer panel in the school library.

They spoke to the current PHS juniors and seniors about college coursework, buying books at a discount, dorm life,

homesickness, clubs and activities, and a myriad of other related topics. These alumni were recommended by the PHS

faculty. If YOU have an alumni you think would do a good job on this panel please let me know and I will add his/her

name to next year’s panel list. A big thank you to the five who served this year: Jessica Arman- Lake Superior State

University for Fisheries & Wildlife; Koryn Beacom – Central Michigan University with an undeclared major; Phillip

Coullard – Lake Superior State University for Electrical Engineering; Chelsea Kronemeyer – Michigan State University

for Animal Science/Management; and Olivia Smith – Kirtland Community College for Cardiac Sonography.

Current Seniors should be sure to get their Free Application for

Federal Studentl Aid (FAFSA) filed by going to

www.fafsa.ed.gov by March 1, 2014. Parents and students

from both the junior and senior classes are encouraged to

attend a Financial Aid Information meeting in the school

library on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 6:00 P.M.

Scholarship information will be given out to each senior prior

to Spring Break informing them of how to apply for the many

local scholarships generously given by local businesses and

organizations.

Alumni; Jessica Arman, Chelsea Kronemeyer,

Phillip Coullard, Koryn Beacom, Olivia Smith

Anti-Bullying Assemblies

Anthony Ianni, of the Autism Alliance of Michigan, is one of the most sought after anti-bullying motivational

speakers in the region. Despite bullies, adversity and numerous personal challenges, Anthony worked hard and

never gave up. Not only did he earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University in Sociology he is

the first known athlete with autism to play Big 10 basketball. We were fortunate to have Anthony speak to our

6-12 students free of charge. If you would like to learn more, check out his webpage

http://relentlesstour.com/meet-anthony-ianni/

On February 5 Tom Thelen will be in our district for another assembly with an anti-bullying theme. Mr. Thelen

takes the approach to teach students how to stand up for themselves, encourage positive self-esteem, and not

become a victim of bullying. If you would like to learn more, visit his website at http://tomthelen.com/. This

assembly is being sponsored by the Pickfored PTO.

Friday Game Time reward in Miss McIntyre’s room. (They don’t know they are still practicing

their math skills!)

Generating and testing hypothesis… building solar panel prototypes in industrial arts.

Author sharing time during Kindergarten Writer’s Workshop. These kiddos are AUTHORS!!!

The school library has been the fortunate recipient of many donations this semester. Books Are Fun donated several look-

and-find books along with some non-fiction books the elementary students are enjoying. The Daniel Cottle Family

donated a set of books about different varieties of dinosaurs and one about polar bears. The Casey Crimmin Family

donated several books for our younger readers. Grace Gruno also donated several books for younger readers. Sydney

Johnson donated several books in memory of her great-grandmother Mildred Warren. PTO donated over $200 worth of

books and book sets from the recent Scholastic Book Fair. The Maloney Children donated a set of 3 three Barbie books

and a set of eight Flat Stanley books. Rhoda Beacom donated Starry Night by Debbie Macomber for the high school

section of the library. Jim and Linda Crawford donated three historical fiction books for the upper elementary students.

Roberta and Crimson Lewis donated a biography by local author Linda Dale Cook, A Talent Lost/A Life with a Purpose.

Several books were also donated by the Tom Hill family. The students have been very appreciative of all the new book

choices they now have. Thank you to all who have donated books for our shelves.

******************************************************************************************

BOARD GAMES WANTED... We are seeking donations of gently used (or even new) board games for our elementary students

to be able to check out and play during inside recesss. **********************************************************************************

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: http://pickford.eup.k12.mi.us

By visiting the Pickford School’s website, you will have access to current events, student

activities, notifications, lunch menus, calendar events and much, much more. By searching

on the school calendar, you can find school holidays, scheduled athletic events, meeting

dates and other important school events. We are continually updating information and

events as they occur.

Pickford Public Schools has changed to using SchoolMessenger, the telephone

broadcasting system, which enables school personnel to notify all households and

parents by phone within minutes of an emergency or unplanned event that causes a

school delay, cancellation or an early dismissal. The service is also used from

time-to-time to communicate general announcements or reminders. We will

continue to report school closings due to snow or weather via radio and television

and will use this system as an overlay to the public announcements. Please see the

school website for a full listing of radio and television stations.

We will also use this system to notify you of transportation problems, delayed runs, etc.

Lunch/breakfast charges (the system will remind parents/guardians, on Sunday evenings, of lunch balances for

students owing $20 or more)

When an early release happens, it is important that parents/guardians refrain from calling the school to ask if and when

the students will be released or if a game is cancelled. We ask that the phone lines be kept open in the event parents need

to make other arrangements for K-5 students to be taken to a different location other than their regular drop off point.

Please contact the school if your information has changed to make sure your records are up to date. School Messenger

also has the ability to contact you via email or text. If you wish to enable these options, please contact Janet Haske at the

Central Office. (extension 207)

STUDENT SAFETY ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL GUIDE

The area on the east side of Pleasant Street is designated as a loading and unloading zone during

school hours. PARKING ON THIS SIDE OF THE STREET DURING SCHOOL HOURS IS

PROHIBITED. Exit and entrance during school hours will be on Francis Street only. Parents

dropping students at the elementary end of the building will be encouraged to do so by coming

from M-129 down Francis Street and dropping students off on the curbside. Parents are strongly

encouraged to drop students off and continue to move to prevent traffic build-up.

Parents are asked, if they are picking up students, to remain in their cars in front of the school for quick departure.

Student pick-up prior to 3:10 p.m. is strongly discouraged unless there are extenuating circumstances. No parents

will be allowed down the hallways during dismissal time. They may proceed down the hallways after dismissal is

completed. __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Indoor Recess

Just a reminder to dress your child/ren appropriately for the day’s weather.

Children are expected to go outside for recess unless the temperature is at or below

zero, or wind chill factor of at or below zero. Students sometimes want to take

their jackets off during the winter months while playing outside. Our playground

directors are advised to have all students keep their jackets on while there is still snow on the ground. Exercise

is an important part of the day!

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https://www.facebook.com/Pickford-Public-Schools

ART CLASS WITH MRS. IZZARD I want to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have generously donated materials to the Art Department. It

makes such a difference to students, because it is relatively difficult to start an art program. Many everyday items are

necessary to having the class run smoothly each day. Any donation (such as a box of crayons or markers, old magazines,

old calendars, or small yogurt containers) is most welcome. Thank you for your support.

There will be an Evening with the Arts in the spring. Please watch future postings for dates and times.

Middle School Art:

The first group of eighteen 7thand 8

th-graders have almost completed their semester in the art room. It is nice to see the

enthusiasm that they have for most parts of the artistic process. Since September, students have completed projects in

pointillism, collage, paint, colored pencil, graphite pencil, and clay. They have studied a little art history with Islamic 7-

circle Designs, small group PowerPoint presentations of famous artists, and Greek mosaics. This group will soon move to

Tech Media and another group will take their place in the art room.

High School Art:

There are twenty-four high school students in the art room, 7th hour each day. In September, the class began learning the

Elements of Art (such as line, shape, texture, etc.), and learning some of the tools and processes involved in creating

drawings. Their portrait grid drawings were fantastic, giving us all the enthusiasm to try new challenges. Since then,

students have been using colored pencils, charcoal, and clay to complete other projects. We are now in the process of

firing the glazed pieces of pottery that students have created – it’s always exciting to see just how each piece turns out.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Spelling Bee 5

th, 6

th, 7

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

us support our kids!

______________________________________________________________________________________

Breakfast/Lunch News Applications for free and reduced-priced meals can still be obtained by contacting any school office

or visiting the school website. If your income status changes anytime during the school year, your

child/ren may be eligible for free or reduced priced meals. Also, a new addition to your family could

change your family’s eligibility. You may apply at any time during the school year.

Payment can be made in the elementary classrooms or the superintendent’s office before school begins

or at lunch time. Please utilize My School Account (http://pickford.eup.k12.mi.us/Page/777) to track

the lunch balance of your student(s). If your student has an outstanding balance of $20 or more by May 1, he/she will no

longer be allowed to go through the serving line without pre-paying for his/her meal for that day. We're sorry if this

creates an inconvenience; but in an effort to settle all accounts prior to the end of the school year, this process will be

utilized.

If you do not want your child to participate or charge either breakfast or lunch, please advise the main office in

writing.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Notes from the Band Room

5th-12th grade students will be having an Omni Fundraising sale (sausage, cheese, chocolate) to benefit the

band program (instruments, uniforms, supplies,etc.). Delivery will be within the first two weeks of February.

On Saturday, January 25, 2014 District Solo and Ensemble will be held in Pickford. Student musicians from

area schools will perform as soloists and as members of small group ensembles for expert adjudicators.

The Middle School and High School Bands are preparing for MSBOA District 13 Band Festival. We will be

having a Pre-Festival Concert in the Pickford Gym on Tuesday, February 12 at 7 p.m. The District Band

Festival will be held in Newberry this year Feb. 20-21, 2014. Please check the school website for new

information and performance times.

Science Fair 2014

Science, technology and engineering are basic skills expected by employers. As

Twenty First Century citizens, students will also have to make some of the toughest

decisions of any generation, based on their understanding of emerging science and

technology.

Science fairs involve students in the practices of science and engineering, requiring them to apply those skills to

a topic of interest to them. Doing science is key to understanding science.

Our school held the science fair on January 21, 2014 for all students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade.

Hands-on scientific investigation and invention are the focus at our particular fair.

Local winners will be invited to attend the Regional Science Fair on February 12 at Lake Superior State

University. Check the school website and Facebook page for a complete list of winners.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pickford Public Schools is participating as a rookie team

in the FIRST Robotics Competition. The task is to build, in only

six weeks, a robot that will compete with an alliance of other

robots to drive around and be able to throw and/or catch a 2-ft

exercise ball. The first round of competition will take place in

Escanaba on March 14th

, and the second competition is a week

later in Traverse City.

The goal of the FIRST organization is to foster student

enthusiasm for the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math, while building capacities in

organizing, promotion and fundraising. The 20 members of the Pickford Robo Panthers team include

freshman through seniors of Pickford High School.

The Robo Panthers are seeking support from area businesses and individuals who can donate

mentoring time, materials for construction, and who may be able to financially sponsor the team. For

more information contact the team at robopanthers5175@gmail.com or follow our Facebook group at Team

5175 Robo Panthers.

__________________________________________________________________________

Every year, the Pickford Yearbook gives parents the opportunity to buy an ad in the

yearbook to congratulate their senior student. If you wish to have pictures in the ad, you

may have the student bring them in or, if you wish to do it in secret, you may email

them to Mrs. Walker at pwalker@eup.k12.mi.us We will also need what you wish to

say. This can be a quote or just a message to your student of how proud you are of

them. This can also be sent in an email to Mrs. Walker.

Pricing is as follows:

16th

of a page $30

8th

of a page $40

4th

of a page $60

Half page $80

Full Page $125

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR YEARBOOK!