Dear Parents and Guardians,
Pinedale Elementary students will be participating in a daily 20-40-minute block of time called “WIN,” which stands for What I Need. This time is set aside for teachers to provide instruction that targets the individual needs of each student.
To help identify these needs, all Pinedale students are screened three times each year in reading and math. Our first round of assessments has already been completed, and students have been placed into groups based on this data.
During WIN time, instruction is supported by classroom teachers, Intervention Specialists, Literacy Specialists, Special Education teachers, and paraprofessionals.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher.
Sincerely,
Pinedale Staff
Pinedale Elementary students will be participating in a daily 20-40-minute block of time called “WIN,” which stands for What I Need. This time is set aside for teachers to provide instruction that targets the individual needs of each student.
To help identify these needs, all Pinedale students are screened three times each year in reading and math. Our first round of assessments has already been completed, and students have been placed into groups based on this data.
During WIN time, instruction is supported by classroom teachers, Intervention Specialists, Literacy Specialists, Special Education teachers, and paraprofessionals.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher.
Sincerely,
Pinedale Staff
If you haven't done so yet, check out our updated Pinedale page on the RCAS District website: https://pinedale.rcas.org/o/pinedale. Our principal, Mrs. Kamarainen, has been busy adding photos and info about what's happening at Pinedale!
Each week, Mrs. Kamarainen is spot-lighting a Pinedale staff member. Over morning announcements, she reads clues for students to "guess who" and then shares that staff member's name - our students have been having fun getting to know a little more about the adults they see around school! If you scroll to the bottom of the webpage, you'll see a quote from each staff member who's been highlighted so far!
CONFETTI CALL ANNOUNCEMENT! This 1st grader was nominated by Mrs. Salter for working hard, staying focused, consistently participating in class activities, and always trying her best! The surprise phone call home made for lots of smiles today. Way to go!
Gourd-geous news, everyone! 🎃
We're so excited to host a booth at The Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival this Saturday! Come find the Rapid City Area Schools booth for free temporary tattoos, cool swag, and a chance to chat with us! We can't wait to see you there!
We're so excited to host a booth at The Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival this Saturday! Come find the Rapid City Area Schools booth for free temporary tattoos, cool swag, and a chance to chat with us! We can't wait to see you there!
Pinedale's Picture Day is coming up on Thursday, September 18th!
Pictures will take place in the morning. All students will have their picture taken for their school ID.
Pictures can be ordered through www.inter-state.com/order using code 0060RPN.
Picture Re-Take Day will be on November 5th in the morning.
Pictures will take place in the morning. All students will have their picture taken for their school ID.
Pictures can be ordered through www.inter-state.com/order using code 0060RPN.
Picture Re-Take Day will be on November 5th in the morning.
Early Release Friday at 12:50 PM!
Tomorrow , September 5th, is an RCAS scheduled Early Release Friday. Pinedale's dismissal time is 12:50 PM. Students will have lunch before they are dismissed.
Thank you!
Tomorrow , September 5th, is an RCAS scheduled Early Release Friday. Pinedale's dismissal time is 12:50 PM. Students will have lunch before they are dismissed.
Thank you!
First PTA Meeting of the year was last night! Join us for the next PTA meeting on October 7th at 5:30.
And if you are a classroom Room Parent, don't forget to mark your calendar for the Room Parent meeting on Tuesday, September 23rd at 3:30 in the Pinedale library!
And if you are a classroom Room Parent, don't forget to mark your calendar for the Room Parent meeting on Tuesday, September 23rd at 3:30 in the Pinedale library!
If you plan on helping with any field trips, PTA events, hallway work, or other school-related activities involving student contact, please use this link to register as an approved volunteer:
https://www.rcas.org/o/rcas/page/volunteer-opportunities
For field trips in particular, there is a "Level 2" form to fill out in addition (available in the link above or in the Pinedale office). This form will need to be returned to the school to be signed and approved ahead of time before going along on any field trips. Level 2 volunteers are screened through Background Screeners of America and the approval is good for 3 years.
The volunteer approval process is to ensure that students have appropriate supervision at all times and that volunteers are covered under District insurance for any injuries that occur while volunteering.
Thank you for taking time to be a very important role in supporting our school!
https://www.rcas.org/o/rcas/page/volunteer-opportunities
For field trips in particular, there is a "Level 2" form to fill out in addition (available in the link above or in the Pinedale office). This form will need to be returned to the school to be signed and approved ahead of time before going along on any field trips. Level 2 volunteers are screened through Background Screeners of America and the approval is good for 3 years.
The volunteer approval process is to ensure that students have appropriate supervision at all times and that volunteers are covered under District insurance for any injuries that occur while volunteering.
Thank you for taking time to be a very important role in supporting our school!
Reminder for Monday - No School
Monday, September 1st, is Labor Day!
Monday, September 1st, is Labor Day!
Thank you to our Pinedale community for being patient, helpful, and accommodating this first week of school as we all get used to our new routines (and the extra pivoting that got thrown in)!
For next week, starting on Monday, we will be reinforcing our typical procedures of parents/guardians saying goodbye at the playground gates and not coming onto the playground. This will include lunch recess as well – parents/guardians/family are welcome to visit for lunch, but not continue onto the playground. Having only staff and students on the playground assists in our efforts of keeping our campus safe and secure.
Thank you for your understanding! Have a wonderful weekend!
For next week, starting on Monday, we will be reinforcing our typical procedures of parents/guardians saying goodbye at the playground gates and not coming onto the playground. This will include lunch recess as well – parents/guardians/family are welcome to visit for lunch, but not continue onto the playground. Having only staff and students on the playground assists in our efforts of keeping our campus safe and secure.
Thank you for your understanding! Have a wonderful weekend!
District Opener – Building Closure Notice
On Monday, August 18, all Rapid City Area Schools buildings will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 10:30 a.m. for our annual District Opener event. This is a special tradition where all RCAS staff gather to celebrate the start of the new school year and align for success. We appreciate your understanding as we take this time to connect, inspire, and ring in the new year together.
On Monday, August 18, all Rapid City Area Schools buildings will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 10:30 a.m. for our annual District Opener event. This is a special tradition where all RCAS staff gather to celebrate the start of the new school year and align for success. We appreciate your understanding as we take this time to connect, inspire, and ring in the new year together.
Looking forward to seeing our families tonight, and ready for a fantastic 2025-2026 school year!
Open House: stop by anytime between 4:00-6:00 tonight (Thursday, August 14th) to see who your child's teacher is, visit their classroom, and receive information for the new school year!
Open House: stop by anytime between 4:00-6:00 tonight (Thursday, August 14th) to see who your child's teacher is, visit their classroom, and receive information for the new school year!
Pinedale's Open House/Meet the Teacher is coming up Thursday, August 14th from 4:00 - 6:00pm. This is when class lists will be available. Our Panther PTA will also be on site with a table in the gym. A single membership is $10 and a family membership is $20. This, along with other volunteer options, provides support to our school in so many ways. We are looking forward to seeing our returning and new families on August 14th!
Spring Break!
NO SCHOOL April 14th - 21st. Students will return on TUESDAY, April 22nd.
🌸 Spring Break Reminder! 🌸
Rapid City Area Schools will be on Spring Break from April 14–21. There will be no school during that week as students and staff take a well-deserved break!
📅 Classes will resume on Monday, April 22.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe, relaxing, and refreshing break! 💐☀️
Panther PTA April 2025 Newsletter!
Splash of Gratitude!
Watiki Waterpark is giving away a prize pack to an outstanding teacher! Nominate your favorite teacher to win $500 toward their classroom, plus a one-night stay at one of their hotels, and $50 to Sliders Bar & Grill.
Click the link to submit your nomination!
https://www.watikiwaterpark.com/play/promotions/teacher-appreciation/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMQABHtHJimmBPSdtDk45iCAcIkVb8IUpxcTJPMjdf--kHqQziZaOOS3a7Bp0vMOK_aem_xbBVXJfYIHE5k39lDqHokw
Purple Up for Military Kids!
Support and celebrate military students by wearing purple on Friday, April 11th!
Save the date for our Variety Show on May 2nd! You all will get to witness the creativity of our students and programs!
Our December staff appreciation event! A huge thank you to The Elks Theatre for hosting our staff! 😊
