Pinedale Elementary

We are proud to have Mr. Shane Cox represent us as Pinedale’s 2025-2026 Support Person of the Year! Mr. Shane is our dedicated Custodial Coordinator, fixer of all things, walkie-talkie first responder, buildings and grounds beautifier, lunchroom director – and so much more. He can be found wherever he’s needed, always giving his time to make Pinedale a warm, welcoming second home for both students and staff. Mr. Shane has been with RCAS for about 10 years now, and the work he does each day creates a lasting impact. He builds meaningful connections, supports our positive learning environment, and truly defines what it means to go above and beyond. We are so fortunate to have Mr. Shane on our Panther team! When you see him, please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition!

We are proud to have Ms. Averie Georgas represent Pinedale as this year’s Teacher of the Year! Ms. Georgas has served our Panther community for 22 years, primarily in 3rd and 4th grade. She is a positive influence on everyone around her, takes a collaborative approach to continuous improvement, and is always focused on doing what’s best for kids. Ms. Georgas builds long-lasting connections with staff and families and can often be seen smiling and laughing around campus. She helps students grow and feel confident both academically and emotionally. When you see Ms. Georgas, please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition!

NO SCHOOL today, Thursday, December 18th for Pinedale and RCAS schools due to the high winds and power outages.

📣 Title VI PAC Meeting Update

Due to a lack of quorum, the PAC meeting scheduled for tomorrow night has been cancelled.

🗓 Next Meeting: January 21
📍 Location: Rapid City Alternative Academy
🍽 Meal: 5:30 PM
🕕 Call to Order: 6:00 PM

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you in January!

CONFETTI CALL ANNOUNCEMENT! This 3rd grader was nominated by Mrs. Carlson for his encouragement. He consistently gives his best effort and encourages others to do the same. He is known for his cheerful attitude, and he helps make his classroom and our school a positive place to learn. Proud of you!

SUB APPRECIATION POST! These are just 2 of our wonderful substitutes that help out regularly here at Pinedale and throughout RCAS when we need them! We appreciate the flexibility, reliability, positive attitudes, and support of all of our substitutes. Thank you from your Panther family! 💙💛

CONFETTI CALL ANNOUNCEMENT! This 1st grader was nominated by Mrs. Grenz for always being kind to her classmates and going out of her way to be helpful. She consistently works hard to demonstrate the qualities of a leader. We are happy to celebrate her with a phone call home. Way to go!

Reminder that tomorrow, Friday, December 5th, is an RCAS scheduled Early Release day. * Pinedale students are dismissed at 12:50 PM. *

FIRST SNOW! Our reminders on Monday during the assembly were helpful as students found ways to safely and responsibly enjoy the snow on the playground this week. Expectations include: staying off the ice (most areas are marked with cones) and no throwing or tossing of snow (it can often have gravel in it). Check out these pictures of kids collaborating, getting creative, and enjoying the winter weather.

Friendly reminder for safety - the lane in front of the school is for QUICKLY dropping off and picking up. Students should be ready to exit immediately, getting out on the RIGHT side only. Drivers stay in the car, please! Buses have the right-of-way.

Pinedale has 1958 parking in a 2025 world, so please be extra mindful of student and family safety around the school.

Students should be on the playground at the 7:55 bell. They should not be coming through the front doors unless they are having breakfast at 7:35. They do not need to be dropped off directly at the front door. Many parents are finding it easier to drop off on a nearby street and let the kids walk, or use the cul-de-sac and stairs behind the school.

With all the challenges that come from current building and staff limitations, we are always appreciative when parents are aware and care! ❤️

BEHAVIOR REFRESH! This morning we had an all-school assembly to welcome students back after the long break and to revisit expectations of some of our shared areas - like the playground, hallways, and lunch time. We reflected on things that have room for improvement (and how we can do that) and also on areas of celebration (and how we should keep that going). We will also continue to hand out pom-poms and share the paper ball notes during December to recognize all those good decisions. Keep up the good work, Panthers.

Check out the Rapid City Area Schools November Newsletter!

https://rcas.edurooms.com/engage/rapid-city-area-schools/newsletters/november-news

CONFETTI CALL ANNOUNCEMENT! This 3rd grader was nominated by Mrs. Beert for her consistency in setting a good example and being respectful to all of her classmates. She strives to do the right thing even when no one is watching. She joked on the phone that she can sometimes "be the opposite at home." We're proud of the hard work you put in at school every single day.

CONFETTI CALL ANNOUNCEMENT! This 4th grader was nominated by Ms. Georgas for dedicating herself each day to growing her reading stamina, reading a variety of texts, and sharing her love of good books. With this hard work and consistency, she has made great gains! What a fun surprise call to make! Proud of you.

On Friday, Tara Kingi visited Pinedale and presented on the beautiful, Native American storytelling art of Hoop Dancing. Some students joined in on the dancing and learning, and one of our 5th grade teachers, Ms. Uriel, learned and demonstrated, too! What a wonderful way to celebrate culture and courage during Native American Heritage Month. Thank you for coming, Tara!

CONFETTI CALL ANNOUNCEMENT! This 4th grader was nominated by Mrs. Chapman for being a "complimenting machine!" He's quick to recognize others and their accomplishments with kind words, and we can count on him to celebrate his peers with a smile! Your family and your school family are so proud of you. Way to go!

Check out our Panther PTA's November newsletter!

GO PANTHERS! Check out Rapid City Public School Foundation's Podcast (link below) and celebrate two of our own Pinedale Panther Staff Members! Episode 16: All My Best Friends are Five features one of our magical Kindergarten teachers, Leigh Shaw. While you're at it, listen to Episode 26: Leafing a Good Impression to hear more from our legendary Custodial Coordinator, Shane Cox. Always proud to showcase the hard work of our RCAS Employees!

https://shows.acast.com/the-public-school-podc/episodes

Habit #1 - Be Proactive!

Each month, our students practice a habit for turning small actions into big wins. This helps us work together to be effective students and leaders!

October's habit was Be Proactive! These students were chosen for demonstrating the qualities of being proactive. Proactive people choose their own way and take responsibility for the results. You are being proactive when you:

Remain calm
Take responsibility
Think before acting
Focus on solutions
Take initiative to make things happen
See alternatives, not roadblocks
Focus on what you can influence

- I have a "can do" attitude and always try my best at everything I do!
- I follow directions and do the right thing without being asked, even when nobody is looking!
- I choose my actions, attitudes and moods and don't blame others for my wrongdoing!

Congratulations to these students, and to all our Pinedale Panthers for being awesome!