Habit #3 - Put First Things First!
Each month, our students practice a habit for turning small actions into big wins. This helps us work together to be successful students and leaders!
January's habit was Put First Things First! These students were chosen for representing the habit of prioritizing their goals and minimizing their distractions! Students who are learning to put first things first:
Get work done before playing
Say no to things they shouldn’t do
Focus on priorities
Stay true in the moment of choice
- I make time for the things that matter!
- I stay focused on what is important!
- I am on my way to being a leader!
Congratulations to these students, and to all our Pinedale Panthers for being awesome!
3 months ago, Pinedale Elementary School
Yesterday morning, students enjoyed the Images of the World presentation, sponsored by our wonderful PTA. This year, Tass Thacker spoke to students about her and her husband’s cycling adventures throughout the rainforests and Maya Ruins in Central America. Her beautiful photographs and captivating storytelling combined to create an engaging and informative presentation. She closed by reminding students of the importance of following their dreams and working hard to make them come true.
3 months ago, Pinedale Elementary
CONFETTI CALL ANNOUNCEMENT! This 3rd grader was nominated by Mrs. Fish AND Ms. Eining (without them even knowing it)! He is recognized for his love of learning, which is contagious, and his curiosity drives him to be a careful listener. He consistently asks thoughtful questions and puts forth his best effort in the classroom. His responsibility brings out the best in others! Pinedale is proud of you!
3 months ago, Pinedale Elementary
Feeding South Dakota Mobile Food Pantry
Distribution Dates for February 2026
3 months ago, Pinedale Elementary School
Calling All Future Raiders!
Elementary students get in free for the Stevens Raiders basketball games on Saturday, February 7th, including fun activities and prizes. Games will be at at Stevens High School Gymnasium. See the flyer for more details!
3 months ago, Pinedale Elementary School
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY! Pinedale teachers just keep learning, just keep learning! Today was all about digging in to data, reflecting on actionable steps to impact student learning, and sharing powerful instructional strategies from a recent book study. Go Panthers!
3 months ago, Pinedale Elementary
HAT DAY – REPTILE GARDENS FUNDRAISER! 🐢
Pinedale is incredibly proud of our Student Leadership Team (SLT) and our entire Panther family for the generosity shown today! After learning about the tragic fire at Reptile Gardens in November, SLT members took the initiative to find a way to help—and thanks to a true whole-school effort, we raised $1,002.77!
Today, Mr. Terry, Head Curator at Reptile Gardens, visited our campus to collect the donation and speak with SLT members. He shared that the empathy and kindness demonstrated by our students will support the purchase of new baby tortoises and help rebuild what was lost. He was deeply moved by the thoughtfulness of our school and reminded our students that their actions are truly making the world a better place. 💙🐾
3 months ago, Pinedale Elementary
CONFETTI CALL ANNOUNCEMENT! This 3rd grader was nominated by Mrs. Cameron for his kindness, manners, and always wanting to be helpful. On any given day, whether interacting with adults or peers, you can always count on hearing him say "please" and "thank you." We're happy to celebrate him with a phone call home. Feel proud, buddy!
4 months ago, Pinedale Elementary
NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 19th for MLK, JR. Day
NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, January 20th for RCAS Professional Development Day
4 months ago, Pinedale Elementary School
Panther PTA Newsletter January 2026
4 months ago, Pinedale Elementary School
INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR PINEDALE TEAM?
Candidates interested in applying for a position within RCAS or specifically here at Pinedale - be sure to keep an eye on the open position postings updated here:
https://skyward.iscorp.com/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wscomrapidcitysd/rapplmnu03.w
You can search by location: Pinedale.
In addition to any specific Pinedale listings you may see, we may also have openings in K-2 and 3-5 Elementary Teacher as well as Special Education Teacher K-5 (Learning Center) for next year. These are currently listed as "Location - To Be Assigned" so will not specifically state Pinedale. Both internal and external candidates need to apply through FastTrack.
Thanks for your interest!
4 months ago, Pinedale Elementary School
CONFETTI CALL ANNOUNCEMENT! This 2nd grader was nominated by Mrs. Bruce for consistently working hard at being respectful, responsible, and kind. She finds joy in helping others and is always ready and willing to learn new things. We are happy to celebrate her with a phone call home. Way to go!
4 months ago, Pinedale Elementary
BEHAVIOR REFRESH! Earlier this week we had another 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 have a lot to celebrate when it comes to students being respectful, responsible, and safe. And we have great goals to start 2026 off with a bang! In our lunchroom, for example, we talked a lot about what it looks like and sounds like to have good manners and enjoy eating together in our Panther Paw Cafe. Check out these polite Panthers enjoying conversation, keeping their area tidy and clean, and keeping hands and feet to themselves while eating. Keep it up, kids!
4 months ago, Pinedale Elementary
NO Early Release Day
This Friday, January 9th, is NOT a calendar-scheduled Early Release Day due to the holidays. Pinedale dismisses at the regular time of 2:50 PM this Friday.
4 months ago, Pinedale Elementary School
Blood Drive at Pinedale on 1/14/26
This year, Pinedale’s blood drive is going to be in honor of Jalon Janke.
Jalon Janke is a junior at Stevens High School and is a former Pinedale Panther. In 2020, Jalon was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and underwent treatment for almost a year, which included a partial amputation of his right leg. In September of 2025, he was having pain, and it was discovered that he has metastatic osteosarcoma, which has spread throughout his body. Throughout Jalon's bouts of cancer he has received many units of blood and platelets.
His mom, Emily Delzer, was also a former teacher at Pinedale.
The blood drive is January 14th in Pinedale's gymnasium.
If you would like to make a blood donation, please go to the Vitalant website schedule to search for Pinedale on 1/14/26 and sign up for a time slot:
https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa4 months ago, Pinedale Elementary School
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!
4 months ago, Pinedale Elementary
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!
4 months ago, Pinedale Elementary
NO SCHOOL today, Thursday, December 18th for Pinedale and RCAS schools due to the high winds and power outages.
4 months ago, Pinedale Elementary School
📣 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!
5 months ago, Rapid City Area Schools
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!
5 months ago, Pinedale Elementary
