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. 💙🐾
NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, January 20th for RCAS Professional Development Day
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!
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!
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.
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/dwa
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!
Habit #2 - Begin with the End in Mind!
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!
November's habit was Begin with the End in Mind! These students were chosen for representing the habit of consistently meeting their goals and successfully planning the steps needed to reach those goals. Students who are learning how to have a plan:
Do things that have meaning and make a difference
Contribute to the group
Look for ways to be a good citizen
- I plan ahead and set goals for myself.
- I am prepared
- I think about how the choices I make now will affect my future
- I think about the positive or negative consequences of my actions before I act
Congratulations to these students, and to all of our Pinedale Panthers for being awesome!
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! ❤️
