FAMILY HOMEWORK! A final reminder and request to please take a few minutes to complete this survey about Pinedale and RCAS. With just over 400 students currently enrolled here at Pinedale, our goal is at least 115 survey responses this year, and we are almost there! Like we tell our students, feedback is a gift. It helps us set goals as a school, celebrate the good stuff, and continue to serve our Panther families the best we can. The survey closes tomorrow, 2/25. Thank you so much!
CONFETTI CALL ANNOUNCEMENT! This kindergartener was nominated by Ms. Wilson for being an exceptional listener who consistently gives his full attention and responds with thoughtfulness and understanding. He demonstrates a level of maturity and kindness far beyond his years. Always eager to lend a helping hand, he supports classmates who need encouragement, assists friends who need help, and is quick to offer support to Ms. Wilson. He is a wonderful role model in our school family. We're happy to celebrate him with a phone call home!
Winter has arrived!
We've had a lot of questions about today's cold temperatures and if students should be inside or outside. As per District policy noted in the RCAS handbook, when the wind chill is above zero at our building's location, our students will go outside.
We do have a weather monitoring station at our location where we are able to view our current wind chill in real time. It is NOT the same as the Weather Channel or your phone’s weather app, which report data from the airport 12 miles east of our building.
Temperature and wind chills can vary greatly across the school district. While one school may have students staying inside, another may be able to let them go outside.
We try to make a decision based on what is best for us at our particular location. Going outside is good for physical and mental development, helps build resilience, and creates a necessary break for students and teachers during the day. (Staff are also outside!) Please make sure your child has a heavy coat, hat, gloves, and appropriate footwear for these unpredictable winter days.
RED FLAG DAYS – when the wind chill is at zero or below at our building’s location, students will stay inside. A red flag will be hung near the gates to let students know they should head inside to the gym in the morning instead of onto the playground. If the wind chill does not improve throughout the day, students will stay inside for recess as well.
At morning drop-off, watch for red flags on the playground gates. If you see a red flag, that means students are expected to come through the main entrance into the gym to wait for the first bell to ring at 7:55 AM.
If there is no red flag, that means our wind chill is above zero and students are expected to go to the playground as usual.
In either scenario, at the end of the day, students will be dismissed as normal for their after-school plans.
Thank you!
We've had a lot of questions about today's cold temperatures and if students should be inside or outside. As per District policy noted in the RCAS handbook, when the wind chill is above zero at our building's location, our students will go outside.
We do have a weather monitoring station at our location where we are able to view our current wind chill in real time. It is NOT the same as the Weather Channel or your phone’s weather app, which report data from the airport 12 miles east of our building.
Temperature and wind chills can vary greatly across the school district. While one school may have students staying inside, another may be able to let them go outside.
We try to make a decision based on what is best for us at our particular location. Going outside is good for physical and mental development, helps build resilience, and creates a necessary break for students and teachers during the day. (Staff are also outside!) Please make sure your child has a heavy coat, hat, gloves, and appropriate footwear for these unpredictable winter days.
RED FLAG DAYS – when the wind chill is at zero or below at our building’s location, students will stay inside. A red flag will be hung near the gates to let students know they should head inside to the gym in the morning instead of onto the playground. If the wind chill does not improve throughout the day, students will stay inside for recess as well.
At morning drop-off, watch for red flags on the playground gates. If you see a red flag, that means students are expected to come through the main entrance into the gym to wait for the first bell to ring at 7:55 AM.
If there is no red flag, that means our wind chill is above zero and students are expected to go to the playground as usual.
In either scenario, at the end of the day, students will be dismissed as normal for their after-school plans.
Thank you!
HOMEWORK! Thank you to all of our families who were able to attend our Panther Pride Open House and participate in individual conferences last night and throughout today. We truly appreciate your continued support and involvement!
Now, you have a little homework. 😊Please take a few minutes to complete this survey about Pinedale and RCAS. Your feedback is important to us as we continue to grow and improve for our students and families. What should we keep doing? What can improve? The link was also sent via email a few days ago. Thank you for your time and partnership!
Reminder for No School, Book Fair, and Conferences
RCAS elementary schools will be having conferences tonight and tomorrow during the day - this means there is no school tomorrow for Elementary students ONLY. Middle and High School will have class as normal on Friday, 2/13/26.
There is no school for ALL grades on Monday, 2/16/26 for Presidents' Day.
Pinedale's Scholastic book fair is taking place during conferences! The book fair is set up in the Library this year. Feel free to stop by between 4:30-7:30 this evening, and between 8:00-12:00 tomorrow!
RCAS elementary schools will be having conferences tonight and tomorrow during the day - this means there is no school tomorrow for Elementary students ONLY. Middle and High School will have class as normal on Friday, 2/13/26.
There is no school for ALL grades on Monday, 2/16/26 for Presidents' Day.
Pinedale's Scholastic book fair is taking place during conferences! The book fair is set up in the Library this year. Feel free to stop by between 4:30-7:30 this evening, and between 8:00-12:00 tomorrow!
Practicing for an A.L.I.C.E. Emergency at the Elementary Level
Yesterday, 2/11/2026, teachers lead classroom discussions talking about lockdowns and emergency responses. The students talked about ALICE, which is the emergency response protocol the Rapid City School District has used for many years.
Our SRO Officer Pi made rounds yesterday answering questions and engaging with students. On 2/20/2026, we will be doing a practice drill that will be elementary level friendly. We will be practicing our lockdown procedures and securing the building around 8:30AM for about five minutes.
If you have any questions, you can direct those to Officer Pi at Rachel.Pi@k12.sd.us
Yesterday, 2/11/2026, teachers lead classroom discussions talking about lockdowns and emergency responses. The students talked about ALICE, which is the emergency response protocol the Rapid City School District has used for many years.
Our SRO Officer Pi made rounds yesterday answering questions and engaging with students. On 2/20/2026, we will be doing a practice drill that will be elementary level friendly. We will be practicing our lockdown procedures and securing the building around 8:30AM for about five minutes.
If you have any questions, you can direct those to Officer Pi at Rachel.Pi@k12.sd.us
CONFETTI CALL ANNOUNCEMENT! This 4th grader was nominated by Ms. Georgas for being a patient, caring friend in the classroom. Her compassion and desire to help others helps make our school a positive place to learn. Pinedale is happy to celebrate her. Proud of you!
We've recently had a LOT of sad students coming to the office looking for their missing special items - watches, money, bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces, small toys, plushies, etc. While we do keep any small, valuable lost items inside the office to be claimed, we haven't been able to reunite what we have with what's been lost, unfortunately!
Because of this uptick, we just want to remind parents and students to please try to keep special things at home where they are safe and won't get misplaced. :)
We also still have MANY very nice coats and hoodies in the Lost and Found in the hallway, which will be donated if not claimed.
Thank you!
Because of this uptick, we just want to remind parents and students to please try to keep special things at home where they are safe and won't get misplaced. :)
We also still have MANY very nice coats and hoodies in the Lost and Found in the hallway, which will be donated if not claimed.
Thank you!
FUTURE RAIDER DAY! What a great turn out on Saturday for the Stevens High School girls and boys basketball games! Pinedale was well represented, and students seemed to have a great time. Go Raiders! Be on the lookout for information about the next PTA family fun event coming in March.
Pinedale staff wants to give a shout-out to Principal Kamarainen for her induction into the Stevens High School 10th Annual Raider Sports Hall of Fame!
Mrs. Kamarainen is a 2001 SHS graduate and multisport athlete in gymnastics and track & field!
Mrs. Kamarainen is a 2001 SHS graduate and multisport athlete in gymnastics and track & field!
Pinedale Book Fair is next week!
New location:
in the Pinedale library
New times:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday after school 3:00-3:30
Thursday, during conferences 4:30-7:30
Friday, during conferences 8:00-12:00
Or visit https://clubs.scholastic.com/ and select your
classroom teacher to order from the online catalog anytime!
New location:
in the Pinedale library
New times:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday after school 3:00-3:30
Thursday, during conferences 4:30-7:30
Friday, during conferences 8:00-12:00
Or visit https://clubs.scholastic.com/ and select your
classroom teacher to order from the online catalog anytime!
Don't forget - tomorrow, Friday, February 6th, is an RCAS Early Release Friday.
Pinedale students will be dismissed at 12:50 PM.
Pinedale students will be dismissed at 12:50 PM.
NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK! We would like to give a big thank-you to our amazing school counselor, Ms. Eining! Thank you for your kindness, support, and for always helping our students feel safe, cared for, and confident. Students enjoyed stepping out into the hallway for a "parade" yesterday to show Ms. Eining our appreciation!
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!
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.
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!
Feeding South Dakota Mobile Food Pantry
Distribution Dates for February 2026
Distribution Dates for February 2026
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!
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!
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!
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. 💙🐾
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. 💙🐾
