Pecatonica #321 Curriculum Corner

Before students graced the hallways, Teachers and staff were busy during the Institute Days on August 18 and 19 preparing classrooms and curriculum, completing state mandated training, and meeting in grade level/content area teams. Our staff put in a lot of work to make sure all students' needs will be met during the 2022-23 school year.

On Friday, August 19th, the district brought in a guest speaker to address resiliency and social-emotional health with teachers. Former DEA agent, published author, and Byron graduate Drew Hogan (Hunting El Chapo: The Inside Story of the American Lawman Who Captured the World's Most-Wanted Drug Lord) spoke to staff about his own journey of facing the trauma in his own past and reintegrating into normal life after chasing and capturing one of the world's most infamous drug lords. He talked to Pec staff members about self-care, helping others, and the importance of unloading the personal baggage that builds up over time. We thank Drew for his time and his experience.

As we kick off the 2022-23, Pecatonica Community School District would like to welcome our new team members. We are excited to have each of them and the skills they bring and are glad to have the aboard!

District Office:

Tenisha Lawler -- Food Service Director

Elementary School:

Jacob Southerland -- Music

Kristi Kamholz -- Speech

Angela Hoffman -- 1st Grade

Jamie Christiansen -- Kindergarten

Tracy Volk -- Special Education

Amanda Milazzo -- 3rd Grade

Kayla Sessler -- Intervention

Marcia Colby -- Paraprofessional

Mandy Isenberger -- Paraprofessional

Felicia Wise -- Paraprofessional

Averie Newkirk -- Paraprofessional

Naomy Cortes -- Paraprofessional

Middle School:

Skylar Paulson -- Special Education

Jennifer Asche -- Special Education

Mackenzie Chapman -- Paraprofessional

Jennifer Davison -- Choral Accompanist (MS/HS)

Taylor McGrew -- Social Studies

Marissa Viel -- Math

Lauren Sarnowski -- Paraprofessional

Victoria Reiley -- Paraprofessional

Missy Carlson -- Paraprofessional

Some of our new staff members have kindly shared their photos in order for the community to put faces to their names. Welcome to the district!

Angela Schoonhoven will be retiring from her position as custodian at the end of September. Mrs. Schoonhoven has been employed with the district for 12 years. We will be sad to see her go, but wish her the best of luck and happiness in her new adventures!

PES and PCMS are currently in the process of fall benchmarking using MAP testing. MAP testing allows teachers and staff to identify where students are in their learning and help identify strengths and weaknesses for both individuals and groups of students. The data that MAP provides allows staff to develop learning plans to meet the needs of all of our students in reading, math, science, and language. Stay tuned for updates on your student's progress.

September 1 & 2: PCMS Fall MAP Benchmark

September 5: No School -- Labor Day

September 7: 1:45 PM Dismissal

College Planning/Financial Aid Night @PHS 6:00 PM

September 12-17: Homecoming Week

September 15: PCMS Fall Picture Day

September 21: 1:45 PM Dismissal

October 5 -- 1:45 Dismissal

October 7 -- 11:15 Dismissal (SIP Day)

October 10 -- No School (Columbus Day)

October 12 -- PSAT/NMSQT tests @ PHS (9,10,11 grades)

October 21 -- 1:45 Dismissal (End of 1st Qtr.)