Dear PES Families,

I hope this message finds you well-rested, rejuvenated, and ready to embark on an exciting new year. As we step into 2024, I want to extend a warm welcome back from the winter break to each one of you.

The beginning of a new year is a time filled with renewed energy and fresh perspectives. It's a moment to reflect on our past achievements and set our sights on new goals. The break hopefully provided you with a well-deserved rest and quality time with loved ones, recharging you for the adventures that lie ahead.

As we resume our routines, I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that 2024 will bring. We have much to look forward to and much to achieve. I am confident that with our collective efforts, dedication, and enthusiasm, we will continue to make great strides in our endeavors.

Here's to a fantastic year ahead, filled with learning, growth, and achievements. Let's make 2024 a remarkable year together!

Warm regards,

Kim Hansen

PES Principal

kimhansen@pecschools.com

As we step into a new year at Pecatonica Elementary, Our school PBIS team would like to take the month of January to reflect on the power of positivity and the remarkable impact it can have on our school community. Each one of us plays a vital role in shaping the atmosphere and experience of our school, and by fostering a positive environment, we can collectively contribute to a more fulfilling and successful educational journey for everyone.

Positivity is more than just a feeling; it's a mindset that encourages growth, resilience, and collaboration. When we approach challenges with a positive attitude, we open the door to creative solutions and learning opportunities. It transforms obstacles into stepping stones for progress and personal development.

Here are a few ways we can all contribute to a positive school environment:

1. Encourage Each Other: A kind word, a supportive gesture, or even a smile can make a huge difference in someone's day. Let's make an effort to uplift and motivate each other, celebrating both small victories and big achievements.

2. Embrace Diversity and Inclusivity: Our school is a tapestry of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and talents. By embracing and respecting these differences, we enrich our learning experience and create a community where everyone feels valued and included.

3. Cultivate Gratitude: Practicing gratitude helps us recognize the good in our lives and in our school community. This might be acknowledging a helpful teacher, appreciating a clean and safe school environment, or being thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow.

4. Stay Open to Learning: Every day offers a new opportunity to learn, not just academically, but also about ourselves and each other. Let's remain curious and open-minded, eager to explore new ideas and perspectives.

5. Support and Participate in School Activities: Whether it's sports, arts, clubs, or community service, getting involved in school activities fosters a sense of belonging and contributes to a vibrant school spirit.

Remember, positivity is contagious. When we choose to adopt a positive outlook, we inspire others to do the same, creating a cycle of encouragement and optimism that can propel our entire school community forward.

On December 8, our Unity Day Groups met and engaged in several team building activities. Some of the activities included making a giant paper chain, drawing a snowman on a paper plate that was placed on the students head, and enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate before being released for the early dismissal.

Within Unity Groups, students get to interact with others from across the grade levels and even have a chance to work with other staff members they typically do not get a chance to interact with during the regular school day. Unity Day activities have been a fun way for our students and staff to get to know one another and create a better sense of community from within PES. Please enjoy some of the pictures from the day.

In the month of December, Our PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Systems) team hosted a Cold Weather Drive in honor of late PES Teacher and Friend, Crystal Brauer. WIth 330 pieces of cold weather gear donated, our cold weather drive was a success! Thank you to everyone who donated or encouraged your families to donate. Donated items were distributed before leaving for winter break.

The grade level with the most donations is: 2nd Grade with 118 items donated!! They did a great job and have earned their class a popcorn party!

December was a busy month for Mr. Southerland and his music classes. On Thursday, December 14, the PES 1st Grade Holiday Concert was held in the PHS Commons. It was followed by the Kindergarten Holiday Concert on Monday, December 18. Each grade had their own unique songs, but they also shared some classics such as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Both Classes did such a fantastic job and even Mrs. Wanke got to be part of the fun!

Every month, each grade level chooses a Star Student of the Month. The following students were chosen for Star Students for December and were recognized at the December Board of Education meeting on December 18:

Early Childhood/Pre-Kindergarten: EC - Ford Hoffman and PreK - Leo Druien (Mrs. Sneek)

Kindergarten: Lynorah Berry (Mrs. Dulaney)

1st Grade: Mason Johnson (Mrs. DeLaGarza)

2nd Grade: Harper Behn (Mrs. Moore)

3rd Grade: Hudson Berg (Mrs. Milazzo)

4th Grade: Andrew Schwab (Mrs. Hoover)

Congratulations to all! December 2023 Students of the Month will be recognized at the January 2024 Board Meeting.

December 21st was a busy day for students and staff. Not only was it our last day before leaving for winter break, but we also started off the day with our annual Sing-a-Long! Students were led in holiday songs by Mr. Southerland and Mrs. Woodall. PES staff also performed a very special song with Boomwhackers from Mr. Southerland's music room. All the voices coming together made for a festive start to the day and we were able to gather for one more celebration before leaving for the holiday. Please enjoy a sneek peak of the staff Boomwhacker performance.

January 3: Institute Day -- No Student Attendance

January 4: Students Return to School

January 10: Early Dismissal -- 1:35 pm

January 15: MLK Day -- No School

January 16-25: PES Winter MAP Benchmarking

January 24: Early Dismissal -- 1:35 pm

February 16: 11:05 am dismissal

February 19: No School - President's Day

February 28: 1:35 pm dismissal