Elementary Update, Summer 2023: The Start of Summer; Elementary Library Summer Hours, Registration Update

The Start of Summer As I go about errands and activities around the city, I have been asked “Has your summer started yet?” more than a few times. I try to keep my response brief. “This week!” Not that I don’t want to chat. I would feel a bit longwinded to explain that, as an… Continue Reading Elementary Update, Summer 2023: The Start of Summer; Elementary Library Summer Hours, Registration Update

93 Years of Service for Retirees

The last day of school is bittersweet as four #PointerNation staff members are retiring with a combined total of 93 years of service! It won’t be the same without you! Best wishes and a sincere thank you. — Vickie Dahl, Middle School Principal & Middle/High School Athletic Director — Benita Schmitz, Elementary Special Education Teacher… Continue Reading 93 Years of Service for Retirees

Elementary Update, May 2023: Step Back; Summer School Registration; Intruder Drill Practice

Step Back Over spring break, my family and I went to the Indiana Sand Dunes off of Lake Michigan. While walking along the beach, I took some steps back to take a picture of our kids against the background of the lake and the dunes. That’s when I noticed the small rocks. They formed long… Continue Reading Elementary Update, May 2023: Step Back; Summer School Registration; Intruder Drill Practice

Elementary Update, March 2023: Luck; Update to Dismissal Time; After School Family Care Survey; Summer School Dates

Luck Scientist Louis Pasteur stated “Chance favors only the prepared mind.” So, can we can increase our luck by simply being ready for new ideas and insights? What I’ve learned about increasing one’s luck is it depends how we choose to respond to what life throws at us. Pasteur was a living example of this… Continue Reading Elementary Update, March 2023: Luck; Update to Dismissal Time; After School Family Care Survey; Summer School Dates

Elementary Update, Winter 2023: The best teacher; attendance letters; arrival at school; family requests for lunch; the benefits of reading aloud to young children

The Most Effective Teacher To start the new year, we had 1st grade students come down to the office to read aloud a joke they prepared in class for morning announcements. I often read aloud “dad jokes” during announcements. When the students see me at lunch, more times than not someone has a joke they… Continue Reading Elementary Update, Winter 2023: The best teacher; attendance letters; arrival at school; family requests for lunch; the benefits of reading aloud to young children

#PointerNation Welcomes Maddy Chapman

Maddy Chapman Elementary Instructional Assistant Hometown: Wilmette, IL High school graduated from: New Trier College: Bachelors in Environmental Studies from Washington University in St. Louis and Masters in Business Administration from University of Michigan. Previous employment: Prior to staying home and raising children, Maddy worked in business. Family: Husband Dave, three children – Henry, EJ… Continue Reading #PointerNation Welcomes Maddy Chapman

Doyle Earns WI Farm Bureau Award

4th Grade Teacher Livia Doyle has been named a winner of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation‘s 35 Under 35 Award. Livia is the winner of the Sustainable Future category, which recognizes individuals who are setting up the next generation for success, both on and off the farm. Five individuals have been selected to receive top honors… Continue Reading Doyle Earns WI Farm Bureau Award

Doye Named NSPRA Front Runner

Our #PointerNation Communications Director Joëlle Doye is one of only four National School Public Relations Association members to be named a prestigious Front Runner for the 2022-23 school year! Current NSPRA membership is approximately 2500 across the United States and Canada. NSPRA Front Runners are members identified by the NSPRA Executive Board as emerging leaders… Continue Reading Doye Named NSPRA Front Runner