June 1, 2023
Dear Panther Staff and Families,
I hope this finds all of you breathing a little sigh of relief with the 22-23 academic school year officially over. While school is officially out for the summer, we have a number of activities and athletic events still going strong and we wish everyone the very best of luck!
While I promised that my last update would be the last, there are a few last items that I wanted to share with you.
Today’s update includes information regarding my difficult departure from Pine Island, calendar reminders including June 19, final summer scholar academy reminders and an update to our strategic planning.
While it was an incredibly difficult decision, the Pine Island School Board accepted my resignation on Wednesday night. I will be serving as the next superintendent for Hastings Public Schools. There’s no way to appropriately express my gratitude for the support and trust that I have received over the past 12 years. Together, we have been able to do amazing work for our students. I was so fortunate to be a part of a district that works tirelessly to support our students and families with a “whatever it takes” mindset. With my departure, I can assure you that there’s no one who is more excited about the future of Pine Island Schools than I am. I can only imagine the new heights that this district will soar to. Please note that my official last day will be June 30. The board is moving forward with a plan to recruit and hire Pine Island’s next superintendent.
Calendar reminders:
*June 6 and June 8 - Sheriff’s Training at the 5-12 School. Please note there will be many emergency vehicles at the school. The last time this occurred, there was great concern.
*June 12 - June 16 - Summer Scholar Academy - Grade K-6 (Confirmation letters have been sent to all registered students/families)
*June 19 - Juneteenth is an official holiday this June. In response to the new law, the Pine Island District will officially be closed.
Note:
When the Juneteenth bill was originally passed in February, the enactment date was August 1, 2023 (meaning that the holiday began in 2024).
When the State Government Finance Bill was passed on May 19, it included the following:
Sec. 116. Laws 2023, chapter 5, section 1, is amended by adding an effective date to read:
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.
Chapter 5 is the Juneteenth law that passed in February. Thus, June 19, 2023, is a legal holiday in Minnesota.
2023-2024 School Calendar - The 23-24 calendar has been approved and is available here and on our website. While we’re hoping to have a mild winter next year, potential dates have been identified for make-up, if needed.
Summer Scholar Academy (Grades K-6) June 12-June 16 (1 week only)
-For all registered students, please note that all K-4 programming is at the elementary building with 5-6 programming at the 5-12 building. All classes begin at 8:30am in their respective buildings. The shuttle from the Early Learning Center will depart daily at 8:15am with a return at approximately 11:45am.
Strategic Planning Delayed - All of you who graciously signed up to participate in the district’s refresh will also be individually notified; however, the Pine Island Board has decided to delay the refresh. New dates will be sent out as soon as possible. My apologies for the inconvenience and the change.
Thank you Pine Island
Dr. Tamara Champa
Tamara Champa
Superintendent