The Swanson Owen Oronoco VFW Auxiliary recognized Claire Baird for participating in the Voice of Democracy Contest placing first and advancing to the district level at our Veterans Day program. She also placed 3rd at Nationals for her poster entry for the Illustrating America Art Contest last year. Congratulations Claire!
The Swanson Owen Oronoco VFW Auxiliary requested contest submissions from local students. The Patriot's Pen 2025-2026 Theme was “How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?” For students in 6th, 7th and 8th Grades. Their essay needed to be 300 to 400 words +/- 5 words.
Pine Island Middle School had 8 submissions, 7 from 6th grade and 1 from 7th grade. The students are Anya Petersen, Grace Chilson, Tessa Lynn Grobe, Kyleigh Button, Alexis Weiss, Vanessa Welchlin, Lily Hochsprung and 7th grader Millie Rutledge. They were recognized for their efforts at our Veterans Day program. Congratulations to all who participated!
Pine Island Middle School had 8 submissions, 7 from 6th grade and 1 from 7th grade. The students are Anya Petersen, Grace Chilson, Tessa Lynn Grobe, Kyleigh Button, Alexis Weiss, Vanessa Welchlin, Lily Hochsprung and 7th grader Millie Rutledge. They were recognized for their efforts at our Veterans Day program. Congratulations to all who participated!
Today is National Community Education Day!
We’re proud to recognize the programs and people who make lifelong learning possible right here in Pine Island. From youth enrichment, adult classes to recreation, childcare and family programs, community education helps connect, inspire, and empower learners of all ages.
A huge THANK YOU to all who support and participate in community education — you make our community stronger every day!
We’re proud to recognize the programs and people who make lifelong learning possible right here in Pine Island. From youth enrichment, adult classes to recreation, childcare and family programs, community education helps connect, inspire, and empower learners of all ages.
A huge THANK YOU to all who support and participate in community education — you make our community stronger every day!
🍎 School Food Drive
We’re collecting food donations to support local families in need! If you’re able, please consider donating any of the following items:
Canned fruit (any variety)
Canned tomatoes (sauce, diced, etc.)
Spaghetti sauce
White rice
Ramen
Kidney beans
Canned pasta (like SpaghettiOs)
Soups
Canned corn or peas
Broth
Cereal
All proceeds will go to the Pine Island Sharing Shelves to help support families in our community.
Donations can be dropped off in the collection bins near the school office in the main entryways (5-12 main office, and elementary office).
Thank you for your kindness and generosity! ❤️
We’re collecting food donations to support local families in need! If you’re able, please consider donating any of the following items:
Canned fruit (any variety)
Canned tomatoes (sauce, diced, etc.)
Spaghetti sauce
White rice
Ramen
Kidney beans
Canned pasta (like SpaghettiOs)
Soups
Canned corn or peas
Broth
Cereal
All proceeds will go to the Pine Island Sharing Shelves to help support families in our community.
Donations can be dropped off in the collection bins near the school office in the main entryways (5-12 main office, and elementary office).
Thank you for your kindness and generosity! ❤️
From the Boardroom: Updates for Panther Nation 11/10/25
1. Strategic Planning
We’ve been hard at work continuing our strategic planning process, and it’s been inspiring to hear from so many of you. Over the past few weeks, we held sessions with students, staff, and families to talk about what the Desired Daily Experience should look like in Pine Island Public Schools. The feedback has been honest, thoughtful, and full of great ideas that will help guide our next steps. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far — your voices matter!
2. Transportation
We continue to review our transportation routes and systems to improve efficiency and ensure safety for all of our students. Tammi and the team have been working hard to make thoughtful adjustments where needed, and we truly appreciate the patience and collaboration from our families as we fine-tune routes and communication.
3. Finances
Our district audit is on track to be completed and shared at the December board meeting. We continue to look closely at how we can align our revenues and expenditures to keep the district strong and sustainable. Our Truth in Taxation hearing will be held on December 8 at 6:00 p.m., and we invite the community to attend and learn more about our financial outlook.
4. Veterans Day Program
Our Veterans Day program was outstanding. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community to honor and thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. A huge thank-you to everyone who helped organize the program and to our students for their heartfelt participation.
5. Policy Updates
We are continuing to review and update our district policies as required. Please take a moment to read through the redline changes when they’re posted — the policy committee will bring final recommendations to the full board for approval in January after the public review period.
1. Strategic Planning
We’ve been hard at work continuing our strategic planning process, and it’s been inspiring to hear from so many of you. Over the past few weeks, we held sessions with students, staff, and families to talk about what the Desired Daily Experience should look like in Pine Island Public Schools. The feedback has been honest, thoughtful, and full of great ideas that will help guide our next steps. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far — your voices matter!
2. Transportation
We continue to review our transportation routes and systems to improve efficiency and ensure safety for all of our students. Tammi and the team have been working hard to make thoughtful adjustments where needed, and we truly appreciate the patience and collaboration from our families as we fine-tune routes and communication.
3. Finances
Our district audit is on track to be completed and shared at the December board meeting. We continue to look closely at how we can align our revenues and expenditures to keep the district strong and sustainable. Our Truth in Taxation hearing will be held on December 8 at 6:00 p.m., and we invite the community to attend and learn more about our financial outlook.
4. Veterans Day Program
Our Veterans Day program was outstanding. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community to honor and thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. A huge thank-you to everyone who helped organize the program and to our students for their heartfelt participation.
5. Policy Updates
We are continuing to review and update our district policies as required. Please take a moment to read through the redline changes when they’re posted — the policy committee will bring final recommendations to the full board for approval in January after the public review period.
We had a wonderful Veterans Day program yesterday honoring those who have served our country. A heartfelt thank-you to all the veterans who joined us and to everyone who helped make the event special.
A special shoutout to our guest speaker, Beth Benike, for sharing her inspiring words and reminding us of the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.
We are so proud of our students and staff for their participation and respect shown throughout the program.
A special shoutout to our guest speaker, Beth Benike, for sharing her inspiring words and reminding us of the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.
We are so proud of our students and staff for their participation and respect shown throughout the program.
❄️🐧 Winter Weather Reminder! 🐧❄️
As the temperatures drop, please be extra careful and watch for icy spots on sidewalks, parking lots, and steps around our schools.
When in doubt, do the Penguin Shuffle — take small steps, keep your feet flat, and walk slowly to stay safe on slippery surfaces!
Let’s all look out for one another and stay safe (and upright!) this winter season. 🧣🧤
As the temperatures drop, please be extra careful and watch for icy spots on sidewalks, parking lots, and steps around our schools.
When in doubt, do the Penguin Shuffle — take small steps, keep your feet flat, and walk slowly to stay safe on slippery surfaces!
Let’s all look out for one another and stay safe (and upright!) this winter season. 🧣🧤
Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication protect the freedoms we cherish every day.
We invite our community to join us in recognizing these heroes at our Veterans Day programs here at Pine Island Schools.
Let’s come together to show our gratitude and respect for those who have given so much in service to our nation.
We invite our community to join us in recognizing these heroes at our Veterans Day programs here at Pine Island Schools.
Let’s come together to show our gratitude and respect for those who have given so much in service to our nation.
Art SCREAM students had the opportunity to tour and ask questions about music recording, graphic design, printing and installation professions. Thank you Carpet Booth Studio and National Fleet Graphics for taking the time to educate our high school art students!
Congratulations to the 2025 PICC Season Award Winners:
Varsity Awards
HVL All-Conference - Olivia Morgan (1st year), Salome Osterhaus (2nd year), Talon Schutz (3rd year), Vaughn Anderson (3rd year), Bo Rosane (3rd year)
HVL All Conference Honorable Mention - River Weissgerber
MVT (Most Valuable Teammate) - Alivia Levi, Christian Cote, Adam Johnson
MVW (Most Valuable Worker) - Bo Rosane
MVL (Most Valuable Leader) - Adalyn Johnson
MVR (Most Valuable Runner) - Olivia Morgan, Talon Schutz
MVI (Most Valuable Improvement) - Katelyn Vaneps, Chase Swintek
Junior High Awards
Most Improved: Emily Wintheiser, Cora Swintek, Gabe McGee
Most Positive Leader: Adelyn Juskewitch, Gabe McGee
Varsity Awards
HVL All-Conference - Olivia Morgan (1st year), Salome Osterhaus (2nd year), Talon Schutz (3rd year), Vaughn Anderson (3rd year), Bo Rosane (3rd year)
HVL All Conference Honorable Mention - River Weissgerber
MVT (Most Valuable Teammate) - Alivia Levi, Christian Cote, Adam Johnson
MVW (Most Valuable Worker) - Bo Rosane
MVL (Most Valuable Leader) - Adalyn Johnson
MVR (Most Valuable Runner) - Olivia Morgan, Talon Schutz
MVI (Most Valuable Improvement) - Katelyn Vaneps, Chase Swintek
Junior High Awards
Most Improved: Emily Wintheiser, Cora Swintek, Gabe McGee
Most Positive Leader: Adelyn Juskewitch, Gabe McGee
Final score. Great season Panthers!!
After a Minneapolis North touchdown, are Panthers Trail 28-14 with 7:15 to go in the third quarter.
Halftime score. Pine Island Panthers 14, Minneapolis North Polars 20.
Another great response by our boys! after a quick score by Minneapolis North, Pine Island responds with a drive of their own to tie the game.
Score update from the class AAA quarterfinals. after giving up an early score, our Panthers respond with a touchdown drive of their own to go up 7-6.
📆Mark your calendars-Saturday, December 6th!
You’re invited to our annual breakfast with Santa event! Guests will enjoy a delicious Belgian waffle breakfast, festive cookie decorating, a visit with Santa, and live holiday music from our talented High School Choir and Orchestra. 🎅🎄
You’re invited to our annual breakfast with Santa event! Guests will enjoy a delicious Belgian waffle breakfast, festive cookie decorating, a visit with Santa, and live holiday music from our talented High School Choir and Orchestra. 🎅🎄
On Friday, November 7th, the Minnesota Honor Society (MHS) proudly welcomed 31 new members inducted into its Pine Island chapter. The MHS, renowned for honoring excellence in scholarship, service, leadership, and character, celebrated the commitment and outstanding qualities of these 11th and 12th-grade students during the induction ceremony. Recognizing their dedication, the ceremony highlighted the values upheld by the society, marking a significant moment in the academic journey of these accomplished individuals.
The MHS Advisor, Tom Horner and the four MHS executive board leaders: Ellen Stapleton, Miley Hoffarth, Landon Lowrie, and Allie Fleener, all facilitated the ceremony.
The MHS Advisor, Tom Horner and the four MHS executive board leaders: Ellen Stapleton, Miley Hoffarth, Landon Lowrie, and Allie Fleener, all facilitated the ceremony.
Dear Pine Island Community Members,
The holiday season is a time for giving, and we invite you to make a difference in the lives of Pine Island students by participating in our annual Toy/Gift Drive! This is an opportunity to bring joy and smiles to children who might not otherwise have gifts to open this season.
How You Can Help:
*Donate New, Unwrapped Toys: Bring toys of all kinds - from educational toys to fun games, sporting equipment, books and stuffed animals. Every contribution counts!
*Drop-Off Locations: At all Pine Island school buildings as well as Hardware Hank, City Hall, Island Market, Frandsen Bank & Trust, and United Methodist Church.
Deadline for Donations: Saturday, December 6th.
Whether you’re donating a single toy or gathering a collection, your generosity will help make the holidays brighter for children in our community. No contribution is too small-together, we can make a big impact!
Let’s Share the Joy of Giving!
If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Pine Island Community Education Office at 507-356-8876 or email communityed@pineisland.k12.mn.us. Thank-you for helping us make this season a little brighter for our local children and families!
The holiday season is a time for giving, and we invite you to make a difference in the lives of Pine Island students by participating in our annual Toy/Gift Drive! This is an opportunity to bring joy and smiles to children who might not otherwise have gifts to open this season.
How You Can Help:
*Donate New, Unwrapped Toys: Bring toys of all kinds - from educational toys to fun games, sporting equipment, books and stuffed animals. Every contribution counts!
*Drop-Off Locations: At all Pine Island school buildings as well as Hardware Hank, City Hall, Island Market, Frandsen Bank & Trust, and United Methodist Church.
Deadline for Donations: Saturday, December 6th.
Whether you’re donating a single toy or gathering a collection, your generosity will help make the holidays brighter for children in our community. No contribution is too small-together, we can make a big impact!
Let’s Share the Joy of Giving!
If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Pine Island Community Education Office at 507-356-8876 or email communityed@pineisland.k12.mn.us. Thank-you for helping us make this season a little brighter for our local children and families!
Congratulations to Pine Island Football coach Mitch Schiltz on being named the 2025 Southeast Central District Football Coach of the Year!
State Football game fan bus information.
*grades 8 and below do need an adult to accompany them during the ride.
We are in need of one adult chaperone during the bus ride (which consists of monitoring behavior and doing a head count upon arrival and before departure). Your ride fee will be waived and you will get some PIFB swag . Please contact me (Anna) if you’re interested in this prior to signing up!
Link to register for the fan bus: Link to Register
