Thank you to Auer Steel and Haley Comfort Systems for coming in today to teach our CCR class more about HVAC careers!
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for! The 3rd annual PIHS Roots & Shoots Pumpkin Luminary Trail event highlights and “Best of the Best” pumpkin voting results!
By the numbers:
181: Carved pumpkins lining the paved trails at Trailhead City Park! Most ever!
HUNDREDS of visitors!
171: Officially cast ballots to vote for favorite pumpkins!
200+: pounds of food donated to the PI Sharing Shelves!
10 & 1: Happy cows (10) and pig (1) who get to munch on pumpkins and make this event as environmentally friendly as possible!
Huge thanks go out to:
🌲PIHS Roots & Shoots Club students for bringing this boo-tiful new event to life!
🏪The 8 local businesses who carved pumpkins for this year’s trail
❤️The 25 organizations who carved pumpkins for this year’s trail
🍬Local businesses and organizations who hosted Trick-or-Treat stations along the trail: Roots and Shoots, Conservation Crew, GSA, ArtSCREAM, Lion’s Club Girl Scouts, and NJK Customs
🙏Our wonderful community for enjoying the family-friendly event!
🍏Apples R Us for donating apples for a Trick-or-Treat station
🎃Miller family for donating huge pumpkins for students to carve
🛒All who gave resources to the PI Sharing Shelves!
🔪Community members and Pine Island students who carved these festive masterpieces!
🎃🥇Pumpkin carving winners by category 🥇🎃
Spooky: Pumpkins #103 (Sarah Olson)
Environmental: Pumpkin #85 (Samantha Weis)
Funny: Pumpkin #5 (Annalise Sherman)
Business: Pumpkin #128 (Island Tool and Die)
Organization: Pumpkin #147 (Lion’s Club)
Best in Show: Pumpkin #105 (Shelby Talbot)
By the numbers:
181: Carved pumpkins lining the paved trails at Trailhead City Park! Most ever!
HUNDREDS of visitors!
171: Officially cast ballots to vote for favorite pumpkins!
200+: pounds of food donated to the PI Sharing Shelves!
10 & 1: Happy cows (10) and pig (1) who get to munch on pumpkins and make this event as environmentally friendly as possible!
Huge thanks go out to:
🌲PIHS Roots & Shoots Club students for bringing this boo-tiful new event to life!
🏪The 8 local businesses who carved pumpkins for this year’s trail
❤️The 25 organizations who carved pumpkins for this year’s trail
🍬Local businesses and organizations who hosted Trick-or-Treat stations along the trail: Roots and Shoots, Conservation Crew, GSA, ArtSCREAM, Lion’s Club Girl Scouts, and NJK Customs
🙏Our wonderful community for enjoying the family-friendly event!
🍏Apples R Us for donating apples for a Trick-or-Treat station
🎃Miller family for donating huge pumpkins for students to carve
🛒All who gave resources to the PI Sharing Shelves!
🔪Community members and Pine Island students who carved these festive masterpieces!
🎃🥇Pumpkin carving winners by category 🥇🎃
Spooky: Pumpkins #103 (Sarah Olson)
Environmental: Pumpkin #85 (Samantha Weis)
Funny: Pumpkin #5 (Annalise Sherman)
Business: Pumpkin #128 (Island Tool and Die)
Organization: Pumpkin #147 (Lion’s Club)
Best in Show: Pumpkin #105 (Shelby Talbot)
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for! The 3rd annual PIHS Roots & Shoots Pumpkin Luminary Trail event highlights and “Best of the Best” pumpkin voting results!
By the numbers:
181: Carved pumpkins lining the paved trails at Trailhead City Park! Most ever!
HUNDREDS of visitors!
171: Officially cast ballots to vote for favorite pumpkins!
200+: pounds of food donated to the PI Sharing Shelves!
10 & 1: Happy cows (10) and pig (1) who get to munch on pumpkins and make this event as environmentally friendly as possible!
Huge thanks go out to:
🌲PIHS Roots & Shoots Club students for bringing this boo-tiful new event to life!
🏪The 8 local businesses who carved pumpkins for this year’s trail
❤️The 25 organizations who carved pumpkins for this year’s trail
🍬Local businesses and organizations who hosted Trick-or-Treat stations along the trail: Roots and Shoots, Conservation Crew, GSA, ArtSCREAM, Lion’s Club Girl Scouts, and NJK Customs
🙏Our wonderful community for enjoying the family-friendly event!
🍏Apples R Us for donating apples for a Trick-or-Treat station
🎃Miller family for donating huge pumpkins for students to carve
🛒All who gave resources to the PI Sharing Shelves!
🔪Community members and Pine Island students who carved these festive masterpieces!
🎃🥇Pumpkin carving winners by category 🥇🎃
Spooky: Pumpkins #103 (Sarah Olson)
Environmental: Pumpkin #85 (Samantha Weis)
Funny: Pumpkin #5 (Annalise Sherman)
Business: Pumpkin #128 (Island Tool and Die)
Organization: Pumpkin #147 (Lion’s Club)
Best in Show: Pumpkin #105 (Shelby Talbot)
By the numbers:
181: Carved pumpkins lining the paved trails at Trailhead City Park! Most ever!
HUNDREDS of visitors!
171: Officially cast ballots to vote for favorite pumpkins!
200+: pounds of food donated to the PI Sharing Shelves!
10 & 1: Happy cows (10) and pig (1) who get to munch on pumpkins and make this event as environmentally friendly as possible!
Huge thanks go out to:
🌲PIHS Roots & Shoots Club students for bringing this boo-tiful new event to life!
🏪The 8 local businesses who carved pumpkins for this year’s trail
❤️The 25 organizations who carved pumpkins for this year’s trail
🍬Local businesses and organizations who hosted Trick-or-Treat stations along the trail: Roots and Shoots, Conservation Crew, GSA, ArtSCREAM, Lion’s Club Girl Scouts, and NJK Customs
🙏Our wonderful community for enjoying the family-friendly event!
🍏Apples R Us for donating apples for a Trick-or-Treat station
🎃Miller family for donating huge pumpkins for students to carve
🛒All who gave resources to the PI Sharing Shelves!
🔪Community members and Pine Island students who carved these festive masterpieces!
🎃🥇Pumpkin carving winners by category 🥇🎃
Spooky: Pumpkins #103 (Sarah Olson)
Environmental: Pumpkin #85 (Samantha Weis)
Funny: Pumpkin #5 (Annalise Sherman)
Business: Pumpkin #128 (Island Tool and Die)
Organization: Pumpkin #147 (Lion’s Club)
Best in Show: Pumpkin #105 (Shelby Talbot)
Hello Pine Island Community!
Our 5-12 SOP ("Support Our Panthers") resource room is running low on snacks.
If you are willing to help, please contact Cait Carr to inquire about specific donations at cait.carr@pineisland.k12.mn.us.
Thank you!
Our 5-12 SOP ("Support Our Panthers") resource room is running low on snacks.
If you are willing to help, please contact Cait Carr to inquire about specific donations at cait.carr@pineisland.k12.mn.us.
Thank you!
Last week we had 17 different business people come into the Intro to Business class and conduct 15 minute interviews with the students.
Each student met with 8 people and had a chance to listen to the information shared about the person and their jobs as well as ask questions of them.
It was a great learning experience for both sides with lots of knowledge and smiles shared.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out in the drizzle for the Freaky 5K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday! Your energy, smiles, and support make it all worth it!
An extra shoutout to our incredible volunteers and sponsors, this event wouldn’t happen without you. Special thanks to Ben Thornton for the awesome drone footage and Miley Hoffarth for capturing the day with amazing photos!
We can’t wait to see you all again next year!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lXUxgSDPJwU
An extra shoutout to our incredible volunteers and sponsors, this event wouldn’t happen without you. Special thanks to Ben Thornton for the awesome drone footage and Miley Hoffarth for capturing the day with amazing photos!
We can’t wait to see you all again next year!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lXUxgSDPJwU
🎃✨ Join Us for the 3rd Annual Roots and Shoots Pumpkin Luminary Trail! ✨🎃
Get ready for a glowing good time! 🌟
Come stroll through the Pumpkin Luminary Trail on Tuesday, October 28 from 5–7pm at Trailhead City Park.
Enjoy a magical evening as the trail lights up with hundreds of creatively carved pumpkins! 🎃🌲 We are excited to have local businesses and organizations represented, and this year’s event will also feature trick-or-treat stations along the trail — so bring your candy bag and wear your favorite costume! 👻🎃
🍫 Hot cocoa will be available for $1, with proceeds supporting the Pine Island Nature Play Trail, a community project created and maintained by the Roots & Shoots Environmental Club.
This is a free community event, but we are collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations for the Pine Island Sharing Shelves. Let’s support our spooky community while helping our neighbors! ❤️
🏆 Pumpkin Judging Categories:
Environmental 🌍
Spooky 👻
Funny 😂
Business 💼
Organization 🤝
Get ready for a glowing good time! 🌟
Come stroll through the Pumpkin Luminary Trail on Tuesday, October 28 from 5–7pm at Trailhead City Park.
Enjoy a magical evening as the trail lights up with hundreds of creatively carved pumpkins! 🎃🌲 We are excited to have local businesses and organizations represented, and this year’s event will also feature trick-or-treat stations along the trail — so bring your candy bag and wear your favorite costume! 👻🎃
🍫 Hot cocoa will be available for $1, with proceeds supporting the Pine Island Nature Play Trail, a community project created and maintained by the Roots & Shoots Environmental Club.
This is a free community event, but we are collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations for the Pine Island Sharing Shelves. Let’s support our spooky community while helping our neighbors! ❤️
🏆 Pumpkin Judging Categories:
Environmental 🌍
Spooky 👻
Funny 😂
Business 💼
Organization 🤝
No School Reminder – Pine Island Schools
There will be no school on Monday, November 3rd for a Teacher Work Day.
We hope students enjoy the day off while our teachers prepare for the rest of the semester! Classes will resume on Tuesday, November 4th.
There will be no school on Monday, November 3rd for a Teacher Work Day.
We hope students enjoy the day off while our teachers prepare for the rest of the semester! Classes will resume on Tuesday, November 4th.
Hello Panther Families!
Our boys have had an amazing season and are heading to take on Cotter in the Section Championship Game on Friday Night. Trade handing out candy from your couch for the bleachers, so that kids can both enjoy Halloween, while also coming out to cheer on our Panthers!
We're looking for any and all trunks and tailgates on Friday, October 31st from 5:30-6:30 (location: Kasson Mantorville High School). Families from all teams are welcome to participate in the festivities.
The Andrist's, who have a daughter on the Spirit Team, will have burgers and hotdogs on the Blackstone for anyone willing to provide a trunk. If you aren't providing a truck, feel free to bring your own tailgate dish.
Following is the signup genius for those providing a trunk & candy for the kiddos:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054CA8AD2BA1FB6-59670413-trunk
Please sign up by October 29th so the Andrist's can plan what they need for the grill! We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible 🎃
Our boys have had an amazing season and are heading to take on Cotter in the Section Championship Game on Friday Night. Trade handing out candy from your couch for the bleachers, so that kids can both enjoy Halloween, while also coming out to cheer on our Panthers!
We're looking for any and all trunks and tailgates on Friday, October 31st from 5:30-6:30 (location: Kasson Mantorville High School). Families from all teams are welcome to participate in the festivities.
The Andrist's, who have a daughter on the Spirit Team, will have burgers and hotdogs on the Blackstone for anyone willing to provide a trunk. If you aren't providing a truck, feel free to bring your own tailgate dish.
Following is the signup genius for those providing a trunk & candy for the kiddos:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054CA8AD2BA1FB6-59670413-trunk
Please sign up by October 29th so the Andrist's can plan what they need for the grill! We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible 🎃
Information for Parents – No Current Measles Cases
There are no current measles cases in our district. This message is being shared for informational purposes only to help families stay informed and prepared.
Measles is a serious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air when someone breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and in rare cases, death. Because measles spreads easily—especially in schools—it’s important to know how to prevent it and what to do if someone in your household becomes ill.
Symptoms
Initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically begins on the head and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash usually appears two to three days after the fever starts.
What to Do if Symptoms Develop
If symptoms develop, contact your doctor or clinic right away. They will provide guidance on whether you need to come in for a visit. Calling first helps ensure proper care while preventing possible exposure to others.
Prevention
The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the most effective protection against measles. If your child has an exemption from the MMR vaccine, they may be asked to stay home from school and other activities for 21 days or longer if they are exposed to measles.
If a family member gets measles or if your unvaccinated child is exposed, the school will provide guidance on quarantine (staying home and out of school) and help arrange educational support such as homebound instruction to ensure safety for all.
For more information about measles and the importance of MMR immunization, visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s Measles Basics.
If you have any questions, please contact your primary healthcare provider or our district’s licensed school nurses.
In Kind Regards,
Barry Schmidt
Superintendent
Pine Island Public Schools
There are no current measles cases in our district. This message is being shared for informational purposes only to help families stay informed and prepared.
Measles is a serious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air when someone breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and in rare cases, death. Because measles spreads easily—especially in schools—it’s important to know how to prevent it and what to do if someone in your household becomes ill.
Symptoms
Initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically begins on the head and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash usually appears two to three days after the fever starts.
What to Do if Symptoms Develop
If symptoms develop, contact your doctor or clinic right away. They will provide guidance on whether you need to come in for a visit. Calling first helps ensure proper care while preventing possible exposure to others.
Prevention
The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the most effective protection against measles. If your child has an exemption from the MMR vaccine, they may be asked to stay home from school and other activities for 21 days or longer if they are exposed to measles.
If a family member gets measles or if your unvaccinated child is exposed, the school will provide guidance on quarantine (staying home and out of school) and help arrange educational support such as homebound instruction to ensure safety for all.
For more information about measles and the importance of MMR immunization, visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s Measles Basics.
If you have any questions, please contact your primary healthcare provider or our district’s licensed school nurses.
In Kind Regards,
Barry Schmidt
Superintendent
Pine Island Public Schools
Roots and Shoots is hosting the 3rd Annual Pumpkin Luminary Trail at the Trailhead City Park on Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 5-7pm. We have a great number of groups that are carving pumpkins for the event - but we would like to have more businesses and individuals participate!
ANYONE can participate! This is a community event and individuals, families, organizations and businesses are invited to participate!
This year's themes are: Environmental, Spooky, Funny
If you are a business or organization - carve a pumpkin that represents your group - perhaps a logo!
Our goal is to have over 160 pumpkins lining the paved paths at the city park. Pumpkins can be dropped off at the City Park before the event. Details are in the RSVP form.
You can RSVP to carve a pumpkin here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoeltstB-NtWcYPi5eAg4CuHh9bMIeberb9sMswEGkgxhVPg/viewform?usp=header
If you have any questions, reach out to Megan Schimek at meschimek@pineisland.k12.mn.us
ANYONE can participate! This is a community event and individuals, families, organizations and businesses are invited to participate!
This year's themes are: Environmental, Spooky, Funny
If you are a business or organization - carve a pumpkin that represents your group - perhaps a logo!
Our goal is to have over 160 pumpkins lining the paved paths at the city park. Pumpkins can be dropped off at the City Park before the event. Details are in the RSVP form.
You can RSVP to carve a pumpkin here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoeltstB-NtWcYPi5eAg4CuHh9bMIeberb9sMswEGkgxhVPg/viewform?usp=header
If you have any questions, reach out to Megan Schimek at meschimek@pineisland.k12.mn.us
Huge shoutout to Special Olympics Minnesota for making it possible for our Unified PE class to go to Bowlocity yesterday! We had a great time bowling and playing laser tag!
Students in the PLTW Human Body Systems class have been learning about the nervous system. They got creative and made brain swim caps that illustrate the parts of the brain that contrails many different functions, emotions, and actions.
At last night's City Council meeting, the PIHS Roots and Shoots Environmental Club was recognized as being a Pillar of Pine Island. This award highlights individuals and groups who make significant positive impacts in the community through volunteer work and other efforts.
Roots and Shoots is a global organization which was founded by the late Jane Goodall and seeks to make positive change for people, for animals and for the environment. Our Pine Island group has over 40 members who have participated in trail and river clean-ups, organize the annual Pumpkin Luminary Trail that supports the Pine Island Sharing Shelves, and have worked to create and maintain the Nature Play Trail at the outdoor classroom.
Roots and Shoots is a global organization which was founded by the late Jane Goodall and seeks to make positive change for people, for animals and for the environment. Our Pine Island group has over 40 members who have participated in trail and river clean-ups, organize the annual Pumpkin Luminary Trail that supports the Pine Island Sharing Shelves, and have worked to create and maintain the Nature Play Trail at the outdoor classroom.
Save the date and join us!
The Pine Island Panthers football team finished their regular season last night with a huge 30-0 win over Chatfield bringing their regular season record to a perfect 8-0! As the #1 seed, they have a 1st round bye, so the Section 1AAA tournament will begin for them October 25 at home @ 1:00 pm vs the winner of Lake City and PEM.
Hello Pine Island Community!
Our Early Childhood Center resource room is running low on spare clothing!
We are looking for pants, shirts, shoes, and winter gear for preschool ages (3T-5T). Winter boots are needed in particular - little kid size 11-12 (please touch base with Cait first with this to avoid a surplus).
Donations can be delivered directly to the ELC front desk.
Please contact Cait Carr with any questions at cait.carr@pineisland.k12.mn.us.
Thank you for your generosity!
Our Early Childhood Center resource room is running low on spare clothing!
We are looking for pants, shirts, shoes, and winter gear for preschool ages (3T-5T). Winter boots are needed in particular - little kid size 11-12 (please touch base with Cait first with this to avoid a surplus).
Donations can be delivered directly to the ELC front desk.
Please contact Cait Carr with any questions at cait.carr@pineisland.k12.mn.us.
Thank you for your generosity!
Personal finance finished their credit credit score unit by creating games to test their classmates knowledge. Knowledge and fun all in one setting.
Congratulations!
Craig English, Pine Island ISD, was recognized by The Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals Association (MASMS).
Craig English, was awarded the 2025 Outstanding Educational Contributor Award at the annual MASMS conference held on October 2, 2025.
This award is in recognition of Mr. English’s outstanding dedication and commitment to educational facilities management.
The Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals (also known as MASMS) is a professional organization committed to promoting excellence in the operation and care of educational facilities. It is a group of over 900 individuals in the areas of facilities/grounds/health & safety/operations for Minnesota K-12 and Higher Education organizations. It is a member-oriented, problem solving, professional group committed to facilities management.
Craig English, Pine Island ISD, was recognized by The Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals Association (MASMS).
Craig English, was awarded the 2025 Outstanding Educational Contributor Award at the annual MASMS conference held on October 2, 2025.
This award is in recognition of Mr. English’s outstanding dedication and commitment to educational facilities management.
The Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals (also known as MASMS) is a professional organization committed to promoting excellence in the operation and care of educational facilities. It is a group of over 900 individuals in the areas of facilities/grounds/health & safety/operations for Minnesota K-12 and Higher Education organizations. It is a member-oriented, problem solving, professional group committed to facilities management.
During Administrator/Principal Appreciation Month, we want to extend a big thank you to these four outstanding administrators!
