ISD 255 - Pine Island

Check out the first of three Kindergarten Round-up videos
https://youtube.com/shorts/FRn0pE0HiYc?si=t7XFua-ihgGvBe0d

With appreciation of our school counselors,

Your guidance, compassion, and advocacy make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students every day. You support academic growth, social-emotional well-being, and personal development—often stepping in at just the right moment when students need encouragement, clarity, or someone to listen. You meet the negative energy that can be a part of your job with care and compassion, often creating the safest space for students whose lives need stability or a trusted adult.

Thank you for the dedication and professionalism you bring to your essential role. Your impact reaches far beyond your office, and we are truly grateful for all that you do.

Kindergarten Round-Up is coming!
We will be hosting KG Round-Up on February 20. Please see the attached link for all the details and registration information. We can’t wait to welcome our newest learners!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IrK8iO_lXWUp0br9Xu3YbW_JaGGwetXKxpTvr3addzk/edit?usp=sharing

Congratulations to the Pine Island Baseball players and coaches as they were named the Male Team of the Year at the Rochester Sports Banquet on Sunday night!

Thanks for the PIHS Roots and Shoots Environmental Club and the PIMS Conservation Crew for teaming up to create a magical luminary trail for this weekends Winter Fest.

Thanks to all who came out to enjoy it!

We're Hiring!

Students in Medical Interventions stepped into the role of diagnostic lab scientists as they learned about—and completed—ELISA tests on a group of fictional college students to detect the presence of bacterial meningitis. Through this real-world lab experience, students practiced analyzing data, interpreting results, and connecting lab techniques to how diseases are diagnosed in clinical settings.

We're Hiring!
Part-Time/Sub Adult Childcare Assistant

Date Posted: January 23, 2026

Location: Early Learning Center and Elementary

Workday: varies Mon-Fri

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Summary: Independent School District #255, Pine Island Childcare is seeking a part-time/sub adult assistant to supervise children 33months – 6th grade in our childcare program. This position will assist and work closely with the Lead Teacher in the classroom with a variety of tasks while providing high quality childcare. The Pine Island School District childcare program has seen consistent growth for many years and offers many great opportunities for both students and staff. This position is year round.

Qualification Requirements: High School Diploma

Qualification Preferred: Associated Degree or equivalent preferably in child development and experience supervising children

Pay and Compensation: Range of pay $18.22-$19.33

Apply online at www.pineisland.k12.mn.us

We're Hiring!
Full-Time Adult Childcare Assistant

Date Posted: January 23, 2026

Location: Early Learning Center and Elementary

Workday: Monday-Friday

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Summary: Independent School District #255, Pine Island Childcare is seeking a full-time adult assistant to supervise children 33months – 6th grade in our childcare program. This position will assist and work closely with the Lead Teacher in the classroom with a variety of tasks while providing high quality childcare. The Pine Island School District childcare program has seen consistent growth for many years and offers many great opportunities for both students and staff. This position is year round.

Qualification Requirements: High School Diploma

Qualification Preferred: Associated Degree or equivalent preferably in child development and experience supervising children

Pay and Compensation: Pay Range: $18.22-$19.33, benefits package

Apply online at www.pineisland.k12.mn.us

Due to extreme weather conditions, Pine Island schools will be closed on Friday, January 23rd.

📚 This will be an E-Learning day for all students.

🧒 Childcare will remain open from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Early Learning Center.

🏀 Evening activities and games will still take place as scheduled.

Please stay safe and warm, and thank you for your understanding!

The 2026 Pine Island School Spelling Bee was held on Tuesday, January 20, in the school auditorium. Eight students from grades 6–8 competed in the school bee after winning their respective grade-level classroom bees the previous week. After eight rounds of competition, Liliana McCauley (6th grade) emerged triumphant, correctly spelling compunction. The first runner-up was Marissa Kautzer (8th grade), and the second runner-up was Suhanya Sharma (6th grade). Other competitors included 7th graders Ainsley Fox, Paige Leis-Madison, and Emma Kellendar, as well as 8th graders Ayla Miller and Chase Hoffman. Liliana will advance to the next level of competition at the Regional Bee on February 10, at the Southeast Service Cooperative in Rochester.

Pine Island FAMILY Desired Daily Experience Survey 2026
Feedback on Your Desired Daily Experience

A planning team is working to draft an updated, districtwide operational plan to guide the work of Pine Island Public Schools in the years ahead. An important part of this process is hearing directly from families about what you want your daily experience with the district to be like. Your feedback, along with input from students and staff through separate surveys, will help shape the direction of this work.

Please watch for an email containing the survey link and take a few moments to share your feedback. Your voice matters, and your input will help inform decisions moving forward.

The survey is due by January 30. Thank you for taking the time to support Pine Island Public Schools and for partnering with us in this important work.

Happy Paraprofessional Week!
We proudly recognize and celebrate our Paraprofessionals for their dedication, compassion, and the vital role they play in supporting our students and school community. Your work matters, and we thank you for all you do!

🤩We are excited to welcome parents to our Preschool Information Night! Whether you’re just starting to explore preschool options or are ready to enroll, we’d love to connect with you, share what we offer, and help you feel confident and excited about what’s ahead.

During the evening, you’ll have the chance to:
-Explore our classrooms and learning spaces
-Meet ELC Teachers and Staff
-Learn about our 2026-2027 preschool offerings
-Ask questions and gather helpful information as you plan for your child’s journey at the Early Learning Center

MSHSBCA ceremony honoring the baseball Coach’s for 2025. Congratulations to Pine Island Baseball coach, Dan Drazan!

Our Culture Club had its annual dinner and a movie night when we ordered pho and banh mi while watching the Vietnamese movie, Dreamy Eyes! Students had a great time and were very enthusiastic about the food and the movie.

Reminder: There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 19th.