PCHS Jazz Band
On Thursday, April 23, the PCHS Jazz Band was invited to participate in a Jazz Summit concert at Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids, MI. The event was designed to help promote and expose students and families to the American art form of jazz. The concert format featured large ensembles, small groups, and individual soloists comprised of both students and guest artist, CMU Jazz Studies Director Rob Smith. The night was filled with musical works by Thad Jones, Joe Zawinul, Jerome Richardson, Don Menza, Jaco Pastorius, and the great Duke Ellington. Pinckney's very own "Jazz Rats" made a strong contribution with their portion of the evening that featured student soloist Sven Adriaens, Tom Lawson, Matt Anderson, Julianna Welling, and Brianna Murphy. In addition, the ensemble was joined by the guest artist Rob Smith on trumpet, for the band's version of a Jaco Pastorius classic "The Chicken." These students are not only very talented, but are also very committed as all of the time invested in Jazz Band is done after school. We are also very fortunate to have PCS parent, Kevin Welling, volunteer his time and talent to mentoring and conducting our students. 
Cub Scouts and Earth Day
The Farley Hill cub scout den (2nd graders... Akron Moricz, Nathaniel Ashba, Jim Rochowiak and Cooper Podhola... and homeschooler Isaac Reifschneider) are working towards their WOLD CONSERVATION AWARD as well as elective points for the Wolf/Bear levels. Recently the kids were at the school to prep for Earth Day and had a BIG surprise for the students. They made posters encouraging students to conserve water and they made an IGLOO out of 300+ milk jugs! The goal was 400 jugs...but the size was an issue as well as time....400 milk jugs represent the 400 gallons of water an average family uses EACH DAY. This is a great visual for kids to see water usage and waste. Fact from EPA: The average American family of four uses 400 gallons of water per day. On average, approximately 70 percent of that water is used indoors, with the bathroom being the largest consumer (a toilet alone can use 27 percent!) Learn more from the EPA> 
Navigator 5th grader, Mia Litzenberg. Mia has been helping to raise funds for the music therapy program at Mott Children's Hospital which helped lift her spirits when she was hospitalized twice last year to treat her severe eczema. She has been asked to tell her story (about how the music therapy program helped her) and to sing a song at the benefit concert at 7:30pm on Wednesday, April 1st, at the Ark in Ann Arbor.
Read more> 
Grad selected to compete in World University Games in South Korea
Hello Pinckney Pirate Leaders, We are the parents of two Pinckney High School graduates, Alex (2012) and Jessica (2014) Brown. We would like to share with you Alex's post-high school journey. We believe that Alex received a very strong academic foundation at Pinckney, preparing him for his current studies at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. That, along with the work the ethic he developed as a part of the Pinckney football team, have helped to develop him into the person he is today. Alex loved being a part of the football team, but the reality of his future was that he would not be playing football at his college of choice, Michigan. Shortly after arriving on campus his freshman year, he was surprised to be recruited by the Michigan Men's Rowing Team. Having never rowed before, he had some catching up to do, but he quickly learned the technique. Now in his third year at U of M, he has become a leader on this national championship-winning team. Those outside of rowing circles probably don't realize what a physically demanding and mentally challenging sport it is. While carrying a full load of engineering courses, Alex has the commitment to practicing six days a week, sometimes twice a day, year round. This commitment has been rewarded with a unique opportunity. A few weeks ago Alex was selected to the US National team that will compete at the World University Games (WUG) in South Korea this summer. WUG is an Olympic-style event for college athletes and is held every two years. Alex is one of 25 men from across the country who will be rowing for team USA. While this is exciting for Alex, I think it reflects on the community and school that helped bring him to this point. The teachers and coaches who push kids to strive to be their best possible selves has an immeasurable influence. I hope you share this with the teachers in the Pinckney system, not to highlight Alex's success, but to remind them that they are helping to create leaders. Their efforts are far-reaching, and so many of the lessons that they teach on a daily basis are absorbed to become the core of these kids. Thank you PCS for everything you do. Chris and Lori Brown |
Robotics Team at SkillsUSA
Pinckney High School sent 9 students to the SkillsUSA State Conference to compete in 3 different contests. Dustin Szczygiel competed in Automotive Electrical Systems. Drew Gary, Caleb Withrow, Nathan Muller and Joey Gokee competed in Mechatronics. Mitchell Levasseur, Patrick Westerberg, William McNamee and Elliott Lyons competed in Robotics and Automation. Drew and Caleb took first place and Nathan and Joey took second place in Mechatronics. Mitchell and Patrick took first place and William and Elliott too second place in Robotics and Automation. Drew, Caleb, Mitchell and Patrick will represent the State of Michigan this summer at the SkillsUSA National Conference. The governor stopped by the contests and talked briefly to the contestants, advisors and judges. www.pinckneyrobot.com 
Student To Attend Summit D.C. Hello All, I wanted to share some positive information about our daughter and current Pathfinder (almost HS) student. Reece was selected as one of two representatives in the state of Michigan from C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and the Teen Advisory Council (TAC) to attend the upcoming iCan(International Children's Advisory Network) Launch and Summit in Washington D.C. at the end of June. Reece has been part of the TAC since 2014 and is the youngest and newest member of the organization, which is a group dedicated to giving a voice to teens in health and medicine. Through her application and essay of 'Qualities for a Leader', Reece was selected to receive an all-expense paid trip for the week to represent children and teens through hospital and clinic settings. Reece will be meeting with the National Institutes of Health, Association of American Pediatrics, Pharma as well as students from around the US. This is a very high honor and we are so proud of her. I have attached a slide presentation and you can also find her agenda. If you see her in the hallways, feel free to give her a high five. She achieved this completely by her own merit and while she is much to humble to share with anyone, I wanted to let you know. Along with her teachers, you're the most important part of her educational team and by being surrounded with positive adults, she has been confident to reach out and go for her dreams. Thank you so much! Todd and Amy Ohmer 
Kids World News
Sienna Strauss, a kindergarten student at Farley Hill Elementary School in Pinckney was honored by Kid's World Magazine of Livingston County as a coloring page winner in this month's edition. Sienna will be featured in the next edition of the magazine. 
West Point Military Academy
Pinckney High School senior, Carlie Sleeman, has been selected to attend West Point Military Academy in the fall. Last week, Carlie was personally congratulated by Congressman Mike Bishop (in photo above) during the ribbon cutting of his new Brighton office. Carlie has consistently worked very hard and has excelled academically and has become an extraordinary violinist as well. More importantly, she has always carried herself with the utmost integrity and character, making her family and school community very proud of her great accomplishment! Way to go Carlie!! |
Pathfinder Students at Tomb of Unknown Soldier
These words (Tomb of the Unknowns) are inscribed on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The Tomb of the Unknowns symbolizes those of America who gave their lives in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War in defense of the Nation’s integrity, honor, and tranquility. Numerous ceremonies are performed annually at the Tomb to honor these soldiers and to show the nation’s respect for members of the United States Armed Forces. For the first time, 8th grade students from Pathfinder School in Pinckney became participants and not simply spectators - as they made their rounds of numerous memorials in the Washington DC area on their 8th Grade Trip. Many years of 8th Grade Trips to DC have included the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery - where students have viewed Changing of the Guard and Wreath Laying Ceremonies. They gained much insight into the sacrifice thousands have made to guarantee freedom and liberty in our own nation and that of others as well. Four students were selected based on their essays submitted, "Why I want to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider." In this process, many wrote essays and all were worthy; it was difficult to select just four (Arlington Requirement). Those that participated were Alayna Moricz, Ethan Klask, Castor Peddycord & Amelia Kramer. The impact of hundreds of students seeing their own peers Laying a Wreath at the Tomb was unprecedented, communicating the Solemn and Honor needed in these days of those that would lay down their lives, so that others might have Freedom and Liberty. This was truly a moving lesson for all, adults and students alike. Read Mr. Price's speech > 
Chamber Orchestra Earns High Marks
On Friday evening, our high school Chamber Orchestra were one of three orchestras to compete in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association's state competition in Redford. We are very proud to announce that our students earned all 1's in every category, which is the very best score one can achieve! This is such a great accomplishment for our students and teacher, Jeff Campbell. Awesome job Pirates!! 
Varsity Choir’s Success
at MSVMA Choral Festival The Pinckney Community High School Varsity Choir, under the direction of Rachael Nieman, participated in the annual Michigan School Vocal Music Association District IV Choral Festival at Walled Lake Northern High School. The choir performed two pieces on stage for a panel of judges: O Sing Out Forever written by Henry Purcell and arranged by Patrick Liebergen and Musica Dei (The Gift of Music) written by Mary Lynn Lightfoot. Learn more > 
Musicians Honored
2015 State Solo & Ensemble Qualifiers 6 Soloists Noah Brady, Bb Clarinet Solo Sophia Coke, Flute Solo Katrina Gensterblum, Bb Clarinet Solo Julianna Welling, Alto Saxophone Solo Olivia Welling, Bb Clarinet Solo Anna Wilmanowicz, Bb Clarinet Solo 4 Ensembles Clarinet Choir - Matthew Anderson, Emily Ball, Yannick Christensen, Katrina Gensterblum, Rebecca Murphy, Kara Sorek Flute Choir - Sophia Coke, Rachel Flickema, Maren Krajacic, Taylor Nash, Casey Taft, Hava Topolski, Macie Toy Percussion Duet - Samantha Krieg & Jacob Holt Trumpet Duet - Carter Bonifas & Emma Scott 2015 Livingston County Honors Band Participants Sophia Coke, piccolo/flute Kara Sorek, clarinet Matthew Anderson, bass clarinet Rachel Darling, french horn Thomas Lawson, trombone 
Act2 Students
Below is an e-mail from a parent expressing their pride in our students. I had the privilege of going with the high school students of Act2 Theatre Company on their tour of the area schools yesterday. I have always been proud to be a Pinckney schools parent and yesterday that pride was increased tenfold. The students were very polite and respectful in all the buildings with staff members and children. What stood out the most was how they interacted with the children. See more photos & read comments> 
CyberPatriots
Pinckney Community Schools is proud to announce that a team from Pinckney Community High School competed at the CyberPatriot VII National Championship. Twenty-eight teams in three divisions met in in National Harbor, Maryland on March 13th-15th. Pinckney was one of twelve teams in the Open Division that made it through six practice rounds and five qualification rounds to get to the finals. Learn more> |
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