PTISD Newsletter-Nov. 2008

Characters on Parade Celebrating Children's Book Week: Nov. 21

The hallways of Pine Tree Elementary School looked more like a Hollywood movie set Thursday as more than 700 students and faculty members strutted their stuff dressed as their favorite characters from various books. Waving and smiling, and occasionally striking a pose in character, students participated in the school's second annual Story Book Parade. Read more.

Student Services Director Tackles Truancy, Security: Nov. 18

Pine Tree Independent School district has seen a decrease in truancy cases, upgrades to campus security and a drop in the number of students who were illegitimately enrolled since James Skeeler took on the role of director of Student Services. The PTISD Student Services Department was launched in July, and is in charge of a number of programs that address safety, health, wellness, discipline management and attendance. Before July, the responsibilities of the new department were scattered throughout other departments.

PT Students Seek Lessons in Mortality: Nov. 15
Hannah Johnson and her classmates at PTHS have been studying infant mortality rates, life spans and the effects of outside events on a population. She and the Pine Tree High School Advanced Placement environmental science class set out to examine how those lessons relate to Gregg County's history. Read more.

Construction on Schedule Despite Economic Woes: Nov. 10

In 2004, voters approved a $45 million bond package for a new middle school, a new high school ninth-grade wing and tennis courts, and a new primary campus. In 2006, voters approved a $7 million bond to pay for unforeseen costs associated with a new gymnasium, which is under construction, along with the primary campus. Because of lower-than-anticipated interest rates, the district has earned less on bond money and reserve funds, Superintendent Lynn Whitaker said. Pine Tree is using interest revenue to offset some escalating construction costs while also looking for ways to save money.

TSTC Plans to Offer Welding, Drafting Courses at PTHS: Nov. 13

Plans for Longview's Workforce Academy are close to becoming a reality at Pine Tree Independent School District. This spring, Texas State Technical College in Marshall is scheduled to offer welding and computer-aided drafting courses at the high school campus, Pine Tree Superintendent Lynn Whitaker said. Read more

Students' Winning Letters Honor Veterans: Nov. 7

Fourth grade students at Pine Tree Intermediate School put their pens to paper to honor America's veterans. Below, you'll find the top five letters from their "Thank you to our veterans" contest. Read letters.

View photos.

Pine Tree ISD Tax Ratification Proposition Passes: Nov. 6

Seventy eight percent of the schools seeking a tax rate change on Tuesday were supported by their voters. According to information from TexasISD.com, a news and information source for school officials, 25 districts - including Pine Tree ISD - held successful tax elections. Voters approved a move that will take tax pennies that had been used for debt service and move them to the maintenance and operations rate. Read more.

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