Pinewood Cares
Responding to COVID-19
Senior student, Head of School take part in senior parade
Taylor Murray '20 participated in her neighborhood's "Salute to the Senior Class of 2020" parade on Saturday, May 16 alongside Pinewood's Head of School Dan Seiden. "Taylor and Mr. Seiden represented Pinewood well! It was such an honor having the Head of School share this special event with Taylor," said Murray's mother Mandy Bailey.
Taylor will be attending the Honors College at Lander University, pursuing a degree in Nursing, and will also be involved in the Lander University Spirit Program as a Bearcat Cheerleader!
Teacher Appreciation Week goes off-campus
Pinewood's annual Teacher Appreciation Week looked different this year as students and parents found creative ways to honor faculty members off campus. Families coordinated drive-by parades, surprise porch drop-offs and chalk art messages on campus. Pinewood's PTO looks forward to celebrating the entire faculty upon our return to campus.
A huge word of thanks goes to everyone who participated in these kind gestures!
Administrators recognize 2020 commencement honorees
With the end of the school year in sight, Pinewood's senior leadership team sought a creative plan to announce the students who will receive special recognition at the School's 2020 commencement exercises. These students are usually announced at a High School assembly, but with classes meeting virtually, a group of administrators took this task on the road.
Head of School Dan Seiden, Head of High School Babette Hamilton, Director of Guidance and Counseling Brendan Diffley and Director of Advancement Brooks Hearn recently surprised each of the students at their homes. The administrators presented this year's Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Junior Marshals and Flag Bearer with a yard sign proclaiming their achievements. Although the administrators drove separately and everyone involved stayed outdoors and maintained proper social distance, the effort was intended to provide a personal touch in a currently virtual world.
- Valedictorian: Emma Robertson '20
- Salutatorian: Alyssa Cox '20
- Junior Marshals:
- Flag Bearer: Alexander Berry '22
Teachers connect with students virtually
Pinewood's teachers of all grade levels have continued to embrace new methods of educating and connecting with students during this time of virtual learning. Grade 1 student Maliyah Horlbeck's mother, Carla Stewart-Horlbeck, shared this photo of a recent virtual learning session, saying "Maliyah loves Mrs. Zielke's videos!"
Pinewood student sews face masks for hospice employees
Grade 7 student Sophia Yanzetich decided to sew face masks for her mother's hospice agency upon hearing about their mask shortage. Due to the shortage, not all clinical team members (RNs, CNAs, chaplains, social workers) have a mask. In this line of work, the entire team needs to be there for the patient, making masks important for all employees.
Sophia spent her spring break sewing masks and will continue as long as there is a need.
Lower School teachers make home deliveries
Late last week, several Lower School teachers hit the road to deliver materials to supplement students’ virtual learning assignments - and the students were thrilled to greet their teachers! Numerous students created signs or chalk art to welcome teachers along their delivery routes.
A huge “thank you” goes to all faculty, students and parents as Pinewood embarks on virtual learning this week. We are in this together!
Pinewood student creates initiative to serve truck drivers during COVID-19
Grade 6 student Kiersten Cruse spent Spring Break serving others in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Recognizing a need to support local truck drivers who are tirelessly delivering vital goods, she approached her parents with the idea to create "blessing bags" containing snacks and water bottles for the drivers. Using donations from family and friends and even her own allowance, she and her mother have assembled and delivered bags (using safe distancing practices!) over the past few days.
When asked about the "why" behind her project, Kiersten replied, "It’s important to me because some drivers don’t get to go home to their families or stop to eat food."