Viking Nation is a great place to be! Pecatonica has students who excel, teachers, staff, and administrators who go the extra mile, and communities that care for and support the district in countless ways. Do you or a family you know want your kids to attend a district where they can truly thrive?
Learn more about open enrollment today! https://www.pecatonica.k12.wi.us/page/open-enrollment
Learn more about open enrollment today! https://www.pecatonica.k12.wi.us/page/open-enrollment

The Pecatonica Baseball Online Apparel Store is now open! Here is the link to place your orders: https://pecatonicahsbs26.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Store closes February 25th and orders will be delivered March 11th!
Store closes February 25th and orders will be delivered March 11th!

Another busy week across Viking Nation.

Looking for a school district that truly puts students first?
At Pecatonica, we’re proud to offer:
• Small class sizes that allow for individualized attention
• Strong academic achievement
• Innovative, hands-on learning with cutting-edge technology
Our average elementary class size is under 15 students, we are a top-achieving district in the Six Rivers Conference for English Language Arts, and our students learn using state-of-the-art AR/VR technology.
Open enrollment for the 2026–27 school year is now open.
Learn more and see if Pecatonica is the right fit for your family:
https://www.pecatonica.k12.wi.us/page/open-enrollment
#PecatonicaProud #ForgeYourFuture #OpenEnrollment
At Pecatonica, we’re proud to offer:
• Small class sizes that allow for individualized attention
• Strong academic achievement
• Innovative, hands-on learning with cutting-edge technology
Our average elementary class size is under 15 students, we are a top-achieving district in the Six Rivers Conference for English Language Arts, and our students learn using state-of-the-art AR/VR technology.
Open enrollment for the 2026–27 school year is now open.
Learn more and see if Pecatonica is the right fit for your family:
https://www.pecatonica.k12.wi.us/page/open-enrollment
#PecatonicaProud #ForgeYourFuture #OpenEnrollment

Pec Elementary students gathered together for the monthly PBIS assembly on Tuesday, February 3rd 🎉. The monthly character trait winners, green ticket winners, and hard earned school-wide reward were celebrated with SO much excitement and cheer. On Friday, we will appreciate and acknowledge all of the students hard work with pajama day and an afternoon filled with movies, popcorn, and recess 🎬🍿🛝!
Pictured below are the January character trait winners for the word respect. Congratulations Bryson Burkeland, Cal Gruenenfelder, Josie Syse, Braxson Nutter, Lincoln Bukowski, Harper Norden, and Boone Lyne! This month, our word is cooperation. #pecatonicaproud
Pictured below are the January character trait winners for the word respect. Congratulations Bryson Burkeland, Cal Gruenenfelder, Josie Syse, Braxson Nutter, Lincoln Bukowski, Harper Norden, and Boone Lyne! This month, our word is cooperation. #pecatonicaproud

Here’s the next installment of our Counseling Corner Newsletter. 💙
Each edition is designed to support students and families with helpful resources and timely information. We are grateful for the important work our counseling team does to support the whole child.
Each edition is designed to support students and families with helpful resources and timely information. We are grateful for the important work our counseling team does to support the whole child.

Career and Technical Education plays a powerful role in helping students connect learning to real life. Through hands on experiences, mentorship, and authentic workplace exposure, CTE helps students explore career paths, build employability skills, and gain confidence in their future beyond high school.
We are incredibly grateful to our local business partners who open their doors to our students through Youth Apprenticeship opportunities. These partnerships allow students to learn directly from professionals, apply classroom knowledge in meaningful ways, and begin building a pathway toward a career while still in school. Our community support makes this work possible, and it truly changes lives.
This month, we are excited to highlight several of our Youth Apprentices and the outstanding partners who support them. First up is Rachel Underly, who is completing a Pharmacy Technician Youth Apprenticeship through Upland Hills Health. Rachel is gaining valuable experience in the healthcare field while developing skills that will serve her well far into the future.
We are proud of Rachel and thankful for Upland Hills Health and all of our local partners who invest in our students and help them forge their futures.
We are incredibly grateful to our local business partners who open their doors to our students through Youth Apprenticeship opportunities. These partnerships allow students to learn directly from professionals, apply classroom knowledge in meaningful ways, and begin building a pathway toward a career while still in school. Our community support makes this work possible, and it truly changes lives.
This month, we are excited to highlight several of our Youth Apprentices and the outstanding partners who support them. First up is Rachel Underly, who is completing a Pharmacy Technician Youth Apprenticeship through Upland Hills Health. Rachel is gaining valuable experience in the healthcare field while developing skills that will serve her well far into the future.
We are proud of Rachel and thankful for Upland Hills Health and all of our local partners who invest in our students and help them forge their futures.

📣 Now Hiring: Director of Special Education & Pupil Services 📣
The Pecatonica Area School District is seeking a positive, collaborative, and student-centered leader to serve as our Director of Special Education & Pupil Services, beginning August 2026.
This district-level leadership role provides oversight and coordination of pupil services, including special education, counseling, school psychology, nursing, Gifted and Talented, and English Learner services. The Director works closely with administrators, staff, families, and community partners to ensure every student is supported academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.
Pecatonica is a close-knit district of approximately 400 students where relationships matter, collaboration is valued, and decisions are grounded in what is best for kids. This is a unique opportunity to lead meaningful work, make a direct impact, and join a supportive learning community committed to student and staff continuous improvement.
💼 Start Date: August 2026
💰 Salary: Negotiable, based on experience
👉 View the full job posting and application details here: https://wecan.waspa.org/Vacancy/253188
If you know a passionate leader who would be a great fit for Pecatonica, please help us spread the word!
The Pecatonica Area School District is seeking a positive, collaborative, and student-centered leader to serve as our Director of Special Education & Pupil Services, beginning August 2026.
This district-level leadership role provides oversight and coordination of pupil services, including special education, counseling, school psychology, nursing, Gifted and Talented, and English Learner services. The Director works closely with administrators, staff, families, and community partners to ensure every student is supported academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.
Pecatonica is a close-knit district of approximately 400 students where relationships matter, collaboration is valued, and decisions are grounded in what is best for kids. This is a unique opportunity to lead meaningful work, make a direct impact, and join a supportive learning community committed to student and staff continuous improvement.
💼 Start Date: August 2026
💰 Salary: Negotiable, based on experience
👉 View the full job posting and application details here: https://wecan.waspa.org/Vacancy/253188
If you know a passionate leader who would be a great fit for Pecatonica, please help us spread the word!

💚💛 National School Counselor Appreciation Week 💚💛
This week we are proud to celebrate and thank our two incredible school counselors who support our students every single day.
From helping students navigate academics and friendships to providing a steady, caring presence during challenging moments, our counselors are truly the heart of our school community. They listen, advocate, encourage, and help students build skills that last far beyond the classroom.
We are so grateful for the compassion, dedication, and expertise they bring to Pecatonica each day. Our students are better, stronger, and more confident because of you.
Please join us in showing appreciation for our school counselors this week and every week. 💚💛
#PecatonicaProud #SchoolCounselorAppreciationWeek
This week we are proud to celebrate and thank our two incredible school counselors who support our students every single day.
From helping students navigate academics and friendships to providing a steady, caring presence during challenging moments, our counselors are truly the heart of our school community. They listen, advocate, encourage, and help students build skills that last far beyond the classroom.
We are so grateful for the compassion, dedication, and expertise they bring to Pecatonica each day. Our students are better, stronger, and more confident because of you.
Please join us in showing appreciation for our school counselors this week and every week. 💚💛
#PecatonicaProud #SchoolCounselorAppreciationWeek

Please note the Pecatonica District Office will be closed on February 3rd so that staff can attend training.

Here's what's on tap this week around Viking Nation.

It’s that time of year again 💕
ArtBiz is baking their famous Valentine cookies!
🍪 Cookies are $4 each. Please indicate whether you would like your cookies frosted or unfrosted when ordering.
If you would like to place an order, please reach out to Nancy Huffman at nhuffman@pecatonica.k12.wi.us
🗓 Orders must be placed by February 5th
📍 Cookies can be picked up at the MS/HS on February 13th
A sweet way to support our students and share some Valentine cheer 💖
ArtBiz is baking their famous Valentine cookies!
🍪 Cookies are $4 each. Please indicate whether you would like your cookies frosted or unfrosted when ordering.
If you would like to place an order, please reach out to Nancy Huffman at nhuffman@pecatonica.k12.wi.us
🗓 Orders must be placed by February 5th
📍 Cookies can be picked up at the MS/HS on February 13th
A sweet way to support our students and share some Valentine cheer 💖






REMINDER:
Parents and families of Pecatonica students and community members, you're invited!
We're hosting a focus group so you can provide input and feedback about school district communication needs and goals.
The session is Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Blanchard Hall in Blanchardville. It will gather feedback on current communications efforts of the Pecatonica School District and brainstorm ideas and strategies for increased engagement.
This is designed specifically for parents and community members. Several additional focus groups will be held in January and February to capture the feedback of students, teachers and staff, administration and the school board.
We look forward to a great discussion - see you there!
Special thank you to the Saether Family for donating the usage of Blanchard Hall.
Parents and families of Pecatonica students and community members, you're invited!
We're hosting a focus group so you can provide input and feedback about school district communication needs and goals.
The session is Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Blanchard Hall in Blanchardville. It will gather feedback on current communications efforts of the Pecatonica School District and brainstorm ideas and strategies for increased engagement.
This is designed specifically for parents and community members. Several additional focus groups will be held in January and February to capture the feedback of students, teachers and staff, administration and the school board.
We look forward to a great discussion - see you there!
Special thank you to the Saether Family for donating the usage of Blanchard Hall.

Here's a look at what's happening this week across Viking Nation.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Due to projected wind chills of -25 and below, Pecatonica Schools will have a 2 hour delay on Monday, January 26th.
There will be no Early Childhood session.
Due to projected wind chills of -25 and below, Pecatonica Schools will have a 2 hour delay on Monday, January 26th.
There will be no Early Childhood session.

Middle School Congress would like to congratulate the first semester MS Pride of Pecatonica (POP) recipients for the middle school. Congrats Jayden, Mal, Anna and Dakota!!

Due to extreme weather conditions, there will be no school on Friday, January 23rd.

Our first grade artists have been studying the famous artist Vincent van Gogh and learning about his beautiful, iconic artwork. While it is believed Vincent sold only one painting during his lifetime, art was truly in his heART. He created hundreds of oil paintings that are now displayed in galleries around the world.
As part of the lesson, students connected Vincent’s story to our guidance character traits of empathy and courage. Together, they reflected on how he continued to do what brought him joy and happiness, even when others did not understand or appreciate his work. A powerful reminder for all of us to follow our passions and believe in ourselves. 🎨💚
As part of the lesson, students connected Vincent’s story to our guidance character traits of empathy and courage. Together, they reflected on how he continued to do what brought him joy and happiness, even when others did not understand or appreciate his work. A powerful reminder for all of us to follow our passions and believe in ourselves. 🎨💚





🏈We are excited to welcome Preston Knutson as the new Pecatonica-Argyle Head Football Coach! 🏈
Coach Knutson brings a strong background in building positive program culture, player development, and team leadership. He has head coach experience at both the Varsity and JV levels, coaching at Deerfield High School and Edgewood High School. He also brings experience coaching a co-op program while at Abundant Life/St. Ambrose. Coach Knutson has also held multiple varsity coordinator roles and is known for establishing strong weight room programs, fostering accountability, and connecting with student-athletes. He also spent three summers as a Wide Receiver Coach at the Russell Wilson Passing Academy.
Coach Knutson is passionate about developing the whole athlete through effort, consistency, and character, and we are excited for the future of PA football under his leadership.
Welcome Coach Knutson! 💪🏈
Coach Knutson brings a strong background in building positive program culture, player development, and team leadership. He has head coach experience at both the Varsity and JV levels, coaching at Deerfield High School and Edgewood High School. He also brings experience coaching a co-op program while at Abundant Life/St. Ambrose. Coach Knutson has also held multiple varsity coordinator roles and is known for establishing strong weight room programs, fostering accountability, and connecting with student-athletes. He also spent three summers as a Wide Receiver Coach at the Russell Wilson Passing Academy.
Coach Knutson is passionate about developing the whole athlete through effort, consistency, and character, and we are excited for the future of PA football under his leadership.
Welcome Coach Knutson! 💪🏈

Due to the extreme cold forecasted for Friday, we want to share how the district makes decisions regarding school delays or cancellations.
• School Delay: A delay is implemented when the sustained wind chill reaches -25°F.
• School Cancellation: School is canceled when the sustained wind chill reaches -35°F.
The current forecast for Friday is predicting sustained wind chills as low as -40°F, which exceeds our cancellation threshold and presents serious safety concerns, particularly for students waiting for buses and walking to school.
Student and staff safety is always our top priority. We closely monitor updated forecasts and consult reliable weather data before making any final decisions. winter conditions and will communicate any schedule changes as soon as possible.

