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.
💚💛 School Board Appreciation Month 💛💚
This month, we extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated individuals who serve our school district with integrity, care, and a deep commitment to students, staff, and our communities. School board service requires countless hours of preparation, thoughtful decision-making, and a willingness to lead with both heart and responsibility.
Thank you to our board members for your leadership and service:
President: Megan Reading
Vice President: Brian Schlafli
Treasurer: Kevin Jayne
Clerk: Nick Huffman
Members at Large: Grace Knutson, Trevor Doescher, Cory DeSmet
Student Representatives: Mazie Theorin and Luke Leonard
Your dedication helps shape the future of our schools and ensures strong governance rooted in what is best for students. We are grateful for your service and proud to work alongside you.
#SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #ThankYouBoardMembers #PecatonicaProud
This month, we extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated individuals who serve our school district with integrity, care, and a deep commitment to students, staff, and our communities. School board service requires countless hours of preparation, thoughtful decision-making, and a willingness to lead with both heart and responsibility.
Thank you to our board members for your leadership and service:
President: Megan Reading
Vice President: Brian Schlafli
Treasurer: Kevin Jayne
Clerk: Nick Huffman
Members at Large: Grace Knutson, Trevor Doescher, Cory DeSmet
Student Representatives: Mazie Theorin and Luke Leonard
Your dedication helps shape the future of our schools and ensures strong governance rooted in what is best for students. We are grateful for your service and proud to work alongside you.
#SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #ThankYouBoardMembers #PecatonicaProud
Here's what's on deck this week.
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.
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.
After School Care Program at Pecatonica Elementary
After the school day, any child in need of additional child care is welcome to attend our After School Care Program (ASC) held at Pecatonica Elementary School.
Program Details:
Available Monday through Friday, including early release Wednesdays
Regular days: 3:05 to 5:45 PM
Early release Wednesdays: 12:15 to 5:45 PM
Cost: $10.00 per day
Our After School Care Program provides a safe and supportive environment where students can unwind and enjoy a variety of activities. Each day includes supervised play to encourage movement and social interaction, snacks, arts and crafts to spark creativity, and homework assistance to help students stay on track academically. It is a great mix of fun, learning, and support to wrap up the school day.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact:
Tiffany Anderson, ASC Coordinator, at 608-967-2372
Megan Jorenby at 608-967-2372
We are proud to offer this option to support our families and students.
Here's what's happening this week.
Don't forget our Child Development Day is coming up tomorrow! If your child will turn 4 by September 1, 2026, we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment.
Yearbooks are on sale now!
The Pecatonica Area School District would like to share information regarding the upcoming School Board election.
There are four candidates running for the Pecatonica School Board (order as they will appear on the ballot):
• Marsha Hermanson Crooks
• Steve Acheson
• Megan Leonard
• Mark Hazlitt
The District does not endorse candidates. All School Board seats in Pecatonica are at-large, meaning candidates represent the entire district rather than specific regions.
The Spring Election will be held on Tuesday, April 7, with three open School Board seats on the ballot.
We encourage community members to learn about the candidates and participate in this important civic process. Voting is one of the many ways we support strong local governance and public education.
There are four candidates running for the Pecatonica School Board (order as they will appear on the ballot):
• Marsha Hermanson Crooks
• Steve Acheson
• Megan Leonard
• Mark Hazlitt
The District does not endorse candidates. All School Board seats in Pecatonica are at-large, meaning candidates represent the entire district rather than specific regions.
The Spring Election will be held on Tuesday, April 7, with three open School Board seats on the ballot.
We encourage community members to learn about the candidates and participate in this important civic process. Voting is one of the many ways we support strong local governance and public education.
Pec Elementary students and staff were excited to be back together after a wonderful winter break. On Monday, we welcomed everyone back, and on Tuesday we held a virtual PBIS assembly to celebrate our December character trait of empathy and recognize our winners. We also introduced our January character trait, respect.
Students were also recognized for continuing to work hard and earn green Viking Voyager tickets. 🎟️ We are getting very close to our next in-person, school-wide reward.
Congratulations to our December character trait winners: Marshel Morrow, Paige Steadman, Meredith Spease (not pictured), Remy Legler, Jasper Lokken, Vincent Anderson, and Norah Bethke. 🏆
Students were also recognized for continuing to work hard and earn green Viking Voyager tickets. 🎟️ We are getting very close to our next in-person, school-wide reward.
Congratulations to our December character trait winners: Marshel Morrow, Paige Steadman, Meredith Spease (not pictured), Remy Legler, Jasper Lokken, Vincent Anderson, and Norah Bethke. 🏆
Our 3rd Grade artists have officially become zoologists. 🐾🎨
Each student was offered a position at the Pec School Zoo, where they selected an animal to research and design an appealing habitat for. Using what they learned in their science habitat unit, students answered questions about their animal’s species, country of origin, and care needs. They then applied that research to create a detailed habitat enclosure and wrote an information plate describing their animal.
Along the way, we discussed the importance of murals, design, and architecture in creating spaces that are comfortable and engaging. This art lesson connected science, geography, animal husbandry, research, and writing in a meaningful and creative way.
The best part is that thanks to a couple of generous donations, each student will be able to keep their animal and diorama after our zoo display. 🦒🐢🦜
We cannot wait to open the gates at the Pec School Zoo.
Mrs. Cooper is already on the lookout for more animals, as this has quickly become a class favorite.
Each student was offered a position at the Pec School Zoo, where they selected an animal to research and design an appealing habitat for. Using what they learned in their science habitat unit, students answered questions about their animal’s species, country of origin, and care needs. They then applied that research to create a detailed habitat enclosure and wrote an information plate describing their animal.
Along the way, we discussed the importance of murals, design, and architecture in creating spaces that are comfortable and engaging. This art lesson connected science, geography, animal husbandry, research, and writing in a meaningful and creative way.
The best part is that thanks to a couple of generous donations, each student will be able to keep their animal and diorama after our zoo display. 🦒🐢🦜
We cannot wait to open the gates at the Pec School Zoo.
Mrs. Cooper is already on the lookout for more animals, as this has quickly become a class favorite.
Due to dangerous road conditions, Lamers have pulled the buses off the roads.
Pecatonica Schools will start at 10:00 AM. No early childhood.
Pecatonica Schools will start at 10:00 AM. No early childhood.
Our 8th graders explored the power of static electricity in Physical Science, using electrical force to move a stream of water without ever touching it. Such a fun way to see science in action, and a big shoutout to Ms. Sciborski for continuing to make learning so cool!
Happy 2026, Viking Nation. We’re excited to welcome everyone back and start the year strong. Here’s what’s happening across our district this week.
We invite you to join us for our next Strategic Planning Night as we continue important work on our district's long-term direction and goals. Your input and perspective are valuable as we work together to shape the future of the Pecatonica School District.
Strategic Planning Night
Tuesday, January 6
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Pecatonica Middle School/High School Library
This evening will provide an opportunity to share ideas and contribute to ongoing discussions connected to our strategic priorities and long-term goals. Whether you have attended previous sessions or this is your first time participating, we would love to have you join us.
In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be rescheduled for Thursday, January 8th.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our schools. We hope to see you on January 6th!
Strategic Planning Night
Tuesday, January 6
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Pecatonica Middle School/High School Library
This evening will provide an opportunity to share ideas and contribute to ongoing discussions connected to our strategic priorities and long-term goals. Whether you have attended previous sessions or this is your first time participating, we would love to have you join us.
In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be rescheduled for Thursday, January 8th.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our schools. We hope to see you on January 6th!
Eight of Ms. Bartels’s English IV students delivered impressive Ed Talks to school and district leaders, each highlighting an idea that could positively shape student learning for years to come. Kyssah Gann advocated for implementing a Genius Hour at PHS. Rachel Underly focused on the need to strengthen research skills across classes. Lukas Orloff explained why brain breaks matter. Chayse Hirsch championed opportunities to study abroad. Loretta Tisch made a strong case for the value of study halls in high school. Cohlman Schlimgen highlighted the importance of recess for secondary students. Scarlett Jacoby urged us to prioritize the arts, and Mazie Theorin called for longer passing periods.
These students showcased thoughtful research, strong communication, and genuine passion for improving the school experience. Their ideas have definitely given administration something to think about.
These students showcased thoughtful research, strong communication, and genuine passion for improving the school experience. Their ideas have definitely given administration something to think about.
