The student news site of Stillwater Area High School

The Pony Express

The student news site of Stillwater Area High School

The Pony Express

The student news site of Stillwater Area High School

The Pony Express

Reccommendations made by the Long-Range Facility Planning Task Force volunteers will be presented to the school board throughout the year. This task force will ensure the safety of our facilities and district as a whole.

Long-Range Facility Planning Task Force need volunteers

Paige Sanders, Photography Editor-in-Chief April 22, 2019

To better our district and community as a whole and furthermore better the future of our facilities in the district, volunteers will help make this possible. The district is covening new members for...

Junior Alyssa Baggenstoss does her homework right after school. Baggenstoss has an advantage over other students that dont have their own electronic devices at home.

Tech team proposed innovative plan to teach in snowy conditions

Emma Urban, Photographer April 18, 2019

This school year there were only two snow days allotted and the district has exceeded the limit. The district technology team is exploring an idea that if each student had reliable technology at home that...

Members of the community celebrated the Partnership Plan at last years Partnership Party. They helped raise money for the school district. They are able to gather again this year on April 5 at the JX Event Center.

The Partnership Plan hosts annual Partnership Party

Emma Sneden, Business Editor April 15, 2019

The Partnership Plan is celebrating 30 years of providing educational opportunities for classrooms during its annual fundraising party at the JX Event Center April fifth. They hope to raise money and recognize...

This is a copy of Mounds Views information graphic, which describes their version of the pathways program. The Innovation Team further reviews their program on April 9.

Innovations team visits Mounds View, investigates Pathways

Grace Silbernick, Layout Editor April 15, 2019

“I want to inspire curiosity in all learners through educational programming that is personalized, student-driven, and highly engaging,” John Perry Director of Learning, Technology, and Design Systems...

Eighth graders Berit Serle (left)  and Kennedy Tope (right)  had the exciting opportunity to have Fred Amram (middle) talk to their class about his experiences in the Holocaust.

Middle school students learn about holocaust from firsthand story

Chas Morgan, Layout Editor March 30, 2019

Eighth graders Berit Serle and Kennedy Tope from Stillwater Middle School had the opportunity in March to have Holocaust survivor Fred Amram talk to their class about his experience during the Holocaust....

The Academic Vision Committees new draft of a school wide grading policy released on Jan 7. While still a rough draft, it is getting a lot of feedback from staff.

Academic Vision team proposes new grading policy draft

Ellsa Ohmann, Layout Editor March 20, 2019

In January, the school's Academic Vision team created a draft for a new school-wide grading policy. The draft was distributed to staff around the building to gather constructive feedback. Ideas for this...

The School Board discusses their action items at the school board meeting. Staff development cuts passed 5-1, with Board Member Jennifer Pelletier (right) the only nay.

Budget cuts severely diminish professional and curriculum development plans

Abby Banks, Print Editor-in-Chief March 15, 2019

The school board voted 5-1 to cut $348,000 from the district's budgeted professional development (PD) days at a March 7 business meeting. This was on top of the $500,000 cut with combined PD and curriculum...

Josiah Hill kicked off his campaign Feb. 5. He is running for State Senate to represent residents of District 39.

Josiah Hill makes a run for State Senate, District 39

John Franklin, Copy Editor March 1, 2019

English teacher Josiah Hill started his campaign for State Senate Jan. 31.  Hill will run for the District 39 seat currently held by Karin Housley, who has held the position since 2012. Hill,...

The school board met on Feb. 7 to hear a report on Taking Care of our Children, among other district-related agenda items. At the Feb. 11 school board retreat, members discussed goals and brainstormed ideas for the upcoming school year.

Superintendent Pontrelli addresses concerns of trust among board members

Abby Banks, Print Editor-in-Chief February 27, 2019

"I’m well aware that three of you did go and talk to our lawyers, and I don’t believe that all of you are aware of that," Superintendent Denise Pontrelli said at the school board retreat Feb. 11. The...

The school board finalized more budget cuts on Feb. 21, finally balancing the deficit.

School board further reduces 2019-2020 budget to fill deficit, still does not comply with policy R 5.4

Lilly Sample, Online Editor-in-Chief February 26, 2019

During the 2017-2018 school year, the board fell into a $2.4 million deficit pit. Meetings to address the deficit began in early October, and are still continuing into late February. Being $2.4 million...

Students attended the Feb. 21 school board meeting to show support for Student Council Presidents representation at school board meetings.

Board meeting red-out: students stand in support of Student Council President representation

Abby Banks, Print Editor-in-Chief February 25, 2019

Inspired by senior Isabella Portelli, Student Council Senior Officer, many students showed up in red to the Stillwater School Board meeting Feb. 21 to support student leader representation at board meetings....

Senior and Black Student Union Co-President Misikir Kebede introduces herself during the first Black History Month event, a Girls of Color panel focusing on the intersection of race and gender.

Black History Month represents growing community for students of color

Abby Banks, Print Editor-in-Chief February 23, 2019

Black History Month saw different events celebrating the cultures of students of color. Via panels, showcases, dancing and culturally significant music played during passing time, Black Student Union and...

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