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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

All around district 834 signs displaying “Save Our Schools” are placed in yards and down streets. Community members are also showing support by tying a red ribbon on a tree or their vehicle. “Our community is weary from fighting for what we believe in and it is clear to us that after weeks and the too little two late 'Q' and 'A' sessions with Withrow and Marine this week it is clear that there doesn't seem to be an interest in listening much less acknowledging our perspectives," community member Lance Cunningham says.

Boundary changes enforced due to potential school closings

Megan Ramberg, Online Editor February 14, 2017

The familiar topic of Marine, Withrow and Oak Park closing in 2017 has been of discussion for over almost a year, and with new boundaries being enforced, there has been recent controversy. The 834...

School start times take toll on mental health

School start times take toll on mental health

Ashlyn Aarness, Photographer December 2, 2016

Early morning and late, homework-filled nights. This is the life of a typical high school student. More and more schools are switching over to a later start time to increase productivity. Thought Exchange...

Information Graphic by Allie Langness

B.O.L.D. decision, next steps for community

Allie Langness, Online Editor-in-Chief March 16, 2016

After a grueling process, the School Board voted on March 3, 2016 in favor of closing Marine, Withrow, and Oak Park Elementary schools. Previously, at the February 11, 2016 meeting, the board decided...

B.O.L.D. proposal: vote 'yes'

B.O.L.D. proposal: vote ‘yes’

Allie Langness, Online Editor-in-Chief February 22, 2016

For the past couple of months, families and community members have been extremely concerned with Superintendent Pontrelli’s “B.O.L.D.” proposal to close three schools: Marine, Withrow and Oak...

The BOLD proposal was first introduced Dec. 17 discussing the closure of Marine, Withrow and Oak Park Elementary schools. The decision was delayed until March 3 after request by Superintendent Pontrelli. "We were hoping from the meeting that it would be a 'no' vote and that they listen to the community and are willing to move forward and have community involvement in it," Withrow resident Debra Wagner says.

School Board postpones BOLD vote

Megan McGuire, Online Editor-in-Chief February 22, 2016

In an unexpected move, Stillwater School District Superintendent Denise Pontrelli asked the Stillwater school board on Feb. 11 to postpone its vote on the closing of three District 834 elementary schools...

The BOLD proposal was first introduced Dec. 17 discussing the closure of Marine, Withrow and Oak Park Elementary schools. The decision was delayed until March 3 after request by Superintendent Pontrelli. "We were hoping from the meeting that it would be a 'no' vote and that they listen to the community and are willing to move forward and have community involvement in it," Withrow resident Debra Wagner says.

Proposal brings forth bold new ideas

Katie Hutton, Online Editor-in-Chief January 15, 2016

All around the district, changes are taking place. The high school is expanding, the sixth graders are transitioning to the junior high, and the ninth graders are moving to the high school. With the changing...

“The barriers that rose to the top of the list for all the groups are class size, staff issues and access to resources,” said Robert McDowell, director of learning and innovation. (from the Stillwater Gazette)

New elementary school to open in Woodbury

Karisma Vang, Social Media Editor January 15, 2016

Stillwater is a growing community homes to many, in the district, with kids filling up schools quickly. Next fall in 2017 a new school in Woodbury will be open, except it is still in the Stillwater...

 Denise Pontrelli, Josiah Hill and Red Pony Center secretary Nina Geiser met together to talk about how staff feel about their job and their interactions with students. Typically, from a young age, children choose to be teachers from an example an old teacher brought upon them. “I want to feel the same fulfillment as my own teachers felt, and I hope teachers in the school feel the same way,” Hill said.

Pontrelli and Hill explore schools for National Education Week

Governess Simpson, Layout Editor November 20, 2015

While students strive for academic success, this week, Superintendent Denise Pontrelli and Josiah Hill, English teacher and Union President, will be learning from all the schools in the district. National...

Howlett was infamously known for making the White Pony Center an inviting place for students just swinging by and even those in trouble, by his inviting demeanor. "Sometimes it drove me nuts. I told him [Howlett] that those naughty kids needed discipline, but he would say something like, 'Shelly, he doesn't have a dad,' or something along those lines," secretary Shelly Enhelder says.

Howlett returns to fulfill his duties

Allie Langness, Online Editor-in-Chief October 7, 2015

Assistant Principal Bill Howlett returned this year to fulfill his duties after a year off due to a grueling battle with cancer. During the 2014-2015 school year, the White Pony Center saw a change...

Pontrelli to oversee budget and Bridge to Excellence

Pontrelli to oversee budget and Bridge to Excellence

Abby Kunze, Copy Editor April 12, 2015

Denise Pontrelli was elected as the new superintendent in March, however it will be no easy ride for her. She has many tasks ahead due to the fact that the district has confirmed new plans for renovation...

Superintendent selected for District 834

Superintendent selected for District 834

Ahnika Kroll, Chief Broadcasting Managing Editor March 26, 2015

A search for a new superintendent to oversee the district has been a topic of interest for many months. Candidates fluctuated throughout this time. The decision finally came on March 6, when Denise Pontrelli...

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