Conversation Starters

     After spending the day at school, it is so important for students to make connections and have the space to talk about their day.  Here are some ideas of ways to ask your student how their day was in order to elicit longer responses with more detail and keep a conversation going.  It is helpful to ask open-ended questions instead of yes/no questions in order to get more than one-word responses.  Try using a question as an exit ticket from the dinner table!

• What was the best thing you did at school today?
• I used to play freeze tag at recess. What do you and your friends do?
• I heard that you sat with new people at lunch today. What did you talk about?
• Who did you like talking to the most?
• What part of your presentation do you think was the best?
• What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
• What makes you feel happy, proud, loved, etc?
• What is something that challenged you?
• If you could change one thing about your day, what would it be?
• What were two highlights and one lowlight for the day?
• Tell me three things that happened to you today and how they made you feel.

More questions can be found here:

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-say-it-questions-to-ask-your-child-about-school

By: Danielle Swenson

White Pine STEM Academy School Counselor

Embarking on a Journey: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence

 Welcome to an exciting new chapter in the life of our beloved charter school as we proudly launch our official blog! As we celebrate our 20th year, we embark on a journey to document the rich tapestry of our school's life, events, and history.  From humble beginnings to the thriving educational institution we are today, our story is one of dedication, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

    White Pine has been a beacon of quality education for two decades.  We are thrilled to announce the addition of the new STEM Academy building, expanding our commitment to providing cutting-edge educational opportunities for our students.  This new venture reflects our dedication to preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

    In recent years, our school has been honored to receive the prestigious title of "Best School" in the Post Register's Reader's Choice Awards for both 2022 and 2023.  We extend out heartfelt gratitude to our supportive community for recognizing and valuing the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and parents. In 2023, our achievements reached new heights as we clinched additional accolades for "Best Afterschool Program", "Best Boss" and "Best Place to Work". These honors are a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines our school.

    Our journey began 20 years ago when a group of parents, driven by a desire for more for their children, came together to establish a school that would exceed the standard educational experience.  From the outset, we have strived to provide a nurturing and challenging environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. 

    As we launch this blog, we invite you to join us in celebrating successes, reflecting on our challenges, and envisioning the future of our school.  This platform will not only serve as a chronicle of our history, but also a space for diverse voices within our community.  Expect to hear from teachers, staff, students and parents who will share their unique perspectives, experiences, and insights.

    We are enthusiastic about this adventure of storytelling, learning, and community building. As we document our past, live in the present, and dream about the future, the Cougar Chronicles will be a testament to the incredible journey we've shared over the years.

    Thank you for being a vital part of our school's growth and progress. Each of your involvement has been instrumental, and we sincerely appreciate your part in shaping the success of our school community!

Be great,

By: Alysa Trust, Vice Principal of Schools