Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Pinewood Golf Classic – No School on Wednesday, November 1!

PW+ is available by registration only. If you have not registered, please email Eric Rojas ASAP at erojas@pinewoodprep.com.

Competition Cheer Invitational

On Wednesday, November 1 the Competition Cheer Team will be competing in an invitational-style competition as they make headway towards their 11th State Championship! There are 14 teams competing; the estimated time of their performance is 7:15 PM however, we encourage families to arrive no later than 7 PM for parking and seating. There will be no charge for Pinewood faculty and students.

High school students who attend will earn class points by checking in with Mrs. Bedard at the competition. The class with the best attendance, and those who attended for the winning class, will earn free Chick-fil-A biscuits!

NEON Schoolwide Spirit Day this Friday

Students in all grades levels are invited to participate in NEON Day to support the Varsity Boys Football Team in their 1st round playoff game at HOME this Friday, November 3 against First Baptist.

Students may wear jeans without rips or tears. Students may NOT wear leggings, yoga pants, sweatpants, shorts, athletic pants/shorts, face paint, hoodies and/or hats. 

Rules for Lower and Middle School Students Attending Athletic Events 

All students in grades PK3 through 8th need to be under the full supervision of a parent/guardian at all athletic and school events. No student in these grade levels should be dropped off or left unattended.

Trident Basketball Tryouts – Grades 5-8

Students in grades 5-8 interested in playing Trident Basketball are invited to attend tryouts on Sundays November 5 and 12 in the Eidson Gym.  The times are: Girls – 4 to 5:30 PM; Boys – 6 to 7:30 PM.

For more information please contact Gail Osborne at gosborne@pinewoodprep.com.

Girls’ Lacrosse Clinics in November – Grades 6-12

Save the date for girls’ lacrosse clinics on Saturdays, November 11 and 18; 11 AM to 12:30 PM; grades 6-12; no cost; goggles and mouth guard are required; if you don’t have a stick you can reserve one by emailing Coach Morgan at amorgan@pinewoodprep.com.

Save the Date – Multi-sports Camp – Thanksgiving Break

Registration is now open – click here! Mr. Luke Williams (PE Teacher and Head Boys Varsity Soccer Coach) is hosting a multi-sports camp for boy and girls ages 5-14. Campers will experience up to three different sports each day. $40 Per day or $100 for all three days.

Tuesday, 11/21 – 12 to 3 PM

Wednesday, 11/22 – 9 AM to 12 PM

Friday, 11/27 – 9 AM to 12 PM

Jostens Early Bird Rate Extended

Jostens is allowing us to bring back the early bird rate through Monday, December 4. Don’t miss out on this special rate of $40 for lower school (PK3-5th grade) and $75 for upper school yearbooks (6th-12th grade). Order yours today!

$40 EARLY RATE – ORDER LOWER SCHOOL YEARBOOK 

$75 EARLY RATE – ORDER UPPER SCHOOL YEARBOOK

Date Change – Lower School Holiday Extravaganza

This year’s Lower School Holiday Extravaganza has been moved to Friday, December 15 at 8:15 AM in the Eidson Gym for grades PK3-5th. 

Counseling Corner – November Newsletters

Lower School

Middle and High School editions will publish next Tuesday, Nov. 7!

Upcoming Events

November 5 – Daylight Savings Time Ends

November 9 – New Parent Reception 5:30-7:30 PM

November 10 – Veterans Day (regular school day)

Birthdays This Week

Student Birthdays

Flynn Bell, 4th – 11/01

Luke Chambrovich, K5 – 11/01

Carly Trimble, K5 – 11/01

Kailen Dasinger, 11th – 11/02

Grace Manes, 10th – 11/02

Henry Huynh, 3rd – 11/02

Chase Fecko, 7th – 11/03

Lucas Benzenberg, 8th – 11/04

Milly Kmetz, 6th – 11/04

William Ladd, 1st – 11/04

Elias Reaves, 1st – 11/04

Graham Gilmer, 9th – 11/05

Tori Barnes, 7th – 11/05

Gavin Brown, 4th – 11/05

Pauline Sweet, 3rd – 11/05

Sims Waring, 10th – 11/06

Henry Judy, 5th – 11/06

Rebekah Abakah, K5 – 11/06

D.J. Bowers, PK4 – 11/07

Staff Birthdays

Aimee Soyka, 11/01

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

College Night for High School Parents

This Thursday, October 26 from 7- 8 PM in Smith Hall (parents only).

Golf Tournament Sponsorship Opportunities Available

This year’s tournament is in high demand and sold out on the first day! Pinewood’s 25th Annual Golf Classic brings together our community of parents, grandparents, alumni, teachers, students, Lowcountry business leaders, and more. It’s the perfect place to advertise your business in front of a captive audience at our sold-out tournament. 

The tournament raises critical funds for our teachers and students, plus a portion supports our athletic programs. Limited sponsorship opportunities remain and are available starting at only $150. Click here to learn more.

PTO’s Annual Trunk or Treat

Please join us for PTO’s Annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 28 from 2-4 PM in Freedom Hall Parking Lot and Freedom Hall. This is one of our favorite community events because it gives lower school students the opportunity to show off their amazing Halloween costumes, and get a ton of sweet treats!

PTO will have prizes for the following trunk categories – Most Interactive, Most Creative and Best Treats! Trunk sponsorship is open to ALL grade levels. Click here to register your trunk!

JV and Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball Tryouts.  

Monday, October 30 in the Eidson Gym

JV and Varsity Girls; 3:30 – 5 PM

Varsity Boys; 5 – 7 PM

JV Boys; 7 – 8:30 PM

Trident Basketball Tryouts – Grades 5-8

Students in grades 5-8 interested in playing Trident Basketball are invited to attend tryouts on Sundays November 5 and 12 in the Eidson Gym.  The times are: Girls – 4 to 5:30 PM; Boys – 6 to 7:30 PM.

For more information please contact Gail Osborne at gosborne@pinewoodprep.com.

Senior Yearbook Ads

Deadline for senior yearbook ads is Tuesday, October 31. The pricing is as follows:

• Full page – $375
• Half page – $275
• Quarter page – $175

To purchase and create a “student recognition” ad for your senior, visit https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1019778/Pinewood-Preparatory-School/. Scroll down and choose Yearbook Ads. (You can buy a yearbook there, too!)  Then choose “Student Recognition Ad.” IMPORTANT: Jostens software will not allow people to purchase an ad and create it later. Both the completed ad and the payment are submitted simultaneously. For additional information contact Mrs. Lee Cobb at lcobb@pinewoodprep.com.

Girls’ Lacrosse Clinics in November – Grades 6-12

Save the date for girls’ lacrosse clinics on Saturdays, November 11 and 18; 11 AM to 12:30 PM; grades 6-12; no cost; goggles and mouth guard are required; if you don’t have a stick you can reserve one by emailing Coach Morgan at amorgan@pinewoodprep.com.

Save the Date – Multi-sports Camp – Thanksgiving Break

Mr. Luke Williams (PE Teacher and Head Boys Varsity Soccer Coach) is hosting a multi-sports camp for boy and girls ages 5-14. Campers will experience up to three different sports each day.

During the morning players will focus on developing their technique and skills within each sport, and gain a basic understanding of playing a scrimmage. The afternoon will consist of small-sided scrimmages in a tournament environment where players can earn World Cup points for their team through good sportsmanship and teamwork. $40 Per day or $100 for all three days. Registration will open soon!

Tuesday, 11/21 – 12 to 3 PM

Wednesday, 11/22 – 9 AM to 12 PM

Friday, 11/27 – 9 AM to 12 PM

Date Change – Lower School Holiday Extravaganza

This year’s Lower School Holiday Extravaganza has been moved to Friday, December 15 at 8:15 AM in the Eidson Gym for grades PK3-5th. 

Counseling Corner – October Newsletters

Lower School

Middle School

High School

Healthy Panthers October Newsletter

Click here!

Upcoming Events

October 28 – Truck or Treat  

October 31 – JJ/SS and Little Panthers Halloween Parade

November 1 – Golf Classic

November 5 – Daylight Savings Time Ends

Birthdays This Week

Student Birthdays

Jayden Parrott, 9th – 10/24

Miller Gardner, 7th – 10/24

Malia Edwards, 1st – 10/25

Jaden Bellush, 11th – 10/26

Giada Palozzi, PK3 – 10/26

Tito McConnell, 12th – 10/27

Zoe Williams, 7th – 10/27

Habiba Abed, 3rd – 10/28

Giuliana Palozzi, 4th – 10/29

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Vote Now – Mascot Naming Contest

The top five most popular names submitted are: Blue, Champ, Claws, Pawla and Paws! Click here to vote for your favorite one!

Homecoming Spirit Week Themes

Wednesday, October 18 – Jersey/College Day

Thursday, October 19 – Bob the Builder Day (construction gear); NOTE: Students should not bring any equipment to school.

Friday, October 20 – BLUE OUT Day

Homecoming Fair – Pregame Event

Join us for a pregame event this Friday, October 20 from 5 to 7 PM. Enjoy food trucks, bounce castles, games, pie eating contests, and fun! Be sure to stay for the game afterwards to cheer on your Pinewood Panthers as they take on Thomas Heyward.

Rules for Lower and Middle School Students Attending School Events

All students in grades PK3 through 8th need to be under the full supervision of a parent/guardian at all athletic and school events. No student in these grade levels should be dropped off or left unattended.

Community Service Hours Opportunity

If any student and/or parent needs community service hours, we will need volunteers to help pick up fireworks debris this Saturday, October 21 at 9 AM. Please email Abby Parks at aparks@pinewoodprep.com if you’re interested. 

Registration for PEP Session 2 – Grades 1st through 5th

Registration for Session 2 PEP Classes opens on Wednesday, October 18 at 6 p.m. Link will go live at that time (click here) where class descriptions, cost, times and grade levels will be listed.

PTO’s Annual Trunk or Treat

Please join us for PTO’s Annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 28 from 2-4 PM in Freedom Hall Parking Lot and Freedom Hall. This is one of our favorite community events because it gives lower school students the opportunity to show off their amazing Halloween costumes, and get a ton of sweet treats!

PTO will have prizes for the following trunk categories – Most Interactive, Most Creative and Best Treats! Trunk sponsorship is open to ALL grade levels. Click here to register your trunk!

Senior Yearbook Ads

Deadline for senior yearbook ads is Tuesday, October 31. The pricing is as follows:

• Full page – $375
• Half page – $275
• Quarter page – $175

To purchase and create an “student recognition” ad for your senior, visit https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1019778/Pinewood-Preparatory-School/. Scroll down and choose Yearbook Ads. (You can buy a yearbook there, too!)  Then choose “Student Recognition Ad.” IMPORTANT: Jostens software will not allow people to purchase an ad and create it later. Both the completed ad and the payment are submitted simultaneously. For additional information contact Mrs. Lee Cobb at lcobb@pinewoodprep.com.

Girls’ Lacrosse Clinics in November – Grades 6-12

Save the date for girls’ lacrosse clinics on Saturdays, November 11 and 18; 11 AM to 12:30 PM; grades 6-12; no cost; goggles and mouth guard are required; if you don’t have a stick you can reserve one by emailing Coach Morgan at amorgan@pinewoodprep.com.

Golf Tournament Sponsorship Opportunities Available

This year’s tournament is in high demand and sold out on the first day! Pinewood’s 25th Annual Golf Classic brings together our community of parents, grandparents, alumni, teachers, students, Lowcountry business leaders, and more. It’s the perfect place to advertise your business in front of a captive audience at our sold-out tournament. 

The tournament raises critical funds for our teachers and students, plus a portion supports our athletic programs. Limited sponsorship opportunities remain and are available starting at only $150. Click here to learn more.

Cancelled – International Trip to Egypt

The previously planned trip to Egypt has been cancelled. Stay tuned for information on a new destination to come out soon!

PTO Campus Beautification Project

Calling all parents with a green thumb! If you have a passion for flowers and gardening, Pinewood could use your help with the prominent high-traffic area on the corner of Butternut and Orangeburg. Please contact Sam Eidson, PTO President at pto@pinewoodprep.com if you are interested in being a part of this upcoming campus beautification project.

Lands’ End Uniform Sale

Enjoy 30% off layers and 20% off everything else! Sale is October 13-20th! Code: GRADE & PIN: 1543

Counseling Corner – October Newsletters

Lower School

Middle School

Healthy Panthers October Newsletter

Click here!

Upcoming Events

October 19 – Report Cards Available

October 20 – Homecoming 

October 21 – Homecoming Dance

Attendance with Panther Tracks

When a student is absent for a full school day, for any reason, parents are expected to report the absence on Panther Tracks the day of the absence. Click here to access Panther Tracks.

Birthdays This Week

Student Birthdays

Callie Corless, 5th – 10/18

Henry Yuen, 2nd – 10/18

Marcus Damon, 8th – 10/20

Ever Fischer, PK3 – 10/21

Margot Hedinger-Sims, 2nd- 10/22

Emma DiBeneditto, 12th – 10/23

Emily Petras, 7th – 10/23

Jayden Parrott, 9th – 10/24

Miller Gardner, 7th – 10/24

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Coffee and Conversation with Dr. Seiden

Please join Dr. Seiden in this year’s first Coffee and Conversation on Tuesday, October 17 at 8:15 AM in the Endzone Club (2nd floor of the Osborne Athletic Center). The topic will be “Discipline vs. Counseling.” In this session, members of the administration will demystify the concept of student discipline by sharing insight into both the process and philosophy behind our actions and decision-making. Registration is required (in person or via Zoom) – click here.

Register for Emergency Updates

Friendly reminder for parents to sign up to receive emergency updates, power outage notifications, and weather closings by texting “Pinewood” to 1-833-429-7038.

Pinewood Panther – Mascot Naming Contest

Students in all grade levels are invited to submit a name for our beloved Panther! Click here to submit your idea. Entries are due Friday, October 13. Official name will be announced on Friday, October 20 during Homecoming events at school. Winner will receive a VERY special prize!

Homecoming Spirit Week Themes

Monday, October 16 – PJ Day

Tuesday, October 17 – Anything but a Backpack Day; NOTE: Students may wear regular Friday Spirit Wear and should not bring anything that will obstruct the hallways and walking paths.

Wednesday, October 18 – Jersey/College Day

Thursday, October 19 – Bob the Builder Day (construction gear); NOTE: Students should not bring any equipment to school.

Friday, October 20 – BLUE OUT Day

Homecoming Fair – Pregame Event

Join us for a pregame event on Friday, October 20 from 5 to 7 PM. Enjoy food trucks, bounce castles, games, pie eating contests, and fun! Be sure to stay for the game afterwards to cheer on your Pinewood Panthers as they take on Thomas Heyward.

Food Trucks on Tuesday, Oct. 17 – Middle and High School Lunch

There will be three food trucks on campus on Tuesday, October 17 during middle and high school lunches. They are: Don Sazon (empanadas), That’s My Dawg (hot dogs and baskets) and Palmetto Sun Kettle Corn. Students should only bring cash to purchase from the food trucks. The cafeteria will also remain open for service during the lunch periods. Click here to view the menus and pricing for Don Sazon and That’s My Dog. NOTE: Palmetto Sun Kettle Corn does not have a formal menu; they will have pre-made bags of kettle corn, bags of caramel corn, an Oreo glazed popcorn, and a combination of three flavors of glazed popcorn. All for $5 each. 

2024-2025 Application Season is Now Open

For families with younger siblings – especially in rising PK2 through PK4 – the application for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. We highly encourage you to complete an application at your earliest convenience as these grade levels will fill up fast. You are also more than welcome to attend the “PK Power Hour” on Tuesday, October 24 at 6 – 7 PM. Registration is required – click here.

PTO’s Annual Trunk or Treat

Please join us for PTO’s Annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 28 from 2-4 PM in Freedom Hall Parking Lot and Freedom Hall. This is one of our favorite community events because it gives lower school students the opportunity to show off their amazing Halloween costumes, and get a ton of sweet treats!

PTO will have prizes for the following trunk categories – Most Interactive, Most Creative and Best Treats! Trunk sponsorship is open to ALL grade levels. Click here to register your trunk!

PTO Campus Beautification Project

Calling all parents with a green thumb! If you have a passion for flowers and gardening, Pinewood could use your help with the prominent high-traffic area on the corner of Butternut and Orangeburg. Please contact Sam Eidson, PTO President at pto@pinewoodprep.com if you are interested in being a part of this upcoming campus beautification project.

Lands’ End Uniform Sale

Enjoy 30% off layers and 20% off everything else! Sale is October 13-20th! Code: GRADE & PIN: 1543

Golf Tournament Sponsorship Opportunities Available

This year’s tournament is in high demand and sold out on the first day! Pinewood’s 25th Annual Golf Classic brings together our community of parents, grandparents, alumni, teachers, students, Lowcountry business leaders, and more. It’s the perfect place to advertise your business in front of a captive audience at our sold-out tournament. 

The tournament raises critical funds for our teachers and students, plus a portion supports our athletic programs. Limited sponsorship opportunities remain and are available starting at only $150. Click here to learn more!

October College Visits

The University of the South – Thursday, October 12 at 2:20 PM in Mr. Diffley’s office 

Furman University – Tuesday, October 17 at 2:15 PM in Mr. Diffley’s office

Counseling Corner – October Newsletters

Lower School

Middle School

Healthy Panthers October Newsletter

Click here!

Lands’ End Starboard Scholarship

The 2023-2024 scholarship program is now open for entries. Since 2019, Lands’ End has awarded 24 scholarships—a total of $215,000—to students who have shown exceptional leadership skills.
Up to five $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to eligible Preferred School students in grades 8-12. Visit Landsend.com/starboard for full eligibility guidelines.

Upcoming Events

October 11 – PSAT Day (Grades 10-11); Middle School Conference Day; No School for Grades 6-8

October 13 – Last Day of the First Quarter

October 19 – Report Cards Available

October 20 – Homecoming 

October 21 – Homecoming Dance

Attendance with Panther Tracks

When a student is absent for a full school day, for any reason, parents are expected to report the absence on Panther Tracks the day of the absence. Click here to access Panther Tracks.

Birthdays This Week

Cooper Fanning, 1st – 10/11

Shreya Patel, 12th – 10/13

Ally Flaharty, 9th – 10/13

John Flaharty, 9th – 10/13

Jacob O’Dell, 8th – 10/13

Olive Morgan, 8th – 10/14

Luke Adams, 12th – 10/16

Jacob McCray-Sweet, 9th – 10/16

Autumn O’Connor, 7th – 10/17

Audrey Thill, 5th – 10/17

Logan Kauffman, 3rd – 10/17

Staff Birthdays

Mike Latham – 10/13

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

International Trip to Egypt – Middle and High School

Interest meeting for middle and high school families will be held on Wednesday, October 4 at 5 pm in Smith Hall. Click here to view the full flyer. Contact Brook Robinson at brobinson@pinewoodprep.com for additional information.

Pinewood Panther – Mascot Naming Contest

Students in all grade levels are invited to submit a name for our beloved Panther! Click here to submit your idea. Entries are due Friday, October 13. Official name will be announced on Friday, October 20 during Homecoming events at school. Winner will receive a special prize!

Rules for Lower and Middle School Students Attending Athletic Events

All students in grades PK3 through 8th need to be under the full supervision of a parent/guardian at all athletic and school events. No student in these grade levels should be dropped off or left unattended.

Endzone Club – Members Only

Friendly reminder that the Osborne Athletic Center is only for Endzone Club members and their immediate family during athletic events on the Knight Family Field. Click here for more information on how to join and support your Panthers!

Spirit Theme and Tickets for this Friday’s Home Football Game

The schoolwide spirit theme for this Friday is “PINK OUT”. We encourage you to purchase your game tickets early online – click here. IMPORTANT: Students still need to reserve their free ticket(s) prior to the game using their Panther Pass ID number as the passcode.

Jostens Representative on Campus

Our Jostens rep will be on campus on Wednesday, October 4 to speak with all 11th and 12th graders during Advisement in Smith Hall. Jostens will be discussing class rings (Juniors) and graduation supplies (Seniors). They will return to campus the following week, Friday, October 13 during HS lunch to collect orders and payments.

High School Homecoming Semiformal

The dance is on Saturday, October 21 from 7-10 p.m. in the Seiden Endzone Club. 

Important details:

• Students should arrive by 8 p.m. as the doors to the Athletic Center will be locked at that time. 
• Students will be expected to stay until 10 p.m. 
• Only Pinewood students in grades 9-12 are invited to attend, as well as PPS Alumni that are no older than 19 years old. 
• The cost of the dance is $10, and can be paid with cash or check. 
• Tickets go on sale beginning Oct. 2 until Oct. 17.
• Students may only purchase tickets during break (10-10:15 a.m.) and lunch (12:50-1:20 p.m.). SGA Sponsors and Ms. Sowers will be in Coursey each day to sell tickets.

Book Fair is Coming!

Love exploring new books and fun school supplies? The Pinewood Library will be hosting the Fall Book Fair from Monday, October 9 through Friday, Oct. 13.  Preview Day for Lower School students will be on Friday, October 6. Lower School students will receive a “wish list” envelope in their weekly folder, which is also a reliable method to send in cash or check. In addition, a convenient digital payment account can be created using the Ewallet, where you can shop the Book Fair online! NOTE: The library will close on Thursday, October 5 for set-up and not be available to students unless they are shopping at the Book Fair.  It will reopen on Monday, October 16 at noon.

Lands’ End Starboard Scholarship

The 2023-2024 scholarship program is now open for entries. Since 2019, Lands’ End has awarded 24 scholarships—a total of $215,000—to students who have shown exceptional leadership skills.
Up to five $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to eligible Preferred School students in grades 8-12. Visit Landsend.com/starboard for full eligibility guidelines.

October College Visits – High School

Erskine College – Thursday, October 5 at 2:20 PM in Mr. Diffley’s office 

The University of the South – Thursday, October 12 at 2:20 PM in Mr. Diffley’s office 

Furman University – Tuesday, October 17 at 2:15 PM in Mr. Diffley’s office

Upcoming Events

October 6 – Preview Day for Book Fair

October 9 – 13 – Book Fair

October 11 – PSAT Day (Grades 10-11); Middle School Conference Day; No School for Grades 6-8

October 13 – Last Day of the First Quarter

October 19 – Report Cards Available

October 20 – Homecoming 

Attendance with Panther Tracks

When a student is absent for a full school day, for any reason, parents are expected to report the absence on Panther Tracks the day of the absence. Click here to access Panther Tracks.

Student Birthdays

Alexandra Waldron, 3rd – 10/04

Kendyl White, 3rd – 10/04

Riles Woods, 2nd – 10/04