Hello Pine Hollow Middle School community. This is your principal, Andrew Livengood, with the weekly message for October 20.

• Teacher Workday: Monday, Oct. 21. No school for students tomorrow.
• Performance Task Results: In the Spring of 2019 7^th graders in our district completed a Performance Task Assessment which measures a student’s critical thinking and communication skills. Each current 8^th grader on Track 1, 2 & 3 who was in the district last year and took the assessment was given a copy of their report at the end of last week to take home and give to their parent/guardian. Track 4 students will get their report this week.
• Power Play: For the third consecutive year, WCPSS is partnering with the Carolina Hurricanes to bring Power Play to all middle schools. This exciting partnership will support a community-wide healthful living campaign around daily physical activity outside of school, plus allow students the chance to attend a Hurricanes game. For more information please see the attachments in the weekly message.
• Egg Cartons: The art classes are in need of Styrofoam egg cartons. They can be dropped off in the main office or students may take them to Ms. Hyatt.
• Talent Show: Tickets will be on sale in the cafeteria during morning arrival (7:45-8:15) on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets are $5. There will be a show at 4PM on Thursday for students only and then a second show on Friday at 7. No tickets will be sold at the door.
• Cultural Arts Performance: Students on Tracks 1&3 enjoyed a performance entitled “The Didgeridoo Down Under Show: Australian Music and More!” last Friday. Students on Tracks 2&4 will see the show on Nov. 6. This cultural arts event is a unique fusion of Australian music, culture, art, science, comedy, character building, anti-bullying and audience participation. A big THANK YOU to the PTSA for sponsoring this event!
• 8^th Grade Field Trip: DC Commitment forms were due for Tracks 2 and 3 on October 9. Track 1 was due on October 16 and Track 4 is due on October 24.  The first payments are due November 7 (Tracks 1, 2, and 4) and November 14 (Track 3) via online payments.  
• Community Reads: Our Fall 2019 PHMS Community Reads program began this month with the launch of local Raleigh author Kwame Mbalia’s debut novel, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky. An imprint of Disney Hyperion and part of the ‘Rick Riordan presents’ collection, this fantasy adventure novel explores African mythology and African American legends. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll have special events and activities related to the book, culminating in early 2020 with a visit from the author. We encourage YOU, yes you and your family to read the book. PHMS students, staff, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, neighbors . . . we want everyone in our Pine Hollow community included in this shared reading journey. Kwame Mbalia speaks of the importance of the individual, their name, and their family story. Each individual is an important part of our Community Reads story this fall. You can purchase the book from your favorite book seller or borrow it from your local public library. We look forward to continuing the conversation. Happy reading! --Mike Hutchinson, Social Studies teacher (jhutchinson@wcpss.net) and Kristen Ziller, School Librarian (kziller@wcpss.net)
• Athletics:
  • Premium Spirit Wear is now available through Oct. 29. See “Winter Spirit Wear” on the left side of our webpage underneath Pilot News.
  • Soccer is home on Tuesday vs. West Millbrook to make-up the game that was rained out last week.
  • Soccer and Volleyball are at Carroll on Wednesday.
  • Football is at Carroll on Thursday.
  • Game time is 4:00 and admission for all games is $5. Please come out and support the teams!
  • Basketball tryouts begin Nov. 12. All forms and online registration must be completed by Nov 4. We will NOT accept registrations and forms after Nov 4, unless you have cleared it with the Athletic Director, Mr. Adams There is an information video for basketball on the main page of the Athletic Website.
  • Athletic passes are now available. They are for HOME games only. Click here for more info.
• Student Council Fun Run: Mark your calendars for November 2 at 10:00am! PHMS Student Council is in the process of planning the first ever Pine Hollow Middle School Food Drive Fun Run! This year's race will be a 3k, and you can walk or run it—all are welcome! This year's theme is the crazy costume run! Please join us in wearing fun costumes while running the course. However, we do ask that there are NO masks for everyone's safety! We will not be taking on-site registration, so please register now. Cost is $15 and all proceeds go to the NC Food Bank to help fight hunger!  Visit ly/phfunrun2019for more information and visit the PTSA website to register for this event. 
• Signs of Suicide Prevention Program: Over the next three months, Pine Hollow is offering depression awareness and suicide prevention training to all 7^thgrade students as part of the SOS Signs of Suicide^® Prevention Program. This topic is part of the Healthful Living Standard Course of Study and will be delivered by the counseling team during Healthful Living classes. The goal is to educate your child and to give them guidance on how to get help for themselves or a friend.  Please review the detailed letter sent home with your child, which also includes dates for the program. If you have any questions, concerns, or if your child is sensitive to this topic, please contact your child's counselor.
• Saturday Make-up Days: November 16 and December 7 from 8:15 until 11:45. Lunch is NOT served on Saturdays.
• Yearbooks: A Pine Hollow yearbook is a keepsake, a jewel, the treasure trove of youth. Reserve your yearbook now while they are discounted for $40 from September 1- November 30! It’s one of the best books you’ll purchase this year. All yearbooks are ordered online http://www.strawbridge.net/Our school code is YB112059.
• From the PTSA:
  • We are super excited about our fall sports soccer, football and volleyball games! Will you please take a moment to go to the sign up genius link below and pick a slot that works for you? Two time slots to choose from and trust me, no experience needed! Please meet at the indoor concession booth unless you are second shift for football. Those volunteers can come straight out to the field. Great way to watch the game while making money for our school! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E48AEA72BA75-pine
  • Visit our website to find out all the ways you can support your Pilots!
  • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @PHMSPTSA
• Have a great week and remember, at Pine Hollow Middle School the sky is the limit!