No School April 3rd-6th for Spring Break! Enjoy the long weekend!
about 18 hours ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Panther playing outside in a spring meadow
We’ve got several fun dress-up days coming your way—perfect chances to show off your Pettigrew spirit in style. Mark your calendars, plan those outfits, and get ready to let your wardrobe shine!
1 day ago, R.F. Pettigrew
friendly panther tryong on clothes in a messy closet
Calendar of April Dress Up Days
The hallway in 2nd grade turned into a mini safari today as our students dove into their math measuring unit! Students explored the lengths of different animals, comparing sizes and practicing their measurement skills in a hands-on way. From tiny creatures to towering animals, they stretched their thinking (and their rulers!) while building a strong understanding of measurement.
3 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
students measuring the size of animals
students using a ruler to measure an animal length
students measuring a distance on the wall
students using a ruler to measure an animal length
student using a ruler to determine the size of an animal
students practicing units of measure with a ruler
Classroom 401 turned math time into game time! Students have been building their fraction skills by creating their own fraction cards, helping them visualize and compare fractions in a meaningful way.
They worked together to put their learning into action with a game of “Capture Fractions,” a fun twist on the classic game War. With each round, they practiced comparing fractions, thinking strategically, and sharpening their math minds.
4 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
students in 401 playing fraction game
students talking about a fraction game
students in 401 playing fraction game
students in 401 playing fraction game
students working together to play a game

Thanks to a generous grant from Black Hills Federal Credit Union, our Pettigrew Staff Lounge has been beautifully transformed into a peaceful retreat for our team.

The refreshed space features comfortable seating and engaging, relaxing activities, all nestled within a calming birch tree–inspired environment. Designed to help staff feel grounded and recharged, the lounge offers a welcoming place where team members can connect, unwind, and return to their day feeling renewed and ready to educate and prepare our students. Not only is this a tranquil space to eat lunch, but also work on jigsaw puzzles, adult coloring books, trivia games and card games while enjoying a cup of coffee or soda.

We are incredibly thankful to BHFCU for thinking about our teachers and staff and recognizing how important it is to provide this kind of calming, supportive space.

4 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
people eating lunch in a staff lounge
new staff lounge furniture on display
new lounge chair reading area
new lounge gathering area
new lounge coffee nook
new lounge game and puzzle table area
people eating lunch in the staff lounge
Kindergarten K04 students had a blast discovering fun facts about animals and then teamed up to create colorful group posters. Working together, they shared ideas, practiced teamwork, and brought their learning to life with creativity and excitement. So much learning, laughter, and collaboration all in one place!
7 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
students cutting paper
students making animal posters
students making animal posters
students making animal posters
students showing the animal poster they made
**NO SCHOOL**
Friday, March 20th, 2026
for a Compensatory Day
Enjoy the long weekend of stellar weather!!
14 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Sleeping panther dreaming about no school on friday

Select Pettigrew students recently had their artwork proudly displayed at the Washington Pavilion as part of the “Off the Fridge” exhibit. This special showcase gives young artists the opportunity to have their work professionally exhibited in a public gallery space, celebrating their creativity and talent. Families and friends were invited to attend an artist reception on Saturday, March 14th, where they could view the incredible pieces and celebrate these students’ artistic achievements.

17 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
students at an art show
student artwork displayed on a wall
student art being diplayed on a wall
art exhibit picture hanging on the wall
art teachers standing next to art exhibit
Spotlight on our Pettigrew’s 5th Grade Team!
Our 5th grade educators work diligently to prepare students for the next big step in their educational journey… middle school! As the leaders of our building, our 5th graders are encouraged to set positive examples, show responsibility, and support younger students.
The 5th grade team is constantly guiding them to grow as strong learners, confident leaders, and role models in our school community. We are proud of the dedication they bring to helping our students succeed!
21 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Teacher Mrs. Kracke smiling
Teacher Mr O'Donnell holding a sea shell
Teacher Ms. Cork holding two  cats
Teacher Ms. Flasted standing by a tree
We had so much fun meeting next year's Kindergarten students tonight! Welcome to the Team! Our staff took a moment at the photo booth to take a picture with our Pettigrew Elementary Kindergarten Rookie Cards!
21 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew Elementary
Mr. Wagner
Mrs. Parker
Mrs. Koerner
Mrs. Nickel
Mrs. Hanssen
Dawn
Beth
Mrs. Walden
Nurse Madison
Brandi
Attitude of Gratitude – Students of the Month
The Attitude of Gratitude mindset reminds us that when we intentionally focus on the positives in life, we build a strong foundation for joy, resilience, and success. It encourages us to appreciate what we have rather than focusing on what we may lack.
The key pillars of this mindset include treasuring yourself, being grateful, thanking others, and elevating your perspective.
These students were nominated by their teachers for demonstrating this mindset in their daily actions. They show appreciation for others, maintain positive attitudes, and help make Pettigrew a supportive and encouraging place to learn.
Congratulations to our Attitude of Gratitude Students of the Month! We are proud of the example you set for our school community.
Next months mindset focus will be on Live To Give. Talk to your students about what Live To Give means to them and how they can apply that mindset daily at home and at school.
22 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
kindergarten students holding student of the month certificates
1st grade students holding student of the month certificates
2nd grade students holding student of the month certificates
3rd grade students holding student of the month certificates
4th grade students holding student of the month certificates
5th grade students holding student of the month certificates
Introducing Pettigrew’s Incredible 4th Grade Team!
Our amazing 4th grade teachers are dedicated to helping students grow into well-educated, responsible members of our school community. Through encouragement, high expectations, and plenty of learning adventures, they guide students to build strong academic skills, confidence, and character every day. We are grateful for the passion and dedication they bring to Pettigrew!
25 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
teacher Mrs.  Peterson smiling
teacher Mrs. Rhoda smiling
teacher Mrs. Pease smiling
teacher Mrs. Baxa smiling
teacher Mrs. Tomlin sitting on a sofa
Calling all future kindergarteners, our Kindergarten Kick Off Open House is coming soon. Please plan to join us Thursday, March 12th for our kindergarten introduction event.
Kindergarten Kick Off sessions run by last name:
A-E 4-4:30
F-K 4:30-5:00
L-R 5-5:30
S-Z 5:30-6:00
27 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
panther in a jersey announcing kindergarten registration open house
Don't forget to move your clocks AHEAD one hour on Sunday March 8th, for Daylight Savings Time.
28 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
animals looking at a clock
Meet the Pettigrew Music Team
Our wonderfully talented music teachers bring rhythm, creativity, and joy into their classrooms. They help our elementary students discover the beauty of music while building confidence, expression, and a love for learning. From singing and instruments to movement and performance, they make music meaningful and fun for every student at Pettigrew!
29 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Orchestra teacher Denise Alpers
Band teacher Kaitlyn Backstrom with a musical note statue
music teacher Karla Wahl  smiling
Music teacher Mark  Ferri on a stairway
We are thrilled to announce that selected Pettigrew students will participate in an art exhibit at the Washington Pavilion throughout the month of March!
“Off the Fridge,” will feature 60 incredible student artworks These special pieces will be on display March 1st–30th in the Pavilion’s second-floor lobby, which is a free area open to the public. We encourage families and friends to stop by and celebrate the creativity of our talented students!
An Artists’ Reception will be held on Saturday, March 14, from 10:30–11:30am. This will be a wonderful opportunity to recognize our young artists and see their work showcased in a gallery setting.
30 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
artwork displayed on a fridge
In K02, reading practice turned into a full-blown word adventure!
Students used their UFLI sentences to play a lively game of Headbands. Partner One read the sentence displayed on their teammate’s head, then coached them as they carefully wrote it down, rereading along the way to make sure every sound and word was just right. It was teamwork in action, with phonics leading the way!
Meanwhile, other students were busy with UFLI Roll and Read, where decoding skills powered an animal race across the board. Each correctly read word moved their racer forward, turning every blend and digraph into a tiny victory lap.
Learning + laughter + literacy = a classroom full of confident readers in the making. 💜
30 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
students playing UFLI  reading game
students playing UFLI  writing game
students playing UFLI  writing game
students playing UFLI  writing game
Our school library staff is the ultimate league of literacy leaders at Pettigrew !
They are instrumental in helping students flourish in their reading skills, turning pages into portals and stories into stepping stones for growth. Whether they are matching a reader with just the right book or sparking curiosity with a new series, they make reading feel less like an assignment and more like an adventure waiting to unfold.
Because of their dedication, our library is not just a room full of books. It is a launchpad for imagination, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.
30 days ago, R.F. Pettigrew
librarian Mrs. Ulvestad
librarian Mrs. Reavis
Library ESP Lexi

No School on Monday, March 2nd. due to Parent Teacher Conferences. If you have not scheduled your conference yet please reach out to your child's teacher soon!

about 1 month ago, R.F. Pettigrew
parent and teacher talking about conference times and no school March 2nd
At Pettigrew, our K-5 Educational Support Professionals are the steady hands and kind hearts that help each day run smoothly. From guiding students through lessons and routines to offering encouragement when it’s needed most, our ESPs make a meaningful difference in countless ways. They help students navigate each day with confidence and success, while also supporting teachers with the many moving pieces that keep classrooms thriving.

We are so grateful for their dedication, flexibility, and the genuine care they show our students and staff. Pettigrew is stronger because of our incredible K-5 ESP team!
about 1 month ago, R.F. Pettigrew
Picture of ESP Belinda
Picture of ESP Brandi
picture of ESP Julie
Picture of ESP Kristi
picture of ESP Lori
picture of ESP Nichole
picture of ESP Penny
picture of ESP Mark