Fifth graders at Pisgah Forest Elementary are learning what it means to be leaders through the school’s new Student Leadership Team. By taking on responsibilities, supporting others and contributing to the school community, students are discovering their strengths and building new skills.
The team grew out of work the school’s School Improvement Team did ahead of the 2025-26 school year. After gathering staff feedback, the group established foundational principles for the school: RISE, which stands for Respect, Integrity, Strive and Empathy. The principles reflect lifelong skills the school wants to model and teach, and the effort also revealed a chance to give students meaningful ways to practice leadership.
Following conversations with staff, parents and students, the Student Leadership Team launched in January 2026. The goal was to create an opportunity for growth, helping students recognize what they do well while challenging themselves in areas where they can improve. Students apply to serve on the team, and each application includes staff recommendations. The team meets every Friday for leadership mini-lessons, collaboration and planning.
Team members take on a range of jobs around the school, including collecting recycling, managing the lost and found, organizing the clothing closet, taking pictures for the yearbook, helping with morning hallway patrol, delivering daily announcements and assisting with assemblies.
“Student Leadership Team brings us together and helps us learn to work with different people,” said student leader Lizzie Sweeney.
The cameras the team uses were provided through a Lake Toxaway Charities grant. Student leaders will also take part in “Scoop with the Supe,” a chance to meet with Dr. Lisa Fletcher, Transylvania County Schools superintendent, to ask questions and share their ideas and perspectives.
As the team grows, so do its projects. This week, the student-run school store opens. Student leaders are learning about pricing, profit and inventory while practicing teamwork, problem-solving and customer service. The store gives them a chance to apply math skills to real situations and take ownership of a school project. Donations from friends and family in the school community made the store possible.
“I want to learn about leadership, and to be a good leader to others,” said student leader Mylah Owen.
The team’s responsibilities will continue to expand. Student leaders will soon begin helping in younger grades by reading with students and serving as mentors. The experience will give fifth graders opportunities to practice patience, offer encouragement and model RISE expectations while building connections with younger students.
The work brings the schoolwide RISE expectations to life. School leaders want students to recognize when someone needs help, take initiative and follow through on their responsibilities.
“What I have noticed most is the Student Leaders taking initiative and striving to be role models in our school. I feel like that is being noticed by the other students,” said Christy Doherty, a fifth grade teacher.
Serving on the Student Leadership Team is a semester commitment, with an opportunity to reapply for the second semester. Students currently serving are Myrick Allison, Emma Barton, Lia Borovina, Stella de la Riva, Carter Frizzell, Kinsley Lowe, Emmie Lucas, Mayzee Mecale, Mia Miller, Abigail Morgan, Mylah Owen, Ayla Quinn, Joey Saltz and Lizzie Sweeney.
The team grew out of work the school’s School Improvement Team did ahead of the 2025-26 school year. After gathering staff feedback, the group established foundational principles for the school: RISE, which stands for Respect, Integrity, Strive and Empathy. The principles reflect lifelong skills the school wants to model and teach, and the effort also revealed a chance to give students meaningful ways to practice leadership.
Following conversations with staff, parents and students, the Student Leadership Team launched in January 2026. The goal was to create an opportunity for growth, helping students recognize what they do well while challenging themselves in areas where they can improve. Students apply to serve on the team, and each application includes staff recommendations. The team meets every Friday for leadership mini-lessons, collaboration and planning.
Team members take on a range of jobs around the school, including collecting recycling, managing the lost and found, organizing the clothing closet, taking pictures for the yearbook, helping with morning hallway patrol, delivering daily announcements and assisting with assemblies.
“Student Leadership Team brings us together and helps us learn to work with different people,” said student leader Lizzie Sweeney.
The cameras the team uses were provided through a Lake Toxaway Charities grant. Student leaders will also take part in “Scoop with the Supe,” a chance to meet with Dr. Lisa Fletcher, Transylvania County Schools superintendent, to ask questions and share their ideas and perspectives.
As the team grows, so do its projects. This week, the student-run school store opens. Student leaders are learning about pricing, profit and inventory while practicing teamwork, problem-solving and customer service. The store gives them a chance to apply math skills to real situations and take ownership of a school project. Donations from friends and family in the school community made the store possible.
“I want to learn about leadership, and to be a good leader to others,” said student leader Mylah Owen.
The team’s responsibilities will continue to expand. Student leaders will soon begin helping in younger grades by reading with students and serving as mentors. The experience will give fifth graders opportunities to practice patience, offer encouragement and model RISE expectations while building connections with younger students.
The work brings the schoolwide RISE expectations to life. School leaders want students to recognize when someone needs help, take initiative and follow through on their responsibilities.
“What I have noticed most is the Student Leaders taking initiative and striving to be role models in our school. I feel like that is being noticed by the other students,” said Christy Doherty, a fifth grade teacher.
Serving on the Student Leadership Team is a semester commitment, with an opportunity to reapply for the second semester. Students currently serving are Myrick Allison, Emma Barton, Lia Borovina, Stella de la Riva, Carter Frizzell, Kinsley Lowe, Emmie Lucas, Mayzee Mecale, Mia Miller, Abigail Morgan, Mylah Owen, Ayla Quinn, Joey Saltz and Lizzie Sweeney.
Weekly RISE Home-School Connection
Each week, we’ll bring RISE home! Our weekly Home-School Connection gives families a simple way to talk about and practice Respect, Integrity, Strive, and Empathy together—building the lifelong skills our PFE Rangers use every day. For the second quarter, we will be focusing on Integrity.
Conexión semanal entre el colegio y el hogar de RISE
¡Cada semana llevaremos RISE a casa! Nuestra «Conexión semanal entre el colegio y el hogar» ofrece a las familias una forma sencilla de hablar y poner en práctica juntos el respeto, la integridad, el esfuerzo y la empatía, desarrollando así las habilidades para toda la vida que nuestros PFE Rangers utilizan a diario. Durante el segundo trimestre, nos centraremos en la integridad.
This is a friendly reminder that there will be no school on October 29 and October 30. Please have a safe and fun weekend.
🛍️ The PFE School Store opens next week! Our 5th Grade Student Leadership Team is excited to help fellow Rangers shop for fun school supplies while practicing leadership, teamwork, and money skills!
📅 K–2: Tuesdays, starting November 3
📅 Grades 3–5: Thursdays, starting November 5
⏰ 7:40–8:15 a.m.
💵 Cash only!
Check out the flyer for pictures and prices. We can’t wait to see our shoppers! 🦝
🛍️ ¡La tienda escolar de PFE abre la próxima semana! Nuestro Equipo de Liderazgo Estudiantil de 5.º grado está entusiasmado por ayudar a sus compañeros «Rangers» a comprar divertidos artículos escolares, ¡mientras ponen en práctica habilidades de liderazgo, trabajo en equipo y manejo de dinero!
📅 Grados K–2: martes, a partir del 3 de noviembre
📅 Grados 3–5: jueves, a partir del 5 de noviembre
⏰ 7:40–8:15 a. m.
💵 ¡Solo efectivo!
Consulta el folleto para ver imágenes y precios. ¡Estamos deseando recibir a nuestros compradores! 🦝
📅 K–2: Tuesdays, starting November 3
📅 Grades 3–5: Thursdays, starting November 5
⏰ 7:40–8:15 a.m.
💵 Cash only!
Check out the flyer for pictures and prices. We can’t wait to see our shoppers! 🦝
🛍️ ¡La tienda escolar de PFE abre la próxima semana! Nuestro Equipo de Liderazgo Estudiantil de 5.º grado está entusiasmado por ayudar a sus compañeros «Rangers» a comprar divertidos artículos escolares, ¡mientras ponen en práctica habilidades de liderazgo, trabajo en equipo y manejo de dinero!
📅 Grados K–2: martes, a partir del 3 de noviembre
📅 Grados 3–5: jueves, a partir del 5 de noviembre
⏰ 7:40–8:15 a. m.
💵 ¡Solo efectivo!
Consulta el folleto para ver imágenes y precios. ¡Estamos deseando recibir a nuestros compradores! 🦝
Weekly RISE Home-School Connection
Each week, we’ll bring RISE home! Our weekly Home-School Connection gives families a simple way to talk about and practice Respect, Integrity, Strive, and Empathy together—building the lifelong skills our PFE Rangers use every day. For the first quarter, we will be focusing on Respect.
Conexión semanal entre el colegio y el hogar de RISE
¡Cada semana llevaremos RISE a casa! Nuestra «Conexión semanal entre el colegio y el hogar» ofrece a las familias una forma sencilla de hablar y poner en práctica juntos el respeto, la integridad, el esfuerzo y la empatía, desarrollando así las habilidades para toda la vida que nuestros PFE Rangers utilizan a diario. Durante el primer trimestre, nos centraremos en el respeto.
🦉 Third grade wrapped up their CKLA “Classifying Animals” unit with a hands-on investigation of owl pellets! Students discovered and classified animal bones and skulls, putting their learning into practice as they examined the clues inside. What a hoot of a way to bring science to life! 🔎🦴
🦉 Los alumnos de tercer grado concluyeron su unidad de CKLA sobre la «clasificación de los animales» con una actividad práctica: ¡el análisis de egagrópilas de búho! Los estudiantes descubrieron y clasificaron huesos y cráneos de animales, poniendo en práctica lo aprendido mientras examinaban los indicios que contenían. ¡Una forma fantástica y muy divertida de darle vida a la ciencia! 🔎🦴
🦉 Los alumnos de tercer grado concluyeron su unidad de CKLA sobre la «clasificación de los animales» con una actividad práctica: ¡el análisis de egagrópilas de búho! Los estudiantes descubrieron y clasificaron huesos y cráneos de animales, poniendo en práctica lo aprendido mientras examinaban los indicios que contenían. ¡Una forma fantástica y muy divertida de darle vida a la ciencia! 🔎🦴
Weekly RISE Home-School Connection
Each week, we’ll bring RISE home! Our weekly Home-School Connection gives families a simple way to talk about and practice Respect, Integrity, Strive, and Empathy together—building the lifelong skills our PFE Rangers use every day. For the first quarter, we will be focusing on Respect.
Conexión semanal entre el colegio y el hogar de RISE
¡Cada semana llevaremos RISE a casa! Nuestra «Conexión semanal entre el colegio y el hogar» ofrece a las familias una forma sencilla de hablar y poner en práctica juntos el respeto, la integridad, el esfuerzo y la empatía, desarrollando así las habilidades para toda la vida que nuestros PFE Rangers utilizan a diario. Durante el primer trimestre, nos centraremos en el respeto.
4th Grade Field Trip: “Leaf” It to Us!
Our 4th graders headed to the Cradle of Forestry to become tree detectives! During the “Leaf” It to Us! program, students explored the forest, created and used their own leaf identification frames, and investigated the unique shapes, sizes, and characteristics of leaves. Along the way, they discovered different tree species and learned more about the amazing diversity of our forests.
Hands-on learning at its best! We love seeing our students explore, investigate, and make connections to what they’re learning in the classroom.
Excursión de 4.º grado: ¡Déjanoslo a nosotros!
¡Nuestros alumnos de 4.º grado se dirigieron a la Cuna de la Silvicultura para convertirse en detectives de árboles! Durante el programa «¡Déjanoslo a nosotros!», los alumnos exploraron el bosque, crearon y utilizaron sus propios marcos de identificación de hojas e investigaron las formas, tamaños y características únicas de las hojas. En el camino, descubrieron diferentes especies de árboles y aprendieron más sobre la increíble diversidad de nuestros bosques.
¡El aprendizaje práctico en su máxima expresión! Nos encanta ver a nuestros alumnos explorar, en
Traducción realizada con la versión gratuita del traductor DeepL.com
Our 4th graders headed to the Cradle of Forestry to become tree detectives! During the “Leaf” It to Us! program, students explored the forest, created and used their own leaf identification frames, and investigated the unique shapes, sizes, and characteristics of leaves. Along the way, they discovered different tree species and learned more about the amazing diversity of our forests.
Hands-on learning at its best! We love seeing our students explore, investigate, and make connections to what they’re learning in the classroom.
Excursión de 4.º grado: ¡Déjanoslo a nosotros!
¡Nuestros alumnos de 4.º grado se dirigieron a la Cuna de la Silvicultura para convertirse en detectives de árboles! Durante el programa «¡Déjanoslo a nosotros!», los alumnos exploraron el bosque, crearon y utilizaron sus propios marcos de identificación de hojas e investigaron las formas, tamaños y características únicas de las hojas. En el camino, descubrieron diferentes especies de árboles y aprendieron más sobre la increíble diversidad de nuestros bosques.
¡El aprendizaje práctico en su máxima expresión! Nos encanta ver a nuestros alumnos explorar, en
Traducción realizada con la versión gratuita del traductor DeepL.com
Pre-K Learns About Community Helpers!
Our Pre-K students had some special visitors as they learned about the amazing people who help our community! We welcomed the fire department, a librarian from the county library, our school principal, a dental hygienist, and our school resource officer. Each visitor helped us learn more about the important ways they keep our community safe, healthy, and happy!
A big THANK YOU to all of our visitors for taking the time to spend the day with our youngest learners! We loved learning from you!
¡Los alumnos de preescolar aprenden sobre los trabajadores de la comunidad!
¡Nuestros alumnos de preescolar recibieron a unos visitantes especiales mientras aprendían sobre las personas increíbles que ayudan a nuestra comunidad! Recibimos a los bomberos, a una bibliotecaria de la biblioteca del condado, al director de nuestra escuela, a una higienista dental y al oficial de recursos escolares. ¡Cada visitante nos ayudó a aprender más sobre las formas importantes en que mantienen a nuestra comunidad segura, sana y feliz!
Muchísimas GRACIAS a todos nuestros visitantes por tomarse el tiempo de pasar el día con nuestros más pequeños
Traducción realizada con la versión gratuita del traductor DeepL.com
Our Pre-K students had some special visitors as they learned about the amazing people who help our community! We welcomed the fire department, a librarian from the county library, our school principal, a dental hygienist, and our school resource officer. Each visitor helped us learn more about the important ways they keep our community safe, healthy, and happy!
A big THANK YOU to all of our visitors for taking the time to spend the day with our youngest learners! We loved learning from you!
¡Los alumnos de preescolar aprenden sobre los trabajadores de la comunidad!
¡Nuestros alumnos de preescolar recibieron a unos visitantes especiales mientras aprendían sobre las personas increíbles que ayudan a nuestra comunidad! Recibimos a los bomberos, a una bibliotecaria de la biblioteca del condado, al director de nuestra escuela, a una higienista dental y al oficial de recursos escolares. ¡Cada visitante nos ayudó a aprender más sobre las formas importantes en que mantienen a nuestra comunidad segura, sana y feliz!
Muchísimas GRACIAS a todos nuestros visitantes por tomarse el tiempo de pasar el día con nuestros más pequeños
Traducción realizada con la versión gratuita del traductor DeepL.com
Weekly RISE Home-School Connection
Each week, we’ll bring RISE home! Our weekly Home-School Connection gives families a simple way to talk about and practice Respect, Integrity, Strive, and Empathy together—building the lifelong skills our PFE Rangers use every day. For the first quarter, we will be focusing on Respect.
Conexión semanal entre el colegio y el hogar de RISE
¡Cada semana llevaremos RISE a casa! Nuestra «Conexión semanal entre el colegio y el hogar» ofrece a las familias una forma sencilla de hablar y poner en práctica juntos el respeto, la integridad, el esfuerzo y la empatía, desarrollando así las habilidades para toda la vida que nuestros PFE Rangers utilizan a diario. Durante el primer trimestre, nos centraremos en el respeto.
Weather in the Classroom!
Our 5th graders had a special visitor today! Jason Boyer from News 13 joined us for an exciting presentation about weather, connecting perfectly with what students are currently learning in science class.
A huge THANK YOU to Jason Boyer for spending time with our students and making their learning come to life! We loved having you at PFE!
Be sure to tune in to News 13 tonight at 5:30 PM for a special shoutout to Pisgah Forest Elementary!
¡El clima en el salón de clases!
¡Nuestros alumnos de 5.º grado tuvieron hoy un visitante especial! Jason Boyer, de News 13, se unió a nosotros para una emocionante presentación sobre el clima, que encajó perfectamente con lo que los alumnos están aprendiendo actualmente en la clase de ciencias.
¡Muchísimas gracias a Jason Boyer por dedicar su tiempo a nuestros alumnos y hacer que su aprendizaje cobre vida! ¡Nos encantó tenerte aquí en PFE!
¡No te olvides de sintonizar News 13 esta noche a las 5:30 p. m. para ver un saludo especial a la Escuela Primaria Pisgah Forest!
Traducción realizada con la versión gratuita del traductor DeepL.com
Our 5th graders had a special visitor today! Jason Boyer from News 13 joined us for an exciting presentation about weather, connecting perfectly with what students are currently learning in science class.
A huge THANK YOU to Jason Boyer for spending time with our students and making their learning come to life! We loved having you at PFE!
Be sure to tune in to News 13 tonight at 5:30 PM for a special shoutout to Pisgah Forest Elementary!
¡El clima en el salón de clases!
¡Nuestros alumnos de 5.º grado tuvieron hoy un visitante especial! Jason Boyer, de News 13, se unió a nosotros para una emocionante presentación sobre el clima, que encajó perfectamente con lo que los alumnos están aprendiendo actualmente en la clase de ciencias.
¡Muchísimas gracias a Jason Boyer por dedicar su tiempo a nuestros alumnos y hacer que su aprendizaje cobre vida! ¡Nos encantó tenerte aquí en PFE!
¡No te olvides de sintonizar News 13 esta noche a las 5:30 p. m. para ver un saludo especial a la Escuela Primaria Pisgah Forest!
Traducción realizada con la versión gratuita del traductor DeepL.com
Sign up to help with Boonanza!
¡Regístrate para colaborar con Boonanza!
¡Regístrate para colaborar con Boonanza!
Weekly Announcements: October 5-9, 2026
Weekly RISE Home-School Connection
Each week, we’ll bring RISE home! Our weekly Home-School Connection gives families a simple way to talk about and practice Respect, Integrity, Strive, and Empathy together—building the lifelong skills our PFE Rangers use every day. For the first quarter, we will be focusing on Respect.
Conexión semanal entre el colegio y el hogar de RISE
¡Cada semana llevaremos RISE a casa! Nuestra «Conexión semanal entre el colegio y el hogar» ofrece a las familias una forma sencilla de hablar y poner en práctica juntos el respeto, la integridad, el esfuerzo y la empatía, desarrollando así las habilidades para toda la vida que nuestros PFE Rangers utilizan a diario. Durante el primer trimestre, nos centraremos en el respeto.
Today is Custodian Appreciation Day! Thank you, Mr. Stanley and Mrs. Beth for all you do!
¡Hoy es el Día de Agradecimiento a los conserjes! ¡Gracias, Sr. Stanley y Sra. Beth, por todo lo que hacen!
¡Hoy es el Día de Agradecimiento a los conserjes! ¡Gracias, Sr. Stanley y Sra. Beth, por todo lo que hacen!
PFE Weekly Announcements: September 28-October 2, 2026
Come see the Lady Devil Flag Football Team!
¡Ven a ver al equipo de fútbol americano de bandera Lady Devil!
¡Ven a ver al equipo de fútbol americano de bandera Lady Devil!
Weekly RISE Home-School Connection
Each week, we’ll bring RISE home! Our weekly Home-School Connection gives families a simple way to talk about and practice Respect, Integrity, Strive, and Empathy together—building the lifelong skills our PFE Rangers use every day. For the first quarter, we will be focusing on Respect.
Conexión semanal entre el hogar y la escuela de RISE
¡Cada semana, llevaremos RISE a casa! Nuestra Conexión semanal entre el hogar y la escuela ofrece a las familias una forma sencilla de hablar y practicar juntos el respeto, la integridad, el esfuerzo y la empatía, desarrollando así las habilidades para toda la vida que nuestros Rangers de PFE utilizan a diario. Durante el primer trimestre, nos enfocaremos en el respeto.
Traducción realizada con la versión gratuita del traductor DeepL.com
Don't forget that Friday is our first PFE Spirit Day!
¡No olvidéis que el viernes es nuestro primer «Día del Espíritu PFE»!
¡No olvidéis que el viernes es nuestro primer «Día del Espíritu PFE»!
Ranger Weekly Announcements: September 21-25, 2026
