October 2, 2025
Pikeland CUSD 10 is still in a Safe & Secure
There are no afternoon preschool or early childhood classes today.
Buses will not be transporting preschool morning students while we are on Safe and Secure Mode. South School will be reaching out to morning preschool parents to make pick up arrangements for their students.
We appreciate your understanding during this situation.
Dr. Russ Tepen
Superintendent
South Elementary students, staff, and bus drivers did an amazing job organizing the evacuation of South. They followed the evacuation plan flawlessly and were able to transition students quickly and safely to PCS. South cafeteria staff and district office staff were able to put together lunches to be delivered to PCS for the South students.
Thank you to the PCS administrators and staff for quickly arranging spaces for the South students to utilize. A big shout out to the PCS office staff who coordinated student pick up, and allowed the transition to be smooth.
Pikeland CUSD and the Pittsfield community are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of people who care about our students and staff. This is another example of how we pull all of our resources together to make a difference.
I am exceptionally proud to be a part of the Pikeland family, and to have the opportunity to serve the families of the Pikeland community.
Gratefully,
Dr. Russ Tepen
Superintendent
If your student is a parent pick up, please note the following for today:
1. All South Elementary car riders will be released for pick up at the front of PCS beginning at 3:30.
2. If your student(s) only attend South Elementary, you will enter the North D-Pod entrance off Piper Lane to pick up your student(s).
3. If your student(s) attend South and PCS, you will enter your regular pick up line.
Dr. Russ Tepen
Superintendent
We were experiencing mechanical issues at South Elementary School, and there was an odor of natural gas detected in one area of a hallway. Pikeland maintenance and Pittsfield City workers responded quickly to check for the smell of gas. Pittsfield City workers and our maintenance department collaboratively checked for gas leaks and determined the building was safe for students and staff. We expect the situation to be resolved quickly, and Pittsfield City workers are returning to South Elementary again this afternoon to do an additional check on the system.
Out of an abundance of caution for our students and staff, we have moved all of our South Elementary students to PCS for the remainder of the day. If you would like to pick up your South Elementary child early, please call PCS at 217-285-9462 and you may pick them up from the main office.
Dr. Russ Tepen
Superintendent
The PCS Custodial- Maintenance Crew were provided with new floor machine training this week.
Thank you to this team for striving to provide a clean and safe environment for our students and staff.
Saukee Strong,
Mrs. Ruebush
New Teacher Mentoring is a great way to start the day!
This is the early bird group.
1. Pikeland Mentors and Mentees engaged in activities to prepare them for parent teacher conferences next week.
2. Parent Teacher Conferences are October 21st & 23rd.
3. Please contact your student's school to set up a conference time.
The Pikeland Mentors are an amazing group of veteran educators supporting our new teachers in the district.
Saukee Strong,
Mrs. Ruebush
Employment opportunities at Pikeland
Mrs. Ruebush
Come join us tomorrow, October 8, at the Pittsfield High School gymnasium from 6:30 -7:30 PM for an informational meeting on school safety. This informational meeting is in conjunction with Pikeland School Resource Officers, Pittsfield Police Department, and the Pikeland CUSD 10 Administration Team. We will be presenting our safety procedures and provide ways parents, guardians, and our community can support a safe learning environment for our students and staff.
Russ Tepen
Superintendent
Pikeland CUSD 10,
Local law enforcement has alerted the district that the threat from the community no longer exists, and we are returning to regular movement in all of our schools.
The Safe and Secure Mode has been lifted, and buses will run their regular afternoon routes.
Teaching and learning was not interrupted during the Safe and Secure Mode, and students and staff did an amazing job today. We certainly appreciate the continued support of families, the community, and local law enforcement in helping to keep our kids safe.
All extracurricular activities will be held as scheduled.
Gratefully,
Dr. Russ Tepen
Superintendent
The district remains on Safe and Secure Mode at this time, Since we are currently on Safe and Secure Mode, PHS will NOT be having open campus for lunch. All students will be served lunch on campus today.
The Pikeland School District is taken precautionary steps due to a situation within the county.
All buildings will be in Safe and Secure Mode until the issue has been resolved.
Angie Ruebush
Assistant Superintendent
Today, we are having our annual District-wide safety drill at all of our schools. We partner with local law enforcement agencies as we practice with this drill. You will notice a large police presence at each school during the drill as well. Students will be leaving the building during the drill and utilizing their rally point locations.
Dr. Russ Tepen
Superintendent
I wanted to let you know the State Police will be on campus at Pittsfield High School today utilizing the track for some training. Pikeland gladly partners with many organizations within our community, and appreciates the opportunity to give back to those who support the school district and community. Have an amazing Wednesday!
Gratefully,
Dr. Russ Tepen
Superintendent
Dear Parents & Community Members,
As you know, school districts are required each year to conduct safety drills with their students. For example, fire, severe weather, etc. In addition, school districts are required to conduct an annual safety review meeting with school officials, law enforcement, etc.
The Pikeland School District has made the decision this year to also conduct an annual parent safety information meeting. It is not required. But, we feel it is important to keep everyone in the school safety loop.
The reason we are changing the date of this non-required meeting is to allow more people to attend this meeting.
Thank you for your understanding and your support in our commitment to school safety.
Mrs. Ruebush, Assistant Superintendent
The Pikeland Leadership Team & Pikeland School Resource Officers
Please share.
Congratulations PHS!
Saukee strong,
Dr. Russ Tepen
Superintendent