Talk of East Texas

By Mara Williams

October 16, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

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By Dena Parsley Edwards

October 4, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Like Andrew Shaw I remember our class doing a time capsule and I was wondering what happened to it. Did anyone ever dig it out? I am not sure where we put it but it seems like when we did it we were standing in front of what was the 5th grade hall until this year. I am from the class of 1990-Kelly or Amy-do you remember us doing a time capsule? I laughed when I read so many of the other’s memories-I remember Mrs. Rash-she was my math teacher and Mrs. Deason was my homeroom teacher she was next door to Mrs. Rash. I got licks in Mrs. Rash’s class one day because I left my homework in my homeroom class. Then a few minutes later I got licks from Mrs. Deason because Jonathan Jameson and I were talking. Mrs. Deason didn’t swat me very hard though because she was the witness when I got my licks from Mrs. Rash. I guess she felt sorry for me. That was a bad day, those were the only times that I got licks K-12. Dena Parsley Edwards

By Joel Armstrong

October 2, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Yes Jo Lee, I am the Joel Armstrong from band…proud graduate of ‘92.

I did enter a science fair in that old gym. I won honorable mention for a working model of a set of lungs using a 2 liter bottle and some balloons.

That memory made me remember one of the sadder moments of going to school on that campus. I was sitting in Science class when the Principal announced on the intercom that the Space Shuttle Challenger had exploded after take off. I can remember that like it happened yesterday.

On a brighter note, I also remember our music teacher, Ms Lehr (?), ducking under her desk one day when a low flying plane flew over the campus. Someone yelled, “We’re under attack!!” and she was on the floor under the desk in about a second. I still chuckle about that when I see her around town.

By Quality education

October 2, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

I agree that children should get a quality education from any school they attend. Everyone in my family has attended Pine Tree and has went on to college and careers. I too have kids that attend PT and I have been happy with the exception of one teacher that my child had in 3rd grade. I blame her not the administration. She allowed her personal life to interfer with her teaching and it hurt the kids. I do have expectations that I think the school should rise to. I have a friend who teaches at another school around here and I have heard her talk about problems in their school system as well. So I think its all school systems, none of them are perfect. It sounds to me, without naming any names, that you have an issue with a person rather than the school system itself. I can pretty much guess what it is, I have heard alot of things also. I can understand your concern in that but I still don’t think this is the proper forum to address that. I look on this blog to see things that people have wrote about memories not about the problems with the school system. That should be addressed on another type of forum. Don’t you think so? By the way, if you do have some good memories of the time you attended PT why don’t you write about those. I’m sure everyone would much rather see that since that is what this was set up for to begin with.

By don't have to understand

October 1, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

My children have the right to a quality education NO MATTER where they attend school, and I have a right to expect that as a parent. I also have the right to expect that quality teachers and school personnel be treated as they deserve to be treated, otherwise they will go teach somewhere else. I will not be quiet…if you don’t like it, ignore me and maybe eventually I will go away. You obviously don’t have expectations for a publicly funded entity, but that is your business. I want my children to have fond memories as you do. Do you really think I am asking too much???

By Julie Wallace

October 1, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

I have fond memories of the old campus. Does anyone else remember using all the pine needles to build “forts” on the playground on Silver Falls Rd. I think my classmates and I did this every recess. My fourth grade year I think we had to walk to the “big cafeteria” because the one on that campus was being renovated or something, I just remember a really long walk to lunch. I too am a victim of Mrs. Rash’s chalk throwing, we should start a support group! Is she even still alive? I haven’t heard of her in many years. That was such a great campus, it’s a shame to see it go.

By you still don't understand

October 1, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

You still don’t get what I’m trying to say to you so I’ll just say this. You are using this blog as a reason to say that PT has problems but all schools have problems. If you don’t like the way things are then why are your kids going to school there? I suggest you use another outlet since you’ve wasted alot of space on this one. It is a public forum to write about memories from the old buildings, that is it!!

By still passionate

September 29, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

It is till a public forum, and I am a former PT graduate (K-12) AND my children go to school there. I have fond memories of PT as well. Fond memories do not cancel out present problems. If I choose to voice opinions and concerns through this mode, it is my right. I have a vested interest in the children AND employees of the district CURRENLTY involved. Memories are great, but present problems still have to be addressed.

By proud of PT

September 29, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Like I said, this blog was set up for people who have memories of being in the 5th/6th grade old buildings. This is not an outlet for you to vent your complaints about the school system. My suggestion, find another outlet.

By sorry to offend

September 28, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Sorry to offend, but the school board does not appear to care…my feelings are shared by many, and nothing is being done. Sometimes you have to say what you feel using any outlet when all others have been exhausted.

By former PT graduate

September 28, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Regarding prev comment: If you have issues about the present state of PT, as you call it, why don’t you attend a school board meeting to vent your frustrations. This is not the place for that. This was set up for people to write in about their memories of the school. If you don’t have a posting to put about that then do us all a favor and don’t write anything.

By Hello???

September 26, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Is there anyone out there concerned about the PRESENT state of Pine Tree? The loss of SO many staff members…the frustration and weariness experienced by employees. The lack of shown appreciation for a job well done? The complete incompetence of a few in director’s positions? Do I live in a twilight zone??????

By Gerri Goodman Hatfield

September 25, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Angelia: I also had Mrs. Odom at the end of the hall but I may have had her 66-67. She took pleasure (I believe) paddling every child in that class. Literally, one day she lined us all up and paddled every one of us for tearing foam out of the high jump mat (it was just scrap pieces of mattress foam in some type of netting). We managed to tear a hole and pull the stuffing out and have wars with it. Yea, good times.

By Sheri Keys Pritchett

September 25, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

To Cheri’s comment, yes that was an awesome game. That was also the last time Pine Tree played Longview since the next year we were put back in 4A. What I remember most from that game was that it had been raining and the field was a little muddy. That was my first year on the drill team and when half time came the Viewettes would not go on the field and perform because they didn’t want to get dirty. Mrs. Newman told us we were going to go out there and do the best we had ever done. We did a high kick routine and I remember half way thru it Kelly Whitis’ shoe flew off but we kept right on going. When we finished we got a standing ovation from both sides. Not only did Pine Tree beat Longview in football but we showed the Viewettes who could get out there and dance.

By Cheri Hendrickson

September 24, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

My favorite memory is Pine Tree vs Longview football game of 86-87. We beat Longview! That’s right you didn’t mis-read it WE WON! With out a doubt it was our night. If you were on the field that night you could just feel it.The Band was awesome, the Drill Team was awesome and our Boys were awesome! When the game clock ran out the entire student body rushed the field!I mean everyone. I remember looking back while we boarded the Drill Team bus and still seeing students celebrating on the field. If you were there that night you will agree,it was absolutely incredible to be in that moment. Class of 88

By Jenelle Armstrong Piepmeier

September 24, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

From the Class of ‘89 My brother Joel & I both have fond memories of Mr. Anderson. I remember him telling a classmate’s mother at parents night that she was “effervescent.” She was upset when she looked that up and the dictionary said “to give off a gas.”

I can’t remember my 5th grade teacher’s name, but I remember my class was next door to Mrs Rash and I remember tales of thrown erasers and desks.

I remember the “whistle seats” in the library of the red 3rd grade building on Birch.

I remember arguing with Mrs Sprouse about why I couldn’t use a computer to type my papers during senior English.

What was the name of the 5th grade PE teacher who used to sing “Let’s get Physical”? Coach Rodriguez, maybe? He was so much fun. I seem to remember him taking pity on my complete lack of coordnation or athleticism.

I remember Wayne Kanemitsu’s hat that looked like it had some sort of Asian lettering on it, but when you read it sideways it had inappropriate language. None of the teachers noticed until they saw all of us tilting our heads. Then he had to put duct tape on it.

To Jana Cahill, I read your post with great sadness. I remember your defeated look, and I’m so sorry Pine Tree was a cruel place for you.

By Anne Dyer

September 24, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

My husband didn’t teach at Pine Tree but he was a junior high math teacher in the mid 60’s..he and Mrs. Rash must have gone to school together because he threw erasers and chalk at his inattentive students…one student even had her piece of chalk in a purse her mother was going to discard after high school..oh, for the good old days…

By Caroline Ayres

September 20, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

A couple of days ago, I wrote about Mrs. Laster and the “old” oncident! Well, just today, September 20, 2007, she toilet papered my locker:( I think that this is going to be the only memory like that(or I hope so) I also overheard that she was going to put a huge ptciure of her face in my locker. How mean is that?!?!?! A GOOD memory that I have from the middle 5/6 is whenever I went to band I would take my backpack. One day my backpack was EXTREMELY heavy. I didn’t think anything of it so I just put it on the back of my chair, and while in the middle on a chair test, it broke the back of the chair. The bad thing was that I didn’t know that it broke, so I leaned back and fell right on my butt!(it was my turn to take the test too:)!

By Joshua Best

September 20, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

I saw Mr. Anderson at Blockbuster about a year ago. He was renting a classic, no doubt, but I was thinking about the Wuzzle Rebus.

I shall always remember the immortal words and sayings of the great Mr. Anderson. To wit:

“Erudite pedagogue elucidates elementary disciples.”

“Great gobs of galloping goose grease, you Ned!”

And of course, the palindromes from the “Robert Trebor Story”

Sit on a Potato Pan, Otis! Eva, can I stab bats in a cave? Eva, can I pose as Aesop in a cave?

Time would prevent elaborating, but if you were there, you will also remember:

*3-D tic tac toe (only when your work was done)

*The poor choice of abbreviation he always used when we had an “Assembly on Friday”

I too am sad to see the buildings torn down.

By pleading

September 19, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

Where is our school board? Our teachers are being stretched thin with a growing population of students and less resources. How is this best for our students? It isn’t. It just creates frustration and weariness among the teachers, principals, and support staff. I am surprised that Pine Tree has settled for this philosophy of running a school district.

By Candy McBride Davis

September 19, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

I moved out to Pine Tree from Longview in the first grade (1956) and graduated with the class of 1968- almost 40 years ago - yikes!. In 1956 that campus -“grade” school, junior high and high school housed the entire student body. High school(10-12) was up by the stadium, junior high(7-9) down by Silver Falls Road, and grades 1-6 were located in several buildings in between. My class was the last senior class to graduate from that campus. The “new” high school on Fairmont opened in the fall of 1969.

With no air-conditioning, it was so hot in the buildings during fall and spring. Each week in grade school, the students at the back of every row would move their desk up to the front of the row and everyone else would move their desk back one spot. The prized location, especially when it was hot, was the last desk in the row, by the one rotating fan at the back of the room. With all the doors and windows open during hot weather, it was a great delight when the occasional stray dog (no leash law back then) would make its way into the building and run down the halls.

I remember what a long trek it was from the junior high buildings to the cafeteria, especially in cold, rainy weather. All grades rode the same busses, so there were little first graders and big seniors on the same bus each day - scary for a little kid. You had to really hustle from your junior high locker in the afternoon to get on the bus before it left to go pick up the kids up at the high school.

The Friday night football games were great, with the smell of hot chocolate and clouds of burned popcorn smoke wafting out over the field. Under the leadership of Mr. England, the best song the band played was “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Some football records were better than others, but it was just a wonderful experience.

I received a great education at Pine Tree and will always cherish the memories and experience of being a Pine Tree Pirate, class of 1968!

By Clayton Pecot

September 19, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

For the record the 0-10 season was 1992 because we all graduated in 1993. All I have to say is we were better at 0-10 than the year before at 3-7 because we actually scored more than one touchdown in district play in 1992. Good point about Carthage because we came close to beating them and one of my fondest memories is that they didn’t make back to the playoffs to defend their title and they were 9-1 along with Henderson and Kilgore that year. It’s not like today when they just send everybody to the playoffs to not hurt everyone’s self-esteem.

Yes, we all had issues with the band’s song selection at the football games, but that had to do with the director not the band members. When we would come out from half-time the band and the players parents would be the only ones left in the stands because everyone really came to see the band then left after they marched.

I think going 0-10 did build character, and I was glad to play with those 12 seniors that year who didn’t give up.

By Angelia

September 18, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Jo Lee: Mrs. Rash threw an eraser at someone - no doubt - she was mean to us in 69-70! Coach Travis taught my 7th grade Texas History 70-71 - it he the same Travis? He was son of Mrs. Travis, the (wicked) 3rd grade teacher. Easily my favorite was 2nd grade teacher, Troby Burt.

By Angelia

September 18, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Anyone else in Mrs. Odom’s 65-66 1st grade class down at the end of the hall?

By why

September 18, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

It is a shame that pretty new buildings take priority over employee morale

By Another Shamed Football Player

September 18, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

To my fellow lineman of the ‘93 season, it was a long season of 0 - 10. I had a great time with those seniors of Clayton Pecot, Richard Densman, David Howard, David Newman, Brian Smith, Randall Swann, Mickey Kennedy, Jason Wilkens, and Chris Harris. It sure was fun giving the defending state champs of carthage a good scare in our last game. If I missed any other seniors I apoligize.

Jo Lee, what was up with the song “My Girl” being played in such a slow speed at the games. I guess there was nothing to get the band worked up over.

By Caroline Ayres

September 18, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

I’ve gone to Pine Tree all my life. And this year in the 7th grade on the 2nd day of school, I accidentally called my AGM teacher old. A couple of days later we had to make a map of where we lived. On the day that I had to turn it in I didn’t want to because I justknew that she was going to TP my house. After I told her that she said that she wasn’t going to waste money on me. And I said, “You’re right, you’re going to use USED toilet paper!” She just laughed! To this day she and her family are plotting against me!!!!!

By Caroline Ayres

September 18, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

I’ve gone to Pine Tree all my life. And this year in the 7th grade on the 2nd day of school, I accidentally called my AGM teacher old. A couple of days later we had to make a map of where we lived. On the day that I had to turn it in I didn’t want to because I justknew that she was going to TP my house. After I told her that she said that she wasn’t going to waste money on me. And I said, “You’re right, you’re going to use USED toilet paper!” She just laughed! To this day she and her family are plotting against me!!!!!

By Caroline Ayres

September 18, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

I’ve gone to Pine Tree all my life. And this year in the 7th grade on the 2nd day of school, I accidentally called my AGM teacher old. A couple of days later we had to make a map of where we lived. On the day that I had to turn it in I didn’t want to because I justknew that she was going to TP my house. After I told her that she said that she wasn’t going to waste money on me. And I said, “You’re right, you’re going to use USED toilet paper!” She just laughed! To this day she and her family are plotting against me!!!!!

By tax payer

September 18, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

I have some great memories of going to school at Pine Tree…too bad things have gone downhill in the past few years

By Lee Littlefield

September 18, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

I will never forget the smokey sweet honey smell of the hallway behind the cafeteria on the 5/6 campus.

I will never forget the towering orange slide in the back of the 3/4 grade halls right off of silver falls road. And spending most my time playing the game “jam up the slide” where 20 plus kids would just cram ourselves inside and sit until the bottom people gave out and we all came spilling out.

I will never forget the flying saucers/hamburgers on the 2nd grade playground of the red brick building on Birch.

I will never forget the crazy man that walked around campus in the morning that would direct an invisible band and direct traffic by the 6/7th campus near the stadium parking lot.

I will never forget the hallow sounding floor of the 5th grade hall by the PTA building…I’ll never forget being in there with the whole rest of the 5th grade when the tornado touched down during school.

I will forever be appreciative to Mr.Bailey for taking over the beautification of the Senior high gardens

I will always say COACH Ray, history, junior year through my teeth remembering how he gave me my very first swat EVER for having gum in my mouth in the last 5 minutes of class. COACH RRRRAY!!!!

I will never forget that the jeep on the playground of the primary campus was for BOYS ONLY!!!

I will never forget the victory me and my cast-mates felt when we made it to state in One Act Play competition for the first time in 20ish years. Thank you Mrs. Gilson

I will never forget the long walk between the 6/7th to the 5/6th for Mrs.Funderburk’s AGM class on Wednesdays… Heck I’ll never forget the AGM program at Pine Tree. Thank you Mrs.Stevenson, Mrs.Jennings, Mrs.Williams, Mrs.Funderburk

I will never forget thinking “what’s all that cool stuff” about the outdoor class rooms between the 3rd grade halls and 4th grade halls. My teachers never took us out there. But I somehow remember that big mound of rocks and concrete about mid way into it….i’ll never forget thinking WHAT THE HECK IS THAT LOG CABIN and SILVER ROCKET doing behind that fence on the 2nd grade campus off of silver falls road.

etc etc etc

ARrr

By Lee Littlefield

September 18, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

I was apart of the 13 club at Pine Tree. A good solid pirate from kindergarten to graduation ‘02. So good, in fact, I was the Pirate mascot to bring in the year 2000. I’m sure I still have flakes of rotten foam rubber in my eye from wearing the severely abused pirate head that stood about 3 feet tall. I remember begging the sponsor that year to invest in a new, more agile helmet style pirate-costume-head. Unfortunately, the year I was mascot was one of the worst football seasons ever; which oddly enough came immediately after one of our best seasons of all time. There’s a giant painting in the Primary of a 6ft tall pirate that I painted my senior year, I’ve no idea if it’s been painted over yet but I do recall painting some really creepy large eyes. I apologize to any teacher that has lost sleep over how creepy that pirate is. And lastly, if you look on the cover of the 1999 or 98 annual there is a very hard to see gold foil illustration of a Pirate that I drew when Mrs.Graham held a contest for pirate art to be put on the cover. I became very sad when I saw that Pine Tree adopted this new PT logo with the cutlass through it and left the classic pirate head behind. I hope the school never looses site of that spirit it’s what binds us all together…well that and the memories and relationships forged. All this tooting-my-own-horn to say, I loved that school and have hundreds of memories inside of it and literally on it. As time goes on I know the city, and what ever powers may be have to keep up with the times i just hope they don’t loose site of the history that so many pirates before cherish it to their core… Arrr

By Ashamed FB player

September 18, 2007 5:25 AM | Link to this

You want a memory, Jo Lee? Clayton Pecot will know what I’m talking about. How about the worst football team in school history. The 1993 Pine Tree Pirates. We went 0-10 and didn’t come close to winning a game. We were the laughing stock of the area.

By Kristina Whipkey

September 18, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Class of 2008

I spent my first 2 years at Pine Tree in the old 5/6 campus. I moved from Longview ISD, because my mother feared that I would become bitter towards school, like my older sister had, if we’d stayed. I have been blessed to always get, what seemed like, the most understanding teachers on staff and the most helpful. Having 2 teachers a day was new to me, but kept my mind stimulated enough to focus all day. Looking back, there wasn’t a day I didn’t enjoy being part of the PTISD student body. I was there to witness how close the students truly are, when we were struck with tragedies such as the deaths of Bobby Garner, Amber Townsend, and Jordan Barnes. I am filled with mix emotions approaching my graduation, feelings of fear, excitement, and uncertainty, but I know for a fact that I’ll be graduating from the best school I could ask for. It is sad to see the old building go, but was exciting to see the new one built. Even though the traffic is a hassle, its still worth it, knowing that our staff now has a better facility in which to educate more confused students, just like I was back then. I couldn’t have paid for a better education, and couldn’t have found the encouragement I’ve found in the teachers at PTHS, anywhere else. I am truly thankful to have the honor of being a pirate.

By Kristy Whipkey

September 18, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

Class of 2008

I spent my first 2 years at Pine Tree in the old 5/6 campus. I moved from Longview ISD, because my mother feared that I would become bitter towards school, like my older sister had, if we’d stayed. I have been blessed to always get, what seemed like, the most understanding teachers on staff and the most helpful. Having 2 teachers a day was new to me, but kept my mind stimulated enough to focus all day. Looking back, there wasn’t a day I didn’t enjoy being part of the PTISD student body. I was there to witness how close the students truly are, when we were struck with tragedies such as the deaths of Bobby Garner, Amber Townsend, and Jordan Barnes. I am filled with mix emotions approaching my graduation, feelings of fear, excitement, and uncertainty, but I know for a fact that I’ll be graduating from the best school I could ask for. It is sad to see the old building go, but was exciting to see the new one built. Even though the traffic is a hassle, its still worth it, knowing that our staff now has a better facility in which to educate more confused students, just like I was back then. I couldn’t have paid for a better education, and couldn’t have found the encouragement I’ve found in the teachers at PTHS, anywhere else. I am truly thankful to have the honor of being a pirate.

By Jana Cahill

September 17, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

I was of class of 1988 and here are my memories:

Elementary school:(3rd grade) I moved from a different state and was excited aobut my new school. A few month later we moved into the newer building. It was great. the bad news was I was in remedial math and speech classes and the diagnotician told my teacher that I according to her tests, I was too bright for Special Ed, but not bright enough to be mainstreamed. I was mainstreamed, and even though I began with the second grade reader book, I passed the test and got to skip over a reader book.

Intermediate School:(4th 5th grades) I had an ulcer stemming from learning math, and having less instruction from the teacher on how to do assignments. No one suggested I had a learning problem. There was one classmate who abused me, but not enough was done in the fourth grade class about this. In fifth grade I began to get failure slips home for incomplete classwork, and was accused of laziness. Teacher wouldn’t help me with extra instructions. My speech problems were recorded and corrected in front of my peers. I was in remedial math and speech classes.

Middle School (6th 7th grades): Failure slips called “Progress Reports” began to be sent home. I was becoming a Bad C and D Student.I was confused aobut Sex and my classmates seemed to know more than me about this subject. My teachers considered me less mature than my peers. I didn’t make cheerleading, select choir, or athletics. The counselor thought I was too stupid to be in band and choir.

Junior High (8th and 9th grades): It was exciting to be in the new building. The bad news was that the school Psychologist talked to me after I turned in a library book late. He said I was being watched by my other teachers and that learning problems are caused by having alcoholic parents, being middle class, and Roman Catholic. My parents were never notified that this happened. He also said if he had to speak to me again, my parents could pick me up at the Juvinile Hall because he had the authority to take me there himself.

High school (10, 11th 12th grades): I had a nervous breakdown after I failed to get my driver’s license. Most kids didn’t want to hang out with me unless they either had retardation or had other problems. I was often grounded due to bad grades and this was confusing to the teachers and my peers. One classmate told me I wouldn’t get married because I didn’t know how to be submissive. The teacher didn’t think this was a rude thing to say. I felt cursed.

Graduation was then the best thing that happened to me from Pine Tree.

By Amy Morrison Henson

September 17, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

I am class of 1990, and I have beeen getting these e-mails forwarded from my Dad, and I have been forwarding them to my friends. We have had a great time remembering things about 5th grade. Some of our favorite memories were - wall ball, dodge ball, Earth ball, the food fight in the cafeteria ( the people that were expelled as a result). I remember Mrs. Partain, Mrs. Covington and all of the projects that we did, and learning how to write my assignments down in an assignment pad. My friend remembers that at the end of the day no matter what kind of day you had, they ran to the bus full speed! I remember the big silver slides by Silver Falls Road - what happened to those? My Dad, my brother, and I all attended that school - different grades of course - but we all have very fond memories of that school.

By Ross (Class of 1981)

September 17, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

I think that it absolutely stinks, that they’re going to tear down that old, historic campus. Just another shining example of how we’re neglecting our past, our history, and marching blindly ahead into the unknown. I’m of the opinion, that if we focused a little more on our past, that we’d likely not make so many mistakes for the future.

As for my memories, of course, they can never be taken away. One of my favorites it playing football during lunch time in the courtyard by the flagpole. Ah, to be that young and carefree again. Goodbye, old friend. We’ll miss you very much.

By Sheri Pritchett

September 17, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

I graduated from Pine Tree in 1988 and one of my best memories is being in 2nd or 3rd grade. They would have Halloween carnivals every year in the hallways. Each teacher would decorate her classroom and they would have games and prizes. One year I was tweety bird and I happened to have my mask on upside down and was eating popcorn poking it thru the eyes of the mask before my mom realized it. She wondered how I didn’t fall down since I couldn’t really see where I was going. I was also the first 9th grade class in the new junior high and now my son, whose in 5th grade is the first class at that new campus. I hope he makes as many good memories at his new campus as I have from the old one. I sure am going to miss seeing those buildings since I don’t live too far from Pine Tree rd.

By Sheri Keys Pritchett

September 17, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

I graduated from Pine Tree in 1988 and one of my best memories of the old campus is when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. They used to have Halloween carnivals in the hallways and each teacher would decorate her classroom and have a game and prizes that they would give out. This was done at night of course. It was so fun. I remember one year I was Tweety bird and had my mask on upside down and was eating popcorn thru the eyes of the mask before my mom realized it. Its too bad now that kids can’t experience that kind of fun anymore.
I went to that campus until 7th grade and then our class was the first 9th grade in the new junior high. Now my son, whose in 5th grade, is in the new building and I think its neat that he will always remember that he was the first 5th grade class in the new building. I hope he has as many good memories at that campus as I do from the old campus.
Sheri Keys Pritchett class of 88

By Clayton Pecot

September 17, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

I remember in 1986-87 in the 6th grade in Science class we were introduced to a new technology. We were watching old film strips and the next time the teacher rolled in a A/V cart with a TV and this big box that looked like a VCR. She said this was the latest technology and pulled out this large, shiny record. This was not the size of today’s DVD, but this was the new thing of the 80’s called a Laser Disc. The reason this sticks in my mind is that it was the only time we used this in all of my school years at PT. No telling how much this Laser Disc and player cost the District, but we were on the cutting edge and that was all that mattered. Clayton Pecot 1993.

By Jo Lee Ferguson

September 17, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

Hello! I was so excited to see some familiar names here. I’m assuming that Joel Armstrong is the Joel Armstrong I knew from band? And of course I know Kelly Williams. Joel - I love that story about Mr. Anderson. He always seemed like he had a clever sense of humor. I wonder what happened to him? I think the bus I rode home used to go by his house. And Kelly, as for Mrs. Rash, I did once witness her throw an eraser across the room. I think she intentionally aimed at the locker next to the kid she was mad at. :) Do y’all remember the science fairs that the school used to hold in the gym in the corner of the front field? I don’t remember if I ever entered the science fair or if I just went there to see what other people did. That building was a scary place then. I can only imagine what it’s like now. Was Mr. Travis a sixth or seventh grade teacher? I couln’t remember. The old seventh grade won’t be torn down.

By Joel Armstrong

September 16, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Jo Lee, your article from last week brought back a funny memory of Mr. Anderson. I’ll never forget him saying he drove the “Mobile Attendance Unit” each morning. It took about the first six weeks until the guy behind me figured it out. I’m still not sure which thing I laughed about the most.

Joel Armstrong PTHS - 1992

By Kelly Williams

September 16, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Hey Jo Lee, this is your big brother’s best friend. If I wrote about all the things that Craig and I did, your computer would run out of memory. You may want to edit some of this. haha I was very surprised when they announced they were going to demolish the school. But I know its for the best. So….here are a few memories of not in the school itself, but actually going to school at PT, and yes several of these memories involve you. I remember when you and Craig missed the morning bus and you two chased it down. Just to catch it a block away from the school. You always sat behind us or in the seat next to us. Craig and I walked home from school almost everyday, even though he was a grade ahead of me. I remember Craig telling me not to upset Mrs. Rash. She was my math teacher in fifth grade. I remember if you fell asleep in her class, she would throw an eraser at you. She was a teacher that made you learn. I also remember when Mr. Travis won the KYKX bass tournament. I was in his Texas history class the year he won. He even showed all the guys the check for $105,000.00, but he wouldn’t let us touch it. These are a few memories to share with all the others. There are several memories of my childhood, but I can’t list them all.

Kelly Williams Class of 1990

By Linda Smith Bullard

September 16, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

I graduated in l958 from PTHS. Began school in 1946 in the building designated to be demolished and continued in that same complex through ninth grade. Many, many memories there!! Also had three brothers who attended first through graduation at Pine Tree. All of our children attended school there. We’ve left many footprints and carry many happy memories. We all regret that this must happen. Pine Tree will not be the same for us. I love to just drive by and remember when life was so simple and fun. Those were wonderful days with the best friends we’ll ever have. Because of lead paint, asbestos and progress, we must say goodbye. Thanks for the opportunity to share. Linda Smith Bullard Class of l958 PTHS

By Raymond Giles

September 16, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

If I remember right, the old sidewalks were placed in front of the old high school (7th grade campus). This was done when the old sidewalks were replaced because they had become dangerous due to cracking. I will always remember Mrs. Rash’s stories of when she was a cheerleader at East Mountain, and cheering at the football games on the field we used for recess. Told us that the uprights that were still standing were the only ones used by both teams. Also, remember getting into the old fieldhouse and seeing old game films from the 70’s.

By rhonda

September 16, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

I remember that building very fondly. It was my History class with Coach Travis. I tried for double or nothing throwing a piece of notebook paper scrunched up like a basketball in the trash can. Well…… needless to say….. I missed. I got my First and Last licks from Coach Travis or anybody. :) That was a great class! Lots of memories there. :)

By andrew shaw

September 16, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

I was wandering about the time capsules that are on the 7th grade campus? What will become of them? Also what about the tress on the campus, some of them I assuming have been there for decades. if my memory serves me right, on the old 3/4 grade campus there are old plaques on the side of the building and I was wandering if the school will sell them or keep them? If some one could answer me on what is to become of the old campus? Is pine tree to sell it or keep it? As for memories, wow I spent7 years of my life on the section of land, 1st -7 grade. . It will be sad to see the old buildings go down. Can anyone tell me how many students walked those halls? I will never forget the times when skunks got under the buildings and we had to abandon those classes for the day. Running up and down the halls and Mr. Sanders telling us to slow down, playing football on the open fields, running to lunch with friends. The one memory I will never forget can never be torn down, and that is the teachers that never gave up on me and they were strong for us kids when the district was nearly broke and we were all worried that are school was going to shut down. Our teachers stayed strong and told us not to worry and they led by example. From Andrew- PT class of 2003