Pioneer Press
October 23, 2026
A Message from Principal Fernandes
Counseling Resources for Students
Pioneer Pirates, we're here for you!
We know that middle school can bring a lot of emotions, challenges, and questions. With the school year well underway, the holidays approaching, and our recent fentanyl awareness assembly, we recognize that some students may have things on their minds they'd like to talk about.
Our school counselors, Mr. Miller and Mrs. Kuehn, are here to listen, support, and help!
There are two easy ways to connect with a counselor:
Sign up at the kiosk in the Attendance Office to request a meeting.
Talk to your teacher. Let them know you'd like to speak with a counselor, and they can call down to see if someone is available.
Whether you're feeling stressed, worried, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, please know that you don't have to figure everything out on your own.
You belong here, you matter, and we're here to support you!
Pioneer Pirates: Belong. Believe. Become.
Halloween Costume Guidelines at School
Pioneer Middle School – for Friday, October 30, 2026
Pioneer Pirates are welcome to wear Halloween costumes to school on Friday, October 30! We encourage students to be creative, have fun, and celebrate while keeping our school safe, respectful, and focused on learning.
To ensure everyone has a positive experience, please follow these guidelines:
Costumes Must Be School-Appropriate
All costumes must follow our regular school dress code.
Costumes should provide appropriate coverage, including no exposed undergarments.
Clothing or accessories featuring inappropriate language, symbols, or images are not permitted.
Costumes should not make fun of or stereotype someone's race, ethnicity, religion, culture, disability, or identity.
No Weapons or Weapon-Like Props
No real or imitation weapons of any kind, including toy guns, knives, swords, or other objects that resemble weapons.
Costume accessories must not create a safety concern or disrupt learning.
Faces Must Remain Visible
No masks that cover the face or prevent staff from identifying students.
Face paint and makeup are welcome as long as students remain recognizable.
Keep It Fun, Not Frightening
No excessive blood, gore, or realistic injuries.
Costumes should not be designed to frighten, threaten, or intimidate others.
Avoid costumes that depict acts of violence.
Costumes Must Allow for Learning
Students must be able to sit, walk, use the restroom, and participate in classroom activities safely.
No oversized or inflatable costumes that block hallways, obstruct others' views, or interfere with learning.
Costumes should not create excessive noise or distractions.
Leave Messy Accessories at Home
No fake blood that can stain school property.
No glitter, confetti, silly string, or other materials that create a mess.
No costume accessories that require spraying or applying substances during the school day.
A Few Final Reminders
Costumes are optional! Students who choose not to dress up are just as much a part of the fun.
Students may be asked to remove or change any costume or accessory that does not meet these expectations. When in doubt, choose something else!
Let's have a fun, safe, and respectful Halloween, Pirates!
Veterans Day Assembly
Pioneer Middle School will host a Veterans Assembly on Friday, November 6th, to honor and recognize the brave men and women who have served our country.
All veterans are warmly invited to join us for light breakfast refreshments from 7:40–8:05 a.m., followed by our assembly beginning at 8:15 a.m.
To show our appreciation and help honor our veterans, we encourage 8th graders to wear red, 7th graders to wear white, and 6th graders to wear blue.
We look forward to coming together as a school community to recognize and celebrate our veterans!
Pioneer Spirit Wear Update
Picture Takes - Next Week!
Picture Retake Day – Tuesday, October 27!
Missed the original Picture Day or want another chance at that picture-perfect smile? Now's your chance! Come dressed and camera-ready with your best smile!
Photo Proofs & Ordering: Once photos are ready, Class Act Portraits will email families a link to view their student's proofs and purchase photo packages online.
Smile big, Pirates! 🏴☠️
Buy Your Yearbook Today!
School Sports
Girls Fastpitch Banquet:
November 4th - PIO Cafeteria
4:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Track and Field Banquet:
October 27th- PIO Cafeteria
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sports Registration for Season 2 will be open starting Monday, October 26th.
Register your student on ues this link: https://steilacoomhist-wa.finalforms.com/
Sports physicals are required!
Sports:
Co-Ed Wrestling
Girls Basketball
If you have questions, email us at pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
School Clubs
Below is a list of the clubs currently available at Pioneer MS
- Builders' Club — Mrs. Marrero | Room A103
- Game/Video Game Club — Ms. Khalsa | Room A109
- Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) — Ms. Manley | Room A115
- Junior Student to Student (JS2S) — Dr. Pilon | Room C101
- Pokémon GO! Club — Mrs. Elshire | Room E129/Commons
- Homework Club — Mrs. Fernandes | Library
- Christian Faith Club (CFC) — Mrs. Vaccaro | Room B103
📅 When: Every Thursday
⏰ Time: 2:45–3:45 PM
🚌 Transportation
Transportation home is available following clubs; however, routes are limited in DuPont and Steilacoom. Families should review the 4:00 PM ASA bus routes in advance to ensure that your student knows how to get home from the available ASA route.
Coming Up!
October 27th - Picture Retakes
October 27th - Track & Field Banquet - Cafeteria
October 29th - Builder's Club - Pumpkin Carving Event - Cafeteria
November 4th - Girls Fastpitch Banquet - Cafeteria
November 6th - Veterans Breakfast & Salute for Service Assembly
November 2nd - November 20th - ASB Lead School Wide Food Drive
November 26th & November 27th - Thanksgiving Break
8th Grade Baby Ads
No Parking in the Drop off Loop
🚗 Morning Drop-Off Reminder
To help keep our morning drop-off area safe and traffic flowing smoothly, we ask families who arrive before the building opens to students at 7:50 AM to please park in the main parking lot rather than waiting in the drop-off loop.
The drop-off loop is intended for quick student drop-offs, and keeping it clear allows other families to safely drop off their students without unnecessary delays.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and efficient morning drop-off process for everyone!
