Pioneer Press

Let's Talk About Your Student's Success!

Pioneer Families,

When was the last time you had a chance to sit down with your student's teachers and hear how things are going?

Parent-Teacher Conference Week is October 19–23, and we encourage every family to take advantage of this opportunity to connect, ask questions, celebrate successes, and learn more about their student's progress.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 — YOUR CHANCE TO CONNECT!

Our Arena-Style Conferences are open to ALL Pioneer families!

• Where: Pioneer Gym

• When: 12:45–3:00 PM and 4:00–6:00 PM

• How: Just stop by! No appointment needed.

Teachers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether your student is thriving, facing challenges, or somewhere in between, we want to partner with you to support their success.

A Few Important Reminders:

• October 19–23: Half days for all students, with dismissal at 11:40 AM each day.

• Tuesday & Wednesday, October 20–21: Scheduled conferences from 12:10–3:10 PM for students with academic or behavioral concerns, including grades of C– or below. Families may also request a conference.

• Monday & Friday: No conferences scheduled.

Before You Visit: Take a few minutes to check Skyward for your student's current grades and progress. Come ready with questions and topics you'd like to discuss!

Strong schools are built on strong partnerships. We hope to see you Thursday!

Pioneer Pirates: Belong. Believe. Become.

Unity Day – Wednesday, October 21: Together We Are Stronger!

On Wednesday, October 21, Pioneer Middle School will recognize Unity Day, a national day dedicated to kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

At Pioneer, our motto, Belong. Believe. Become., reminds us that every student deserves to feel valued, respected, and connected to our school community. Unity Day is an opportunity to celebrate what brings us together, appreciate our differences, and recognize the power our words and actions have on others.

We encourage all students and staff to wear orange on October 21 as a visible symbol of unity and our shared commitment to creating a school where everyone belongs.

We may not all be the same, but we are all Pirates. And every Pirate belongs!

🧡 Unity Day 🧡

📸 Picture Retake Day – Say Cheese! 😁

Mark your calendars! Picture Retake Day is Tuesday, October 27!

Did you miss the original Picture Day, or would you like another chance to capture that perfect smile? This is your opportunity! Come dressed and camera-ready with your best smile! 📷

📧 Viewing & Ordering Photos: Once photos are ready, Class Act Portraits will email families a link to view their student's photo proofs and conveniently purchase pictures online.

Get ready to smile, Pirates! 🏴‍☠️

Our Salute to Service Assembly is coming up on Friday, November 6, and we would love to recognize the veterans who are special to our Pioneer families!

Families are invited to submit a photo of a veteran who is a family member or someone special to your family. Photos will be featured in a special presentation during the assembly.

Photo Deadline: Sunday, November 1

Submit Your Veteran Photo Here

Thank you for helping us honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans!

🚍 After-School Transportation Changes 🚍

If you need to change your student's after-school transportation plan, please contact the main office by the times listed below:

• 1:45 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays

• 12:45 p.m. on ACE days (Wednesdays)

These deadlines allow us adequate time to notify your student before dismissal.

Contact the office:

• 📞 253-583-7205

• 📧 pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

Please note:

• Transportation changes requested after the deadline cannot be guaranteed to reach your student before the end of the school day.

• Bus passes will not be issued to students at the end of the day.

• 🚫 Please do not email individual staff members regarding attendance, tardies, or other time-sensitive matters. If a staff member is out, your message may go unseen.

Athletics Update – No Sports During Conference Week!

All sports practices and games will be suspended during Parent-Teacher Conference Week, October 19–23.

Practices and games will resume on Monday, October 26th, following their regular schedules.

Thank you for planning accordingly, and we look forward to seeing our Pirate athletes back in action the following week!

Go Pirates! 🏴‍☠️

Important Club Schedule Reminder!

There will be NO after-school clubs on Thursday, October 22, due to Parent-Teacher Conference Week.

All clubs will resume their regular schedules on Thursday, October 29.

Thank you for planning accordingly, and we look forward to seeing our Pirates back at clubs the following week!

Classes begin promptly at 8:10 AM.

Students arriving at 8:10 AM or later must check in at the attendance kiosk to receive a pass before going to class.

Reporting Absences & Tardies

Please remember to excuse your student’s absences and tardies using one of the following options:

• ✅ Call the Main Office: 253-583-7200 and select the attendance option. If no one answers, please leave a voicemail. Messages are checked frequently, so there is no need to call multiple times.
• ✅ Email or ParentSquare: Email pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us or send a ParentSquare message to the Pioneer Office.

🚫 Please do not email individual staff members regarding attendance. Attendance information should be sent directly to the Pioneer Office to ensure it is received and recorded promptly and accurately.

October 19th - 23rd - Fall Conferences - Half day schedule for students (11:40 am release)

October 21st - Unity Day - Anti-Bullying

October 23rd - Pep Rally (during school hours)

October 27th - Picture Retakes

November 6th - Veterans Breakfast & Salute for Service Assembly

November 2nd - November 20th - ASB Lead School Wide Food Drive

November 26th & November 27th - Thanksgiving Break