Pioneer Press

Lexia Power Up Literacy

This year, we are using a program called Lexia Power Up Literacy which is an internet-based adaptive program that accelerates literacy gains for students in grades 6–12 to meet College- and Career-Ready Standards. Rooted in the science of reading and proven to be up to five times as effective as the average middle school reading intervention, PowerUp enables students to make multiple years of growth in a single academic year.

Power Up is not just being used in ELA classes. Students will also be using Lexia Power Up in their Advisory class. Your student can also access Power Up through the Clever portal at home for extra practice. Please contact your student’s ELA teacher if you have any questions.

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Dear Pioneer Middle School Families,

We hope this message finds you well. As we work together to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students, we want to remind our community of the importance of responsible communication.

While we understand that students may sometimes make jokes or comments without ill intent, it’s important to clarify that any remarks or jokes related to weapons or violence, regardless of context, will be taken seriously. These types of statements can cause unnecessary fear, disrupt the learning environment, and violate our school policies.

Please speak with your children about the importance of choosing their words carefully, both in person and online. Our priority is to ensure that Pioneer Middle School remains a safe place where every student feels secure and supported.

We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing this message and helping us create a positive, respectful school environment for all.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
JoAnne Fernandes
Principal, Pioneer Middle School

Our math classes are off to a great start in 2025! Here is a look at what each of our math classes are currently working on.

6th Grade - Have been adjusting to middle school life. Learning routines and creating successful habits that will lead students in the right direction for a productive year. In addition to getting to know one another, students have spent time talking to each other about their personal math stories, making connections along the way. Students will complete the fall IXL math diagnostic assessment. Then, 6th grade's first unit of study focuses on Numerical Expressions and Factors.

7th Grade - We've been spending time getting to know each other, reviewing multiplication tables and setting up our supplies for success. Students have also had the opportunity to discuss what struggle might look like in a math classroom. They will develop skills that will assist them in future math struggles. The IXL diagnostic will be completed within the next week, and then we will begin our first unit of study on Integers.

8th Grade -. 8th-grade math has started the Equations unit, covering one-step and multi-step equations. We are reviewing integers and combining like terms. They will be completing the IXL diagnostic within the next week. This will help us understand what students need to learn next, and will provide an individualized action plan for each student.

Algebra - We have spent the first weeks of school establishing classroom routines and procedures, reviewing order of operations and translating written expressions into algebraic expressions. Next week, students will be completing the fall iXL diagnostic assessment before beginning our unit on solving linear equations.

Geometry - The geometry class has started with the Basics of Geometry, including points, lines, planes, line segments, rays, and more. We have also worked on a few review and skill maintenance activities in algebra. We will also be completing the IXL diagnostic within the next week.

Student IDs will be handed out Monday, Sept. 15th during 6th period.

*If your student is NOT at school on Monday, he/she can pick up their student ID from their 6th period teacher during class time.

Please remind your student to bring their ID to school every day. Their student number is printed on the card, and it’s required when:

Checking in at the attendance kiosk if they arrive late
Requesting an appointment with their counselor

If your student will be tardy or absent, please call 253-583-7205 and leave a voicemail (due to the high volume of calls), or email us at pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

When leaving a message or sending an email, please include:

Your student’s full name
Their grade
The reason for the tardy or absence

No need to call back to confirm - we check both voicemails and emails regularly.

Thank you for helping us keep attendance records accurate!

Pioneer Families,

If you choose to drop off or pick up your student(s) in the Pioneer MS parking lot, please pull into a designated parking space and have your student(s) exit there. This helps traffic flow smoothly and ensures that all students can walk safely to and from school.

As a reminder, handicap parking spaces and the areas around them are not to be used for drop-off or pick-up.

We also ask that you observe the posted speed limits in the school zone at all times.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our students safe!

Keep in mind that sport schedules often change due to weather and transportation issues. Please check your email regularly for communication from our Athletic Dept. via Final Forms.

If you have any questions, please email pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

or call Mrs. Plumb, Athletic Secretary at 253-583-7204.