Pioneer Press

Dear Pioneer Families,

As we head into Thanksgiving, I’ve been reflecting on how grateful I am for our students, staff, and families. Thank you for sharing your wonderful kids with us each day—their curiosity, kindness, and occasional middle-school humor truly brighten our work.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to our food drive. Your generosity makes a real difference for local families, and we appreciate your support.

Next week is a short week. We will have early dismissal on Wednesday, November 26, at 11:40 a.m. for the Thanksgiving Break. There is no school on Thursday or Friday, giving students and staff time to rest and enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

Please plan accordingly for Wednesday’s early release. Wishing all our Pioneer families a warm, restful, and joyful Thanksgiving.

With gratitude,

Mrs. Fernandes

Spanish and German classes

The students in Spanish class just completed their had their Fiesta on 11/7 and it was a great success! We tried new things and fun and full tummies were had by all. Now we are working with a variety of verb s and conversational phrases such as asking about what someone likes to do, which sports they like to play etc.

The German class is learning about family members and some of the cultural

differences from Germany to here in the US. We have been working with numbers and soon will be telling time in German

Now the first Communities projects are in and the students have done some very cool things! Many things from analyzing Spanish and German songs, to cooking and artwork.

We have also seen a German Panther Tank and a replica of part of the Berlin Wall

coming down in 1989. One is a reproduction of the Poor Poet

Medical Detectives Class

Students are exploring different types of disease agents,

and modes of transmission to examine a case file for a patient with an unknown

infection. Using a disease dictionary, they will discover how vital signs can be used to diagnose an infection. Students will then use experimental design to create an

experiment to help them determine the most effective antibiotic to treat their patient.

Pioneer Middle School will be closed on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 1:45–2:45 PM so that we can hold an important all-staff meeting, including office staff. During this time, the front office and phone lines will be unavailable.

We appreciate your understanding and support.

🎉 Food Drive Success! 🎉

We are incredibly proud of our Pioneer students for their outstanding generosity during this year’s food drive. Together, they collected and donated 1,647 items to support the We Love Steilacoom Association Food Bank!

This achievement reflects the kindness, teamwork, and community spirit that make our students truly exceptional. Thank you to every student who contributed, encouraged a friend, or helped spread the word—you made a meaningful difference for local families.

Way to go, Pioneers! Your compassion continues to shine bright. 🌟

If you need to make a change to your student’s after-school transportation, please contact the main office by 1:45 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and by 12:45 p.m. on ACE days (Wednesdays).

You can reach us:

• Phone: 253-583-7205

• Email: pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

These deadlines ensure we have enough time to communicate the change to your student before dismissal.

Please note:

• Transportation changes requested by parents/guardians 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.

Tuesday - November 25th

• Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) – Room A101 with Mrs. Percefull

• Christian Faith Group (CFG) – Room B103 with Mrs. Vaccaro

• Game Club - Room A105 with Mr. Stugelmeyer - THIS WEEK ONLY

Transportation:

After-school activity buses are available on Tuesday for students attending school clubs. Click here for route information.

Girls' Basketball, Boys' Soccer and Co-Ed Wrestling will NOT practice November 26th - November 28th.

Practices will resume on Monday, December 1st.

November 26th - Half day - 11:40 am student release time

November 27th - Day after Thanksgiving - NO SCHOOL

December 1st - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time

December 9th - Band Winter Concert - Pioneer GYM

December 10th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time

December 16th - Choir Winter Concert - Pioneer GYM

December 17th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time

December 19th - Student Winter Assembly - Pioneer GYM

December 22nd - January 2th - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL

See our website for more information: https://pio.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/