PES Newsletter
What's Happening in Our School!
April
A Word From Mr. Quillen
PES Family,
I hope everyone had a wonderful and restful spring break! It’s always great to see our students return refreshed, re-energized, and ready to learn.
As we return, we are officially in the final stretch of the school year. This is an important time for continued growth, strong effort, and finishing the year on a positive note. Our teachers are working hard to keep students engaged and motivated as we head into these final months.
We also have several exciting events and important dates coming up:
Our School Carnival and Fish Fry will be held on April 10. This is always a fun-filled evening for our entire school community, and we hope to see many of you there!
Kindergarten and Pre-K Roundup is scheduled for April 16. If you or someone you know has a child ready to begin school, please help us spread the word.
The ILEARN testing window runs from April 13 through May 8. We encourage all students to do their best and come to school each day well-rested and ready to focus.
IREAD-3 Round 2 for students who are required to retake the assessment will begin on May 11.
Our Student Awards program will take place on May 20 as we celebrate student achievements and accomplishments.
Student Field Day is scheduled for May 21—always a highlight for our students as we wrap up the year with fun and teamwork.
Thank you for your continued support of our school. Together, we can ensure a strong and successful finish to the school year for every student.
Warm regards,
Mr. Quillen
Lunch Menu
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4/13 through 5/08
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Staff Highlights!
Catherine Sparks
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Sparks is one of our 2nd grade teachers at Pioneer! She earned her degree at Ivy Tech and IU Kokomo. She has been with Pioneer for 16 years, in which she worked in Title and then moved to 2nd grade.
When asked what she liked most about her position, she said, "My students and making the learning fun. I love incorporating STEM and hands-on learning projects."
Mrs. Sparks has had many great memories during her time here. She stated, "My favorite memory of working at Pioneer is when we all get to play together on field day at the end of the year. Dunking Mrs. Armick in the dunk tank was the best!
Mrs. Sparks loves the Pioneer community because of how we lift each other up, whether we have disappointments or achievements. She says, "We are like a family."
Ashley Cogswell
6th Grade Math Teacher
Mrs. Cogswell is our 6th grade math teacher at PES. Before coming to Pioneer, she received her degree from Indiana University Kokomo. She has been with us for 12 years!
When asked what she likes most about her job at Pioneer she stated, "I love that no two days are ever the same. Sixth graders are curious, funny, and just starting to figure themselves out, which makes teaching them really fun. I also enjoy the random conversations and the little moments that make me laugh every day."
Mrs. Cogswell has made many great memories at Pioneer, but a few of her favorites are their STEM days and the sixth grade Chicago field trip. She stated, "It's nice to see my students in a different light, outside of the typical classroom setting. I get to see their true personalities shine. They get to take risks, explore, and interact in ways they don't typically get to during normal classroom lessons."
Mrs. Cogwell loves that the Pioneer community feels like a close-knit family where people genuinely support and look out for each other.
Panthers of the Month
Marceline Randle
Pre-K
"Marceline Randle is a sweet Little Panther who gives lots of hugs. Her quiet personality has blossomed. It is a joy to hear her talk and laugh amongst her classmates. She enjoys learning and retains what is taught. She can write all 9 letters of her beautiful first name and is respectful and kind to her teachers and classmates."
-Mrs. Hildebrand
Atticus Randle
Kindergarten
"I am so proud of how hard Atticus has worked in class this year! He takes great pride in his work and always tries his best. He is very imaginative and creative and is always eager to share his artwork with others. Atticus has done a great job at showing active listening in class and working cooperatively with his classmates. I love how he is a kind and caring friend to all of his classmates. Keep up the great work, Atticus!"
-Mrs. Manges
Wesley Kiger
1st Grade
"Wesley has worked so hard this school year and is really showing what it means to be a Panther! He’s made great improvements in the classroom and I’m proud of how hard he’s been working!"
-Mrs. Cowell
Skylynn Hess
2nd Grade
"I am pleased to recognize Skylynn Hess as the Panther of the Month. Skylynn is friendly, kind, and helpful with her peers. Skylynn has a good sense of humor and a smile on her face everyday. She works hard in class and puts forth her best effort."
-Mrs. Smith
Brighton Frye
3rd Grade
"Proud is an understatement when it comes to Brighton! He has gone above and beyond this school year, both academically and socially. Brighton is one of the kindest students to both his peers and the staff. He is always the first to jump in with a helping hand or to give a hug when needed. Keep up the great work, Brighton!"
-Miss Parks
Alex Michaels
4th Grade
"Alex is kindness and talent rolled into one. He is always the first student to offer encouragement or congratulations to other students. He keeps us entertained with his songs and music trivia. He isn’t afraid to be his own person."
-Miss Peppers
Benjamin Webber
5th Grade
-Mrs. Schmaltz
Aubree Conrad
6th Grade
"Aubree is a hard worker who always gives her best effort in everything she does. She is kind and supportive to her classmates, making her a great friend to others. On top of that, she has a positive and friendly personality that brightens up our classroom every day."
-Mrs. Cogswell
PreK & Kindergarten Round Up
From Mrs. Schroder
Girls Leadership Club Updates
The final GLC meeting is April 20th from 3:00 to 3:45. Members will also have an opportunity to participate in a Girls Night In! More information to come at the next meeting!
Student Council Updates
A Note From the Nurse
Reminder for All
Don't forget, when your student is sent home for vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, they need to be symptom free for 24 hours before returning. Please do not send them back to school the following day!
Click the image to learn more about HPV.
Click on the chart to learn more!
En Espanol: https://www.in.gov/health/immunization/files/2025-26-School-Immunization-Requirements_SPA.pdf
Catch My Breath Parent Toolkits
Section 3
Click the image to learn more about Catch My Breath!
PTO Updates
Next Meeting
April 8th
7:00 PM
PES Cafeteria
Join PTO
Don't Forget!
Click on the image to sing up or manage an account!
Click on the image to be taken to the 2025-2026 PES Student Handbook!
Corporation Calendar
Spirit Wear
Click the image to take you to the site!
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops is making it easy! Download the FREE app on your phone. Buy products with the Box Tops logo and then scan your receipt on your app. Help earn money for our school!
Click the image to take you to the site!
Sign Up for Rooms
At Pioneer Elementary School, we use a tool called Rooms to communicate with parents & guardians. If you are not signed up for this, you should have received an email and/or a text message last week. Here are guidelines for how to proceed from that email or text message.
Volunteers Welcome!
Click the image to take you to the Google Form!