Pioneer Press
September 5, 2025
Welcome Back Pirates!!!
We hope you all had a wonderful summer break!
The Pioneer Press Newsletter will be sent out weekly, on Fridays. This newsletter provides school-wide event updates as well as a recap or highlights from the week.
We know that some teachers at Pioneer also send their own classroom newsletters-those are specific to their classes. The Pioneer Press, however, is for the entire school, and it's important to read it each week to help you stay up to date on what's happening at Pioneer.
As always, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to call us at 253-583-7200.
Go Pirates! 🏴☠️
Principal Fernandes's Message
Dear Pioneer Families,
Welcome to a new school year! We are excited to open our doors and begin another year of learning, growth, and community at Pioneer Middle School. Our staff is eager to partner with you in creating a safe, positive, and engaging environment for every student.
As we start the year, I want to highlight some important expectations and priorities that will help set our students up for success.
Cell Phone & Technology Expectations
At Pioneer, we believe students learn best when they are fully present and engaged. To support this:
Cell phones, earbuds, and smartwatches must remain off and away from 8:03 AM until dismissal at 2:40 PM.
Devices should be stored in backpacks or lockers during the school day.
If a student needs to contact a family member, they may come to the office and use the school phone.
Families needing to reach their child during school hours should call the main office.
These expectations are part of our Digital Detox initiative, which helps reduce distractions, improve focus, and build stronger face-to-face connections among students.
Building Digital Citizenship
While technology is an essential part of our world, students must learn to use it responsibly. This year, our Advisory program will focus on digital citizenship skills, including:
Understanding and protecting one’s digital footprint.
Practicing respectful online communication.
Recognizing reliable vs. unreliable sources.
Balancing screen time with healthy offline activities.
By pairing strong expectations at school with learning experiences about responsible technology use, we are preparing our students to become thoughtful and respectful digital citizens.
How Families Can Help
Talk at home about healthy technology habits (when, where, and how devices should be used).
Model balance—show children what it looks like to unplug and be present.
Check in often—monitor your student’s online activity and social media use.
Together, we can empower our students to make wise choices both in school and beyond.
We are looking forward to an amazing year filled with learning, curiosity, and growth. Thank you for partnering with us in making Pioneer Middle School a safe, welcoming, and engaging place for every student.
Warmly,
JoAnne Fernandes
Principal, Pioneer Middle School
Transportation
For bus route changes: Contact Durham Transportation at 253-584-1365 or use this link: https://www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/who-we-are/departments/bustransportation/bus-stop-or-route-change-request-form
Picture Day
Picture Day - September 9th
We will start promptly at 8:30 am
How to buy school photos?
Class Act Portraits will email families a link to purchase school pictures. If you don't receive an email, contact Class Act Portraits directly at 253-569-1627
*If your student is absent, retakes are scheduled for Oct. 21st*
Congratulations Choir!
The Advanced Choir has been selected to perform at NW American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Conference in Tacoma on March 5th. We will be featured at the Pantages Theater at 8:00 pm as the 2nd group of 4 with a 25 min set of music.
We were the only Middle School from 6 states who were selected to perform at the conference!
A huge congratulations to Mrs. Elshire and the members of the Advanced Choir!!!
We are so proud of you!
Volunteers
Volunteers Needed!
If you would like to chaperone a school field trip, help out in your student's classroom, or help at school socials, you must be a registered district volunteer. Use the link below to submit your application.
Student Lockers
Students were issued lockers this week. For some this is completely new experience and it will take time and practice to get the hang of it. Our teachers and staff are here to help!
Forget your locker combination?
Ask your teacher to email Mrs. Ruby to ask her to print out combination.
Can't get your locker open?
Mr. Nystrom, Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Fernandes and Mr. Ruffin are always in the halls during passing periods, ask them to help you.
Message from the Athletic Office
Registration for Fall Sports is CLOSED
Students have been practicing and trying out for Fastpitch, Track & Field, and Baseball this week. Coaches are finalizing team selections, and rosters will be final early next week.
Essentials:
-
Water bottle
-
Snack (recommended, since it’s a long day for student-athletes)
- Appropriate clothing and shoes
For general questions about athletics (registration, fees, physicals, schedules, etc.), please contact Mrs. Plumb at 253-583-7204. For team-specific questions, email or send a PSQ message directly to your student’s coach.
From the Main Office
Classes begin at 8:10 a.m.
If your student arrives at 8:10 a.m. or later, they must check in at the kiosk to receive a pass to class. 🔹 Tardies require a parent/guardian excuse.
Reporting Absences & Tardies
Don’t forget to excuse your student’s absences and tardies!
✅ Option 1: Call 253-583-7200 and select the attendance option.
- If no one answers, please leave a voicemail—messages are checked frequently.
- No need to call multiple times.
✅ Option 2: Email pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us or send a ParentSquare message to the Pioneer Office.
🚫 Do not email staff directly regarding attendance🚫
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Pioneer MS Office business hours: 7:40 am - 3:30 pm
If you are trying to reach us outside business hours, please leave a voicemail or send an email to pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Remember to have a picture ID ready when picking up your student, we will always ask for identification before releasing your student.