Pioneer Press

Dear Pioneer Families,

As the vibrant colors of fall begin to surround us and the crisp air signals the change of seasons, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the growth we've already seen this school year. The first months of school are always full of energy and excitement, and I am so proud of how our students, staff, and families have come together to make it a successful start.

This season is a perfect time to remind ourselves of the importance of community, collaboration, and kindness. As the leaves turn and the days get shorter, let’s continue to support one another, creating a warm and welcoming environment for everyone at Pioneer Middle School.

We have many exciting events and opportunities coming up this fall, from student performances and athletic events to parent-teacher conferences and fall celebrations. I encourage you to stay involved, whether by attending events, volunteering, or simply connecting with your child about their learning.

Thank you for being such an essential part of our school community. Together, we make Pioneer Middle School a place where every student can thrive.

Wishing you a wonderful fall season full of learning, laughter, and connection!

Mrs. Fernandes

Special Services has had a busy fall reviewing past learning, discovering new interests, and diving deeper into new content.

Math Learning Lab has been working on order of operations, and identifying number patterns. Students have been busy reviewing multiplication and integer operations.

In 6th grade, English Learning Lab, students just finished the novel, Bridge to Terabithia.

For October they have begun writing spooky stories. Below is an excerpt from one of the student's spooky stories titled ‘Wolf Dog’:

The little family started to drive to wherever they were going. When they arrived, I thought to myself that maybe one of the kids might taste yummy. I decided to attack them when they were asleep. It turns out they were camping, which might make the attack easier for me.

Science Learning Lab has been studying and making models of different ecosystems.

7th/8th grade Learning Labs spent September developing their fluency in typing and reading skills through Lexia. For October students transitioned to developing the first of three, five-paragraph essays that they will complete this school year. They have explored how to write an argumentative essay; make a claim and develop supporting reasons for that claim. Parents - be on the lookout for this essay coming home!

The Highly Structured Classroom has been packed full of new learning and strengthening of peer relationships. Each student is reviewing past learning and is being introduced to new information daily. With many new students and adults in the classroom, everyone is working diligently to develop relationships and routines for student's success.

Get Ready for the Most Novel Event of the Year!

Calling all book lovers, reluctant readers, and snack-hunting wanderers—Pioneer Middle School is hosting its annual Scholastic Book Fair, and it’s going to be epic!

Mark your calendars from October 21st to 25th, because this is one adventure you don’t want to miss.

Why? Because the books are calling your name!

Imagine stepping into a magical world where the pages come to life, and each chapter is filled with treasures—like that perfect novel that’ll make your teacher gasp in delight (and maybe give you extra credit).

Hours of Operation:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8 AM - 3 PM (plenty of time to browse before or after class!)
Thursday: 8 AM - 7 PM (yes, you read that right—late-night book shopping! It’s like a literary party, but with fewer snacks… or maybe more? You’ll have to come find out!)


What Can You Expect?

• New titles, old favorites, and even those weird books with the fuzzy covers that just feel nice to touch (we won’t judge, we get it).
• Adventure books that make your heart race, mysteries that’ll have you second-guessing your best friend, and graphic novels so cool you’ll wish you were inside the panels.
• And who can forget the coolest bookmarks, posters, and gadgets to show off your reader status?

Bonus: There’s a rumor that finding the right book guarantees 10x cooler hallway status. (Okay, maybe we started the rumor, but it could be true!)

So grab your friends, dodge your homework (just for a few minutes), and come immerse yourself in the magic of the Scholastic Book Fair. Who knows? You might just find a story that changes your life—or at least one that’s perfect for reading under the covers with a flashlight.

See you there, bookworms and adventure seekers!

During conference week, October 21st—25th, students will be released at 11:40 a.m.

Conference Schedule for Pioneer MS:

Tuesday, Oct. 22nd

Teachers will conference with parents who request a one-on-one conference.

Wednesday, Oct. 23rd

Teachers will conference with parents who request a one-on-one conference.

Thursday, Oct. 24th

Teachers will hold "arena style" conferences in the gym. Teachers will sit at a table and parents/guardians can meet with whomever they choose to discuss their student. This is on a wait-for-the-teacher basis; no appointment is required. Hours will be 12:45 pm - 3:00 pm with a 1-hr break for teachers, and 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

*If you haven't yet scheduled a conference and want to set one up with your child's teacher(s), please call us at 253-583-7200

Half Day release for all students October 21st - October 25th for conferences.

ACE Day - Wednesday, October 30th

- Students released at 1:40 pm

Student Picture Re-takes - Oct. 29th

-There is no need to sign up. We will call students down by grade level starting at 8:30 am

End of Term 1 - November 1st.

- 6th graders only

Late to school:

Students start class at 8:10 a.m. If your student arrives at 8:10 a.m. or later, please have them stop at our check-in kiosk for a pass to class.

Transportation changes:

Please call the office no later than 2:00 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) and 1:00 pm on ACE days (Wednesdays) to request transportation changes. You can request these changes by emailing us at pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

Bus Information:

In Family Access in Skyward https://www2.crdc.wa-k12.net/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=wsteilas71/seplog01.w, under the Busing tab there will be the bus route number, the bus stop and the times of arrival and afternoon drop off. If you have questions about the assigned bus stop or times please contact Durham at 253-584-1365.

ParentSquare:

remember to check your settings. Teachers, coaches, club advisors, and the admin team send important information through this forum. If you need assistance with your account, email us at pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us and one of our secretaries will contact you.

No School Clubs Conference Week - October 21st - October 25th

Clubs will resume on October 29th.

We need your help!

Pioneer ASB Students would like to honor Veterans in our community. If you would like to have your veteran recognized in our Veterans Day Assembly slideshow, please email Mrs. Marrero at: amarrero@steilacoom.k12.wa.us with the following information:

1. Veteran's name & rank
2. Branch and years of service
3. Name & relation to pioneer student or staff member

Photos are due no later than October 31st.

Buy your student's yearbook directly from Jostens, use link below:

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1118365/Pioneer-Middle-School/2025-Yearbook/20240612042202840113/CATALOG_SHOP/

Information you can find in Skyward Family Access:

Grades

Bus Route

Lunch account number

Lunch account balance

Locker combination

Other Student ID# (need this to check out books, tardy check-in, request appt. with a counselor, etc.)

Use this link to log in to the Skyward app:

https://www2.crdc.wa-k12.net/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=wsteilas71/seplog01.w

If you need to purchase PE clothes, Spirit Gear, pay a fine, or put money on your student's lunch account, you can pay online through Touchbase https://181a.edulnk.com/e/86fp9/qIumky?__$u__