Pioneer Press

As we head into spring, we want to remind all students that this is a critical time for learning and growth. Being in class on time, staying focused, and coming prepared each day helps build strong habits that lead to success next year. Every minute of instruction matters, and consistent effort now sets the foundation for a smooth transition to the next grade level.

Thank you for continuing to support our school expectations by arriving promptly, bringing needed materials, and actively participating in class. Let’s finish the year strong and make the most of every learning opportunity ahead!

Regards,

Kristen Barton

Dear 6th Grade Families,

As we prepare for Outdoor Education Week at YMCA Camp Colman, please complete the following by Friday, March 6, 2026:

Register your student:
https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/69340664?school_id=5427

Submit payment:
https://wa-steilacoom.intouchreceipting.com/signin

Sign up to chaperone:
https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/68750675

Reminders:

• Return completed YMCA Liability Form to your student’s ELA teacher.

• Submit medical authorization paperwork if your child requires medication while at camp.

Thank you for your help in getting everything completed on time! Please reach out if you have any questions.

To keep traffic flowing smoothly and ensure everyone’s safety, please do not drop or pick up your student in the parking lot without first parking in a space. Students should only exit safely from a parked vehicle and walk to school.

🚫 Handicap parking spaces and surrounding areas are strictly reserved—please do not use them for drop-off or pick-up your student.

Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe!

6th grade-

6th grade is finishing up our exploration into Thermal Energy. Looking into the great mystery of which type of heating system would heat up a school better in the winter. We discovered that temperature increase is just molecules increasing their kinetic energy.

7th grade-

7th grade is finishing their unit on Rock Transformations. They have learned about different types of rocks and even made their own sediment through evaporation and pressure.

8th grade-

8th grade is finishing up their testing for understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion and next week we will be applying these concepts to a hands on activity of building balloon cars!

🚍 After-School Transportation Changes 🚍

If you need to change your student's after-school transportation plan, please contact the main office by the times listed below:

• 1:45 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays

• 12:45 p.m. on ACE days (Wednesdays)

Contact the office:

• 📞 253-583-7205

• 📧 pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

Please note:

• Transportation changes requested 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.

• 🚫 Please do not email individual staff members regarding attendance, tardies, or other time-sensitive matters. If a staff member is out, your message may go unseen.

Girls' Soccer & Boys' Basketball Practice Schedule
Monday – Friday
2:45 – 4:45 PM
(Except on game days)

Wednesday – Study Hall Reminder
All students are required to attend study hall in the cafeteria on Wednesdays from 1:40 – 2:45 PM.

Students will report to practice immediately following study hall dismissal.

🚫 Students may not leave campus during study hall. 🚫

Game Day Schedules
Please use the link below for updated sports schedules:
Sports Game Schedules

After-School Transportation
Please use the link below for bus routes:
After School Transportation - Routes

See our school club schedule below:

Tuesdays

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

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

Thursdays

• Pokémon Go! Club – Room E129 with Mrs. Elshire

• Game Club – Room A202 with Mr. Milton

• Builder's Club - Cafeteria with Mrs. Holyfield

Transportation:

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

⏰ School Start Time & Attendance Reminders ⏰

School begins promptly at 8:10 a.m. Students who arrive at or after 8:10 am must check in at the kiosk to receive a pass to class.

🔹 All tardies and absences require a parent/guardian excuse 🔹

How to Report Absences & Tardies:

✅ Option 1: Call 253-583-7200 and select the attendance option.
If there is no answer, please leave a voicemail. Messages are checked regularly—there is no need to call multiple times.

✅ Option 2: Email pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

✅ Option 3: Send a ParentSquare message to the Pioneer Office.

Please include your student's first and last name when reporting an absence or tardy.

🚫 Important Reminder:

Please do not contact individual staff members about attendance, tardies, or other time-sensitive matters, as messages may not be seen if staff are out of the building.

February 24th - Freedom Songs: Music of Black History - PIO Cafeteria - 6th grade: 8:15 am, 7th grade: 9:15 am, 8th grade: 12:45 pm

February 25th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time

March 4th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time

March 5th - Advanced Choir ACDA Conference at Pantages Theater in Tacoma @ 8pm - tickets required

March 11th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time

March 12th - March Social - 2:45 pm - 4:30 pm - more information to come

March 13th - Teacher Professional Development - NO SCHOOL

March 18th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time

March 25th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time

April 1st - 3rd - Spring Conferences - student 11:40 am release time - more information to come

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