Dear Pioneer Middle School Families,

As we approach spring conferences, we want to ensure that students who may need additional support have the opportunity to meet with their teachers. Spring conferences will take place on April 2, 3 and 4 and all students will be dismissed at 11:40 AM. Spring conferences are designed for students who are not currently meeting academic standards, are close to falling below standards, or for families who request a conference. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to discuss progress and collaborate on ways to support student success.

Spring conferences will be held on the following dates:

• Wednesday, April 2: 12:30 – 3:10 PM
• Thursday, April 3: 12:30 – 6:30 PM (Teachers will schedule breaks as needed)
• Friday, April 4: No conferences required, although some teachers may choose to conference at this time

Since spring conferences are not required for all students, teachers will be reaching out via ParentSquare and phone calls to schedule conferences with families of students who have significant academic concerns (such as grades of D or F) or who have requested a meeting. If you believe a conference would be beneficial for your student, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher to arrange one.

We will also host a Spring Bookfair in the library during conference time.

We appreciate your partnership in supporting our students' success. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
JoAnne Fernandes
Principal, Pioneer Middle School

As we approach the spring semester, we would like to inform you about the upcoming Smarter Balanced Assessments for Math and English Language Arts (ELA), as well as the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science for our middle school students. These assessments are an important part of tracking your child’s academic progress and ensuring we continue to meet their educational needs.

Test Dates:

• Smarter Balanced Assessments (Math and ELA): May 13, 15, 20, and 22

• Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science: May 21 (8th grade only)

Attendance is Critical: Please plan ahead to ensure your child is present for testing. Absences during these dates can impact your child’s ability to participate and complete the tests. We ask that you avoid scheduling appointments or other activities that could interfere with testing.

Testing is Required: Participation in state testing is mandatory for all students. If, for any reason, you wish to opt your child out of the testing, we require a meeting with an administrator prior to April 4. Please note that opt-out requests will not be accepted without a prior meeting, and no opt-outs will be granted after the cut-off date.

Dear Families,

A quick reminder that even though there is no school, Friday, March 14th is the final day to register and pay for camp! Next week, we’ll be ordering shirts and organizing cabin assignments.

Late Registrations: If you register after March 14th, your child can still attend, but they will not receive a camp shirt or have a choice in cabin assignments.

Mr. Byrd’s Students: If your child has Mr. Byrd and hasn’t been signed up yet, there is still a reserved spot for them. A message last week mentioned Session 1 being full, but that only referred to requests to switch from Session 2 to Session 1.

Chaperones Needed! We still have a large need for chaperones in Session 2—camp cannot happen without sufficient supervision. If you are available to help either Session 1 or Session 2, please reach out as soon as possible. Your support makes this experience possible for our students!

Medication Forms Due April 4th: If your child requires medication at camp, please ensure all necessary medication forms are completed and submitted by April 4th.

Final Checklist:

Register on ParentSquare: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/46700204?school_id=5427

Pay on Touchbase: https://wa-steilacoom.intouchreceipting.com/signin

Turn in the YMCA Camp Liability Form to your child’s science teacher

Submit medication forms by April 4th (if applicable)

Please take care of these items by March 14th, and if you’re able to chaperone, let us know right away. We appreciate your support!

Best,

Amanda Gidley and Kyle Haller

A Heartfelt Thank You!

Paraprofessionals are the backbone of special education, providing essential support, encouragement, and care to students with diverse needs. Their patience, dedication, and compassion make a world of difference every single day.

We recognize that their work is not just a job - it's a calling. Their commitment to inclusion and student success is inspiring.

To all of our professionals: We see you. We appreciate you. We couldn't do this work without you.

Learning Lab classes are jumping into spring with exploring different forms of writing, earth science, and identifying and responding appropriately to our feelings.

🚨 Important Reminder: Bus Loading Zone 🚨

🚌 The bus loading zone is for buses only.
🚫 No parking in this area at any time.

For sporting events, please park in:
✅ The lot near the blacktop
✅ The lot in front of the building

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our students safe!

Clubs Offered:

Builders Club: A student-led service organization focused on community involvement and leadership development.

• Christian Faith Club (CFC): A space for students to explore and discuss their faith in a supportive environment.

• Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club: Promotes a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

• Homework Help Club: Provides academic assistance to students seeking extra support with their studies.

• Junior Student to Student (JS2S) Club: Assists new students in transitioning to Pioneer Middle School, fostering a welcoming community.

• Math Club: Encourages interest in mathematics through engaging activities and competitions.

• Pioneer's Game Club: Offers a venue for students to play and discuss various games, promoting strategic thinking and camaraderie.

• Pokemon Go! Club: Combines physical activity with gaming, encouraging exploration and teamwork.

For more information on these clubs and how to join, please visit the Clubs & Organizations section of the Pioneer Middle School website.

If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact the school office at (253) 583-7200 or email pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

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.

Transportation Changes

If you need to update transportation plans:

✅ Option 1: Call the office by 2:00 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) or by 1:00 p.m. on ACE days (Wednesdays).

✅ Option 2: Email pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us to request transportation changes.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our attendance and transportation processes running smoothly!

Friday, March 14th - NO SCHOOL for students - Staff professional development

Wednesday, March 19th - ACE DAY

Thursday, March 20th - Band Concert 6:15 pm in PIO Gym

Monday, March 24th - Choir Concert 6:30 pm at Lagerquist Hall - Pacific Lutheran University 868 Wheeler St. S, Parkland, WA 98444

Wednesday, March 26th - ACE DAY

Thursday, March 27th - Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Fieldtrip- 9:00 am - 1:30 pm Mrs. Joslin's Animal Advocates classes

Friday, March 28th - NO SCHOOL - Snow make up day (weather dependent)

Spring Conferences: April 2nd - April 4th - students 1/2 day release