Pioneer Press

January Reminders for Families

As we begin the second half of the school year, we’d like to share a few reminders to help keep our school days running smoothly.

Cell Phones
Our Digital Detox expectations remain in place from 8:03 a.m.–2:40 p.m. each school day. Cell phones should be powered off and kept out of sight during this time. Recording, photographing, or pretending to record others without permission is not appropriate and may be considered harassment. Thank you for your support in maintaining a focused and respectful learning environment.

Appropriate Attire
We appreciate your help in reinforcing our expectations around appropriate attire. Students should dress for colder weather and ensure that undergarments are not visible at any time. These guidelines help promote a safe, respectful, and positive school environment for all students.

Physical Contact
Please take a moment to remind your child of the importance of keeping hands to themselves and respecting personal boundaries. Any behavior involving unwanted physical contact is not acceptable and may result in school consequences.

Bus Expectations
We are thankful for the positive feedback from our bus drivers and for the many students who consistently follow expectations. Please remind your student to remain seated, keep hands and feet to themselves, use respectful language, and follow the driver’s directions promptly. Safe bus behavior helps ensure a positive start and end to each school day.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping Pioneer a safe and welcoming community for all Pirates!

Mrs. Fernandes
Principal

Thank you to all families who have already registered for camp! Students were sent home with a camp packet that includes a checklist, packing list, medication authorization form, and YMCA Camp Colman liability form. A digital copy of the packet is also attached for your convenience.

Please complete the hard copies and have your student return the medical authorization form (if applicable) and the camp liability form to their ELA teacher as soon as possible.

6th Grade Camp Information

YMCA Camp Colman, which will provide students with a memorable opportunity for learning, growth, and community building.

Camp Dates

• April 13–15

• April 15–17

Cost

• $180 per student

• $100 per chaperone (plus fingerprinting/background check)

Action Required by Friday, March 6, 2026

• Register your student on ParentSquare

• Submit payment

• Sign up to chaperone (optional)

Additional details, links, and camp information can be found on ParentSquare:
https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/69340664

If you have questions, please allow a minimum of two business days for a return call, email, or ParentSquare message.

Contacts
Amanda Gidley | agidley@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Kyle Haller | khaller@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

We encourage families to review the information carefully and complete all required steps by the deadline. We look forward to a wonderful camp experience for our students!

All students started off the new year by preparing for the end of our first semester of the 25/26 school year. Students had opportunities to learn lessons, improve their efforts and finish strong. As the second semester begins, we hope students can remember the life lessons learned and can apply the new knowledge gained towards new learnings they will acquire this last half of the school year.

6th grade students just finished a unit on decimals and are now entering the world of algebraic expressions and properties.

Hi Cap students are finishing up the second part of chapter 5; working with precents. They will start Ch. 6/Integers the following week.

Some 7th graders are learning about how to graph, write and solve inequalities. Other 7th graders are learning about proportions. They are discovering how many places proportions are used in the real world. Pre-Algebra students learning about percentages. They will practice using the percent proportion and equation to solve real world problems. They will also explore the world of percent increases and decreases.

In Algebra, students have been working with exponents and learning the “rules” that help make simplifying expressions easier. We also spent time on scientific notation, practicing how to write and understand and operate. Now, we’re starting to focus on square roots and radical expressions. Students will be making connections between radicals and exponents while learning how to simplify and estimate square roots.

8th grade math students have been finishing their unit on linear equations: learning point-slope, standard, and slope-intercept forms of linear equations; deciphering types of slopes including 0 and undefined slopes, projecting parallel or perpendicular slopes. They will also conclude their focus on proportional relationships. Next, they will be diving into the fun world of systems of equations.

Geometry students finished up their unit on transformations. They are now focusing on Congruent Triangles.

Below are display some Treasure Hunt transformation projects from Geometry students along with 8th grade math work on graphing systems of equation.

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.

Season 3 (Winter II) Sports Registration

Girls Soccer

Boys Basketball

Registration Dates:
January 19 - February 2
Register Here

Sports Physical REQUIRED to Participate Blanks Sports Physical Form

Tryout Schedule:
February 2 - 6 (Monday - Friday)
2:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Be sure to bring your A-game!

To keep traffic flowing smoothly and ensure everyone’s safety, please do not drop your student off 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.

Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe!

February 2nd - February 6th - Counselor Appreciation Week

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

February 10th - NAEP Testing for 8th grade students

February 13th - NO SCHOOL

February 16th - President's Day - NO SCHOOL

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

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

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