Pioneer Press

Spring Student Conferences

Spring conferences are approaching, and we want to share how they will work this year. April 1–3 will be half days of school for all students to allow time for conferences.

Unlike fall conferences, these meetings are not scheduled for every student. Spring conferences are focused on students who may need additional academic support.

Teachers will be reaching out to families of students who:

• Are not currently meeting standard

• Have a D or F in a class

• Are close to not meeting standard

• Have other academic concerns that would benefit from a conference

If your student falls into one of these categories, your student’s teacher will contact you directly to schedule a conference. Both the student and a parent/guardian should attend so we can work together to review progress and make a plan for success.

If your student is meeting standard in all classes, a conference is not required at this time. Of course, families are welcome to contact teachers if they have questions about their student’s progress.

Conference Times

• Wednesday, April 1: 12:30–3:10 PM

• Thursday, April 2: 12:30–6:30 PM

Thank you for partnering with us to support student learning at Pioneer Middle School.

Principal Fernandes

Math @ Pioneer!

6th grade students discovered the different formulas for finding the area of parallelograms, triangles and trapezoids. They have been discussing, practicing, and comparing results using these skills and will be applying it to compound figures.

6th grade Hi Cap students are learning about how to graph, write and solve inequalities. They became experts on problems, then rotated through different examples comparing results.

7th graders are learning about proportions and/or percentages. They will explore different ways to tell whether or not given ratios are proportional. Using the percent proportion and equation, they will solve real world problems. They will also explore the world of percent increases and decreases. Pre-Algebra students are learning about different types of angles and how to classify them as complementary or supplementary. They are also learning about classifying and creating different types of triangles.

In Algebra, students have explored exponents, simplified radicals, and applied the Pythagorean Theorem to real-world problems. They’ve also been learning about exponential functions, including both growth and decay. Next up, we’ll dive into polynomial operations, leading into factoring—continuing to build strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills that stretch across math and science.

8th grade math students are working on solving systems of equations via substitution. They concluded their unit on graphing solutions for systems and will be moving onto the elimination method before completing the unit. Other 8th graders are learning about the difference between a relation and a function. They will explore multiple forms of ways that functions can be represented.

Geometry students are finishing their unit on Relationships within Triangles that focuses on special segments, angle relationships, and triangle centers. Next week they will begin a unit that focuses on Quadrilaterals and other Polygons. They will identify polygon types, understand angle relationships, and use properties to solve problems.

⏰ School Start Time & Attendance Reminders ⏰

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

🔹 All tardies and absences must be excused by a parent or guardian🔹

How to Report an Absence or Tardy:

✅ Call: 253-583-7200 and select the attendance option.

If we miss your call, please leave a voicemail. Messages are checked regularly—there’s no need to call multiple times.

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

✅ ParentSquare: Send a message to the Pioneer Office

When reporting an absence or tardy, please include your student’s first and last name so we can update our records quickly.

🚫 Friendly Reminder:
For attendance, tardies, or other time-sensitive matters, please contact the main office directly rather than individual staff members. Staff may be teaching or out of the building and may not see messages right away.

Thank you for helping us keep our attendance records accurate and for supporting your student’s success at school! 😊

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.

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

Wednesday – Study Hall
All student athletes and sport managers 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

🕒 Pioneer Main Office Hours

The Pioneer Main Office is open Monday–Friday from 7:40 AM to 3:30 PM.

If you contact us after business hours, please leave a voicemail or send us an email using the contact information below:

📞 Phone: 253-583-7200 (please leave a voicemail)
✉️ Email: pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

Voicemails and emails are checked the next school day. If a return call is needed, we will respond as soon as possible—there is no need to leave multiple messages.

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

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

April 1st - 30th - Volunteer Appreciation Month

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

April 6th - April 10th - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

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