Pioneer Press
November 14, 2025
Message from Principal Fernandes
Dear Pioneer Families,
I’d like to share a few important reminders that help us keep our school safe, positive, and focused on learning.
Student Behavior Reminder:
We’ve recently seen an increase in students engaging in rough play—such as jumping on each other’s backs, playing “keep away,” and using inappropriate language. While we understand that middle schoolers are playful and energetic, these behaviors can lead to accidents or conflicts.
Please help us by reminding your student:
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Keep hands and feet to themselves at all times.
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Games that involve grabbing, chasing, or physical contact are not allowed at school.
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Respectful and appropriate language is expected everywhere on campus.
Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe and respectful environment for all students.
Attendance:
Strong attendance is one of the best predictors of academic success. Please encourage your child to arrive on time each day and aim for at least 95% attendance. Missing more than one day per month can impact learning and progress.
Cell Phone Policy:
A reminder that student cell phones must remain off and away from 8:03 AM to 2:40 PM. Phones should be kept in lockers or backpacks—not pockets—to reduce distractions and support full engagement in learning.
We appreciate your continued support and partnership in helping every student succeed at Pioneer Middle School.
Principal Fernandes
Science Update
6th grade-
6th graders have been studying the microscopic world and discovering how bacteria in the Human Microbiome affect our lives. Looking at samples under a microscope has been extremely interesting!
7th grade-
7th grade science is finishing up the Volcano unit and preparing to learn about Plate Tectonics. Students are enjoying many hands-on activities as they learn about science.
8th grade-
8th grade wrapped up Human Powered Energy and are diving into Earth, Moon, and Sun. We're engaged in stimulations and labs on answering our overarching question "What determines the appearance of the moon from the earth?"
Reporting Absences & Tardies
Class 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, tardies or other time-sensitive issues. If the staff member is out, your message may go unseen.
Student Birthday Announcements
School Clubs
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 Sports
Registration for Girls' Basketball, Boys' Soccer and Co-Ed Wrestling is now CLOSED.
Tryouts for Dance Team begin Monday, Nov. 17th.
Register for Dance Team: https://steilacoomhist-wa.finalforms.com/
Practice Schedule: November & December
Yearbooks for Sale
Pioneer Food Drive
Coming Up!
November 19th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time
November 26th - Half day - 11:40 am student release time
November 27th - Day after Thanksgiving - NO SCHOOL
December 1st - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time
December 9th - Band Winter Concert - Pioneer GYM
December 10th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time
December 16th - Choir Winter Concert - Pioneer GYM
December 17th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time
December 19th - Student Winter Assembly - Pioneer GYM
December 22nd - January 2th - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
See our website for more information: https://pio.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/
Dropping Off in School Parking Lot?
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!
Transportation Changes & Bus Passes
If you need to make a change to your student’s after-school transportation, please contact the main office by 1:45 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and by 12:45 p.m. on ACE days (Wednesdays).
You can reach us:
Phone: 253-583-7205
Email: pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
These deadlines ensure we have enough time to communicate the change to your student before dismissal.
Please note:
Transportation changes requested by parents/guardians 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.