PES Newsletter
What's Happening in Our School!
October
A Word From Mr. Quillen
PES Family,
As we move into the fall season, we know that colder weather is just around the corner. With this change comes the possibility of sudden shifts in weather conditions that could affect our daily routines. Please be sure to stay informed by regularly checking our communication platform, Rooms, along with our school website and social media channels. These platforms are our primary tools for keeping you updated on weather-related announcements, schedule changes, and important school news.
Looking ahead, Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place in October. These meetings are a vital part of your child’s academic journey. Participating in your conference time allows you to better understand your child’s progress, celebrate their successes, and partner with teachers to support areas of growth. We strongly encourage every family to attend these valuable sessions.
Also in October and into November, students will be participating in the ILEARN Checkpoint Assessments. These assessments help us track academic progress and guide instructional planning. Please encourage your child to give their best effort during this time. A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and a positive attitude can go a long way in helping them do their best.
Thank you for your continued support in making our school a safe, connected, and successful learning environment. Let’s work together to make this fall season a great one for all our students!
Lunch Menu
Important Dates
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9/29 through 10/3
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10/13 through 10/17
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October 23rd through October 31st
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11/26 through 11/28
Staff Highlight!
Officer Brian Swartzell
Resource Officer
Officer Brian Swartzell is our School Resource Officer. He has been in law enforcement for 27 years! He has been keeping Pioneer safe, as our SRO, for the past 6 years.
Officer Swartzell says he enjoys how Pioneer is still a small school, but it is still able to offer big opportunities to each of our kids. When asked what his goal was for our students, he stated, "I would tell them to dream BIG, don’t let anybody say you can’t do something. Stay the course, work hard, and do your best in school."
Officer Swartzell's favorite memories are Meet the Teacher Night and the Spring Carnival. During Meet the Teacher Night, he knows all the students are very nervous about seeing their new teacher, but so excited to start the new school year. At the Spring Carnival, he loves the excitement of all the kids playing games and enjoying themselves!
Thank you for keeping us safe, Officer Swartzell!
Stacie Williams
Kitchen Manager
Stacie Williams is the Kitchen Manager at the Pioneer Elementary cafeteria. She has been with Pioneer for just under 10 years! Everyday, Mrs. Williams brings smiles to each and every students face through the cafeteria line.
When asked what she enjoys about Pioneer Elementary, Mrs. Williams said, "I really enjoy the kids and their willingness to help one another." Her goal everyday is to make sure each student leaves the lunchroom happy and with a full belly!
So far, her favorite memory is, when a certain student brings down his teacher's lunch papers everyday. She said that he will stay and talk to her about his weekend or how his morning is going. He always gives her a hug before he leaves!
Thank you for the daily smiles and the full bellies, Mrs. Williams!
Panthers of the Month
Ly'Lah Harmon
Pre-K
"Ly’Lah has shown bravery about trying new things (including coming to school) even when she was scared. She is curious about many things and asks thoughtful questions. She has a calm and friendly presence and is kind to everyone in our class."
-Mrs. Bean
Enzlee Army
Kindergarten
"Enzlee is always making good choices in class. She is a great listener and tries her hardest everyday. She is always being kind to others."
-Mrs. Farrer
Delaney Jasmantas
1st Grade
"Delaney is a joy to have in class. She always follows directions, does her best and adds fun into each day!"
-Mrs. Cowell
Gwendolynn Torres
2nd Grade
-Mrs. Sparks
Easton Kline
3rd Grade
-Mrs. Rans
Sailor Cates
4th Grade
"Sailor is a true servant leader. She helps others succeed in and out of the classroom. She is very selfless."
-Ms. Peppers
Caroline Shafer
5th Grade
- Mrs. Schmaltz
Ava Morock
6th Grade
"Ava is always giving her best, showing kindness to everyone around her, and is never afraid to advocate for herself! Her positive attitude and determination is infectious to those around her!"
-Miss Parks
Girls Leadership Club Updates
Girls Leadership Club kicked off the year with Live United Day! On September 12th, some of the girls joined 500+ other volunteers in a day of action organized by United Way of Cass County. Thank you to all of our volunteers who helped make our landscaping fresh and new and gave us a usable space in the courtyard!
Student Council Updates
A Note From the Nurse
Reminder for All
Don't forget, when your student is sent home for vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, they need to be symptom free for 24 hours before returning. Please do not send them back to school the following day!
October 22, 2025, School Smiles,On-Site Dental Care will be at the Elementary School to provide dental care for students. Please sign up by calling 1-855-497-6453, using the QR code, or filling out the forms sent home. Working together to keep students healthy.
Click on the imagine to take you to the site!
PTO Updates
Next Meeting
October 22nd @ 7:00 pm
Join PTO
Don't Forget!
Click on the image to find out how to make your favorite staff member's day a little better!
Click the link to access the Google Form!
Click on the image to sing up or manage an account!
Click on the image to apply!
Click on the image to be taken to the 2025-2026 PES Student Handbook!
Corporation Calendar
Spirit Wear
Click the image to take you to the site!
You can still purchase a 2024-2025 Yearboook!
Please make sure to send the order form & money enclosed in an envelope!
Checks or cash are accepted. All checks can be made payable to Pioneer Elementary.
SchoolStore Fundraiser
This year we are partnering with SchoolStore to raise money to help purchase tools and materials to help our students and teachers!
Click the logo to take you to the site!
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops is making it easy! Download the FREE app on your phone. Buy products with the Box Tops logo and then scan your receipt on your app. Help earn money for our school!
Click the image to take you to the site!
Sign Up for Rooms
At Pioneer Elementary School, we use a tool called Rooms to communicate with parents & guardians. If you are not signed up for this, you should have received an email and/or a text message last week. Here are guidelines for how to proceed from that email or text message.
Volunteers Welcome!
Click the image to take you to the Google Form!