Dear Pioneer Families,

I hope this message finds you well. As we continue through the school year, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of regular attendance and safe behavior at school.

Consistent attendance is a key factor in student success. When students are in class every day, they are better able to engage with their learning, build relationships, and stay on track academically. We ask for your partnership in ensuring your student arrives on time and attends school regularly. If your child needs to be absent due to illness or another reason, please be sure to communicate with our attendance office.

Additionally, we want to remind families of our shared commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful school environment. We encourage students to make positive choices, be kind to one another, and follow school expectations to ensure a safe and inclusive community for all. Your support in reinforcing these values at home is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in helping our students succeed. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Fernandes, Principal

In 6th Grade Social Studies we are in the middle of our ancient Egypt unit. Students have been busy preparing for and delivering presentations to the class. Our current presentations reflect information about different pharaohs who ruled Egypt. It’s been fun listening to the presentations and seeing how different groups created their slideshows. Coming up we will be learning about ancient Egyptian gods, and different innovations the Egyptians developed to improve their society. Next, our classes will begin studies about ancient Greece.

The 7th graders in Mrs. Sullivan’s classes are wrapping up their CBAs (Classroom Based Assessments) in which they explore the causes of conflict. Students focused on Native American treaties and the resulting conflict during Westward expansion. Seventh Graders in Mr. Blanchard’s class are completing their Virtual Road Trip to learn more about Washington's historic sites and geography. Students are completing their five-day road trip on a budget and learning new facts about each location they visit. Students will then begin their CBA on Native American treaties.

The 8th graders in US History are working on finishing their Constitutional Issues CBA this month. Once finished, they will be discussing the physical expansion of the United States from 1790-1860 starting with the peace treaty between the US and Great Britain at the end of the Revolutionary War.

8th grade families are invited to: Rising 9th Grade Night

Steilacoom High School will be hosting a "Rising 9th Graders" night for parents and guardians to get more information about registration and hear from Mr. Tyrrell, Mr. Johnson, and more about the process of transitioning to high school.

This will be held on March 12th at 6:00 pm in the Steilacoom High School theater.

Following the presentation, parents and guardians will have the opportunity to tour the school with Steilly Crew students.

For more information regarding "Rising 9th Grade Night," please contact Steilacoom High School directly at 253-983-2300

Pioneer MS Drop-Off & Pick-Up Reminder

To keep traffic flowing smoothly and ensure safety, please pull into a parking space when dropping off or picking up your student(s). Students should exit safely from the 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!

Test Dates:

• Smarter Balanced Assessments (Math and ELA): May 13, 15, 20, and 22
• Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science: May 21 (8th grade only)

To ensure your child’s success, please plan ahead to make sure they are present on testing days. Absences during these dates may impact their ability to participate and complete the tests. We strongly encourage avoiding scheduling appointments or other activities that may interfere with testing.

Testing is Mandatory

State testing is required for all students. If you wish to opt your child out, a meeting with an administrator must be scheduled before April 4. Please note:

• Opt-out requests will not be accepted without a prior meeting.
• No opt-outs will be granted after the April 4 deadline.
• If you wish to request a meeting, please send a ParentSquare message to Pioneer Office (include your student's full name) or call Mrs. Dueñas at 253-583-7265

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth testing process for all students.

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!

Season 4 is on the way! Stay tuned for more details.

Girls' Volleyball

6th, 7th, and 8th grades
Head Coach Stephanie Mateus

Co-Ed Track & Field

6th, 7th, and 8th grades

Head Coach Armand Ruffin

REQUIRED $45 user fee (please do not pay user fee until after tryouts)

Clubs Offered:

• 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.

Wednesday, March 12th - ACE DAY

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 in PIO Gym

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