Pioneer Press

Dear Pioneer Families,

As we head into winter break, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support. The weeks leading up to break are always busy, and I am grateful for the care, patience, and commitment our families show as we work together to support our students.

Winter break is a time for rest, reflection, and connection. Whether your family is celebrating holidays, spending quiet time together, traveling, or simply enjoying a slower pace, I hope the break offers your child a chance to recharge and return feeling refreshed.

Our staff is incredibly proud of the hard work our students have shown this fall — academically, socially, and emotionally. Middle school is no small journey, and your encouragement at home plays a vital role in helping students grow, persevere, and succeed.

Please note that school will resume on Monday, January 5. We look forward to welcoming students back and starting the new year together with renewed energy and focus.

On behalf of the entire Pioneer Middle School staff, I wish you a safe, restful, and joyful winter break. Thank you for being such an important part of our Pioneer community.

Warm regards,
Mrs. Fernandes

Eighth grade students in US history have been discussing the events leading to the Revolutionary War. Through analyzing Paul Revere’s engraving of the Boston Massacre and simulations on taxation, students have discovered the causes of the revolution and eventual declaration of independence. Students will be writing their own declarations of independence using the original as a format.

7th grade

Ms. Sullivan's class started their investigation of Medieval Asia by participating in a Vocabulary Splash, where they analyzed essential vocabulary words and determined how to categorize them. Historians are also analyzing the geography of Medieval Asia to determine how civilizations were impacted by geographic features. Finally, Historians are exploring significant dynasties from the Middle Ages to understand the political structure of the time.

Mr. Blanchard’s social studies students are currently learning about the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan empires. They will finish the semester by completing their Causes of Conflict CBA (Classroom-Based Assessment) and learning about Africa during the Middle Ages.

In 6th grade Social Studies classes have wrapped up their study of ancient Greece. Students had a chance to debate who was the greatest philosopher between Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. We also debated whether Alexander the Great should have his title of “great” bestowed upon him or not. Some of the argumentation was very insightful and was a great way to learn about history. Students also competed in the Olympic Games, and presented information to their class about the events surrounding the Persian Wars. Below you can see some of the Sparta/Athens posters students constructed during our unit. As always, we try to provide many different ways to show learning that is taking place in the classroom and hope the students are finding the information interesting while enjoying their experience at Pioneer.

Up next is our unit about ancient Rome. We’ll be doing some mapping and setting basic understandings of that civilization. Some topics will include the Roman Republic and the transition to the Roman Empire along with how Julius Caesar played a part in that transformation. We will learn about the military of the Romans, their system of laws, and learn about some of the great buildings they constructed like the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. It should be a fun way to end the semester!

Winter Break Closure Notice:

Pioneer Middle School will be closed for winter break from Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2. The school will reopen on Monday, January 5.

Please note that the Steilacoom School District Office will also be closed from Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2.

📅 Mark Your Calendars!
Promoting 8th grade students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend an important event where key dates and essential information will be shared to support a smooth transition to high school.

There will be no clubs during winter break.

Clubs will resume on Tuesday, January 6th.

See the 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.

There will be no practice or games scheduled during winter break.

Practices will resume on Monday, January 5th.

December 22nd - January 2th - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL

January 5th - STUDENTS RETURN FROM WINTER BREAK

January 7th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time

January 14th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time

January 19th - MLK Birthday - NO SCHOOL

January 21st - ACE Day - 1:40 pm student release time

January 23rd - HALF Day - 11:40 am student release time

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