Pioneer Press
October 9, 2026
A Message from Principal Fernandes
DEA “One Pill Can Kill” Assembly
This week, Pioneer students participated in a presentation from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) focused on its One Pill Can Kill initiative. The assembly provided students with age-appropriate information about the dangers of counterfeit pills, including pills that may be made to look like legitimate prescription medications but can contain fentanyl or other dangerous substances.
Our goal is to help students make safe, informed choices and understand the importance of never taking medication that has not been prescribed to them and provided by a trusted adult or medical professional.
We encourage families to continue the conversation at home. The DEA provides additional information and resources for parents and caregivers:
One Pill Can Kill: https://www.dea.gov/onepill
What Every Parent and Caregiver Needs to Know About Counterfeit Pills: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2026-03/DEA-OPCK_Parent%20flyer_4Mar2026.pdf
One Pill Can Kill Fact Sheet: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/OPCK-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Thank you for partnering with us in helping keep Pioneer students safe and informed.
JoAnne Fernandes-Principal
Student Conferences
Pioneer Families,
As we enter October, we want to share important information about our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conference Week, October 19–23.
⏰ All five days will be half days for students, with dismissal at 11:40 AM.
📅 Parent-Teacher Conference Schedule
Monday, October 19: Teacher preparation day (11:40 AM–3:10 PM). No conferences scheduled.
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 20–21: Scheduled conferences (12:10–3:10 PM) for students with academic or behavioral concerns or grades of C– or below. Conferences may also be scheduled at parent/guardian request.
Thursday, October 22: Arena-Style Conferences in the Pioneer gym from 12:45–3:00 PM and 4:00–6:00 PM. Families may meet with teachers on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment necessary!
Friday, October 23: Early dismissal at 11:40 AM. No conferences scheduled.
Prepare for Conferences
We encourage families to log in to Skyward before conference week to review their student's current grades and academic progress.
Parent-teacher conferences are a valuable opportunity to connect with teachers, celebrate student successes, address concerns, and work together to support student success.
We look forward to connecting with our Pioneer families!
From our Athletic Director - John Nystrom
Pioneer Athletics: Student Voice Matters!
What are our students interested in?
This fall, 601 Pioneer students—79% of our student body—completed the Washington State Athletic Interest Survey. The survey gives us valuable insight into the sports our students are interested in and helps us identify opportunities to expand participation and reduce barriers to getting involved.
Our Top Sports
Across all grades, the four most popular sports were:
1. Soccer — 166 students
2. Basketball — 143 students
3. Track & Field — 141 students
4. Volleyball — 138 students Student Athletic Interest Survey
These results show strong interest in both our existing athletic programs and opportunities to continue expanding the ways students can participate in afterschool programs.
Female Student Interests
Volleyball was the clear favorite among female students, with 106 students. Soccer, Swimming & Diving, and Track & Field rounded out the top four. Student Athletic Interest Survey
Interest also varied by grade:
- 6th Grade: Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming & Diving
- 7th Grade: Volleyball, Soccer, Gymnastics
- 8th Grade: Volleyball, Soccer, Badminton Student Athletic Interest Survey
Male Student Interests
Among male students, Basketball was the top choice with 91 students, followed closely by Soccer with 90 and Track & Field with 81. Baseball was also very popular with 78 students.
By grade, the leading interests were:
- 6th Grade: Soccer, Basketball, Track & Field
- 7th Grade: Baseball, Basketball, Soccer
- 8th Grade: Basketball, Baseball, Track & Field
What Did We Learn?
The survey highlights that student interests are not the same across grade levels or genders. Volleyball and soccer show particularly strong interest among female students, while basketball, baseball, soccer, and track & field are especially popular among male students.
Moving Forward
At Pioneer, student voice matters. These results will help us look at our current athletic offerings, identify areas of opportunity, and explore ways to provide more students with opportunities to participate, connect, and belong. Stay tuned for exciting opportunities in the future!
Thank you to our Pioneer students for sharing their voice and helping us shape the future of Pioneer Athletics!
John Nystrom
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
No Parking in the Drop off Loop
Morning Drop-Off Reminder
Families who arrive before the doors open at 7:50 AM are asked to please park in the main parking lot while waiting, rather than parking in the drop-off loop.
Keeping the drop-off loop clear allows families who need to drop students off early to do so safely and helps keep morning traffic moving.
Thank you for helping us keep our morning drop-off area safe and accessible for everyone!
Help Honor Our Veterans
Help Us Honor Our Veterans!
Our Salute to Service Assembly is coming up on Friday, November 6, and we would love to recognize the veterans who are special to our Pioneer families!
Families are invited to submit a photo of a veteran who is a family member or someone special to your family. Photos will be featured in a special presentation during the assembly.
Photo Deadline: Sunday, November 1
Submit Your Veteran Photo Here
Thank you for helping us honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans!
InvestEd - Pioneer MS
School Sports Schedule
Track & Field:
Tuesday, Oct. 13th - 3:30 pm AWAY vs. Thomas MS
Thursday, Oct. 15th 3:30 pm HOME vs. Hudtloff MS
Boys Baseball:
Varsity
Tuesday, Oct. 13th @ 3:30 pm HOME vs. Thomas MS
Thursday, Oct. 15th @ 3:30 pm AWAY vs. Hodtloff MS
Junior Varsity
Thursday, Oct. 15th @ 3:30 pm HOME vs. Hudtloff MS
Girls Fastpitch:
Tuesday, Oct. 13th @ 3:30 pm AWAY vs. Hudtloff
School Clubs
ASB Fee is required to join the clubs below:
- Builders' Club — Mrs. Marrero | Room A103
- Game/Video Game Club — Ms. Khalsa | Room A109
- Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) — Ms. Manley | Room A115
- Junior Student to Student (JS2S) — Dr. Pilon | Room C101
- Pokémon GO! Club — Mrs. Elshire | Room E129/Commons
ASB Fee Not Required:
- Homework Club — Mrs. Fernandes | Library
- Christian Faith Club (CFC) — Mrs. Vaccaro | Room B103
📅 When: Every Thursday
⏰ Time: 2:45–3:45 PM
🚌 Transportation
Transportation home is available following clubs; however, routes are limited in DuPont and Steilacoom. Families should review the 4:00 PM ASA bus routes in advance to ensure that your student knows how to get home from the available ASA route.
Coming Up!
October 19th - 23rd - Fall Conferences - Half day schedule for students (11:40 am release)
October 21st - Unity Day - Anti-Bullying
October 23rd - Pep Rally (during school hours)
October 27th - Picture Retakes
November 6th - Veterans Breakfast & Salute for Service Assembly (more info to come)
November 2nd - November 20th - ASB Lead School Wide Food Drive
November 26th & November 27th - Thanksgiving Break
