Diamondback Digest Vol. 8

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of student attendance and to remind everyone of the 90 percent rule. According to Texas state law, students must attend at least 90 percent of their classes to receive credit for the course, regardless of their grade. This rule ensures that students are present for the essential instruction and learning experiences needed for their success.

While we understand that illness and other unavoidable circumstances may arise, it’s crucial that absences are kept to a minimum. If a student’s attendance falls below 90 percent, there will be opportunities for attendance recovery, but this should not be relied upon as a regular solution.

We are committed to supporting our students and providing them with every opportunity to succeed, and your partnership is key. Please encourage your child to attend school regularly and reach out to us if there are any concerns or barriers affecting their attendance.

Thank you for your continued support in making Pioneer High School a place where students thrive!

Did you know that all students have access to FREE College Prep, End of Course Prep, TSI and Foundational Skills help through our PHS library resources? That’s right, there’s no need to go buy the prep books. These resources are integrated in our virtual library, MackinVia and ALL students have access. The resource we are highlighting today is “Learning Express” by Texquest-EBSCO. This resource has easy access since it sinks with our google log-in and students will find; ACT Guided Course, STAAR 3-8 grade practice tests, Guided Digital SAT Course, PSAT prep, AP Tests, tutorials, microlessons, course flashcards, resume builder, job letters, job search and much more. The instructions are here at this link. For more information contact our library at ext. 4037.

This month, our counselors will start the process of meeting with students one by one to discuss their academic progress so far and plan for the future. This is a great opportunity for our students to get to know us, reflect on their progress, and think of what is next!

We are thrilled to share that the district-wide college fair hosted by Pioneer High School on Thursday, October 3, was a tremendous success! With over 40 colleges and universities in attendance, students had the opportunity to gather valuable information and resources for their future. It was wonderful to see so many families actively participating and taking advantage of this event. Thank you to everyone who made it possible!

In September, the CTE Teacher of the Month award goes to Joe Carter, an exceptional Agriculture teacher with an impressive 34 years of experience. Known for his dedication to fostering student growth and passion for agricultural education, Joe also serves as a sponsor for the Future Farmers of America (FFA), inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. Additionally, Jorge Espinoza, an innovative Architecture teacher, has been recognized for his commitment to student excellence and mentorship in October as he sponsors SkillsUSA. Together, Joe and Jorge exemplify the spirit of CTE, empowering students through hands-on learning and real-world skills in their respective fields.

On September 13th, the RGV Lead Ambassadors visited Wernecke and Garza Elementary schools to engage 5th and 6th grade students in discussions about future careers. During their visit, the ambassadors shared valuable insights about various professions, emphasizing the importance of education, goal-setting, and pursuing passions. Through interactive presentations and personal stories, they encouraged students to envision their future paths and explore the diverse opportunities available to them. This initiative not only sparked curiosity among young learners but also fostered a sense of motivation and excitement about their potential careers. Looking ahead, the ambassadors are excited to continue their mission by traveling to John H. Shary and Jensen Elementary on October 11th.

The Pioneer High School Library collaborated with the GEAR Up department to provide students with our first student “Lunch and Learn” of the year on September 24, 2024. The student, "Lunch and Learn", provides students with opportunities to develop important “adulting” skills that will help them in the future. On this date, students who are already masters of tying a tie taught other students how to master this. who attended were able to master the art of tying a tie and enjoyed a snack. Make sure to be on the lookout for our next student "Lunch and Learn" at the library.

Today, Mrs. Moreno, our librarian, worked with our English II Honors classes (Caceres and V-Sandoval) by expanding on the exploring of topics to the novel of Fahrenheit 451 and guiding them through using MacinVIA to research.

Mrs. Moreno, thank you for your amazing lesson and interaction with our kids. It’s always nice to watch them and see them in action through that additional insight. Also, thank you for all you do.

We are excited to announce that Pioneer High School will be hosting Breast Cancer Awareness Week from October 7th-October11th! This week is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, supporting those affected, and encouraging education about prevention and early detection.

Throughout the week, we will have several activities, including themed dress-up days, educational sessions, and opportunities to donate to cancer research and support organizations. Please review the attached flyer for details about the daily events and ways you can participate.

Let’s come together as a community to show our support for this important cause and make a positive impact. Wear your pink with pride and let’s spread awareness!

Pioneer High School is excited to celebrate Red Ribbon Week from October 28th to November 1st! This is a special time when we come together to promote a drug-free and healthy lifestyle.

Throughout the week, we will have themed dress-up days to help raise awareness and show our school spirit. Please see the attached flyer for details on each day’s theme.

Let’s all join in and show our commitment to making healthy choices!

This week, we celebrated School Custodian Appreciation Day to recognize and honor the hard work and dedication of our amazing custodial staff. Our custodians play a vital role in keeping our campus clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Their efforts behind the scenes ensure that we have a great environment to learn and work in every day.

We encourage you to join us in thanking our custodial team for their continuous dedication to Pioneer High School. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in showing our appreciation for all they do!

Let's continue to celebrate the individuals who help make our school shine.

Thank you for your support.

Go Diamondbacks!