PES Newsletter
What's Happening in Our School!
A Word From Mr. Quillen
PES Family,
As the holiday season approaches, it's a time to reflect on all that we are grateful for and to share that gratitude with others. At Pioneer Elementary, we believe that kindness and generosity are not just values we should hold dear during the holidays, but qualities that can enrich our community year-round. This season offers the perfect opportunity for us to come together and spread joy, support, and compassion to those who need it most.
The Power of Kindness
Kindness is a simple yet powerful gift that each one of us can give, whether it’s a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or a helping hand. As we all know, small acts of kindness have a ripple effect—they brighten someone’s day and inspire others to do the same. Throughout the month of December, we encourage our students to embrace opportunities to be kind to one another, both in and out of the classroom.
From helping a classmate with their work to sharing a smile with someone who may be feeling down, every act of kindness makes a difference. We will be discussing these themes in class, and I encourage you to continue these conversations at home. Encourage your child to recognize the power they have to make the world a little brighter just by being kind.
We wish you the best holiday season!
This Month's Lunch Menu
Important Dates
5th ILEARN Checkpoint 2
Monday, Dec 2, 2024, 08:00 AM
Popcorn Day
All money from this Student Council Popcorn Day will go toward sponsoring a girl and boy from Angel Tree!
Friday, Dec 13, 2024, 08:00 AM
PES Holiday Cheer Dress Up Week
12/16 through 12/20
See below for more details!
Monday, Dec 16, 2024, 08:00 AM
$1 Hat Day
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2024, 08:00 AM
Christmas Program
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2024, 06:30 PM
End of 2nd 9 Weeks
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2024, 09:00 AM
Winter Parties
Friday, Dec 20, 2024, 02:00 PM
Chirstmas Vacation
12/23- 1/6
Monday, Dec 23, 2024, 08:00 AM
Students Return from Christmas Vacation
Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025, 08:00 AM
PES Holiday Cheer Dress Up Week
Teacher of the Month
Alesia Brown
Miss Brown is in her 9th year as an elementary school teacher. She had previously taught at Carroll Elementary School as a 4th grade teacher. This is currently her 4th year at Pioneer and she enjoys being back home and working in the school that “helped shape me into who I am today.” Not only is she a teacher, but she also sponsors The Girls Leadership Club that gives young girls opportunities to learn leadership skills and make a positive impact on the school community. Miss Brown wants her students to leave their time with her feeling like they were loved and supported. Her goal is not only to help them learn and grow academically, but as humans in general. “My hope is that they leave me with the tools to help make our world a better place.” Miss Brown was excited to come back to Pioneer as a teacher stating, “I love that we are a small rural school and everyone works hard to help give our students the best education possible.” When asked about her favorite memory, Miss Brown said, “ My favorite memory of teaching has to be looping with our current 6th graders from 3rd to 4th. They’re a special group and we made a lot of memories and shared laughs together. I will always be thankful for my time with them.”
Dakota Williams
Spirit Wear
Find the perfect gifts for family and friends at the Pioneer holiday spirit wear sale! Choose from hundreds of designs and garments, all with home delivery guaranteed by December 23rd! Some examples are attached but there are many more options on the website!
Click the photo to take you to the site!
Bring Christmas Cheer to Local Nursing Homes
Donations Welcome
STEM Lab
We were the lucky recipient of a $35,000 donation from IGT Indiana. This grant is going toward our STEM Program. These donations went to purchasing advanced materials that students can use to develop skills in robotics, coding, and problem solving. We are excited to see our students expand their minds and put the lessons they learned in science and math classes to work.
Abram Poyser and Knox Pullen
Marlie Mittica and Evie Thompson
Thank You!
Turkey Coin War and Food Drive Update:
You never cease to amaze us. We want to thank you for all of the participation in the Food Drive and Turkey Coin War. We brought in $1,389.84 for the Turkey Coin War. That surpassed our goal of $800, so thank you for your outpouring of generosity. With the money, we were able to purchase turkeys, rolls, noodles, cereal, stuffing, yams, cooking pans, turkey bags, canned chicken, and pumpkin pies to go with the food baskets. We will also put the money towards purchasing gifts for the Angel Tree.
For the Food Drive, we brought in 544 items. We didn't quite make our goal, but we are very appreciative for all the items. We were able to give out 11 food baskets this year. Thank you for giving back to our students, families, and community. We are so very thankful for all of you.
A Note From the Nurse
Colder Weather Approaching!
As it gets colder outside, there will be days that students MUST have sleeves or a coat to go outside. It is recommended to keep an extra sweatshirt or coat at school just in case!
The Handbook States:
If the temperatures at the time of recess are below 50 degrees (including wind chill) the students will need to wear a coat outside for recess. If the temperatures at the time of recess are between 50 and 60 degrees (including wind chill) the students will need to wear a sweatshirt or coat to go outside. If the temperatures at the time of recess are above 60 degrees (including wind chill) then the students may choose whether or not to wear a coat or sweatshirt outside for recess.
PTO Updates
Fun Run Fundraiser
Raised $8,607.99!
Join PTO
Don't Forget!
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!
Order Pictures Online
Click the camera to take you to the site!
Use code: 87274FA
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 picture 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 picture to take you to the Google Form!