Pioneer Press
January 24th, 2025
What's happening in Social Studies?
In 6th grade social studies, we are closing out our time together as our class is only a half year long. We ended our time studying the ancient Romans. Our classes learned how Rome went from a republic to an empire and how Julius Caesar played a part in that process. We also had a chance to build ancient artifacts. Students were able to choose objects from ancient Egypt, Greece, or Rome and make a replica of that object. We had many weapons and armor built along with some very nicely done buildings such as the Colosseum and Circus Maximus. We also had the Parthenon, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and a few Roman aqueducts.
A Note from Mr. Madsen, 6th grade Social Studies teacher:
This last semester has been great! I’ve been very impressed with the creative thinking of so many of our students. It really has been an enjoyable experience this semester and the students get all the credit for that. I wish everyone in my current classes a fun time in P.E. or in whatever class they have after leaving ours. Thank you to all the parents as well. We all know what an important part you play in the development and success of our students here at Pioneer.
Seventh graders are concluding their exploration of the Medieval period. They examined civilizations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas by investigating six key concepts: Geography, Religion/Belief Systems, Achievements, Politics/Government, Economics, and Social Structure. These young historians are eager to begin studying Washington State History in the second semester!
Ms. Joslin’s Us History class is working on "Unit 2: Fighting for Independence." Students are learning about the French and Indian War, and using the Cornell Notes note-taking strategy to organize and reflect on their learning.
Eighth graders in Mrs. Percefull, Mr. Beaulieu and Mr. Blanchard's classes just finished their Revolutionary War unit by answering if they thought the Revolutionary War was avoidable or not. They used their assignments from the unit to support their thesis. They are beginning their unit on the US government by analyzing the constitution and furthering their understanding of why it was created.
6th grade social studies
student proudly displaying his armor
6th grade social studies, Roman unit
Student working on creating her own country
A group of studies working on their own country
Yearbook - Baby Ads for 8th graders
Hello 8th grade families!
Follow this link to upload an adorable baby photo of your 8th grader and include a short message to your student in the quote section for it to be included in the Yearbook!
Pay your $10 dollars to Mrs. Ruby or through TouchBase.
LAST DAY TO PLACE A BABY AD - Wednesday, Jan. 29th
https://photos.jostens.com/6DXWG2
If you are having trouble submitting a photo using the link above, please send your photo and message, along with your student's full name Mrs. Iglesias at
Semester 2 - Monday, January 27th
First day of 2nd Semester - January 27th
Students can pick up a copy of their 2nd semester schedule in the gym.
For schedule change requests, please carefully read the information below
We will honor requests based on electives when space permits, or placement (i.e. wrong math level). Keep in mind that space in electives is limited and is affected by your student's placement in core classes (Math, Science, English).
How to request a schedule change:
1. Pick up a Schedule Change Request form the Main Office or Attendance Office.
2. Last day to request schedule changes - Tuesday, February 4th.
3. Parents/Guardians please review the schedule change form with your student, sign and date the form before submitting.
4. Your student must submit the form to the Main Office.
5. Students WILL NOT be allowed to walk into the Counseling Office to request a schedule change.
****Our scheduling team has 72 hours to review and process requests****
*Parents/Guardians can request an appointment with a counselor to discuss details pertaining to their student's schedule change request by emailing pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us. **Please do not arrive at the school without an appointment as our counselors may not be available to meet with you. When requesting an appointment, please include your student's full name and grade**
Emailing counselors directly is acceptable, but keep in mind they are currently inundated with emails and response time can be longer than 72 hours.
Charm Taylor - 6th grade and 7th grade A-L
chtayolor@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Zach Miller - 7th grade M-Z and 8th grade
zmiller@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Use the link below to view the elective options available at Pioneer Middle School this semester.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I3et1DgxH4NG21fIc21R3Bo6NHWc55i2El9Yn-KtTF4/edit?usp=sharing
January Lunch Menu
School Clubs
Tuesdays:
Junior Student to Student (JS2S) Room A115 with Ms. Taylor
Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) - Room C102 with Mrs. Iglesias
Christian Faith Group (CFG) - Room B103 with Mrs. Vaccaro
Art Club - Room C126 with Mrs. Palacios
Math Help - Room B101 with Mr. Martin or Room A203 with Mr. Stugelmeyer
Homework Help in the Library with Mrs. Hilton
Thursdays:
Builder's Club in the Library with Mrs. Holyfield
Pokemon Go Club with Mrs. Elshire
Game Club Room C202 with Mrs. Nixon
Math Help Room B101 with Mr. Martin or Room A203 with Mr. Stugelmeyer
Homework Help in the Library with Mrs. Hilton
All students participating in clubs are required to pay an ASB fee of $15.00
You can purchase your student's ASB through Mrs. Ruby
ASB fees collected go to funding clubs and sports activities at Pioneer MS.
*Students participating in the Math Help, Homework Help, Christian Faith and Pokemon Go groups - are not required to pay the ASB $15.00*
For more information on the clubs we offer, use the link below:
https://pio.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/student-life
Transportation is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for students attending school clubs.
Use the link below for route information:
School Sports
Monday 1/27
Boys Basketball - parent information meeting - Pioneer library 7pm-8pm
Wednesday 1/29
Girls Basketball Banquet - Pioneer MS Cafeteria 5:30pm
Registration Season 3 Sports - TRYOUTS BEGIN 2/3
Boys Basketball
Girls Soccer
Don't forget to register online InTouch Registration
For more information, email Mrs. Plumb at eplumb@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Coming Up!
Wednesday, January 29th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm release time
Monday, February 3rd - Friday, February 7th - Counselor Appreciation Week
Wednesday, February 5th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm release time
Wednesday, February 12th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm release time
Friday, February 14th - NO SCHOOL - snow make up day
Monday, February 17th - NO SCHOOL - Presidents' Day
Wednesday, February 19th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm release time
From the Main Office
Pioneer MS Office business hours: 7:40 am -3:30 pm
Our office staff is available to answer the door and phone lines during regular business hours. Outside of business hours, please leave a message or call district office at 253-983-2200.
Is your student arriving late to school?
Students start class at 8:10 a.m.
-If your student arrives at 8:10 a.m. or later, please have them stop at our check-in kiosk for a pass to class. Tardies need to be excused by parent/guardian.
Don't forget to excuse your student's absences and tardies!
Option 1: Call 253-583-7200, choose the attendance option.
Leave a message if we can't get to your call. The voicemail to the attendance line is checked several times a day.
Option 2: Email us at pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Transportation Changes?
Option 1: Please call the office no later than 2:00 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) and 1:00 pm on ACE days (Wednesdays) to request transportation changes.
Option 2: You can also request transportation changes by emailing us at pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Community Flyers
