Pioneer Press

Dear Middle School Families,

I hope this message finds you well. As we continue to support our students’ growth and development, I want to take a moment to share a gentle reminder about the importance of fostering a respectful and kind environment—both within our school community and in our interactions with one another.

As role models for our children, the language we use and the way we communicate can have a significant impact on their behavior and perspective. It’s so important that we all strive to communicate in ways that are thoughtful, respectful, and considerate, through both our words and actions.

This means using language that’s appropriate and being mindful of the impact of our humor. While humor can be a wonderful part of our connections, we encourage everyone to be aware of how jokes or comments might affect others, ensuring that no one feels uncomfortable, excluded, or disrespected.

At the heart of our school community are the values of ARRS – Accountability, Respect, Responsibility, and Safety. These values guide us in creating a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and valued. We are committed to upholding these principles together, with the understanding that we all play an essential role in nurturing a positive school culture.

Please also remember that any language or actions that are unkind or disrespectful toward others—whether based on race, sex, disability, gender, or any other protected class—are not in alignment with our values. Our goal is to ensure that every member of our school feels welcomed, respected, and included.

Thank you for partnering with us in creating a respectful, compassionate community. Should you have any questions or concerns, I am always here to help.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Fernandes, Principal

6th-

ELA students are finishing up their work in the Monsters Critical Reading series. As they read about classic monsters from literature like the Cyclops Polyphemus, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein's monster, and Bram Stoker's Dracula, they are practicing important reading skills like finding the main idea, making inferences, and author's approach.

7th-

Vaccaro-Many seventh graders practiced and presented their arguments with convincing claims and evidence for why the day after the Super Bowl should or should not be a national holiday. They overwhelmingly argued that we should add another holiday to the calendar! Those not too interested in the big game focused on Valentine's Day and argued its merit. Love and kindness prevailed; the winning argument was to keep celebrating the special bonds in our lives. This practice paved the way for jumpstarting discussions through The Outsiders novel study beginning next week.

Martin- Students began to explore the "tuff" world the greasers lived in with a webquest. They familiarized themselves with 1960s music, movie stars, slang and, of course, muscle cars! Then they studied characterization and created poster sized depictions of the main characters based on the first chapter.

8th-

8th Grade Language Artists are about half way through Lord of the Flies, and trying to evaluate the shape and quality of society, especially in stressful circumstances. Class chiefs--elected following a similar process in the book--have led their groups the through reading and work. This experiential activity has taught some of the book's themes more clearly and compellingly.

Pioneer Families,

8th grade students will be completing 9th grade registration in science classes starting on February 24th.

Counselors from Steilacoom High School will be in science classes guiding students through the registration process.

Students will have the opportunity to explore the SHS course catalog and have their questions answered directly by the SHS counseling staff.

Please see the registration calendar below:

2/24: Registration overview in Ms. Ripp's science classes.

2/25: Registration overview in Ms. Mateus' science classes.

2/26: Q&A in advisory

3/3: Students register for classes in Skyward (Ms. Ripp's science classes).

3/4: Students register for classes in Skyward (Ms. Mateus' science classes).

3/5: Make-up registration day for 8th graders in Ms. Stout's music room.

*make up for students who are on band field trip on 3/4

Have your student bring any registration questions to the SHS counselors on the registration days listed above.

If you have any questions regarding 8th grade registration, please email us at

pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

Exciting news—6th grade camp registration goes live on February 13th!

Students will be bringing home important camp details that day, and registration forms will be available via ParentSquare for completion.

We’re also hosting a ZOOM Parent Q&A at 5:45 PM to answer any questions.

Use link below:

https://steilacoom-k12-wa-us.zoom.us/j/87818513216

Additionally, we still need parent chaperones to make this experience possible. If you're interested in volunteering, we’d love your support!

Band

The band students have been exploring how to write a melody in music. There were some really creative creations! Then they could perform their composition for the class. Evalyn Kim and Belinda Chu participated in the piano solo and ensemble contest and both earned the highest rating of superior!

Way to go musical Pirates!

We are working on sheet music in all classes and preparing for our next concert March 20th at 6:30pm!

Choir

The Choir students are currently working on music to perform at the Mountain Region Solo and Ensemble on March 1st and our Spring Concert on March 24th.

We are currently also taking our annual sight singing assessment. The Advanced Choir on Saturday January 25th had a 5 rehearsal where they learn the step routine to their sand Dance.

Language

Hola! Guten Tag!

In the Spanish classes, we are moving along. We have just started a project where students will be delivering a brief oral presentation about themselves in Spanish. We will also be looking at recipes again for a Fiesta scheduled for February 28. This one will look at foods from Spanish speaking cultures other than Mexico, such as Peru, or Costa Rica, Spain, Bolivia and others.

In the German class, we have just finished talking about various sports and hobbies and now will be learning about items for school and how the US and German school systems differ. We will also be learning about Fasching, which is similar to the French Mardi Gras. We will be doing some research and planning a Fest for the end of February to use up all those rich, tasty fats!

Video Production

It is a new semester, and a new semester brings new Video Production classes! Students have started the semester by focusing on learning the basics of video editing and how to create Pioneer Morning News. They will then apply these skills and the storytelling skills they will learn to create short films, documentaries, and podcasts. These projects will be featured on the Pioneer Video Production YouTube channel. You can view our channel at

https://www.youtube.com/@dbeaulieu98388.

We invite you to watch Pioneer TV, our daily news show, at

https://pio.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/our-school/pioneer-tv to learn about what is happening at Pioneer Middle School.

Animal Advocate

6th Grade is learning about dog domestication and characteristics. Students will then create a research project about a dog breed to present to the class.

7th/8th Grade is working on a unit on birds and waterfowl. Students are learning about bird adaptations, feather structures, and how birds are related to theropods. Students will end the unit with a research project on an American waterfowl, and visit the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge.

Physical Education

All of the PE classes finished off the first semester with Fitness testing, while also doing some sports and activities. Take a look at some of the students enjoying rock climbing. Now that it is the beginning of second semester, classes are starting off the semester with fitness testing to get a baseline in muscular strength/endurance, flexibility and cardiorespiratory endurance. The Fitness tests consist of : curl-ups, push-ups, flex arm hang/ pull ups, mile run, pacer, sit and

reach, shoulder stretch, and trunk lift.

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Permission Slip and Payment need to be submitted no later than Wednesday, February 19th. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Social Permission Slip ATTACHED.

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

Math Help - Room B101 with Mr. Martin or Room A203 with Mr. Stugelmeyer

Homework Help in the Library with Mrs. Hilton

Art Club suspended for the rest of the school year.

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

Transportation is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for students attending school clubs.

Use the link below for route information:

https://www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/who-we-are/departments/bustransportation/after-school-activity-bus#fs-panel-2698

Sports schedules will be available later this week. Stay tuned!

No practice for Boys' Basketball and Girls' Soccer on Friday, February 14th and Monday, February 17th

Tuesday, February 18th:

JV/Varsity Girls' Soccer - AWAY game vs. Yelm

Boys' Basketball game - AWAY game vs. Yelm

Wednesday, February 12th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm release time

Friday, February 14th - Possible snow make up day,

Monday - February 17th - NO SCHOOL - Presidents' Day

Wednesday, February 19th - ACE Day - 1:40 pm release time

Thursday, February 20th - Student Assembly: Empowered, Brilliant & Brave: Great Women of Black History

8th grade - 8:15 am

6th grade - 9:15 am

7th grade - 10:15 am

Friday, February 21st - Valentine's Day Social 2:45 pm - 4:45 pm

Wednesday, February 26th - ACE Day - 1: 40pm release time

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!

Reporting Attendance:

Option 1: Call 253-583-7200, choose the attendance option.

If we are unable to answer your call, please leave a message. The voicemail for the attendance line is checked several times a day, so there is no need to call more than once a day.

Option 2: Email us at pioneermsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us to ensure your student's attendance is updated promptly. Do not email staff directly regarding attendance.

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

https://steilacoomsportsboosters.maxgiving.bid/tickets

The evening benefits the Steilacoom High School sports teams and athletes. Your ticket price includes a delicious Filipino dinner catered by The Cooking Goddess. On the menu for the evening is Chicken Adobo, Veggie Pancit, Beef Kaldereta, Lumpia, Jasmine Rice, and Green Salad. Your ticket also includes 2 raffle tickets and beverages. Guests must be 21 and over. The evening will also include a silent auction where you'll have the chance to bid on some amazing baskets procured by each sports team and a spirited live dessert auction. Join us for a fun evening!

Doors open at 5:30PM, dinner will be served at 6:30- See you then!

The Steilacoom Historical School District does not sponsor or endorse this event/information and the district assumes no responsibility for it.