Pioneer Family Communication
January 28, 2024 - February 4, 2024
GREAT DAY TO BE A PIONEER!
Be Extraordinary!
From the Pioneer Leadership Team
Pioneer Caregivers,
We made it through first semester! Thank you so much to all of you for your understanding and flexibility with all of our weather days and changes. This week teachers will finalize semester grades and you should expect a digital grade report sent to your email during the week of February 4.
We are celebrating Winterfest this week at Pioneer! Winterfest is an opportunity to build a stronger school community. We encourage students to participate in the spirit days, pep assembly, and a school dance on Friday. The dance is a semi-formal event and tickets are only sold online through Pioneer's gofan webpage. Please review the newsletter below for more informaiton on Winterfest 2024!
This week we have an early release on 1/31/24. We will also have class meetings on Friday along with a pep assembly to introduce our winter teams :) Let's have an extraordinary week Pioneer!
Be Extraordinary!
Desmond, Eve, Jodi, Kevin & Dan
ACTION @ Pio presents - WINTERFEST 2024!!
WINTERFEST TICKETS on SALE NOW!
Location: CAFETERIA
Time: 8:30pm-11:30pm
Access Code = Student ID #
Immediately after the home basketball game vs. Lincoln!
Early Release 1/31/24
Congrats to Ms. Eve Claar on her leadership!
Summer EBT Benefit
This upcoming summer, eligible families will be able to receive money for select food items through the new Summer EBT program. To receive the Summer EBT benefit, every family must have an approved student eligibility benefit (free or reduced) through their school. Many families have already done this, but this is one last request for families who have not yet filled out an EBT or EBF application form. Turning in the application form to your school or online will ensure those who qualify will receive summer benefits.
A MESSAGE FROM PIONEER COUNSELING OFFICES......
PIONEER COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
SENIOR INFORMATION 2023-24 / SECOND SEMESTER
2nd Semester Schedule Changes Please think carefully before making any changes to your 2nd semester schedule. Competitive colleges will still expect to see a full load of courses along with maintaining your usual rigor. Some of these schools will expect all four core academics (math, English, science, and social studies) on your schedule regardless of your intended major.
Mid-Year Reports Some colleges will expect a mid-year report from applicants which includes the final grades of first semester senior year on the high school transcript. Not all colleges require a mid-year report so please do your research. Please email your counselor to send your mid-year report.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). https://fafsa.ed.gov
Regardless of income, all seniors planning to attend any 2-year or 4-year college should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. There is a new application this year so be patient as they work out the glitches in the system. The FAFSA allows the federal government to determine a student’s financial need, and in turn, it will help colleges offer students a “financial aid package”. It is important that this is done soon to help with the timeline of this process.
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation - Local Scholarships Deadline of TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2024 at 3 PM
https://www.aaacf.org/scholarships
The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation offers more than 45 local scholarships for seniors in the Ann Arbor School District. The deadline for this school year is fast approaching so please find time to review and complete the necessary items for the application.
Ann Arbor Public School Scholarships Deadline of FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2024
Local scholarships available to Pioneer seniors who are interested in culinary arts or business. Some scholarships for those who demonstrate financial need or are scholar athletes
Pioneer High School Athletic Department Scholarships Deadline: Earliest deadline is Feb. 20, 2024
A variety of available scholarships for students who participated in at least one sport. Some scholarships are based on need as well.
Washtenaw Community College Scholarships. https://www.wccnet.edu/afford/financial-aid/scholarships/
For those students who will attend WCC, there are scholarships that will pay for your entire tuition if you meet the criteria. Please be aware of various deadlines for each scholarship. Some scholarships due by March 22, 2024.
Scholarship Search Engines These are websites for scholarship search engines which allow a student to enter their specific information and then receive ongoing emails of available scholarships where they
meet the criteria.
https://www.fastweb.com/ https://www.scholarships.com/
Post-Secondary Options If a senior has not applied to college and/or remains unsure about their path after graduation, then please encourage them to email their counselor for an appointment to discuss various options.
Gap Year Options Many students are now considering a “gap year” where they join an organization to do service work, travel abroad, or gain work experience in a field of interest instead of going immediately to college. Many former PHS students have found this option both rewarding and enlightening. Here are two popular gap year options from previous Pioneer students:
https://americorps.gov/ https://www.cityyear.org/
OK2SAY https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say/about
The State of Michigan’s student safety program which allows students to confidentiality report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees, and schools. Please encourage your senior to use this for any situation where they feel like someone may need help. See the website for specific details.
GOOD CHOICES It still remains important that seniors attend class consistently and maintain their best grades until graduation. Even though a college accepted a student, they can still rescind an offer based on a drop in academic performance for the final semester of high school, suspensions, and/or legal consequences. Seniors need to be aware of all their academic and personal choices.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
It is up to each senior to know their remaining graduation requirements and to confirm that they are in the correct courses to meet these remaining requirements and graduate in May. Counselors mailed home letters at the beginning of the school year with all remaining requirements. If your senior is not sure, then please have them make an appointment with their counselor.
****Scholarship and FAFSA Information available at the PHS Counseling Website: https://aapihicounseling.weebly.com
Pioneer PTSO Grocery Program
Benefiting the Senior Bon Voyage Graduation Party
For over 20 years, the Pioneer PTSO has sponsored a graduation party for our seniors—a safe, alcohol and drug-free supervised celebration. To ensure that this party is available every year, we need many volunteers from all grades to provide some of their time and/or financial support.
The Grocery Program is a substantial funding source for the Bon Voyage Party, and it raises money without any additional cost to you! Participating stores donate a percentage of the sales from Pioneer families to the PTSO. This can bring thousands of dollars to Pioneer–just from shopping!
You may already shop at these stores and carry their rewards cards. Here is how your shopping can benefit Pioneer:
GROCERY PROGRAM OPTIONS:
Arbor Farms Market. Just mention Pioneer when checking out and 3% of your purchase will be donated to the school.
Busch’s Cash for Education Program. Create a MyWay account at www.buschs.com and click on the “Cash for Education” button in the drop down menu under your name. Select “Pioneer PTSO” as the rewards recipient. Use your MyWay key tag or phone number at checkout. Paying with cash, debit, or check earns 5% towards school, credit card payments earns 3%. You need to re-enroll every year.
Kroger Community Rewards. Register your Kroger Plus Card at the service desk or at www.krogercommunityrewards.com. Organization name: Pioneer High School PTSO, ID# 82622. You also need to re-enroll every year.
Cards are available at each store’s service desk and signing up is easy & quick!
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Pioneer has an after school Learning/Tutoring Center? FREE TUTORING!!!
The Learning Center is a safe space to complete work and get help if needed. They meet in the Cafeteria Mon-Fri During 7th Hour from 3pm-4pm. We have Tutors (Teacher and NHS members) available everyday. Go to pihi.info on IG for updates and changes.
Math Mon-Fri: Mr. Majoros, Mrs. Torrey
Spanish/ Math Mon-Fri: Mrs. Potozack
Science Mon: Mrs. Workman
ELL/ELA Mon-Fri: Ms. Deacon, Ms. Macko, Mr. Packard
PE/Health Mon-Fri: Mr. Dresch
For questions about The Learning Center contact Mr. Dresch: dreschd@aaps.k12.mi.us
Our African American students again have the opportunity to complete a study that seeks to gain their perspective on their racial identity, academic self-concept, and the school racial climate. Lindsay Poole, a doctoral student in Michigan State University's School of Psychology doctoral program, under the supervision of Dr. John S. Carlson and MSU IRB #00008836 have been collaborating with several schools in the states of Michigan and Texas. The survey is very minimally time-evasive, and everything can be completed electronically. Please review this flyer for more information.
GAP FAIR hosted by HURON HIGH
USA GAP YEAR FAIRS HOSTED BY
HURON HIGH SCHOOL, ANN ARBOR
Monday, January 29, 2024
6:00-8:30 PM
Why take a gap year? The best way to learn about gap year options and connect with gap year program providers is to connect face-to-face at a USA Gap Year Fair virtual or in-person event. With more and more students choosing to take gap time this year, there is a growing need for students, parents, and educational professionals to become aware of the advantages of taking “time out” from traditional education and “time on” for experiential learning.
USA Gap Year Fairs is an annual circuit of 30-40 events that bring together reputable gap year organizations, interested students and parents, educational professionals, and gap year experts. For the past 16 years, the circuit has crossed North America each winter and expanded to offer virtual events the last several years. As the premiere event series of its kind, the fairs have provided students with broad exposure to gap year programs that encourage active learning through travel, cultural immersion, service, work experience, and mentorship. Opportunities for face-to-face conversations with gap year program providers, trip leaders, advisors, and alumni offer attendees a personal and individualized experience. Each event begins with a presentation by gap year advisors and alumni. These gap year experts provide attendees with a rich overview of the gap year option, share relevant data, highlight authentic student experiences, and offer tips and resources to help guide families through gap year research.
To register for the FREE USA Gap Year Fair: https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year/usa-fairs/schedule
For more information on USA Gap Year Fairs, visit www.USAGapYearFairs.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ojnh_0MnrQZZEGpaSvJT4vnJGXdXf2OU/view
LATE AP TEST ORDERING - NOW OPEN!! IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO ORDER. AN AP TEST!
AP UPDATES - PIONEER!!
Hello again AAPS 9-12 grade students and families,
If you are interested in taking an AP Exam but missed our regular payment and registration deadline, don’t worry! 9-12 grade AAPS students can still order an AP exam for May of 2024 with these two steps:
1. Complete late-fee payment in MyPaymentsPlus and
2. Complete the registration request form linked HERE to have your test indicator changed to “Yes”.
(Payment must be completed before test indicators will be updated)
Late-fee registration ends 3/8/24. No additional AP exams may be requested after 3/8/24.
More information about 2023-24 AP testing payment and registration can be found HERE.
Questions? Contact an AP Coordinator - Mr. Cory McElmeel - mcelmeel@aaps.k12.mi.us or Dr. Daniel Hyliard - hyliardd@aaps.k12.mi.us
Email for Absences: pioattendance@aaps.k12.mi.us
We are seeing a rise of students arriving at the school under the weather. We encourage students and staff that are under the weather to stay home for the day. Coming to school and spreading germs causes the cycle of more staff and students to catch illnesses. It is best for everyone. Many assignments can be captured in Schoology. Students can easily communicate with teachers about work assigned and/or missed via email (Staff Directory) and within Schoology.
Attendance email: pioattendance@aaps.k12.mi.us
Attendance Policy: The procedure for excusing student's absences requires that parents/guardians must notify the Attendance Office by email within 48 hours of the day that the student is absent.
Please do not call the attendance line until further notice. We are planning to hire someone to cover that position; it is currently not filled. The position of Book Depository/Attendance Office Professional will be posted soon and we would love for someone connected to the Pioneer community to serve in that capacity.
Ann Arbor Community Resources
If you've ever wondered where you can send a parent or student to get help, you're not alone.
AAPS has several tools to help you guide families to resources (food, basic needs, emergency services) in their time of need.
Where to find help
CARE CLOSET - C311
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS NEEDED IN AAPS
Substitute Teachers Needed: As we are headed into the Winter season, which also may be known as cold/flu/COVID season, the Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) is looking for substitute teachers and paraeducators to support our classrooms. If you are a passionate person who enjoys connection with students EduStaff is looking for you. Substitute positions are necessary and meaningful work that enriches the lives of students in our community. If you, your family or friends are interested in making an impact, we encourage you to support the AAPS team as a substitute teacher or paraeducator. Start your application at https://www.edustaff.org/
Pioneer Administration Team Assignments
Athletics - Ms. Eve Claar
9th Grade Dean - Ms. Jodi Bullinger
10th Grade Last Name A-L - Dr. Daniel Hyliard
10th Grade Last Name M-Z - Mr. Kevin Hudson
11th Grade - Mr. Kevin Hudson
12th Grade - Dr. Daniel Hyliard
AAPS Family Technology Assistance
Students & Families - Technology Virtual Help Desk
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Call: 734-997-1222
Open a ticket: family_techsupport@aaps.k12.mi.us
Schedule an In-Person Appointment: call the Student & Family Help Desk
PIONEER COUNSELING LINK
The Writing Center at Pioneer High School wants to help! We are open daily during both lunches and 4th Hour in room C216. We offer online writing assistance through our website and hold fun writing competitions throughout the year. We want to help with brainstorming, revising, editing, polishing, and really any part of your writing assignment! Come see us!
SCHOOL STARTS at 8AM - Doors Open at 7:35AM
1. CLOCKTOWER - this location backs up so please plan accordingly
2. FLAGPOLE ENTRANCE - near student parking lot
Please do not drop off students in the 7th Street Bus Loop