Stories for Pioneer
UWT Poster features SHSD Educator
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by Nancy Covert
The next time you're in the DuPont Library, take a look at the assortment of posters displayed on the wall behind the counter.
You never know what's being advertised unless you look. Especially the second row, third poster over. Recognize anyone?
Pioneer Wish Week a Huge Success!
Posted by | CommentsThe annual Winter Wish Week at Pioneer was celebrated in a culminating assembly on Friday, December 16, 2011. Along with performances by the bands and choirs, the student body presented Diane Formosa of Caring for Kids a huge sleigh (worthy of Santa) full of hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, pajamas, and toys. Staff members competed for the “honor” of performing at the assembly by collecting coins in jars on their desks for a week. Well over $500.00 was collected and given to Diane also. The staff was well represented by Spiderman, a father/son tossing duo and a well choreographed screaming contest! The student body was surprised when “the Grinch” showed up and stole all the presents that were under the tree but he did return the gifts and they were given out as special wishes.
Pioneer collects 1,653 items for Steilacoom Food Pantry
Posted by | CommentsIn an effort to continue the spirit of giving, the Pirates collected non-perishable items for the Steilacoom Food Pantry under the direction of the Pioneer Builder’s Club members and adviser. These items will be delivered to the Food Pantry this week.
It's Winter Wish Week at Pioneer!
Posted by | CommentsPioneer students and staff will be participating in Winter Wish Week next week, December 12-16. Each person was given the opportunity to request a winter wish – either for themselves or for another person – and the student council committee members have reviewed them all and collecting items from community members/parents/businesses to try and fill as many wishes as possible.
Pioneer Roboteers Take First Place
Posted by | CommentsThe Pioneer Middle School Robotics Team, the Pioneer Roboteers, took two first-place awards during a competition this past weekend, qualifying the team for the state competitions in January. This was the first year that Pioneer had a team enter the FIRST LEGO LEAGUE (FLL) competition. The weekend’s qualifying regional tournament, with 20 area teams competing, was held at Jefferson Middle School in Olympia.
Chat with the Steilacoom School District Superintendent
Posted by | CommentsSteilacoom Historical School District #1 Superintendent Bill Fritz will host his third community conversation on Wednesday, December 7, 2011. This informal discussion session, covering a wide range of participant-generated topics, will take place in the Saltar’s Point Elementary Library starting at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m. Any student, parent, or citizen who wants to discuss district issues or learn more about our schools is invited to attend.
Annual Pumpkin Walk draws wanna-be Charlie Browns
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Photos courtesy of Charm Harris, Pioneer Buiilders Club Advisor.
By Nancy Covert
Drawn like moths to the flame (and maybe even a few Charlie Browns in search of the Great Pumpkin), groups of costumed youngsters from Steilacoom meandered the spooky fields of the Nathaniel Orr Home in Steilacoom on the evening of Oct. 31. More than 20 carved pumpkins were crafted by talented Builders Club Members from Pioneer Middle School at Northwest Landing for the annual event and displayed at the historic property. The Pumpkin Walk is sponsored by the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association and held on the spookiest night of the year.
Choral program at Steilacoom High October 18
Posted by | CommentsThe Steilacoom School District Choral Program will hold its first performance, Fall Choral Celebration, of the 2011-2012 school year on Tuesday, October 18 (7 pm) in the Steilacoom High School Theater. The performance will consist of Steilacoom High and Pioneer Middle School students.
Roof repairs made to help protect old school building
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By Nancy Covert
Steilacoom Historical School District maintenance staff took advantage of the long, dry season this past month to complete roof repairs to the building known as "old Pioneer" school.
Originally built in 1915, the structure, originally called "Steilacoom School," received repairs that are expected to be good for five years, said Bill Fritz, Superintendent of the Steilacoom Historical School District.
Nystrom recommended for Pioneer Middle School's assistant principal role
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By John Cohen
Subject to Board of Directors' approval, Steilacoom Historical School District #1 announces the recommendation for hire of John Nystrom as the new assistant principal of Pioneer Middle School located in DuPont.
"I am proud and honored to have the privilege to be the new Assistant Principal at Pioneer Middle School, home of the Pirates! It is exciting to be teaming with our Principal Andre Stout and the Steilacoom Historical School District staff to nurture the high achieving learning community at Pioneer. I look forward to collaborating with Pioneer’s staff, students, families and the DuPont/Steilacoom/Anderson Island community to make our middle school a great place to learn and teach!” says Mr. Nystrom.
Andre Stout nominated to become new Pioneer Middle School principal
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By John Cohen, District Communications Director
Subject to Board of Directors’ approval, Steilacoom Historical School District #1 announces the recommendation for hire of Andre Stout as the new principal of Pioneer Middle School located in DuPont.
"I am excited about joining the Pioneer Middle School staff, its students and community as the school’s new principal. I look forward to helping a school that is doing well become one of the select, top schools in Washington state," said Mr. Stout.
District seeks community input for Steilacoom High, Pioneer principal positions
Posted by | CommentsBy John Cohen, District Communications Director
Steilacoom Historical School District is seeking public input to assist the Superintendent in developing a competency and qualification profile to be used in selecting, developing, and evaluating a new Steilacoom High School and Pioneer Middle School principals.
Samantha Foyil named Teacher of the Month
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Samantha Foyil (left) with Lakewood Rotarian Kim Prentice.
Samantha Foyil has been working in the Steilacoom Historical School District for five years and is a sixth grade science teacher at Pioneer Middle School. She is also the Teacher of the Month for March 2011 for the Steilacoom Historical School District from the Rotary Club of Lakewood.
Colorful paper cranes help benefit earthquake relief
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By Nancy Covert
A large flock of birds has invaded a Steilacoom school—and the size of the flock is growing by the day. There’s no cause for alarm, however, because these winged creatures—1,000 paper cranes to be precise—are for a good cause.
Historic quilt hung at Pioneer Middle School
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By Nancy Covert
The multi-colored quilt that was hung on March 17 at Pioneer Middle School is the latest piece of student-crafted fabric art to be added to the growing collection of similar projects in Steilacoom Historical School District.
Quilts, depicting a variety of historic themes, are on display around Steilacoom, from Town Hall to the Steilacoom Historical Museum. Since 2004-05 student-made works also are on display at Cherrydale, Saltar’s Point Elementary, and now at Pioneer School.
Bright pages for Sen. Carrell
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Stuart Bright worked as a page for Sen. Mike Carrell and others last week in Olympia.
Stuart Bright, an eighth-grader at Pioneer Middle School, participated in the Senate Page Program during the eighth week of the 2011 legislative session. He was one of 18 students who participated. He was sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell (R-Lakewood).
Davis works as page for Sen. Carrell
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Anthony Davis worked as a page for Sen. Mike Carrell and others last week in Olympia.
Anthony Davis, an eighth grader at Pioneer Middle School, participated in the Senate Page Program during the sixth week of the 2011 legislative session, along with 17 other students. He was sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell (R-Lakewood).
