Join us for SPRING FEVER SPIRIT WEEK next week!
Remember, pictures to be considered for the yearbook are due today! They can be dropped off at the greeter's desk or emailed to Mrs. Kline at mkline@pioneerschools.org.
8th graders, don't forget to turn in photos for the 8th grade video as well. You have an "assignment" in Teams for this...ask your math teacher if you need help finding it.
Watch this great story that Channel 2 did about our therapy dogs!
(Note that we provided some photos to them from "the old days," pre-COVID, which is why you see some in which people are not wearing masks.)
https://www.wgrz.com/video/news/education/pioneer-schools-redefining-teachers-pet/71-7b0c627f-1571-404a-9b20-c78783682dbd
Now hiring food service substitutes! Please complete the following civil service application & return to the district office, or call 716-492-9329 https://5il.co/bbrj
For 5th graders and their families: If you missed the robocall from Ms. Prorok last night, here is the text.
"Good evening, 5th grade parents and students, this is Principal Prorok. I am following up with you from last week regarding the possibility of 5th graders returning to school four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We appreciate your prompt response to the survey and to our phone calls. Presently we are still crunching numbers, measuring rooms, adjusting schedules, and firming up transportation. A final decision has not been made yet on whether we can bring 5th graders back safely under the social distancing guidelines, but we are getting closer. I should be able to give you a final answer by Friday, February 26th. If we are able to do this, we would bring 5th graders back on Monday, March 8th. Have a great winter break, and Happy Valentine's Day as well. Stay safe."
Here's a little challenge to boost your mood!
Check out the cards our students sent to residents of The Pines! Merry Christmas, everyone! Have a safe and healthy holiday, and we'll see you in the new year!
It's our Tuesday Scavenger Hunt clue!
They arrive sealed up with a festive stamp,
You open them up and then read under a lamp.
Greetings from friends and family from all around the place,
Take a pic of one that brings a smile to your face!
Post your photo at flipgrid.com/pioneermiddle2020 for a chance to win a prize!
Here's your Scavenger Hunt clue for today!
These are usually nice and sweet,
Often served with milk - they are a tasty treat.
Gingerbread and cutouts are a few different kinds,
Take a photo of one of your favorite finds!
Post your photo at flipgrid.com/pioneermiddle2020 for a chance to win a prize!
Santa Paws is here with another scavenger hunt clue!
Big, small, square or round,
A surprise under the tree until it is found.
Given with lots of love and care,
Take a picture of one before you rip open and tear! Post your pictures at flipgrid.com/pioneermiddle2020. Thanks for playing!
SPIRIT ALERT!
In addition to wearing your holiday gear and reaching out to a remote friend, student council is also sponsoring a scavenger hunt! The first clue is:
No two of these are ever the same,
You check underneath to see if Santa came.
Covered in lights and other bling,
Take a picture of this spikey thing.
If you would like to participate go to flipgrid.com/pioneermiddle2020 to join the hunt. Post a picture or video of your answer. Thanks for playing!
Spirit Week and Scavenger Hunt are here!🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄
Our first day of fully remote instruction is off and running! Remember, students should be interacting with every class each day--whether it's on a Zoom, chatting or calling your teacher, or simply viewing and completing assignments. No students are expected to be on live all day, and no Zoom meetings are required for a grade--they'll be posted later so you can access at other times. Following your bell schedule is a good way to stay organized, but if you cannot do that, just make sure you are in touch with your teachers!
Please, if you have questions, contact your teachers directly. They cannot assist you when they don't know your questions or unique circumstances. We hope to be back in person on December 14th, and you'll want to keep up so we can continue moving forward!
Reminder to students: While we are all remote, follow your bell schedule to stay on top of work! (Schedules were mailed home last week.) If there is no live instruction for a class (or if you can't access it at that time), just work on the posted work for that subject and/or contact your teacher to check in and get assistance. Make sure you check your TEAMS daily and reply to messages from teachers. Let's stay on track while we are all remote!
If you have questions, please contact your teachers or the school directly.
CALENDAR UPDATE! There is NO SCHOOL for students next Tuesday, November 24th. This is for parent-teacher conferences, and students will NOT attend in person or remotely.
VIRTUAL HOMEWORK HELP IS HERE!!!!
PICTURE INFO for 100% remote students and hybrid students who were absent or need retakes. Please call the office with any questions.
NOTICE FROM ARCADE ELECTRIC.
We just saw these, regarding electric service on Thursday and Friday. On Tuesday, teachers will encourage and assist students in downloading necessary work, as well as planning to work more on the days not affected by this outage. Parents, please discuss with your students as well, if your internet with be affected by these planned outages.
Spooky Spirit Week News!
Show your spirit each day next week, no matter where you are! You can participate from home by sending pictures to our Facebook page or emailing them to AP Slocum at kslocum@pioneerschools.org. We can't wait to see your costumes!
Remote learning has vastly increased the amount of text/chat/email communication our students use to connect with teachers and other adults, but most of us--parents and teachers alike--haven't spent much time showing them how to do so appropriately. Sometimes, this can lead to confusion or misunderstandings, but done well, it brings connection and clarity. Together, we can use this opportunity as a way of teaching our kids an important skill that educators, employers, and other community members are seeing on the decline.
Here's one simple graphic that shows us how to structure an email. Usually, we would skip steps 1 and 5 if you were sending a chat.
Stay tuned for more examples and tips about good digital communication!
