Pioneer Puma Post
September 5, 2023
A note from Mr. Jakious ...
Pioneer Families ...
Some schools send out weekly or bi-monthly newsletters on a specific schedule. I definitely see the value in that consistency from the classroom level. But I have always wondered if, at the school level, it leads to the messages becoming white noise and eventually being seen as less valuable. Instead, I try to track items that need to be shared and send them out when I feel they are most useful so that the information is valuable and timely. We don't often repeat information, so I strongly encourage families to carefully read what we send out.
Sometimes, like this message, the Puma Post will be a variety of reminders related to questions parents have been and information/reminders the school/PTA want parents to have. I hope this communication method is effective and parents feel informed about important school practices, events, and opportunities. Please don't ever hesitate to reach out to the office with any questions. Not only are we happy to help, sometimes those questions lead to a note in the next Puma Post for the benefit of all parents.
Regards,
David Jakious
Principal, Pioneer School of the Arts
Volunteer Update
In honor of everyone's time, we are hoping to clarify the difference between Volunteers and Guest Speakers/Visitors and clarify the process so that we are clear on who does/does not need to fingerprint. That said, if you KNOW you are a volunteer we do encourage you to schedule an appointment sooner than later (208-350-4430 ... see previous email). We've been told volunteers can drop in but might have a wait.
More to come soon!
Read below for information on ...
PTA Events & Updates
- Spirit Shop
- Pumathon
Opportunities
- Musical Fundraiser
- GOTR
Campus Reminders
- Parking Lot: Pull Forward - Parking for People with Disabilities
- Food & Drink on Campus
- Playgrounds are for Pioneer Students
Important Dates:
September 8
- School Picture Day!
September 12
- Pumathon Starts
- More information below
September 13
- Donuts with Grownups (8:15 - 9am in Cafeteria)
- Note: PTA is planning to have EVEN more donuts this year!
September 15
- Beauty and the Beast Musical FUNDRAISER Night
- 6-8pm in Cafeteria, tickets required
- More information below!
September 20
- No School - Professional Learning Day
- Staff will be engaged in meaningful professional development that allow us to better meet the needs of our learners!
September 25
- Pioneer Farmstead Night (PTA)
- Mr. Jakious will KISS A PIG if we meet the fundraising target!
October 11 - 13
- 11th: Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences
- 12th: NO SCHOOL - Day & Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences
- 13th: NO SCHOOL
(Note: A separate message regarding online sign-ups for parent-teacher conferences will be sent later in September)
PTA UPDATES & EVENTS
Spirit Wear - Orders Due September 17th!
It's the time of year to order your PUMA spirit wear!
We are doing things a little differently this year. All orders will be placed through GAMEFACE and delivered as a family instead of per student. We also have a lot of new options!
Please use the link below to place your order. All orders are due September 17th by midnight. Delivery will take 2-3 weeks. All taxes are included in the sale price.
IMPORTANT: We will only place one order this year. So get your order in soon!
Pumathon Starts September 12th!
- Physical Fitness
- Goal Setting, Determination, Perseverence, and Achievement
All students will be provided a badge but it is their choice whether they participate. If they want to earn a medal (half-marathon), trophy (full-marathon), or even be one of our TOP runners (and earn a sweet top runner shirt) ... they need to start early and stick with it. A little encouragement from home can go a long way.
The program runs TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS during lunch recess. Students can run solo or work together and encourage their friends. We take a pause during the winter.
Check out this informational video to give a little more information about how Pumathon works ...
AFTER-SCHOOL EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Pioneer School Musical Fundraiser
After-School Opportunity: Girls on the Run
For girls in grades 3-5, this program is not run by Pioneer/West Ada but will take place at Pioneer.
Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:55 - 5:25pm
(NOTE: THEIR WEBSITE CURRENTLY SAYS TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS BUT THAT IS INACCURATE)
Twice per week for 10 weeks, girls will have fun, make friends, increase their physical activity
levels and learn important life skills. Trained and caring coaches lead 3rd - 5th grade girls through interactive lessons and movement activities. The season ends with a celebratory 5K event.
CAMPUS REMINDERS
Please Pull Forward ...
Please let your child know that you might be anywhere along the pick-up curb. Don't count on picking them up at the exact same spot each day.
Parking Spots Reserved for Persons with Disabilities
Please do not park or wait in these spaces unless you have a license plate or placard that indicates you are authorized to use these parking spots or if you are loading/unloading an individual with a disability.
We have had parents waiting in these spots in violation of Idaho Law. While we understand the frustrations that occur when parking is limited, we thank our patrons for adhering to this expectation.
Playgrounds are ONLY for Pioneer Students from 8:45 - 4:15
Please make sure parents and non-Pioneer siblings remain on the WEST side of the yellow line during the school day ... including arrival.
Food & Drink on Campus
BEFORE SCHOOL
- Students are welcome to purchase hot breakfast and eat in the cafeteria. Otherwise, we ask students eat breakfast before arriving at campus. Please do not send students to eat breakfast brought from home.
- If you stop for a morning treat, such as a pastry or a hot cocoa, we ask students to finish eating/drinking before exiting your vehicle or walking on campus.
DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
- Snacks: Please follow your teacher's guidance for snacks. Teachers may run snack routines differently due to the ages of student and/or the daily schedule.
- Lunch: If you send cold lunch, we appreciate you sending items your child can open/manage mostly independently. We have helpers in the lunchroom but it really helps to have the lunch prepared in a way students can manage themselves. Please give your child items at home until they practice enough to open independently (most issues are with Gogurts, mandarin oranges, film covering lunchables and fruit cups, and overtightened thermos containers).
- Gum is not allowed at Pioneer without a specific exception or in a classroom WITH teacher permission.
SHARING:
- Usually sharing is caring, but when it comes to food we expect students NOT to share at school due to allergy issues and family dietary preferences.
WATER:
- All classrooms have water fountains and our hallway water fountains have bottle fillers. Please mark any water bottles with your child's name.
BIRTHDAYS:
- Pioneer does not allow food items, treats, or candy to be sent in to celebrate student birthdays. Parents are allowed to send in small trinkets to be distributed at the very end of the day (note that there must be enough for each student in class).
About Us
Website: westada.org/pioneer
Location: 13255 West McMillan Road, Boise, ID, USA
Phone: (208)855-4100
Facebook: facebook.com/pioneerpumas