Pioneer Family Communication
February 11, 2024 - February 20, 2024
GREAT DAY TO BE A PIONEER!
Be Extraordinary!
From the Pioneer Leadership Team
Pioneer Caregivers,
We had an extraordinary week at Pioneer! Thank you to our 9th grade Team led by Dean Bullinger on hosting Curriculum Night for our Class of 2028! We had great participation and it was exciting meeting some of our future Pioneers!
Congratulations to our students that participated in our National Signing Day Event carrying on the legacy of so many Pioneers continuing their athletic careers at the college level! All of your hard work has paid off and we are so proud and happy for you!
Finally, congratulations and thank you to all of our students that participated in Future Stars 2024! It was such an honor to be a judge and the students were absolutely amazing! We were all blown away by their extraordinary talents! A special thank you to the Pioneer Theater Guild for your leadership. Thank you so much to our very own Mysti Plummer for all of her leadership and commitment to putting together such an amazing community event.
We have a short week this week but full of many events. Please see below.
Important Events this week at Pioneer.
Monday, February 12 - NAAPID
Wednesday, February 14 - Count Day - Club Day - XELLO EDP
Friday, February 16 - Tuesday, February 20 - NO SCHOOL - WINTER BREAK
Be Extraordinary!
Desmond, Eve, Jodi, Kevin & Dan
NAAPID - PIONEER - MONDAY, February 12, 2024
National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) is a day for all parents to visit their children’s schools, see what their children experience daily at school, and to support their children’s educational futures.
Educator and former principal, the late Joe Dulin, created NAAPID in 1995. Mr. Dulin believed parents are among a school’s most important assets. All parents are welcomed and encouraged to participate in this day of engagement and empowerment.
We look forward to opening our doors to our parents and we will have the following agenda, but it is subject to change:
8:45-9:00am: Check-In at the Clock Tower Entrance
Please bring your ID and sign in - Visitor sticker must be worn and visibly displayed on your torso at all times for the safety of our students and staff
9:00am: Welcome & Introduction to Pioneer
Continental breakfast provided - sponsored by the Pioneer PTO
9:30am: Split Groups
School Tour
Opportunities at Pioneer for you and your students
10:00am: Q&A w/ Pioneer Administration
10:30am: Classroom Observations w/ your students
11:10am: Adjourn
If you have a stronger preference to shadow your student instead of joining us for the first three hours of the school day, you are also welcomed to do that. Lastly, we plan to end at 11:10, but the school day will continue with our lunches and 4th period. If you would like to stay for the remainder of the day you are welcome to, but lunch will not be provided. Thank you for your support and we look forward to meeting you on Monday, 2/12!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black History Month Info - Excerpt From Dr. Roberta Heyward: February is a time to acknowledge African Americans' many achievements and contributions throughout our history. Specifically, this month is an opportunity to learn, reflect, share stories, and foster a deeper understanding of the impact African Americans have had on our country and our world. For more resources on Black History Month, click here.
XELLO EDP SCHEDULE - 2/14/24
On Wednesday, 2/14, we will follow an alternate schedule instead of the Club Day Schedule. Students will remain in their 2nd hour class to complete a lesson in Xello. For all questions or comments, please contact any of the Pioneer counselors.
#PioneerExtraordinaryMoments!!!
Pioneer High School Freshman Mia DeVenio, Sophomore Grace Geer, Juniors Allison Arrieta, Mina Bradner, Lauren Fortini, Isabel Rivera, Skyline Juniors Addie Godfrey and Kellan Spence, and Slauson 8th Grader Catie Burke, along with their Edge All Stars dance team from Dancer’s Edge studio placed 3rd in the nation for their division in both Pom and Hip Hop at the UDA (Universal Dance Association) National Dance Team Competition in Orlando, Florida. This is the All Stars’ fourth season and third time competing at Nationals. They earned their invitation and qualification to compete while performing at a UDA camp where Allison Arrieta, Lauren Fortini, Addie Godfrey, Isabel Rivera and Kellan Spence were awarded All-American dancers.
Congratulations to the Pioneer Choir students who performed at MSVMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival last Saturday. 29 of 31 Pioneer events qualified for State Solo & Ensemble in April, including:
Mia Abbasi, Eliana Adler, Macy Anderson, Chase Crownover, Saesha Desai, Lily Drummond, Anwita Dutta, Eleanor Farrell, Kota Forrest, Kira Goonewardena, Lucinda Gubbini, Signe Hayden, Klara Jones, Janice Kang, Roshan Kumar, Cece LaRocca, Ryan Lorenz, Rosie Madura, Audrey Martin, Iris Maturen, Jack Miller, Emmanuel Morgan, Jaylee Oeschger, Naomi Pace, Isabella Pancaro, Lexi Peach, Stella Peng, Cecile Piffaretti, Abby Pritchard, Izzy Ribick, Abby Rohrer, Eva Steinhoff, Gabby Thompson, & the entire A Cappella Choir.
Congratulations to all of the students that participated in Future Stars on Saturday night. Each performance was amazing, leaving the judges and audience speechless much of the time. Huge shoutout to the winners of Future Stars 2024, Emmanuel Morgan and Alexandra Remus for their beautiful rendition of “Lovely” by Billie Eilish and Khalid.
Washtenaw Community College Scholarship Opportunity!
Please review below if your senior will attend WCC!
Can you believe it is High School Scholarship time again already! We are hoping every student who applies to WCC will apply for these High School Scholarship’s they are all full ride scholarships including books, there are so many given out and it is so easy to apply.
One application puts the students in the running for all 3 Scholarships and the application process is easy, also the President’s & Procassini are both renewable for a second year! Please feel free to share this information with your students, parent’s anyone who may benefit from free college.
Process to apply:
- Apply to WCC (wccnet.edu)
- Write a statement of about 250 describing why they want to go to WCC, their college goals, activities and honors, both in and out of school
- Fill out the scholarship application (wccnet.edu/HSscholarship)
- Submit letter of recommendation (to financial aid)
- Submit high school transcript (to financial aid)
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.
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