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Pioneer Elementary School

Home of the bear cubs

Bear Cub Bulletin November 2026

Posted Date: 11/09/26 (10:50 AM)
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Bear Cub Bulletin

November 2026

Photo of a bear art project done by students on display in the hallway.
 

Cubs Counselor Corner with Mrs. Perry

“There are many helpful people in this world, aren’t there? The more you grow into a helpful person yourself, the happier you’ll find this world of ours is.”
Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.

November is the month of gratitude. At Pioneer we are celebrating all that we are grateful for - and throwing in a little “No complaining” November. Something I am grateful for is the community at Pioneer who always finds a way to support those in need. If you would like to help support the needs of our community, we have a few ideas of ways you can contribute.

Helpful contributions we are accepting through the end of 2026:
  • Donating canned food for the Thurston County Food bank - dates to come.
  • Donating gift cards for Target, Fred Meyer, Walmart or Safeway for families who need a little help with their holiday shopping.
  • Supporting our PTA with their events and fundraising.

Families who could use a little support:
  • We can help with Grocery and Gas Vouchers.
  • We can help with the Principal Checkbook Fund.
  • We can help with Friday food bags from the Thurston County Food Bank 4 Kids food backpack program.
  • We can help during the holiday season by sharing donated Gift Cards.
  • Please reach out to Mrs. Perry or Mr. Lang if you need support.

I am also grateful for our community partners who provide additional resources to families in our community. To help you connect with these resources, I've complied some links for you.
 
Available Community Resources:

Parenting Resources:
 

Pioneer Spirit Wear

Pioneer Spirit Wear is available to order now through November 13! There are a variety of fun designs, cozy gear for kids and grown-ups and new bear bag clips, stuffies, and SQUISHIES!  Orders should arrive before Winter Break. Check out the selection and find ordering information on the Pioneer PTA Website.
 

School Photo Make-Up Day!

School Photo Make-Up Day is the morning of November 10th. If your student missed the September photo day or you want a photo retake this will be the morning your student will not want to miss! Photos will be taken right after the start of the school day so have your student arriving ready to smile! Online ordering of photos is available through Clintworth Photography Online Photo Orders School Code 5765. If your student needs a photo retake, remember to return the original photo package you already received for a new replacement package.
 

It's Time to Register for Cispus!

If you have a 5th grader who will be attending Cispus please remember to complete the online registration forms by December 20. Tuition for Cispus is $150. There are several options for payment.
  • To pay online, please click here.
  • Credit card. Pay in person at the school office or over the phone by calling (360) 596-6500.
  • Cash or check. Checks can be made out to "Pioneer Elementary." Please send payment in a sealed envelope, clearly labeled with your student's name and "Cispus."
If the tuition cost presents a hardship for your family, please contact the school office to request a fee waiver form.
 

Honoring Veterans

On November 12th our students will be attending our Veterans Day Assembly where we will enjoy a slideshow honoring Veterans in our Pioneer community. Through November 10th we are accepting Veterans Day 2026 Photo Submissions to include in the slideshow.  Photos submitted in prior years do not need to be resubmitted.
 

Tips and Helpful News

  • If your student will be absent for any part of the day it is helpful if you can notify the office before the start of the day. There are a variety of ways you can notify the office - use what works best for you. One option is to call in on the attendance line at 360-596-6503. Voicemail messages can be left 24 hours a day. Attendance information can also be shared via a Parent Square message. Skyward Family Access provides the option of a Guardian Entered Request to inform us of an absence. If you have a change for dismissal please call the office before 2:00 PM so we have time to deliver a note to your student.
  • As we navigate Cold and Flu season it might be helpful to refer to the OSPI When Is my Student Too Sick for School Guide if you are feeling unsure about your student's attendance. When possible notify the office before the start of the school day if your student will be out due to illness. 
  • Many Lost and Found items were claimed during conference week which was fantastic! Encourage your student to continue to check and claim missing items. Help items get found by writing names on tags of clothing.
 

Upcoming Events

  • November 10:  PTA Legends Arcade Fundraiser (3:00 - 9:00 PM)
  • November 10:  Photo Make-Up Day in the Morning
  • November 11:  Veterans Day - No School
  • November 12: OSD Board Meeting (6:30 - 8:30 PM)
  • November 13: PTA Spirit Wear Orders Due
  • November 18:  Walk N Roll (8:00 - 8:30) 
  • November 19: PTA Board and Community Meeting (6:00 - 8:00 PM)
  • November 20: Bingo Night (6:00 - 8:00 PM)
  • November 25-27: Thanksgiving Break - No School
  • December 3: OSD Board Work Session (6:00 - 8:00 PM)
 

Connect with our PTA

Check out the Pioneer PTA Website to stay up to date with all the fun programs and events they sponsor for our school community! You will be able to view their calendar of events, read their newsletter, and get information about PTA sponsored events. If you are looking for opportunities to be involved with the school connecting with the PTA can be a great place to start!
 

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