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May issue of PAWPrints is here!

Posted Date: 05/04/26 (08:08 AM)


Panther PAWPrints Newsletter

May 2026

School

Campus Updates

Superintendent's Message

As we step into the final month of the school year, I'm struck by how quickly the time has passed and how much our students have grown.

May is always a bittersweet month β€” full of celebration, accomplishment, and the kind of memory-making moments that stay with our students long after the school year ends.

This month is also a busy one. Our 3rd through 8th graders will take the MAST Assessments from May 4–7, followed by Spring NWEA MAP assessments for grades K–8 from May 11–14. These end-of-year assessments give us valuable insight into each student's growth and help us plan for next year. Information on how to access your student's MAST Assessment scores will be sent out via ParentSquare, and end-of-year MAP scores will go home with the final report card.

Beyond assessments, our students have wonderful experiences ahead. On May 7, our 2nd graders will bring history to life with their Living Wax Museum presentation, and our 4th–8th graders will travel to Pompey's Pillar that same day. Our K–3 students will make their own trip to Pompey's Pillar on May 14. Be sure to also join us for Dover Days on May 13 β€” another chance for our school community to come together.

Report cards will go home on May 19, and we'll close out the year with two of our favorite traditions on May 20: Donuts with Grownups from 7:30–8:30 AM, followed by our Kindergarten and 8th grade graduation ceremonies at 10:30, and our annual last-day BBQ immediately after. School will dismiss at 12:00.

I encourage every family to soak in these final weeks. The field trips, the celebrations, the small moments in the hallways and on the playground β€” these are the experiences that turn into the memories our students carry with them. Thank you for partnering with us this year. Let's make this last month one to remember.

Mrs. Schnitzmeier
Principal/Superintendent
Pioneer School

Kindergarten

Read all about it!
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1st Grade

Read all about it!
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2nd Grade

Read all about it!
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3rd Grade

Read all about it!
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4th/5th Grade

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6th-8th Grade

Read all about it!
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Library

Dear Students and Families,

As we wrap up another wonderful school year, the library would like to celebrate all the reading, learning, and growth that has taken place! It has been a joy to see students explore new books, discover favorite authors, and build a love of reading.

Year in Review
This year, our students checked out many books and participated in exciting activities. From adventurous stories to fascinating nonfiction, our shelves have been busy!

Student Highlights
  • Many students met (and exceeded!) their reading goals
  • Our youngest readers made incredible progress in building literacy skills
  • Older students explored new genres and developed thoughtful reading habits

Library Book Returns
Please make sure all library books are returned by the last week of school. This helps us organize and prepare for next year. If a book is lost or damaged, please contact the library so I can assist.

Summer Reading Encouragement
Reading over the summer helps students maintain and grow their skills. We encourage families to:
  • Visit your local library
  • Set aside daily reading time
  • Let students choose books that interest them

A Message from the Librarian
Thank you for supporting your child’s reading journey this year. Watching students grow into confident readers has been the highlight of our time together. Have a safe, relaxing, and book-filled summer!

Warm regards,
Mrs. Burns

Upcoming

Teacher Appreciation
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Panther PTA Message

🌷 May PTA News & Events

As we wrap up another wonderful school year, the Panther PTA wants to take a moment to say thank you. To every parent, grandparent, family member, and community supporter who showed up this year β€” whether you helped at an event, sent in supplies, chaperoned a field trip, or cheered our kids on from the sidelines β€” you made a difference. Our school runs on the generosity of its people, and we are lucky to have so much of it.

A special thank you goes to Jen Waldo, our volunteer hot lunch lady, who has given her time month after month to make sure our students have a warm meal and a friendly face. Jen, we appreciate you more than words can say.

We also want to take a moment to talk about the why behind our fundraising. Every dollar raised by the PTA goes directly back into our school β€” supporting our teachers with classroom supplies and resources, funding experiences and enrichment for our students, and helping create the kind of classrooms where kids love to learn. Fundraising isn't just about the dollars; it's about investing in the people and the moments that make Pioneer School special.

Looking ahead to 2026–2027: We are looking for new officers and new PTA members to help carry this important work forward. Fresh faces bring fresh ideas, and there's a place for every level of involvement β€” whether you can give an hour a month or want to take on a leadership role. If you've ever thought about getting more involved, this is your sign.

Membership is just $7.50 to join, and it's one of the simplest, most meaningful ways to support our school community. Every member adds to our voice and our impact.

If you're interested in joining, becoming an officer, or just learning more, please reach out to Mrs S. We'd love to have you with us.

Thank you for an incredible year, Panther families. Here's to finishing strong β€” together.

The Panther PTA
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