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The October Issue of PAWPrints Is Here!

Posted Date: 10/05/26 (10:03 AM)


Panther PAWPrints Newsletter

October 2026

School

Campus Updates

A Note from the Superintendent


Dear Pioneer Families,

October is one of my favorite months at Pioneer. The air turns crisp, the leaves start to change, and our students settle into the rhythm of the school year. There's a lot of good happening in our classrooms this month, and I'm grateful to share it with you.

Thank You
Last week, we placed our school in a lockdown, and I want to thank our families for your calm, patience, and trust. I'm especially proud of our staff, who kept every child safe and accounted for. Our systems worked well, and we've also found areas we can tighten up. 

Our new entry procedures are part of that work: students only at morning drop-off, locked doors during the day, and a staff member to meet you at the door. Thank you for helping us make these routines second nature.

Please join us at our Board Meeting on October 12 at 4:30 pm. Parents are invited to ask questions about what happened and learn more about the safety procedures we'll be putting in place going forward.

Title I (MTSS) Annual Meeting
Our annual Title I meeting will be held on October 12 from 3:45 to 4:30 pm - RM 106. This is a great chance to learn how we support every student's growth through our multi-tiered system of supports. All parents are welcome.

Dover Days – October 8
Our students head back to John H. Dover Memorial Park on October 8 for another day of hands-on outdoor learning. Please send your child dressed for the weather. Fall mornings can be chilly!

No School – October 15 and 16
There is no school on October 15 and 16 while our staff take part in professional learning (PIR days).

Red Ribbon Week – October 26–29
We'll celebrate Red Ribbon Week from October 26 to 29, focusing on healthy choices and a drug-free life. Watch for daily themes and activities coming home soon.

Thank you for being such a wonderful part of the Pioneer community. Here's to a great October, Panthers!

Warmly,
Melissa Schnitzmeier
Principal/Superintendent, Pioneer School District #41

Kindergarten

Read all about it!
K

1st Grade

Read all about it!
October

2nd Grade

Read all about it!
2

3rd/4th Grade

Read all about it!
34

5th/6th Grade

56

7th/8th Grade

Read all about it!
78

Library

October Library News

Welcome, October!

Fall is here, and our library is full of new adventures! This month, we’ll celebrate reading, discover new books, and enjoy plenty of stories with our classmates.

Spooky & Fun Reads
Looking for a book that gives you goosebumps—or just makes you laugh? Stop by the library to explore our October collection featuring:
  •  Friendly ghosts and silly monsters
  •  Witches, wizards, and magical adventures
  •  Bats, pumpkins, and creepy-crawly creatures
  •  Fall stories and cozy picture books
 
Book of the Month
Leaf Man
This month’s featured book is a fun choice for reading together or enjoying on your own. Ask your librarian why this book is a favorite!
 Library Challenge

Read 5 books in October!
Keep track of your reading and see how many different kinds of books you can explore. 

Remember: every book is an adventure!

Library Reminder
Please remember to:
  • Return books on time.
  • Take good care of library books.
  • Keep your books in a safe place at home.
  • Ask for help when you need a new book recommendation.

A Note for Families
Thank you for supporting reading at home! Taking even 10–15 minutes each day to read together can help children build vocabulary, confidence, and a lifelong love of books.

Happy reading, and have a wonderful October! 

—Mrs. Burns

Panther PTA Message

🍂October PTA News & Events🍂

Happy fall, Panther families! October is here, and the PTA has been busy behind the scenes getting ready for our biggest fundraiser of the year. Thank you for all the support you've already shown our students and staff.

Blue Books Are Coming Soon!
 Our Blue Book coupon books are our #1 fundraiser of the year, and they're on their way. We're still waiting for them to arrive, and as soon as they do, we'll let you know how to buy them and help sell them. Each book is packed with local deals that pay for themselves fast, and every sale goes straight back to our students and staff. Start thinking about family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers who would love one!

Where Your Support Goes
 Funds raised through Blue Books and our other fundraisers help us:
  • Send students on field trips that bring learning to life
  • Purchase classroom supplies and curriculum
  • Take care of our hardworking teachers
  • Host monthly community events that bring our Pioneer family together

Join Us – Tuesday, October 13
 Our next PTA meeting is Tuesday, October 13, at 5:30 pm on Zoom, the day after Board Meeting Monday. Grab a cup of coffee and log on. We'd love to see some new faces! We're still looking to fill two officer positions, and membership is just $6. Every voice helps.

Pizza Thursdays & Hot Lunch
 Pizza is still just $1.00 a slice every Thursday, so send your student with a dollar or two! Hot lunch continues twice a month, thanks to our amazing volunteer cook, Ms. Jennifer Waldo. Jennifer, we are so grateful for you!

Thank You
 To every family who has joined, volunteered, or sent in a pizza dollar: thank you. You make a real difference for our kids. Here's to a great October, Panthers!

With gratitude,
The Panther PTA🐾
Panther Merch Store

Upcoming!

coin drive
field trip
rrw