about our school

Pioneer middle school | Walla Walla, WA | 509-527-3050 |

Pioneer's History

Pioneer opened its doors to students in the fall of 1949 as the first junior high school in Walla Walla.

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In the fall of 1990 the philosophy and programs were revised and Pioneer opened its doors for the first time as a middle school. Throughout Pioneer’s history students, parents and staff have worked together to establish a tradition of excellence. Together, we have achieved excellence in academic achievement, athletic contests, student activities and community service. We look forward to the continuation of this tradition through the efforts of present and future members of the Pioneer community.
At Pioneer, we are a community of learners devoted to achieving excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, and as citizens of our school, community and nation. Students have numerous opportunities to explore new skills and ideas, to build confidence in themselves as learners and as people. In the fall of 2010, we will once again welcome new students and their families into our midst, looking forward to the unique contributions they will make.

 

The Pioneer Middle School community will be a model of excellence ensuring personal accountability, social responsibility, academic achievement and a caring environment for all students.

Goal 1. Develop a 21st century learning community that supports continuous learning through relevant and aligned curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development.

- Nurturing environment; personalized learning
- Rigorous educational program
- Research-based instructional strategies
- Data to drive decisions
- Priorities for professional development

Goal 2. Improve two-way communication with parents, schools, students and the community.

- Enhance effective two-way communications plan which supports schools, departments and programs:
- Encourage participation in our learning community by all parents and guardians.

Pioneer Staffing

Total Staff - 68
Administrators - 2
Certificated - 42 (includes full & part time)
Classified - 24 (includes: secretaries, para-educators, food service, custodians, health services)

Student Enrollment

Total Enrollment - 604
6th Grade - 218
7th Grade - 189
8th Grade - 197

Ethnic Minority - 30%
Percentage Qualified for Free/Reduced Lunch - 48%
Unexcused Absences Rate - .051%

Student Assessment

A variety of assessments are used to measure student learning in the Walla Walla Public Schools. Teachers use classroom assessments of all types at all grade levels. In addition, the State of Washington has developed tests which measure the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements.

The Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) tests were given to students at 3rd grade (reading and math), 4th grade (reading, math and writing) 5th grade (reading, math and science), 6th grade (reading and math), 7th grade (reading, math and writing), 8th grade (reading, math and science) and at 10th grade (reading, math, writing and science).

StudentAssessment

Additional district test scores are available online at: http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us

School Curriculum

In addition to the basic curriculum for grades 6-8, enhancements include:

• Special Education programs
• LAP reading and math support
• RTI interventions for identified students in reading and math
• After school tutorials
• Exploratory classes
• 6th, 7th, & 8th grade gifted/talented programs
• 6th, 7th, & 8th grade music programs including band, orchestra, and choir

Student Activities

• Student Council
• Natural Helpers
• After school clubs
• National Junior Honor Society
• Interscholastic sports teams
• Intramural activities
• WEBS Team

The following programs are offered:

• Drug and alcohol prevention programs
• Anti harassment and bullying prevention programs
• Respect diversity program
• Counseling and support groups
• 6th grade Stars Camp
• 21st Century Grant (Extended Learning Opportunities)
• Educational Talent Search Grant
• GEAR UP grant
• On Trac program

Principal's Message

DJonesThe Pioneer Middle School community will be a model of excellence ensuring personal accountability, social responsibility, academic achievement and a caring environment for all students.

We at Pioneer are proud to share our mission with our community at large. We know that preparing our students for a successful future is a community effort. We are committed to developing relationships throughout our school community in our pursuit of excellence. Our students, staff, parents and community partners are very important to the success of each and every child at Pioneer.

We are looking forward to a year filled with challenges and rewards. This year we will welcome new members to our school community. We look forward to getting to know everyone. We know the contributions of our new community members will be amazing. We are very proud of our students and our school community at Pioneer Middle School.

We encourage parents, friends and community members to join us in our pursuit of excellence. Together we will prepare our students for successful futures in high school and beyond.

Sincerely,
Mira Gobel