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The January Issue of PAWPrints is here!

Posted Date: 01/01/26 (12:18 PM)


Panther PAWPrints Newsletter

January 2026

School

Campus Updates

Letter From Superintendent

Happy New Year, Panther families!

As we welcome a new year, we are excited to open our doors and welcome students back to school on Monday, January 5th at 8:00 a.m. We hope your winter break was filled with rest, connection, and time to recharge.

Returning after an extended break can take a little adjustment, and that’s okay. The first days back will focus on re-establishing routines, reconnecting with classmates, and easing students back into the rhythm of learning. Strong routines create a sense of safety, confidence, and readiness, and they are the foundation for meaningful growth in the months ahead.

January is a fresh start. It’s a time to reflect on how far our students have come and to set new goals as we move into the second half of the school year. Our teachers are ready to support students academically, socially, and emotionally as they continue to learn, grow, and challenge themselves.

Families play a vital role in a smooth transition back to school. Helping students return to regular sleep schedules and morning routines will support their success in the classroom. Small steps at home make a big difference at school.

Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and support. We are grateful to be part of such a caring community and look forward to all that this new year will bring for our students.

Wishing you a wonderful start to 2026. We can’t wait to see everyone back on January 5th.

Warmly,

Melissa Schnitzmeier
Principal/Superintendent
Pioneer School

Cold weather

Kindergarten

Read all about it!
k

1st Grade

Read all about it!
1st

2nd Grade

Read all about it!
2

3rd Grade

Read all about it!
3rd

4th/5th Grade

45

6th-8th Grade

Read all about it!
678

Library

New Year, New Books, New Adventures!

Welcome to January!

Happy New Year! January is the perfect time to start fresh, set reading goals, and enjoy cozy moments with a good book. Our library is buzzing with winter stories and exciting book celebrations!

Bookish Holidays in January
We’ll be celebrating these special literacy-themed days:
  • January 1 – Public Domain Day
  • Some classic stories become free to share and read! We’ll explore famous fairy tales and timeless books.
  • January 2 – Science Fiction Day
  • Travel to space, meet robots, and imagine the future with fun sci-fi stories.
  • January 16 – Appreciate a Dragon Day l
  • A perfect excuse to read magical stories full of dragons and adventures!
  • January 18 – Winnie the Pooh Day c
  • Celebrating A. A. Milne’s birthday with stories about friendship in the Hundred Acre Wood.
  • January 25 – Opposite Day o
  • Silly stories, mixed-up endings, and funny books that turn expectations upside down!

What We’re Reading
Students will enjoy:
  • Winter and snow-themed picture books
  • Classic stories and modern favorites
  • Nonfiction books that spark curiosity

Library Learning Goals
This month students will practice:
  • Choosing “just right” books
  • Using the library to find books they love
  • Listening, sharing, and respectful behavior

Older grades may also work on nonfiction features and simple research skills.

Winter Book Care Reminder
Please help keep library books safe by:
  • Returning books on time
  • Keeping them dry and away from food & drinks

Reading together builds confidence and joy. Thank you for encouraging daily reading at home — even a few minutes makes a big difference!

From the Office

PIONEER SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE ELECTION

There will be one seat open on the Pioneer School Board. The open position on the Board will be for a 3-year term.

You may pick up a nomination petition in the school office after December 11 or contact Marilyn Michael and she can email the form to you. You must reside and be registered to vote in Pioneer School District to run for the School Board.

Nomination Petitions must be turned in to Marilyn Michael, District Clerk by February 9, 2025 by 5:00 pm. The deadline to file as a Write-In Candidate is March 2, 2025 by 5:00 pm. These forms must also be turned in to Marilyn Michael, District Clerk by the deadline.

The election will be held in May.
School Board meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each month at 4:30 pm – the public is always welcome.

If you have any questions about the Pioneer School Board, please contact Mrs. Michael

Panther PTA Message

Happy New Year, Panther families.

As we step into a new year, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Thanks to your generosity and support, our Blue Book Fundraiser raised $1,850, and that directly impacts our students in meaningful ways. From classroom support to special activities and experiences, every dollar truly matters.

We also want to extend a huge thank-you to the volunteers who made Santa’s Secret Shop such a success. Watching our students shop for loved ones is always a highlight of the season, and it simply would not happen without the time, energy, and kindness of our volunteers. Your willingness to step in and help makes these moments possible.

Fundraising is more than dollars raised. It’s how we support classrooms, enrich learning, and create opportunities for students to experience the world beyond the four walls of the classroom. Field trips, hands-on activities, and special events help bring learning to life and create memories that last far beyond the school year.

Looking ahead, our next big fundraiser will be the Cookie Dough Fundraiser this spring, and we’re excited for another opportunity to support our students together.

Before then, join us for a Panther Dinner Night Out at Texas Roadhouse on Monday, January 12th. It’s an easy and fun way to support our school while enjoying a meal with family and friends.

Thank you for being such an incredible community. Your support, whether through fundraising, volunteering, or simply showing up, helps make our school a place where students can learn, grow, and explore.

We look forward to an exciting and impactful year ahead.

Panther PTA

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