November 2026

Our primary grades have been hopping this past quarter! Students have been learning classroom routines, building friendships and growing as learners. The first quarter is an important time for establishing relationships and building a strong foundation for the year. Quarter 1 report cards will be coming home soon, providing an opportunity to celebrate student growth and accomplishments.

We recently wrapped up Preschool conferences, while our K–2 conferences took place in October. We always enjoy connecting with families and working together to support each child's success. Thank you for your partnership! We are also grateful for our dedicated teachers and support staff who work hard each day to create positive learning experiences for our students.

As we look ahead to Quarter 2, the holiday season will bring plenty of excitement and activity! Amid the festivities, we will continue focusing on strong instruction and our core learning targets while emphasizing the Pioneer Way: Hard Work, Respect, and Kindness. These values help shape the kind of learners, classmates, and friends we want our students to become.

We also have an exciting accomplishment to celebrate! Last year, Pioneer School achieved the highest literacy achievement rates in the region among K–3 students! This is something our entire school community can be proud of. We attribute much of this success to the strong partnership between home and school. Please continue reading at home—even 15–20 minutes each evening makes a difference! Regular attendance, a good night's sleep, and arriving ready to learn are other important ways to help your child thrive.

We look forward to building on our first-quarter progress and seeing our students continue to grow. Thank you for being an important part of our Pioneer community. As always, my door is open for questions, comments, or concerns.

Wendy Becker

Preschool-2nd grade Principal

Happy end of Quarter 1...Already!  

We have welcomed many new families to our school this year that have come to our doors looking for opportunity for their children.  At last count, we have 691 children attending Pioneer in PK-6th grade with grade 3 our largest with 99 children.

 This time of year puts us squarely into our most productive learning of the school year.  From now until April is the time of the year when we "make hay," academic hay.  Learning is at full momentum and full speed ahead at Pioneer.  Over the past several weeks were also able to share that last year proved to be another highly productive learning year at Pioneer.  When we average our 9 MCA exams from last spring (3-6th grade reading, 3-6th grade math, and 5th grade science), we outpaced Minnesota averages by a whopping 19.2%!  Mathematics at Pioneer was again incredible, burying the state average by over 25%!  

Needless to say, other schools continue to look up to the instruction and learning at Pioneer.  We are fortunate to have such incredibly dedicated and passionate teachers and staff who dedicate every day to maximum student achievement.

On a lighter note, I currently have my annual 5-6th grade buck contest open and active.  Any student who harvests a buck can submit a picture to me via email and I'll get it posted on our website and add their name to the drawing for a free board mount by me.  It is a joy for me to share a little of my passion for hunting with students, and hopefully generate a little extra enjoyment for them.  The drawing will take place shortly after the close of the local firearms season, November 15th.

The cold is coming, enjoy our fall weather while you can!

Tom Otte

Pioneer 3-6th grade principal