Pioneer Peak Elementary School
1959 North Stringfield Road
Palmer, AK, 99645-9670
Ms. Mary Watts, Principal at time of Nomination
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Working together with families and communities to provide a safe, positive learning environment where all students can be successful, life-long learners.
- Black/African American: 1%
- White: 76%
- Hispanic: 2%
- Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 1%
- Asian: 3%
- Native American: 10%
- Two or more races: 7%
- ELL: 4%
- Economically Disadvantaged: 40%
Pioneer Peak Mountaineers, engaged in learning every day!
Pioneer Peak Elementary is a school of approximately 440 students, preschool through fifth grade, in Palmer, Alaska. We believe in powerful, effective achievement for all kids and work to ensure each individual child is provided with quality instruction tailored to his or her needs. Our school works diligently toward developing genuine and positive relationships with students and families so that we can improve academic performance, develop pro-social behaviors, and promote a healthy self-concept in all learners.
One way we connect with our students is through our Mountaineer Network. Each of the 50 staff members are paired up with one or two students that are either struggling or new to our building. The staff member will make positive, non-behavior contingent contact minimally twice per week with that student to check-in, provide support, etc. This connection lasts (at least) as long as the student is part of our community and promotes a strong connection between students and school. This results in higher levels of attendance, achievement, and helps all kids to feel valued.
Pioneer Peak Elementary has a legacy of being a high performing school in our school district. By continuing to value and promote the relationship between the academic rigor of school, a partnership with home, and a child’s social-emotional development, we will be privileged to continue that legacy for many years to come.