Pioneer Chronicle - Spring'23

FULL SPEED AHEAD! From 100th Day of School to Multicultural & STEAM Week, Alice in Wonderland Play, Blood Drive, Career Day, Pastries with Parents and finally Graduation Ceremonies, 2023 Spring was nothing short of an incredible semester!

Spring 2023 | VOLUME 2

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Pioneer Academy is an independent, private PreK-12 school located in Wayne, NJ. We are proud to be ranked as “The Best Private PreK-12 School in Passaic County” for the past 6 years.

Editors

Monica Bajraktarevic Lauren Hughes Priscilla Lainez Caitlin Nielsen Jessica Puliafico Paola Pupla Art Director David Coin

Contributors

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KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION First Graduation experience for Kindergarteners

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YUMMY PASTRIES w PARENTS

19 AN EXHIBIT OF PROMISING TALENTS The show was attended by members of the local community as well as faculty and parents from Pioneer

We invited our parents to come and celebrate Mother’s Day & Father’s Day with their children w yummy pastries!

20 ROBOTICS CLUB WINS CREATIVITY AWARD

SPREAD LOVE & KINDNESS

28 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT CAITLIN NIELSEN

Making our world a better place, one act of kindness at a time!

31 2023 ACCEPTANCES

13 TROPHY HUNTERS We are thrilled to support and promote the development of young talents in STEM fields.

Betul Kaplan Jeff Pinney

Photographs

David Coin Barrack Gibson Betul Kaplan Head of School

Owen O. Akman Phone : (973) 405-5169 Fax : (973) 405-5176 E-mail : info@pioneeracademy.org Web : pioneeracademy.org 164 Totowa Rd. Wayne NJ 07470

Pioneer Chronicle is published twice a year (Fall and Spring) by Pioneer Academy for parents, students, alumni, and our friends.

15 DREAMS REALLY COME TRUE Violet Kasm is a 9th grader with big dreams and even bigger accomplishments.

© Pioneer Academy, New Jersey

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All rights reserved.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

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hat an amazing year it has been at Pioneer Academy!

We are filled with awe and pride as we look back on the incredible achievements of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the vibrant community we have built together.

From the very beginning of the academic year, our PreK students entered with hearts brimming with curiosity and minds eager to embark on a grand adventure. Throughout the year, we witnessed these young explorers blossom like delicate flowers under the caring guidance of our educators.

As our students progressed to the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School, they continued to embody our core values and experience remarkable growth, both academically and personally. Our philosophy of education, enabled by curiosity, creativity, compassion, and commitment, guided their journey. Their intellectual curiosity soared, and their inquisitive minds began to weave connections between concepts, fostering a deep understanding of the world around them.

But our success extends beyond academics. Our core values have shaped the character and global citizenship of our students. With empathy, ethics, and community at the forefront, our students have embraced their roles as compassionate individuals. They have actively participated in community engagement initiatives, making a positive impact on society and celebrating diversity.

The achievements of our graduating students are a testament to the caliber of education and preparation they have received at Pioneer Academy. We are proud

to announce that they received acceptances from prestigious Ivy League institutions like Yale, UPenn, and Brown, as well as other renowned universities such as Rutgers, the University of Chicago, Vanderbilt, and many more.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our incredible faculty and staff.

Their non-stop commitment to excellence, their passion for teaching, and their tireless support have been instrumental in guiding our students on their educational journey. We extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of them for their invaluable contributions to our Pioneer community.

To our esteemed faculty and staff, we express our sincerest appreciation for your great dedication and for going above and beyond to nurture the minds and hearts of our students. Your expertise, guidance, and care have shaped the academic and personal growth of our students, empowering them to reach their full potential.

To our parents and guardians, thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Your support and partnership have been vital in creating a thriving community.

In the words of Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Let us continue to stand united, supporting and inspiring one another, as we strive for excellence and create a future where the possibilities are boundless.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Owen O. Akman, M.S Head of School Pioneer Academy

MONTESSORI PRE-K FLOWERS or FOXES? PICK YOUR SIDE

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key aspect of our Montessori Program is that it is child-led learning.

The program provides a carefully prepared environment where children are free to choose their own activities and learn at their own pace.

This approach helps foster independence, creativity, and a love of learning.

Individualized instruction.

alphabet and learned the different sounds each letter makes. They were engaged in hand on activities that helped them expand their phonemic knowledge.

One of the amazing activities our Pre-K teacher, Ms. Foster, completed during January, was “Letter Craft”.

motor skills.

Students explored letters of the

WHO WILL BOUNCE HIGHER?

For our craft they had the option to create a Flower, Fox or or even better, to make both :) Each craft was colored, cut, and glued independently by each of our young artists.

These crafts were not only fun for them but it also helps promote their independence and fine

They deserve a round of applause for their creative work! Way to go #Classof2035!

On March 24th, the Pre-K Montessori kids were in for a surprise! Instead of heading to school like usual they got on the bus and drove off on an adventure. Little did they know that their destination was Bounce-U - a place filled with GIANT inflatables, slides, rock walls and more!

This would be no ordinary field trip - it was going to be full of fun and excitement! They couldn’t wait to get inside so they could start bouncing around.

Once at Bounce-U, all eyes lit up as wide as saucers! The kids couldn’t believe what was before them – giant inflatables, slides, and a huge rock wall!

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SPRING 2023

Once inside, the kids immediately started exploring all the different activities available. They ran from one activity to another trying out every single thing there was to do!

Some kids chose to race each other down giant slides while others opted for climbing up rock walls or testing out their balance on inflatable

Our Montessori PreK kids were busy with learning a bunch of new words that start with the letter F!

obstacle courses. Everyone had something different that caught their eye but there was one thing everyone could agree upon: this trip was definitely going down in history as one of the most awesome field trips ever taken by Pre-K students!

Even though pencils were left behind at school, no one would soon forget what a fantastic day had been spent together playing at Bounce-U – smiles still lingering long after getting off the bus and walking through those doors once again.

MONTESSORI PRE-K WE LOVE OUR PARENTS The special performance

by Pre-K student, for their parents, was one of the most adorable events we’ve had in a while.

On May 12th, Pre-K Montessori parents were invited to the school for a special “Pastries with Parents” event that spotlighted them.

They watched their children perform songs and dances that they had been practicing for weeks leading up to the event.

The kids were dressed in their finest clothes and had big smiles on their faces as they took to the stage. Parents could be seen beaming with pride and snapping photos from every angle possible. It was a truly heartwarming experience for everyone involved. It was a wonderful opportunity for parents to get a glimpse into their child’s daily routine at school and to see how much they have grown and learned.

At the end of the event, students surprised their parents with a special hand crafted gift. There were many tears of joy that day.

Overall, it was a fantastic day that highlighted the importance of parent involvement in their child’s education. We hope to continue to provide these types of opportunities for parents to connect with their children and with the school community as a whole.

SAY HI TO OUR YOUNG YOGIS! It was an exciting day for our Montessori Pre-K kids as they had the opportunity to explore the world of yoga. Little did they know, this would be a day that none of them would forget! The kids were filled with enthusiasm as they followed Ms. Foster’s instructions and began practicing some basic poses. They seemed to have mastered downward dog in no time at all and even attempted the more complicated bridge pose without too much difficulty.

When class came to an end everyone said goodbye with newfound knowledge that will last a lifetime… including how important it is just simply say “Namaste” (hello) when greeting someone special or familiar alike! pioneeracademy.org

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LOWER SCHOOL FIRST & MOST SPECIAL GRADUATION FOR KINDERGARTEN

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he end of the school year signifies many things, but for our Kindergarten students it means one thing in particular: Graduation!

June 9th was undoubtedly one of the most important days for Kindergarten and their Parents at Pioneer. The graduation ceremony was held to celebrate the achievements of the Kindergarten, and it was nothing short of amazing. It signified an end to one chapter, but also the beginning of another.

From mesmerizing musical performances to receiving their diplomas, it was an emotional event for students and their families.

For the Kindergarten, this was their first time receiving a diploma, and it was an emotional moment for both them and their families.

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SPRING 2023

The highlight of the ceremony was watching the graduates walk to the stage and receive their diplomas, which was an unforgettable moment for everyone. As parents watched anxiously from the audience, each student proudly walked across stage to receive their hard-earned diploma and took photos with the Head of School.

Parents smiled with pride at seeing their children grow before their eyes, while students beamed with happiness at achieving their first milestone in life.

We are immensely grateful to our hardworking teachers who went above and beyond to make this day a special one for our Young Pioneer Eagles.

Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2035, and on to the next adventure!

DAVE THE GREAT WAS HERE TO HELP SUCCEED

On February 3rd, Lower School enjoyed a powerful social emotional assembly performed by Dave the Great. Dave the Great’s mission was to help foster kindness and understanding among students, and he did this through interactive magic tricks that taught relevant lessons. He also used humor to engage the students and keep them entertained while they learned about important social-emotional topics such as healthy body image, honesty, gratitude and friendship.

By using both fun and education, Dave was able to give the students unique insights into how to effectively navigate the world. The assembly had a lasting impact on many of the students, who learned valuable lessons about being kind and understanding toward one another. From magical tricks to a positive atmosphere, Dave’s assembly was an absolute hit!

LOWER SCHOOL

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READERS TODAY, LEADERS TOMORROW! nd of February into first week

guest readers to come into classrooms

Across America” which is a

guest readers included our parents.

of March marked “Read

and read aloud to students. Some of

fun and educational week.

We celebrated with weeklong

The excitement generated throughout

activities and events.

the week showed that our Lower School loves reading! By celebrating reading

The “Magic of Reading” assembly was an

through events like “Read Across

event that used magic to inspire children

America”, children are able to see how

to develop a love for reading. During

much fun reading can be. This can help

the assembly, our guest performer used

inspire them to continue reading outside

magic tricks and illusions to engage

of school and develop a lifelong love

students and make reading seem

for literature. When parents, teachers,

exciting and fun. In addition to the

and students all come together to

magical performance, the assembly

celebrate reading, it sends a message

also provided information about local libraries and their resources.

On “Dress up like who you want to be

when you grow up Day”, we got to make our dream a reality. We all put on our most comfy outfits for ‘Read in your

Pajamas Day”. That one was especially fun! We also got the chance to go wild

by showing off our favorite animal prints one day. Finally, “Dress up like your

favorite book character” and “Wear a

shirt you can read” Day was incredible; some of us even brought along their

that education is valued by the entire favorite books and gave readings

community.

throughout the school!

On the Friday, each classroom had reading centers led by homeroom

teachers which focused on a different

book. The Cat in the Hat, Yertle the Turtle, and Fox in Sox are all popular children’s books that were used as a basis for center activities.

To further encourage reading, we invited

LOVE IS IN THE AIR! Spending Valentine’s Day at school can be a unique and love-filled experience!

It is an occasion to feel connected with others.

classmates, from heart-shaped cookies to chocolate-covered strawberries.

They were involved in art projects that

allowed them to express

The students were so themselves in creative proud of their beautiful ways. The students were love and excitement for the lower school students crafts that they had so proud of their beautiful this year! They showed crafts that they had made, made, and happily their festive spirit by and happily gave them to gave them to their putting on their best pink their loved ones as tokens loved ones as tokens of and red attire to celebrate of love and appreciation. love and appreciation. A day filled with love and the month of love.

Valentine’s Day was full of

Students brought in a variety of delicious snacks and treats to share with their

friendship is sure to be

an unforgettable experience that our students won’t forget.

pioneeracademy.org

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LOWER SCHOOL YUMMY PASTRIES WITH PARENTS

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ay 12th marked a wonderful event at Lower School where we invited parents to come and celebrate Mother’s Day & Father’s Day with their children. The event was a huge success and everyone had a wonderful time. Parents arrived in the morning and were greeted by the smiling faces of their children. They were then invited to enjoy some delicious pastries while they waited for the event to begin. After everyone had settled in, the students took to the stage to perform a special song and dance for their parents.

SCIENTISTS IN THE MAKING

Elementary school students had the opportunity to explore the wonders of science at the Liberty Science Center in the beginning of the Spring Semester.

From touring exhibits to attending presentations, these inspiring kids were exposed to a wealth of knowledge and an enthusiasm for learning. They were amazed by all of the interactive exhibits and activities geared towards getting their hands on real scientific concepts.

It was heartwarming to see the pride in the parents’ faces as they watched their children perform with enthusiasm.

Once the performance was over, it was time for the gift-giving ceremony. Each child had prepared a special present for their parents, which they presented to them with joy and excitement.

There were handmade cards, painted flower pots, and even some homebaked treats that the children had made

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SPRING 2023

themselves. The event was a wonderful way to celebrate both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and to bring the whole school community together.

We hope to continue this tradition for years to come and make it an even bigger and more special event each year.

With each station they passed, they learned more about how our world works - from electricity to bugs - and asked questions that sparked further exploration. It’s always exciting to see children eagerly absorbing new facts, gathering around displays, and engaging in hands-on experiences that bring science to life.

A trip like this is not just fun and educational - it can provide an invaluable lesson in problem solving and critical thinking that will benefit these young minds throughout their lives. It was an exciting day full of adventure as students encountered science in a way never before experienced in their classrooms!

LOWER SCHOOL A NIGHT “OUT” TO REMEMBER Our PTO for the Lower School put together an amazing “Parents Night Out” that was held on February 5th.

The evening started off with some exciting games that were set up in the cafeteria.

Some students were able to win exciting prizes! They played games like relay races, tug-of-war, and even had a mini obstacle course set up. It was great to see them getting active and having fun together.

After the games, the students were treated to some delicious snacks and refreshments. There

were cookies, popcorn, and juice boxes for all to enjoy. The parents had gone all out in making sure that there were plenty of treats to go around. Finally, it was time for the main event - a movie in the auditorium. The students settled in with their snacks and pillows, and were able to relax and enjoy the show. It was a great way to end the evening and everyone left feeling happy and satisfied. The PTO did an incredible job putting together this event. We are grateful for all of the hard work that the PTO puts in to make our school community even stronger.

SPREAD LOVE & KINDNESS It was truly heart-warming to witness the kindness challenge our students undertook. Each night, they chose a random act of kindness ranging from helping around the house, to sharing food and love with others.

The photos they shared with their classroom teachers showed how much care and effort these students put into this kindness challenge; it was amazing to see how helpful and loving everyone could be in performing acts of kindness.

We are incredibly proud at how successful the project has been, thanks to the overwhelming participation from all of our students! Moving forward, we will continue to promote a culture of kindness and good-will in our classrooms, encouraging all students to pay it forward.

We believe that through small acts of kindness, we can make a big difference!

Thank you for your support in making this project an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Together, we have created a better tomorrow by cultivating kindness today!

Making our world a better place, one act of kindness at a time! pioneeracademy.org

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ONE HUNDREDTH DAY OF FUN! 10 FALL 2022

Students either dressed up in

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e had so much fun celebrating the 100th day of school on February 15th. It was an opportunity for us to have fun and show our love for learning.

We saw students dressed like they were a hundred years old, with hats, canes and glasses, as well as students wearing clothing or accessories with at least 100 items attached to them.

Celebrating the 100th day of school is an exciting time for both students and teachers alike. It’s a fun event that helps foster a sense of community, as everyone involved looks back with pride at all the hard work and dedication everyone has put in during the past few months. Plus, it’s inspiring to celebrate such a milestone achievement together as one unified group - something many students will remember long after the 100th day has passed.

creative and fun To make the most of this special day, teachers often come up with creative ideas to help students get involved in the festivities. The fun activities planned for this day also help create an educational experience, as students learn about numbers, art, writing and counting. Some activities may include having students create a “100th Day” poster or banner with 100 items on it, counting out 100 pieces of food for snack time, writing stories using words that contain the number 100, or even creating a timeline of their lives up until this day.

These activities help students to focus on the number 100 and create a memorable experience for everyone involved. It was an educational experience that everyone enjoyed! Thank you to all the teachers, staff, and families who made this event possible and fun for everyone! Wishing many happy 100 days ahead!

costumes that reflected the “100” theme, or dressed up as a 100-yearold person.

MIDDLE SCHOOL A DELICIOUS COMPETITION!

It was an exciting day of delicious creativity at the Middle School Gingerbread House competition! 13 teams made up of middle school students all gathered with one goal in mind - to create the most festive gingerbread house imaginable.

The middle school teachers led by Ms. Nielsen, Mr. Benevenga and Mr. Caiazzo served as judges, evaluating each creation based on its overall design, use of materials, and attention to detail.

laughter as our competitors worked with icing and graham crackers. The competition only grew more intense as the teams put the finishing touches on their masterpieces. In the end, one team emerged victorious, Team Nour K. and Liyana E. emerged as the winners this year!

The winners were awarded with gift cards hard and showed off for their hard work their holiday spirit in and creative efforts.

Congratulations to the cafeteria earlier all the participants today to make the best for showcasing their Gingerbread House! amazing talents, We can’t wait and to see imaginative what they create next year.

Each team put forth their best effort in hopes of bringing home the grand We’re already looking forward to the prize! The cafeteria was filled with next Gingerbread House competition!

Middle schoolers worked

GEOGRAPHY EXPERTS IN ACTION!

On February 8th, Mr. Benevenga held our annual Geography Bee at Pioneer Academy which was a thrilling experience for the Middle Schoolers. Students from grades 5 to 8 participated in the qualifying rounds that were conducted in their Social Studies classes before ten of them moved on to the finals.

The competition featured 90 questions, testing the geography knowledge of all the participants. In the end, Samved S. from Grade 5 emerged victorious with an impressive nearly perfect score – congratulations, Samved!

All those who took part should be proud of themselves for their outstanding effort.

The Geo Bee was a great success and we are already looking forward to next year’s competition!

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NATIONAL JR. HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION Lead by Mrs. Vickery, 11 special and hardworking students were honored with the induction.

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he National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony was a resounding success!

The ceremony began with an inspirational speech from Adnan Alkhalili, President of the Upper School National Honor Society.

He spoke about the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success, and reminded the inductees of their important role as members of this esteemed society.

Next was our Head of School Mr. Akman. He took the stage to close out the evening with a few words of encouragement and

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congratulations. He spoke about the importance of dedication, hard work, and striving for excellence that is embodied in these inductees. His closing remarks were heartfelt and inspirational, leaving all those present feeling proud and grateful for such an amazing event.

Each student received a certificate of induction, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and commitment to achieving excellence.

Congratulations to all new National Junior Honor Society Inductees! We are so proud to have you as members of this esteemed organization.

AFTER HOURS FUN NIGHT!

STEM OLYMPIAD

TROPHY HUNTERS Pioneer Academy’s middle school students participated in the annual International STEM Olympiad on April 2nd, a competition that brings together talented students to compete in various STEM fields.

The aim of the Olympiad is to identify and encourage young people with exceptional talents in STEM subjects, as well as to promote interest in these fields among young students.

This year’s competition consisted of math, science, coding, and art categories, challenging students in various aspects of STEM. The competition involves a preliminary and a final round.. We were well-represented by middle school students from grades 5-8, many of whom brought back medals for their exceptional performances.

19 students from Lower and Middle School brought home; • 2 Gold • 8 Silver • 13 Bronze Medals We are proud of our students and their achievements in the International STEM Olympiad, and would like to recognize and celebrate the exceptional work they have put into the competition.

We are thrilled to support and promote the development of young talents in STEM fields and look forward to even more success in next year’s competition.

Pioneer Academy hosted an Escape Room Night on February 24th, which was graciously organized by the ParentTeacher Organization (PTO) and is sure to be remembered as a highlight of their academic year. The event ran from 4 to 7 pm and offered a unique opportunity for students of all grade levels to use their powers of deduction and collaboration to work together as a team.

Though challenging at times, our middle schoolers had an extraordinary time searching for clues, solving puzzles, and completing tasks. Teams of students put their wits to the test as they solved difficult clues and pieced together puzzles in order to progress through the Escape Room. With a limited time on their hands, our middle schoolers had to work quickly and collaboratively in order to escape before the clock ran out. It was truly inspiring to watch the students work together in order to resolve any issues they faced; they now know the true meaning of teamwork -- one of life’s greatest lessons! We are incredibly thankful for all the PTO parents that made this activity possible and gave our students such an awesome experience.

Final Exam Award Qualifications The top 10% of the participants will receive a Gold Medal The next 10-25% of the participants will receive a Silver Medal The next 25-50% of the participants will receive a Bronze Medal.

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ALICE IN WONDERLAND

The curtains opened and the audience was immediately

captivated by what they saw. On stage, in brightly colored costumes, were members of a middle school drama club

performing their version of Alice in Wonderland. As the play

unfolded, it became clear just how much work had gone into this production.

The sets were beautifully designed to bring out the lively colors of Wonderland and the characters’ costumes sparkled with life as everyone moved around on stage.

Each performer seemed to have put so much effort into learning their lines and acting out scenes that it was almost like watching a professional production on Broadway!

One special mention goes to Ms. Atay who made this all possible by bringing her students together

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for months in order to make sure that this performance would be memorable for years to come!

And she certainly succeeded – when the curtains close, there was thunderous applause from every corner of the auditorium – no one wanted it to end!

She beamed back at her students proudly as she accepted their accolades; it seemed impossible that one person could have done so much for these extraordinary kids!

DR. YILDIZ GETS EDYTH MAY SLIFFE AWARD

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e in the Upper School are filled with joy and pride as we announce the recent achievements of our Mathematics Department Head, Dr. Yildiz.

Dreams Really Do Come True

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He has been awarded the prestigious Edyth May Sliffe Award for Distinguished Teaching which is given annually to teachers who provide outstanding support to students participating in American Mathematics Competitions.

Dr. Yildiz is one of just 20

high school math teachers

across the United States to be Carnegie Hall

iolet Kasm is a 9th grader with big dreams and even bigger accomplishments.

part of the Grand Prix & First Prize Winners’ Recital. She was a First Prize winner at the Concert Festival International Competition.

On a Sunday evening this past January, Violet’s dream of playing Carnegie Hall came true.

Under a crystal chandelier, she performed a beautiful piece by Sergei Bortkiewicz on the stage of the elegant Weill Recital Hall as

The crowd was moved to their feet in applause as Violet took a bow after her performance at Carnegie Hall. Violet’s Pioneer family is proud beyond words, and we are overjoyed knowing that all of Violet’s hard work has paid off.

recognized for his outstanding work!

This recognition is a validation of our school’s commitment to providing an excellent academic experience for all our students.

Dr. Yildiz will be receiving his award in a special reception that will be held during the Mathematical Association of America’s MathFest in Tampa in August 2023. Our congratulations and thanks go to Dr. Yildiz for his outstanding work!

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GRADUATION 2023

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ioneer Academy Upper School celebrated its annual graduation ceremony at the Wayne YMCA on May 17, marking a significant milestone for the graduating students. The event brought together parents, families, friends, and teachers, all gathered to honor the hard work and achievements of the graduating class. The ceremony featured inspiring speeches, heartfelt farewells, and captivating musical performances that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

Bajraktarevic, our Assistant Head of School. The Mayor of Wayne, Christopher Vergano, addressed the graduates, sharing words of encouragement as they embark on their next chapter in life. Following the Mayor’s address, Head of School, Owen Akman, took the stage to congratulate the students on their accomplishments and express his confidence in their bright futures. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Teboho Moja, a Clinical Professor of Higher Education at New York University. advised students on keeping an open mind and managing their time in college.

The event began with a warm welcome from Ms. Monica

The ceremony continued with valedictorian Jiaqi Wu addressing the crowd, reflecting on the shared memories and experiences that shaped his high school journey.

Junior Sara Hanini then delivered an emotional farewell speech, expressing gratitude to the graduating seniors for their guidance and camaraderie, and wishing them the best in their future endeavors.

Throughout the event, the Fine Arts Department Head Mr. Bajrami led a series of musical performances that showcased the incredible talent present within Pioneer Academy.

The Class of 2023 wowed the guests with an impressive lineup of college acceptances,

including Yale, Brown, UPenn, University of

Chicago, Vanderbilt, NYU, Rice, Emory, Rutgers, George Washington University, University

of Toronto, Washington University St. Louis,

University of Virginia, Boston University, Case Western Reserve University, and many other prestigious universities.

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Once the graduates received their diplomas and tossed their caps in the air, it was time for the celebratory dinner at the Hilton in Hasbrouck Heights to honor the graduates and their achievements.

Salutatorian Abdulaziz Almat kicked off the program with a grateful reflection on his time at Pioneer Academy and an impromptu vocal performance with another graduate, Danial Bakhytov. The dinner provided a warm and festive setting for parents, teachers, and graduates to

come together and reminisce about their experiences at the school.

As the evening progressed, attendees had the opportunity to share heartfelt words of appreciation, advice, and well-wishes for the future. The graduates and their families enjoyed a delicious meal while basking in the joy of their accomplishments and the positive atmosphere that filled the room. This memorable gathering served as a fitting conclusion to the milestone event, leaving everyone with cherished memories to last a lifetime.

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A BEACON OF HOPE

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ur middle schoolers at Pioneer Academy has a mission—to make the world a better place. With that goal in mind, they set out to raise money for the “Eyes of the World” program, which provides cataract surgeries to those living in remote parts of Africa who need them most.

They held bake sales and car washes, sold stuff, and asked family members, friends, and neighbors for donations. By working together as a team and leveraging their creativity through various fundraising initiatives, they managed to reach an incredible milestone: They raised $2,000!

And on May 10th at school assembly time in front of their peers and teachers, our one and only lower & middle school coordinators Mr. Caiazzo and Ms. Duzgun presented

Dana Coppola of Embrace Relief Foundation with a giant check representing all their hard work.

What an amazing feat our middle schoolers accomplished!

In addition to helping people across oceans receive life-saving surgeries from funds raised by our young students here at home; this experience taught our kids about global citizenship — the idea that we are all part of at Pioneer Academy.

The program has not only made an impact on those who receive help through this program but also on those who took part in it; learning at such an early age how important it is to give back and be selfless when we can make a difference in someone else’s life is a lesson that will stay with these students forever!

They understand just how powerful young minds & hearts can be when united together to do great things!

Lifesavers Keep Saving Lives On January 11th, the Lifesavers Club hosted a Blood Drive in cooperation with the New York Blood Center. With the guidance of adviser Ms. Fatma, Lifesavers Club achieved their highest turnout in school history—43 units of blood were collected!

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In order to make sure that all donations were done safely and efficiently, volunteers from Lifesavers Club prepared snacks and drinks for those waiting in line as well as helped manage crowd control and clean up afterwards. Lifesavers Club senior leader Sami said, “My favorite part was sitting at the registration desk during the day of the Blood Drive and talking to everyone about the procedure and what they were going to do next. It was really rewarding.”

Art Show; An Exhibit of Promising Talents The show was attended by members of the local community as well as faculty and parents from Pioneer Academy itself who were eager to witness what their children had created under such dedicated tutelage.

It had been a long month of May for the Pioneer Academy art teachers, Ms. Szabo and Ms. Hernandez. Since early April, they had been working tirelessly to curate an amazing exhibition showcasing the talented work of their students in both the upper school and middle school groups.

The hard work paid off when on May 24th that year, Wayne Public Library opened its doors to welcome all attendees of the inaugural “Pioneer Academy Art Show” closing ceremony.

With anticipation high in the air, Mr Bajrami & Mr Cerriku took turns with some members of the Pioneer Ensemble to perform several pieces throughout evening - adding a sense of magic and wonderment to an already inspiring atmosphere!

As one could expect, there was no shortage in awe-inspiring artwork hung upon every wall throughout Wayne Public Library’s halls during this

momentous occasion; each piece felt like it told its own story that captivated all those present within its presence making them feel like part if something much grander than just an art show or even a single night at Wayne Public Library! At last, after months filled with preparation - the official opening night for “Pioneer Academy Art Show” came to be remembered as a truly special day amongst everyone involved; leaving behind countless memories that will live on far past this memorable evening! pioneeracademy.org 19

Robotics Club ends the season with “Creativity Award”!

Checkmate!

What a year for the Pioneer Academy Robotics Team “Piotech Robotics”!

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he Piotech Robotics Team was elated with their latest accomplishment, the Creativity Award from the First Robotics Competition. It had been a year of hard work and dedication for this group of high school students, but all their efforts paid off when they were recognized as one of the most creative teams in robotics.

It was a huge year for Piotech Robotics Team whose efforts are awarded by not only trophies but also $6,000 funding and support from NASA earlier in the year!

Piotech Robotics team’s outstanding dedication and hard work have clearly paid off and set them apart from other competitors in the area of robotics. They serve as a true inspiration to anyone looking to achieve greatness in this fast-evolving field.

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ioneer Academy hosted its 3rd annual chess tournament in March. Chess Club advisor and chemistry teacher Mr. Yerbol organized the tournament, which welcomed 21 participants from various grades, who played 8 rounds of chess with different students, with points awarded for wins and losses.

The tournament was an excellent showcase of students’ strategic thinking, problem-solving, and mathematical abilities. Chess requires careful calculation of moves, planning several steps ahead, and analyzing outcomes. We recognize the importance of these critical life skills and how they translate to other areas of learning and beyond.

The 3rd place went to Yerassyl, who showed great resilience and determination throughout the tournament. The 2nd place went to Yunus, who displayed great strategic thinking and planning during his games. The 1st place went to Ahmet, who emerged victorious through his excellent gameplay and well-executed strategies.

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On Monday, March 6, Pioneer Academy’s Model United Nations (MUN) club held a special Socratic dialogue session in collaboration with the Model UN Club of Triangle Math and Science Academy, a STEAM charter school based in North Carolina.

16 students, two teachers, and a parent chaperone from Triangle Math and Science Academy traveled to Pioneer Academy as part of their program at the UN Headquarters in New York City.

The dialogue focused on the topic of improving STEM Education through the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The SDGs are a set of 17 goals aimed at addressing pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and more.

Model UN Dialogue Session 16 students, two teachers, and a parent chaperone from Triangle Math and Science Academy traveled to Pioneer Academy as part of their program at the UN Headquarters in New York City.

The Socratic dialogue session was moderated by Dr. Rahman, Head of the Social Studies Department and advisor to Model UN Club.

The session allowed students from both schools to engage in exchange of ideas, and learn from each other’s perspectives on how to improve STEM education worldwide. Throughout the conversation, participants explored the importance of promoting gender equality and equal access to quality education, as well as the role of technology and innovation in achieving

sustainable development.

Adnan Alkhalili, a member of MUN club, expressed his satisfaction with the event, saying, “It was very motivating to hear the perspectives of other ambitious students surrounding global issues. I think we all benefited from the exchange of ideas.”

The collaboration between Pioneer Academy and Triangle Math and Science Academy exemplifies the spirit of Model United Nations, which encourages students to develop their critical thinking, public speaking, and negotiation skills while fostering a sense of global citizenship. By engaging in discussions around pressing global challenges these young leaders are not only broadening their horizons but also contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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Freshmen visit Ramapo College

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n April 25th, we visited Ramapo College with our freshmen students.

For our 9th-grade students, this was a great opportunity to have a firsthand look at college and campus life.

Every year we organize a college tour for each grade level in high school because it is extremely significant for students to see a real college atmosphere. These trips motivate students to work harder and remind them about their career dreams, and goals.

A Trip to Museum of Art

Listening to the tour guides students have a good understanding of admission factors, and what they should do to prepare for different criteria set by different schools. They are able to ask questions about different programs, or resources available.

After they have a good overall picture of the college life they tend to continue to search and visit other colleges. On to the next visit!

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pring Semester for art class kicked off in grand fashion with a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Ms. Szabo and Ms. Atay organized this exciting opportunity for our upper school art students. Students got a chance to discover ancient Egyptian tombs and iconic works, such as the Temple of Dendur - one of most beloved pieces at The Met. The students also explored Indigenous cultures through the Met’s Native American collections featuring

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paintings, drawings, sculptures, and textiles crafted by quill and bead embroidery techniques. Basketry pieces plus captivating ceramics were also on display!

For lunch, students indulged in classic NYC street food before taking out their sketchpads to capture some iconic statues. To further test their knowledge on art history, they also took part in a fun and engaging scavenger hunt through the European painting section searching for works and titles as part of an assignment!

Happy Lunar New Year!

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ast Friday, our students celebrated the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rabbit by enjoying a festive lunch, followed by a dumpling making event.

It was a lot of fun and we truly enjoyed it.

On February 10th, we celebrated once again with over 60 students, teachers, administrators and guests coming together to enjoy each other’s company. We shared a delicious meal prepared by New Line Catering, enjoyed great music DJ’d by Bryan Zhang and shared beautiful memories of the traditions we share.

Students emphasized their joy of visiting their families, especially their elders whom they would show great appreciation and respect, receiving red envelopes and enjoying fireworks.

Let it Snow!

Communities from all around the world celebrate Lunar New Year at the start of a new moon. The time is taken to cleanse oneself of old habits and to reflect on how to begin a life with new goals and ideas.

And with Northeast New Jersey’s first snow fall, our first snow day of the 2022-2023 school year was officially underway!

At Pioneer Academy we are so grateful that we are in the company of peers that can bring us new traditions and teach us the traditions of others from around the world.

With the message Head of School Mr. Akman out, students were encouraged to get out, enjoy the snow, and spend time with family members while building a snowman.

Snowman building was a popular activity among all students and families, as it provided a great opportunity for them to get creative, have fun, and bond with each other. Some even took the extra time to create unique snow figures or sculptures! The first snow day of the year was definitely an unforgettable one, and each student and family was thankful for the special time together. pioneeracademy.org 23

STEAM WEEK In March, Pioneer Academy organized its annual STEAM Week event, captivating students from the lower, middle, and upper school levels. The week-long event celebrated the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through an engaging range of activities, events, and competitions.

Beginning in the lower school, students enthusiastically participated in STEAM Trivia.

The Mad Science company came to Pioneer and presented an exciting show titled “Fire and Ice.” Students also had the opportunity to unleash their creativity through a paper airplane workshop. A special guest speaker, an accomplished podiatrist and proud Pioneer parent, shared his experiences with the lower school students, inspiring them with real-life applications of STEAM. Mathematics took center stage with an exhilarating Math Competition held at each grade level, where student finalists amazed the crowd with their lightningfast ability to compute and process. Lastly, lower school students had the unique chance to witness science fair project presentations and demonstrations by middle and upper school students, fueling their curiosity and exposing them to innovative ideas and scientific endeavors.

The annual middle school talent show allowed students to showcase their creative talents in music, dance, and other performing arts.

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In the middle school, students delved deeper into STEAM with the Pioneers of STEAM Projects. They researched the lives and achievements of influential figures in the STEAM fields and honored them by creating handmade portraits. An exciting field trip to the Museum of Natural History provided a firsthand experience of scientific wonders and

historical artifacts. Annual math competition, eggdrop competition, science fair project presentations, a Z-Type contest, and even a Sumo Robots tournament was other events that took place during STEAM Week.

Upper School students demonstrated their engineering skills in the bridge-building contest, applying their knowledge of physics and structural design. An educational trip to the National Museum of Mathematics immersed them in the world of mathematics and its diverse applications in everyday life. The week culminated with science fair project presentations, where students had the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas, and scientific experiments.

FBI , OPEN UP! On May 24th, a group of juniors gathered at the FBI Newark Division to take part in its Youth Awareness Program. We were all excited and ready for a day full of adventure and learning.

As soon as we got there, it felt like an adventure! We were greeted by FBI agents who welcomed us with enthusiasm and energy. The first activity was an Evidence Response Team demonstration where we got to see firsthand how evidence is collected by FBI Agents. It was fascinating! The agents showed us the different techniques they use when collecting evidence like finger printing, DNA extraction, and even using drones!

Everyone wanted information about special training courses available so they could get closer to their dream job someday soon.

Next up was Drug Awareness with K-9 dogs. We had a chance to observe real live demonstrations of drug detection dogs sniffing out narcotics from containers set up around the room. It was incredible how quickly these specially trained canines could detect drugs hidden away on shelves or tucked behind furniture!

by-step so we knew exactly what to do if ever faced with a crime scene in real life.

Finally came Career Q&A – this gave us insight into the daily life of an FBI Agent, their qualifications and how one would go about becoming an agent after college graduation. Everyone wanted information about special training courses available so they could get closer to their dream job someday soon :) As we drove home from our amazing field trip that night everyone agreed: Today really opened our eyes to all that the FBI does every single day protecting American people & upholding Constitution - and gave us concrete steps towards eventually joining its ranks in future years… what an inspiring experience indeed!

After that it was time for Crime Scene Investigation! We each got our own kit filled with tools used by real investigators such as tweezers, gloves, measuring tape and more – it felt just like being on CSI! Our instructors took us through the proper process steppioneeracademy.org 25

MULTI-CULTURAL WEEK 2023

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he middle and upper schoolers had been eagerly awaiting this year’s Cultural Week with anticipation and excitement. This annual event, now in its eighth year, has become a beloved part of the school culture; a time for celebrating the diversity present within the student body.

As classes were assigned countries to learn about and represent, students quickly got to work brainstorming ideas for their projects.

In no time at all it was Friday morning and Multi Cultural Week had begun! Classrooms were transformed into mini-replicas of Jamaica, Denmark, Madagascar, Chile, Singapore Albania, Senegal and Sri Lanka – each one filled with traditional decor such as flags or art pieces as well as delicious food specialties from each country.

As visitors moved from classroom to classroom they could hear music wafting through the air along with laughter and chatter in different languages. It was truly a sight to behold - vibrant colors everywhere you looked alongside passionate discussions amongst peers who have embraced learning about cultures other than their own.

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After much deliberation by jury members it was finally announced that Albania’s booth won first place followed by Jamaica in second place thanks largely due to their amazing live musical performance which captivated everyone present!

This year’s Multicultural Week had definitely outdone itself yet again - what an incredible way for our young global citizens here at Pioneer Academy to celebrate not only cultural differences but also similarities between them all!

Classrooms were transformed into mini-replicas of Jamaica, Denmark, Madagascar, Chile, Singapore Albania, Senegal and Sri Lanka – each one filled with traditional decor as well as delicious food specialties from each country.

After much deliberation by jury members it was finally announced that Albania’s showcase won first place followed by Jamaica in second place!

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A COMMITTED EDUCATOR

PIONEER ACADEMY’S MIDDLE SCHOOL IS HOME TO MANY OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS, AND CAITLIN NIELSEN IS ONE ON OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM.

Ms. Nielsen has been a part of our

development of the school, particularly in

Academy for 6 years. She has made

she teaches students in grades 6, 7, and 8.

academic community at Pioneer

significant contributions to the growth and

the field of English Language Arts, where

We asked one of her current students to express how she feels about Ms. Nielsen’s class.

“W

hen I walk into Mrs. Nielsen’s room, I feel confident and ready to learn in a comfortable learning environment. Mrs. Nielsen is always willing to hear about my morning and make me feel heard.

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aking English class with Mrs. Nielsen has been so fun for me and I hope to see her next year! I can’t wait to read the 7th-grade novels and do more novel studies with her. She has a beautiful heart and is an amazing teacher. I am so lucky to have her as my English teacher!

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he makes me feel like she is genuinely interested when I talk to her. When I don’t understand something, Miss. Nielsen is patient and is always willing to re-explain the topic even if I still don’t understand. he is always hands-on with us. Also, I feel she tries to make my classmates enjoy her class. She is good at communication and is flexible as well as organized with her teaching. She changed our lesson plan to fit us. he talks to us maturely and doesn’t make my classmates feel belittled. I feel understood when I talk to her. “I like you guys telling me stories because I feel like I am going through these moments with you.” -Mrs. Nielsen

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CAREER DAY May 26, 2023

Perhaps the most meaningful part of Career Day came when some of our own alumni returned back home for a visit.

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ay 26th was a special day at Pioneer Academy Upper School. Business experts, alumni and professionals from various fields had come in to share their knowledge and experiences with the students.

It was an exciting opportunity for the students to be able to learn directly from people who have seen success in their chosen fields; it was like having a front row seat to learning about careers that could shape their future.

The hallways were buzzing with energy as excited students made their way into each room filled with professional guests who came ready to teach them about different disciplines such as Law, Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Marine Corps, Engineering and Medical Fields.

Each guest shared stories of how they had gotten started in their field and gave valuable advice on what it takes to succeed. The crowd listened intently as these experienced professionals spoke of the challenges they’d faced along the way and how they overcame them – inspiring many young minds in attendance with thoughts of possibility!

Perhaps the most meaningful part of Career Day came when some of our own alumni returned back home for a visit. These former Pioneers shared stories from when they attended this very school years ago - reminding everyone that you don’t need any prior experience or credentials to achieve great things if you put your heart into it! This sentiment left an indelible impression on all present - confirming that anything is possible if you believe hard enough for it.

At the end of Career Day there were smiles all around – buoyant spirits reflected in every student’s eyes after being exposed to so much inspiration.

As we sent our guests off with heartfelt farewells, each one reminded us once again how important education is and how far hard work can take you no matter which career path you choose!

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CELEBRATING EARTH DAY! On April 25th, upper schoolers got green and rolled up their sleeves for a spotless campus. Armed with garbage bags and gloves, they tackled every nook

and cranny before rounding things off under the bright sun. It was amazing how quickly the students worked together picking up every piece of garbage around the campus.

The second half of their Earth Day celebration included planting a tree at the back of their campus grounds as an act of giving back to nature. All the students

gathered around while Salahedin grabbed hold of shovels and started digging away until there was enough room for planting a seedling tree.

ALUMNI DINNER

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n April 16th

should pick a name consisting

night full of

- something unique like Mighty

we had a

excitement and anticipation as

the Pioneer Academy Alumni gathered for their annual dinner program. Barrack Gibson,

Class of 2017, welcomed everyone

warmly as he took center

stage to host

of an animal and an adjective Lions or Fiery Hawks - then

answer trivia questions about random topics that would be displayed on screens

throughout the room. The all girls “Golden

The all girls “Golden Cheetahs” team emerged as winners of the quiz

the event.

After a

Cheetahs” team emerged as

winners of the

quiz. Congrats!

As everyone said goodbye after a

fantastic evening filled with

wonderful meal prepared

laughter and reminiscence,

time for some fun! Mr. Caiazzo

remember!

by our talented chefs, it was announced that each table

this was truly a night to

When all was said done, everyone stood back with smiles on their faces as they admired what they’d achieved together. Talk about a great way to give Mother Nature the love and attention she deserves.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023