Committed to Working Together for a Better Education Through Excellence
Pioneer Trailblazers
Pioneer School is proud to offer Powerful Outcomes in Wellness, Education, & Recreation. POWER PLUS is an after school program that has been recognized for excellence throughout Region 8 (Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Kern Counties). At Pioneer, we provide safe, effective, innovative, & engaging learning, nutrition, and physical activity programs for DUSD students in grades TK-8. We want all of our students to get connected after school with a course they are interested in learning more about or for the first time. All your child needs is a spark of interest and we are convinced that they will find the perfect course that will grow their passion for learning something that isn’t typically taught during the regular school day hours.
Check out the courses
we are offering at Pioneer School below!
Session 4: Ends on April. 17th
Session 5: April. 20th- June 3rd
Registration for Session 5 is open on 4/10/26 at 4:00pm
Please note that students that register for classes later than 2:30 pm will have to be picked up after school and dropped off for their class unless they attend the after school POWER program.
Session 5 registrations opens soon
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Center Fun and Outside Play
Students will be able to use classroom centers and Kinder bikes.
Grades: TK/K
Monday and Tuesday
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Instructor: P. Diaz
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Arts and Crafts
Create hands on activities and use your imagination.
Grades: TK/K
Monday and Tuesday
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Instructor: N. Gonzalez
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Book Club
Students will read books, complete activities related to book and can take AR quizzes during this time.
Grades: 2, 3, 4
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Instructor: D. Salazar
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Diamond Painting and Crafts
Students will enjoy a relaxing time making their own diamond painting. In addition, they will be making fun crafts related to different holidays.
Grades: 3, 4
Monday and Tuesday
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Instructor: L. Martinez
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Mindfulness and Creative Expression
This program helps students develop mindfulness through relaxing and creative activities. Students can unwind and practice being present while journaling, drawing, coloring, reading, participating in arts and crafts, and playing board games.
Grades: 4, 5
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Instructor: M. Cornejo
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Crafting with LaNore
Students will be creating different types of crafts.
Grades: 5
Monday and Tuesday
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Instructor: L. Herrera
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Arts and Crafts
This course introduces students to a variety of creative art techniques and hands-on craft projects designed to inspire imagination and self-expression. Students will explore different materials such as paper, paint, fabric, clay, and recycled items while learning basic art principles like color, texture, shape, and design. Through fun and engaging projects, students will develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Activities may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and seasonal crafts. Students will also learn how to follow directions, work independently, and collaborate with classmates on group projects.
Grades: 5
Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Instructor: S. Ramirez
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Art and Yoga
Children will be involved in a variety of age appropriate art activities as well as some yoga/exercising sessions.
Grades: TK/K
Wednesday and Thursday
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Instructor: R. Felix
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Color Guard: Learning the Fundamentals (Part 1)
Studenst will learn the fundamentals of color guard. They will learn how to spin equipment such as flags, rifles and sabres. Students also has the opportunity to be part of community parades with the school band.
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Instructor: A. Barroga
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Hip Hop Dance, Physical Activity and Beyond
Student will learn hip hop dance as well as choreography. Student will also engage in other physical activity and beyond.
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Instructor: J. Valenzuela
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SEL, Acting and Theatrical Skills
Students will learn to convey their emotions through journal writing and vision boards. They will use acting techniques to express themselves and show conflict resolutions in a positive way. Theatrical skills will be used as a resource for fun and game play.
Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8
Wednesday and Thursday
Time: 2:30pm-3:30pm
Instructor: I. Abitago
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Girls Basketball Fundamentals
This course focuses on developing fundamental basketball skills through structured drills, game-based activities, and guided practice. Students will learn and improve essential skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, footwork, defense, and teamwork. Emphasis is placed on proper technique, physical conditioning, sportsmanship, and understanding basic game strategies. Through progressive drills and small-sided games, students will build confidence, coordination, and decision-making skills while fostering a positive attitude toward physical fitness and collaborative play. This course is designed for players of all skill levels and encourages growth, effort, and enjoyment of the game.
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Wednesday and Thursday
Time: 2:30pm-3:30pm
Instructor: N. Valdovinos
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Pioneer Cheer Team 2026-2027
Calling all current 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade Pioneer Students who are interested in joining the Pioneer Cheer team for next school year 2026-2027. Join this class to learn tryout routines and fun skills about cheer. Tryouts will be toward the end of the session to announce next years Pioneer Cheer team. Interested in participating at school games, , parades, rally's, community and school events then this is for you. Sign up and come the first day for the meeting to go over all the details.
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
Time: 2:45pm-3:45pm
Instructor: C. Cardenas Lopez
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LEGO STEM and Gaming
🚀 Calling all middle schoolers! Get ready to unleash your inner scientist, engineer, and gamer! Join our after-school program where you'll dive into the world of STEM and embark on thrilling adventures. 🤖 Build Cool Robots with LEGO: Unleash your creativity and engineering skills by designing and building your own robots! Whether you’re a LEGO pro or just starting out, we’ll guide you through fun challenges and exciting projects. 🎮 Play Nintendo Switch Games: Take a break from building and dive into the world of Nintendo Switch! Compete with friends in Mario Kart, cook up a storm in Overcooked, or team up in Super Smash Bros. for some epic fun! It's a blend of creativity, innovation, and friendly competition - don't miss out on the excitement! Join us and let's make learning an unforgettable journey Sign Up Today to be a part of the most exciting Power +!
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
Time: 2:45pm-3:45pm
Instructor: A. Rodriguez
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Classic Board and Card Games
Want to hang out with friends and play awesome games after school? Curious about new games and ready to try something different? Classic Board & Card Games is all about having fun while challenging your brain, building strategy skills, and teaming up with others. Whether you love fast-paced card games or strategy board games that make you think a few moves ahead, there’s something here for everyone. Bring your game face and join the fun!
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
Time: 2:45pm-3:45pm
Instructor: B. Howard
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Garden Club/ Scorekeeping
Score Keepers will help keep score at school games and events. From Basketball to Soccer to Volleyball. Students will learn rules of the game and how to operate the scoreboard in the gym and keep track of the score in the score book. The Garden Club will teach the Science and Art of growing vegetables, fruits, flowers, & ornamental plants. Our Garden Club will learn how to design & plan their future gardens. They will do this all while working with the seasons in the Pioneer Garden. Our students will indoor seed start in Winter, transplant seedlings in Spring, & harvest in Summer. The Garden Club will also learn about the different life cycles of plants, & many other lessons.
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 2:45pm-3:45pm
Instructor: J. Galvan
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Book Club: The Page Turners
The Middle School Book Club is designed to help students develop a lifelong love of reading while strengthening important literacy skills. In this course, students read a variety of engaging books appropriate for middle school readers, including fiction, nonfiction, and popular youth literature. Students participate in structured discussions, small-group book talks, and reflective activities that help them explore characters, themes, vocabulary, and author’s purpose. Throughout the course, students practice making connections, asking questions, summarizing, and sharing opinions supported with evidence from the text. Activities may include literature circles, reading journals, creative projects, and presentations that allow students to respond to books in meaningful ways. The class encourages respectful discussion, active listening, and collaboration as students share ideas and perspectives with their peers. By the end of the course, students will have strengthened their reading comprehension, critical thinking, and communication skills while discovering the enjoyment of reading within a supportive community of readers.
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 2:45pm-3:45pm
Instructor: M. Madrigal
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Art Exploration
During this power plus session, students explore various art supplies and techniques to ultimately develop their own unique personal style in the arts. The mediums they can choose to work with include drawing/painting, jewelry making, crafting, and creating mosaics.
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 2:45pm-3:45pm
Instructor: M. Oropeza
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Photo Album Making
Do you love taking pictures of your friends, your pets, or that perfectly plated pizza? Stop letting those photos disappear into your camera roll and start turning them into a masterpiece! In this course, we’ll move beyond the basic "point-and-shoot" to explore how to tell a story through a lens and design a physical or digital keepsake you’ll want to keep forever.
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 2:45pm-3:45pm
Instructor: R. Ledesma
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Cricut Crafts
Students will create their own designs for cups, T-shirts, and personalize everyday items.
Grades: 7
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 2:45pm-3:45pm
Instructor: L. Gudino
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Graduation Crafts
Class of 2026, this one’s just for you! Create, celebrate, and craft all things graduation while making your final weeks as a Trailblazer unforgettable.
Grades: 8
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 2:45pm-3:45pm
Instructor: C. Vaca Hernandez
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Brain Teasers, Puzzles and More!
Students can choose calming activities:
jigsaw puzzles, brain teaser puzzles, word searches, crossword puzzles, coloring, doodling, and/or reading in a peaceful classroom setting.Grades: 2, 3, 4
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Instructor: D. Salazar
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Learning Spanish
Students will participate in beginners Spanish lessons including some reading, vocabulary, music and writing!!
Grades: TK/K
Wednesday and Thursday
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Instructor: R. Felix
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Color Guard: Learning the Fundamentals (Part 2)
Students will learn the fundamentals of color guard. They will learn how to spin equipment such as flags, rifles and sabers. Students also has the opportunity to be part of community parades with the school band
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Instructor: A. Barroga
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The Art of Movement
Students will learn fundamentals and learn dance basics and techniques in various dance styles. Students also dabble in various equipment that color guard uses.
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Instructor: J. Valenzuela
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Astronomy and Oceanography
Students will learn about the universe from our solar system to the vast galaxies beyond. Students will learn about all the mysteries that the depths of our oceans may contain. They will create their own ideas and thoughts of theories and facts, while having fun in the process.
Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8
Wednesday and Thursday
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Instructor: I. Abitago
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Girls Basketball Skills and Drills
This course focuses on developing fundamental basketball skills through structured drills, game-based activities, and guided practice. Students will learn and improve essential skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, footwork, defense, and teamwork. Emphasis is placed on proper technique, physical conditioning, sportsmanship, and understanding basic game strategies. Through progressive drills and small-sided games, students will build confidence, coordination, and decision-making skills while fostering a positive attitude toward physical fitness and collaborative play. This course is designed for players of all skill levels and encourages growth, effort, and enjoyment of the game.
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Wednesday and Thursday
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Instructor: N. Valdovinos
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Growing a Storybook Garden – Reading Fiction & Designing Literary Gardens
In this imaginative and hands-on class, students will explore the magic of fictional stories centered around gardens, nature, and growing things. Students will discover how gardens come alive in literature as places of mystery, transformation, and creativity. As they read, students will discuss themes such as growth, change, imagination, and the connection between people and nature. They will analyze how authors use descriptive language to “plant” vivid images in the reader’s mind. The class then moves from page to practice: students will design their own literary garden inspired by the stories they’ve read. Using drawing, planning sheets, and creative writing, they will: Design a themed garden based on a fictional story Create maps and layouts of their imagined space Write a short story or scene set within their garden Present their garden design and explain its connection to the literature By blending reading comprehension, creative writing, art, and basic design principles, this class helps students cultivate both literacy skills and imagination. Perfect for young readers who love stories, nature, and bringing their ideas to life!
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 3:45pm-4:45pm
Instructor: J. Galvan
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Independent Study Art
During this power plus session, students explore various art supplies and techniques to ultimately develop their own unique personal style in the arts. The mediums they can choose to work with include drawing/painting, jewelry making, crafting, and creating mosaics..
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
Time: 3:45pm-4:45pm
Instructor: M. Oropeza
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Crafts and Bling Bling
Unleash your inner designer in this comprehensive DIY fashion workshop! Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this class combines the art of fabric manipulation, vibrant color application, and high-shine embellishments. Participants will transform plain clothing into personalized wearable art and create unique, stylish crafts
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 3:45pm-4:45pm
Instructor: R. Ledesma
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Gamified Fitness, Strategic Thinking, and Team Collaboration
Student will play virtual sports, dance and problem solving using a Nintendo Switch. They will be encouraged to move and think strategically. They will be encouraged to work with others, share and compromise. Student will learn good sportsmanship by competing with others.
Grade: 3
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Time: 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Instructor: B. Dandin
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Imaginative Crafts
creative arts and crafts
Grades: 4, 6
Wednesday and Thursday
Time: 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Instructor: D. Mora Sanchez
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Creative Construction and Crafts
The class explores the art of building with LEGO and other creative construction materials. It is for builders of all skill levels. Through guided projects and open-ended challenges, students will develop problem-solving skills and creativity.
Grades: 3
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Time: 4:45 pm - 5:45 pm
Instructor: B. Dandin
Questions? Get in touch.
Transportation to another school site for participation in the Expanded Learning Program will be provided for any pupil who attends a school that is not operating an Expanded Learning Opportunity program. (POWER Plus)