About Us
Pioneer's History
Pioneer's History![]()
Pioneer's History
Pioneer High School (PHS) was established in 2003 as the second comprehensive high school in the Woodland Joint Unified School District. Pioneer is located on the southeast side of the city of Woodland, in Yolo County. Pioneer opened its doors in 2003-2004 with sophomores and freshmen, in 2004-2005 a new freshmen class was added, and in the 2005-2006 school year PHS had a full complement of four classes. The school celebrated its first commencement exercises in June of 2006. Starting with that first graduating class, Pioneer students have gone on to a wide variety of secondary educational and occupational opportunities.
2022-2023
2022-2023![]()
2022-2023
Principal - Sandra Reese
Vice Principal-Kym Milisci
Vice-Principal - Nick Latteri
Vice Principal-Kym Milisci
Vice-Principal - Nick Latteri
Vice Principal- Lyn Bigelow
School start time adjusted to 8:30 due to change in CA state law
Wearing masks for COVID-19, recommended but not required
Water Polo added as a PHS sport
2021-2022
Principal - Sandra Reese
Vice Principal-Kym Milisci
Vice-Principal - Nick Latteri
Vice Principal-Kym Milisci
Vice-Principal - Nick Latteri
Vice Principal- Shanan Spears
School year starts under COVID-19 restrictions, but on campus for the regular day schedule.
- Mandatory face mask for all individuals on campus for all activities - before, during and after school
- Large scale assemblies, rallies and dances postponed
- Mandatory isolation at home for any student diagnosed with COVID-19
-
Parents allowed to petition for a Pass/No Pass grade change for their students for the 2020-2021 school year.
Parents allowed to petition for an extra year of high school for students to complete classes
Canvas Learning Management system still in place for students placed into isolation for Covid-19 and other medical reasons
Back To School Night remains virtual
P.O.P, program not restarted due to lack of Assets grant.
FLEX Academy established at the district level as an online alternative high school program
Mask Mandates lifted on March 12, 2022
The Last Oz Story performed for Spring Musical
Junior and Senior Proms back in person, but on campus
Girls Varsity Soccer - CIF Sac Joaquin Section Division 4 Champions
Valerdictorians -
Andreas Olvera
Ayantu Tamene
Ayantu Tamene
Salutorians
2020-2021
Interim Principal- Leise Martinez
Principal - Sandra Reese
Vice Principal-Kym Milisci
Vice Principal- Stephanie Carlstrom
Vice Principal-Kym Milisci
Vice Principal- Stephanie Carlstrom
Vice-Principal - Nick Latteri
School year starts late due to cancellation of Yolo County Fair and COVID-19 virus
Freshmen Virtual Orientation by Link Crew due to the COVID-19 virus
Fall Semester starts via online Distance Learning due to the COVID-19 virus
Canvas Learning Management system introduced to replace Google Classroom for Distance Learning
"No harm, no fail" grading policy removed for 2020-201 school year.
All sports rescheduled for later in the School year due to the COVID-19 virus
Moved to a Distance Learning/Live Class Hybrid model in April 2021
Boys Baseball wins GEL league championship
Boys Varsity Soccer wins GEL league championship
Boys Volleyball wins GEL league co-championship
Girls Track and Field Team wins GEL championship
Girls Varsity Volleyball wins GEL league championship
Valerdictorian - Fernanda Tovar Lara
Saluatorian - Lauren Bryson
2019-2020
Principal- Sandra Reese
Vice Principal-Kym Milisci
Vice Principal- Stephanie Carlstrom
Vice Principal-Kym Milisci
Vice Principal- Stephanie Carlstrom
Vice-Principal - Nick Latteri
All spring sports cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus
Spring Musical cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus
Temporary :no harm, no fail" grading policy enacted for the Spring semester due to the COVID-19 virus
PHS campus closed in mid-March and transitioned to full distance learning via Google Classroom due to the COVID-19 virus
Class of 2020 graduation ceremony transitioned to a virtual graduation ceremony
Valedictorians
Allan Almacen and Tatum Wentworth
Salutatorians
Leila Brannan and Celeste Cabacungan
2018-2019
Principal- Sandra Reese
Vice Principal-Kym Milisci
Vice Principal - Lore Carrillo
Vice Principal- Stephanie Carlstrom
Vice Principal-Kym Milisci
Vice Principal - Lore Carrillo
Vice Principal- Stephanie Carlstrom
WASC accreditation issued for another six years
Sound of Music performed as the Spring Musical
2019 valedictorians - Lillianna Hammons and Thai Hoa Nguyen
2019 salutatorians -
2017 - 2018
Principal- Sandra Reese
Vice Principal-Kym Milisci
Vice Principal - Paige Powell
Vice Principal- Lore Carrillo
Vice Principal-Kym Milisci
Vice Principal - Paige Powell
Vice Principal- Lore Carrillo
Aeries Gradebook program introduced at all school sites
Beauty and the Beast performed as the Spring Musical
2018 valedictorian - Binisha Dahal
2018 salutatorians - Olivia Bryant, Carolina Perez2016 - 2017
Principal - Sandra Reese
Vice Principal - Kym Milisci
Vice Principal - Paige Powell
Vice Principal - Lurdes Rosales
Link Crew program initiated for incoming 9th graders
S.T.A.R.R. Patriot program introduced to staff, parents and students
UC Davis Chancellor visits PHS
Tarzan performed as the spring musical
PHS travel club visits Budapest, Vienna, Prague, and Munich
2017 Valedictorian - Kate Rasmussen
2017 Salutatorian - Malika Sen
Vice Principal - Kym Milisci
Vice Principal - Paige Powell
Vice Principal - Lurdes Rosales
Link Crew program initiated for incoming 9th graders
S.T.A.R.R. Patriot program introduced to staff, parents and students
UC Davis Chancellor visits PHS
Tarzan performed as the spring musical
PHS travel club visits Budapest, Vienna, Prague, and Munich
2017 Valedictorian - Kate Rasmussen
2017 Salutatorian - Malika Sen
2015 - 2016
Principal - Sandra Reese
Vice Principal - Kym Milisci
Vice Principal - Paige Powell
Vice Principal - Lurdes Rosales
Senior Lauren Millang elected FFA State Vice President
P.O.P. students paint mural on side of H building
The Addams Family performed as the Spring Musical
PHS hosts oral arguments for the CA Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District
WASC two day committee revisitation
Valedictorian - Eric Palomares
Salutatorians -: Patricia Morales, James Gonzales
Vice Principal - Kym Milisci
Vice Principal - Paige Powell
Vice Principal - Lurdes Rosales
Senior Lauren Millang elected FFA State Vice President
P.O.P. students paint mural on side of H building
The Addams Family performed as the Spring Musical
PHS hosts oral arguments for the CA Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District
WASC two day committee revisitation
Valedictorian - Eric Palomares
Salutatorians -: Patricia Morales, James Gonzales
2014 - 2015
Principal - Angelina Arias
Vice Principal - Raylene Ewing
Vice Principal - Jerald Ferguson
Vice Principal - Kym Milisci
Pioneer and Woodland Honor Band perform at Carnegie Hall
Pioneer and Woodland Drama departments perform Shrek for Spring Musical
Pioneer Travel Club visits Spain and France
Pioneer Opportunity Program (P.O.P.) opens on campus
Valedictorian - Gwendolyn Hammons
Salutatorian - Hallie Sala
Vice Principal - Raylene Ewing
Vice Principal - Jerald Ferguson
Vice Principal - Kym Milisci
Pioneer and Woodland Honor Band perform at Carnegie Hall
Pioneer and Woodland Drama departments perform Shrek for Spring Musical
Pioneer Travel Club visits Spain and France
Pioneer Opportunity Program (P.O.P.) opens on campus
Valedictorian - Gwendolyn Hammons
Salutatorian - Hallie Sala
2013 - 2014
Principal - Kerry Callahan
Vice Principal - Raylene Ewing
Vice Principal -Jerald Ferguson
Vice Principal - Antonia Slagle
Sophomore Orientation Week (SWAG) added
10th grade teams added
Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary visits FFA program
Music Man performed for Spring Musical
Smarter Balance Exams piloted in 11th grade classes
Girls Softball - Division Three Champions
Boys Baseball - Division Three Champions
Girls Swim Team - TCC Section Champions
Ag Building dedicated to Merritt Family
2014 Valedictorians - Robia Amjad and Jordan Fredrickson
Vice Principal - Raylene Ewing
Vice Principal -Jerald Ferguson
Vice Principal - Antonia Slagle
Sophomore Orientation Week (SWAG) added
10th grade teams added
Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary visits FFA program
Music Man performed for Spring Musical
Smarter Balance Exams piloted in 11th grade classes
Girls Softball - Division Three Champions
Boys Baseball - Division Three Champions
Girls Swim Team - TCC Section Champions
Ag Building dedicated to Merritt Family
2014 Valedictorians - Robia Amjad and Jordan Fredrickson
2012 - 2013
Principal - Kerry Callahan
Vice Principal - Jaime Calderon
Vice Principal - Raylene Ewing
Vice Principal - Antonia Slagle
AP Government students participate in CA Supreme Court Special Outreach Session
Solar Panels installed
Independent Irrigation Water pump installed
Full WASC committee review, receives six year accreditation with a two day midterm visit.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee performed for Spring Musical
Pioneer Travel Club visits Germany, Switzerland, and Italy
Girls Varsity Softball TCC Section Champions
Linda Merrida named Cal - HI Media School State Coach of the Year
2013 Valedictorian - Zachary Patton
Vice Principal - Jaime Calderon
Vice Principal - Raylene Ewing
Vice Principal - Antonia Slagle
AP Government students participate in CA Supreme Court Special Outreach Session
Solar Panels installed
Independent Irrigation Water pump installed
Full WASC committee review, receives six year accreditation with a two day midterm visit.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee performed for Spring Musical
Pioneer Travel Club visits Germany, Switzerland, and Italy
Girls Varsity Softball TCC Section Champions
Linda Merrida named Cal - HI Media School State Coach of the Year
2013 Valedictorian - Zachary Patton
2011 - 2012
Principal - Kerry Callahan
Vice Principal - Carolynne Bottum
Vice Principal - Jaime Calderon
Vice Principal - Britney Meyer
Benchmark Assessment used in Core classes
Beginning of Modified Seven Period Block Schedule
Freshmen Teams created
Freshmen Seminar added as an elective course
Freshmen Orientation week (POW) added
ACES academy created
First "report card chats"
Cinderella performed for Spring Musical
City of Woodland hosts the 4th of July celebration at the PHS stadium
Adrienne Scott named 2012 Woodland Masonic Educator of the Year
Valedictorian: Gladys Garcia-Montoya
Salutatorians: Farah Amjad and Adriana Pedroza
Vice Principal - Carolynne Bottum
Vice Principal - Jaime Calderon
Vice Principal - Britney Meyer
Benchmark Assessment used in Core classes
Beginning of Modified Seven Period Block Schedule
Freshmen Teams created
Freshmen Seminar added as an elective course
Freshmen Orientation week (POW) added
ACES academy created
First "report card chats"
Cinderella performed for Spring Musical
City of Woodland hosts the 4th of July celebration at the PHS stadium
Adrienne Scott named 2012 Woodland Masonic Educator of the Year
Valedictorian: Gladys Garcia-Montoya
Salutatorians: Farah Amjad and Adriana Pedroza
2010 - 2011
Principal - Kerry Callahan,
Vice Principal - Cliff De Graw
Vice Principal - Geoffrey Barney
Vice Principal - Jas Bains-wright
Vice Principal - Carolynne Bottum
Agriculture Building opens
Congressmen Mike Thompson visits campus and answers questions from Pioneer students
Pioneer Jazz combo performs at UC Davis Mondavi Center with Delfeayo Marsalis
Pioneer Travel Club visits France and Italy
Beauty and the Beast performed for Spring Musical
Lynn Plocher named 2011 Woodland Masonic Educator of the Year
Valedictorian: Victoria Sandsor
Salutatorian: Ian Souza-Cole
Vice Principal - Cliff De Graw
Vice Principal - Geoffrey Barney
Vice Principal - Jas Bains-wright
Vice Principal - Carolynne Bottum
Agriculture Building opens
Congressmen Mike Thompson visits campus and answers questions from Pioneer students
Pioneer Jazz combo performs at UC Davis Mondavi Center with Delfeayo Marsalis
Pioneer Travel Club visits France and Italy
Beauty and the Beast performed for Spring Musical
Lynn Plocher named 2011 Woodland Masonic Educator of the Year
Valedictorian: Victoria Sandsor
Salutatorian: Ian Souza-Cole
2009 - 2010
Principal - Kerry Callahan
Vice Principal - Jas Bains Wright
Vice Principal - Geoffrey Barney
Vice Principal - Cliff De Graw
First Homecoming Parade
Beginning of 4x4 Block bell schedule
Pacing Guides created in Core classes
First Elective Fair
Career Center Closed
The "Play" - PHS v. WHS football game
Vice Principal - Jas Bains Wright
Vice Principal - Geoffrey Barney
Vice Principal - Cliff De Graw
First Homecoming Parade
Beginning of 4x4 Block bell schedule
Pacing Guides created in Core classes
First Elective Fair
Career Center Closed
The "Play" - PHS v. WHS football game
First "Great Patriot" Race
Valedictorians Brianna Ewing, Jessie Jaeger and Carter Reiff
Valedictorians Brianna Ewing, Jessie Jaeger and Carter Reiff
2008 - 2009
Principal - Mark Roberts
Vice Principal - Ellie Aguilar-Ramirez,
Vice Principal - Cliff De Graw,
Vice Principal - Kerry Callahan
PHS Stadium opens
UC Davis Chicana/o Mural project paints mural for Amphitheater
Youth Development Network chosen as Pioneer High School student behavior program.
PHS Travel Club visits Ireland, Wales and England
You're A Good Man Charlie Brown performed as Spring Musical
Valedictorian Julia Frankenbach
Salutorian Savannah Reiff
Vice Principal - Ellie Aguilar-Ramirez,
Vice Principal - Cliff De Graw,
Vice Principal - Kerry Callahan
PHS Stadium opens
UC Davis Chicana/o Mural project paints mural for Amphitheater
Youth Development Network chosen as Pioneer High School student behavior program.
PHS Travel Club visits Ireland, Wales and England
You're A Good Man Charlie Brown performed as Spring Musical
Valedictorian Julia Frankenbach
Salutorian Savannah Reiff
2007 - 2008
Principal - Mark Roberts
Vice Principal - Ellie Aguilar-Ramirez
Vice Principal - Cliff De Graw
Vice Principal - Shirley McNichols
Valedictorians Stephen Peyton and Kayla Sheehan
Vice Principal - Ellie Aguilar-Ramirez
Vice Principal - Cliff De Graw
Vice Principal - Shirley McNichols
Valedictorians Stephen Peyton and Kayla Sheehan
Salutatorian Margarita Orozco
2006 - 2007
Principal - Thomas (Nick) McNicholas
Vice Principal - Armando Olvera
Vice Principal - Ellie Aguilar-Ramirez
Vice Principal - Shirley McNichols
First Club Shopping Cart Parade
First WASC visitation
PHS Travel club visits France, Switzerland, Austria and Germany
Pirates of Penzance performed as Spring Musical
Valedictorian - Catherine McMurry
Salutatorian - Alexandra Reiff
Salutatorian - Enrique Fernandez
Vice Principal - Armando Olvera
Vice Principal - Ellie Aguilar-Ramirez
Vice Principal - Shirley McNichols
First Club Shopping Cart Parade
First WASC visitation
PHS Travel club visits France, Switzerland, Austria and Germany
Pirates of Penzance performed as Spring Musical
Valedictorian - Catherine McMurry
Salutatorian - Alexandra Reiff
Salutatorian - Enrique Fernandez
2005 - 2006
Principal - Thomas (Nick) McNicholas
Vice Principal - Armando Olvera
Vice Principal - Mariama Smith
12th grade added
Woodland Community Band starts
Guys and Dolls performed for Spring Musical
First Graduating class
Valedictorian - Anna Arons
Salutatorian - Stephanie May
Vice Principal - Armando Olvera
Vice Principal - Mariama Smith
12th grade added
Woodland Community Band starts
Guys and Dolls performed for Spring Musical
First Graduating class
Valedictorian - Anna Arons
Salutatorian - Stephanie May
2004 - 2005
Principal - Rick Stout
Interim Principal - Barry Cooper
Vice Principal - Armando Olvera
11th grade added
Interim Principal - Barry Cooper
Vice Principal - Armando Olvera
11th grade added
2003 - 2004
Principal - Rick Stout
Vice Principal - Armando Olvera
Pioneer High School opens with 9th and 10th grades
Vice Principal - Armando Olvera
Pioneer High School opens with 9th and 10th grades
