December 3, 2021 - Issue #82

'Tis the Season for Giving

Annual Toy Drive is Making Spirits Bright The Pierz Schools Community Toy Drive is underway. This annual outpouring of toys, gifts, and donations from local civic organizations, staff, students, families, and community members brings joy to the students and families in need of extra support during the holidays at Pierz Schools. Next week, the display window in the Pioneer Elementary entryway will start to fill with all the generosity from our Pioneer families. New, unwrapped toys, gifts, and money donations can be brought to the Pioneer Elementary office during school hours before December 14. Any parents or guardians who would like extra support with providing gifts for their children (ages 0-17) are invited to the Pierz Community Toy Distribution on Tuesday, December 14 from 5-7pm (parents and guardians only to this distribution; no children, please). New this year, the distribution night will take place at the Pioneer Elementary gym, enter through Door 20. Contact Michelle Ferguson with any questions x2216.

Peer Helpers Coat Drive Gives Warmth

Healy High School Peer Helpers just finished their annual Coat Drive last week. Community families, staff, and students donated new and gently used winter coats and cold-weather gear. In all, over 180 coats were donated locally to Morrison County Social Services! It really is one of the most wonderful times of the year. We are so fortunate to live in a community where we take care of each other. We help each other up when we fall. We look to our right and left to make sure everyone is coming along and we aren’t leaving anyone behind. On behalf of all our families - thank you for your continued care, support, and generosity.

Happenings at Healy

Metier class explores empathy

Students in Mr. Rushmeyer's Metier 8 class were learning about the medical career field and how important empathy is in those occupations. To illustrate the concept, students played the Empathy Game, which required them to give instructions to another student on how to build a structure. The catch: both students had the same pieces to work with, but both were blindfolded. Some students were able to remain calm and understand the frustration that others were experiencing, and some...did not (perhaps pictured here)! The Metier program is a grade 5-8 experiential learning and lifestyle design program built around activities that guide students to find the truest, happiest, and greatest versions of themselves and explore the career fields that make them come alive.

Happenings at Pioneer Elementary

Continuing the Friendsgiving tradition in kindergarten

It is one of Pioneer Elementary's favorite traditions. Each year before leaving on Thanksgiving break, kindergartners gather to give thanks during their Friendsgiving celebration. The students work hard all week to prepare. They create placemats adorn with things for which they are grateful, make holiday-themed decorations, and the best part: listen as Ms. Ferguson teaches them all about table manners. "If you must pass gas at the table, what should you say after?" and "Yes, 'please pass the potatoes' is much better than standing up and climbing over grandpa to get them."

Looking Ahead

It's time for the Sights and Sounds of the Season!

MHS Blood Drive @ MAC MHS Blood Drive When: December 22 from 9am - 3pm Where: Healy MAC gym; enter door 22. Click image to sign up.

Community Education

[Click on images to sign up or for more information]

Katie Boser will offer a make-and-take event using the Instant Pot pressure cookers. Learn to make, enjoy samples and take 24 burritos, rice, and lentils home for your freezer on December 6 for $25.

Defensive Driver 4-hour refresher course on Monday, December 6 at the Pierz High School. Call 320-468-6458 ext 7 to register. $24 per person. Erin Cheney will help you create a beautiful winter hanger on December 16. Watch for info coming soon about an Introduction to Welding class starting in January or call the community education office at 320-468-6458 ext 7 to add your name to the list. More information on all classes can be found at Community Education online!

Pierz Public Schools #484 [email protected] District Office: 320.468.6458 112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364 www.pierz.k12.mn.us