February 11, 2023 - Issue #101

February is "I Love to Read" month, and students and staff at Pioneer and Healy are taking time to enjoy this important (and fun!) skill.

At the high school, the media center is sponsoring a contest to challenge students in grades 7 - 12 to design and build in miniature. Also in celebration of "I Love to Read" Month, the media center is accepting entries for miniature library-related items. This includes anything related to the media center (e.g. books, posters, tables, statues). The hand-made creation must fit into a 3" cube, or slightly larger than a Rubik's Cube, with winners announced on March 1st.

Makerspace is offering 'Make and Take' bookmarks using pages from children's storybooks that have seen better days.

Book Club members will be reading books to students at the Helping Hands Orphanage in Malawi, Africa. Last year, staff and students in District 484 collected books to send to Helping Hands to start a library, and can now read along with students at the orphanage with their own books--all the way from Pierz, Minnesota.

At Pioneer Elementary, surprise announcements over the intercom will tell students it's time to "Drop Everything and Read!"

Students will also read and vote on the 2023 Pioneer Book Award. This year, four books are up for nomination: Gibberish by Young Vo, The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, Electric Slide and Kai by Kelly J. Baptist and Darnell Johnson, and

Big Truck, Little Island by Chris Van Dusen.

We encourage parents to continue to read out loud to children...even middle schoolers and high schoolers benefit from our teachers reading out loud, including improved comprehension, reduced stress, and expanded exposure to different types of materials.

Snow Days brighten the winter blues

Snow Daze Royalty back row (L to R): Nathan Tax (9th), Zach Barclay (10th), Kaden Kroll (11th), Connor Kruse (12th). Front row (L to R): Sophie Leidenfrost (9th), Kahlee Kasper (10th), Allison Skiba (11th), Marissa Otremba (12th).

It was Snow Daze at the high school this week with themed dress-up days, pep fests, and Snow Daze royalty crowned for students in 9-12.

Nominees are chosen by teachers based on how they demonstrate Pioneer PRIDE (Perseverance Respect Integrity self-Discipline Empathy), and the top five are voted on by their peers in each grade. The Snow Ball dance on Friday evening will round out the mid-winter week of fun.

Happenings at Pioneer Elementary

First graders see "Descendants" at Paramount

Last week, first graders were fortunate to experience the joy of live theater as they traveled to the Paramount Center for the Arts to see Disney's "Descendants" live on stage. The students loved the production, costumes, and 'cool' building in downtown St. Cloud. If you've never been, it's worth a trip to see a show at this local treasure. Next month, Dragons and Mythical Beasts hits the stage, followed by Footloose in March.

January Pioneer PRIDE Students for Middle School

L-R, Shaylie Trepania (6th), Taylin Trutwin (6th), Emmeline Hoheisel (5th), and Drew Sadlovsky (5th).

Each month, teachers have the opportunity to recognize and nominate students from each grade in 5-8. The selected students are then narrowed down to just two recipients of the Pioneer PRIDE award from each grade. Each month, we will feature the winners from each grade.

Perseverance Respect Integrity Discipline (self) Empathy



These are five of the characteristics our students strive to exhibit throughout the day here at Pierz Schools. Teachers are encouraged to nominate students each month whom they feel are strong leaders among their peers using these character traits. A committee of teachers, counselors, and administrators then choose two students from each grade as recipients of the PRIDE award. Students get their choice of Subway or Red’s for lunch, a sign for their locker, and have their names and pictures displayed in the hallways. Congratulation to ALL the nominees!

Kora Toops (7th), Eva Schlieman (7th),

Tyler Kimman (8th), Isabelle Smith (8th)

Upcoming Community Education Adult Classes

CPR Lifesaver, February 27, 6:00 pm taught by Rachel Young

This class is the general certification class for someone who hasn't already taken CPR.

First Aid Refresher, March 13, 3:30 pm

First Aid Certification, March 1, 6:00pm

Family Open Gym! Support the Spanish Club members in their travel fundraising while spending some time with friends and family. The gym is open for games, basketball, catch, and more for all ages. Parents are required to stay and encouraged to play with their child(ren). There isn't a set fee to attend, but your free-will offering will help the travel members with their trip in exchange for their time setting up and cleaning up. Bracelets and refreshments will also be available for purchase. February 24, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, MAC gym. Enter Door 22.

Defensive Driver Insurance Discount Class for those 55 and older who have attended the 8-hour course. A refresher is required every three years. Rick Sczublewski is the instructor.

Saturday, February 25, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. $24

Learning More About Kinship opportunities with Aaron Olson. Can you share just four hours a month to mentor a child and provide them with time spent with you or with your family? Do you have a child whom you desire to find another adult role model for?

Then join us for this free presentation by Executive Director, Aaron Olson of Kinship and learn more. No commitments are required if you attend- it's just information!

March 20, 6:00 pm

Pierz Public Schools #484

[email protected]

District Office: 320.468.6458

112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364

www.pierzschools.org