February 7, 2025 - Issue #139

Click to see our preschool program in action.

It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to start thinking about enrollment for the 2025-26 school year. We are extra excited as we will be offering a new preschool model at Pioneer Elementary next year.

What is it? Starting next fall, families now have the opportunity to enroll their children in Pioneer Preschool and extend their experience with an enrichment program, creating a full 5-day schedule. This offers numerous benefits, including the convenience of one location every day, eliminating the need for switching between childcare, family, and preschool as well as establishing a daily routine, schedule, and peer groups for your preschooler. 

Will I still have choices? Yes! The enrichment is a new option. Families can still choose just the 2- or 3-day-a-week model. Students will attend either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, with every other Friday, guided by licensed teachers with extensive preschool experience. Those who would like the additional 'enrichment' will have their child on campus and led by an experienced early childhood educator who will collaborate with our licensed teachers to synchronize lessons and activities.

Choosing the 5-day experience ensures your child will attend Pioneer Elementary daily, following a consistent routine and engaging in developmentally appropriate activities, games, and projects. Preschool and enrichment days will align, providing a seamless experience. Plus, these students can sign up for afterschool care until 5:30.

When can I learn more? Join staff on Tuesday, February 11 from 5:45 - 7:15pm at Pioneer Elementary in the Middle School Gym to learn more and register for the 2025-26 school year. Families with children under the age of 7 are all welcome to attend for open gym. Children can play while parents meet staff, complete paperwork, and ask questions. Attendance is not required to register; forms can be found online at pierzschools.org/pioneer-preschool

About: Pioneer Preschool is a Parent Aware-rated program, meaning it has earned the highest rating from the state of Minnesota for its high-quality teaching staff, as well as the use of approved curriculum and assessments. The program places a strong emphasis on social-emotional skills, dedicating time to help children learn how to be a preschooler, a friend, and member of the Pioneer family.

Happenings at Healy

Snow Daze Week wraps up at Healy

Congratulations to the Snow Daze court, nominated by their teachers and voted on by their grade-level peers. Top L to R: Freshmen Nico Thielen, Preston Saehr; Sophomores Emily Boser, Wyatt Betsinger. Botton L to R: Juniors Chloe Lochner, Tyler Fischer; Seniors Samantha Hoheisel, not pictured, Luke Thomsen​.

Snow Daze week kicked off with the semi-formal dance on Saturday, and continued with coronation, pep fests, very competitive grade-level hockey and volleyball games, themed dress up days, the medallion hunt, and more.

Pierz Unified Basketball team brings home a win

The Pierz Unified Basketball team took first place in the regional tournament held at Crosby-Ironton Schools in January. Beating out Pillager, Menahga, and Pequot Lakes, the Pierz team qualified for state competition. Unified Sports joins people with and without disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. We love to see this Pioneer Pride!

Next week, the team will attend the Winter Carnival at Camp Confidence in Pillager.

The new phone policy: student engagement is up

It's Week Three of the "bell-to-bell no cell" policy - and it's been pretty exciting to see all the new interactions between students and staff! We also know change brings questions, and we are here to help with some of the FAQs we are hearing from parents and families. Thank you, parents and families, for your continued support of this new initiative.

NOTE: Pioneer PTO is sponsoring a Family Tech Talk webinar on Tuesday February 11 at 6pm that you watch from the comfort of your home!.

Happenings at Pioneer Elementary

Learning about the Lunar New Year

At Pioneer Elementary, K-4 students recently immersed themselves in the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year. Ms. Moore's Global Studies students explored the history and meaning behind the celebration, learning how the holiday symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity. One of the highlights was a hands-on art activity where students practiced Chinese calligraphy, carefully drawing characters that embody wishes for luck and happiness. Students also watched videos of how millions of people around the world celebrate Lunar New Year.

In addition to their creative calligraphy projects, the students participated in the time-honored tradition of exchanging lucky money envelopes. This interactive practice not only introduced them to a key cultural ritual but also taught valuable lessons about generosity and community spirit. By sharing these envelopes—often filled with symbolic tokens of good fortune—the children experienced firsthand the joy of giving and receiving well-wishes for the year ahead.

Registration for the 2025-26 school year

Registration for the 2025-26 school year will open on February 11, 2025 for preschool during an open gym event. Families with children under age 7 can attend and children can play while parents complete paperwork or ask questions to learn more about the program.

Staff from Head Start, Pioneer Preschool and screening will be available to answer questions, take paperwork and schedule your child's early childhood screening.

Kindergarten Roundup will take place on February 24, 2025 at 5:30pm. Parents and students are invited to learn more about Pioneer, tour the school, meet teachers and school leaders and complete paperwork. If you wish to register but are unable to attend, you can contact Shari in the elementary office ahead of time.

Is open enrollment an option in the Pierz Schools? YES!

We have openings in all grades, bussing pick-up locations, and welcome you to enroll in our schools to become part of the Pioneer family. Hear from students, parents, and staff about why Pierz Schools is the right choice!

Looking Ahead

February 7: Early Release Day, Teacher Workshop

February 10 & 12: Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences (K-6)

February 11: Preschool Open Gym, Registration Night

February 14-17: President's Break, No School

February 17: 50th Anniversary of Girl's Basketball at Healy High School (link)

February 24: Kindergarten Roundup, 5:30pm

Join us each Sunday (except Superbowl Sunday) for open pickleball! We rotate courts and players. If you are new, we can set up a court just for beginners to give you a chance to get a feel for play and learn the rules.

Purchase a punch card online for 10 sessions or pay $3 when you arrive.

Use the form to let us know you're coming! Email Sarah if you are new and want a beginner's court.

Community Education uses the same class registration as the Activities Department. Please call if you have any trouble creating your account. Although both activities and community ed use rSchools, you won't be able to check out a varsity sport and a youth camp simultaneously. User experience will be the same making it easier to navigate but they are two different stores requiring separate log-ins. You can create the accounts with the same username and password to keep things simple! A link to both stores will be on the Activities page and the Community Ed page. Lunch payments will still be made with Edutrak.

Use the new online program to register today.

Pierz Public Schools #484

newsletter@pierz.k12.mn.us

District Office: 320.468.6458

112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364

www.pierzschools.org