May 5, 2023 - Issue #106

Until recently, spring sports and activities have taken a back seat to the weather. But, with temps finally warming, the snow became rain and eventually fields, tracks, and courses were cleared for Minnesota student-athletes. Pierz Schools offers softball, baseball, track and field, golf, and clay target, and all teams are off to a great start this season. We have nearly 300 students in a spring activity, and we encourage all of Pioneer Country to come out and enjoy the weather and cheer on our students! Because of the late snow and inclement weather, schedules have drastically changed from the original calendars. Please check the Student Activities calendar often or subscribe to alerts through Notify Me to be sure you're up-to-date on any changes.

One request: we are always in need of junior high umpires in the spring and referees in the winter. Here's what one umpire had to say after officiating the Pierz-Albany softball matchup:

"This is just a quick email to tell you how much I enjoyed umpiring the softball games on Tuesday. Both teams played well, and the athletes, coaches and fans from both communities represented their schools well. They demonstrated the best of high school athletics.

Good luck to both teams during the rest of their seasons and into the tournaments."

Contact Dave Rocheleau at drocheleau@pierzschools.org or 320-468-6458 x1914 if you have any questions or would like to step up to the plate, pun intended.

Healy seniors equipped with personal finance knowledge

It may be a little-known fact, but all seniors at Healy High School are required to take (and pass) Economics before they can walk across the graduation stage. Gwen Gruber and Bryce Rushmeyer teach this important class, including a unit on Personal Finance which gives students insight into important areas like personal credit, taxes, loans, and so much more. This week, Nicole Pfeffer from MMFCU was here to speak about Money Management Skills. She is part of a series of speakers brought in for our seniors during the unit. Nicole will be returning to speak on Credit Scores and Rental agreements. Other presenters teach about Auto Insurance, Identity Theft, and Investment/Retirement.

Kids teaching kids on Earth Day

Students in Mrs. Patrick's College in the Schools (CIS) Environmental Biology class were responsible for teaching other students about Earth Day and activities to help keep the Earth healthy. Pictured: Thomas and Gene are teaching Mrs. McNelly's seventh graders about energy conservation.

Happenings at Pioneer Elementary

Preschool visits local greenhouse

Mrs. Stamm and Mrs. Marshik's preschoolers visited the Pink and White Greenhouse last week. They learned all about what plants need to grow and even had the opportunity to plant their own plants! Special thanks to Brittany and Matt Hanneken Family for inviting our students to enjoy and learn about plants.

Sixth grade to capitol and Fort Snelling

Sixth graders traveled to St. Paul last week to visit the state capitol and Fort Snelling. At the capitol, in addition to touring the building, students were able to sit in the gallery for both the Senate and House and watch our elected officials during an active session. At the Historic Fort Snelling military base, students toured the facility and learned about its history and significance. These field trips are made possible by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Thank your Lunch Superheros Today

May 5 is School Lunch Hero Day! Thank you to all of our amazing Pioneer and Healy kitchen staff—

Delores Adams, Brenda Barker, Debbie Froelich, Debbie Fuhrman, Molly Gensmer, Rina Gustafson, Janel Jansen, Sandy Leikvoll, Sharon Millner, Katie Phillips, Brandi Saehr, and Donna Solinger

Looking Ahead

Upcoming Community Education Adult Classes

Pierz Public Schools #484

[email protected]

District Office: 320.468.6458

112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364

www.pierzschools.org