Friday, December 21, 2018--Issue #27
|
|
Thank you to our outgoing board members
|
|
Sixteen years.That's how long each of these dedicated board members has served this school and community. (From left to right) Patty, Stangl, Dean Virnig and Colleen Seelen have each dedicated 16 years of their busy and full lives to making Pierz Schools a stellar educational experience for our children. If you consider 48 years of combined experience, nearly half a century, it's quite inspiring.
Worth noting is that all three of these school board members started in January of 2003. Thinking back to those years, the school district was going through declining enrollment, budget cutting, and a somewhat slim fund balance that would not last if changes did not occur. The three of them have been part of an amazing turnaround, long journey, and the growth of a school system with a strong reputation for academic and extra-curricular success that is supported by many parents. The district not only reversed declining enrollment, but became a place where parents wanted their child to attend. Now, many young families who graduated from Pierz a decade or so ago are seeking to return to give their young children a quality, supported and successful school experience.
Of course, it takes many people doing many great things to reach the success Pierz has elevated to, but these three board members in conjunction with other board members who have been on and off the board over that 16 year time period deserve congratulations and thanks for the leadership and support they provided. So, a very heartfelt 'thank you' to each one of them!
|
|
College and career readiness happenings at Healy
|
|
Pierz Schools alumni Karla Beierman-Bearce ('94) talked about her journey to being a State Patrol officer and Kyle Bednar ('06) spoke of his career as an Accountant (CPA) and now business owner. Rounding out the presentations was Jeff Koepl, talking about his career as an industrial engineer and his role at DuraSupreme--the cabinet manufacturer right here in Pierz. Students were able to ask questions during and after.
|
|
Students in Mr. Paulsen's Writing course experienced 'mock' interviews this week--a practice interview process for these juniors before they have to do the real thing in their near future--how great is that?!
(Above): Sharon Bell from F&M Bank with Zach Traut (below): Travis Straumann from Horizon Health with Abby Andrea.
|
|
Spreading Christmas cheers around Pierz!
|
|
The Healy high school Jazz I band played at the Senior Center last week. A combination of Jazz and Choir students also sang for United Friends this week. Everyone so enjoyed the students and the music!
|
|
Christmas music filled the halls of Healy as this band ensemble played for their fellow students before classes on Wednesday. Proceeds collected from this 'street performance' go toward the band trip to Tennessee this spring. We love this!
|
|
|
Pioneer Elementary School News
|
|
|
|
Kindergartners have friends all over the United States!
|
|
Ms. Kota and Ms. Adamski's kindergartners have been connecting with other kindergartner classroom's all over the U.S., writing letters about our little town of Pierz and what it's like to live in Minnesota.
|
|
Students from over 20 states have written back--sending their class photos, information about their town and a gingerbread man they created to represent where they live! This week, they had a class from Rhode Island tell them all about how they go 'clamming' on the weekend--another class from South Carolina talked about what it's like living next to the ocean--our land-locked Minnesotan kindergartners were inquisitive and amazed!
|
|
Pioneer Elementary Christmas program brings out the town!
|
|
The Pioneer Elementary gym was packed, shoulder-to-shoulder with moms, dads, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, grandmas, grandpas and friends as children sang, danced, and recited lines they've been rehearsing for the last several weeks. Mr. Kruse and his cast of hundreds, along with the help of Mr. Mathwig, presented the audience with two fantastic holiday shows. Thanks to all who came out and supported the students and staff last week!
|
|
Skills Boosters give Pioneer students an educational 'boost' and fun
|
|
The fall session consisted of reading, math, social skills and a beginning Spanish class (taught by Healy students in Spanish I/II). This is a great group of students eager to continue their learning, taught by Pioneer staff on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Winter session begins January 8th--contact your child's teacher for more information.
|
|
**Student Spotlight**
Featuring students in grades 4-12 selected by their teachers for being awesome humans.
We wish we could feature ALL our hard-working students!
|
|
|
Nominated by Mr. Holbrook: "Hunter has taken the lead when it comes to being our resident 'Traveling Salesman.' This is a role that he has done well in. A Traveling Salesman in my room is someone that makes the rounds and helps anyone that needs it. This week, we have covered adding, subtracting, and multiplying fractions. He has been helpful to his classmates and has done a great job explaining and helping others find solutions to their math challenges.
Keep up the good work Hunter."
|
|
|
|
Jacob Hoheisel, 8th Grade
|
Nominated by Mrs. Tax: "Jacob has been part of the Intro to Ag's Recycling Program and has gone above and beyond in collecting recycling from around the building and from the kitchens at both schools regularly." Way to go, Jacob!
|
|
|
|
Tech Talk Corner: Take a technology holiday!
|
|
This week, we posted an article
(link)
from
Psychology Today
on the research they are finding on the negative affect that playing video games has on children's brains and emotions (not just violent ones--all video games!).
Take a break from technology this Christmas; here are some
FUN projects
to do with the kids over the break!
(Link)
|
|
|
Spaghetti Supper
January 3, 4-7pm
(proceeds benefit Senior Class Trip to Washington DC and NYC this spring)
No School-Winter Break
December 24-January 1
No School—End of 1st Sem.
January 18 (Teacher Wrkshp Day)
|
Watch for the next edition of the Education Today in the MCRecord January 6, 2019 with new class offerings (or
check online
for an advance sneak peak)!
Call 468-6458 ext 7 to register
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Community Ed classes:
|
Interested learners of ALL abilities are encouraged to attend and will have the opportunity to use the various welders. Participants also have the option to design and keep a personalized metal sign created with a plasma laser cutter. Instructors: Paul Gruber, Pat Tax, and Marvin Thomas
When: Wednesdays--January 9, 16, 23, from 6:30-8:30pm in the High School Shop Classroom; enter Door 2.
To register call Sarah at 320-468-6458 ext 7 or register online in the Pierz School Webstore (
www.pierzschoolpayonline.org
) by January 7. The cost is $30.
|
|
|
|
Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|