Friday, February 21, 2020 - Issue #48
Dance Team Participates at State Amongst Tough Competition
It had been 12 years since the Pierz Pizzazz Dance Team participated in the MSHSL Dance Competition. Last weekend marks the third time in school history. The dance team earned their spot at State in High-Kick and competed at the Target Center on February 15. They had an awe-inspiring routine (once again), but as we know, state dance is TOUGH competition. They came heartbreakingly close. The girls placed 7th out of the 12 teams-- the top six go on to finals.

Pierz is proud of the time and work these girls, coaches and families have put into their passion. Congratulations, Pierz Pizzazz, on another successful season!
Healy Highlights
Speech Team--Success Fueled by Doughnuts and Determination
The Speech Team has been off to a fantastic start this year, placing 2nd as a team at two of the three meets so far (with a meet every weekend for next nine weeks)! The fuel that keeps us going? Pete & Joy's Doughnuts.

This weekend the team is headed to Maple Lake and then Zimmerman the last weekend of February.

Only in year three of the program, this year has the biggest team so far in their short history with over 30 team members as they gained many new junior high competitors.

Coaches Boman, Loch, and Gagne are kept busy with scheduling practices during the week; additionally, most students practice one-on-one with a coach.

Last season we sent two students to state and are hoping for more this year as the senior high members continue to find success as the season progresses.

Be sure to stop by Mr.Boman's classroom during Open House Night, March 11, to hear some of our great speakers demonstrate their craft!
Practical Writing Challenge
Students in Mr. Paulsen's College in the Schools (CIS) Practical Writing course were challenged with the task of writing directions using imperative sentence structures based on their Lego® creations. And you thought writing was boring!
Pioneer Elementary School News
Guinness World Record Holder Teaches Perseverance, Health
We had Jump Rope for Heart Week here at Pioneer Elementary and Middle School. Jump rope expert Peter Nestler talked to the students and demonstrated his craft to show the kids what perseverance, practice, and hard work can accomplish. Nestler has twelve Guinness World Records in jumping rope. He spent the day working one-on-one with kids in PE classes and ate lunch with select few who were chosen by their teachers for the "heart award". This was a very cool experience for all students! Special thanks to Mr. Monson, Student Council for setting this up,and PTO for helping to pay for Nestler's visit.
Welcome Home, Miss Jenny Dalsted!
Students and staff celebrated the homecoming of media specialist Miss Jenny Dalsted last week as they lined the entire sidewalk, waving the green hearts they made as she drove through the welcome home parade. Miss Dalsted has been at the Mayo Clinic since early October where she awaited her new heart. Now, with new heart in place, we are excited to welcome her back home!
District Spelling Bee
We started with a large field of competitive spellers from grades 5-8 and whittled it down to the final 3 (in overtime!) The winner of the 2020 District Spelling Bee is Gabe Stangl. Finishing in 2nd Place is Gavin Winzenburg and in 3rd Place is Joseph Ruiz-Martinez! Gabe and Gavin advance to the Regional Spelling Bee on March 25th in Staples. Congratulations, all!
** Students in the Spotlight **
Kennedy Boser, 5th grade
Nominated by Mr. Schmidtbauer and Mrs. Talberg: "'Hard work pays off' and 'kindness matters!' No one is a better example of these quotes than Kennedy Boser."

"Kennedy has shown tremendous work ethic in reading class. She has been meeting her reading goals and has been completing quality work in class. I have enjoyed seeing her grow as a reader. Keep it up, Kennedy!" ~Mr. Schmidtbauer

"The perseverance Kennedy shows in math is something to be proud of. She continues to rework problems until she understands the concepts and never gives up on her learning. Kennedy is also a kind and caring classmate, who is always ready to help out a friend or teacher and always has a smile on her face. Great work, Kennedy!" ~Mrs. Talberg
Daylon Schardin, 7th Grade
Nominated by Mr. Herold, Mr. Teske and Ms. Schmidt:

"Although Daylon is a 7th grader at the high school, every Friday he takes time and assists the elementary staff with delivering items to their designated area. He is always on time and does a great job. We appreciate Daylon's willingness to help. Our schools are lucky to have Daylon as a Pioneer!" ~Mr. Herold

"Daylon is always a happy student in and out of class. He is a very polite young man who is a joy to have in class." ~Mr. Teske

"Daylon is always in a good mood. His smile can help improve anyone's mood. He has a very kind heart and spends one of his study halls each week volunteering! I really enjoy having Daylon in class." ~Ms. Schmidt
Looking Ahead...
Feb 14-29 Shoe Drive - drop off gently used adult and children's shoes at donation boxes at Healy and Pioneer entrances

March 11 Healy High School Showcase Night, Soup Bowl Supper, Class of 2026 Orientation, and Health Fair! www.pierz.k12.mn.us/openhouse2020
March 12 - Spring Play

March 18 - Kindergarten Roundup

March 20 - No School - Pioneer

March 23-27 - Spring Break
No School - all schools
Upcoming Community Ed classes:
February 24, 6:00pm CPR Refresher $22

March 9 , 4:30pm Introduction to Medicare $5
Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364