Friday, April 5, 2019--Issue #34
Spring activities in full swing!
Despite Mother Nature's best efforts to keep our student athletes out of the fields, courses, and tracks-- spring is finally here, and spring sports and activities at Healy are in full swing. Even with the late (and large amounts of) snow, most sports are finding they are only a bit behind schedule. Everyone seems to agree on two things: that spring is a welcome sight and that this year promises to be a strong year for all of our student athletes.

 Thanks to all coaches, student athletes, parents and community members that make Pierz Schools a great place to play, learn, and live. We hope to see you all out and cheering on the teams! Click below for a quick synopsis of baseball, softball, girls & boys golf, track & field, and trapshooting.
Healy Highlights
Spanish Club and community members pack food for local food shelves
Mrs. Horning  and the Pierz Spanish Club brought 17 students, 3 staff and 1 grandparent to package meals for Kids Against Hunger in Nisswa. They were able to pack 3,024 meals of apple cinnamon oatmeal that will go out to area food shelves and school backpack programs next week! ¡Que bueno!
[Packing meals]
[There's the grandparent!]
[Hi, Dale!]
"Get into Energy" trailer visits Healy, exploring careers in energy
Students in Mrs. Tax' classes had the opportunity to explore the The Energy Science Trailer and perform related energy experiments with instructor Bruce Peterson from Minnesota West Community and Technical College. Students were challenged to rethink what they thought they knew about electricity--and were able to create their own solar devices as well. The trailer itself is equipped with a cabin-size solar generation system.

The "Get Into Energy" program was designed and launched by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), a non-profit organization. CEWD’s goal is to build awareness among students, teachers, military veterans, transitioning workers, and others about the fantastic career opportunities available in the energy industry. More information on this program here .
**Meet the Team**
(Find out what makes Pierz Schools so successful--our employees!)
Pioneer Elementary Celebrates Bride-to-Be...times THREE!
In true Pioneer-family fashion, the staff celebrated our three future brides this month. Fourth grade teacher, Miss Jackie Caughey (getting married in July); Kindergarten teacher, Miss Nancy Dalsted (getting married in June); and first grade teacher, Miss Elizabeth Tomala (getting married in June) were treated to scavenger hunts with teams of teachers around Pierz, food, and festivities! T he staff designed the brides' "get-ups" to represent them: Jackie loves bling and got engaged in her camo at the hunting shack , Nancy loves coffee and Harry Potter so she had a K-cup bouquet and Harry Potter sash, and Elizabeth got engaged while hiking a mountain and loves nature. The trio wants to thank everyone who made this such a fun night, "We love our Pioneer family!" Congratulations to the future Mrs.!
Pioneer Elementary School News
Sixth graders kick off BizTown--learning about economics, community
The Junior Achievement program, BizTown, will teach so many life skills to 6th graders at Pioneer, including Financial Literacy, Work Readiness, Community Relations, Economics, Business Management--all aligning with their Minnesota Educational Standards. This week, Katie Hoheisel from F&M Bank in Pierz visited the 6th graders, teaching them how to use a checkbook to pay their electric bill, the differences between credit and debit, and being financially responsible.
In May, the classes will travel to St. Paul where they will get to participate in the 'real-life' BizTown Experiential Learning Lab at the Junior Achievement headquarters! Take a virtual tour of the BizTown Learning Lab here.
Kindness 'Starburst' awards at Pioneer
Each quarter, Pioneer Elementary focuses on a commendable characteristic through the Starburst Award. Quarter 3 focused on Honesty. The entire school assembled to award the nominated students--congratulations to all! Quarter 4 will focus on KINDNESS!
**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!
Riley Gustafson, 5th Grade
Nominated by Mr. Schmidtbauer: "I am nominating Riley Gustafson for his exceptional work in math. He often has a unique perspective on the math concept we are working on in class. He is always willing to share his logic and help his fellow classmates deepen their understanding of the content. Riley identified himself as "Number Smart" in our Metier class, and it is easy to see that his "math brain" is always on. Keep up the great work, Riley!"
Maya Thesing, 6th Grade
Nominated by Mr. Johnshoy, "Maya has been a wonderful student to have in my class this year. Maya does everything that a teacher wants her to do and more. She is very respectful, honest, and cares about her schoolwork. Maya is very organized and she always has her homework finished on time. She is always lending a helping hand to me and other students which is so awesome to see! I have no doubt that she will be very successful in the years to come. Congratulations Maya!"      
Community Education Happenings
Community Ed has a new Facebook page! 'Like' us for the latest classes and events!
Fast Yet Healthy Meals
April 24, 5:30-7:30 pm
High School FACS Room $20

Did you join the craze and buy an Instant Pot and now wonder what to do with it? Join us for a chance to learn 4 new recipes using the Instant Pot. Instructors are Melissa Poser and Nicole Gross.

Mrs. Sara Underhill and the Art Club held an art class for these awesome adults in our community!
Looking Ahead...
April 12 Blood Drive 8am-2pm
High School Media Center

April 19- No School

April 22 will be a snow make up day- School is in session!
Follow Pierz Community Education on Facebook for the latest classes and events
Upcoming Community Ed classes:
Mixed Media Canvas - April 9, 6:00pm

JVL Deadline to register - April 17

Instant Pot - April 24, 5:30pm

Summer Rec book distributed! - April 30 (some class info is online already)

DIY Chalk Art - May 8, 6:30-8:30pm

30 hour Driver Education Course
must be 14 years or older

AARP Driver Safety course

May 14, 5:30-9:30pm, Pierz High School
$25 (AARP membership qualifies you for a $5 discount)

Call 468-6458 ext 7 to register
Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364