Friday, February 7, 2020 - Issue #47
Exploration is Emphasis at Healy and Pioneer
Students at Pierz Schools are encouraged to explore: as a means of learning, as means of finding out about themselves, and as a means for finding their career path.

At the elementary this month, students are exploring what it means to have an Explorer personality in their Metier courses. Using Virtual Reality and Google Earth, students are able to 'visit' to destinations around the globe in full three-dimensional wonder. They also learned about explorers first-hand from author William Durbin who has researched and written books on early settlers, trappers, explorers, and lumberjacks.

At Healy, juniors have the opportunity to explore a variety of career and college options. At the 'Forecast Your Future in Health Careers' at St. Cloud Tech College, students learned about careers in the health field: Cardiovascular Technology, Dental Assistant/Hygienist, Nursing, Paramedicine, Sonography, Surgical Tech, and Health Information Technology.

Last week, students were also able to attend the 'Construct Tomorrow' event at the SCSU Field House. This is an engaging and informative event that provides hands-on activities in the trades. Students team up with industry leaders and representatives from various unions. The construction professionals provide follow-up services to those participants that express an interest in construction trades.
Healy Highlights
Dance Team High-Kicks Their Way To State!
The Pierz Pizzazz Dance Team performed their MSHSL State-bound high-kick routine to the cheers and accolades of the entire high school student and staff body at Thursday's pep fest. Tickets to the MSHSL High Kick competition slated for February 15 can be purchased here :
Snow Daze Week Royalty
Snow Daze week wraps up today after a week-long celebration to break up the winter doldrums. The week included pep fests, dress-up days, dance, and the 'crowning' of the Snow Daze Royalty (they all get a cool hat). Teachers nominate students in grades 9-12 who show excellent leadership and stewardship. From there, students at each grade level nominate the winner.

Congratulations to (top L to R): Kirby Fischer (9th) Isaac Kroll (10th), Noah Cekalla (11th), Juan Lopez (12th); bottom L to R: Adeline LeBlanc (9th), Emily Virnig (10th), Courtney Strohmeier (11th), Leah Scholl (12th)
Pioneer Elementary School News
One Million Word Club at Pioneer
These students had a goal, and they went for it. Each of these students read more than 1 million words last semester! Congratulations to Front L to R: Wyatt Betsinger (5th), Abbie Virnig (6th), Addie Thielen (6th), Parker Kimman (3rd), Lindsey Fisher (4th), Adi Tomala (4th), Fiona Horning (4th)

Back L to R: Madelyn Kessler (6th), Mackenzie Willman (6th), Clara Tax (6th), Isabelle Dulude (6th), Adyson Winscher (6th), Austin Waldvogel (6th), Aaron Gotvald (5th); not pictured, George Langer (5th).
'Abracadabra Aladdin': a Magical Musical at the Middle School
These 5th and 6th graders put on a magical performance this week in "Abracadabra Aladdin". The 70+ cast and crew have worked tirelessly for over a month to perfect their craft. Thank you to all the staff, parents, and students for sharing your talents with us!
** Staff Spotlight **
Jessica LeBlanc, Math Teacher
Hello! My name is Jessie LeBlanc and I have been a math teacher at Pierz Healy High for the past 12 years. I currently teach some 8th grade, some 9th grade, and College Algebra. I am also the Varsity girls golf coach and the assistant volleyball coach. I am on many teams and committees at the high school, but my favorite part of my job is working with the kids. It is a very rewarding job.

Pierz is an amazing community that I am grateful to be a part of. I am thankful that my kids get to attend a school that has great teachers and challenges my kids to do the best they can. Pierz is always looking for ways to improve the education of all children. Most importantly, Pierz schools are filled with wonderful people, including staff, students, and parents who only want the best for all. Read more about Mrs. LeBlanc
Becki Schmidt, Math Teacher
Greetings! My name is Becki Schmidt and this is my second year here at Pierz, and 17th year of teaching total. I am currently teaching 7th and 8th graders math as well as Metier to 7th graders. When I am not in my classroom teaching, I can be found working with the MHS students as one of the co-advisor, being a part of the AVID team, working with the instructional coach team, as well as working with students.

I can honestly say that I love my job! I love working with the community of Pierz, the students in the district, and my amazing coworkers! It really is like a family here. One of my goals is to always have students feel safe and to be able to learn in a way that is best for them. I love being able to support them as students. 

Read more about Ms. Schmidt
Community Education Happenings
Sunday, February 9, 2-4pm Family Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe event at the Pierz Park! Join us to use the groomed trails and warm up with the bonfire, hot chocolate, cookies and doughnuts. Coordinated by Community Education, the City of Pierz, Pierz Park and Golf Course staff and the Pierz Library. Judy Meyer and Margaret Faust will be there to share tips and techniques for beginners.
Looking Ahead...
Wednesday, February 12 -
  • Elementary Conferences
  • High School Conferences @ PAC 3:30-6pm & classrooms 6-7pm

Thursday, February 13
  • Elementary Conferences

Monday, February 17 - No School

February 18, 19, 21
  • Preschool Conferences

Save the date: March 11 is Healy High School Showcase Night, Soup Bowl Supper, Class of 2026 Orientation, and Health Fair!

March 18 - Kindergarten Roundup

March 20 - No School - Pioneer

March 23-27 - Spring Break
No School - all schools
Upcoming Community Ed classes:
February 11, 5:30pm 4 hour Defensive Driver Refresher, $25

February 18, 6pm Do you have a will? Do you need a will? $45/60

February 19 , 5:30pm CPR $22

February 24, 6:00pm CPR Refresher $22

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