Pierz School Board Limits Open Enrollment
Current open-enrolled students will still attend
At the regular board meeting on Feb. 28, the Pierz School Board adopted a Resolution to limit open enrollment numbers per grade. The Board also will approve a separate Open Enrollment Policy at its regular March 28 meeting. A draft of that policy was reviewed at the February meeting.

The goal is to continue to provide financial efficiency, teaching and learning effectiveness, yet also create long term stability.

“Open enrollment has helped all of us, by keeping the district financially strong, bringing terrific families into our communities, helping reverse declining numbers and the potential loss of programs and jobs,” said Superintendent George Weber, “but now is the time to put a limit on it.”
** OPEN ENROLLMENT FAQ **
What Does It Mean to Cap Open Enrollment?
It means the School Board can set limits on the number of children they serve at any specific grade level. It does not mean no one is allowed to open enroll. It just means the board can limit those allowed to open enroll to a manageable number that fits well for each grade.
Make an Informed Decision
Pierz School Referendum '18
Dear Families,

We take the responsibility of educating the students of the Pierz School District very seriously. The upcoming April 10 referendum aims to address facilities challenges in a way that improves our educational model. Thank you for reading these referendum updates and becoming an informed voter.

Seek the Facts
By law, the district must provide factual information to voters when it comes to referendums. Information is available on our referendum website , in Fast Facts , and we’ll even come to you with a presentation. During our last referendum campaign, there was some confusion about what was correct information. Some of you may receive information that makes you doubt its accuracy. The school district is obligated by law to send you the facts about the referendum and will do so. If you have a question, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page , or contact us.
You Responded. We Listened.
In Pierz, we are used to working together to get things done, and this referendum is no different. Residents provided feedback in a community-wide survey and at public engagement meetings and participation was very strong!

67% of respondents said they believed a referendum plan should be refined based on community feedback and brought back to voters. The district has done just that with a new plan that is about half the cost of the last referendum , involves less square footage, and does not include an auditorium. The school investments supported by a majority of residents are what have been included in the plan.
Healy Highlights
BPA Competes at State, Headed to Texas!
Congratulations to Kami Athman, Zach Becker, Simon Kroll and Calvin Zapzalka who qualified to compete at the state BPA convention this past weekend in Minneapolis. Kami placed 3rd in Fundamental Word Processing and Simon placed 2nd in Information Technology Concepts and 3rd in Computer Security which qualified both of them to advance to the National BPA Convention and Competition in Dallas,Texas in May. Congratulations to Kami and Simon and best of luck in Texas! 
Winter is Perfect Time for a Garden
There may be three feet of snow on the ground, but that doesn't deter Mrs. Tax's ag students from starting their work on the community garden. Students have started seeds using hydroponic technology, whereby plants can grow without soil. Here, Holly Saehr takes care of lettuce to go into the tower hydroponics. Talk about Future-ready Farmers of America!
Two One-Act Plays Take the Stage
Drama Students have been working overtime, getting ready for the upcoming Spring Theatre production. This year, students will present two one-act plays for your enjoyment. The two shows are both comedies: "The Actor's Nightmare" and "This is a Test" and will present this week on Thursday and Friday March 16 and 17 at 7pm and March 18 at 1:30pm.
Honors Breakfast for Students, Parents
Junior and Senior Minnesota Honor Society members and 'A' Honor Roll students in grades 7-12 filled the MAC this week as they and their parents were invited to the annual Academic Awards Breakfast. Congratulations, students and parents!
**Meet the Team**
(an ongoing feature highlighting our hardworking and all-around awesome staff!)
Mark Gruber, Head Custodian
I’m Mark Gruber, Head Custodian for the Pierz schools. In my job I oversee the maintenance of all of the district’s buildings and grounds, and schedule busing for field trips and extracurricular activities. In my free time...just kidding. What free time!?
J.D. Folger, Custodian at Pioneer
Hi! I’m J.D. Folger, custodian at Pioneer Elementary. I grew up in a small town and wanted the same experience for my kids. Pierz Schools was a big part of moving here.
Pioneer Elementary School News
I Love To Read Month Ends With SLIME!
Pioneer Elementary always mixes learning and fun. However, I Love To Read Month kicked it up to a whole new level! Beach towels and books in the halls, flip flop/Hawaii dress up day, reading contests and finally SLIME! Students who met their reading goal for the month were rewarded with cups of slime to pour over the heads of their beloved teachers and principal!
Go Teachers! Go Students! Go Parents!
The Green Team
In the kiddie pools--Mr. Otte and Mr. Holbrook. Standing (L to R): Mr. Johnshoy, Mrs. Kowalczyk, Mrs. Gruber, Mrs. Burnett, Mrs. Ferguson, Mrs.Sandy, Mr. Kruse.
Mrs. Burnett Gets a Haircut
Mrs. Angela Burnett promised her class that if they went above and beyond their reading goals, she'd let them cut 12 inches off of her hair and donate it to Children with Hair Loss . Well...guess what?? Her first graders were up for the challenge - and Mrs. Burnett went from long to short with a brave SNIP!
Thank you to everyone who made I Love to Read Month so much fun for the entire school!
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!
Kids and snow = FUN! Taking full advantage of the huge piles of March snow, Mrs. Gruber's 5th graders dug tunnels, made forts, rolled, jumped and took a much deserved "Brain Break!"
**Student Spotlight**
Featuring students in grades 5-12 selected by their teachers for being awesome humans.
We wish we could feature ALL our hard-working students!
Emma Otremba, Senior
Nominated by Mr. Boman: " Emma has consistently performed well at Speech meets this season, receiving 1st place at four meets in a row. She has led the team to its first team trophies in school history. She has demonstrated strong leadership and work ethic to get where she is now." Nice work, Emma!
Mason Boser, 7th Grade
Nominated by Mr. Teske, "Mason is an outstanding student from top to bottom. He enjoys school and loves to learn. He wants to succeed and it shows in his work. He is a great student and person." Thank you for all your hard work, Mason! 
Upcoming Events
Spring Play, "Actors Nightmare" & "This is a Test"
Friday, March 16 @ 7pm
Sunday, March 18 @ 4:30pm
Preschool and Kindergarten Round Up!
Kindergarten Round Up:
March 21, 5:30-6:45pm

Preschool Round Up:
March 27, 5:30-6:45pm
Band Concert
Monday, March 19 @ 7pm in the PAC
Planning Ahead
-NO SCHOOL-
March 23 - End of Quarter
March 30 - Good Friday
April 2 - No School
Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364