Friday, March 9, 2019--Issue #32
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Construction update: cold and snow doesn't slow this crew
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It has been an unprecedented season of snow and cold days, resulting in school closings and delays. However, these setbacks didn't stop the construction crew from powering through, keeping the project on track and moving forward.
The addition which will connect the high school and the elementary is getting enclosed. The roof should be completed by next week, at which point they will tap into the natural gas line that will feed the school and start heating that shell so internal work can begin. The connecting gym walls are up.The hallway is built and the classrooms are taking shape. Next week, the crew will also start ground heating.
At the front of the high school, the band room shell is up and getting enclosed. Band students have cleared out of the old band room and have moved to the PAC stage. This is to clear the space for the new kitchen and updated commons area.
Inside the high school, the lunch room and kitchen will serve it's last meal today, Friday, March 8! Starting March 11, students will eat lunch in the PAC, with all meals being prepared at the Pioneer elementary kitchen and brought over.
Yes, there will be small pains now for big gains in the future. Once the dust has cleared, we are planning an open house/construction tour for the public to take place late summer 2019. We continue to thank you--our community, staff, parents and students--for your patience and accommodations during these exciting months!
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Media Center provides more than books-- virtual reality offers new learning opportunities
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It's well-known: Pierz students love to read. And the Healy Media center is the place to go to get book recommendations, peruse new and cherished titles, and yes, read. But today's media center also provides green screens for video production, virtual reality stations, and interactive CoCreation opportunities to learn live from experts around the world.
Pictured: the new virtual reality stations are a student-led installation. Currently, the student team is researching learning opportunities and creating a virtual reality library for staff and students throughout the district. For example, biology students will be able to dissect and study human anatomy 'hands-on' through virtual dissection labs. Students are also finding virtual reality experiences in art, health, science, agriculture and more.
The public is encouraged to stop by the media center and check out this and more during the Showcase/Open House night, Wednesday, March 13.
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Spanish students engaged in second language learning
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Mrs. Horning's Spanish classes are always interesting and engaging. Her approach is to allow students to immerse themselves in various Spanish-speaking cultures,which teaches them not only the language but also cultural appreciation.
Students in Spanish II/III also have the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica this summer to fully appreciate, engage in, and learn from this immersion experience.
Top: students learned various Latin dances, including the Salsa, the Tango and the Merengue.
Bottom: students wrote and performed skits to practice reflexive verbs. The catch? Their verbs all centered around getting ready--eating, putting on lipstick, etc...and their arms were not their own!
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**Meet the Team**
(Find out what makes Pierz Schools so successful--our employees!)
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Last week was Bus Driver Appreciation Week; this week it's Paraprofessional Appreciation Week as well as School Social Worker Appreciation Week. So--this week we spotlight and thank all our hardworking, dedicated, tireless and GIVING support staff that make the lives of our teachers, students and parents better. From the bottom of our Pioneer hearts, THANK YOU, ALL!
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Pioneer Elementary School News
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Mr. Otte takes the plunge to celebrate student's reading success!
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To culminate "I Love to Read Month", Pioneer elementary students who worked hard and met their reading goals were rewarded with the chance to dunk Mr. Otte. The theme was "Building Readers" (to coincide with the exciting construction project). Happy to celebrate success with an invigorating swim to the delighted screams and cheering from the students and staff, Mr. Otte was dunked more than 80 times! Good thing the water was warm:)
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Illustrator and author, Gary Harbo, talks to and teaches Pioneer 6th graders
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Author and illustrator Gary Harbo spent the day working with the Pioneer 6th graders, teaching them the tricks of illustrating trade. He taught the art of perspective in drawing, shading, background, foreground as well as his experience with the writing process. He took time to have a fun lunch with the student council, and donated several of his books to our Pioneer Elementary Media Center! More about Gary Harbo
here
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**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!
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Samantha Hayes, 12th grade
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Nominated by Mrs. Tax: "Sam has consistently put in so much effort at everything she does. She has been an FFA officer for the past 2 years and attends meetings and events. Last year, Samantha put in over 80 hours working at either the school garden or other FFA activities--love this kid!" Keep up the great work, Sam!
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Taylor Cummings, 12th grade
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Nominated by Miss Judith: "Taylor has been volunteering in my preschool classroom all year. She helps us so much by giving 100% of her energy to work with the students. She is always engaging with the students and helps each child to be successful with the activity that they are working on together. Taylor always has a smile on her face and is a pleasant and polite role model for our preschool students. WE LOVE TAYLOR!" Thanks for being a great role model, Taylor!
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Community Education Happenings
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DIY Chalk Art
Wednesday, May 8, 6:30pm
Choose from 3 surfaces and then choose 1 of the 3 designs. Designs are yours to keep and reusable. Some surfaces are also reusable; some are permanent.
Fee is $27 and registration is due by April 21 so your choices can be ordered.
You will learn how to use chalk paste and a transfer to create something unique!
Register today!
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We are always looking for great adults who want to spend time with our students.
We do ask all volunteers to complete and pass a background check. The school pays for this process.
If you have an area of expertise or hobby, give us a call to see how you can share it!
Sarah, 320-468-6458 ext 7
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March 13 Healy Showcase/Open House/Soup Bowl Benefit
4-7pm
March 14 Spring Play
March 15 Spring Play Dinner Show
March 17 Spring Play
March 18 Band Concert
March 19 Kindergarten Round Up
March 22
Early Childhood Screening
No School at Pioneer
March 26
Preschool Registration
April 12 Blood Drive
April 22 will be a make up day-
School is in session!
May 3 Night of Jazz Fundraiser
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Upcoming Community Ed classes:
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JO Softball (grades 3-12) registration deadline is March 15
30 hour Driver Education Course
must be 14 years or older
AARP Driver Safety course
8-hour new course
March 12 and 13, 5:30-930pm
Pierz High School
$25 (AARP membership qualifies you for a $5 discount)
Kitchen Basics (grades 3-6)
Call 468-6458 ext 7 to register
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Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364
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