Friday, November 1 - Issue #43
Serving up smiles, salads and more
When Michele Kampa was hired as the new head cook for Healy High School, she stepped into a brand new kitchen and brought with her a new way of looking at the school lunch program. “I’d like to introduce them to some new foods. And listen to what they want. They are our customers, after all.” And so far, she has been busy accomplishing those goals. 

To better understand her customers, Michele met with the student council to hear about their thoughts on the school lunches. “At first they were really quiet. No one really wanted to say anything. But after a while they started talking about what they really liked and what could be improved. They are really a great group of kids.” And what do they want? More soups. More salads. More fresh options. What didn’t they like? “They finally told me, 'Less burgers!'"

Ask and ye shall receive. Read the full article here.
Healy Highlights
Learning to grow with limited natural resources
Students in Mrs. Tax's Fall Greenhouse class are growing plants hydroponically (roots suspended in water) and aeroponically (roots suspended in air). Students are using different fertilizers as well as mycorrhizae to determine the effect that fungus growing has on the root development of plants. Students will monitor root mass as well as tissue samples to determine plant health as they learn how to grow our food in the future with limited resources like water and soil.
Your place to view all our Spotlights!
We have senior spotlights, band student spotlights, staff spotlights and soon to come: business spotlights. Miss a week? Not on Facebook? Not to worry-- all our information is located under the News tab from our district website! https://www.pierz.k12.mn.us/senior-spotlight.html
We are using lasers--no big deal
Mr. Rossum's Cabinet Making classes are using the laser engraver to create personalized toolboxes and more. During laser engraving, the surface of the workpiece is melted and vaporized by the heat generated by the laser beam. This is known as "material removal". The recess formed on the surface of the workpiece in this way becomes the engraving.
Finding solutions to injustices
This week, the Metier Law students had to think of an injustice in the world. They then were tasked with creating a plan to resolve the problem and present their solutions to their peers.
Pioneer Elementary School News
Students learning about electricity through hands-on exploration
Students in 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades are learning about electricity through hands-on exploration stations. TechMobile is onsite this week and next to teach students about open and closed circuits, conductors and insulators, and more. Stations include high tech activities like LittleBits, Snap Circuits and Makey Makey as well as tried and true electricity exploration with static electricity and balloons!
Makerspace at Pioneer is a place for fun, learning
[K and 1st graders use BeeBots to learn how to think about coding]
[5th graders using OzoBots to code robotic reactions using color sensors]
** Staff Spotlight **
In recognition of College Knowledge month, we are shining a spotlight on our career and counseling services staff--guiding our future generations!
Brittany Bueckers, School Counselor
Hello Pioneers! My name is Brittany Bueckers, and I am a School Counselor at Healy High School. I work primarily with students in grades 9-12 supporting them in the areas of academics, social/emotional well-being, and career and college preparation.

The past five years I have spent working in Pierz has been everything I could ask for. I feel so blessed
to have amazing co-workers, work with incredibly talented students, and to be a part of this great community.

Read all about Mrs. Bueckers (pronounced 'Beckers') and her path to Pierz Schools here .
Geri Pohlkamp, Career Advisor
Greetings from your Career Advisor! My name is Geri Pohlkamp and I am the Career Advisor at Pierz Healy High School.

Through a grant from Sourcewell, the Pierz School District made a choice to partner with Rural MN Concentrated Employment Program (CEP) to have a full-time Career Advisor (me) in Pierz. This decision shows that Pierz is dedicated to helping students be successful in school and in life.

Of all the careers/jobs, that I have had over the past 30+ years, I believe being a Career Advisor for Pierz Schools is the one of the most important. Read why Geri is an ideal person to be a Career Advisor here.
Community Education Happenings
  • November 14, 4:30-5:00pm
  • Pre-register by calling if you have a walking card already or use the link to sign up online.
Introduction to T Shirt Quilts
Monday, November 18 6:30-8pm
$20, Register by November 13
Learn the basics of working with t-shirts to create a pillow or quilt. In this class, you will learn the steps needed to plan and prepare t-shirts to sew them together into a quilt. Bring 3-4 t-shirts with and leave with the knowledge of what tools and materials would be needed to complete a project. This class will have an instructional and hands-on format.
Instructor is Suzie Chaika.

Looking Ahead...
November 1 - Section Finals--Football playoffs at SCSU

November 3 - Daylight Saving ends

November 4 - Band Concert

November 11 - No School

November 21-24 - Fall Musical

Upcoming Community Ed classes:

Introduction to T-Shirt Quilts
November 18

Introduction to Quilting
December 2

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Class
November 12

Karla's Cookies
December 13 and 14

Use the CLASS REGISTRATION button to learn more and register!
Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364